25. Best of Portugal & Spain

Two weeks in Spain and northern Portugal to reveal their natural and cultural richness—the magnificent scenery, dynamic cities, and iconic attractions—will make this journey unforgettable.

From Madrid, we'll visit Andalusia's "golden triangle"—Seville,, Cordoba, and Granada—to see Spanish culture. Flamenco rhythms, guitar strumming, delicious tapas, and passionate locals will captivate you. Andalusia is truly Spain's most visited region due to its history, charm, and natural beauty.

Later, we'll move to eastern Spain. Shore offers 1000 kilometers of Mediterranean coastline with stunning views. Barcelona and Valencia—mediterranean beauties—are the main attractions. Eat great seafood, view top landmarks, and unwind on sandy beaches.

Later, to Zaragoza. Aragon's capital is lying between the Mediterranean and Atlantic. ''Nuestra Señora del Pilar'' Cathedral is a stunning example of the city's history and architecture.

The legendary cities of San Sebastian and Bilbao in northern Spain welcome us with their natural beauty and unique environment. Santillana de Mar, Covadonga, and Natural Park Picos are all added to the picture.

Then, west to fascinating Galicia. This Spanish region has beautiful cities and villages thanks to its coastline, lush hills, and high mountains. Galicia's beaches and scenery are famous despite its milder Atlantic Ocean waves than the Mediterranean or Costa del Sol in the south. Octopus and shrimp are local favorites. We will visit the beautiful cities of La Coruña, Santiago de Compostela and Vigo.

The tour continues to Portugal, a historical and scenic destination. Formerly a fishing village, Porto is Portugal's second-largest and most famous city. Vintage style, dark skies, ancient architecture, and Douro River lights make the city unique and mysterious. Porto attracts travelers from throughout the world with its gorgeous surroundings, friendly people, famous trams, superb architecture, and world-class wines.

Beautiful Salamanca is our penultimate visit before we'll get back to the Capital - Madrid, the place where we started.

Please click here to see the route on a map.

Day 1. Madrid - Trujillo - Lisbon (658km ~ 409 miles)

We will start from Madrid at 8 a.m., heading to the province of Extremadura, one of Spain's western provinces, a remote area filled with natural parks and dramatic scenery. Our stop there will be in the ancient town of Trujillo. Once there, you will be amazed by the number of castles, churches, and manor houses. A bronze-cast statue of Pizarro stands watch over Trujillo's own Plaza Mayor square. You will have an hour and a half to explore all the beauty of the medieval center.

• Over the centuries, Plaza Mayor has been the commercial and social center of the city, hosting different festivals and markets. Around it, you can see many buildings that were built between the 14th and 16th centuries. The manor houses are characterized by their angular balconies, a distinct element of Trujillo’s architecture.
• The essential visit to Trujillo is definitely the Castillo de Trujillo, or Trujillo Castle. Dare to climb the Old Town for a few minutes, and you will find this well-preserved castle. Additionally, by spending 2.5 euros, you can visit the interior of the castle and walk on the walls to admire the breathtaking views of the Extremadura region and Plaza Mayor.
• Trujillo has outstanding products among other Extremadura regions. You can try the caldereta, a stew prepared with goats or sheep meat, as well as ''chard'' (wild asparagus) and truffles.

From Trujillo, we will proceed to Portugal and reach its capital, Lisbon, in the early evening.

Day 2. Lisbon

Breakfast, followed by a city tour with a local guide. Lisbon offers a rich and varied history, a buzzing nightlife, and is blessed with a glorious year-round climate. It is a bustling and exciting city that boasts a wide choice of activities and fascinating tourist attractions. The city has a welcoming atmosphere while still embracing its deep-rooted heritage and extensive history. Some of the highlights of the tour include:

• Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument of the Discoveries): This 50-meter-tall sculpture is a monument to the Portuguese ''Era of Discovery'' and to ''Henry the Navigator'', Vasco da Gama, and Ferdinand Magellan. A total of 33 statues line the sides of the monument, each representing an important figure from that epoch: monarchs, cartographers, and scientists stand alongside explorers, artists, and missionaries.
• Belem Tower The Torre de Belém was built in the 16th century as a military fortress and ceremonial entrance to the city. And yet, despite its primary function as a defensive structure, the tower’s delicate ornamentation, which includes arcaded windows, intricate sculptures, and Moorish-style watchtowers, makes it a real architectural marvel.
• Jeronimos Monastery. The undisputed highlight is the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos. Construction of this former monastery began in 1501, and as designs became increasingly elaborate (fueled by trade with Asia), it eventually took nearly a hundred years to complete. Today, it stands as a testament to the prosperity of Lisbon at the height of the Portuguese empire. Check out its impressive cloisters, replete with ornate sculptural details and masterful stonework, and pay your respects to the major historical figures buried here, including Vasco da Gama and the celebrated poet Luís de Camões. Entrance and tour inside.
• Alfama Quarter. A maze of narrow, winding streets, Lisbon's Alfama quarter is the oldest and most historical part of the Portuguese capital, having survived the great earthquake and subsequent fires and tidal waves of 1755 almost intact. Mostly traffic-free these days, except for the occasional 100-year-old tram creaking and rattling through, this ancient labyrinth of twisting lanes and cobbled stairways is in many ways the heart and soul of the Portuguese capital.

Enjoy an evening in Lisbon on your own. Please do not miss an opportunity to try the famous pastel de nata (egg tart), a local culinary icon whose recipe dates back to the 16th century. You can buy it at any cafe or bakery shop.

Second night in Lisbon.

Day 3. Lisbon - Fatima - Lisbon (264km ~ 164 miles)

Breakfast in the hotel, then a tour to Fatima, one of the world's largest Catholic pilgrimage sites, with its Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima (Santuário de Fátima). A tour and some free time here to feel and appreciate this sacred place. Some facts about Fatima:

• Portugal is known as a Catholic country filled with dramatic monasteries and ancient churches, but the Sanctuary of Fátima is one of the most sacred Catholic destinations that receives around 5 million visitors every year. Between May 13 and October 13, 1917, three shepherd children are believed to have witnessed six apparitions of the Virgin Mary, who imparted various messages and predictions about the future. During the last of these apparitions, it is said that around 50,000 observers witnessed the sun moving around in the sky in a way that defied the laws of cosmology.
• Among the various buildings associated with the sanctuary, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary (Basílica de Nossa Senhora do Rosário) is a solid limestone church built between 1928 and 1953 in Neo-Baroque style. The basilica has a 65-meter-high bell tower, and there is a large statue of Our Lady of Fatima above the main entrance to the church.
• Across the square from the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, the Basilica of the Holy Trinity (Basílica da Santíssima Trindade) is a relatively austere, modern structure built between 2004 and 2007 to accommodate the crowds who flock here on the anniversaries of the apparitions. With a seating capacity of over 8,000, this is among one of the biggest Catholic churches in the world.

Later, we will return to Lisbon. Free evening and third night in Lisbon.

Day 4. Lisbon - Caceres - Sevilla (575km ~ 357 miles)

After breakfast, we are heading back to Spain. We'll cross the border and pass again through the province of Extremadura, but this time we'll head to Caceres, a town founded by the Romans in 25 BC. Visiting Cáceres will bring you back to the medieval era. The streets climb and twist among hoary palaces and mansions. As you turn your head up, you can see the skyline decorated with gargoyles, spires, and gigantic storks’ nests. The fortress has been serving as a defensive wall since the 16th century. You will have a good hour and a half there, so go ahead and check the main highlights; those are very close to each other:

