Best of Spain & Portugal
Spain
Passionate, sophisticated and devoted to living the good life, Spain is both a stereotype come to life and a country more diverse than you ever imagined.
An Epic Land
Spain’s diverse landscapes stir the soul. The Pyrenees and the Picos de Europa are as beautiful as any mountain range on the continent, while the snowcapped Sierra Nevada rises up improbably from the sun-baked plains of Andalucía; these are hiking destinations of the highest order. The wildly beautiful cliffs of Spain’s Atlantic northwest are offset by the charming coves of the Mediterranean. And everywhere you go, villages of timeless beauty perch on hilltops, huddle in valleys and cling to coastal outcrops as tiny but resilient outposts of Old Spain. That's where the country's charms are most likely to take hold.
A Culinary Feast
Food and wine are national obsessions in Spain, and with good reason. The touchstones of Spanish cooking are deceptively simple: incalculable variety, traditional recipes handed down through the generations, and an innate willingness to experiment and see what comes out of the kitchen laboratory. You may experience the best meal ever via tapas in an earthy bar where everyone's shouting, or via a meal prepared by a celebrity chef in the refined surrounds of a Michelin-starred restaurant. Either way, the breadth of gastronomic experience that awaits you is breathtaking and sure to be a highlight of your trip.
Art Imitates Life
Windswept Roman ruins, cathedrals of rare power and incomparable jewels of Islamic architecture speak of a country where the great civilisations of history have risen, fallen and left behind their indelible mark. More recently, what other country could produce such rebellious and relentlessly creative spirits as Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso and Antoni Gaudí and place them front and centre in public life? And here, grand monuments of history coexist alongside architectural creations of such daring that it becomes clear Spain's future will be every bit as original as its past.
Fiestas & Flamenco
For all the talk of Spain's history, this is a country that lives very much in the present and there's a reason 'fiesta' is one of the best-known words in the Spanish language – life itself is a fiesta here and everyone seems to be invited. Perhaps you'll sense it along a crowded, post-midnight street when all the world has come out to play. Or maybe that moment will come when a flamenco performer touches something deep in your soul. Whenever it happens, you'll find yourself nodding in recognition: this is Spain.
Portugal
Medieval castles, cobblestone villages, captivating cities and golden beaches: the Portugal experience can be many things. History, great food and idyllic scenery are just the beginning…
Ghosts of the Past
Celts, Romans, Visigoths, Moors and Christians all left their mark on the Iberian nation. Here, you can gaze upon 20,000-year-old stone carvings in the Vila Nova de Foz Côa, watch the sunset over mysterious megaliths outside Évora or lose yourself in the elaborate corridors of Unesco World Heritage Sites in Tomar, Belém, Alcobaça or Batalha. You can ponder the rise and fall of ancient civilisations in the Celtic Citânia de Briteiros or the ancient Roman Cidade de Ammaia, and explore Portugal's most enchanting settings in palaces set above mist-covered woodlands, craggy clifftop castles and stunningly preserved medieval town centres.
The Portuguese Table
Freshly baked bread, olives, cheese, red wine or crisp vinho verde (young wine), chargrilled fish, cataplana (seafood stew), smoked meats – the Portuguese have perfected the art of cooking simple, delicious meals. Sitting down to table means experiencing the richness of Portugal’s bountiful coastline and fertile countryside. But you don’t have to sit; you can take your piping-hot pastel de nata (custard tart) standing up at an 1837 patisserie in Belém, or wander through scenic vineyards sipping the velvety ports of the Douro Valley. You can shop the produce-filled markets, or book a table in one of Portugal's top dining rooms.
Cinematic Scenery
Outside the cities, Portugal’s beauty unfolds in all its startling variety. You can go hiking amid the granite peaks of Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês or take in the pristine scenery and historic villages of the little-explored Beiras. Over 800km of coast offers more places to soak up the splendour. Gaze out over dramatic end-of-the-world cliffs, surf stellar breaks off dune-covered beaches or laze peacefully on sandy islands fronting calm blue seas. You’ll find dolphin watching in the lush Sado Estuary, boating and kayaking along the meandering Rio Guadiana, and memorable walks and bike rides all across the country.
