EXPLORE SPAIN AND PORTUGAL

Madrid

Hola! Welcome to Madrid, the Spanish capital known for its elegant boulevards and expansive, manicured parks.

Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as insurance details and next of kin information will be collected at this time.

If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know, and ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

As there's limited time for sightseeing in Madrid, booking a few extra days isn't a bad idea, and if you can’t arrange a flight arriving by early evening, arriving a day or two early is recommended.

After the welcome meeting, perhaps get into the mind of a Madrileno with some tapas with your fellow travellers.

Granada

Today morning catch a train to Granada. Located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Granada is packed with Moorish architecture, great tapas bars and natural beauty.

Take a walk around the old Arab quarter of the Albaicin, a labyrinth of crooked alleys, fountains, plazas and whitewashed houses, or the 'Alcaiceria' (old silk market area) and observe the craftworks on sale that include ceramics, marquetry and leather goods.

If you're feeling energetic, climb the steep streets up to the Mirador de San Nicolas for sunset views over the famous Alhambra. If you have time, perhaps check out the historic Renaissance Cathedral and Capilla Real, or watch the world go by as you indulge in some tapas at a bar.

Granada is the kind of city to leave your guidebook behind and trust your intuition. Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.

Granada

Today make a visit to Granada's impressive Alhambra Palace. An entrance ticket is included in the trip and grants you the visit of the Palace and the Gardens.

Discover this 11th-century marvel and its dominating red fortress towers, palace decor, architectural styles, and magnificent gardens, all set against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains. With fountains, impeccably maintained hedges and pools, centuries-old defensive walls, turrets, and views overlooking Granada, this renowned palace will not disappoint.

Make sure you allow enough time as the Alhambra is made up of three parts: the Alcazaba, the 11th-century Muslim wing which features spectacular views from its towers; the Palacio Nazaries, the centre of the complex; and Generalife, the summer palace of the sultans.

As the Alhambra is an incredibly popular site and tickets sell out quickly, the visit time may need to be moved depending on availability. Full passport details are required no later than 60 days before the start of the trip to guarantee access with the group.

After your visit, ask your leader to take you deeper into Granada’s Moorish Albaicin quarter and to the area of traditional tea houses. The view from this area across to the Alhambra Palace is not to be missed.

Tonight, perhaps meet up again with the group for dinner.

Seville

Travel by bus this morning to the vibrant city of Seville.

If the legends are to be believed, Seville was founded by Hercules and its origins are linked with the Tartessian civilisation. After the Christian reconquest, it became thought of as the portal to the 'New World', and is today the capital of Andalucia and the largest city in southern Spain.

Known for its important monuments and fascinating history, Seville is universally famous for being a joyous town. Sevillians are well known for their wit and sparkle, and the city itself is striking for its vitality and flamboyance – the city of Carmen, Don Juan and Figaro. Seville is also famous for its oranges, tapas and flamenco, all three of which are ingrained in the fabric of the city and its proud people. As the rest of the day is free for you to explore, why not go and experience it all in person.

Barrio Santa Cruz, with its multicultural history, is a great place to start, or maybe spend your evening on San Jacinto, the bustling main street of the Triana quarter. Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.

Seville

Today is a free day to discover Seville. Checking out the world's largest Gothic cathedral is a must, as is climbing the cathedral's adjoining Moorish tower, known as La Giralda, for views over the city.

Visit the magnificent Alcazar, a complex of palaces used by Moorish and Christian rulers through the ages, and now gaining international fame as a shooting location for ‘Game of Thrones’.

Wander through the fragrant gardens and examine the Moorish and Mudejar architecture. If you feel like an injection of culture, explore Seville's Museum of Fine Arts or the Archaeological Museum.

As Seville is the tapas capital of Spain, be sure to sample some of the tasty morsels on offer in one of the city's many tapas bars.

In the evening, catch a local flamenco performance with the group, a powerful and fiery show charged with emotion and drama. If you wish to visit the Royal Alcazar, it’s best to pre-book your tickets before the tour.

