Highlights of Spain and Portugal

Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival, Madrid

  Welcome to Madrid, the capital of Spain! Upon arrival, you will be picked up from the airport and transferred to your hotel in the heart of the city.

  If it is not time to check in yet, you could enjoy a leisure walking tour, taking you to pass through Madrid's oldest quarters and tracing the legacy of the Habsburg and Bourbon dynasties. Discover the main sights like Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, Arco de Cuchilleros, Plaza de la Villa, Royal Palace of Madrid (exterior), the Plaza de Oriente and so on.

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• Day 2: Madrid - Toledo - Madrid

  Spend half a day venturing out to explore Toledo with a private driver and a local guide. This city was declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986 for its extensive monumental and cultural heritage. Placing yourself among it, you'll discover a glorious city filled with amazing medieval architecture. The highlights include the Toledo Cathedral - one of the three 13th-century High Gothic cathedrals in Spain, the Synagogue of Santa Maria la Blanca - the oldest still-standing synagogue in Europe, and the Church of Santo Tome - where you can witness one of El Greco's renowned pieces, the Burial of the Count of Orgaz.

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• Day 3: Madrid - Granada

  After breakfast, you will head to Granada, a pearl of Spain. It usually takes about 4.5 hours on the road.

  Upon arrival, a local guide will take you on a half-day tour to narrate a colorful history as you wander down lanes that are also full of the present. You will hear of fables and riddles that only Granada knows the answer to.

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• Day 4: Granada

  Continue your exploration of Granada. Your half-day tour today will start with the finest jewel of Granada - the 13th century Alhambra. Perched atop Assabica Hill overlooking the entire city, this imposing hilltop fortress is one of the world's finest examples of Moorish art and architecture. Afterward, visit the serene Generalife Garden. Walk along the lanes of the gardens and appreciate its beautifully designed courtyards, waterfalls and ponds, and views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
  The rest of the day is free at leisure.

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• Day 5: Granada - Seville

  Drive along a rural road departing for Seville. The road between Granada and Seville weaves across the Andalusian plateau, hopping between white villages perched high on the cliffs. During the road, you will make a leisurely journey through the heart of Andalusia to discover a heritage that has been expertly preserved. Wander to Mudejar castles, discover houses built into caves, inhale the silence that prevails, and feel the soothing serenity of a wild and remote route. You will have lunch on your terms in one of the villages and reach Seville around late afternoon. Hotel check-in and rest after your arrival.

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• Day 6: Seville

  This morning you will take a half-day tour of Seville to discover its fascinating charm. Starting from the Seville Cathedral to hidden plazas and alleyways of Andalusian life, your local guide will take you to both the famous sights and the unknown attractions. After the tour, the afternoon is left for you to find more details of Seville on your own.

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• Day 7: Seville - Lisbon

  Breakfast in the hotel and then depart for Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. Upon arrival, enjoy a half-day tour of this charming city. See the Lisbon Cathedral with a history dating back to the 12th century, admire St. George's Castle, and catch a stunning panorama over the city from the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte. Later, continue to Belem District. Visit the stunning 16th century Church of Hieronymites Monastery, followed by an exterior tour of the Belem Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries.

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• Day 8: Lisbon - Estoril - Cascais - Sintra - Lisbon

  Accompanied by a local guide, you will depart on a scenic coastal drive to the famed resort town of Estoril. Upon arrival, take a stroll on the Tamariz Beach promenade, admiring the 17th century Forte da Cruz decorated with palm trees. Continue to Cascais, an important tourist destination located on the Portuguese Riviera. Passing through its animated town center, you'll find a cosmopolitan life side by side with stunning Atlantic beaches.

  Afterward, head to Sintra, where hundreds of years of history and culture await. Ascend the mountain by shuttle for a visit of the 19th century Pena Palace. Its incredible combination of architectural styles, colors, and shapes, will make you feel like you've entered a fairytale.

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• Day 9: Lisbon - Aveiro - Porto

  Begin your journey towards Aveiro, known as the "Portuguese Venice". Here you will soak up the charms of the town center where the tile facades make a unique connection to the river within the city, and see the sights surrounding its canals from a traditional moliceiro boat. Later, take a relaxing time at the sandy white beach of Costa Nova for the colorful architecture of this area's charming old fishing houses.

  Afterward, continue your journey to Porto. On arrival, enjoy a panoramic tour of this city and then check into your hotel for rest.

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• Day 10: Porto - Douro Valley - Porto

  Spending a full day exploring the stunning Douro Valley would be a nice choice. Located not far from Porto, it is a picturesque valley surrounded by towering mountains. These mountains are covered with vineyards. On the road to the valley, you will see Baroque buildings stand amid ancient vineyards and lavish green landscapes. Besides the stunning landscape, you will also have chances to taste two wines at two vineyards. One is for tasting the variety of wines produced here, the other for a picnic and wine tasting surrounded by vines. Later, enjoy a 2-hour tour on the Douro River.

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• Day 11: Porto, Departure

  After a happy holiday in Spain and Portugal, it is time to say goodbye. You can enjoy some leisure time before your driver transfers you to the airport for your homebound flight.

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