Bienvenidos a Espana! Welcome to the region's capital, Barcelona, known for its soul-soaring architecture – including the many notable creations by the revered Barcelonan architect Antoni Gaudi – and its sprawling backdrop of forest-clad hills.
Upon arrival at Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN), a private transfer will bring you to your hotel for check-in, then spend the rest of the day getting acquainted with Barcelona's extraordinary streets.
At 7pm, meet your tour director and fellow travellers at your hotel for a briefing on the exciting adventure come.
Arrival & Transfers:
Please book your flights to arrive at Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) by 5pm. Airport transfers are included on the first day of your tour. Your transfer will meet you on arrival and take you to your hotel for check-in.
Enjoy an immersive day of discovery in Barcelona, renowned for its blend of modernist and Gothic architecture. Drive along central Paseo de Gracia, one of Barcelona's most significant avenues. This street is a showcase of modernist architecture, lined with upscale shops and restaurants, plus some of the famous architect Antoni Gaudi’s most emblematic buildings. Marvel at the facades of Casa Batllo, with its skeletal balconies and colourful mosaics, and La Pedrera (Casa Mila), known for its undulating stone facade and wrought-iron balconies.
See the Sagrada Familia, Gaudi’s most famous and ambitious work, under construction since 1882. Step inside to admire its intricate facades and towering spires, each rich with symbolic elements. Learn about Gaudi’s inspiration from nature, reflected in the organic shapes and natural forms throughout the structure. Stay this afternoon to explore Las Ramblas, or enjoy a drink on the rooftop of your hotel looking out at the Sagrada Familia.
This evening, come together as a group for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant and sample the fragrant flavours and piquant spices of Spanish cuisine.
Following a hearty breakfast at your hotel, bid farewell to beautiful Barcelona and set out Northwest for San Sebastian. Your first stop along the way is the Roman city of Zaragoza, situated on the banks of the Ebro River and known as the birthplace of the famous painter Francisco de Goya. Catch a glimpse of the grand Nuestra Señora del Pilar standing proudly beside the river, and the 15th century Stone Bridge – the oldest bridge in the city.
Continue on to Pamplona, renowned as the stage of Spain's annual "Running of the Bulls" festival where thousands gather to watch brave runners lead bulls through the city streets. Get a taste of Spain's historic Navarre region among its winding medieval streets flanked by Gothic architecture, including the Cathedral of Santa Maria la Real at its centre.
Arrive in San Sebastian, a gorgeous coastal city nestled between the Urgull and Igeldo mountains and enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure.
Travel time: Coach – approx. six hours
Set out for a day of adventure in San Sebastian, one of Europe’s premier Basque destinations known for its beautiful beach, La Concha, and an internationally lauded culinary scene. Begin with a tour of this beautiful city, wandering down its waterfront promenade overlooking the beautiful beach, to the heritage Old Town, full of Baroque and Gothic churches and made up of a warren of plazas and stores.
Then, be treated by the ultimate San Sebastian experience, a pintxo walk through the town's lively eateries. Similar to tapas, a 'pintxo' is a small snack typically enjoyed with drinks. Let the heavenly scents of Basque delights be your guide as you hop from bar to bar, sampling the city's most delicious fare.
Spend the rest of the evening as you wish. Perhaps you'll wish to continue your pintxo exploration with your fellow travellers before turning in for a restful slumber.
Wave goodbye to the gorgeous La Concha bay of San Sebastian as you depart for Oviedo. Crossing into Asturias, the landscape becomes even more dramatic, with rugged mountains that meet the Atlantic Ocean. The region is known for its cider houses (sidrerías) and traditional Asturian cuisine on offer in towns like Getaria. Here, stop to indulge in a tasting of the locally crafted ciders and discover the nuances of the drops.
Make a stop at Bilbao, the largest city in the Basque Country, and be greeted by a vibrant urban landscape famously home to the emblematic Guggenheim museum, a marvel of contemporary design and a symbol of Billbao's renaissance. Here, encounter a mix of sleek modern buildings and historic sites like the Casco Viejo (Old Town).
As you leave Bilbao, the road takes you along the Basque Coast, with its rugged cliffs and picturesque fishing villages. Entering Covadonga, notice the quaint village cathedral peeking out beneath forested mountains and stop by at the sanctuary and grotto, home to the patroness of Asturias, Our Lady of Covadonga. Pass by Santander, the region’s capital, a city of elegant beaches and grand architecture, including the Palacio de la Magdalena, perched on a scenic peninsula.
Your journey culminates in Oviedo, the capital of Asturias. This city exudes historical charm with its well-preserved medieval old town, where cobblestone streets lead you to landmarks such as the Oviedo Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece.
Travel time: Coach – approx. four hours
Following a satiating breakfast at your hotel, begin your day with a city tour of Oviedo, exploring the historic old town. Visit the impressive Cathedral of San Salvador, a Gothic masterpiece that houses the Holy Chamber, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stroll through the Plaza del Fontán, known for its colourful buildings and vibrant atmosphere.
Depart from Oviedo and head towards A Coruña, enjoying the scenic drive through the lush landscapes of Asturias and Galicia. Take in the picturesque views of green hills and the rugged coastline of northern Spain along the way. Seize the opportunity to take in the sea breeze and view the iconic Tower of Hercules, the oldest Roman lighthouse still in use.
Continue your journey to Santiago de Compostela. Upon arrival, immerse yourself in the spiritual and cultural ambience of this historic city at your own pace, renowned as the final destination of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage.
This evening, you may like to sample the local cuisine, such as Pulpo a la Gallega (Galician-style octopus) and Tarta de Santiago (almond cake). Relax in one of the atmospheric squares like Praza das Praterías or Praza da Quintana, and soak in the unique ambience of this historic city as the day turns into evening.
