Day 1. (Tuesday) MADRID – SALAMANCA – PORTO

Departure from Madrid to Salamanca, the university city par excellence. Free time to explore at your own pace this World Heritage Site of great artistic wealth. A stroll around the pedestrian streets in its historic centre will take you to Plaza Mayor, one of the most beautiful squares in Spain, you may visit Salamanca’s two cathedrals (the old cathedral dating from the 12^th-13^th centuries of Romanesque style, and the new one from the 16^th century), the House of Shells, the Baroque style Clerecia church and the University with its beautiful Plateresque façade. Later we’ll continue northwest towards Porto, city declared a World Heritage Site. Arrival at the hotel and accommodation.

Day 2. (Wednesday) PORTO

Breakfast at the hotel. We have a whole day to enjoy this authentic city, capital of Northern Portugal. We begin with a panoramic visit of Porto to discover the Cathedral of Sé, the most important religious monument in Porto, a mixture of styles and influences, also the Palacio de la Bolsa, one of the most beautiful buildings in Porto, Santa Clara Church and ending in a local winery where we will taste the world-famous Porto wine. Afternoon free at your disposal to continue exploring the corners of Porto, stroll along the Avenida dos Aliados, the Ribeira de Porto on the banks of the Duero and admire the Don Luis I Bridge, the most famous bridge in Porto, climb to the Clérigos Tower, the best viewpoint of Porto, from where you will have panoramic views of the historic city center or take an optional cruise on the Duero River. Hotel accommodation.

Day 3. (Thursday) PORTO – COIMBRA – FATIMA – LISBON

Breakfast at the hotel. We leave Porto heading south to reach Coimbra, a riverfront city rising scenically from the Rio Mondego and the country’s former capital during the Middle Ages. Arrival and free time at your disposal to explore its preserved medieval old town with its dark cobbled streets. We continue our route southward to Fatima. We will discover this important sacred centre of the Christian Faith, known worldwide for its sanctuary, a place of Christian pilgrimage since the beginning of the 20^th century. Free time at your disposal to visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima consisting of an impressive Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, the Chapel of the Apparitions, heart of the sanctuary and place where according to the Roman Catholic Church, three visionary children Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta Marto received several apparitions and heavenly messages by the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God. You can visit the tombs of the three little shepherds, the precious statue of Our Lady of Fátima, the great oak tree, and also the monument dedicated to the three little shepherds (the seers) of Fatima. At the end of the day we will continue to Lisbon, the capital and largest city of Portugal. Arrival and lodging in the hotel. In the evening, optionally you can enjoy a Fado music show (typical Portuguese folklore).

Day 4. (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. We’ll visit Lisbon’s traditional neighbourhoods, which take us into the Belem district, on the northern bank of the Tagus River estuary, the birthplace of many great Portuguese navigators who sailed the oceans in the Fifteenth Century to explore and trade with India and the Orient. We will walk around the Monument of the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos), a monument that celebrates the Portuguese Age of Discovery, we’ll see the Belem Tower, a medieval defensive fortification and a prominent example of the Portuguese Manueline style. We will finally see the beautiful gothic style Jeronimos Monastery, Vasco da Gama’s resting place, classified a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the nearby Tower of Belen. Enjoy some free time at leisure to explore Lisbon at your own pace, to discover the nostalgic corners of the Barrio de Alfama, the old city grouped next to its Castle with its old buildings in narrow and twisted ruas full of colour and housing the genuine taverns where Fado music sounds like a lost past. Optionally you can do a beautiful coach trip to visit Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with Cabo da Roca and admire Cascais and Estoril. Accommodation at the hotel.

Day 5. (Saturday) LISBON – MERIDA – SEVILLE

Departure westbound on the highway to Extremadura, homeland of various New World discoverers. We arrive at Merida, the ancient roman Augusta Emerita, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will have free time to explore the archaeological site of Mérida at your leisure (entrance not included), where the imposing Roman Theatre of Mérida stands out. This iconic theatre, a symbol of the city, continues to function after 2,000 years and hosts the International Classical Theatre Festival during the summer evenings. In the afternoon, we’ll travel along the Silver Highway towards Andalusia, a region with a huge heritage from a splendorous past, to arrive at Seville, Andalusia’s capital. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 6. (Sunday) SEVILLE

After breakfast, we’ll do a monumental and panoramic visit of Seville. You will visit from outside the Cathedral of Seville, the second largest in the Catholic world after San Pedro in Rome and its famous Giralda, the old minaret of the Arab mosque, then stroll through the popular neighbourhoods of Santa Cruz, natural scenery of Carmen as well as where it developed the myth of Don Juan. After the visit, you’ll enjoy some free to discover different perspectives and specific flavours of this active city full of light. May we recommend you an optional boat trip on the Guadalquivir River to enjoy the panoramic views that exist from the boat? Then you can walk along the banks of the Guadalquivir River, the great king of Andalusia as the local poet Luis de Góngora y Argote called it. Accommodation in hotel. At night, optionally, you can enjoy a flamenco show.

