Northern Spain And Portugal Escorted Vacation

Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. (Your arrival transfer is included only if you arrive on the actual day the tour commences. For customers arriving earlier an individual transfer can be organized at an additional cost. Night supplements will be charged for early morning/late evening transfers). Overnight in Barcelona.

After Breakfast, enjoy a captivating morning city tour of Barcelona. Travel down the city’s main avenues and be awed by the remarkable Gaudi modernist buildings, including iconic landmarks like La Pedrera and Casa Mila. Explore the breathtaking Montjuic Park, where you’ll see panoramic views of the city and harbor. Visit the Olympic Ring and the monument to Columbus and take in the charm of the Olympic Port. Your journey then leads you to the heart of Barcelona, where you’ll encounter its most celebrated icon, the Sagrada Familia. The afternoon is at your leisure. Overnight in Barcelona. (B)

Breakfast is at the hotel. Today you will be transferred to the Barcelona train station for a high-speed journey to Madrid. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Madrid. (B)

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel this morning before embarking on a guided city tour to uncover the many treasures of Madrid. Explore the historic Barrio de la Moreira, the charming Hapsburgs District, iconic landmarks like Plaza Mayor and Plaza de la Villa, and delve into the legacy of the bourbons with visits to the Royal Palace, Cibeles, and Neptuno Fountains, and the Puerto de Alcala. Experience contemporary Madrid as you journey through modern areas such as Gran Via, Castellana, the upscale district of Salamanca, and the bustling commercial and financial hubs of the city, including a glimpse of the Santiago Bernabeu Football Stadium. This afternoon, explore the city on your own during some free time. In the evening, reunite with your fellow travelers for an authentic Tapas Dinner. Overnight in Madrid. (B,D)

After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll depart for Burgos. Here you’ll have some leisure time to explore the impressive 13th century Gothic Cathedral, which ranks as the third largest in Spain, following Seville and Toledo. Continue your journey to Haro, nestled in the heart of La Rioja, renowned for its world-famous Spanish wine production. Amidst picturesque vineyards, visit a charming, family-run wine cellar, where you can savor the renowned Rioja Reds. After this delightful experience, proceed to Bilbao. Overnight in Bilbao. (B)

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a Bilbao city tour. Later, you’ll have some free time to wander the esplanade surrounding the iconic Guggenheim Museum, marveling at its modern architectural splendor. In the afternoon, head to San Sebastian, a renowned tourist destination famous for hosting the International Film Festival. Take in the panoramic sights of this charming city, with tis breathtaking landscape dominated by the bay and the magnificent La Concha beach. Upon returning to Bilbao, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant to savor the famous and traditional ‘pintxos,’ the Basque name for Tapas. Overnight in Bilbao. (B,D)

After breakfast you will set off for Asturias, often referred to as ‘Green Spain.’ Visit the charming old fishing village of Castro Urdiales, where you’ll have some leisure time to explore its picturesque streets and waterfront. You will then continue to Santander, a captivating port city nestled between the sea and the mountains. Overnight in Santander. (B)

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a journey to Santillana del Mar, a renowned historical and artistic gem nestled in the heart of Spain. Following your visit, your adventure continues to Covadonga. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the Sanctuary and the Grotto, where you can pay your respects to the patroness of Asturias, Our Lady of Covadonga. In the afternoon, set out for Oviedo. Enjoy some free time where you can wander its charming streets, encountering World Heritage sites like The Cathedral, an exquisite example of Gothic Asturian architecture. Conclude your day with a memorable dining experience at a traditional cider house. Overnight in Oviedo. (B,D)

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for the captivating Galician region, stopping enroute on your way to Lugo in the charming town of Mondonedo. You’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in history by visiting the 13th-century Cathedral and indulging in the delectable “Mondonedo cake,” a local delicacy. Continue onto your next destination, Lugo, where you’ll have time to explore the well-preserved remnants of ancient Rome. Later, arrive in Santiago de Compostela, the city that holds profound significance as the foremost center of Christian pilgrimages in Spain. Overnight in Santiago de Compostela. (B)

Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel, before enjoying a guided tour of beautiful Santiago, where you will visit the renowned Obradoiro Square and the awe-inspiring Cathedral dedicated to the Apostle Santiago. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to wander through the charming and winding cobblestone streets, immersing yourself in the city’s unique ambiance. Overnight in Santiago de Compostela. (B)

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Next, embark on a journey towards one of Galicia’s most enchanting regions, the Rias Bajas, often likened to Spanish Fjords. Our adventure continues to the scenic Ria de Arosa, where you’ll enjoy a picturesque cruise while savoring the flavors of local wines and mussels. After this captivating experience, it’s onto Porto in Northern Portugal. Overnight in Porto. (B)

After breakfast, you will enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Porto. Admire the historic Cathedral, the majestic Stock Exchange building, and the charming Santa Clara church. Following this exploration, take a scenic Douro River Cruise, and venture into the renowned Port Wine Cellars for a delightful wine tasting experience. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Overnight in Porto. (B)

Breakfast is at the hotel. Your day at leisure provides the perfect opportunity to savor the city at your own pace and make the most of your time in Portugal. Overnight in Porto. (B)

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel this morning before departing for Coimbra, home to one of Europe’s most ancient universities and the renowned birthplace of Fado music. You’ll have some leisure time to explore this historic city. Your journey then continues to Fatima, a focal point of the Christian Faith and a globally recognized Pilgrimage Sanctuary. In Fatima, you will be captivated by the impressive Basilica and the sacred Cova da Iria, where the Virgin Mary is believed to have appeared. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to visit the Chapel of the Apparitions. As evening falls, there is an option to partake in the candlelight procession, a truly moving experience. Overnight in Fatima. (B)

After breakfast at your hotel, visit the Batalha Monastery, an architectural masterpiece blending Gothic and Manueline styles. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this monastery is sure to leave you in awe. Next on your itinerary is the charming coastal town of Nazare, renowned for its fishing traditions. Here, you’ll have some leisure time to soak in the coastal beauty and perhaps savor local delights. Continue onto Alcobaca, another UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its exquisite Gothic church and historic Cistercian monastery, with roots tracing back to the 12th Century. Finally, your journey leads you to the vibrant city of Lisbon. Overnight in Lisbon. (B)

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a morning city sightseeing tour of historic Olissipo. Your journey will take you through its iconic squares and grand avenues, passing by notable landmarks such as Belem Tower, the Jeronimos Monastery, the Monument to the Discovereres, Marquis of Pombal Square, and Liberty Avenue. The afternoon offers leisure time for you to explore the nostalgic corners of the Alfama Quarter, the ancient district nested alongside its Castle. In the evening, join your fellow travelers for a delightful Portuguese dinner. This culinary experience will take you to one of the city’s oldest Fado venues, located within a culturally rich neighborhood that adds to the charm of the evening. Overnight in Lisbon. (B,D)

After breakfast set out on a journey to Caceres, a city recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its remarkable fusion of Roman, Islamic, Northern Gothic, and Italian Renaissance architectural styles. Take a leisurely stroll through its iconic Plaza Mayor and explore the enchanting Old Town, famous for its well-preserved Medieval Quarter. Your adventure continues as you make your way to Madrid. Overnight in Madrid. (B)

You will be transferred to the Madrid airport for your return flight home. (Your departure transfer is included only if you depart on the actual day the tour concludes. For travelers departing later an individual transfer can be organized at an additional cost. Night supplements will be charged for early morning/late evening transfers.). (B)