Lisbon to Madrid, Valencia & Barca - 13 days

Lisbon – Obidos – Coimbra – Aveiro – Porto. Departing Lisbon this morning, we head first to Obidos, a charming walled town filled with delightful discoveries. There is free time here to explore the sturdy walls of the Moorish Castle, stroll through cobbled shopping lanes, and indulge in a delightful Ginjinha d'Obidos, a sweet liqueur served in a chocolate cup.





Continuing north, we reach Coimbra, a former Portuguese capital renowned for its ancient university dating back to the 13th century. We enjoy an included visit to this historic institution and there's time for you to find a nice restaurant for lunch. Next, we venture to Aveiro, a town reminiscent of Venice with its canals and art-nouveau architecture. Completing our drive to Porto, the evening is at leisure.





Please note: Pick up for this tour is at 8:15 on day 1 (tour departs at 8:30) - Lisbon Pick Up Point, Hotel Zenit, Lisbon.

Porto – Douro Valley – Porto. Today you have a choice! You can enjoy a free day in Porto to explore at your own pace, or you can join an optional half-day excursion to the Douro Valley.





On our optional trip, we travel to Pinhao for a river cruise on a traditional rabelo boat, tasting the local port wine and savouring the breathtaking scenery. We continue to Peso de Regua for optional wine tasting or free time to explore. On the way back to Porto we stop at the Mesao Frio viewpoint which offers stunning views of the Douro River.





The rest of the day is free to further explore the city, savour its wines and cuisine at leisure. If you appreciate live music, consider attending a performance of Fado, Portugal's emotionally stirring traditional music.

Porto – Braga – Guimaraes – Santiago de Compostela (Spain). Today we leave Porto and journey north to Braga, where we take in the renowned Bom Jesus Sanctuary. This site, celebrated for its religious, cultural, and architectural significance, earned its UNESCO World Heritage status in 2019. Nestled at the base of Mount Espinho, we'll marvel at the Baroque staircase adorned with ornate granite fountains. At the top is a neoclassical church offering panoramic city views. To reach the summit, you can purchase a special elevator ticket or ascend nearly 600 steps on foot.





Our next destination is Guimaraes, often referred to as the 'birthplace of Portugal.' The historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is free time for lunch, and an optional visit to the Palace of Braganza.





We then cross the border into Spain and arrive in Santiago de Compostela, one of the world's most important pilgrimage destinations.

Santiago de Compostela – Cape Finisterre – Santiago de Compostela. Today, You have another choice to make. Free time to explore Santiago de Compostela or an optional full-day excursion to Cape Finisterre.





If you opt for the trip, the day commences with a scenic drive along the Costa da Morte, known as 'the Coast of Death' - it was once a hotspot for shipwrecks. We pass through Noia and make a quick stop in Muros. See Galicia's largest beach, Playa de Carnota and walk to see the Ezaro Waterfall tumble directly into the sea.





We finally arrive at the 'End of the World' at Cape Finisterre, a place ancient civilizations believed marked the Earth's edge. Here, we can admire the lighthouse and gaze out at the wild Atlantic Ocean. Continuing to the harbour town of Muxia, there's free time to grab a bite to eat and watch the ships heading out to sea.





We then make our way back to Santiago de Compostela, where the evening is free to marvel at the renowned cathedral built atop the remains of St. James, one of the apostles of Jesus Christ.

Santiago de Compostela – Lugo – Las Medulas – Salamanca. Our day begins in Lugo, best known for housing the world's only fully intact Roman city walls. We can take a leisurely stroll along these ancient defences, channelling our inner Roman Legionnaire.





Next, we'll follow the footsteps of the Romans to Las Medulas. The landscape here is surreal, with peculiar red holes and mountain cavities. These are a legacy of the Romans, who carved into the earth in search of gold. We explore this unique area and there's time for lunch before we complete our drive to Salamanca.

Salamanca – Avila – El Escorial – Madrid. There's free time this morning to explore Salamanca independently before we journey onto the vast plains of Castile and Leon. We make a stop for lunch in Avila before an included visit to El Escorial, home to the Spanish Royal Family and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Arriving in Madrid in the early evening, you can head out for dinner in the Spanish capital.

