Day 1. (Thursday) LISBON

Olá! Bem Vindo a Portugal! Welcome to Europe! Your grand Iberian adventure begins in Lisbon, Portugal’s sun-drenched and cosmopolitan capital. Upon arrival, please check the information boards in the hotel lobby for details regarding your welcome meeting, where you’ll meet your expert English-speaking guide and fellow travellers. After dropping off your luggage, we invite you to explore the city’s unique charm at your own pace. While tomorrow features a comprehensive guided tour, today is about discovering the genuine soul of Lisbon. We highly recommend stepping back in time with a ride on one of the city’s iconic vintage yellow trams. Clattering through narrow, winding lanes, these wooden streetcars offer a nostalgic and priceless way to see the historic quarters. No visit is complete without tasting a Pastel de Nata, Lisbon’s signature cinnamon-dusted custard tart, found in any traditional pastelaria. For a touch of culture, feast your eyes on five centuries of creativity at the National Tile Museum (Museu do Azulejo), housed in a magnificent former convent. To conclude your afternoon, head to the imposing São Jorge Castle for a breathtaking panorama of the pastel-coloured old town, the shimmering Tagus Estuary, and the majestic 25 de Abril suspension bridge. A perfect introduction to the days ahead! Overnight stay.

Day 2. (Friday) LISBON

Breakfast at the hotel. We’ll have a full day to explore each corner of Lisbon. We’ll start the day with an in-depth sightseeing tour of Lisbon. Our panoramic tour starts at Eduardo VII Park, offering stunning views over the city towards the Tagus River. We’ll dive into the heart of the Baixa Pombalina, passing through the majestic Marquis of Pombal Square and the bustling Rossio, where you can admire the hilltop São Jorge Castle overlooking the ancient Alfama district. We continue through the elegant Estrela neighbourhood to admire the grand Estrela Basilica before heading to the waterfront of Belem district. Here, we celebrate Portugal’s seafaring heritage at the Monument to the Discoveries, the fortified Belém Tower, and the breathtaking Jerónimos Monastery, a masterpiece of Manueline architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Vasco da Gama’s resting place. The afternoon is yours to further explore the magic of Lisbon. We recommend wandering through the steep, tiled streets of Alfama district, the city’s oldest quarter, to discover hidden viewpoints (miradouros) or taking a ride on the iconic yellow Tram 28. For those wishing to see the surrounding coast, our guide will offer an optional excursion to the fairytale town of Sintra, famous for its colourful palaces, followed by a visit to the chic seaside resorts of Cascais and Estoril. We conclude the afternoon with a transfer to Restauradores Square, famous for its lively restaurant scene. Take the opportunity to ride the historic Gloria Funicular up to Bairro Alto, where the San Pedro viewpoint offers spectacular views over the heart of Lisbon. Afterward, we will return to the hotel for your overnight stay. In the evening, you can immerse yourself in the soul of Portugal with an optional Fado show, experiencing the hauntingly beautiful traditional music in an authentic Lisbon tavern.

Day 3. (Saturday) LISBON – FATIMA – PORTO

After breakfast, we travel north to Fátima, one of the most revered Marian shrines in the world. You will have free time to immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere of the Sanctuary. You may visit the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, where the tombs of the three shepherd children are located, spend a moment of reflection in the modern Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity, or visit the Chapel of the Apparitions, the very heart of the sanctuary where the Virgin Mary appeared in 1917. We continue our journey to Porto, the second-largest city of Portugal and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Upon arrival, we embrace the city’s maritime soul by boarding a traditional Rabelo boat, the iconic wooden vessels once used to transport port wine barrels. This relaxing cruise along the Douro River offers an incomparable perspective of the city’s six bridges and the colourful, stacked houses of the Ribeira district. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to explore the steep, cobbled streets of Porto. Discover the historic soul of Porto by visiting the majestic Sé Cathedral and the Stock Exchange Palace, one of the city’s most exquisite architectural gems. Your journey through time can continue at the São Bento Station, where you can admire breathtaking blue-and-white azulejo tile panels that masterfully depict scenes from Portuguese history. Nearby, step into the magical Livraria Lello, one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores, famous for its sweeping Neo-Gothic staircase. To capture the ultimate photo, climb the Clérigos Tower for a spectacular 360-degree view over the medieval heart of the city before taking a leisurely stroll along the riverside Ribeira. Finally, marvel at the engineering grandeur of the Dom Luís I Bridge as you cross over to Vila Nova de Gaia, where you can conclude your day with an authentic tasting of the city’s world-famous fortified Port wine. Hotel accommodation.