Algarve / Lagos

Today board a bus and cross the border into Portugal, travelling through fertile plains of orange orchards, olive groves and maize fields to the Algarve, Portugal's stunning southern coast.

Your destination is the seaside town of Lagos, set on the banks of the Rio Bensafrim and blessed with a temperate Mediterranean climate, beautiful beaches and rich heritage.

When you arrive, you might want to take a walk around the old town enclosed within 16th-century walls, wandering its cobbled streets, plazas and churches.

In the evening, perhaps feast on freshly caught fish at a restaurant overlooking the water and watch the golden sky at sunset before experiencing Lagos' lively nightlife. Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.

Algarve / Lagos

Most of today is free to enjoy Lagos and its surrounds. At some point during the day, depending on availability, you will enjoy a boat tour around Algarve’s dramatic rocky cliffs.

Explore the jagged limestone coastline of Ponta da Piedade, filled with arches, grottoes, towers and caves shaped by the sea. The exact timing will be advised in advance so you can plan the rest of your day.

For the remaining time, perhaps relax on Meia Praia, stroll through the town’s alleys, visit nearby beaches such as Praia do Porto de Mos or Camilo Beach, or simply watch the boats come and go from the waterfront.

Lisbon

Today head north by public bus to Lisbon. As one of Europe’s most pleasant and affordable capital cities, Lisbon combines fantastic architecture, a multicultural population, delicious seafood and non-stop nightlife.

Spend time discovering its museums, historic neighbourhoods and riverfront, or simply relax at an outdoor café watching daily life unfold. As evening falls, the Bairro Alto neighbourhood comes alive and offers the chance to enjoy a traditional fado performance, filled with emotion and nostalgia. Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

Lisbon

This morning, set out on a leader-led walk through Belém, one of Lisbon’s most historic districts, wandering past riverside monuments and ornate Manueline architecture tied to Portugal’s Age of Discovery.

Don’t miss the chance to sample warm pastéis de nata from a historic bakery. From early afternoon, the rest of the day is free to further explore Lisbon, perhaps visiting São Jorge Castle, cycling along the river, relaxing in Alfama, or discovering the city’s vibrant street art.

Porto

Continue north on a train to Porto, a romantic city stretching along the banks of the River Douro between the Atlantic Ocean and rolling hills. Known for its majestic bridges, medieval riverside district and colourful houses, Porto is also the birthplace of port wine.

Enjoy a group tasting of local tawny and ruby ports at one of the wine houses across the river. Later, soak up the atmosphere in one of the city’s many cafes or restaurants. Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

Porto

Today is a free day to explore Porto. Wander through the World Heritage-listed Ribeira district, visit ornate baroque churches, explore local markets or enjoy a boat cruise along the River Douro for views of the city’s six famous bridges. For dinner, perhaps try the city’s iconic francesinha sandwich before heading out to enjoy Porto’s nightlife.

Santiago de Compostela

Today board a bus bound for Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain. Famous as the final destination of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, the city is filled with spiritual energy and medieval beauty.

Visit the grand cathedral where St James is believed to be buried, stroll through atmospheric plazas and streets, and join locals and pilgrims in cafes around the old town. Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours.

Santiago de Compostela

Today you have the opportunity to join pilgrims on the final stretch of the Camino de Santiago. Travel early to Amenal village where the 18 km walk begins, passing through villages, rivers and countryside before reaching Monte do Gozo, where pilgrims traditionally glimpse the cathedral for the first time.

The walk takes approximately 4 to 6 hours and is subject to weather conditions, so comfortable footwear and rain protection are essential. If you prefer not to hike, there are plenty of ways to enjoy Santiago at your own pace.

The rest of the day is free to explore this remarkable World Heritage city.

Madrid

Today, take a train back to Madrid. After checking into your hotel, head out on an orientation walk with your leader to get your bearings.

The remainder of the day is free to explore as you wish, perhaps relaxing in El Retiro Park, visiting world-class museums, or enjoying one last Spanish dinner with your fellow travellers. Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.