Barcelona to Lisbon - 13 days

Barcelona – Montserrat – Lleida – Huesca. Leaving Barcelona this morning, we journey to the dramatic Montserrat mountain. This unique landscape is home to a Benedictine Monastery and Spain's revered Madonna and Child statue. We enjoy leisure time for lunch, and you can join an optional visit to the monastery or ride the cable car to the top of the mountain for panoramic views over Catalonia.





We continue our journey, making a stop in the quiet town of Lleida, renowned for its Roman heritage. There's free time for you to discover its ancient castle and cathedral independently. As day turns to evening we reach Huesca. The evening is free to wander the hilly town's medieval streets, discovering numerous churches and picturesque facades.





Please note: Pick up for this tour is at 8:45 on day 1 (tour departs at 9:00) - Barcelona Pick Up, Abba Sants Hotel, Barcelona.

Huesca – Monte Perdido National Park – Jaca – Huesca. Today we'll be outdoors and there will be some walking involved, so wear a good pair of shoes! Our first stop is Torla-Ordesa, the gateway to Monte Perdido National Park. Here we take in stunning cliffs, lush oak and pine forests, and stunning 1,700-meter-high views over the Pyrenees.





Journeying through the mountains to Jaca, we discover the only surviving Spanish star-shaped fortress. There is also time for you to savour some of Aragon's regional cuisine before we return to Huesca for the evening.

Huesca – Zaragoza – Haro. Arriving in enchanting Zaragoza in the morning, we take an included visit to the 11th-century Aljaferia Palace. After admiring its beautiful porticos, we have some free time to explore. Art lovers can search for Goya paintings, history enthusiasts can discover Roman remains, and foodies can savour chireta, a delicious local dish.





Our next stop is Tarazona, known for its stunning medieval Mudejar style architecture, blending Muslim and Christian elements. Moving on to the village of Haro, the evening is free to enjoy a glass or two of local La Rioja red wine.

Haro – San Sebastian – Pamplona – Haro. Today we explore the Basque Country, a region of unique traditions, stunning shores, and delectable cuisine. We begin in San Sebastian, a food lover's paradise that boasts the highest Michelin star density per capita. Enjoy lunch and stroll along the picturesque La Concha beach.





We then journey inland to Pamplona, known controversially for ‘the Running of the Bulls'. There is free time for you to stroll along the impressive walls of the town fortress before we return to Haro for the evening.

Haro – La Rioja – Haro. Today we embark on a scenic morning drive through La Rioja's gentle hills to Santo Domingo de la Calzada where there is free time to wander its medieval streets or explore the cathedral. Then we travel to a family run winery to savour the local flavours of its wine and snacks with an included wine tasting.





In the afternoon we visit San Vicente de la Sonsierra. We cross the medieval Ebro River bridge for stunning valley views from the castle on the other side. We return to Haro in the afternoon, with plenty of time to relax in the hotel, or head out for a final dinner in northern Spain.

Haro – Burgos – Real Sitio de San Ildefonso – Madrid. Say goodbye to La Rioja and journey to the region of Castile and Leon today. Our first stop is in Burgos, where we have a few hours to explore. You'll want to check out the cathedral, one of Spain's most spectacular.





After lunch in Aranda de Duero, a haven for wine and food enthusiasts, we head south to the Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso, often called Spain's 'mini-Versailles.' We explore its opulent rooms and stunning grounds with an included ticket. We reach Madrid in the evening.

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 – Toledo – Cordoba. Departing the current Spanish capital, we head south to Toledo, the former capital of the country. Perched on a hill overlooking the Tajo River, it's often called the 'City of Three Cultures.' There is free time to explore its cobbled streets and seek out the remnants of Muslim mosques, Jewish synagogues, and Christian cathedrals.





Next, we travel through Castilla-La Mancha, the backdrop for literary hero Don Quixote's adventures. Along the way, we stop at Despenaperros Natural Park, the gateway to Andalucia. Arriving in Cordoba, the evening is free to head out for dinner and discover some of the city's lively squares and charming architecture.

Cordoba – Granada. In the morning we enjoy an included visit to La Mezquita, a stunning Moorish mosque featuring rows of adorned arches, a serene interior, and even a cathedral inside. Then we journey through olive tree-covered hills, signalling our entry into the olive oil-producing province of Jaen.





We continue our trip south and pay a visit to the hilltop fortress of Fortaleza de la Mota. We arrive in Granada early in the evening, where we'll stay for the next two nights.

Granada – Guadix – Granada. This morning we take in one of Spain's most famous attractions, the UNESCO-listed Alhambra fortress and palace. Entrance is included and there will be time to explore this cavernous architectural wonder.





In the afternoon, we visit the unique Barrio de las Cuevas of Guadix and you can opt to visit the Guadix Cave Dwellings Interpretation Centre, nestled within original cave dwellings. If time permits, we enjoy a photo stop of the Sierra Nevada mountains before returning to Granada. The evening is free - why not head out for some mouth-watering tapas this evening?

Granada – Ronda – Seville. We begin our journey today in the El Torcal de Antequera nature reserve in the Sierra del Torcal Mountains. Marvel at the incredible limestone formations sculpted over millions of years.





We continue through Andalucia's countryside, taking in the landscapes of Malaga's 'Lake District' before reaching Ronda. This town is dramatically perched on the cliffs of El Tajo Gorge and is known for its rich literary history, old city walls, and charming plazas. There's free time to explore and savour a leisurely lunch.





Next, we enjoy an included visit to an olive oil farm, to find out more about the production of Spain's 'liquid gold'. It's then time to complete our journey to Seville, where we'll spend the next two nights.

Today is at leisure to explore Seville, one of Spain's most popular cities. You could visit the iconic cathedral, enjoy a glass of wine in the buzzing Plaza de Espana or take a stroll along the banks of the Guadalquivir River. Your guide can help you with suggestions!





Alternatively, you can join an optional half day tour to Jerez, best known for flamenco, horses and sherry production. The evening is free back in Seville.

Seville – Huelva – Tavira (Portugal) – Lisbon. Departing Seville, we head west to the Costa de la Luz, known for its bright sunshine and golden sandy beaches. We make a stop in Huelva, a seaside city where Christopher Columbus once mapped his voyage to seek a western sea route to China and India. There's an included visit to the waterside exhibition of Muelle de las Carabelas, housing life-size replicas of Columbus's three ships.





We then say Adios to Spain and cross the border into neighbouring Portugal. Heading through the Algarve, we stop in Tavira, nestled along the River Gilao. There is some free time to wander its cobblestone streets, admire the ancient Roman bridge, and enjoy some delectable Portuguese cuisine.





We then complete our journey to the Portuguese capital of Lisbon, where our tour comes to an end.





Please note: This tour finishes at 19:00 - Lisbon Drop Off, Hotel Zenit, Lisbon.