Explore Spain and Portugal on a 17 day escorted coach tour from Madrid to Barcelona. Highlights include World Heritage-listed Belém Tower and the Monument to Explorers of Lisbon, the famous Rock of Gibraltar Rock and vibrant coastal city of Barcelona.
Day 1. Arrive Madrid
Be met on arrival in Madrid and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy time at leisure before tonight’s Welcome Reception.
Day 2. Madrid Sightseeing
Discover the Spanish capital today with a morning sightseeing tour introducing you to the hidden delights and main attractions of a city full of awe-inspiring architecture. Your tour includes a visit to the Royal Palace, the spectacular official residence of the King of Spain. Tonight, enjoy a delicious Welcome Dinner with your fellow travellers at a paella restaurant.
Day 3. Madrid, Freedom of Choice Touring
Continue exploring the exciting city of Madrid today with your choice of touring options. Visit the Prado Museum, regarded as one of the greatest art galleries in the world, or take a tour of the famous Bernabéu soccer stadium, one of the world’s most prestigious soccer venues. Perhaps see the Royal Tapestry Factory, founded nearly 300 years ago by King Philip V and still producing exquisite work.
Day 4. Toledo, Salamanca
Depart Madrid for Salamanca today. On your way, visit Toledo, a World Heritage-listed city which features a wealth of ancient landmarks and has a long history as a centre for the arts. Here, enjoy a walking tour including a visit to the 13th century Gothic cathedral. Dine tonight at a local restaurant.
Day 5. Salamanca, Lamego, Porto, Dine Around Dinner
Explore Salamanca with a walking tour today. See the university, Plaza Mayor, House of Shells and new cathedral before travelling to Lamego for a walking tour including Lamego Castle and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies. Then, visit a local bakery to try Bola de Lamego, a regional delicacy. Continue to Porto tonight and choose where to dine. Perhaps enjoy the catch of the day at a local seafood restaurant, or dine at your hotel.
Day 6. Porto
See the sights of Porto during a tour. This afternoon, enjoy an excursion to the 14th century Alpendurada Monastery, where you can enjoy a glass of port - the fortified wine originating in Porto - accompanied by canapés. Enjoy an evening at leisure in Porto tonight.
Day 7. Fatima, Lisbon
Travel to Lisbon today. On the way, stop at Fatima, where you’ll visit the famous shrine, the Basilica of our Lady of the Rosary. This impressive neo-Classical edifice was built in 1917 to commemorate the reported sighting of the Lady of the Rosary by three local children. After your visit, continue to Lisbon and dine tonight at a local restaurant.
Day 8. Lisbon Sightseeing, Cascais, Sintra
During a sightseeing tour of Portugal’s historic capital city, visit attractions including the World Heritage-listed Belém Tower and the Monument to Explorers. This afternoon, travel to the coastal town of Cascais and enjoy time at leisure over lunch. Then continue to Sintra and visit the magnificent Palacio da Pena, a stunning Romanticist palace on a hill overlooking the town. Explore the beautiful structure of this World Heritage-listed site, including the well-preserved clock tower, gateways, arches and convent.
Day 9. Merida, Seville
On your way to Seville today, travel via Merida for a guided tour of fascinating ancient sites. This Roman town was founded in 25 BC and boasts more Roman ruins than anywhere else in Spain. Arrive in Seville and tonight enjoy a special dinner of Spanish delicacies, accompanied by a spectacular Flamenco performance.
Day 10. Seville Sightseeing
In Seville today, tour the sights by horse-drawn carriage. See the tomb of Christopher Columbus, the Giralda Bell Tower and the Alcazar of Seville. A walking tour then takes you to attractions such as the Barrio de Santa Cruz and to Maestranza bull ring.
Day 11. Jerez de la Frontera, Gibraltar, Marbella, Dine Around Dinner
Travel to Jerez de la Frontera today and visit the Royal School of Equestrian Art, including the Carriage Museum on site. Travel on to Gibraltar to see the famous Rock of Gibraltar Rock, and St Michaels Cave. Arrive in Marbella and choose where to dine tonight from our options - perhaps sample delicious paella, one of Spain’s most popular national dishes.
Day 12. Marbella, Freedom of Choice Touring
Choose how you discover the coastal resort of Marbella today. You may like to take a guided walking tour through the city’s attractive Old Town, see the stunning coastline during a cruise over the sparkling Mediterranean, or perhaps play a round of golf.
Day 13. Ronda, Granada
Travel to Ronda today and enjoy a walking tour of this picturesque city, which features ancient baths, three historic bridges and Spain’s oldest bull ring, built in 1784. Arrive in Granada and enjoy dinner in your hotel this evening.
Day 14. Granada, Barcelona
This morning enjoy a sightseeing tour of Granada including a visit to the spectacular Alhambra Palace. This afternoon board your included flight to Barcelona and arrive in the vibrant coastal city. Check in to your hotel on arrival.
Day 15. Barcelona Sightseeing
Today take a funicular cable car ride to the top of Montjuïc Hill for unbelievable views of the city below, including the National Palace and the Olympic Complex. Then enjoy a private tour of the Castello Montjuïc, an ancient fort. Next, tour Placa Catalonia, and Las Ramblas, the promenade and centre of Barcelona life. Later, see the Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família, designed by artist and architect Antonio Gaudí, which is still incomplete. You’ll also enjoy a walking tour of Barrio Gotico (Gothic Quarter), King’s Square and Tinell, the Royal Palace. Tonight enjoy a classic Spanish Tapas Dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 16. Barcelona at Leisure
Enjoy a full day to explore the colourful city of Barcelona at leisure today.
Day 17. Barcelona
This morning, transfer to the airport.
