Portugal, Basque Country with Lourdes, Andorra and Barcelona (2025)

Dag 1

We will depart from Madrid early in the morning, heading south through La Mancha. Our first stop will be in Puerto Lápice, a charming Manchego village evocative of Don Quixote. We will then continue into Andalusia via Despeñaperros, arriving in Granada, where lunch will be included. In the afternoon, if you have chosen the option that includes a visit to the Alhambra, we will explore the magnificent Alhambra Palace and its beautiful Generalife Gardens, both built during the Arab period, with a local guide.VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: The number of visitors allowed into the Alhambra is strictly regulated by law. To ensure your admission, tickets will be issued upon confirming your tour reservation. It´s essential to provide accurate personal details (full name and passport/ID number) at the time of booking. Please be aware that ticket costs are non-refundable in case of cancellation. In rare cases where the Alhambra visit is not possible, we will instead tour the Royal Alcázar of Seville, which offers similar historical and architectural significance.

Dag 2

Departure from Granada. We´ll head towards the Costa del Sol. First stop, Malaga, where we´ll have time for a stroll through its historic district, famous for its cathedral and the Picasso Museum. Afterward, we´ll proceed along the coastal highway, enjoying picturesque views of the Mediterranean. Puerto Banús, in Marbella, is a stunning and sophisticated recreational harbor. In the afternoon, we´ll continue our journey through the mountains listening to stories of bandits before reaching Ronda, a picturesque white town known for its cliffside location and a deep canyon that divides the town. Finally, Seville. We’ll arrive in the evening.

Dag 3

In the morning, we´ll embark on a city tour of Seville, where you´ll visit the cathedral with its famous Giralda, explore the banks of the Guadalquivir River, and wander through the popular neighborhoods of Santa Cruz and Triana. After the tour, enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the Guadalquivir River offering stunning panoramic views (included). In the evening, you´ll have the option to attend a popular flamenco tablao.

Dag 4

We’ll leave Seville, traveling through pleasant landscapes of rolling hills and expansive pasturelands as we head towards Extremadura. In Mérida, admission is included to the Archaeological Ensemble of Mérida, which features a Roman Theater and Amphitheater. This site is renowned for its excellent preservation and its designation as a World Heritage Site. You´ll have time for lunch and a stroll through the vibrant pedestrian historic center, filled with restaurants and local charm. We will then continue to Portugal, stopping in Évora, another World Heritage Site, known for its whitewashed streets, Renaissance palaces, and cathedral. We’ll arrive in Lisbon in the evening.

Dag 5

In the morning, we´ll embark on a sightseeing tour of 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 Belem 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 go to the 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 cafes.

Dag 6

We’ll head to the north of Portugal to visit Fátima, a revered sanctuary. Our journey will then take us to Porto, Portugal’s second largest city. We’ll have free time for lunch before embarking on a panoramic tour of this charming coastal city at the mouth of the Douro River. Known for its cobblestone streets, colorful houses, imposing bridges, and delicious wines, Porto promises a delightful experience. We’ll also include a visit to one of its historic cellars. After the tour, you’ll have free time to explore at your leisure.

Dag 7

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 in Rías Baixas. Here, we´ll embark on 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.

Dag 8

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 tour of 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.

Dag 9

We will travel to Picos de Europa. We will visit Basílica de Covadonga which is surrounded by beautiful scenery. We will resume our journey following the coastline to SANTILLANA, one of Spain’s most beautiful towns, and we will visit its well-preserved medieval quarter. We visit the National Museum and Research Centre of ALTAMIRA (ticket included) located in the vicinity of this town. We will later travel to SANTANDER, the region’s capital city, a coastal city with amazing vistas and beaches. We include panoramic city tour to discover this elegant city and its beautiful bay. NOTE: On some high difficulty dates (especially in summer from July to mid September), some groups can be accommodated in Bilbao.

Dag 10

Dag 11

In the morning, after admiring the views over the bay of San Sebastian from Mount Igueldo, we´ll head to the Miramar Palace and its beautiful gardens. Free time afterwards to enjoy the city´s large beach or stroll along its boulevards. We suggest having lunch in the "Old Town" famous for its pintxos bars. Early in the afternoon, we will go to France. BORDEAUX, arrival in the evening. We suggest taking a walk through the city center.

Dag 12

The entire center of Bordeaux has been recognized as a World Heritage Site. Prepare to be captivated by the "Water Mirror" and explore the historic old town with its charming pedestrian streets and 11th-century cathedral. We will include admission to the Cité du Vin (with audio tour in English, Spanish or French), an impressive interactive museum that delves into the history and production of wine; wine tasting included at the viewpoint overlooking Bordeaux. Later, you´ll have free time to stroll along the Garonne River banks, lined with quaint restaurants perfect for lunch. Afterward, we continue towards the Pyrenees, arriving in Lourdes by mid-afternoon. You´ll have time to visit the sanctuary (we suggest attending the candlelit procession). Dinner will be included.

Dag 13

We´ll travel through the south of France, starting in Carcassonne, where we´ll have time to explore and enjoy lunch in this city famous for its medieval walls, impressive castle, and picturesque historic district (La Cité). Afterward, we´ll continue towards the Pyrenees mountain range, making a brief stop in Foix, a medieval town renowned for the Château de Foix. We’ll continue through the Pyrenees, with their snowy peaks visible year-round, and arrive in Andorra, a small country where the official language is Catalan. On our route, we´ll make a short stop at Sant Joan de Caselles, a small Romanesque church from the 12th century. We´ll continue to Andorra la Vella, Andorra’s capital, where you´ll have free time to explore the city with its bustling commercial life or visit Caldea, the largest thermal spa in Europe. Dinner will be included.

Dag 14

We’ll have free time in Andorra for shopping or a walk. After lunch, we’ll continue our journey to Catalonia. The mountain countryside will lead us to the impressive abbey of Santa Maria de Montserrat, where we’ll take a rack train up the mountain (included) to enjoy its fantastic scenery. After exploring the sanctuary, we’ll continue to Barcelona, arriving in the late afternoon.

Dag 15

In the morning we will enjoy the city tour of Barcelona, open to the Mediterranean Sea, famous for Gaudí and its modernist architecture, for its promenades and memories of the Universal Exhibitions and Olympics that took place there. Barcelona is considered one of the most beautiful and interesting European cities. Free time in the afternoon.In the evening we include a transfer to the Maremagnum, an avant-garde leisure center with restaurants facing the sea, next to Plaza Colón, where you can stroll through this lively area and dine.

Dag 16

We’ll travel south along the Mediterranean, making a special stop in Peniscola, a charming walled town by the sea surrounded by picturesque landscapes, where we’ll have time for a stroll. We’ll then continue to Valencia, a vibrant port city on the Levantine coast, arriving around lunchtime. Will you try the famous paella? At approximately 04:30 p.m., we’ll continue our journey to Madrid, but not before making a brief stop at the avant-garde City of Arts and Sciences of Valencia. We’ll arrive in Madrid between 08:30 and 09:00 p.m.Note: Depending on the number of passengers, the journey from Valencia to Madrid might be carried out by high-speed train.

Dag 17

After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.