Portugal & Spain From Lisbon - 13 days

Kick off your journey in the vibrant city of Lisbon, before heading to the charming walled town of Óbidos. Explore the sturdy walls of the Moorish Castle and enjoy a unique experience of sipping Ginjinha d'Óbidos, a sweet liqueur served in a chocolate cup. Continue north to Coimbra, a former capital of Portugal, home to one of the world's oldest universities. After a delightful lunch, the journey leads to Aveiro, a town resembling a little Venice with picturesque canals and art-nouveau architecture. The day ends in Porto, where you'll stay for the next two nights.

Spend the day exploring the charming city of Porto at your own pace, with an optional Douro River cruise and wine tasting. Alternatively, join our optional mini-coach tour of the Douro Valley. Both options offer an enjoyable experience. Opting for the half-day excursion means a journey to Pinhão by coach, where you can embark on a river cruise aboard a traditional rabelo boat. En route back to Porto, we'll pause at Mesão Frio viewpoint, providing stunning panoramas of the Douro River and its surroundings.

Depart from Porto and head north to Braga to explore the esteemed Bom Jesus Sanctuary, a site of religious, cultural, and architectural significance. Next on the itinerary is Guimarães, often hailed as the 'birthplace of Portugal.' The adventure then crosses the border into Spain, with Santiago de Compostela as the destination. Known as a globally renowned pilgrimage site, you'll spend two nights in this historic city.

Today, you have the option to explore Santiago de Compostela at your leisure or join us on an exciting optional adventure. Opting for our trip, we'll start by driving along the Costa da Morte, also known as 'the Coast of Death.' Our first stop is the charming town of Noia, followed by a coffee break in Muros. We'll then visit the Ézaro waterfall, offering a short walk and a unique sight of the river cascading directly into the sea. After marveling at the waterfall, we'll head to Cape Finisterre, often called the 'End of the World,' believed by ancient civilizations to be the edge of the earth. Our next stop is the picturesque town of Muxía, known for its historic harbor.

Commence our day by visiting Lugo, renowned for its stunning cathedral and inviting atmosphere. Notably, Lugo boasts fully intact Roman city walls, a unique feature making it the only place globally where we can immerse ourselves in this ancient experience. Continuing our journey in the footsteps of the ancient Romans, we'll reach Las Médulas. This extraordinary landscape showcases peculiar red pinnacles and mountain holes, creating an otherworldly ambiance. Enjoy our lunch in this remarkable setting before heading to Salamanca for an overnight stay.

In the morning, we'll have the chance to appreciate the beautiful golden-hued landmarks of Salamanca's Old Town and university. Before our departure, let's take one last look at the stunning architecture of the city as we continue our journey through the vast plains of Castile and León. On our way, we'll make a stop for lunch and provide everyone with some free time to explore the city of Ávila. Following this, we'll visit El Escorial, the impressive residence of the Spanish Royals and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Having immersed ourselves in the cultural riches of Spain, we'll arrive in Madrid in the evening.

We have a full day ahead to explore the vibrant city of Madrid. Begin your exploration in the oldest part of Madrid, where the opulent Royal Palace awaits. Take a leisurely walk through the city's magnificent plazas, such as Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol. Recharge and refuel at one of the city's numerous restaurants before embarking on an exciting afternoon of exploration. Art enthusiasts will find joy in the Prado Museum, home to an impressive collection of Spanish, Italian, and Flemish masterpieces. Nature lovers can escape to the lush El Retiro Park, offering a serene oasis in the heart of the city.

In the morning, seize the opportunity to explore La Mezquita, an impressive mosque crafted by the Moors in Spain. Following our visit, we'll traverse rolling hills adorned with olive trees, their striking silvery-grey-green leaves signaling our entry into the province of Jaén, famed for its olive oil production. Continuing our journey, we'll head south to the ruins of Fortaleza de la Mota, a fortress perched atop a hill. By early evening, we'll arrive in Granada, where we'll be based for the next two nights.

Commence our day in the enchanting city of Granada, where we are greeted by the breathtaking Alhambra, Europe's most sensual palace. In the afternoon, venture into the intriguing Barrio de las Cuevas of Gaudix, also known as the neighborhood of house caves. Immerse ourselves in the history and evolution of this complex maze of homes by visiting the Gaudix Cave Dwellings Interpretation Centre. Gain insights into the unique lifestyle of the inhabitants and delve into the rich heritage of this fascinating neighborhood. Before returning to Granada, seize a moment to capture the picturesque Sierra Nevada mountains with a photo stop.

Today's itinerary is dedicated to exploring various facets of Andalucía. We kick off by heading west towards El Torcal de Antequera, a nature reserve nestled in the Sierra del Torcal mountain range. Continuing our adventure, we delve into the landscapes of Malaga's 'Lake District' before reaching the town of Ronda. Before our journey to Seville, we have the chance to visit an olive oil farm, delving into the production of Spain's renowned 'liquid gold.' As we cast a final glance over the stunning Andalusian countryside, we embark on our journey to Seville, where the next two nights will be spent.

Today, the day is yours to shape as you prefer. One option is to explore the 80 chapels at the Seville Cathedral and marvel at La Giralda. Alternatively, take a leisurely stroll along the Guadalquivir riverbank, appreciating the historic Torre del Oro. Another option is to join a half-day tour to Jerez de la Frontera, a charming town renowned for its sherry and Spanish brandy production. Regardless of your choice, the evening invites you to enjoy a relaxing walk through the grand Plaza de España.