The Iberian Tour

Duration

13 Days

Physical rate

Moderate

Starting city

Madrid

Available

April 2024 / March 2025

Cities to visit: Madrid; Merida; Evora; Lisbon; Fatima; Porto; Bom Jesus Do Monte, Braga; Cambados, Pontevedra, Galicia; Santiago De Compostela; Lugo; O Cebreiro; Leon; Oviedo; Covadonga; Santillana Del Mar; Santander; Bilbao; ; La Rioja; Zaragoza; Monasterio De Poblet, Tarragona Province; Barcelona; Peniscola; Valencia

Video Gallery


Detailed day by day description

Introduction

This tour is part of our flexible coach touring range, guaranteed with a minimum of 2 people. Once the tour is booked, it is guaranteed so it will definitely go ahead, and will never cancel.

This tour is guided in English only. Please note if English speaking attendance numbers are low, the tour can become bilingual either accompanied by two tour leaders, one for each language, or a single tour leader providing explanations in both languages.

The tour offers flexibility, allowing you to customize it to your preferences. By clicking 'Quote or Book,' you will have the choice to select your desired start and end dates and destinations within the tour's defined parameters. Given this flexibility, it's important to note that the same people, tour guides or drivers may not be on your entire journey.

Day
Welcome to Madrid!
Welcome to Europamundo!!!
IMPORTANT -IF YOU REQUESTED
ADDITIONAL NIGHTS upon arrival at the hotel, you would have your room booked,
but your trip guide would normally contact you at the beginning of the included
activities. YOUR TIME THEREFORE BEFORE THIS MOMENT IS FREE. The hotel staff can help you with all the information you need.
Note: The schedules that you will find in this itinerary are indicative. The guide, depending on the situation and in order to improve the development of the trip, may adjust the schedules.
Upon arrival at the airport, we shall be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. Check the informative panels in the hotel reception area for the welcome meeting with your guide and fellow travellers to receive information about the trip.
In the evening we provide transfers to the Plaza Mayor and La Latina, Madrid´s most famous area for night life and tapas restaurants, where you can dine at your preferred restaurant: Indian, Chinese, Spanish and Middle Eastern are some of the options.
The day starts around 08.30 hrs with a city tour through the centre of Madrid, including Paseo del Prado, Cibeles, Neptuno, the Gate of Alcalá, Plaza de Colón and Plaza Mayor.
We will visit Retiro Park , an oasis in the city centre, where we will see the lake and the Glass Palace. Entrance to the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, the football stadium of Real Madrid. We get to know the areas reserved for the players as well as the public areas and the small museum about this team, considered by some as the best in the world.
Enjoy the rest of the afternoon.
At the end of the evening, we will return to the hotel.
Total distance covered: 640 km.
Scenery: Wide open pastures in Extremadura, picturesque walled towns in Portugal, and arrival in Lisbon via the breathtaking suspension bridge over the Tagus River.
Note: There´s a time change when crossing into Portugal; remember to set your watch back one hour (when it´s 12:00 p.m. in Spain, it will be 11:00 a.m. in Portugal).
07:45 a.m. – Departure from Madrid (departure time may vary slightly depending on the starting point). We´ll journey through Castile and Extremadura.
12:15 p.m. - Mérida, the capital of Extremadura. Admission included to the archaeological complex of the Roman Theater and Amphitheater, the largest in the Iberian Peninsula and a World Heritage Site. It´s renowned not only for its excellent state of preservation but also as a testament to the significance of shows and entertainment in Ancient Rome. Mérida also has a vibrant pedestrian historic center with plenty of options for lunch.
03:30 p.m. – Departing from Mérida, we´ll enjoy beautiful landscapes of vast pastures. We´ll then cross into Portugal and enter the Alentejo region.
04:30 p.m. (Portuguese time) – Évora. We’ll arrive in the capital of Alentejo, one of the most ancient cities in Portugal, declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Time to have a walk through the historic center with its white streets, cathedral, and old churches, a taste of southern Portugal.
06:30 p.m. – Departure from Évora.
08:00 p.m. – Lisbon.
Note: If there are very few passengers, the journey from Madrid to Mérida may be conducted by public transport (regular bus or train).
Sightseeing tour of Lisbon. In the morning, you’ll enjoy a city tour with a local guide lasting approximately 2 hours. You’ll get to know the Portuguese capital of the seven hills, with its charming alleys, iconic tiles, the feeling of "saudade," and the beautiful Atlantic light. Our tour will include stops at the following points: Eduardo VII Park, Baixa Pombalina (Marquis of Pombal Square, Rossio with views of São Jorge Castle and Alfama), Estrela neighborhood, Estrela Basilica, the Monument of the Discoveries, Belém Tower, and the Jerónimos Monastery. The visit will conclude in the city center. You´ll have free time in the afternoon to further explore the city. We recommend taking the Glória Funicular to visit Bairro Alto and the São Pedro viewpoint. Optionally, our guide will offer visits to the picturesque towns of Sintra, with its castle, and Cascais and Estoril by the seaside.
08:30 p.m. - We’ll return to the hotel from the lively Restauradores Square , filled with vibrant bars and cafes.

