Madrid, Andalucia, Portugal and Barcelona – Tour ES131

Greeting and assistance at the airport, transfer to the hotel. The balance of the day is at your leisure. Accommodation at the hotel

Start with a morning panoramic tour to discover the medieval origins of the city, such as the Arabic fortress at the Barrio de la Morería, famous for its historical buildings. Drive through the courtesan district of the Hapsburgs characterized by Phillip II and the Renaissance and Baroque style buildings. See the Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor and Plaza de la Villa; the Madrid of the Bourbons and the complex town planning schemes of Charles III at the Royal Palace. Tour the Cibeles and Neptuno Fountains, the Puerta de Alcalá and the Prado Museum. Next tour contemporary Madrid’s Gran Vía, Castellana, the district of Salamanca, Plaza Castilla and Parque del Oeste. The afternoon is free to continue exploring the city. Accommodation at the hotel.

Departure at 08:30 a.m. to Avila. A city that preserves its medieval wall. Then on to Salamanca. Take some free time in this University City to appreciate the architectural and artistic wealth. Next we depart to the Portuguese border heading for accomodation in Porto.

We begin with a panoramic sightseeing tour of Porto considered a World Heritage city and one of the most famous wine centers in the world with a charming old town on the shores of the scenic Douro river. Take time to admire the Cathedral, Stock Exchange building and Santa Clara church. In the afternoon, there is an optional visit to a famous port winery with tasting. Accommodation in Porto.

Our first stop is Coimbra, the site of one of the oldest universities in Europe and the birthplace of Fado. Enjoy a little free time to explore and then we move to Fatima, the center of the Christian Faith and World Pilgrimage Sanctuary with its impressive Basilica and Cova da Iria place. Next is the Chapel of the Apparitions, heart of the sanctuary, with the tombs of the three shepherds, Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta. At night there is an option to attend the procession of the candles. Accommodation in Coimbra.

After breakfast, we depart for the Batalha Monastery, a masterpiece of Gothic and Manueline style considered World Heritage by UNESCO. Then we continue to the picturesque fishing town of Nazaré. Enjoy some free time before we continue to Alcobaça and another World Heritage site to see the tombs of Pedro and Inés de Castro, the Portuguese version of Romeo and Juliet. The last leg of the day brings us to Lisbon for our accommodation. In the evening there is an optional Fado Show, a Portuguese song with melodies that date back to the Age of Discoveries.

Enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of the ancient Olissippo, followed by a drive through its main squares and avenues. See Belem Tower, Jeronimos Monastery, the Coach Museum, the Monument to the Discoverers, Marquis of Pombal Square and Liberty Avenue. The afternoon is at your leisure. You might visit the Alfama Quarter dating back to the time of the Moors times. It is known for its white washed alley ways, twisted streets and staircases climbing up the mountain. Remark at the old buildings nestled in narrow twisting “Ruas” full of taverns and hidden corners. Accommodation in Lisbon.

This morning we return to Spain via Caceres, resplendent with a blend of Roman, Islamic, Northern Gothic and Italian Renaissance architecture. Walk through the Plaza Mayor and the Old Town with its famous Medieval Quarter. Afterwards, we continue on towards the Córdoba, once the capital of the Moorish Caliphate. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel in Cordoba.

Breakfast is followed by a tour of the Mosque with an impressive collection of unique columns. Then stroll through the narrow winding streets of the Jewish Quarter with its many hidden little patios. In the afternoon, after a short two hour ride we reach Seville for dinner and accommodation at the hotel.

Join the panoramic tour to the exterior of the Cathedral, Santa Cruz quarter, Maria Luisa Park and Plaza de España. The afternoon is at your leisure to enjoy Seville. We recommend visiting the Alcazar, one of the most beautiful buildings in all of Spain. Check open days and times in advance. Dinner and accommodation is at the hotel with an optional Flamenco show.

This morning we drive to Granada and its incredible and amazing monuments from the Moorish Kingdoms until 1492. Visit the world famous Alhambra complex (entrance included) and Generalife Gardens that have inspired several books, such as the “Tales of the Alhambra” by W. Irving. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel. Optional Gipsy Flamenco show at Sacromonte quarter.

Drive toward the Mediterranean coast, Via Murcia, the capital of the fertile garden of the Segura river. Next we continue north via Alicante, the second largest city within the region of Valencia. Valencia is one of the main capitals of the Mediterranean coast and is the home to the Arts and Sciences Architectural Complex. Valencia is also the home of Paella. Accommodation is at the hotel.

Take a morning drive through the old city showing the most prominent buildings. An early afternoon departure takes us along the Mediterranean coast to the province of Catalunya. Finally, we arrive at Barcelona the exiting city of the Catalans known for its multiculturalism, and the architect Gaudi. Accomodations is at the hotel.

Morning city tour of Barcelona well known for the impressive modernist buildings by Gaudi such as La Pedrera, Casa Mila, World Heritage buildings. Then we go to Montjuïc Park to enjoy the spectacular views of the city. The afternoon is free to keep discovering this attractive city. Accommodation is at the hotel.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport. End of our services.