Enjoy a day discovering Barcelona. In the city centre, drive along Passeig de Gracia, one of Barcelona’s most significant avenues, home to some of the famous architect Antoni Gaudí’s most recognisable works. Look up to the facades of Casa Batlló, with its skeletal balconies and colourful mosaics, as well as La Pedrera (Casa Mila), known for its stone facade and wrought-iron balconies.
Then, visit the Sagrada Familia, Gaudi’s most famous and ambitious work, under construction since 1882. Admire its intricate facades and towering spires while learning about Gaudi’s inspiration for its design.
Choose to stay this afternoon to explore Las Ramblas or enjoy a drink on the rooftop of your hotel overlooking the Sagrada Familia (at own expense).
This evening, come together as a group for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Sagrada Familia visit
Following breakfast at your hotel, bid farewell to Barcelona and set a course northwest for San Sebastian. Your first stop along the way is the Roman city of Zaragoza, situated on the banks of the Ebro River. Catch a glimpse of the riverside Nuestra Señora del Pilar and the 15th-century Stone Bridge – the oldest in the city.
Continue 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. Wander the medieval streets and study the city’s Gothic architecture, including the Catedral Metropolitana de Santa María la Real de Pamplona at its centre.
Arrive in San Sebastian, a coastal city between the Urgull and Igeldo mountains, where you’ll enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure.
Travel time: Driving – approx. six hours
Set out for a day of adventure in San Sebastian, one of Europe’s premier Basque destinations that’s known for its beach, La Concha, and culinary scene. Begin with a tour of the city, wandering down its waterfront promenade to the Old Town, full of Baroque and Gothic churches and plazas.
Then, embrace San Sebastian’s foodie reputation with a pintxo walk through the town’s many eateries. Similar to tapas, a ‘pintxo’ is a small snack typically enjoyed with drinks.
Spend the rest of the evening as you wish. Perhaps you may like to continue your pintxo exploration and eat like a local with your fellow travellers.
Wave goodbye to La Concha as you depart San Sebastian for Oviedo. This region is known for its traditional cuisine and cider houses (sidrerias) in towns like Getaria, where you’ll stop for a tasting of locally crafted cider.
Make a stop at Bilbao, the largest city in the Basque Country that’s famously home to the Spanish iteration of the Guggenheim Museum.
As you leave Bilbao, the road takes you along the Basque Coast. As you enter Covadonga, look out for the village cathedral and stop by the sanctuary and grotto, home to the patron saint of Asturias, Our Lady of Covadonga. Pass by Santander (the region’s capital) and catch a glimpse of the Palacio de la Magdalena, perched on a peninsula.
Your day ends in Oviedo, the capital of Asturias and home to the Oviedo Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece.
Travel time: Driving – approx. four hours
Begin your day with a tour of Oviedo. See the Oviedo Cathedral, housing the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Holy Chamber (Camara Santa), then stroll through the Plaza del Fontán.
Depart Oviedo and head towards A Coruna, driving through Asturias and Galicia. Along the way, you’ll see the Tower of Hercules, the oldest Roman lighthouse still in use.
Continue your journey to Santiago de Compostela, the final destination of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage.
This evening is at your leisure.
Travel time: Driving – approx. four hours
Visit Santiago de Compostela, the final stop of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage
This morning, embark on a walking tour of Santiago de Compostela and learn about its significance in the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage that culminates at the Santiago Cathedral, which houses the tomb of Saint James the Apostle. Wander through the Plaza del Obradoiro, then continue through the medieval streets of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town. Finally, visit the Monastery of San Martin Pinario, one of Spain’s largest religious complexes.
You may wish to join an optional traditional Galician dinner this evening with a traditional queimada ritual believed to ward off evil spirits with a flame and incantation (surcharges apply).
Depart Santiago de Compostela and head south towards Portugal, with your first brief stop in the coastal city of Vigo on the precipice of the Atlantic Ocean.
Continue to Braga, one of Portugal’s oldest cities, where you’ll drive past landmarks like the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte and the ancient Sé de Braga cathedral.
This afternoon, arrive in Porto and check in to your accommodation. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure.
Travel time: Driving – approx. 3.5 hours
Wake up for a day discovering Porto on a guided tour. Admire Porto Cathedral, Stock Exchange Palace and Igreja de Santa Clara church.