• Plaza Mayor, Cáceres, is the town’s most lively square. There are several must-see places located in Plaza Mayor. Climb up the steps from the old town and turn left. You will see the great Torre de Bujaco, or Bujaco Tower. At the top of the tower, you will be treated to a stork's'-eye view of the Plaza Mayor. To climb the tower, you need to spend 2 euros.
• Next to Torre de Bujaco, at the top of the stone stairs, you will see the Arco de La Estrella (Star Archway). This archway serves as a traditional entrance to the Old Town. Built in the 18th century, this archway is considered to be the most important gate in Cáceres.
• The essential part of traveling to Cáceres is what lies inside the fortress. As you enter the Arco de la Estrella, several antique buildings greet you. If you walk left from the archway, you will find the Palacio de Toledo-Moctezuma, built between the 14th and 15th centuries. Though you can only visit the palace from the outside, the front-facing architecture is worth seeing.
• Additionally, the small streets in the Old Town have different small shops selling local products, such as homemade pastries and sweets. Other local products definitely worth trying are goat cheese (Torta de Casar) and fig cake.

After a break, you will take the highway towards Andalusia. Arrival, dinner, and overnight in Seville.

Day 5: Seville

Breakfast in the hotel, followed by a proper city tour throughout Seville with a local guide, to admire this beautiful and also the largest city in Southern Spain. With numerous sights and attractions, this city will never leave visitors stuck for choice. The main highlights of the tour are:

• Plaza de España was built as a centerpiece for the 1929 Ibero-American Exhibition. Described as one of Seville’s most impressive sights, this plaza (square) measures 50,000 sq. meters. Only a twenty-minute walk from Seville Cathedral, this is one of Seville’s more popular locations, and with a canal measuring 500 meters, the plaza is known as ''the Venice of Seville’’. It is a magnificent sight and a must-see, with its colored ceramics and 48 tiled alcoves, each representing a different province of Spain. This place is not only popular with tourists and visitors, as it has been used as the location of a number of films, including Lawrence of Arabia and Star Wars.
• Maria Luisa Park acted as the site of the Ibero-American Exhibition in 1929. Filled with orange trees, palm trees, and flower beds, it is the perfect place to unwind. With a number of colorfully tiled benches and fountains erected in a Moorish style, this park brings a touch of the exotic to the city. It is surrounded by a number of historic sites and wonderful architectural buildings, which allows visitors to indirectly appreciate the beauty of Seville.
• Seville’s cathedral is one of the largest in the world. It stands at an enormous 126 meters long and 83 meters wide, with a ceiling height of 37 meters. The classical exterior draws visitors into an equally impressive interior. For example, the main altarpiece consists of 36 gilded panels, gently glimmering through the space. Globe-trotters can also pay their own homage to one of the world’s greatest travelers: the cathedral holds the sarcophagus of Christopher Columbus. A definite must-see.
• Barrio Santa Cruz is Seville’s most famous area and a former Jewish quarter. Its unfeasibly narrow streets, white houses, secret squares, and small churches create an unforgettable atmosphere; just enjoy it.

After the city tour, you will have the afternoon off to rest or explore more on your own.

• You can check out the inside of the cathedral or visit the famous Giralda Bell Tower attached to it. This is the most iconic representation of the Islam and Christian traditions that define Seville’s history. You can walk to the very top, and, except for the final section, which features stairs, the route almost all the way up (for stunning views!) is via ramps.
• Go to Metropol Parasol, also known as the ''Mushrooms of the Incarnation'', built just a few years ago and now one of Seville’s newest architectural ventures. It is the largest wooden structure in the world, and from the top of it, you can have a truly spectacular view. The structure also hosts a museum, which houses Roman remains found during the beginning of construction.
• Another suggestion for your free time is to explore the district of Triana, Seville’s former gypsy quarter and one of the city’s most distinctive attractions. Its colorful, quaint streets are lined with old-style tapas bars, the walls of which are often plastered with faded bullfighting posters, photos of flamenco artists, and weeping Virgin Marys. It is also known for its locally made ceramics, which adorn the walls of its old, whitewashed houses, and one of Seville’s best and most lively markets, the Mercado de Triana.

Lunch and some free time. Night in Seville.