Travel time: Coach – approx. four hours
Fuel up for the day before embarking on a walking tour of the historic city of Santiago de Compostela and learn about its significance in the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, which culminates at the magnificent Santiago Cathedral. Marvel at its stunning Romanesque facade, which houses the tomb of Saint James the Apostle inside. Wander through the Praza do Obradoiro, the vibrant heart of the city, and admire the surrounding historical buildings.
Continue through the charming medieval streets of the old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, filled with quaint shops and traditional cafes. Visit the Monastery of San Martiño Pinario, one of Spain’s largest and most impressive religious complexes.
You may wish to join a traditional Galician dinner this evening to get a taste of the rich culinary heritage of the area, including a traditional Queimada ritual believed to ward off evil spirits with a flame and incantation.
Optional Activities:
- Traditional Galician dinner with Queimada ritual (from A$180 per person).
Depart Santiago de Compostela this morning and head south towards Portugal, with your first brief stop in the vibrant coastal city of Vigo. Enjoy the scenic drive through the lush Galician countryside. In Vigo, take a moment to appreciate its bustling port and panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. If time permits, a quick stroll along the waterfront offers a glimpse of the city’s maritime charm.
Continue to Braga, one of Portugal’s oldest cities, renowned for its rich history and beautiful architecture. Drive through the historic centre, where you’ll see impressive landmarks like the Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary and the ancient Sé Cathedral.
Arrive in Porto, this afternoon, known for its picturesque Douro River, iconic bridges, and world-famous port wine. Check in to your accommodation and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
Travel time: Coach – approx. 3.5 hours
Wake for a day of discovery and uncover Porto on a guided tour. Admire the fine craftsmanship of Porto Cathedral, the elaborate Stock Exchange Palace and the meticulous interior of Igreja de Santa Clara church.
Later, cruise down the peaceful waters of the Douro River. Watch as the twin cities of Porto and Gaia pass by on opposite banks, and gaze in awe at Porto’s countless stunning bridges while indulging in a tasting of the city's famous port wine.
Back on land, spend your evening freely, exploring the romantic streets before retiring to your accommodation for a restful evening.
Be sure to fuel up at breakfast before embarking on the day’s adventure, leaving behind the vineyards of Porto for Coimbra, the birthplace of fado – a popular style of traditional Portuguese music.
Explore the historic centre of this famed university town, its Roman buildings dating back to the 12th century. See the cloaked students of the University of Coimbra and its magnificent Joanina Library, an ornate, Baroque-style building that's home to a colony of bats which protect a collection of more than 40,000 books by eating harmful insects.
Spend the rest of the day at your own pace, exploring this academic city.
Travel time: Coach – approx. 1.5 hours
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then set your sights on the idyllic towns of the Portuguese countryside. Start your day in historic Tomar, the former seat of the Order of the Knights Templar, home to the sacred Convent of Christ. This Gothic and Manueline masterpiece was once a 12th-century Templar stronghold and took over five centuries to complete.
Continue to the picturesque fishing town of Nazare, famed for its world-class surfing. Spend your free time appreciating the rolling Atlantic at North Beach, where thrill-seekers try their luck among gargantuan waves averaging 15 metres high.
Rounding out the day is peaceful Obidos. Wander freely through this medieval town and marvel at the superbly preserved castle and 16th-century aqueduct.
Later, arrive in the vibrant city of Lisbon, where you can get a taste of its beloved architecture, delicious seafood and thriving nightlife.
Travel time: Coach – approx. three hours
After breakfast, it’s time to hit the streets of Lisbon on a sightseeing tour. Traverse the main squares and avenues, passing Belem Tower and the serene Jeronimos Monastery, a masterpiece of Manueline architecture where Vasco da Gama is entombed. See the imposing Padrao dos Descobrimentos (Monument of the Discoverers) on the northern bank of the Tagus River and the grand Marquis of Pombal Square.
Drive through the bustling streets and squares of central Lisbon, including Rossio Square and Liberty Avenue. In the evening, consider an optional traditional Portuguese dinner at one of Lisbon’s oldest Fado venues, where you can enjoy soulful music that tells the stories of the sea and the Portuguese soul.
Optional activities:
- Traditional dinner at Fado venue (from A$149 per person).
Tuck into breakfast before saying goodbye to Portugal as you travel by private coach across the border to Merida. Capital of the western Spanish region of Extremadura, Merida’s famed Roman ruins date back to the 1st century BCE.
Spend time exploring the historic remains of this ancient colony on a walking tour of the city, and stand at the centre of the miraculously preserved Roman Theatre.
Continue to Madrid and check in at your hotel. Spend the evening at your leisure exploring Spain's thriving capital. Stroll the elegant boulevards and manicured parks, then live the Spanish life and step into one of the vibrant bars for ‘La Hora del Vermut’ or Vermouth Hour.
Travel time: Coach – approx. 6 hours
Enjoy a buffet breakfast at your hotel, then set out for a morning tour of this thriving city. From the busy squares of Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor and Plaza de la Villa to the storied streets of Barrio de Moreria, the Habsburg neighbourhood and the neoclassical Fountain of Neptune, discover living history with the direction of your expert local guide.
After a morning of cultural immersion, the afternoon is yours. You may like to join an optional tour of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city of Toledo, a well-preserved medieval town with winding streets, an ornate cathedral and a fortress at its centre.
As night falls, mark your last night in Iberia during a farewell dinner with your fellow travellers.
Optional activities:
- Toledo half-day tour (from A$179 per person).
Enjoy one last buffet breakfast at your hotel and bid farewell to Spain. Take your private transfer to Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD), where your Iberian adventure concludes.