Day 4. (Sunday) PORTO – BRAGA – CAMBADOS – SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA

After breakfast, we start our trip to the northern Portugal. At Braga we will visit the magnificent Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, a masterpiece of European Baroque design. We will ascend the sacred hill via its historic funicular, the oldest in the world powered by water counterbalancing. To truly appreciate the scale of this monument, we recommend descending on foot down the grand zigzagging Stairway of the Five Senses, a monumental Baroque stairway of 381 feet, which offer breathtaking views over the valley. We then cross the border into Spain, entering the lush, green landscapes of Galicia and its famous Rías Baixas (Lower Estuaries of Galicia). Upon arrival in the charming town of Cambados, we embark on a glass-bottom boat cruise through the Ría de Arousa. This unique voyage takes us to the traditional floating platforms (bateas) to discover how Galicia’s world-famous mussels are cultivated. To celebrate this maritime tradition, we’ve included a tasting of freshly steamed mussels accompanied by local Albariño wine. Our journey continues to Santiago de Compostela, one of the most important monumental centers of Spain, one of the sacred cities of Christendom, the final destination of the legendary Camino de Santiago (Saint James pilgrimage route). Joined by a local guide, we’ll explore the city’s UNESCO-listed historic centre. We will wander through its granite-paved streets and medieval squares, such as the Plaza de las Platerías and the Plaza de la Quintana, soaking in the mystical atmosphere that has drawn pilgrims for over a thousand years. Our tour concludes at the majestic Praza do Obradoiro, where we will admire the awe-inspiring exterior of the Santiago Cathedral, dedicated to the Apostle James the Elder, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ and brother of John, the Evangelist. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 5. (Monday) SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA – LUGO – O CEBREIRO – LEON – OVIEDO

After breakfast, we follow the historic Way of St. James toward the plains of Castile. Our first stop is Lugo, known in antiquity as Lucus Augusti. We’ll explore its tranquil, pedestrianised historic centre, which is entirely enclosed by the monumental Roman Walls. As the best-preserved example of Roman fortifications in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site, these ancient walls offer a unique journey back to the days of the Empire. Our route continues through the mist-shrouded village of O Cebreiro, a quintessential Galician stone hamlet, before arriving in León. A vital enclave on the pilgrimage road, León boasts some of Spain’s most extraordinary architecture. During your free time, you can marvel at the Gothic Cathedral of Leon, famous for having the most exquisite stained-glass windows in Europe, the Romanesque Collegiate Church of San Isidoro, and the stunning Plateresque façade of the San Marcos Hostel. Later, we cross the dramatic peaks of the Cantabrian Mountains into the green landscapes of Asturias. We arrive in Oviedo, a city that has preserved an authentic medieval atmosphere. Accompanied by a licensed local guide, we’ll enjoy an in-depth city tour of Oviedo’s treasures, including the 9th-century Cathedral, the contemporary Calatrava Palace, the historic Campoamor Theatre, and the charming Calle de la Rúa. To conclude the day, we have included a traditional Asturian dinner, where you can experience the art of cider pouring and taste the region’s famous authentic cider. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 6. (Tuesday) OVIEDO – COVADONGA – SANTILLANA – SANTANDER