Day 6. Seville - Cordoba (145km ~ 90 miles)

Breakfast in the hotel, then departure towards another Andalusian ''hot spot''—Cordoba. This place is truly one of the most beautiful old towns in Andalusia, as well as one of Spain's most famous historical monuments. Here you will be guided on a tour through its historic center—a conspicuously charming place with its patios and courtyards, decorated with pots of aromatic jasmine and geraniums—and walk narrow, winding streets lined with what must be some of the prettiest and most colorful houses in southern Spain. And of course, you will enter the Mosque-Cathedral, the greatest dual-identity monument in Spain.

• Mosque-Cathedral. Originally, there was a Roman temple on this site, but it was replaced by a Christian church during the Visigoth era. Both Christians and Muslims used the church as a place of worship after the Moors captured Cordoba in 711. But the reign of religious pluralism in Córdoba didn’t last long: in 784, on the orders of the Emir Abd al-Rahman, the church was destroyed and work on a great mosque began. Construction lasted for over two centuries, and when the building was completed in 987, Córdoba’s mosque was the largest in the Islamic kingdom, save only for that of Kaaba in Arabia. When the city was reclaimed by Christians in 1236, the mosque was converted into a church, and in the 16th century, Charles V added a great Renaissance nave right on top of the original Moorish structure. The mosque’s most photographed aspect is its vast main hall, which is supported by over 850 double-arched columns. Sunlight and shadows create unusual effects as you wander among them, contemplating the multifaceted history of this great building.

Extending in a tangle of cobbled streets and squares to the north of the Mosque-Cathedral is Juderia, the city’s former Jewish quarter. This is a great area to stop for lunch, packed as it is with smart restaurants as well as superb no-frills tapas bars. Free time to have lunch and buy some souvenirs.

Arrival at the hotel, accommodation, dinner, and night in Cordoba.

Day 7. Cordoba - Ronda - Costa del Sol (332km ~ 206 miles)

Breakfast. Transfer and a first stop at the beautiful town of Ronda. Steeped in dark myths and bullfighting folklore, while boasting one of the most extraordinary locations in Spain, it is no wonder that Ronda has become Andalusia’s third most visited place. With its world-famous New Bridge and bullring, as well as the hidden corners of the gorge on top of which it perches, Ronda will definitely not disappoint.

In Ronda, you will have free time to explore the main highlights of this beautiful town.

• Puente Nuevo (the New Bridge), one of southern Spain’s most famous attractions and Ronda’s epic bridge, spans the 100-meter-deep El Tajo gorge, connecting El Mercadillo (the little market), the newer part of town, with La Ciudad (the town), the old Moorish quarter. The bridge was completed in 1793, and it took some forty years and the lives of 50 construction workers to build.
• Puente Viejo (Old Bridge) is the more notable of the two crossings that the gigantic Puente Nuevo was built to improve upon. Comprising a single stone archway, this early 17th-century structure is reached by strolling down through the beautiful Jardines de Cuenca (Cuenca’s Gardens), and from its center, there are some spectacular views of the countryside beyond Ronda.
• Bullring: simply the largest (by diameter!) bullfight ring in the world.
• Old and New Town: El Tajo Canyon not only renders Ronda’s most iconic attraction necessary, but it also divides the town into two separate halves, each with its own style and atmosphere. La Ciudad, or The Town, is the original Moorish part and weaves around one central street, Calle Armiñan, south of Puente Nuevo. On the northern cliffs of El Tajo is the more commercial part of town, known as El Mercadillo (The Little Market).

Later, we'll continue to the Costa del Sol.

• Situated in the province of Málaga, in the south of Spain, the Costa del Sol (or Coast of the Sun) is among the most popular tourist destinations in Spain. The Costa del Sol receives a flood of tourists throughout the year thanks to its fantastic weather (with over 300 days of sunshine each year). Coming there means finding not only beautiful landscapes and scenery but also outstanding beaches. Each town is rich in cultural heritage and tasty food.

Arrival in the town of Torremolinos, a flashy coastal town with excellent beaches, vibrant nightlife, and a very relaxed atmosphere. Dinner and accommodation.

