Madrid, Portugal, Andalusia & Mediterranean Capitals - First Class

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

Morning 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 19th-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. Overnight stay at Aloft Madrid Gran Vía / 1881 Madrid Ventas hotel or similar. (B)

Travel to Salamanca and enjoy free time to explore this historic University City. Continue toward the Portuguese border for Porto. Spend the night at Yotel Porto / BessaHotel Boavista / Cristal 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. Overnight at Yotel Porto / BessaHotel Boavista / Cristal Porto 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. Enjoy your 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 and enjoy some free time. Proceed to Alcobaça, another World Heritage Site, famous for its Gothic church and Cistercian monastery dating back to the 12th century. Continue onward to Lisbon, the Portuguese capital. Overnight at Lutécia / VIP Art’s / VIP Entrecampos hotel or similar. (B)

Morning city tour of Lisbon, formerly known as Olissipo, including its main squares, the Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery (exterior), and the Monument to the Discoveries. The afternoon is free to explore the city’s charming neighbourhoods. Stay the night 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 and Roman bridge. Enjoy free time before continuing to Córdoba. Overnight at NH Califa hotel or similar. (B)

An inspiring visit to its Mosque (entrance included) and other landmarks, while wandering through the narrow, winding streets of the Jewish Quarter. After a twohour drive, arrive in Seville. Overnight accommodation 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. Relax for the night at Meliá Lebreros hotel or similar. (B)

Travel along the Caliphate Route into the heart of Andalusia, passing countless olive groves on the way to Granada - a city of stunning monuments and the last stronghold of the Moorish Kingdoms. Visit the renowned Alhambra complex and the beautiful Generalife Gardens, whose sights and sounds have inspired many writers, including Washington Irving in his Tales of the Alhambra. Overnight at Meliá Granada hotel or similar. (B)

Depart heading east for Valencia, one of the major cities on Spain’s Mediterranean coast and discover its striking City of Arts and Sciences complex. Valencia is also celebrated as the birthplace of the world-famous dish, paella. Spend a night at NH Las Artes hotel or similar. (B)

Morning city tour of this vibrant city, including a drive through the historic center to view its most notable landmarks. In the early afternoon, depart north along the Mediterranean coast toward Catalonia, passing through Tarragona, the ancient Roman Tarraco. Arrive in Barcelona, the leading Mediterranean metropolis and home of the renowned architect Gaudí. Accommodation at Catalonia Barcelona Plaza / Evenia Riosselló hotel or similar. (B)

Morning city tour of Barcelona, internationally recognized for hosting the 1992 Olympic Games. Drive along the city’s main avenues to admire Gaudí’s remarkable modernist masterpieces, including La Pedrera (Casa Milà) and Casa Batlló. Visit Montjuïc Park, offering stunning panoramic views of the city, the Olympic Ring, and the monument to Columbus. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at Catalonia Barcelona Plaza / Evenia Riosselló hotel or similar. (B)

Depart for Zaragoza, the capital of Aragón, situated on the banks of the Ebro River. Known as Caesar Augusta during the Roman era, Zaragoza has held an important place in Spanish history. Enjoy free time to admire the Baroque architecture of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar. Continue to Madrid. Enjoy your stay at Aloft Madrid Gran Vía / 1881 Madrid Ventas hotel or similar. (B)

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