Rhythms of Portugal
Festivals pack Portugal’s calendar. Drink, dance and feast your way through all-night revelries such as Lisbon’s Festa de Santo António or Porto’s Festa de São João. There are kick-up-your-heels country fairs in the hinterlands, and rock and world-music fests all along the coast. Any time of year is right to hear the mournful music of fado in the Alfama, join the dance party in Bairro Alto or hit the bars in Porto, Coimbra and Lagos. Rural Portugal has its own age-old musical traditions, from the polyphonic cante Alentejana in the Alentejo to the pauliteiros (stick dancers) of Miranda do Douro.
Photos
Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival Barcelona
Arrival at Barcelona Airport, meet & greet by our representative,Transfer to hotel for check in
Barcelona has the dynamic and open personality so typical of Mediterranean cities. It is the perfect city to relax in, stroll around and enjoy. Barcelona has its own way of life which makes it unique. Barcelona sited between the sea and the mountains, has found a formidable balance: a foot in the traditional things and the other in the avant-garde. Barcelona has the reputation of being the most cosmopolitan, modern and avant-garde city in Spain.
Barcelona’s warm, pleasant climate means that the locals spend a lot of time outdoors. The city’s location on the shores of the Mediterranean brings pleasant temperatures, allowing Barcelona to enjoy its 5 km of perfectly equipped beaches all the year round. The cradle of Catalan culture, amongst many other cultures and civilisations, and a witness to major transformations such as the Industrial Revolution or the Civil War amongst many others, Barcelona has a fascinating history.
Rest of the day at leisure to explore La Rambla Street
Barcelona's most famous street is both a tourist magnet (beware the pickpockets and con artists) and a window into Catalan culture, with cultural centres, theatres and intriguing architecture. Flanked by plane trees, the middle section of La Rambla is a broad pedestrian boulevard, crowded with a wide cross-section of society. Though it won't appeal to everyone, a stroll here is pure sensory overload.
As one of the most touristed spots in Barcelona, there's no denying that La Rambla can feel a bit life like a packed-out circus. Swing by first thing, around 8 am, to enjoy this historic leafy boulevard with far fewer crowds. Alternatively, you could seek out some of the city's quieter rambles instead, such as Rambla del Raval or Rambla del Poblenou.
Overnight at Barcelona - Day 2
Barcelona - City Tour
After breakfast, day at leisure for transfer for Barcelona sightseeing
Barcelona is a Mediterranean and cosmopolitan city with Roman remains, medieval quarters and the most beautiful examples of 20th century modernism and avant-garde.
Discover Barcelona with a general approach to its main interesting places from the artistic and cultural point of view
Plaça de Catalunya - The link between old Barcelona and the Eixample district, was developed in 1927 by Francesc Nebot with interesting sculptures by several artists, like Josep Llimona, Pablo Gargallo or Josep Clarà. there is also a monument to president Macià.
Passeig de Gràcia - Main street of the Eixample district is Passeig de Gràcia, leading off the Plaça Catalunya. its wide pavements are lined with large, well established shops. numerous buildings of medievalist or fully modernist design are located on Passeig de Gràcia.
Casa Batlló and Casa Mila - Casa Batlló and Casa Mila are two renowned Modernist buildings by Antoni Gaudi. Casa Batllo is known for its irregular oval windows and flowing sculpted stone work. its façade is decorated with a colourful mosaic made of ceramic tiles. Casa Mila, also known as La Pedrera features an undulating stone façade and twisting wrought iron balconies, as well as an innovative self-supporting stone.
Sagrada Familia - Sagrada Familia is a large Roman Catholic church in Barcelona, designed by Spanish architect AntoniGaudí. from 1883 until his death in 1926, Antoni Gaudí worked exclusively on the Sagrada Familia. it was left unfinished but work has continued to the present day in the midst of fierce controversy.
Montjuïc - Montjuïc is a rocky headland rising between sandy areas at the mouths of the Llobregat and Besòs rivers. owing to its strategic position overlooking the city, it fulfilled a military function from the high middle ages onwards. the original Castell del Port was replaced by the great Castell de Montjuïc, built after the style of Vauban in the shape of a star. for many years it served as a military prison, becoming a symbol of political repression until donated to the city in 1960. it now houses the Museu Militar.