After breakfast, we journey into the heart of the Picos de Europa National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of breathtaking scale. As we navigate the winding mountain roads, a spectacular landscape unfolds, a world of crystalline waters, vibrant green meadows, and jagged limestone peaks that seem to touch the sky. We arrive at the Sanctuary of Covadonga, a sacred site of pilgrimage nestled within a natural cave. You will have free time to explore the Shrine and pay your respects to Our Lady of Covadonga, the beloved Patroness of Asturias. Our route then leads us to Santillana del Mar, frequently described as one of the most beautiful historic villages in Spain. We will wander its medieval stone streets to discover architectural treasures like the Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana, a true jewel of Cantabrian Romanesque design. Nearby, we visit the Museum of the Caves of Altamira, where a state-of-the-art replica provides a fascinating insight into the prehistoric cave art that defined the early Iberian Peninsula. Finally, we travel to Santander, the elegant capital of Cantabria. Accompanied by a local guide, we will enjoy a sightseeing tour of Santander to discover the aristocratic charm and coastal highlights of the city. Our tour features the historic Cathedral Square before heading to the stunning Magdalena Peninsula, home to the majestic Royal Palace and panoramic bay views. We then visit the iconic El Sardinero Beach to admire the Belle Époque grandeur of the Gran Casino. Finally, we reach the dramatic cliffs of Cabo Mayor, where the historic Lighthouse offers spectacular vistas over the rugged Cantabrian coast. Arrival at the hotel and accommodation. NOTE: From July to mid-October, due to seasonal high occupancy, some groups may be accommodated in Bilbao.

Day 7. (Wednesday) SANTANDER – BILBAO – LA RIOJA – ZARAGOZA

After breakfast, following the highway along the Cantabrian Coast, with beautiful landscapes between the mountains and the sea we head to Bilbao, capital of the province of Vizcaya, and the largest city of the Basque Country. Accompanied by an expert local guide, we will visit Bilbao, where design and architecture permeate this entire city. We’ll explore the historic Casco Viejo (Old Quarter) with its Seven Streets and marvel at the titanium curves of the Guggenheim Museum, a masterpiece of modern architecture. Afterward, enjoy free time for a pintxos experience, the Basque version of tapas. These miniature gourmet delights, often served on a slice of bread and held together with a toothpick, are a true culinary art form best enjoyed with a glass of local cider or txakoli. In the afternoon, we travel through the rolling vineyards of La Rioja to visit the Museum of Wine Culture, where you’ll learn the secrets of one of the world’s most prestigious wine regions. We conclude the day in Zaragoza, located on the banks of the Ebro River, one of Spain’s major cities and capital of the Region of Aragon. Known for its monumental beauty and its landmark Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, the city offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere. For your evening, we suggest a stroll to the Plaza del Pilar to see the basilica illuminated, followed by a visit to El Tubo, a famous network of narrow alleys filled with the city’s best traditional tapas bars. Hotel accommodation.

Day 8. (Thursday) ZARAGOZA – POBLET – BARCELONA

After breakfast, we spend the morning discovering Zaragoza, a city with over two thousand years of history on the banks of the Ebro River. During our sightseeing tour of Zaragoza we’ll step back to the 1st century at the Roman walls and the remains of the ancient forum, discovering why the city was once known as Caesaraugusta. Zaragoza is also the proud birthplace of the legendary painter Francisco de Goya; we will see his influence in the city’s grand plazas and his magnificent frescoes that adorn the domes of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, a Baroque masterpiece and the city’s most iconic landmark. We’ll also explore the historic centre to admire La Seo Cathedral, where Romanesque, Gothic, and Mudéjar styles blend seamlessly, as well as the Aljafería Palace, a stunning example of Hispano-Muslim architecture. Following free time for lunch to sample local Aragonese flavours, we continue our journey east. In the afternoon, we reach the Monastery of Poblet, a Cistercian abbey UNESCO World Heritage site. We’ll walk through the austere yet elegant Cloister, visit the grand Refectory, and stand before the magnificent Royal Tombs, where the alabaster sepulchres of the Kings of Aragon rest in silent majesty. The monastery remains an active community of monks, and its atmosphere of peace and spiritual devotion is truly palpable. We then complete our route to Barcelona, the vibrant Mediterranean capital. Arrival at the hotel late in the day and accommodation in this cosmopolitan city, famous for its avant-garde spirit and its unique Modernist architecture.

