Day 1. (Saturday) MADRID – AVILA – CIUDAD RODRIGO – PORTO

Departing from Madrid, we head west in search of Portugal’s Atlantic Coast. Our first stop will be near Avila, nestled in the Sierra de Gredos Mountains. This impressive medieval city boasts a towering wall, declared a National Monument. From the San Sebastián shrine, known locally as the Four Posts Viewpoint (Mirador de los Cuatro Postes), we’ll enjoy unbeatable views of the walled city. We then continue to Ciudad Rodrigo, a hidden gem near the Portuguese border. This fortified town is a living museum of golden-stone palaces, the majestic Henry II Castle, and a stunning Cathedral. You will have free time to wander its cobblestone streets and travel back in time to the Middle Ages before we cross into Portugal. In the afternoon, we arrive in Porto, the vibrant capital of Northern Portugal. Upon arrival, we will board a rabelo boat, a Portuguese vessel typical of the Douro River, which traditionally transported barrels of port wine from the vineyards in the Upper Douro to the port wine cellars. As you sail along the Douro River, you’ll enjoy a unique perspective of the city as the sun begins to set over its colourful hillsides. 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. Note: If the number of passengers between Madrid and Porto is very small, this leg may be completed by plane, in which case the stops in Avila and Ciudad Rodrigo will be cancelled.

Day 2. (Sunday) PORTO – BRAGA – GUIMARAES – PINHAO – COIMBRA

After breakfast, we depart for Braga, the City of Archbishops and one of Portugal’s most vibrant historic centers. We will experience a true 19th-century engineering marvel: the world’s oldest water-powered funicular. This ascent takes us to the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage site perched high on a hill with magnificent views over the city. To fully appreciate this Baroque masterpiece, we recommend walking down the monumental Staircase of the Five Senses, an architectural wonder 116 meters high. Our journey continues to Guimarães, the proud Birthplace of Portugal. As the birthplace of Afonso Henriques, the nation’s first king, its medieval heart is a UNESCO-listed treasure. You will have free time for lunch and a leisurely stroll through its charming plazas and ancient stone streets. Next, we head to Pinhão, the geographical soul of the Port wine region. We will visit its iconic railway station, widely considered one of the most beautiful in the country, adorned with stunning blue-and-white tile panels (azulejos) depicting the Douro’s terraced vineyards. To truly feel the magic of the valley, we will embark on a boat trip along the Douro River, surrounded by the world’s oldest demarcated wine region. In the late afternoon, we travel to Coimbra, the former medieval capital rising elegantly from the banks of the Mondego River. Dinner and overnight stay in Coimbra. Seasonal Note: From November to March, the boat trip is replaced with a scenic train ride along the banks of the Douro, offering equally breathtaking views of the river and its famous vineyards.

Day 3. (Monday) COIMBRA – BATALHA – NAZARÉ – ÓBIDOS – LISBON

After breakfast, enjoy a free morning in Coimbra to explore its soul at your own pace. Wander through the Casco Antiguo, where dark cobbled alleys lead to the monumental 12th-century Sé Velha Cathedral. We highly recommend visiting the University of Coimbra, one of the oldest and most prestigious in the world, or pausing for a traditional pastry at the historic Café Santa Cruz, set within a former 16th-century church building. Our journey continues south to the Batalha Monastery, a breathtaking masterpiece of Gothic and Manueline architecture. This UNESCO World Heritage site was built to commemorate the historic Battle of Aljubarrota, a symbol of Portuguese independence. Next, we head to the coast to visit Nazaré, Portugal’s most picturesque and colorful fishing village on the Silver Coast. We will take the scenic funicular up to O Sítio (the clifftop Old Town) for a stunning panoramic view of the Atlantic rollers and the golden beaches below. Before reaching the capital, we stop at the enchanting medieval village of Óbidos. Step back in time as you walk its perfectly preserved fortified walls and flower-filled streets. Finally, we arrive in Lisbon in style, crossing the Tagus River estuary over the iconic 25 de Abril Bridge, often compared to San Francisco’s Golden Gate. Overnight stay in Lisbon.

Day 4. (Tuesday) 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 5. (Wednesday) LISBON – CACERES – MADRID

Enjoy your final breakfast in Portugal before we depart toward the Spanish border. Our route takes us across rolling green plains that stretch as far as the eye can see, dotted with ancient cork oaks and olive trees that have stood the test of time. As we cross into Spain, you will experience the unique landscapes of the Extremadura region. This is the land of the Dehesa – vast, sun-dappled woodlands where Iberian pigs roam freely among holm oaks in search of the acorns that produce the world’s finest ham. We arrive in Cáceres, a magical medieval city and a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will have free time to wander through one of the most perfectly preserved old towns in Europe. We recommend losing yourself in its labyrinth of narrow stone paths, where every corner transports you back to another century. Marvel at the Plaza Mayor and the iconic Bujaco Tower, walk beneath the elegant Arco de la Estrella, and admire the noble Palacio de los Golfines with its stunning plateresque façade. In the afternoon, we continue our journey toward the capital. Overnight stay in Madrid.

Day 6. (Thursday) MADRID

Breakfast at the hotel and end of our services. For those wishing to explore further, we offer excellent options to extend your stay in Spain, embark on an escorted tour to Morocco from Madrid, or continue exploring the continent with one of our grand European tours.