Evening at leisure
Overnight at Barcelona - Day 3
Barcelona - Excursion to Montserrat
After breakfast, transfer for Montserrat tour
Located at one hour drive from barcelona, Montserrat and the Penedes region are symbolic of the two poles of the Catalan character: the spiritual and the celebratory.
Embark on the journey to mountain of Montserrat which rises majestically to 4,051 feet (1,236 meter).
You will go up to Montserrat with Cog – Wheel Train which leaves you in the middle of the Monastery. It is a 15-minute trip with a spectacular view of the mountains. The train has panoramic windows which make the actual journey an interesting attraction. The trains are air-conditioned and they are completely wheelchair-friendly.
You will visit the Royal Basilica of Montserrat, which holds the famous 12th century Romanesque carving of Virgen Moreneta, the Black Virgin. The Benedictine sanctuary of Montserrat was founded on 1025 and provides a mystical backdrop for the Virgin of Montserrat, the patron saint of Catalonia who is enshrined in the monastery's Royal Basilica. The little monastery soon began to receive pilgrims and visitors who contributed to the spread of stories of miracles and wonders performed by the Virgin.
Today, Montserrat has been modernized to continue attending to the needs to pilgrims one thousand years after it was originally founded.
Return back to Barcelona by evening
Overnight at Barcelona - Day 4
Barcelona to Valencia
After breakfast, depart to Valencia by train ... 2 hrs. 40 mins. / Hotel - Station - Hotel transfers at Barcelona & Valencia are included
Spain’s third-largest city is a magnificent place, content for Madrid and Barcelona to grab the headlines while it gets on with being a wonderfully liveable city with thriving cultural, eating and nightlife scenes. Never afraid to innovate, Valencia diverted its flood-prone river to the outskirts and converted the former riverbed into a glorious green ribbon of park winding right through the city. On it are the strikingly futuristic buildings of the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, designed by local boy Santiago Calatrava.
Other brilliant contemporary buildings grace the city, which also has a fistful of fabulous Modernista buildings, great museums, a long stretch of beach and a large, characterful old quarter. Valencia, surrounded by its huerta, a fertile zone of market gardens, is famous as the home of rice dishes such as paella, but its buzzy dining scene offers plenty more besides; it's a superb spot for eating.
On arrival check in at hotel
Later transfer for Valencia sightseeing tour
Plaza del Ayuntamiento (town hall square), from where most of the city’s important monuments are located within a walking distance.
Discover central market, former silk exchange “La Lonja”, Plaza de la Reina with the cathedral and the horchateria, the Gothic Miguelete bell tower, Turia river bed gardens and City of Arts and Sciences.
Evening at leisure
Overnight at Valencia - Day 5
Valencia to Malaga
After breakfast, depart to Malaga [Costa Del Sol] by high speed train ... 6 hrs. ... Hotel - Station - Hotel transfers at Barcelona & Valencia are included
If you think the Costa del Sol is soulless, you clearly haven’t been to Málaga. Loaded with history and brimming with a youthful vigour that proudly acknowledges its multi-layered past, the city that gave the world Picasso has transformed itself in spectacular fashion, with half a dozen new art galleries, a radically rethought port area and a nascent art district called Soho. Not that Málaga was ever lacking in energy: the Spanish-to-the-core bar scene could put bags under the eyes of an insomniac madrileño, while the food culture encompasses both Michelin stars and tastefully tatty fish shacks.
Come here for tapas washed down with sweet local wine, and stay in a creative boutique hotel sandwiched between a Roman amphitheatre, a Moorish fortress and the polychromatic Pompidou Centre, while you reflect on how eloquently Málaga has reinvented itself for the 21st century. Look out, Seville.
Check in at hotel on arrival
Evening at leisure to explore the streets of Malaga
Overnight at Malaga - Day 6
Malaga - City Tour
After breakfast, day at leisure for sightseeing of Malaga
Visit Plaza de la Merced, Castillo de Gibralfaro Castle, Plaza de Toros and Plaza de la Marina Main Street ... You'll get the chance to see all of this on your City Tour.