Day 9. (Friday) BARCELONA

We wake up in Barcelona. After breakfast, we begin our discovery of the city with a comprehensive panoramic tour of Barcelona. Sit back and enjoy the views as we drive past the historic Columbus Monument and the bustling Plaça de Catalunya. We’ll cruise along the elegant Passeig de Gràcia, home to modernist architectural gems, and cross the city via the grand Diagonal avenue. A major highlight is our stop at the Sagrada Família, Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece. We’ll also ascend Montjuïc Hill to see the 1992 Olympic facilities and enjoy sweeping views of the harbour, before passing through the monumental Plaça d’Espanya. Our tour concludes at Las Ramblas, the city’s most famous pedestrian boulevard. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore the atmospheric Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic). This labyrinth of medieval streets is the historic soul of Barcelona. We recommend to visit the Barcelona Cathedral with its palm-tree-filled cloister, and find the hidden columns of the ancient Roman Temple of Augustus. For a truly local experience, head to Santa Caterina Market or find a traditional Xarcuteria to sample Jamón Ibérico and Catalan cheeses. Don’t miss trying pan con tomate (bread with tomato and olive oil) or a portion of patatas bravas in a hidden plaza. As an optional experience, you may join our expert guide for an exclusive interior tour of the Sagrada Família. This option includes skip-the-line tickets to Sagrada Familia, allowing you to marvel at the forest of stone columns and the spectacular play of light through the stained-glass windows. In the late afternoon, we head to the Maremagnum area at the Port Vell. This modern waterfront district offers a wide variety of restaurants and terraces overlooking the Mediterranean. You’ll have free time for dinner, the perfect setting to enjoy fresh seafood or a classic Paella, before returning to the hotel for your overnight stay.

Day 10. (Saturday) BARCELONA – PEÑISCOLA – VALENCIA – MADRID

After breakfast, we bid farewell to Barcelona and journey south along the stunning Mediterranean Coast. Our first stop is the picturesque town of Peñíscola, often called the Gibraltar of Valencia. You will have free time to explore this fortified seaport, dominated by the majestic 13th-century Templar Castle perched on a rocky headland. Wander through the whitewashed streets of the Old Town, discover the Bufador (a natural rock chimney where the sea breathes), and enjoy the breathtaking views of the azure waters that once captivated the filmmakers of Game of Thrones. We continue to Valencia, Spain’s third-largest city and a vibrant Mediterranean hub where avant-garde architecture meets centuries of history. Upon arrival, you will have free time for lunch in the birthplace of one of the world’s most iconic dishes: Paella. We highly recommend tasting an authentic Paella Valenciana, traditionally prepared with saffron-infused rice, fresh vegetables, and tender meat. In the afternoon, we embark on a panoramic tour of the city’s most futuristic landmark: the City of Arts and Sciences. Designed by Santiago Calatrava, this breathtaking complex of gleaming white structures and turquoise pools looks like something from a sci-fi dream. You will marvel at the Hemisfèric and the Palau de les Arts before we bid farewell to the orange groves of the Mediterranean. We then journey inland across the high plains of Castilla-La Mancha towards the capital. Arrival in Madrid in the late evening and accommodation at your hotel. Note: Depending on the number of passengers, the Valencia / Madrid route may be made by high speed train.

Day 11. (Sunday) MADRID – LISBON

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before a free day to explore Madrid at your own pace. As Spain’s diplomatic and cultural heartbeat, the capital offers a magnificent blend of history and modern flair. We recommend a stroll through the Habsburg district (Madrid de los Austrias), admiring the Baroque and Renaissance splendour of Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol. Don’t miss the grand Royal Palace at Plaza de Oriente, or a walk down the iconic Gran Vía toward the majestic Cibeles Fountain and the leafy Paseo del Prado. At the scheduled time, please make your own way to the bus station for your journey to Portugal. This segment is travelled via a comfortable regular scheduled bus service (ticket included), providing a direct and efficient connection to Lisbon. As you head west, you will traverse the ruggedly beautiful Extremadura region. This is the land of Dehesas, vast Mediterranean meadows of cork and evergreen oaks where the famous Iberian pig roams freely. Known for producing the world’s finest cured ham, artisan cheeses, and robust wines, the scenery offers a quintessential glimpse into rural Spain. Upon arrival in Lisbon, our services conclude.