Discover Iberia and Barcelona

Day 1: Madrid

Welcome to Madrid! Upon arrival at the airport, we’ll transfer you to your hotel. You’ll have some free time until the exploration begins. Please check the information signs at the reception area for details about the welcome meeting with your guide and fellow travelers.

In the evening, we’ll provide a transfer to Plaza Mayor and La Latina, Madrid’s most famous neighborhood for nightlife and tapas restaurants. You can choose to dine at any restaurant you prefer, with a variety of options including Spanish, Indian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern cuisines.

Day 2: Madrid

The morning will begin with a comprehensive tour of central Madrid, featuring highlights such as Paseo del Prado, Cibeles, Neptuno, Puerta de Alcalá, Plaza de Colón, and Plaza Mayor.

We’ll then visit Retiro Park, a beautiful oasis in the city center, where we’ll see the lake and the Palacio de Cristal. Admission is included to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, the home of Real Madrid—considered by many to be the best football club in the world.

Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your leisure. In the evening, we’ll provide a return transfer to the hotel.

Day 3: Madrid - Mérida - Évora - Lisbon

We’ll leave Madrid, heading towards the capital of Extremadura: Mérida, where we’ll visit the archaeological complex of the Roman Theatre and Amphitheatre, a World Heritage Site renowned for its excellent state of preservation.

There will be time for lunch in the pleasant pedestrian historic center, bustling with life and restaurants. We’ll continue to Portugal and stop in Évora, another city recognized as a World Heritage Site, with its white streets, Renaissance palaces, and cathedral.

We’ll arrive in Lisbon in the evening.

Day 4: Lisbon

In the morning, we’ll hop on a sightseeing visit to Lisbon, exploring the Portuguese capital of the seven hills, with its charming alleys, iconic tiles, the feeling of “saudade,” and the beautiful Atlantic light.

We’ll also visit the Belém neighborhood, from where the great Portuguese navigators set sail to cross the oceans in the 15th century.

Free time in the afternoon to walk and explore Bairro Alto and its viewpoint. If you’d like to, you could take an optional trip to the towns of Sintra, Cascais, and Estoril.

In the evening, we’ll return to the hotel from the lively Restauradores Square, filled with vibrant bars and cafés.

Day 5: Lisbon - Fátima - Porto

We’ll travel to the north of Portugal, where we’ll visit Fátima, an important pilgrimage site. We’ll then continue to Porto, the country’s second-largest city.

After lunch, we’ll enjoy a 50-minute cruise along the Douro River aboard a traditional Portuguese “Rabelo” boat, offering a unique perspective of the city’s beautiful riverside.

Afterwards, you’ll have free time to explore the lively medieval Ribeira district, known for its narrow streets lined with historic merchant houses and charming cafés, before heading to the hotel.

Day 6: Porto - Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary - Cambados - Santiago de Compostela

Today, we’ll travel through stunning landscapes. In Braga, we’ll take a ride on the world’s oldest water-operated cable car to reach the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus, where breathtaking views await.

After exploring the sanctuary, we recommend descending via its picturesque staircase.

Our journey continues into Galicia, where we’ll visit the historic town of Cambados or O Grove in Rías Baixas. Here, we’ll take a glass-bottom boat trip along the Ría de Arousa, learning about mussel and oyster production. Enjoy wine and mussel tasting onboard.

At lunchtime, we’ll arrive in Santiago de Compostela for a city tour led by a local guide, exploring its medieval streets and renowned pilgrimage sites dating back to the Middle Ages.

Day 7: Santiago de Compostela - Lugo - O Cebreiro - León - Oviedo

We’ll travel along the Way of St. James, beginning with Lugo. Here, we’ll have time to explore the historic town center and its Roman walls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Next, we’ll visit O Cebreiro, a charming Galician stone village. Our journey will continue to León, where we’ll arrive at lunchtime.

In León, we’ll visit the magnificent Gothic cathedral, renowned for its stained-glass windows, and enjoy a stroll through the historic town center. We’ll then cross the Cantabrian Range on our way to Asturias, arriving in Oviedo by evening.

We’ll include a visit to the city with a local guide, either upon arrival or the following morning. During this hour-and-a-half tour, we’ll visit the 9th-century cathedral, the Calatrava Congressional Palace, Campoamor Theatre, and Calle de la Rua. Dinner is included in a traditional Asturian cider house.

Day 8: Oviedo - Covadonga - Santillana del Mar - Santander

We’ll travel to the Picos de Europa (Peaks of Europe). Our journey will begin with a visit to the Basilica of Covadonga. From there, we’ll follow the coastline to Santillana, one of Spain’s most beautiful towns, with an intact medieval quarter. We’ll also visit the Altamira Cave Museum, located nearby.

Later, we’ll head to Santander, the capital of the region, a coastal city offering stunning views of both mountains and beaches. A panoramic tour with a local guide is included, allowing us to explore this elegant coastal city and its beautiful bay.

Day 9: Santander - Bilbao - Foronda Service Area - La Rioja - Zaragoza

After breakfast, we’ll take a guided tour of BILBAO, the largest city in the Basque Country and the region’s primary economic and cultural hub.A major highlight is the Guggenheim Museum, famous for its striking exterior architecture. You’ll have free time to stroll around the area or visit the museum if you wish.

Later, we’ll continue to the La Rioja region, renowned for its exceptional wines. We’ll visit the Wine Culture Museum in Briones to delve into the ancient art of winemaking. We’ll arrive in Zaragoza in the evening.

Day 10: Zaragoza - Poblet - Barcelona

We’ll start the day with a morning panoramic tour of Zaragoza guided by a local expert. Our first stop will be the Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar. We’ll also delve into the works of the famous painter Goya and discover some of his masterpieces.

The group will move on to the Roman Theatre and a Renaissance palace, and then we’ll take a stroll by the Aljafería Palace. After lunch, we’ll head to Catalonia to visit the Poblet Abbey, a stunning walled monastery set amidst beautiful scenery. It is one of the best-preserved medieval monasteries in the world (tickets included). Our journey will then take us to Barcelona, where we’ll arrive in the evening.