Day 7. (Monday) SEVILLE – CÓRDOBA

Breakfast at the hotel. We’ll drive to Córdoba, former capital of the Caliphate. Lead by a knowledgeable English-speaking guide we will visit the highlights of Córdoba: the narrow winding streets of the Jewish Quarter, the Synagogue and the fantastic Great Mosque of Córdoba, one of the world’s greatest works of Islamic architecture, still standing from the time Muslims ruled Al-Andalus, that will ease our mind and spirit. In the afternoon, free time at your disposal to stroll through the historic centre of Córdoba, with its medieval streets or visit the Royal Palace Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos and its beautiful gardens. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 8. (Tuesday) CÓRDOBA – RONDA – COSTA DEL SOL

After breakfast at the hotel we’ll drive south along the Route of the White Washed Villages, listening to stories of bandits while arriving at Ronda, one of the most beautiful towns in Andalusia, situated on the gorge of the Guadalevin River (locally known as Tajo de Ronda) that cuts the city in half. You’ll enjoy some free time to admire this town of Celtic origin and the marvellous views of the valley and mountain range. In the afternoon, continue on to the Costa del Sol, one of the most modern and important international tourist areas of Spain. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Costa del Sol.

Day 9. (Wednesday) COSTA DEL SOL – GRANADA

Breakfast at the hotel and departure to Granada, with its incredible and amazing monumental environment, the last stronghold of the Moorish Kingdom up to 1492. We’ll visit the world-famous Alhambra complex with its imposing Alcazaba fortress, the Palace of Charles V, and the Generalife Gardens, fountains, gardens, and courtyards that with their sights and sounds have inspired authors such as Washington Irving in his “Tales of the Alhambra“. Free time in the afternoon. We recommend you to visit the Cathedral and the Royal Chapel that houses the tombs of the Catholic Monarchs or stroll through the Albaicín neighborhood and enjoy the beautiful views of the Alhambra from the Mirador de San Nicolás. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel. Optionally you can see a Gipsy Flamenco Show held in a cave-house at Sacromonte Quarter.

Day 10. (Thursday) GRANADA – VALENCIA

After our breakfast at the hotel we drive eastwards heading to the Mediterranean Coast. We’ll pass Murcia, capital of the fertile garden of the Segura River, and continue north via Alicante, the second largest city within the autonomous Region of Valencia. Arrive to Valencia, a vibrant and cosmopolitan city on the Mediterranean coast, that harmoniously combine the remnants of its farthest past, with the most innovative and avant-garde buildings from the new millennium. Valencia’s landmark is the modern Arts and Sciences Architectural Complex integrated by six elements: Hemispheric, Umbracle, Science Museum, Oceanographic, Palau de les Arts and Agora. Arrival at the hotel and accommodation. We recommend you to take a night walk to enjoy the breath-taking avant-garde architecture of the City of Arts and Sciences under the nocturnal ornamental lighting, then continue to the old town and admire its highlights: Valencia’s Gothic Cathedral and the famous Micalet Bell Tower, Virgin Mary Square, Valencia Townhall and Post Office – 2 impressive buildings, the World Heritage Silk Exchange Building, its beautiful Central Market, Serranos and Quart Towers… And of course, you must taste the paella, this colorful mixture of saffron-flavored rice and various meats, Valencia’s most well-known dish world-wide in one of the local restaurants.

Day 11. (Friday) VALENCIA – BARCELONA

Breakfast at the hotel. Free time in the morning to discover on your own pace this fascinating Mediterranean city. You can visit the Oceanogràfic, the largest aquarium in Europe, a true homage to our planet’s seas and oceans. Is made up of different buildings, housing examples of the most important ecosystems from each of the planet’s seas and oceans and also a Dolphinarium, the largest in Europe. You may also enjoy a nice walk through the Turia Gardens, former riverbed of the Turia River along palm trees and orange trees, fountains and pine woods, aromatic plants and ponds, sports facilities and rose beds. We’ll depart northward along the Mediterranean Coast to Catalonia, passing through Tarragona, the ancient roman city of Tarraco. Arrival to Barcelona, main city of the Spanisn Mediterranean Coast, homeland of the famous architect Gaudí, symbol of the Catalonian modernism. Accommodation at the hotel.