The Teatro Romano which is the result of excavation work and re-construction work of an ancient structure. The amphitheatre itself has not been used since 3rd century and the Moors used some of the stones to build their fortification, the Alcazaba. The nearby Alcazaba also offers a museum, pleasant gardens and fantastic views. While in the vicinity, visit Castillo de Gibralfaro for a look at the ramparts and more breath-taking views.
Discover a city, rich in history and culture - Wander around the Museo Picasso and learn of the great artist’s life, punctuated by his notes and sketches, right through to his great paintings and ceramics. For works by other major artists, international art and contemporary pieces visit the Centro de Srte Contemporaneo. Malaga Cathedral offers audio guides to enable you to explore the building and its numerous chapels and enjoy the artwork, hand-carved choir stalls and the grandiose alter which commands your view. Hop off at the Plaza de Toros, Malaga’s bull ring, or travel south to Malaga Beach which was artificially made in the late 1800s using sand from the Sahara desert. The beach is popular with joggers and mountain bikers and is home to a variety of water sports. It is also a favourite spot for picnics and moonlit walks.
Overnight at Malaga - Day 7
Malaga - Excursion to Granada
After breakfast, depart for full day trip to the ancient city of Granada including Alhambra Palace and Generalife gardens. This is about 125 kms. from Malaga and takes approx. 1 hour 30 mins. to drive
Visit Granada and the Alhambra Palace, one of the most beautiful architectural marvels in the world, on a day trip from Malaga. Along with the Alhambra and its exquisite Moorish architecture, Granada is home to another of Spain's well-known UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Generalife Gardens, which you’ll also see on this day trip.
Essential to any Malaga trip is a visit to Granada and especially its Alhambra Palace, as few places in the world can compare to the paradise found within its fortified walls. The 9th-century Moorish wonderland is home to the Nasrid Palace with its tranquil ponds, and walls of intricately carved Arabic characters; the 16th-century residence of Roman Emperor Charles V; and the smell of fresh flowers mingled with the sounds of flowing fountains in the Generalife Gardens. Discover this little slice of heaven and history, and the old-world streets of Granada that surround it, on one of these day trips from Malaga.
Situated just an hour and a half away from the coastal Spanish city of Malaga, Granada makes for a perfect and very attainable day trip. Start out your adventure in an air-conditioned coach, which will whisk you off to Spain’s interior. Once there, you’ll take a guided tour of the Alhambra fortress, where you’ll visit the aforementioned Generalife Gardens, Charles V Palace and, of course, the ethereal Nasrid Palace. Follow this with free time in Granada’s center, where you can wander its streets, making stops to grab a bite to eat, and also to scope out other city sights.
Seville may have the passion and Córdoba a medieval charm, but Granada has an edge. Most visitors concentrate solely on the magnificent Alhambra, but if you explore further, you’ll find Andalucía’s hippest, most youthful city, with a ‘free tapas’ culture, innovative bars and intimate flamenco haunts.Here the Islamic past feels recent, as Muslim North Africans make up some 10% of the population.
Overnight at Malaga - Day 8
Malaga to Ibiza
After breakfast, transfer to Malaga airport for flight to Ibiza
All-night raver, boho-cool hippy, blissed-out beach lover – Ibiza is all this and more to the many, many fans who have a soft spot for the Balearics' party-hard sister. In summer the cream of the world's DJs (David Guetta, Sven Väth, Armin van Buuren et al) descend on the island, making it the ultimate destination for clubbers. Ibiza's modest population is swallowed whole by the seven-million-odd tourists that arrive en masse each year, and nowhere does sunset chilling or boho-glam style quite like the White Isle.
But there's more to this sun-kissed, beach-bejewelled, pine-clad island than meets the bleary eye. Step off the beaten track for a spell in a rural hotel, a hidden hamlet, a hushed church or on a secluded north-coast cove to discover Ibiza's surprisingly peaceful side. Or roam the ramparts of Ibiza Town's World Heritage–listed Dalt Vila to immerse yourself in the island's rich history and heritage.
On arrival, transfer to hotel for check in
Rest of the day at leisure to explore & party at Ibiza
Overnight at Ibiza - Day 9
Ibiza - Sightseeing & Party
After breakfast, day at leisure for following sightseeings ...
