Portugal & Andalusia Tour - First Class

Depart from the established hotels in Madrid. 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. Overnight stay at Yotel Porto / BessaHotel Boavista / Vila Galé Porto 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. Accommodation at Yotel Porto / BessaHotel Boavista / Vila Galé 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. Spend the night 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. Enjoy your stay 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 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. Overnight 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. Night’s stay 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. Stay 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 at Sol Torremolinos / Sol Príncipe hotel 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 accommodation at Meliá Granada / Catalonia Granada hotel or similar. (B)

Depart northward toward Madrid. Upon arrival, check in to hotel and overnight stay (not included). (B)