Portugal, Andalusia & Madrid - 15 days

Arrive in Lisbon and enjoy an included transfer to our hotel. There's free time to settle in before an included welcome dinner at a restaurant on the other side of the Tagus River. Meet our tour leader and the rest of the group.

We’ll enjoy breakfast at the hotel before setting off on a morning sightseeing tour of the Portuguese capital. As we drive through the city's main squares and along its important avenues, we’ll see highlights such as Belem Tower, Jeronimos Monastery, the Monument to the Discoverers, Marquis of Pombal Square, and Liberty Avenue.





After a busy morning, the afternoon is yours to further explore the city at leisure. Consider a ride on the tram or explore the nostalgic corners of the Alfama Quarter, the oldest part of the city, known for its famous castle and narrow, twisting alleys. Perhaps find an authentic taberna for a drink!

Lisbon - Montemor-o-Novo - Evora. Departing Lisbon after breakfast, we head first to Montemor-o-Novo, a small town renowned for its natural beauty, vineyards, and wineries. We enjoy an included visit to one of these wineries, where we can taste some of the region's finest.





Our journey continues to Evora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its well-preserved medieval architecture. Enjoy the services of a local guide to explore the magnificent Roman Temple, the Chapel of Bones, and the grand cathedral. Admire the more modern whitewashed streets and the captivating community squares, the perfect place to enjoy a mid-afternoon drink. We are spending the night in Evora.

Evora - Tomar - Coimbra. After breakfast we depart for Tomar, a historic city and a former stronghold of the mysterious Knights Templar. During our free time here you can visit the UNESCO-listed Convent of Christ or simply take a stroll through the ancient streets of the city.





We move on to Coimbra, renowned for its prestigious university, which is one of Europe's oldest. We meet a local guide here for a guided tour of the main sights before heading to our hotel for the night.

Coimbra - Aveiro - Porto. We drive to Aveiro after breakfast. This canal city has rightfully earned the name "Venice of Portugal" and we can experience the canals for ourselves with an included ride on a moliceiro, a colourful traditional boat.





We then complete our journey to Porto, beginning our sightseeing with an included visit to the Porto Across the Ages museum. This interactive museum tells the tale of Porto's history, from medieval origins to its modern day status as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.





After our museum visit, it's time for something different. We head to one of the city's iconic wine cellars for a guided tour. Learn about the port wine production process before enjoying a tasting session. Here you can sample different selections of local port. Then, we make our way to the hotel.

Today we continue our sightseeing in Porto, which is a popular city break destination for European travellers thanks to its reliable weather, riverside views and excellent food. During our tour today, we will see the Cathedral, Stock Exchange building, Santa Clara church and much more.





The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure before we enjoy an included dinner and Fado show this evening. This traditional Portuguese music style originated in Lisbon but remains popular throughout the country.

Porto - Batalha - Obidos - Lisbon. Our first stop today is the Batalha Monastery, a fine example of Gothic architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is some free time to admire the building before we continue to Obidos, a medieval town known for its well-preserved castle and historic centre. Wander the cobblestone streets, gaze up at the 14th century city walls and admire pretty whitewashed houses with free time before we complete our journey back to Lisbon. We arrive back in time to tuck into an included group dinner at a local restaurant.

Lisbon - Merida - Cordoba. After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Merida, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its well-preserved Roman ruins, including the Roman Theatre and Amphitheatre. Explore its rich historical heritage before continuing to Cordoba, the former capital of the Caliphate.

Cordoba - Seville. This morning after breakfast at the hotel, we take a tour of the impressive Cordoba Mosque-Cathedral and wander through the narrow streets of the charming Jewish Quarter with a local guide.





Our journey continues to Seville, passing through the dramatic natural border of Despenaperros and traveling across the plains of La Mancha, famously known as Don Quixote's land. Arriving in Seville in the evening and enjoy an included dinner at a local restaurant.

After breakfast at the hotel, embark on a morning city tour of Seville, the vibrant capital of Andalusia. With the services of a local guide, we visit the Cathedral, the second largest in the Catholic world after St. Peter's in Rome. Explore the charming Santa Cruz quarter, known for its connection to Carmen and the legend of Don Juan. Stroll through the picturesque Maria Luisa Park and admire the stunning Plaza de Espana. In the afternoon, enjoy leisure time to explore and soak in the atmosphere of this enchanting city of light.

Seville - Jerez - Ronda. After breakfast, we travel south through Andalusian villages to Jerez, where we will experience two key aspects of the Andalusian soul: wine and horses. We will visit the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art and enjoy a wine tasting at a renowned local winery.





Next, we head to Ronda, where we will tour an olive oil production facility at LA Organic and sample their organic olive oil. The rest of the day is ours to explore the hidden gems of Ronda.

Ronda - Malaga - Granada. After breakfast, we’ll head to Malaga to explore its rich historical and cultural attractions. We’ll discover remnants from Roman times, such as the magnificent theatre, and visit the Alcazaba and the Castle of Gibralfaro from the Arab period.





Next, we’ll travel to Granada, nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada between the Darro and Genil rivers. This evening, we enjoy a flamenco dance lesson followed by dinner with a flamenco show at a traditional venue. After dinner, we can take in the stunning views of Granada from one of its scenic viewpoints. We’ll stay overnight at the hotel.

Granada - Madrid. This morning, after breakfast, we visit the renowned Alhambra complex, a stunning example of Moorish architecture, and stroll through the beautiful Generalife Gardens, known for their exquisite landscaping and serene atmosphere.





We then set off for Madrid. Once we have arrived join your fellow travellers for a group dinner.

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll enjoy a guided city tour of Madrid. We’ll see the historic Barrio de la Moreria, the Habsburgs District, Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, and Plaza de la Villa, as well as Charles III’s architectural achievements, including the Royal Palace and the Cibeles and Neptuno Fountains.





We’ll discover modern Madrid with sights such as Gran Via, Castellana, the Salamanca district, and the iconic Santiago Bernabeu Football Stadium. During the tour, we’ll sample the local treat of chocolate with churros. In the afternoon, we’ll have free time to further explore the city’s attractions.

Tuck into a final breakfast in the hotel before our tour comes to an end. There is an included transfer to the airport.