Hidden IbizaTour
Ibiza has more to offer beyond the nightclubs—and this small-group, full-day tour will help you discover another side of the island. Meet your guide at the Ibiza Rocks Hotel in the morning, and set off. You’ll visit two of Ibiza’s hidden beaches: Cala Gració and Cala Codolar, where you can snorkel, cliff jump, and enjoy treats ranging from cocktails to ice cream. In the early evening, transfer to the island of Es Vedrà for a tapas dinner, glasses of sparkling wine, live music, and sunset views.
3 hours cruise party
Enjoy a stress-free day cruising along the Ibiza coastline on this all-inclusive boat trip. You won’t have to worry about bringing drinks with you, as there’s an open bar with unlimited sangria, mojitos, beer, wine, soft drinks, and more. During the trip, you’ll be able to sunbathe, relax, or jump off the boat and go snorkeling. Conveniently, snorkel gear rental is included, so you'll be able to pack light.
Evening at leisure to Party !
Overnight at Ibiza - Day 10
Ibiza to Seville / Sightseeing & flamenco show
After breakfast, transfer to airport for flight to Seville
Some cities blast you away, others slowly win you over. Seville disarms and seduces you. Its historic centre, lorded over by a colossal Gothic cathedral, is an intoxicating mix of resplendent Mudéjar palaces, baroque churches and winding medieval lanes. Flamenco clubs keep the intimacy and intensity of this centuries-old tradition alive whilst aristocratic mansions recall the city’s past as a showcase Moorish capital and, later, a 16th-century metropolis rich on the back of New World trade.
But while history reverberates all around, Seville is as much about the here and now as the past. It’s about eating tapas in a crowded bar or seeing out the end of the day over a drink on a buzzing plaza. The sevillanos have long since mastered the art of celebrating and the city’s great annual festivals, notably the Semana Santa and Feria de Abril, are among Spain’s most heartfelt.
On arrival transfer to hotel for check in
In the evening a sightseeing tour of Seville with flamenco show
Witness the incandescent beauty of Seville by night on a 4-hour evening tour that includes a flamboyant flamenco show. With a knowledgeable guide, travel through the Illuminated city streets by air-conditioned coach and see legendary attractions like Torre del Oro, Plaza de España and the Royal Palace shrouded in luminescent light. Conclude with an electrifying flamenco show in the renowned Tablao El Arenal and select between a refreshing drink, wine and tapas or a gourmet 3-course meal as you watch the show.
Overnight at Seville - Day 11
Seville - Excursion to Cordoba
After breakfast, excursion to Cordoba
Get an introduction to the cultural highlights of Cordoba on a sightseeing tour, round-trip from Seville by minivan.
Stop by the Alcazar of the Catholic Kings, visit the Great Mosque, and tour the Historic Center of Cordoba, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Stroll through its Jewish Quarter, and visit Maimonides Square (Plaza de Maimonides) and the synagogue. Hear insightful commentary from your guide throughout the full-day itinerary.
Back to Seville in the evening
Overnight at Seville - Day 12
Seville to Vilamoura, Algarve, Portugal
After breakfast, transfer to Vilamoura, Algarve Region, Portugal ... 2 hrs. 15 mins. drive
Soaring cliffs, sea caves, golden beaches, scalloped bays and sandy islands draw over four million visitors to the Algarve each year. Surrounded on two sides by the Atlantic, it's a paradise for surfers, especially along the refreshingly undeveloped west coast.
In the south, tourist hotspots harbouring massive conglomerations of holiday villas and brash resorts have action-packed activities – from splashy water parks to water sports – and vibrant nightlife spanning beach bars to sizzling nightclubs. Natural treasures here include the bird-filled lagoons and islands of the protected Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, stretching for 60km from west of the capital, Faro, to the enchanting fishing village of Cacela Velha.
Up in the hilly hinterland are historic castle towns and whitewashed villages, rolling countryside covered in cork, carob and almond trees and citrus orchards, rural farmhouse restaurants, and the wonderful Via Algarviana hiking trail crossing the region's breadth.
Vilamoura is a resort in the Algarve region of southern Portugal. It's known for its large marina, golf courses and casino, and for sandy Vilamoura Beach
On arrival check in at hotel
Rest of the day at leisure
Overnight at Vilamoura - Day 13
Vilamoura - At leisure
After breakfast, day at leisure to enjoy the hotel facilities, spa services, beach activities or venture out for local sightseeing
Sightseeing Options
The beaches, the amazing golf courses, the weather and great entertainment parks such as Zoomarine are well known Algarve attractions.
