Discover the wonders of Spain and Portugal on this English Language Small Group Coach Tour beginning in Madrid. With multiple rich cultural influences helping to shape these lands over millennia, Spain and Portugal are full of delights for all the senses.
Highlights
Upon arrival at the airport you will be met and assisted to your transfer to the hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure to unwind or begin exploring as you see fit.
Accommodation at the hotel in Madrid
Following breakfast at the hotel, depart for a morning tour of Madrid beginning with the medieval heart of the city at the Barrio de la Morería. Drive through the courtesan district of the Hapsburgs, characterised by its Renaissance and Baroque style buildings, Plaza Mayor and Plaza de la Villa. Continue on to the Madrid of the Bourbons and the complex town planning schemes of Charles III, the Royal Palace, Cibeles and Neptuno Fountains, and the Puerta de Alcalá. Next, explore contemporary Madrid with areas such as Gran Vía Castellana, the district of Salamanca as well as the commercial and financial areas of Modern Madrid and the Santiago Bernabéu Football Stadium. The afternoon is free to continue exploring the many wonders that the city has to offer. This evening, join your fellow travellers for an authentic Welcome Tapas Dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation at the hotel in Madrid.
Breakfast at the hotel then drive to Salamanca where free time is set aside in this University City and World Heritage Site of great architectural and artistic wealth. Later cross the Portuguese border and head to Porto. Located along the Douro River estuary in northern Portugal, Porto is one of the oldest European towns, and proclaimed a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996.
Accommodation at the hotel in Porto.
After breakfast at the hotel, embark on a guided sightseeing tour of Porto. Admire the Cathedral, the Stock Exchange building and the Santa Clara Church. Afterwards, experience a different perspective of the city with a Douro River Cruise and discover famous Port Wine Cellars with wine tasting experience included. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore as you see fit.
Overnight at the hotel in Porto.
Following breakfast, depart for Coimbra - city seat of one of the oldest universities in Europe and the birthplace of Fado. Take some free time to explore before continuing on to Fatima, the centre of the region's Christian Faith and World Pilgrimage Sanctuary. Explore some of the most renowned sites including the impressive Basilica and the Cova da Iria where the Virgin Mary appeared. The Chapel of the Apparitions, the heart of the sanctuary, contains the tombs of the three shepherds Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta, who witnessed the apparition. At night there is the possibility to attend the procession of the candles.
Accommodation at the hotel in Fatima.
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to the Batalha Monastery, a masterpiece of Gothic and Manueline style considered a World Heritage site by UNESCO. Continue to the picturesque fishing town of Nazaré for some free time before heading to Alcobaça (World Heritage) with its Gothic church and Cistercian monastery whose origins date back to the 12th Century. Later depart for Lisbon.
Accommodation at the hotel in Lisbon.
After breakfast take a morning city sightseeing tour of the ancient Olissipo. Drive through its main squares and avenues to see Belem Tower, Jeronimos Monastery, Monument to the Discoverers, Marquis of Pombal Square and Liberty Avenue. The afternoon is at leisure for you to explore the nostalgic corners of the Alfama Quarter, the old city gathered next to its Castle. The old buildings in the area are nested in narrow twisting “Ruas” full of colour, many housing typical “tabernas” where Fado is usually playing. This evening join your fellow travellers for a typical Portuguese dinner visiting one of the oldest Fado venues in the city, and located in one of the most interesting cultural neighbourhoods in the area.
Accommodation at the hotel in Lisbon.
Breakfast at the hotel before heading back to the Andalusian soils in Spain. Drive to Caceres, listed as World Heritage site because of the city’s 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 continue on towards Cordoba, once the capital of the Caliphate.
Accommodation at the hotel in Cordoba.
Breakfast at the hotel before taking a tour of Cordoba’s stunning Mosque (entrance included) and other sites in and around the Jewish Quarter. In the afternoon, continue your journey to Seville.
Accommodation at the hotel in Seville.
Following breakfast at the hotel take a morning city tour of the Andalusian Capital, Seville. Visit the Cathedral (the second largest in the Catholic world after St. Peters in Rome) then continue to Santa Cruz quarter (a location which was the setting for large parts of “Carmen”), Maria Luisa Park, and Plaza de España. The afternoon is at leisure for you to discover more of the sites and flavours of this active city.
Accommodation at the hotel in Seville.
After breakfast at the hotel, drive south through typically picturesque Andalusian villages on your way to Ronda, where free time is provided to admire this town of Celtic origin which also has a marvellous view of the valley and mountain range. In the afternoon continue on with an uthentic Olive Oil Experience at a local Almazara, LA Organic. Walk through their olive tree fields and taste their organic olive oil production. Continue to the Costa del Sol, a busy tourist city on the edge of the Spanish Mediterranean Coast.
Accommodation at the hotel in Costa Del Sol.
Following breakfast depart towards the city of Granada, one of the jewels of Spain with its incredible monumental environment, last stronghold of the Moorish Kingdoms up until 1492. Visit the world-famous Alhambra complex (entrance included) and Generalife Gardens. There will be some time at leisure then this evening join your fellow travellers to experience an authentic Gypsy Flamenco Show including dinner.
Accommodation at the hotel in Granada.
Breakfast at the hotel before driving northward to Toledo, a World Heritage City known as the “City of Three Cultures” due to the influence of Christian, Moorish, and Jewish people throughout the centuries. Bathed in Spanish art, history, and spirituality, the whole town is a National Monument. Take a short guided tour of the historical old town, exploring the narrow streets, then proceed to Madrid.
Accommodation at the hotel in Madrid.
After breakfast at the hotel transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Accommodation based on the below or similar
First Class: Riu Plaza España
First Class: BessaHotel Boavista / Vila Gale Porto
First Class: Santa Maria / Aurea Fátima / Regina / Estrela
First Class: Lutécia / VIP Hotels
First Class: Hesperia Cordoba
First Class: Melia Lebreros / Hesperia Sevilla
First Class: Sol Principe / Sol Don Pablo / Sol Don Marco
First Class: Catalonia Granada / Sabica
Trip prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however all offers are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. All featured tour itineraries and offers maybe subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Please confirm all details at time of booking. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Innovative Travel bookings. All passports must be valid for 6 months prior to your return to your home country. Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. Special VIP meet and assist offers are valid for New Zealand passport holders, for other nationalities please check at the time of booking. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Conditions page.
