From enchanting mountains to impressive beaches, natural scenery, above to the gastronomic escapade. Join our 15-day tour and discover the gems of the awe-inspiring Spanish and Portuguese heritage. Architectural exposure in Madrid opens this spectacular journey, continuing to Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia to unveil the myths and legend about the supernatural presence of elves and witches and to get a feel of the delightful local gastronomy. Spiritual visit of the Holy Virgin Mary in Fatima, wine tasting in Oporto and vivid walks around the old Lisbon city centre will take you to know the Portuguese essence of their Mediterranean way of life. Spain will conquer your heart by its rich history, and gastronomic experience in Portugal will fill this trip with the life-time memories.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Madrid: The capital of Spain and located in the centre of the country, is a cosmopolitan city that offers countless places to visit and enjoy. Discover its numerous highlights as such Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, Plaza de la Villa, Royal Palace, Cibeles and Puerta de Alcalá.
Santiago de Compostela: Pilgrimage centre, devoted to the Apostol Santiago, covered by the legends and myths about the pagan witches and other mystical supernatural entities.
Porto: Portugal’s second largest city is welcoming you with unforgettable landmarks and delicious local wine.
Lisbon: Portugal’s capital city is an adventure in itself, offering cultural gems such as fado, culinary treats like pasteis de Belem and romantic city views.
Day 1: ARRIVAL MADRID
Upon your arrival at Madrid International Aiport, meet and greet with our representative who will assist you with the transfer to your hotel. The Spanish capital is one of Europe’s liveliest and most elegant cities, boasting beautiful boulevards, vast parks, bustling plazas, as well as numerous historic churches and palaces. Madrid is also home to the legendary ‘golden triangle’ of art galleries, which houses some of the world’s most treasured masterpieces.
Overnight in Madrid.
Day 2: MADRID
Breakfast at the hotel is followed by a panoramic drive through the main avenues of Madrid. Meet your guide at the hotel´s reception and start exploring its medieval origins visiting the Arab fortress. Enjoy the walk in the Barrio de la Morería, characterized by the antiquity of its buildings and the flavours of its inn. Renaissance and Baroque architecture are characterized for the building on Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor and Plaza de la Villa. Further on you will see the Madrid of the Bourbons and the urban layout of Carlos III, the Royal Palace, the Fuente de Cibeles, Neptuno and the Puerta de Alcalá and compare this with the contemporary sites in Gran Vía, Paseo de la Castellana, Barrio de Salamanca, Plaza de Castilla, Parque del Oeste, Ciudad Universitaria, commercial and financial areas of Modern Madrid, the emblematic Plaza de Toros de las Ventas and the Santiago Stadium Bernabéu. The tour will end in the late afternoon. The rest of the day at leisure, enjoying this stunning capital on your own pace.
Overnight in Madrid.
Day 3: MADRID – ZARAGOZA – SAN SEBASTIAN (580 km – 6 hrs)
After the leisurely breakfast at the hotel, board a coach for the ride to Zaragoza. Once there, enjoy some free time to stroll through the charming old streets of the city. Make sure you don’t miss visiting the Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, famously described as the ‘mother of the Hispanic peoples’ by pope John Paul II. Later, in the afternoon, hop back onto the bus to drive northwards to San Sebastián, one of Spain’s most famous tourist destinations. This vibrant city is the backdrop of the yearly San Sebastián International Film Festival.
Overnight in San Sebastián.
Day 4: SAN SEBASTIAN
After breakfast at the hotel enjoy a panoramic tour of this elegant and gentrified city whose landscape is dominated by the Bay and La Concha Beach. We will go up to Mount Igueldo, from where we will be able to contemplate a magnificent view of the city. Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in San Sebastian.
Day 5: SAN SEBASTIAN – BILBAO – CASTRO URDIALES – SANTANDER (205 km – 2.5 hrs)
Wake up to breakfast at the hotel and then proceed towards Bilbao. Enjoy some free time on the esplanade where The Guggenheim Museum is located in order to admire this modern work of architecte. Proceed to the quaint little fishing village Castro Urdiales, where you’ll spend some free time absorbing its charming atmosphere. Depart then to Santander, a port city located between the sea and the mountains, renowned for its Sardinero Beach, one of the best-known beaches in Spain. Free time to stroll through this elegant city before spending the night at the hotel.
Overnight in Santander.
Day 6: SANTANDER – SANTILLANA – COVADONGA – OVIEDO
After breakfast at the hotel, depart to Santillana, one of the most important historical and artistic towns in Spain. It contains a wealth of architectural treasures, such as the Collegiate of Santa Juliana, a jewel of Cantabrian Romanesque Architecture. Continue then to Covadonga and enjoy some free time to see the Sanctuary and the Grotto, where you will see the patroness of Asturias, Our Lady of Covadonga. In the afternoon, depart to Oviedo, where you will see on a series of hills the beauty of Saint Maria de Naranco Church, a classic example of Asturian pre-Romanic architecture. Then explore the city of Oviedo at your leisure; many of its streets are pedestrian, so you will be able to calmly walk towards World Heritage Sites like its Gothic Cathedral.