Today is completely free for you to explore the Spanish capital. There are many ways to spend your day; for sightseeing, we recommend the hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus, taking in highlights such as the Royal Palace and the main square, Plaza Mayor. You could also take in the home of one of sport's greatest teams, Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu football stadium. Art lovers can explore the Prado Museum, or you can simply unwind in a tapas restaurant with a jug of sangria - the choice is yours!





Please note: In Madrid, some members of your group may be ending their tour, and others may join. You may also meet a new guide for the next part of your trip, and change vehicle.

Madrid – Cuenca – La Serrania National Park – Cuenca. Leaving Madrid, we journey through the heart of Old Spain, Castilla-La Mancha. This region boasts serene landscapes, diverse nature, and renowned Manchego cheese.





Our first destination is Villarejo de Salvanes, a small town with an intriguing castle and pre-Roman archaeological sites. Continuing to Cuenca, we enjoy a guided walking tour, including a visit to the 12th-Century Gothic cathedral.





From Cuenca, we venture into La Serrania National Park, a vast 73,000-hectare wildlife sanctuary. We take in the incredible and bizarre mushroom-shaped rock formations of the 'Enchanted City', and keep our eyes peeled for resident wildlife, including wild boar, golden eagles and majestic griffon vultures. Enjoy the panoramic vistas from the Mirador de Una viewpoint before we return to Cuenca, our base for two nights. The evening is at leisure.

Cuenca – Segobriga – Belmonte – Cuenca. We start today with an included visit to the Roman settlement of Segobriga, which offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of the Spanish Meseta. After exploring the remarkably preserved amphitheatre, public baths, and temples, we head south to Belmonte. There's free time for a tapas lunch before our included visit to the remarkable 15th-Century Castillo de Belmonte, known for its unique triangular courtyard and six-pointed star shape.





Back in Cuenca, there's free time to explore at leisure. You may wish to visit the Castilla-La Mancha Paleontological Museum, home to incredible dinosaur fossils and models.

Cuenca – Alcala del Jucar – Valencia. From Cuenca, we journey to Alcala del Jucar, a captivating town nestled within natural caves and perched between the castle and the Jucar River. There's free time to explore the town and find somewhere for lunch.





Next, we visit a winery in Requena for included wine tasting. This region has produced some of Spain's finest wine as far back as the 7th Century BC. After sampling some of the regional produce, we head to Valencia. This coastal gem is known as the birthplace of paella, boasts a vibrant nightlife, and is home to stunning architecture.

Valencia - Albufera Natural Park - Valencia. This morning, we explore the Monastery of Santa Maria in El Puig on an included visit. This structure has a diverse history with cloisters and defensive elements - it has served as a temple, a school, and even a prison





Next, we visit Albufera Natural Park, home to the rice paddies where paella was born. You can enjoy an optional boat ride or spend our time here observing the unique flora and fauna. There's also time for lunch independently. Returning to Valencia, we enjoy a short orientation tour of the city and the evening is at leisure.

Valencia – Xativa – Cullera – Valencia. Today we journey to Xativa, known as the 'Town of a Thousand Fountains'. Situated on the slopes of Monte Vernissa, it is best known as the historic home of the notorious noble family of Borgia. We enjoy an included visit to Xativa Castle and a short tour of the town, as well as free time to further explore independently.





Next, we head to the charming coastal town of Cullera. Our time here is free to relax on the beach, or enjoy panoramic views from the 13th-Century castle. In the afternoon, we return to Valencia. The rest of the day is free, or you can join an optional walking tour of the city, coupled with a delectable tapas experience.

Valencia – Peniscola – Sitges – Barcelona. In the morning we depart Valencia for the coastal town of Peniscola, known as the 'City in the Sea'. There's an optional visit to the Papa Lunas Castle, built by the Knights Templar in the late 1200s. Perched at the peninsula's highest point, the castle offers panoramic coastal views. Alternatively, don your swimsuit for a refreshing swim in the tranquil sea.





Continuing along the Mediterranean coast, our next stop is Sitges, a lively cultural hub boasting modernist architecture and intriguing museums. After a short visit, we complete our journey to Barcelona, where our tour ends.





Please note: This tour finishes at 18:30 - Barcelona Drop Off, Abba Sants Hotel, Barcelona. (If travelling prior to April 2024, you will be dropped at Hotel Evenia Rocafort, Barcelona).