Day 8. Costa del Sol - Granada (180km ~ 120 miles)

Breakfast, then transfer to Granada, a beautiful city right at the foot of the spectacular Sierra Nevada mountains. The popular favorite of the region of Andalusia, Granada has a rich history, a fantastic range of sites to see, and a bustling nightlife. With Arab influences and Spanish charm, there is plenty of culture and history to explore here. Upon arrival, you'll have a guided tour to see the famous complex of La Alhambra*, its Arabian palaces, Nazaries, and its green and picturesque Generalife Gardens.

• Alhambra is definitely number one on the list of unmissable things to see in Granada and the most visited sight in all of Spain. The world-renowned Alhambra gets its name from the Arabic for ‘Red Castle’, and has been poetically described as the place where the air is clear and the fresh water from the mountains reaches. Partly a palace, partly a fort, the Alhambra is now a dedicated UNESCO World Heritage site and boasts spectacular medieval architecture that captivates its thousands of visitors. It tends to get quite crowded, given its magical nature, with around 6,000 visitors a day, but its beauty can be appreciated even in the busiest of moments.

The tour to Alhambra is already quite extensive and includes a good part of walking, so it’s your choice the rest of the day: to relax in the hotel or continue to explore the city of Granada on your own. Suggested places to visit on the second half of the day:

• Alcaicería, best known as'mini Morocco’, is the home of the Great Bazaar of Granada. Consisting of a series of streets that are very much reminiscent of a Moroccan souk, this is not only another example of the rich Arab history of the city but also very similar to Morocco itself. Selling everything from spices to henna, there are many little treasures to be found on these streets. Look out for traditional Arabic handicrafts such as fajalauza—traditionald lamps made from intricate stained glass.
• Albaicín is another UNESCO World Heritage site in the heart of the city of Granada. Albaicín is a district of the city boasting narrow, winding streets that have stood here since its medieval Moorish era. Often described as a different world inside Granada, the strong Muslim influence makes Albaicín somewhat of an open-air museum. After touring the narrow and characterful streets to experience the charm of the past, you can relax in one of its many bars and terraces and enjoy a spectacular sunset over the Alhambra.
• Granada’s Cathedral, located near the Plaza Nueva, was built on the site of a former mosque by Queen Isabella as a symbol of the Christian victory over the Moors. With parts of it decorated with beautiful, intricate sculptures, there is much beauty and architecture to be admired. Complete with numerous chapels, each with their own character and artistic style, this iconic and historical building is definitely worth a visit.
• Try free tapas ''culture''. Tapas (an appetizer or snack in Spanish cuisine) is certainly one of the first things that comes to mind whenever Spain is mentioned, and Granada is probably the city most renowned for its popular tradition of free tapas. With the fantastic ''buy a drink, get free tapas'' phenomenon, this timely Spanish tradition is even more popular here. With countless numbers of bars and tapas restaurants, you’ll certainly be left with plenty of choice as to where to get these tempting little snacks. Offering everything from gourmet and international tapas like sushi and caviar to traditional Spanish jamón (dry-cured ham), you can’t leave Granada without experiencing this culinary delight.

Dinner and night in Granada.

Day 9. Granada - Valencia (498km ~ 309 miles)

Breakfast. Departure towards Valencia. On the way, you will pass by the beautiful, small towns of Guadix, Baza, and Puerto Lumbreras. Arrival in Valencia in the early evening and accommodation. Valencia is the third-largest city in Spain and has a lot to offer, from world-class restaurants to stunning beaches, and from museums to buzzing nightlife. Here’s our list of suggestions for your free time:

