Hola and welcome to Spain! Arrive in Madrid, the nation’s vibrant capital, where elegant, expansive boulevards frame manicured parks and countless restaurants and bars. Your journey begins with a meet-and-greet at Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD) before you're transferred to your stylish hotel.
Enjoy the rest of your afternoon at leisure, free to explore Madrid’s many delights – including world-class art museums, masterwork basilicas and lush parklands. If you’re after a taste of authentic Madrid, head out for pintxos – small, scrumptious bites served at bars throughout the country, best paired with beer or sangria, Spain’s signature drink of choice.
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a guided city tour to visit the must-see sights: Barrio de la Morería, the Habsburg District, Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor and Plaza de la Villa, the Royal Palace, Plaza Cibeles, the Fountain of Neptune, Puerta de Alcalá and more.
Begin to get your bearings as you traverse areas including Gran Vía, Castellana, the district of Salamanca, Plaza Castilla and Parque del Oeste, as well as commercial and financial areas of modern Madrid, the emblematic Las Ventas Bullring and Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
After a morning filled with history, cultural immersion and sightseeing, the afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace – check out Picasso’s ‘Guernica,’ at the impressive Centro de Arte Reina Sofia or seek out the Templo de Debod for a glimpse of ancient Egyptian stonework in the heart of the city’s Cuartel de la Montana Park.
This evening, meet your fellow travellers for an authentic welcome tapas dinner at a nearby restaurant.
Bid farewell to Madrid as you travel to the historical university town of Salamanca. Tucked away among rolling hills, the medieval town is filled with an abundance of sights. With free time to explore, you can immerse yourself in its architectural and artistic wealth.
Later, you will arrive in UNESCO World Heritage-listed Porto, one of Portugal’s most romantic cities, stretching along the Douro River. Known for its picturesque bridges, cobbled streets, cosy cafés and lively bars, Porto is also well known for one more thing: port, the fortified wine.
This afternoon and evening enjoy free time to get acquainted with one of Europe’s oldest cities.
After breakfast at the hotel, a guided sightseeing tour awaits, with time to admire the cathedral, stock exchange building and Santa Clara church. Then, the highlight of your day – a serene cruise along the Douro River followed by a stop at a famous port wine cellar for an included tasting.
The rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish – spend it walking along the majestic Rio Douro or head to the Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis for a further taste of Portugal's dazzling art scene.
Optional Activity:
- Visit to Guimares (from EUR40 per person): Explore the wonders of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed ancient city of Guimaraes, discovering Portugal's extraordinary history as you wander the streets of its historic centre.
Be sure to fuel up at breakfast before embarking on the day’s adventure. Your first stop: Coimbra, the birthplace of Fado, a popular style of Portuguese music. With free time here, you can marvel at one of Portugal’s oldest universities, a collection of 12th-century buildings and fine Romanesque churches.
Travel onwards to Fatima, a world pilgrimage sanctuary and the site of many alleged miracles. Here, you will find the impressive Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary and the Cova da Iria, along with the Chapel of the Apparitions and the tombs of the three shepherds; Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta. At night, it may be possible to attend the procession of the candles.
The evening is free to explore at your leisure.
Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel with your fellow travellers, then set your sights on the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Batalha Monastery, a masterpiece of gothic and Manueline style. Next, a visit to the picturesque fishing town of Nazare awaits, before you continue onwards to the World Heritage-listed Alcobaca with its imposing, Cistercian monastery.
Later, you will reach the vibrant city of Lisbon, where you can get a taste of colourful architecture, delicious seafood and thriving nightlife.
After breakfast, it’s time to hit the streets of Lisbon on a morning sightseeing tour. Traverse the main squares and avenues, passing Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, the National Coach Museum, Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument of the Discoverers), Marquis of Pombal Square and Liberty Avenue.
The rest of the afternoon will be free to wander through the city streets or perhaps visit the Alfama Quarter, the oldest and most historical part of Portugal's capital. This evening, enjoy a traditional Portuguese dinner at one of the oldest Fado venues in the city.
Optional Activity:
- Visit the Monument of Cristo Rey, Cacilhas and Tagus ferry ride (from EUR25 per person): Cross the emblematic April 25 Bridge over the Tagus to the National Sanctuary of Cristo Rey, discovering fabulous views of the Portuguese capital along the way. Continue along the river to visit Calcilhas, a picturesque residential village near Lisbon, which retains its fishing-port character, before returning to Lisbon by ferry.