Worlds’ largest underwater reef
Four decomissioned navy ships were sunk at the end of 2012 forming the worlds largest underwater artificial reef, and boosting the biodiversity in the local waters. Just off Portimão the reef is a huge tourist attraction as well as a valuable study tool for marine biologists.
Loulé Market
There are produce markets in every town and village across the Algarve. However one of the biggest and best produce markets is at Loulé. Even the building is one of the most striking around. Resembling a souk, the red and white turretted building houses a typical Algarve scene of busy stalls selling all types of produce and spilling into the streets all around. There is a great variety of fruit and vegetables, a meat section, cheeses and deli produce as well as the fish section where you can find all kinds of strange sea creatures.
Zoomarine – Water Park
Situated in Guia, 20 kms. from your hotel, is an Algarve water park with a difference. Zoo Marine offers a full marine experience for all the family, showcasing numerous species of tropical fish, dolphins, seals, sea lions and sharks as well as tropical birds and birds of prey from all corners of the globe. The park is a veritable voyage of discovery for adults and children alike as they encounter, observe and learn about wildlife, conservation and the environment.
Overnight at Vilamoura - Day 14
Vilamoura to Lisbon
After breakfast, transfer to station for train to Lisbon ... 5 hrs. journey
Seven cinematic hillsides overlooking the Rio Tejo cradle Lisbon's postcard-perfect panorama of cobbled alleyways, ancient ruins and white-domed cathedrals – a captivating scene crafted over centuries.
Beyond Bacalhau : Lisbon for Foodies
Dining in Lisbon is far more dynamic than navigating countless preparations of Portugal's beloved bacalhau (dried and salted cod fish; 365 recipes and counting!). While bacalhau à Brás (shredded cod with onions, eggs and potatoes; a Bairro Alto original) is never far, Lisbon's strategic seaside position on Europe's doorstep means a bounty of fresh seafood (octopus, tuna, monkfish, shrimp, sardines, clams, snails) rules the city's kitchens, from Michelin-starred restaurants to gourmet-food markets to countless corner tascas (taverns).
Last Call, Lisbon!
Cheap booze and the absence of open-container laws means Lisbon loves a night on the town! Don't be fooled by Bairro's Alto's sleepy daytime feel – by night, these narrow cobbled lanes transform into one of Europe's most raucous drinking locales.
Miradouro Mania: Scenic City Views
Lisbon's trademark seven hills are spread across the cityscape like lofty guardians of colour and history. Capped by a collection of terraces known as miradouros (viewpoints), a must-see web of no-filter-necessary views over Lisbon, the Tejo and beyond is formed. Our favourite miradouros – Portas do Sol, São Pedro de Alcântara, da Graça, da Senhora do Monte, Santa Luzia and, of course, Castelo de São Jorge – all offer stunning spots to get your bearings and while away afternoons over bica (espresso), elegant glasses of Touriga Nacional or refreshing pitchers of sangria, while rubbernecking the city's stupendous horizons.
On arrival transfer to hotel for check in
Evening at leisure to explore streets of Lisbon
Overnight at Lisbon - Day 15
Lisbon - City Tour
After breakfast, city tour of Lisbon
We start the tour descending the Avenue of Liberdade and heading for the center of the old city. We will stop at two impressive locations: the Sé Lisbon Cathedral, the oldest church in Lisbon, and the sightseeing lookout of Graça, for the best view over the city and the river Tejo.
Afterwards we will pass by the Monastery of S. Vicente, Alfama the birth place of Fado Music, the National Pantheon and the Comércio Square, before taking the road heading towards Belém, one of Lisbon's most monumental and historical areas. It was from Belém that most of the great Portuguese explorers embarked on their voyages of discovery, so we will take you on a journey of discovery through the Monastery of Jerónimos, the Belém Tower and the Discoveries Monument, without forgetting the delicious and world famous traditional pastries: the “Pastéis de Belem”.