Overnight in Oviedo.
Day 7: OVIEDO – MONDONEDO – LUGO – SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA (350 km – 4hrs)
Charge your batteries with a tasty breakfast at the hotel and get ready for a departure towards Galicia region. On the way to Lugo stop in Mondenedo for free time to visit its imposing 12th century cathedral and try the delicious “Mondoñedo cake”. Then, depart to the mediaeval city of Lugo. Enjoy free time to take a walk along the Roman remains that still preserves in the town´s walls and was declared a World Heritage Site. Continue to Santiago de Compostela, whose ancient city is a World Heritage Site, and one of the most important monumental centers in Spain, center of Christian pilgrimage and end of the Camino de Santiago, originally built by the Roman Empire.
Overnight in Santiago de Compostela.
Day 8: SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
Enjoy your morning breakfast at the hotel, before today's city tour of Santiago de Compostela, whose ancient city is a World Heritage Site, and one of the most important monumental nuclei in Spain, a Christian pilgrimage centre. In front of the Cathedral, the world-known Camino de Santiago ends. Follow your guide for the walk around the city centre, visiting the Plaza del Obradoiro, and its Cathedral (interior visit) dedicated to the Apostle Santiago. Rest of the day at leisure, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of this vivid town.
Overnight in Santiago de Compostela.
Day 9: SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA – RIAS BAJAS – LA TOJA – PORTO
Indulge in a delicious breakfast at the hotel before continuing to your following destination Porto. En route you will be passing through the most charming area, Rías Bajas, well-known as the Spanish fjords. Driving along this spectacular landscape you will arrive at the island of La Toja, famous for the wellness center and rich thermal quells. After this short stop, our panoramic drive continues along the river Arosa to Portugal. Check-in to your hotel in Porto and spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure.
Overnight in Porto.
Day 10: PORTO
Wake up to breakfast at the hotel and get ready for the panoramic tour around Porto which was declared to UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its magnificent Cathedral, the stock exchange building and Santa Clara Church are just a few of the gems of this city. Afterwards, enjoy a different perspective of the city on a boat cruise along the Douro River and discover the historical heritage by visiting a well-known Port Wine Cellar with wine tasting. Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Porto.
Day 11: PORTO
After breakfast at the hotel enjoy a free day in this magnificent city on the banks of the Douro.
Overnight in Porto.
Day 12: PORTO – COIMBRA – FATIMA (285 km – 3 hrs)
Have a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, after which you will depart to Coímbra, the host city of one of the oldest universities in Europe and cradle of Fado. Enjoy this town on your own pace, stroll down its vibrant streets, and perhaps shop at the local entities. Continue to Fatima, the center of the Fe Cristiana and world pilgrimage antiques, with impressive Basilica, Iria´s cave, the place where the Virgin Mary appeared and the Chapel of the Apparitions, the heart of the sanctuary, with the tombs of the three little shepherds, Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta. At night, the possibility of attending the candlelight procession.
Overnight in Fatima.
Day 13: FATIMA – BATALHA – NAZARE – ALCOBAÇA – LISBOA (190 km – 2.5 hrs)
Wake up to breakfast at the hotel which is followed by departure towards Lisbon. En route you will stop for a visit of the Batalha Monastery, a masterpiece of Gothic and Manueline style, considered a World Heritage Site. You will continue towards the picturesque fishing village of Nazaré where you will have a chance to explore this city on your own pace and afterwards, you continue to Alcobaça with its Gothic church and Cistercian monastery, whose origins date back to the 12th century. Upon your arrival to Lisbon, check-in to your hotel and the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Lisbon.
Day 14: LISBOA
Morning breakfast are followed by the Lisbon city tour, to learn about the gems of this vivid and colorful city. You will visit the most gorgeous sites such as The Tower of Belem, the Monastery of Geronimos (exterior) and the Monument dedicated to the Portuguese discoveries’. Afternoon is at leisure, to explore this fascinating city on your own rhythm, or you can book our optional Sintra y Cascáis excursion and admire the fairytale beauty of these sites.
Overnight in Lisbon.
Day 15: LISBOA – MERIDA – MADRID (615 km – 6.15 hrs)
After breakfast at the hotel depart towards Merida, the capital of Extremadura. Declared a World Heritage Site, Merida is renowned for its rich historical heritage, including its well-preserved Roman ruins: the theater, the amphitheater, the Roman bridge, and more. Free time and then continue to Madrid arriving in the late afternoon.
Overnight in Madrid.
Day 16: DEPARTURE MADRID
Enjoy your last breakfast that is followed by the check-out from the hotel and transfer to the Madrid International Airport to continue with your travel arrangements.
Comfortable footwear and suitable clothing for weather conditions is the most suitable for travelling in Spain and Portugal.
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