- Sintra and Estoril Coast Tour (from EUR50 per person): Travel to romantic Sintra, famous for its golden Royal Palace, and continue to Cabo de Roca, the easternmost point of the European continent. Return to Lisbon via the coastal town of Cascais and the city of Estoril, famous for hosting the largest casino in Europe and the inspiration for Ian Fleming's first James Bond novel, 'Casino Royale.'
Today, another day of exploration and new adventures awaits. After breakfast, depart for Caceres, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its fascinating melange of Roman, Islamic, northern Gothic and Italian renaissance architecture. Wander through the Plaza Mayor, Old Town and the city’s famous Medieval Quarter before continuing to Cordoba. The rest of the afternoon and evening can be spent exploring independently or finding a local spot for dinner with your fellow travel companions.
Take it easy and enjoy breakfast at the hotel before heading out on a tour that unearths Cordoba’s charms. Your first stop will be the impressive and mesmerising Mezquita – one of the world's greatest and most significant Islamic buildings – followed by a visit to nearby sights within the Jewish Quarter. In the afternoon, continue your journey towards the Andalusian capital, Seville, where the rest of the afternoon and evening is free to enjoy as you desire.
Prepare for a day strolling the streets of Seville, a city famous for its dazzling architecture, mouthwatering tapas, and dramatic flamenco. After breakfast, set off for a visit to the city’s famed cathedral, one of the world's largest, before you continue onwards to the Santa Cruz Quarter and Maria Luisa Park to see the impressive Plaza de Espana.
The rest of your afternoon is free to enjoy at your leisure – spend the afternoon exploring Mudejar architecture, baroque churches and buzzing tapas bars or ascend the city’s iconic Metropol Parason (called Las Satas, or ‘The Mushrooms,’ by locals) to discover ancient ruins and spectacular city views.
Optional Activity:
- Boat Tour on the Guadalquivir (from EUR19 per person): Take a scenic journey along the only major navigable river in Spain, the Guadalquivir. Witness the stunning beauty of Seville from this rare angle, sailing beneath elegant bridges, through the nostalgic neighbourhood of Triana and beneath avante-garde monuments and iconic pavilions alike.
After breakfast at the hotel, journey south past charming whitewashed Andalusian villages to reach Ronda. Enjoy some free time to admire this town with rich Celtic nomad origins, and soak up the wonderful views of the surrounding valley and mountain range. Ronda’s soul-soaring position overlooking El Tajo Gorge and its thrilling history as a center of modern bullfighting has made it beloved of countless historic figures throughout the years, including Ernest Hemingway and Orson Welles.
Later, journey to a local almazara (oil mill), LA Organic, for a chance to learn about their organic olive oil production and wander through the olive tree fields, before sampling their products.
Continue onward to the glittering Spanish Mediterranean coast towards the Costa del Sol.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before taking a scenic drive through olive groves to Granada, one of Spain’s shining jewels. Visit the incredible Alhambra palace complex, one of the world’s great architectural masterpieces. Alhambra represents Muslim art in its final European stages, dating back to the 11th century and taking its name from the Arabic word for 'red castle'. After some time at leisure, join your fellow travellers to experience an authentic flamenco show with dinner.
Optional Activity:
- Tour of the Albaicin (from EUR45 per person): Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city of Albaicin, an ancient settlement showcasing extraordinary Jewish, Christian and Islamic elements. Witness spectacular views of the storied cityscape before heading to a typical Granada teashop for refreshments, continuing with a tour of the celebrated Royal Chapel of Granada.
Today takes you to the impressive city of Toledo, a fascinating town that was once the capital of Spain. On a guided tour, you’ll have a chance to delve deeper into its historic past while exploring its many architectural treasures, with both Gothic and Baroque influences found within the narrow city streets. Afterwards, a special farewell dinner with the group beckons. Guests will go to San Miguel Market in Madrid for a walk with the Tour Director, who explains the history and culture of the Markets, followed by a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
After breakfast, it’s time to say a solemn adios to your fellow travellers and head to the airport (MAD) with an included private transfer.