Heading back to the city center, we pass the Basílica of Estrela, the Parliament and the Bairro Alto and Chiado districts, before parking in the Baixa (Downtown) district, where we’ll make a short walk through Lisbon’t most beautiful squares (Rossio, Figueira and Restauradores) stopping for a taste of green wine with a codfish cake and finishing with a glass of delicious Port Wine.
Overnight at Lisbon - Day 16
Lisbon to Porto by train
After breakfast, transfer to Lisbon station for train to Porto ... 4 hours journey
Opening up like a pop-up book from the banks of the Rio Douro, edgy-yet-opulent Porto entices with its historic centre, sumptuous food and wine, and charismatic locals.
Porto’s charms are as subtle as the nuances of an aged tawny port, best savoured slowly on a romp through the hilly backstreets of Miragaia, Ribeira and Massarelos. It’s the quiet moments of reflection and the snapshots of daily life that you’ll remember most: the slosh of the Douro against the docks; the snap of laundry drying in river winds; the sound of port glasses clinking; the sight of young lovers discreetly tangled under a landmark bridge, on the rim of a park fountain, in the crumbling notch of a graffiti-blasted wall…
Beyond Porto’s more obvious charms – the river, the port lodges, the alley-woven historic centre – it’s the city’s soulfulness that makes it that bit special. Revealing itself little by little, Porto is made for exploring on foot, and you never know quite where those thigh-challenging steps or back alleys will lead you. The laid-back vibe, ludicrously beautiful viewpoints and relentlessly hospitable locals make this an easy city to love. High-spirited nightlife, outstanding food, wine tasting, street art, avant-garde design, mood-lifting ocean views – you name it, Porto pulls it off time and again.
On arrival transfer to hotel for check in
Rest of the day at leisure to explore Porto
Overnight at Porto - Day 17
Porto - City Tour
After breakfast, city tour of Porto
On this panoramic tour, you will visit all the main sights of the wonderful city of porto. the rich architectural and artistic heritage, the natural beauty of the douro river banks, the vast cultural agenda and the hospitality of the people of the north are some of the main attractions of this city, which historical center was classified as world heritage by unesco in 1996.
Appreciate emblematic monuments such as the lello bookshop, founded in 1906 and voted one of the most beautiful libraries in the world, and the luis i bridge over the douro river, one of the landmarks of the city. then, continue the tour with the cathedral, one of the oldest buildings in the city, dating back to the 12th century and after, visit the railway station of são bento, considered by "travel + leisure" magazine as one of the 16 most beautiful train stations in the world. there is free time for lunch.
Along the river bank the tour will take you to the mouth of the river and we will continue along the ocean till the castle of queijo, the cheese castle or saint francis xavier fort, which is a small defensive fortification near the atlantic ocean. at the end of the tour, taste the world famous port wine, in a renowned wine cellar of vila nova de gaia.
Overnight at Porto - Day 18
Porto to Madrid
After breakfast, transfer to airport for flight to Madrid
Madrid is a beguiling place with an energy that carries one simple message: this city really knows how to live.
An Artistic City
Few cities boast an artistic pedigree quite as pure as Madrid’s: many art lovers return here again and again. For centuries, Spanish royals showered praise and riches upon the finest artists of the day, from home-grown talents such as Goya and Velázquez to Flemish and Italian greats.
A Culinary Capital
Rising above the humble claims of its local cuisine, Madrid has evolved into one of the richest culinary capitals of Europe. The city has wholeheartedly embraced all the creativity and innovation of Spain’s gastronomic revolution. But this acceptance of the new is wedded to a passion for the enduring traditions of Spanish cooking, for the conviviality of the eating experience and for showcasing the infinite variety of food from every Spanish region.
Killing the Night
Madrid nights are the stuff of legend, and the perfect complement to the more sedate charms of fine arts and fine dining. The city may have more bars than any other city on earth – a collection of storied cocktail bars and nightclubs that combine a hint of glamour with non-stop marcha (action).
On arrival transfer to hotel for check in
Later in the day, city tour of Madrid
Madrid, the capital of Spain, is a cosmopolitan city that combines the most modern infrastructures and the status as an economic, financial, administrative and service centre, with a large cultural and artistic heritage.