Day 12. (Saturday) BARCELONA

We wake up in Barcelona. After breakfast, we get on the bus to visit Barcelona with a local guide, discovering its main avenues decorated with impressive modernist buildings of Antoni Gaudí. We’ll make a short stop to see the impotent Gaudí’s Great Basilica of Sagrada Familia (Holy Family) from outside, a unique creation that has become Barcelona’s most universal symbol. Our next destination is Montjuic and the Olympic Ring, a legacy of the 1992 Olympics Games that took place in Barcelona. The city tour of Barcelona ends with a walk into the city’s historic central area with its Gothic neighbourhood dating back to the Middle Ages. From this moment you’ll have free time to explore in depth what you couldn’t see before. We recommend you to book in advance your tickets to see the Sagrada Familia from inside if it is of your interest, or if you prefer, you may explore other parts of the Gothic Quarter… there are many options: visit the Cathedral of Barcelona, Plaça del Pi, the Plaza Real or take a walk on the famous Rambla de los Capuchinos, an emblematic street and a must-see for any visitor to Barcelona. Accommodation in Barcelona.

Day 13. (Sunday) BARCELONA – ZARAGOZA – PAMPLONA

Departure from Barcelona towards Zaragoza, located on the banks of the Ebro River, one of Spain’s major cities and capital of the Region of Aragon. Free time to visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Pilar, Patroness of Hispanity and stroll through the old streets of Zaragoza to discover its impressive monumental legacy as Romans, Muslims, Jews and Christians left their mark on this place. Taste the typical dishes of the region and, of course, take part in one of the great traditions of the city, “going for tapas”: small gastronomic creations that delight anyone who tries them. In the afternoon, we continue our journey to Northern Spain. Arrival in Pamplona, ​​capital of the former Kingdom of Navarre. Free time to explore the city. We recommend taking a stroll along the famous route of the Running of the Bulls at San Fermín and sampling the typical pintxos, bite-sized appetizers considered the epitome of Basque cuisine. Check-in at the hotel, dinner included, and overnight stay.

Day 14. (Monday) PAMPLONA – SAN SEBASTIAN – BILBAO – SANTANDER

Breakfast at hotel. We continue our trip to the Basque Country, a green paradise, land of great contrasts. Arrival at San Sebastián, one of the most attractive tourist destinations on the Cantabrian coast and world-renowned for its International Film Festival. Free time to stroll along La Concha Beach, considered one of the most beautiful city beaches in Europe, lined with luxurious mansions, or explore the maze of cobbled streets in the Old Town, where luxury shops coexist with bars and taverns, offering the chance to sample some pintxos. We continue to neighboring Bilbao, capital of the province of Vizcaya. Arrival and brief stop to admire the avant-garde building of the Guggenheim Museum. Design and architecture permeate this entire city. Later on we’ll continue to Santander, capital of Cantabria Region, one of the most elegant and beautiful cities of the North Coast of Spain. Santander is a port city located between the sea and the mountains, well known for its Sardinero Beach, one of the best known beaches in Spain. Free time to stroll through this elegant city. Arrival at the hotel, dinner and accommodation.

Day 15. (Tuesday) SANTANDER – SANTILLANA – COVADONGA – OVIEDO

Breakfast at hotel. Departure to Santillana del Mar, one of the most important historical artistic towns in Spain. It contains architectural treasures such as the Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana, a Jewel of the Romanesque Arquitecture in Cantabria. Later on, driving a twisty road that will slowly reveal a beautiful countryside made up of calm waters, unimaginable green carpets and mountain peaks which all seem to be almost within reach, we will arrive to Covadonga, where you will have free time to visit the Shrine, a place of worship and pilgrimage for the people of Asturias, where you will see the Patroness of Asturias our Lady of Covadonga. In the afternoon, departure to Oviedo, a city of an unquestionable medieval flavour. Free time to explore Oviedo, most of its streets are pedestrian, where you will be able to see World Heritage Sites like the Cathedral of Oviedo, a splendid example of gothic asturian arquitecture or the beautiful church of Santa Maria de Naranco, a jewel of the pre-romanic asturian arquitecture. Dinner and accommodation.

