Spain & Portugal Christmas

Welcome to Madrid, the starting point of your Christmas tour. Meet your tour leader and fellow travellers at the hotel. Embark on an orientation tour of Madrid, exploring its top sights such as Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace, and Mercado de San Miguel. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Spanish dinner at a local restaurant.

Travel south to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Toledo, known as Spain's spiritual capital. Marvel at the Gothic architecture and the beautiful cathedral. Continue to the Moorish city of Granada, where you'll enjoy an orientation tour of the city, learning about its Moorish influences and viewing the iconic Alhambra citadel.

Start the day with a visit to the majestic Alhambra Palace & Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travel through Andalusia, famous for Flamenco, matadors and bullfighting. Stop in Ronda, one of the oldest cities in Spain, and admire the 'Puente Nuevo' bridge. Continue to Seville, the city of siestas, tapas and amazing fiestas. End the day with a driving tour of the city and an included dinner at a local restaurant.

Merry Christmas! Enjoy a free day to explore Seville in all its festive glory. Wander the streets, admire the stunning historical architecture, and indulge in Spanish Christmas bread, Roscón de Reyes. Don't miss the chance to see Tió de Nadal, a jolly Christmas log decorated with a smiley face and stick legs.

Cross the border into Portugal and head for Lisbon, the vibrant capital city. En route, admire the incredible landscapes of southern Portugal and enjoy a stop along the Algarve, Portugal's picturesque southern coastal region. On arrival in Lisbon, join your tour leader on a driving tour of the city, seeing the Tagus River and some of the most famous attractions in the city.

Discover Lisbon at your leisure today! Highlights include the Monument to the Discoveries, Belém Tower and the hilltop district of Bairro Alto. Listen out for Fado music streaming from open windows and try some Pasteis de nata, delicious Portuguese egg tarts. Consider the optional day trip to Sintra or a visit to the Fatima Sanctuary and Coin Caves.

On the way to Porto, stop off in Obidos, a classic fortified town with narrow cobbled streets, picturesque houses and an imposing hilltop castle. Continue onwards to Porto, Portugal's second-biggest city. Embark on a driving and walking tour to see top sights including the Cathedral, Sao Bento train station, Clerigos Tower, and the Luis I bridge. Later, enjoy a tasting of authentic Port wine.

Travel back to Spain, stopping in Ciudad Rodrigo, a 12th-century fortified cathedral city. Enjoy an orientation tour before taking some free time to grab lunch. Arrive in Salamanca, Spain's Golden City, and enjoy some free time to explore the historic city centre. End the day with a farewell dinner, celebrating a fantastic Christmas tour with traditional food from the province of Salamanca.

On the last day of the tour, travel from Salamanca to Avila and then to Madrid. Visit the ancient town of Avila, well-known for its century-old city walls and spectacular Romanesque churches, monasteries and palaces. Continue to Madrid where the tour concludes. Say farewell to the group and your unforgettable Spain & Portugal Christmas holiday.