Iberian Splendours 13 Days
13 Days: Madrid - Porto - Coimbra - Lisbon - Cordoba - Seville - Granada
Tour overview:
Step into the rich tapestry of Portugal and Spain on a journey filled with timeless cities, extraordinary architecture and unforgettable landscapes. From Porto and Lisbon to the ancient streets of Mérida and Córdoba, continue through the sunlit beauty of Andalusia, with its elegant Seville, dramatic Ronda and magnificent Granada. Conclude in Madrid, where grand landmarks, culture and cosmopolitan energy provide a fitting finale to an exceptional Iberian adventure
Day 1 - Arrive Porto
Arrival at Porto Airport and transfer to your hotel. Set along the banks of the Douro River, Porto is a city of timeless charm, renowned for its colourful riverside quarter, historic architecture and world-famous Port wine cellars. In the evening, meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a welcome briefing before beginning your journey through Portugal and Spain. Accommodation in Porto.
Day 2 - Porto
Breakfast at the hotel. Guided sightseeing tour of Porto, a charming city renowned for its rich history and riverside beauty. Discover its main highlights, including the majestic Cathedral, the elegant Stock Exchange Palace and the beautiful Church of Santa Clara. Continue with a scenic cruise along the Douro River, offering unique views of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia, before visiting one of the famous Port Wine Cellars, where you will enjoy a tasting of the region's world-renowned wine. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the city's lively atmosphere at your own pace. Accommodation in Porto. (B)
Day 3 - Porto - Aveiro - Coimbra
After breakfast, depart for Aveiro, a charming coastal city affectionately known as the "Venice of Portugal" for its picturesque network of canals. Enjoy a relaxing ride aboard a traditional, brightly coloured moliceiro boat before continuing to Coimbra. Upon arrival, meet your local guide for a sightseeing tour of this historic city, home to one of Europe's oldest universities. Wander through its charming medieval streets, admire its remarkable heritage and enjoy the unique atmosphere that has made Coimbra one of Portugal's cultural treasures. Accommodation in Coimbra. (B)
Day 4 - Coimbra - Batalha - Nazare - Lisbon
Breakfast at the hotel. Depart for Batalha to visit its magnificent Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Portugal's finest examples of Gothic and Manueline architecture. Continue to the picturesque seaside town of Nazaré, famous for its golden beaches, fishing traditions and spectacular Atlantic views, with free time to explore at your own pace. Afterwards, travel to Lisbon. In the evening, cross the Tagus River to Cacilhas and enjoy a delightful seafood dinner at a local restaurant. Accommodation in Lisbon. (B)
Day 5 - Lisbon
Breakfast at the hotel. Morning guided sightseeing tour of Lisbon, the captivating capital of Portugal, built on seven hills overlooking the Tagus River. Discover its main highlights, including Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, the Monument to the Discoveries, Marquês de Pombal Square and Liberty Avenue. The afternoon is at leisure to explore the city's unique atmosphere, perhaps wandering through the charming Alfama district, with its narrow cobbled streets, colourful houses and traditional taverns, where the authentic soul of Lisbon comes to life. Accommodation in Lisbon. (B)
Day 6 - Lisbon - Merida - Cordoba
Breakfast at the hotel. Bound for Andalusian soils, back in Spain, we drive to Mérida, founded by the Romans in 25 BC and one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in Spain. This UNESCO World Heritage city boasts an extraordinary Roman legacy, including its magnificent Theatre and Amphitheatre, elegant bridges, temples and ancient streets that reflect the splendour of the former capital of Roman Lusitania. Enjoy free time to discover its remarkable historical heritage before to Cordoba, once the flourishing capital of the Umayyad Caliphate and one of medieval Europe's greatest centres of culture, science and learning. Accommodation in Cordoba. (B)
Day 7 - Cordoba - Seville
Breakfast at the hotel. Discover the impressive tour of Cordoba´s Mosque (entrance included), one of the world's greatest masterpieces of Islamic architecture, whose striking arches and richly decorated interior reflect the city's glorious past, and other sites that will ease our mind and spirit strolling through its narrow winding streets of the Jewish Quarter. In the afternoon, continue your journey towards Seville. Accommodation in Seville. (B)