Later, board your cruise for an easy ride along the waters of the Douro River (the city’s central lifeline), accompanied by a port tasting.
Back on land, spend your evening freely.
Douro River cruise
Fuel up at breakfast before setting out for Coimbra, the birthplace of fado – a popular style of traditional Portuguese music. Explore the historic centre of town, including the University of Coimbra and its Biblioteca Joanina, a Baroque-style building home to a colony of bats that protect their collection of more than 40,000 books by eating harmful insects.
Spend the rest of the day exploring this academic city at your own pace.
Travel time: Driving – approx. 90 minutes
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then set your sights on the towns of the Portuguese countryside. Start your day in the heritage Tomar, the former seat of the Order of the Knights Templar, home to the sacred Convent of Christ. This Gothic and Manueline masterwork was once a 12th-century Templar stronghold and took more than five centuries to complete.
Continue to the fishing town of Nazare, famed for world-class surfing, with free time to explore North Beach and its waves averaging 15 metres high.
Round out the day with a trip to Obidos, where you’ll have time to explore the medieval town and its 16th-century aqueduct, Acueducto de Obidos.
Later, arrive in the city of Lisbon and check-in for the evening at leisure.
Travel time: Driving – approx. three hours
After breakfast, it’s time to hit the streets of Lisbon on a morning sightseeing tour. Wander the main squares and avenues, passing Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery, a masterpiece of Manueline architecture where Vasco da Gama is entombed. See the Padrao dos Descobrimentos, or ‘Monument of the Discoverers’, on the northern bank of the Tagus River and Marquis of Pombal Square. Drive through central Lisbon, including Praça Dom Pedro IV and Avenida da Liberdade.
In the evening, consider an optional traditional Portuguese dinner at one of Lisbon’s oldest fado venues (surcharges apply).
Wave goodbye to Portugal as you travel 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 remains of this ancient colony on a walking tour of the city and stand at the centre of the well-preserved Teatro Romano de Mérida.
Continue to Madrid and check-in at your hotel for the evening at your leisure.
Travel time: Driving – approx. six hours
Set out for a morning tour of Madrid – Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, Plaza de la Villa and the streets of the Moreria and Habsburg neighbourhoods – as well as the neoclassical Fountain of Neptune.
After the tour, spend the afternoon at leisure. 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, a cathedral and a fortress at its centre (surcharges apply).
In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with your fellow travellers before you set off on your Mallorcan adventure.
Enjoy one last breakfast at your hotel. Bid farewell to Madrid as you meet your transfer and make your way to Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD) for your included flight to Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI).
Make your own way to Kimpton Aysla Mallorca and retreat to your King Balcony Resort Garden View Room, upgraded from the Essential Room. Your room is complete with a private balcony, bathtub and a welcome bottle of local wine in-room on arrival. Enjoy a welcome glass of non-alcoholic horchata in the lobby before indulging in your daily free-flow wine hour to conclude your first night in Mallorca.
Your Kimpton Aysla Mallorca inclusions:
- Guaranteed upgrade from Essential Room to King Balcony Resort Garden View
- Daily buffet breakfast at SABA
- One three-course dinner per person at SABA
- One hour of daily free-flow wine per adult
- Welcome bottle of local wine in-room on arrival
- Welcome glass of non-alcoholic horchata in the lobby on arrival
- Early check-in or late checkout, subject to availability
With two full days to enjoy in Mallorca, this is the time to slow down and relax.
Wake up to your daily buffet breakfast at SABA before taking a refreshing dip in the outdoor or indoor pools. Make use of other facilities (such as the Maison CODAGE Spa and fitness centre) or hire an e-bike.
Enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure with one hour of free-flow wine and an included three-course dinner at SABA.
Take time to explore the beautiful surrounding area. Make the drive out to the vibrant capital, Palma, and the picturesque Playa de Santa Ponsa. Journey to Mondragó or Deia to experience stunning natural beauty and crystal-clear waters.
Retreat to the hotel and enjoy your final night sipping on wine at the daily free-flow wine hour before making your way back to your room for your final night in paradise.
After one final breakfast, wake goodbye to Mallorca. Make your own way to Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) for your onward journey.