Best of Spain & Portugal

Today, the group can explore the best places to visit in Madrid! Enjoy major sites like Puerta de Alcalá, Puerta del Sol, Plaza de Cibeles and the Bernabéu Stadium - home to the Real Madrid football club! Admire Plaza Mayor, snap photos of the iconic “bear and strawberry tree statue” and taste local gourmet food at San Miguel market. The best way to explore it all is on a tour with a local guide. Experience local flavours with lunch or dinner at a local spot. Alternatively, venture out of the city on an optional day trip to Segovia. This UNESCO-listed town is renowned for its unique blend of architectural styles.

Enjoy the morning in Madrid before the group tour continues to Salamanca today. Travel through the heart of Spain’s interior and admire the scenic views along the way. Arrive in Salamanca, located in the beautiful Castilla y León region. Salamanca is known as the “Golden City” thanks to the golden glow from its sandstone buildings. It’s also famous for its university, which is Spain’s oldest and one of the oldest in all of Europe. Discover Salamanca’s 12th and 16th-century cathedrals and learn all about the many myths, legends and historic highlights of this enchanting UNESCO World Heritage city.

A new country is on the agenda today - Portugal awaits! Bid farewell to Salamanca and cross the border into Portugal. Travel along the Portuguese coast with the option to add on a stop in the picturesque Viana do Castelo. Next, the group will arrive in Porto, Portugal’s vibrant second city! The best way to discover the city’s top spots is on a guided walking tour while the best way to complete the day is with some port wine tastings and an optional cruise along the Douro River! Admire the city’s iconic six bridges, the Serra do Pilar Monastery and picturesque scenery as you cruise.

Bom dia Porto! Today offers a full day to explore this vibrant city. Porto is home to a number of top sights including the Porto Cathedral, Palácio da Bolsa, the Church of Sao Francisco and the popular Lello Bookstore. Walk along the Dom Luis I Bridge and soak up the incredible views - this is especially beautiful at sunset! Relax at a restaurant along the riverfront and indulge in local food and wine. Of course, no trip to Porto is complete without a taste of Port wine, its biggest export. If you’re feeling hungry, be sure to order a francesinha sandwich. This hearty treat will keep you full while you explore Porto’s many exquisite sights!

Enjoy the morning in Porto before the tour continues to Lisbon later today. Take in the changing landscapes and choose to make a stopover in a quaint Portuguese town such as Obidos and Nazare along the way. Arrive in Lisbon and look forward to exploring the highlights and hidden gems of Portugal’s capital city! Lisbon is a bustling hub home to historic buildings, impressive monuments, colourful neighbourhoods and lively pracas. It’s the home of Fado music, delicious pastéis de nata and the iconic Tram 28. The best way to explore all that Lisbon has to offer is with a local guide. Why not end the day with a local dinner?

The group will enjoy a full day to experience Lisbon today. Visit must-see sights including the Tower of Belem, the Monument to the Discoveries and Jerónimos Monastery in Belem. Climb the hill to see São Jorge Castle and wander around the Praça do Comércio in the centre of the city. A guided day trip to Sintra is highly recommended! Sintra is a true fairytale town located near Lisbon and was once the summer residence of the Portuguese royal family. Sintra is full of colour and romance! Explore the vibrant palace and whimsical manors while enjoying the scenic beauty of the area. This excursion also includes coastal highlights with stops at Cape Rock and Cascais.

Spain is calling once again as the tour leaves Portugal and travels back across the border, towards Seville. En route, appreciate the Algarve views. Later, arrive in Seville which is the capital of Andalusia, famous for its rich history, authentic culture and impressive architecture!

The delights of Seville are waiting to be explored today! Seville enchants travellers from across the globe who visit to experience the city’s grandeur; from the world’s largest Gothic Cathedral and Plaza de España to Mudéjar palaces and twisting medieval streets. Discover it all - stroll through the neighbourhoods or sit down at a local tapas restaurant and indulge in regional dishes. On this free day, embark on a range of excursions, such as a guided tour of the Seville Alcazar and Cathedral as well as the Real Maestranza Bullring. Choose to spend the evening watching a vibrant flamenco show. Seville is the birthplace of flamenco after all!

Hop aboard the coach to discover more of Spain today! Head for Granada and travel through the beautiful heart of Andalusia. Why not visit a few beautiful old towns along the way? Stop in the mountaintop city of Ronda en route. Ronda is the birthplace of bullfighting and is home to the dramatic El Tajo Gorge and New Bridge. It was even a favourite travel destination of Ernest Hemingway! Later, arrive in Granada - a city where the historic Moorish influence is palpable in the streets, local culture and architecture! Depending on arrival time, enjoy a sunset walking tour and perhaps indulge in a Granada wine experience and food tour!

This morning, the group can choose to explore more of Granada’s top sights with a visit to the famous Alhambra palace and fortress on a guided tour before hitting the road towards Valencia. Swap Spain's Andalusian interior landscapes for a drive towards the coast and qrrive in Valencia, a gorgeous and historic coastal city which is the home of paella! The group can embark on a tour of the city and the old town, relax on the beach or experience the City of Arts and Science before finding a spot to enjoy dinner.

After breakfast, buckle up for the last leg of the tour. Drive along the Spanish Mediterranean coast and head for Barcelona. Arrive in the cosmopolitan capital of Catalonia and get ready to explore! Barcelona boasts breathtaking architecture, mouthwatering cuisine and vibrant nightlife. Get the perfect introduction to the city on a locally guided walking and driving tour and make a note of what to explore further on your free day tomorrow.

The group can make the most of a free day in Barcelona today with a variety of add-on excursions! Art and architecture lovers can explore Antoni Gaudí’s famous creations on guided tours to La Sagrada Família and Park Güell which are two of the top places to visit in Barcelona. Or, embark on a full-day tour which includes visits to Parque Joan Miró, the Plaça d'Espanya, the Gothic Quarter and Boqueria Market! Alternatively, head north of Barcelona on a half-day trip to Montserrat. Here, discover the spellbinding monastery located high up on the mountainside and view the statue of the Black Madonna.

Enjoy the last of Barcelona travel highlights this morning before this 14-day tour from Madrid to Barcelona officially ends. After two weeks, you will have experienced the highlights of Spain and Portugal travel experiences! Safe onward travels!