Total distance covered: 320 km.
Scenery: Pleasant green landscapes, hills, historic cities.
08:00 a.m. – Departure from Lisbon.
09:45 a.m. – Fátima. We’ll have time to visit the Sanctuary, a significant pilgrimage site marking the apparitions of Our Lady to the Three Shepherd Children. The chapel was built in 1919 at the location of the 1917 apparitions in Cova de Iria, and the Sanctuary has since expanded to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims.
11:30 a.m. – Departure from Fátima.
02:00 p.m. – Porto. We’ll have time for lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll go on a panoramic tour of approximately two hours with a local guide of this coastal city at the mouth of the Douro River. The historic center, with its cobbled streets and colorful houses, is renowned for its imposing bridges and has been declared a World Heritage Site. At the end of the panoramic tour, we’ll visit one of its historic cellars where the famous Port wine is produced. You’ll have free time at leisure.
Total distance covered: 270 km.
Scenery: Beautiful green countryside and views over the Rías Baixas.
Note: Remember to bring warm clothes for the boat trip.
08:00 a.m. - Departure from Porto.
09:00 a.m. - Arrival in Braga. We´ll visit the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus and take a trip on the world’s oldest water-operated cable car. After exploring the sanctuary, we recommend descending via its picturesque staircase.
10:15 a.m. - Departure from Bom Jesus. We´ll head to Galicia with stunning views over the Galician estuaries.
13:00 p.m. (12:00 p.m. in Portugal) - Arrival in Cambados. This historic maritime town offers a glass-bottomed boat trip along the Ría de Arousa, where we´ll learn about mussel farming. Onboard, enjoy wine and mussel tastings. Free time to explore Cambados and have lunch follows.
16:00 p.m. - Departure from Cambados.
16:45 p.m. - Arriving in Santiago de Compostela, you´ll embark on a city tour with a local guide, learning about how St. James has drawn pilgrims for centuries. Wander through the medieval streets of the center and marvel at its majestic cathedral.
Note: On certain dates, particularly during the celebration of St. James’ Day, our groups may need to be accommodated in a city near Santiago.
Total distance covered: 475 km.
Scenery: Beautiful green hills, villages. Spectacular mountain scenery crossing the Cantabrian Range.
08:00 a.m. – Departure from Santiago. Following the ancient Way of St. James, amidst picturesque landscapes, we’ll travel to Lugo.
09:30 a.m. - Lugo - Free time. You can explore its walls, built over 2000 years ago by the Romans and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
11:00 a.m. – Departure from Lugo. We’ll journey to Castile, stopping in O Cebreiro, a charming Galician stone village that offers a glimpse into the region’s traditional way of life.
02:15 p.m. – León. Time for lunch and a stroll in this historic Leonese capital, located on the Way of St. James. Its Gothic cathedral is renowned for its magnificent stained-glass windows.
04:45 p.m. – Departure from León.
06:30 p.m. - Oviedo. We’ll include (sometimes the next morning) a 90-minute city tour with a local guide. Highlights include the ninth-century cathedral, the Calatrava Congressional Palace, the Campoamor Theatre, and the Calle de la Rua. We’ll spend the night in the capital of the Principality of Asturias, a city with a vibrant atmosphere.
Total distance covered: 260 km.