Day 16. (Wednesday) OVIEDO – LA CORUÑA

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to Galicia with its landscapes of lush valleys and stunning beaches, spectacular cliffs, charming fishing villages and incredible cities. Arrival to the stately city of A Coruña, with its beautiful houses of glazed galleries, cobbled streets that embrace the old city, the castle of San Anton or the Tower of Hercules, the oldest lighthouse in the world in operation and World Heritage Site by the UNESCO. We’ll enjoy a panoramic tour of the city and free time to explore at your own pace this beautiful historic city. In the afternoon your guide will offer an optional excursion alongside the Rias Altas Estuaries in northern Galicia overlooking the Atlantic with their spectacular cliffs, beaches and the fishing villages of Pontedeume, Betanzos, etc. Dinner and accommodation.

Day 17. (Thursday) LA CORUÑA – SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to Santiago de Compostela, whose old town is a World Heritage Site, one of the most important monumental centers of Spain, one of the sacred cities of Christendom and end of the Way of Saint James pilgrimage route. Upon arrival we’ll enjoy a city tour visiting amongst others, the Plaza del Obradoiro, the point at which all roads into the city converge, where we can find Santiago’s Highlight, the Cathedral dedicated to the Apostle James the Elder, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ and brother of John, the Evangelist. Free time in the afternoon so you can continue visiting at your pace this historic city, discover its university atmosphere of joy and vitality, try the delicious cuisine that Galician tradition has preserved and its regional products, especially seafood, fish and beef. Accommodation and dinner at the hotel.

Day 18. (Friday) SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA – RIAS BAJAS – LA TOJA – VIGO

After breakfast we travel to the most picturesque area of the Galician Estuaries, the Rias Baixas Estuaries. Through splendid landscapes of the Ría de Arosa, we will arrive at La Toja Island, universally known for its spa. In O Grove, you can optionally take a catamaran tour to learn how oysters and mussels are grown. During this optional excursion we include a tasting of mussel and Ribeiro wine. Our route continues to Vigo, located in the middle of the estuary to which it gives its name, the southernmost estuary of the Rías Baixas and undoubtedly the most beautiful one, with beaches of great attraction. As an optional activity you can take an excursion to Mount Santa Tecla, a must-see place for its interesting archaeological, religious and landscape values. The Santa Tecla archaeological site is considered one of the most important examples of the Roman culture of the Iberian Northwest region. Accommodation at the hotel.

Day 19. (Saturday) VIGO – LEÓN

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure for Leon, a historic enclave on the Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James) to Compostela, crossing landscapes that combine mountains, green valleys, and traditional villages of inland northwest Spain. Once in León, you will have free time to discover this city, fundamental to Spanish history and one of the major landmarks of the Camino. We recommend visiting León Cathedral, one of the most spectacular Gothic cathedrals in Spain, famous for housing some of the most beautiful medieval stained-glass windows in Europe; exploring the Collegiate Church of San Isidoro, a Romanesque jewel that preserves the famous Pantheon of the Kings, known as the Sistine Chapel of Romanesque art; and the monumental Plateresque façade of the Hostal de San Marcos, a former convent now one of the city’s most emblematic buildings. We also recommend exploring the Barrio Húmedo (the old town), perfect for soaking up the local atmosphere, sampling traditional tapas, and discovering lively little squares, or strolling along Calle Ancha Street, the pedestrianized commercial heart of León, ideal for shopping and experiencing the city’s vibrant energy. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 20. (Sunday) LEÓN – SALAMANCA – MADRID

Breakfast. Departure for Salamanca, the quintessential university city. Free time to continue exploring this monumental city. As you already explored Salamanca on the first day of the tour, this time we recommend venturing off the beaten tourist track and exploring corners steeped in legend, enjoying unique views from high vantage points, visiting specialized museums, and experiencing the university atmosphere beyond the classroom. We recommend visiting the Cave of Salamanca, an underground space where, according to legend, the devil taught black magic… Afterward, you can stroll through the Garden of Calixto and Melibea, a tranquil and romantic garden overlooking the Salamanca city walls. From the Tower of the Old Cathedral or the Towers of the Clerecía, you will enjoy the best views of the city. For art lovers, we recommend visiting the Art Nouveau and Art Deco Museum – Casa Lis, located in a beautiful modernist building. This museum exhibits a collection of decorative arts, including porcelain dolls and stained glass. Afterward, continue to Madrid. Arrival and end of services.