Itinerary
- Day 1
Madrid
You'll arrive in Madrid this morning and meet your tour leader and group at the hotel. From there, a local guide takes you through the city's top spots, showing off the Christmas decorations and festive atmosphere. Your evening includes a welcome dinner with the group at a Spanish restaurant to help everyone get acquainted.
- Meals
- Dinner (Welcome dinner in Madrid)
Included Activities
- Explore Madrid with a local guide
- Welcome dinner in Madrid
- Day 2
Madrid to Toledo to Granada
The coach heads south to Toledo, a UNESCO city that was Spain's spiritual center. You'll see the Gothic Cathedral and other historic architecture before traveling to Granada. Your tour leader walks you through the main attractions and explains the Moorish heritage of the area, with views of the Alhambra across the valley. Free time later, though you can book an optional food and wine experience if interested.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit the ancient city of Toledo
- Discover the delights of Granada
Optional Activities
- Local food and wine experience in Granada (must be booked prior to tour start)
Landmarks/POIs Toledo Cathedral Alhambra - Day 3
Granada to Ronda to Seville
If you've pre-booked, you can visit the Alhambra Palace and Gardens early in the day. Later the group travels through Andalusia to Ronda, known for its old architecture and the dramatic Puente Nuevo bridge overlooking the countryside. You'll reach Seville by evening and explore the old town with a guide, then sit down for an included dinner at a local restaurant.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Local dinner in Seville)
Included Activities
- Visit Ronda; home to the famous Puente Nuevo
- See Seville on a driving tour
- Enjoy a local dinner in Seville
Optional Activities
- Visit Alhambra Palace & Gardens (must be booked prior to tour start)
Landmarks/POIs Puente Nuevo Alhambra Palace & Gardens - Day 4
Seville
It's Christmas Day in Seville, and you're free to spend it however you'd like. Walk around, check out Plaza de Espana, or visit some of the historical buildings. You might try Roscón de Reyes, a traditional Spanish holiday treat. An optional pre-booked excursion includes Casa de Pilatos and a three-course lunch if you want a structured day. A flamenco show is available tonight to celebrate.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Christmas Day excursion including Casa de Pilatos visit, three-course lunch, and Las Setas experience (must be booked prior to tour start)
- Flamenco show in Seville
Landmarks/POIs Plaza de España Casa de Pilatos Las Setas - Day 5
Seville to Algarve to Lisbon
Boxing Day morning, you're crossing into Portugal toward Lisbon. The route takes you through southern Portugal and stops in the Algarve, where you'll have time to explore the town, relax on the beach, or grab lunch. After arriving in Lisbon, your tour leader gives a driving tour pointing out the Tagus River, Belém Tower, and the Padrão dos Descobrimentos. Take note of places to explore tomorrow.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit the Algarve; Portugal's stunning southern coast
- Enjoy a driving tour of Lisbon
Landmarks/POIs Belém Tower Padrão dos Descobrimentos Tagus River - Day 6
Lisbon
Today Lisbon is yours to explore. You might walk to the Monument to the Discoveries or Belém Tower, climb up to the Bairro Alto district, or listen to Fado music from local windows. A Vida Portuguesa is good for souvenirs, and local bakeries have fresh Pastéis de Nata. If you prefer guided activities, optional trips go to Sintra for palaces and mountain views, or to the Fátima Sanctuary and Coin Caves.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Full-day optional trip to Sintra (mountains, palaces, parks and medieval residences)
- Optional trip to Fátima Sanctuary & Coin Caves
Landmarks/POIs Monument to the Discoveries Belém Tower Bairro Alto A Vida Portuguesa Sintra Fátima Sanctuary - Day 7
Lisbon to Obidos to Porto
The coach travels to Porto with a stop in Óbidos, a fortified medieval town with narrow streets, beautiful houses, and a castle on the hillside. Once in Porto, you'll walk and drive with a local guide around the Cathedral, São Bento train station, Clérigos Tower, and the Luis I bridge. Later you'll do an authentic Port wine tasting. An optional Fado performance and dinner happens tonight if you're interested.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Obidos; a medieval fortified town
- Enjoy a driving and walking tour of Porto
- Taste Portugal's most famous drink - Port!
Optional Activities
- Live Fado performance followed by delicious dinner in Porto
Landmarks/POIs Obidos Porto Cathedral São Bento Train Station Clerigos Tower Luis I Bridge - Day 8
Porto to Ciudad Rodrigo to Salamanca
You'll head back to Spain and stop in Ciudad Rodrigo, a 12th-century fortified city with diverse art and architecture. After an orientation tour, there's time for lunch before moving on to Salamanca. Once at the hotel, you'll freshen up and take another orientation tour of this UNESCO-listed University city with your tour leader. The farewell dinner comes tonight, a three-course meal featuring local Salamanca specialties.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Traditional three-course dinner featuring food unique to Salamanca)
Included Activities
- Visit Ciudad Rodrigo, a 12th-century fortified town
- Explore Salamanca at your leisure
- Traditional dinner in Salamanca
Landmarks/POIs Ciudad Rodrigo Salamanca - Day 9
Salamanca to Avila to Madrid
On the final day, you travel from Salamanca to Ávila, a UNESCO town famous for its preserved medieval city walls. You'll see the Romanesque churches, monasteries, and palaces showing off the region's medieval style. Then it's back to Madrid where the tour ends this afternoon. You'll say goodbye to the group and exchange contact information with your new friends from all over the world.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Avila; home to incredible Romanesque architecture
Landmarks/POIs Avila Avila City Walls
