Spain – Portugal Highlights Christmas Special

Welcome to the vibrant city of Madrid, Spain. Today is a day of leisure for you to explore the city at your own pace or simply relax at your hotel. There are no planned activities for the day, so you can take this opportunity to rest from your journey or start discovering the city's numerous attractions.

Start your Spain and Portugal Christmas tour with a guided exploration of Madrid. Sample local flavors on the Madrid Tapas Food Tour and enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow travelers. Today also marks the start of Christmas celebrations in Spain with the Spanish Christmas Lottery, 'El Gordo'.

Travel south to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Toledo, known as Spain's spiritual capital. Continue to the Moorish city of Granada, where you'll enjoy a tour of the city and a view of the iconic Alhambra citadel. The rest of the evening is free for you to explore at your leisure.

Visit the majestic Alhambra Palace & Gardens in Granada before traveling through Andalusia. Stop in Ronda, one of the oldest cities in Spain, and admire the 'Puente Nuevo' bridge. Continue to Seville, the city of siestas and tapas, and explore the old town with a local guide. End the day with a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.

Merry Christmas! Spend the day at your leisure in Seville. Wander the streets, admire the stunning architecture, and indulge in festive Spanish cuisine. Look out for Spanish Christmas bread, Roscón de Reyes, and the jolly Christmas log, Tió de Nadal.

Cross the border into Portugal and head for Lisbon, stopping along the way in the picturesque Algarve region. Upon arrival in Lisbon, join a driving tour of the city, seeing attractions like the Belém Tower and the Padrão dos Descobrimentos monument.

Spend the day exploring Lisbon at your own pace. Visit the Monument to the Discoveries, Belém Tower, and the hilltop district of Bairro Alto. Listen to the region's beloved Fado music and try some Pasteis de nata, delicious Portuguese egg tarts. You may also consider optional trips to Sintra or the Fatima Sanctuary and Coin Caves.

Travel to Porto, stopping in the fortified town of Obidos. Upon arrival in Porto, embark on a tour with a local guide to see top sights including the Cathedral, Sao Bento train station, and Clerigos Tower. Later, enjoy a tasting of authentic Port wine, one of Portugal's most famous exports.

Leave Portugal and travel back to Spain, making a stop in Guarda. Arrive in Salamanca, known as Spain's Golden City, and join an orientation tour of the historic city center. Enjoy some free time to explore before meeting up for a farewell dinner on the last night of the tour.

Travel from Salamanca to Avila, a town known for its well-preserved city walls, Romanesque churches, monasteries, and palaces. Continue to Madrid where the tour concludes. Say farewell to your travel companions and reflect on the unforgettable memories made during your Spain & Portugal Christmas holiday.