Scenery: Very beautiful scenery: mountains, views of the sea, little villages scattered along the way.
08:30 hrs. - Oviedo - departure from the capital of Asturias.
09:45 hrs.- Covadonga - Time to see the sanctuary nestled among the mountains, the place where the Reconquista of Spain began.
10:45 hrs. - Covadonga - departure. The green mountains blend with the sea. Beautiful scenery along the way.
12:30 hrs. - Santillana - Arrival. Time in this beautiful medieval village, its stone streets, its blazoned houses, the Collegiate. Time to have a stroll and lunch. In the vicinity of the town we will see (tickets included) the Museum of the Altamira Caves , a reproduction of the fantastic rock paintings preserved here.
16:00 hrs. - Santillana/Altamira - departure.
16:30 hrs. - Santander – Arrival in the regional capital, a maritime city with impressive views between mountains and beaches. We include the city tour of a little over 2 hours with a local guide to discover this elegant coastal city and its beautiful bay. During the tour we will stroll around the Pereda Gardens, we will climb to the Centro Botín and reach the Cathedral Square. Then, in the bus, we will continue to the Magdalena Peninsular, the Sardinero Beaches, the Grand Casino, Piquío Gardens and Cabo Mayor Lighthouse with the beautiful views of the city and its spectacular cliffs.
Arrival at a hotel at around 18:45 hrs.
Total distance covered: 410 km.
Scenery: Enjoy magnificent sea views, beautiful mountains, and lush green landscapes throughout the journey.
09:00 a.m. – Departure from Santander, beginning our scenic route towards the Basque Country.
10:30 a.m. – Bilbao. Arrival in the largest city of the Basque Country. We´ll embark on a brief city tour with a local guide, exploring highlights such as the Guggenheim area, the old quarter, and the Cathedral. After the tour, enjoy free time to indulge in authentic "pintxos."
02:15 p.m. – Departure from Bilbao. Journey onwards to La Rioja, renowned for its exceptional wines.
03:45 p.m. – Wine Culture Museum. Visit this fascinating museum and winery in the charming town of Briones. Explore the rich historical legacy and craftsmanship of winemaking, with admission and a wine tasting included.
05:15 p.m. – Departure from Wine Culture Museum.
07:45 p.m. – Zaragoza. Arrival and time to settle into your accommodation. We recommend taking a stroll through the old town to soak in the city´s charm.
Total distance covered: 325 km.
Scenery: Semi-desert landscapes in Aragon, and pleasant scenery in Catalonia.
After breakfast, we’ll go on a panoramic tour of Zaragoza guided by a local expert. Our first stop will be the Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar. We´ll also delve into the works of the famous painter Goya and discover some of his masterpieces. The tour will move on to the Roman theatre and a Renaissance palace, and then we’ll take a stroll by the Aljafería Palace. After the tour, you’ll have free time for lunch and a walk.
02:30 p.m. - Departure from Zaragoza.
05:00 p.m. – Poblet Abbey. Admission is included to this walled monastery, set amidst beautiful landscapes. It is one of the best-preserved medieval monasteries in the world.
06:15 p.m. - Departure from Poblet Abbey. We’ll cross rich agricultural regions of central Catalonia.
08:00 p.m. - Barcelona.

09:00 h. - City tour with our guide or the local guide of Barcelona, famous for Gaudí and its modernist architecture. We will see the Columbus monument, Plaza de Cataluña, Paseo de Gracia, Diagonal, Sagrada Familia, Montjuich with the Olympic facilities and Plaza de España. We finish at the Ramblas area. You can have a walk in the historic center - Gothic quarter. After the city tour our guide will offer you optionally the visit to the Gaudí´s masterpiece and emblem of the city, the Sagrada Familia. Free time in the afternoon.
18.30 hrs- In the evening we include a transfer to the Maremagnum , a modern leisure center and restaurants facing the sea, next to Plaza Colón, where you can stroll through this lively area and dine.
20.30 hrs- Return to hotel.
Total distance covered: 725 km.

Scenery: We’ll follow the Levantine coast, traveling between the Mediterranean Sea and landscapes dotted with orchards, citrus groves, and rice fields, before arriving in Valencia. The journey also takes us through the arid lands of the peninsular interior.
08:00 a.m. - Departure from Barcelona. We’ll travel to the Valencian Community along the Levantine coast.
10:45 a.m. - Peniscola. Dominating the sea with its imposing walls, this historic center, with its steep streets, white houses, and medieval castle, tells tales of popes and pirates. Peniscola is one of the most beautiful villages on the Spanish Mediterranean. You’ll have time for a walk.
12:30 p.m. - Departure from Peniscola.
02:30 p.m. - Valencia. Free time in the center for lunch. We suggest visiting the Lonja and the Cathedral. Why not try an authentic Valencian paella?
04:30 p.m. - Departure from Valencia. After passing through the avant-garde City of Arts and Sciences, we’ll continue towards Castilla-La Mancha and Madrid.
09:00 p.m. - Madrid.
Note: In some cases, the journey from Valencia to Madrid might be carried out by train.
After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.
Note: Please be aware that the hotel check-out time is usually 10:00 a.m. You can leave your luggage in reception upon check-out, allowing you to explore the city without carrying your bags. You can retrieve your luggage at your convenience later in the day. If you require additional time to use your room, we recommend booking an extra night at the end of your tour.

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From AUD 2,599