Spain and Lisbon Journey

Welcome to Madrid. Upon arrival at the airport, we will transfer you to your hotel, where you’ll have some free time before the tour begins. Please check the information boards in the hotel reception for details about the welcome meeting with your guide and fellow travellers. In the evening, we will provide a transfer to Plaza Mayor and La Latina, the city’s most renowned neighbourhood for nightlife and tapas dining. You may choose to enjoy dinner at a restaurant of your preference, with options including Indian, Chinese, Spanish, and Middle Eastern cuisines.
Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour.

We begin the day with a thorough tour of central Madrid, taking in key sights such as the Paseo del Prado, the iconic Cibeles Fountain, Neptune statue, Puerta de Alcalá, Plaza de Colón, and Plaza Mayor. Next, we visit Retiro Park, a peaceful green space in the heart of the city, where we see the lake and the Palacio de Cristal. Included in the morning is admission to Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home to the renowned Real Madrid football club. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. In the evening, we provide transfer back to the hotel.

This morning we depart Madrid and travel through the region of Castile, entering Aragon. Our first stop is Zaragoza, where we’ll visit the magnificent Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, a notable example of Baroque architecture and an important pilgrimage site. We then continue to the peaceful Poblet Abbey, one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval monasteries—admission is included. After exploring this historic site, we make our way to Barcelona, arriving in the evening for your onward plans.

In the morning, we explore Barcelona on a panoramic tour of this vibrant Mediterranean city. Renowned for Gaudí’s outstanding modernist architecture, Barcelona also boasts lively thoroughfares like Las Ramblas and a rich legacy shaped by its World Expositions and Olympic Games. Our tour concludes at Maremagnum, a contemporary leisure and dining complex by the sea beside Columbus Square, where you can enjoy a relaxed stroll through this bustling area. The afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace before we return to the hotel.

We travel south along the Mediterranean coast, stopping in Peñíscola – a charming walled medieval town surrounded by beaches – where you’ll have time to explore at your own pace. We then continue to Valencia, arriving around lunchtime. In the afternoon, we take a guided tour of this historic port city on Spain’s Levantine coast, which blends over 2,000 years of history with striking modern architecture, including the renowned City of Arts and Sciences. Following the tour, you’ll have free time to discover more of Valencia independently before we share a traditional local dinner.

We travel through the Valencian Community’s scenic landscapes to Alicante, a vibrant Mediterranean city known for its golden beaches and charming historic quarter. Here, the imposing Castle of Santa Bárbara overlooks the city. Enjoy some free time to explore before we continue through the drier terrain of the Murcia region. We stop en route for lunch, then enter Andalusia to visit Guadix, renowned for its unique cave dwellings still inhabited today. The town’s historic quarter combines its Renaissance cathedral, traditional neighbourhoods, and striking views of the Sierra Nevada mountains. We proceed to Granada, arriving in the late afternoon where dinner will be served.

Today is a full day to explore Granada, a city rich in history and full of character, dominated by the iconic Alhambra palace. We recommend visiting the cathedral, which houses the tombs of the Catholic Monarchs, or wandering through the Albaicín district, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Alhambra from the Mirador de San Nicolás. Please note that entrance to the Alhambra is not included in this tour. If you wish to visit, it is advisable to book tickets in advance through the official website to secure your place.

Today we leave the Sierra Nevada mountain range behind, travelling along the Mediterranean’s Tropical Coast—known for its mild climate that supports the cultivation of tropical fruits such as guavas, mangoes, and avocados. We stop in Nerja, a charming seaside town famed for its dramatic cliffs, before continuing to Málaga, the vibrant capital of the Costa del Sol. Here, we have time for lunch and a stroll through the historic city centre. Afterwards, we journey inland to the Andalusian sierras and arrive in Ronda, a striking whitewashed town divided by a deep gorge. We then continue to Seville, arriving in the late afternoon, where dinner will be served at the hotel.

In the morning, we set off on a guided tour of Seville, exploring its remarkable cathedral with the renowned Giralda tower, the picturesque banks of the Guadalquivir River, and the vibrant neighbourhoods of Santa Cruz and Triana. Following the city tour, we enjoy a relaxing boat ride along the Guadalquivir, providing stunning panoramic views of the city’s landmarks. In the evening, you have the option to experience an authentic flamenco performance at one of Seville’s well-known tablaos.

We depart Seville, travelling through gentle hills and open pasturelands as we enter Extremadura. In Mérida, we include admission to the Archaeological Ensemble — a remarkably well-preserved Roman site featuring a theatre and amphitheatre, recognised as a World Heritage Site. You’ll have time for lunch and a leisurely walk around the lively pedestrian historic centre, rich with local character and eateries. Afterwards, we continue into Portugal, stopping in Évora, another World Heritage Site famed for its whitewashed streets, Renaissance palaces, and cathedral. We aim to arrive in Lisbon by evening.

In the morning, we’ll take a sightseeing tour of Lisbon, exploring the Portuguese capital built on seven hills. You’ll see its charming narrow streets, iconic azulejo tiles, and experience the unique atmosphere known as "saudade," all under the beautiful Atlantic light. We'll visit the Belém district, the historic departure point for Portuguese explorers during the Age of Discovery. The afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace—perhaps wander through the lively Bairro Alto neighbourhood and its viewpoint. If you wish, you can opt for an excursion to the nearby towns of Sintra, Cascais and Estoril. In the evening, we’ll return together to the hotel from Restauradores Square, known for its bustling bars and cafés.

After breakfast, your journey concludes, leaving you with lasting memories of your time in Lisbon and beyond.