Discover the legacy of centuries of exciting history of the city of Madrid during this tour. the itinerary covers the following places: Gran Vía, Plaza de España, Royal Palace, Calle Mayor, Puerta del Sol, Puerta de Alcalá, Columbus Square, Paseo de la Castellana, the Real Madrid Stadium Santiago Bernabéu and Fountain of Cibeles.
After passing the Real Madrid stadium Santiago Bernabeu on Paseo de la Castellana, the old part of town begins with the Cibeles fountain by the town hall and the National Bank buildings. turning left at Cibeles dominates Puerta de Alcalá, built by Carlos III in 1778. it is one of the corners of the Retiro Park, the biggest park in Madrid city centre, created on the reign of Felipe IV.
Continuing over Paseo del Prado, passing by Neptuno fountain, Prado and Thyssen museums and La Caixa culture centre you reach Atocha main railway station, a beautiful 19th century building last remodelled by famous Rafael Moneo. inside the station there is a tropical garden with special microclimate. right in front of the station, Reina Sofia contemporary art museum imposes its beautiful 18th century building, once a hospital, perfectly connected to the modern part designed by famous French Jean Nouvel. Gran Vía is the main shopping area with Callao square and emblematic Telefonica building. at the end of the avenue, Plaza de España connects to the Royal Palace, marvellous sample of 18th century architecture. following Mayor street, which leads to main squares Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol, one reaches the very heart of downtown Madrid, where you can also find the famous statue of a bear and a madrone tree.
Overnight at Madrid - Day 19
Madrid - Excursion to Toledo
After breakfast, excursion to Toledo
Toledo is one of the Spanish cities with the greatest heritage of monuments. known as the “city of the three cultures”, Toledo preserves behind its walls an artistic and cultural legacy in the form of churches, palaces, fortresses, mosques and synagogues.
Some of the places you will see during this tour are: the Gothic Cathedral Santa Maria, Santo Tomé Church, Santa María la Blanca Synagogue, the alcazar, El Greco Museum, San Juan de Reyes Monastery and Synagogue of “El Tránsito”. In a world where religion continues to act as a divisive force, Toledo is a refreshing throwback. Dramatically sited atop a gorge overlooking the Río Tajo, it was known as the ‘city of three cultures’ in the Middle Ages, a place where – legend has it – Christian, Muslim and Jewish communities peacefully coexisted. Rediscovering the vestiges of this unique cultural synthesis remains modern Toledo’s most compelling attraction. Horseshoe-arched mosques, Sephardic synagogues and one of Spain’s finest Gothic cathedrals cram into its dense historical core. But the layers go much deeper. Further sleuthing will reveal Visigothic and Roman roots.
Toledo’s other forte is art, in particular the haunting canvases of El Greco, the influential, impossible-to-classify painter with whom the city is synonymous.
Back to Madrid by evening
Overnight at Madrid - Day 20
Departure Madrid
After breakfast, morning at leisure
Later in the day transfer to Madrid airport for onward flight
Notes
Round the Year Destination ... Extensions recommended to Morocco & other countries across Europe
Hotels
Tour Inclusions [Best of Spain & Portugal]
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3 nights Barcelona
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1 night Valencia
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3 nights Malaga
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2 nights Ibiza
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2 nights Seville
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2 nights Vilamoura [Algarve coast]
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2 nights Lisbon
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2 nights Porto
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2 nights Madrid
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Daily breakfast
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Intercity transfers as per Itinerary by train & Vans
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All transfers, sightseeings and excursions throughout the Itinerary as mentioned
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English speaking guide during sightseeings & excursions
Notes on itinerary
All our itineraries are "Just for Ideas" ... We will get to know you and customise an itinerary just for you that matches your requirements ... dates of travel, category of hotels, preferred airline, flexibility in choosing sightseeing, mode of travel between cities, etc.
Many of our clients have us design more relaxing, slower paced holidays with more in-depth experiences whereas some simply want to visit various destinations and cover only the highlights.
Together, we will determine the ideal route, pace of travel, accommodations, levels of pampering, style of touring, sightseeing to be included, dining preferences, adventure levels, options to meet locals, dates of travel & much more ! and based on this arrive at a price.
Do feel free to get in touch with us by a quick call on +91 79 29602961 or a short mail on mail@destinations4india.com ... Looking forward