Day 8 - Seville
Breakfast at the hotel. Morning city tour of the Andalusian Capital, Seville with your Local Expert. Seville unfolds along the banks of the Guadalquivir River, the city's lifeblood, where centuries of history blend seamlessly with the radiant light of Andalusia. Its iconic skyline is defined by medieval towers and elegant domes, crowned by the unmistakable silhouettes of the Giralda and the Cathedral. Discover the lush María Luisa Park and the magnificent Plaza de España, Seville's most spectacular and cinematic landmark, before wandering through the enchanting Santa Cruz Quarter, with its maze of narrow streets, picturesque squares and timeless Andalusian charm. These are just a few of the many treasures that make Seville one of Spain's most captivating cities. Afternoon is at leisure for you to enjoy the city of light. Accommodation in Seville. (B)
Day 9 - Seville - Jerez - Ronda
After breakfast, travel south through Andalusian villages to Jerez. Jerez de la Frontera is a city where Andalusian tradition comes to life through its world-renowned sherry wines, magnificent horses and the passionate rhythms of flamenco. Elegant squares, stately palaces and centuries-old churches reflect its rich cultural heritage, while its historic centre invites visitors to wander through charming streets full of authentic local character. Continue to Ronda. Dramatically perched above the impressive El Tajo gorge, Ronda is one of Andalusia's most beautiful and historic towns. Connected by the iconic Puente Nuevo, its charming streets, whitewashed houses and rich cultural heritage reflect centuries of Roman, Moorish and Christian influence. Combined with its spectacular scenery and authentic Andalusian atmosphere, Ronda offers an unforgettable experience. Rest of the day at leisure to discover the secrets of Ronda. Accommodation in Ronda. (B)
Day 10 - Ronda - Malaga - Granada
After breakfast, depart for Malaga. Visit the city and explore its historical and cultural attractions. Malaga is a city full of corners that look back on several centuries of history, from the time of the Romans (with its magnificent theater) to the Arab, with the Alcazaba or the Castle of Gibralfaro. Continue to Granada, this city, located at the foot of Sierra Nevada, between the Darro and Genil rivers, is one of the jewels of Andalusia. Here, the impressive Andalusian legacy, represented by the Alhambra, is complemented by Renaissance architectural gems. Accommodation in Granada. (B)
Day 11 - Granada - Madrid
Breakfast at the hotel. We will visit the world-famous Alhambra complex with your Local Expert (entrance included) and Generalife Gardens. The Alhambra is Granada's greatest treasure and one of Spain's most iconic monuments. This magnificent palace and fortress complex, a masterpiece of Moorish architecture, captivates visitors with its exquisite courtyards, intricate decoration, beautiful gardens and breathtaking views over the city and the Sierra Nevada. After the visit has ended, depart to Madrid. In Madrid, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner. Accommodation in Madrid. (B/D)
Day 12 - Madrid
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, immerse yourself in the Spanish capital on a guided tour with your Local Expert. Discover the historic heart of Madrid, from the medieval Barrio de la Morería and the elegant Habsburg Quarter to the magnificent Plaza Mayor and Plaza de la Villa, where the city's origins come to life. Continue through the stately avenues of Bourbon Madrid, admiring landmarks such as the impressive Royal Palace, the graceful Cibeles and Neptune Fountains, and the iconic Puerta de Alcalá. The tour also reveals Madrid's cosmopolitan side, passing along the lively Gran Vía, the sophisticated Salamanca District, the broad Paseo de la Castellana, and the legendary Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. The afternoon is free to experience Madrid at your own pace. Explore its charming neighborhoods, visit its celebrated museums, indulge in world-class shopping, or simply soak up the city's lively café culture and unmistakable energy. Accommodation in Madrid. (B)
Day 13 - Depart Madrid
Breakfast at the hotel. At the scheduled time, transfer to Madrid Airport for your departure flight. (B)
