Spain & Portugal – The Iberian Experience I – Madrid, Portugal, Andalusia & Mediterranean Coast & Barcelona

Welcome to Madrid!

Upon arrival at the airport, transfer to your hotel and settle in before beginning your Spanish adventure.

In the evening, join your Tour Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Tapas Dinner at a carefully selected local restaurant. Enjoy the authentic flavors of Spanish cuisine while getting to know the group in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

Accommodation at the hotel.

* We recommend you to select flights that arrive no later than 5 PM so you can enjoy the itinerary from the beginning.

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, immerse yourself in the Spanish capital on a guided tour with your Local Expert. Discover the historic heart of Madrid, from the medieval Barrio de la Morería and the elegant Habsburg Quarter to the magnificent Plaza Mayor and Plaza de la Villa, where the city’s origins come to life.

Continue through the stately avenues of Bourbon Madrid, admiring landmarks such as the impressive Royal Palace, the graceful Cibeles and Neptune Fountains, and the iconic Puerta de Alcalá. The tour also reveals Madrid’s cosmopolitan side, passing along the lively Gran Vía, the sophisticated Salamanca District, the broad Paseo de la Castellana, and the legendary Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

The afternoon is free to experience Madrid at your own pace. Explore its charming neighborhoods, visit its celebrated museums, indulge in world-class shopping, or simply soak up the city’s lively café culture and unmistakable energy.

Accommodation at the hotel

Breakfast at the hotel. Bound for Portugal, we will drive towards Salamanca. Enjoy some free time in this University City and World Heritage Site of great architectural and artistic wealth. Continue to the Portuguese border to reach Porto. Located along the Douro River estuary in northern Portugal, Porto is one of the oldest European towns, and proclaimed a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996.

Accommodation at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Guided sightseeing tour of Porto, a charming city renowned for its rich history and riverside beauty. Discover its main highlights, including the majestic Cathedral, the elegant Stock Exchange Palace and the beautiful Church of Santa Clara. Continue with a scenic cruise along the Douro River, offering unique views of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia, before visiting one of the famous Port Wine Cellars, where you will enjoy a tasting of the region’s world-renowned wine. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the city’s lively atmosphere at your own pace.

Accommodation at the hotel.

After breakfast, depart for Aveiro, a charming coastal city affectionately known as the “Venice of Portugal” for its picturesque network of canals. Enjoy a relaxing ride aboard a traditional, brightly coloured moliceiro boat before continuing to Coimbra. Upon arrival, meet your local guide for a sightseeing tour of this historic city, home to one of Europe’s oldest universities. Wander through its charming medieval streets, admire its remarkable heritage and enjoy the unique atmosphere that has made Coimbra one of Portugal’s cultural treasures.

Accommodation at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart for Batalha to visit its magnificent Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Portugal’s finest examples of Gothic and Manueline architecture. Continue to the picturesque seaside town of Nazaré, famous for its golden beaches, fishing traditions and spectacular Atlantic views, with free time to explore at your own pace. Afterwards, travel to Lisbon. In the evening, cross the Tagus River to Cacilhas and enjoy a delightful seafood dinner at a local restaurant.

Accommodation at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning guided sightseeing tour of Lisbon, the captivating capital of Portugal, built on seven hills overlooking the Tagus River. Discover its main highlights, including Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, the Monument to the Discoveries, Marquês de Pombal Square and Liberty Avenue. The afternoon is at leisure to explore the city’s unique atmosphere, perhaps wandering through the charming Alfama district, with its narrow cobbled streets, colourful houses and traditional taverns, where the authentic soul of Lisbon comes to life.

Accommodation at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Bound for Andalusian soils, back in Spain, we drive to Mérida, founded by the Romans in 25 BC and one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in Spain. This UNESCO World Heritage city boasts an extraordinary Roman legacy, including its magnificent Theatre and Amphitheatre, elegant bridges, temples and ancient streets that reflect the splendour of the former capital of Roman Lusitania. Enjoy free time to discover its remarkable historical heritage before to Cordoba, once the flourishing capital of the Umayyad Caliphate and one of medieval Europe’s greatest centres of culture, science and learning.

