Wonders of Spain & Portugal: 11-Day Small Group Tour

DAY 1: WELCOME TO BARCELONA

Welcome to Barcelona! Upon arrival at the airport, you will be transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Accommodation at the Catalonia Plaza Hotel, Barcelona, or similar

DAY 2: BARCELONA SIGHTSEEING

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a morning city tour of Barcelona. Drive along the main avenues to admire impressive Gaudí modernist buildings, including La Pedrera and Casa Batlló. Visit Montjuïc Park for spectacular views of the city and harbor, as well as the Olympic Ring, Columbus Monument, and the Olympic Port. Explore Barcelona’s most iconic landmark, the Sagrada Familia, with insights from your expert local guide. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Catalonia Plaza Hotel, Barcelona, or similar

DAY 3: BARCELONA TO MADRID

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the train station for your high-speed train ride to Madrid. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. In the evening, join your fellow travelers for an authentic Welcome Tapas Dinner. Please note that the train journey to Madrid is unescorted. Meals: B, D

Accommodation at the AC Hotel Cuzco, Madrid, or similar

DAY 4: MADRID SIGHTSEEING

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a guided city tour to discover the beauty of Madrid. Explore the historic Barrio de la Morería, the Hapsburgs District, Plaza Mayor, and Plaza de la Villa, as well as the Bourbon heritage and the town planning of Charles III, featuring the Royal Palace, Cibeles and Neptuno Fountains, and the Puerta de Alcalá.

Experience contemporary Madrid in areas like Gran Vía, Castellana, and Salamanca, including the commercial and financial districts, and visit the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Football Stadium. During the tour, savor a traditional Madrid snack of chocolate with churros. The afternoon is yours to explore the city further at your leisure. Meals: B

Accommodation at the AC Hotel Cuzco, Madrid, or similar

DAY 5: MADRID TO PORTO VIA SALAMANCA

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before heading to Portugal. We’ll drive to Salamanca, where you’ll have free time to explore this historic university city and UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its remarkable architectural and artistic wealth. Afterward, we’ll continue to the Portuguese border and arrive in Porto. Nestled along the Douro River estuary in northern Portugal, Porto is one of Europe’s oldest cities and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Bessa Hotel Boavista, Porto, or similar

DAY 6: PORTO SIGHTSEEING

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a guided sightseeing tour of Porto. Admire the Cathedral, the Stock Exchange building, and Santa Clara Church. Next, enjoy a scenic Douro River cruise and visit the famous Port wine cellars, where a tasting experience awaits you. The rest of the day is yours to explore at leisure. In the evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a traditional fado show accompanied by dinner. Meals: B, D

Accommodation at the Bessa Hotel Boavista, Porto, or similar

DAY 7: PORTO TO COIMBRA VIA AVEIRO

After breakfast, we depart for Aveiro, often called “The Venice of Portugal” for its picturesque canals. Enjoy a ride on a moliceiro, a traditional colorful boat used to navigate the waterways. Afterward, we’ll continue to Coimbra, where a local guide will lead us on a tour of this historic city, renowned for its prestigious university—one of the oldest in Europe—along with its charming medieval streets and beautiful riverfront. Meals: B

Accommodation at the Hotel Coimbra Aeminium, Affiliated by Meliá, Coimbra, or similar

DAY 8: COIMBRA, BATALHA, NAZARE & LISBON

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before departing for the Batalha Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its stunning Gothic and Manueline architecture. Next, we’ll visit the picturesque fishing town of Nazaré, where you’ll have some time at leisure to explore. Afterward, we continue to Lisbon. In the evening, we’ll cross the Tagus River to Cacilhas for a delightful seafood dinner at a local restaurant. Meals: B, D

Accommodation at the VIP Entrecampos, Lisbon, or similar

DAY 9: LISBON SIGHTSEEING

After breakfast, embark on a morning sightseeing tour of ancient Olissipo. Drive through its main squares and avenues, including the Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, Monument to the Discoverers, Marquis of Pombal Square, and Liberty Avenue. The afternoon is yours to explore at leisure, allowing you to discover the nostalgic corners of the Alfama Quarter, where old buildings nestle in narrow, winding streets filled with vibrant colors and charming “tabernas.” Enjoy the rest of the day soaking in the beauty of this magnificent city. Meals: B

Accommodation at the VIP Entrecampos, Lisbon, or similar

DAY 10: LISBON, MERIDA & MADRID

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before departing for Mérida, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its well-preserved Roman ruins, including the Roman Theatre and Amphitheatre. Explore the city’s rich historical heritage before continuing to Madrid. In the evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner. Meals: B, D

Accommodation at the AC Hotel Cuzco, Madrid, or similar

DAY 11: MADRID DEPARTURE

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the airport for your departure. Meals: B