Madrid, Portugal & Andalusia Tour - First Class

Arrive at the airport and transfer to hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at Aloft Madrid Gran Vía / 1881 Madrid Ventas hotel or similar.

Morning city tour exploring Madrid’s medieval roots, including the old Arab fortress and the Barrio de la Morería. Discover the Hapsburg district, shaped by Philip II, with its Renaissance and Baroque landmarks at Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, and Plaza de la Villa. Continue to the Madrid of the Bourbons and the city planning of Charles III, featuring the Royal Palace, Cibeles Fountain and Neptune Fountain. Admire 19-th century highlights such as the elegant Plaza de Oriente and the Prado Museum. Experience modern Madrid with its grand avenues like Gran Vía, the upscale Salamanca district, Parque del Oeste, the city’s commercial and financial centers, and Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Afternoon at leisure. Accommodation at Aloft Madrid Gran Vía / 1881 Madrid Ventas hotel or similar. (B)

Drive to Salamanca and enjoy free time in this university city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its rich architectural and artistic heritage. Continue toward the Portuguese border, arriving in Porto. Spend the night at Yotel Porto / BessaHotel Boavista / Vila Galé Porto hotel or similar. (B)

Sightseeing tour of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage city. Highlights include the Cathedral, the Stock Exchange building, and Santa Clara Church. Afterwards, enjoy a scenic view of the city from the Douro River and explore its historic heritage with a visit to the famous Port Wine Cellars, including a wine tasting. Remainder of day at leisure. Enjoy your stay at Yotel Porto / BessaHotel Boavista / Vila Galé Porto or similar hotel or similar. (B)

Depart for Coimbra, home to one of Europe’s oldest universities and the birthplace of Fado music, with free time to explore. Continue to Fátima, a major center of Christian faith and pilgrimage, featuring its impressive Basilica and the Cova da Iria, where the Virgin Mary appeared. Visit the Chapel of the Apparitions, the heart of the sanctuary, which houses the tombs of the three shepherd children, Lúcia, Francisco, and Jacinta. Overnight stay at Santa María / Aurea / Estrela / Regina hotel or similar. (B)

Depart for Batalha Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of Gothic and Manueline architecture. Continue to the charming fishing town of Nazaré, with free time. Proceed to Alcobaça, another World Heritage Site, famous for its Gothic church and Cistercian monastery dating back to the 12th century. Continue to Lisbon, the Portuguese capital. Overnight at Lutécia / VIP Art’s / VIP Entrecampos hotel or similar. (B)

Enjoy a morning tour of Lisbon, formerly known as Olissipo, including its main squares and avenues, the Belém Tower, the Jerónimos Monastery (exterior), and the Monument to the Discoveries. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight stay at Lutécia / VIP Art’s / VIP Entrecampos hotel or similar. (B)

Depart for Merida, the capital of Extremadura. Recognised as a World Heritage Site, Merida is famed for its remarkable historical legacy, featuring well-preserved Roman monuments such as the theater, amphitheater, Roman bridge, and more. Enjoy free time before continuing to Córdoba. Night’s stay at NH Califa hotel or similar. (B)

A visit to its Mosque (entrance included) and other landmarks while wandering through the narrow, winding streets of the Jewish Quarter. In the afternoon, drive two-hour to Seville. Stay overnight at Meliá Lebreros hotel or similar. (B)

Morning city tour including a visit to the Cathedral - the second largest in the Catholic world after St. Peter’s in Rome, the charming Santa Cruz Quarter, known as the setting for Carmen and the birthplace of the Don Juan legend, as well as María Luisa Park and the stunning Plaza de España. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at Meliá Lebreros hotel or similar. (B)

Drive south, for Ronda and enjoy some leisure time to explore this town of Celtic origins and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding valley and mountains. Continue to the Costa del Sol. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight accommodation at Sol Torremolilnos / Sol Príncipe or similar. (B)

Depart for Granada, the last stronghold of the Moorish Kingdoms until 1492. Visit the world-famous Alhambra complex and the beautiful Generalife Gardens, which have inspired numerous authors, including Washington Irving in Tales of the Alhambra. Overnight at Meliá Granada / Catalonia Granada hotel or similar. (B)

Depart northward toward Madrid. Upon arrival, check in to Aloft Madrid Gran Vía / 1881 Madrid Ventas hotel or similar. (B)

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport. (B)