Accommodation at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Discover the impressive tour of Cordoba´s Mosque (entrance included), one of the world’s greatest masterpieces of Islamic architecture, whose striking arches and richly decorated interior reflect the city’s glorious past, and other sites that will ease our mind and spirit strolling through its narrow winding streets of the Jewish Quarter. In the afternoon, continue your journey towards Seville.

Accommodation at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning city tour of the Andalusian Capital, Seville with your Local Expert. Seville unfolds along the banks of the Guadalquivir River, the city’s lifeblood, where centuries of history blend seamlessly with the radiant light of Andalusia. Its iconic skyline is defined by medieval towers and elegant domes, crowned by the unmistakable silhouettes of the Giralda and the Cathedral. Discover the lush María Luisa Park and the magnificent Plaza de España, Seville’s most spectacular and cinematic landmark, before wandering through the enchanting Santa Cruz Quarter, with its maze of narrow streets, picturesque squares and timeless Andalusian charm. These are just a few of the many treasures that make Seville one of Spain’s most captivating cities. Afternoon is at leisure for you to enjoy the city of light.

Accommodation at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart along the historic Caliphate Route, travelling through the heart of Andalusia and its seemingly endless olive groves on the way to Granada. Upon arrival, visit the world-renowned Alhambra and the beautiful Generalife Gardens. This extraordinary palace and fortress complex, a masterpiece of Moorish architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, enchants visitors with its elegant courtyards, intricate decorative details, lush gardens and magnificent views over Granada and the Sierra Nevada mountains. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore this captivating city at your own pace.

Accommodation at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart for Spain’s Mediterranean Coast and continue to Valencia, a dynamic city where centuries of history blend seamlessly with cutting-edge architecture. Valencia, Spain’s third-largest city, perfectly combines its rich historical heritage with striking contemporary architecture. Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, it captivates visitors with its elegant Old Town, lively atmosphere, world-famous City of Arts and Sciences and delicious cuisine, making it one of the country’s most dynamic and appealing destinations. Accommodation at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today we’ll be exploring the city of Valencia. During the guided tour, discover the charming Old Town, home to elegant squares, the impressive Cathedral and the lively Central Market area, before admiring the exterior of the iconic City of Arts and Sciences, a spectacular architectural complex that has become the symbol of modern Valencia. Complete the experience with a tasting of the city’s traditional horchata, the refreshing local drink made from tiger nuts.

Next, departure for Barcelona, a vibrant Mediterranean city where history, art and modernity come together.

Accommodation at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Barcelona. Drive along its elegant avenues, admiring Antoni Gaudí’s iconic Modernist masterpieces, including La Pedrera and Casa Batlló. Continue to Montjuïc Hill for panoramic views over the city and its harbour, passing the Olympic Ring, the Columbus Monument and the lively waterfront. The highlight of the tour is a visit to the magnificent Sagrada Família, Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece and the city’s most emblematic landmark. The afternoon is at leisure to continue exploring Barcelona at your own pace, perhaps strolling through the Gothic Quarter, browsing the boutiques along Passeig de Gràcia or relaxing by the Mediterranean. In the evening, join your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner.

Accommodation at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart southwest towards Madrid, travelling through one of Europe’s most important agricultural and industrial regions. En route, stop in Zaragoza, the historic capital of Aragón, beautifully set on the banks of the mighty Ebro River. Enjoy free time to discover the city’s rich heritage, including the magnificent Basilica of Nuestra Señora del Pilar, one of Spain’s most important pilgrimage sites and a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. Afterwards, continue to Madrid.

Accommodation at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. At the scheduled time, transfer to Madrid Airport for your departure flight.

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(*) In the event that the panoramic tour of Madrid cannot be operated due to technical reasons, it will be replaced, at the Tour Operator’s discretion, by a 1-day Madrid Hop-on Hop-off Bus ticket or a walking tour