• City of Arts and Sciences: if modern architecture is more your thing, Valencia is also home to this famous complex of futuristic buildings, mostly the work of famous architect Santiago Calatrava. The Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias is a must-see during any visit to Valencia. Relax in the green gardens and serene outdoor spaces of the complex, take some photos, and choose your favorite of the buildings.
• Torres de Serranos: where Valencia’s Old City gives way to the Turia Gardens, that’s where you’ll find the impressive Torres de Serranos. A former gateway through the long-demolished ancient city wall, la Muralla Cristiana (''the Christian wall''), these historic towers can be explored and make a great vantage point for photos.
• La Lonja de la Seda (Silk Market): Valencia’s medieval silk market was built to show off Valencia’s wealth at the time of the booming silk trade. Today, it is one of the city’s main historical attractions and is famously one of the very few non-religious examples of Gothic architecture in Europe. You can explore the lavishly decorated rooms, including the main hall, with its soaring columns that represent palms reaching for the sky in paradise. Silk Market is deservedly a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Valencia Cathedral is another of the city’s most famous sights; the Cathedral de Santa Maria de Valencia tops the list for most visitors, along with the pretty Plaza de la Virgen square outside. Check out the incredible Gothic architecture inside and out, and don’t forget to go hunting for the Holy Grail, rumored by some to be located here.
• You may want to try a Spanish dish called paella; it's famous throughout Spain but originated precisely in Valencia.

Day 10. Valencia - Barcelona (355km ~ 220 miles)

After breakfast, you'll have some hours to scroll through Valencia on your own. A list of our recommendations:

• Head for the beach. It's no secret that Valencia is home to miles and miles of pristine golden sands. There’s plenty of space to soak up the sun at one of the two (connected) Blue Flag beaches, Playa de la Malvarrosa or Playa de las Arenas. In summer, many beach bars open up alongside each other, creating a fun atmosphere.
• The Central Market—whether you’re a foodie or not, this art nouveau building in the city’s Old Town never fails to impress. Wander through hundreds of fresh food stalls beneath the market’s ceramic tiles and its stunning high-dome centerpiece to get a real taste of local life. Every day from Monday to Saturday, the market is packed with local shoppers navigating the colorful displays of Mediterranean fruit and vegetables and choosing from the countless legs of jamón (Spanish ham) and bottles of locally produced wine.
• El Carmen street art: It’s completely free to explore the stunning Old Town of Valencia, and after checking out the architecture, head to the bohemian northern barrio of El Carmen to see the incredible art murals lining its walls. Local and international artists have turned the area’s crumbling buildings into their own outdoor canvas, often making statements about politics or local life. See huge murals around the main square, Plaça del Tossal, and around Carrer d’En Gordo, with its abandoned, crumbling buildings.

In the second half of the day, we'll head to the second-largest city in Spain and a true pearl of the Mediterranean Sea—magnificent Barcelona.

Arrival and accommodation.

Day 11. Barcelona

Breakfast in the hotel. With fantastic art and architecture, a rich medieval history, as well as innovative modern additions, Barcelona is certainly not short of things to do and see. A few highlights that you will see during your morning city tour are:

• Plaza Espana is one of the most important squares in the city and the second largest in Barcelona.
• Montjuïc is a hill in Barcelona with spectacular views over the harbor, the port, and the Mediterranean Sea. Enjoy stunning views from the panoramic viewpoint, located almost on top of the hill.
• The Barcelona Olympic Park is part of all the attractions found at Montjuic Mountain. The 1992 Olympic Games gave Barcelona many large-scale projects. As a result, it became the perfect setting for one of the most successful games in history. The Olympic complex includes the stadium, the St. Jordi sports pavilion, and the Calatrava Communications Tower.
• The statue of Christopher Colom, standing on the pier at the very end of La Rambla, is a homage to the explorer Christopher Columbus, who paid a visit to the Catalan capital before setting sail for America.
• Gothic Quarter. Without a doubt the most iconic of Barcelona’s neighborhoods, the Gothic Quarter, as it is commonly referred to, is the heart of Barcelona’s old town. Home to some of the most ancient and historic monuments in the city, not least the majestic cathedral, this is the Barcelona of narrow streets and charming outdoor squares that have remained unchanged throughout the centuries.

Feel free to explore Barcelona on your own in the second half of the day. Suggestions:

• The Basilica of Sagrada Família is one of the most popular sights in Barcelona (tickets are better bought online beforehand).
• Park Güell is another very popular outdoor attraction in Barcelona (same, tickets better bought online in advance).
• Camp Nou Stadium, home of the world-famous FC Barcelona football team, is also the largest football stadium in Europe.
• Barcelona's Cathedral is an impressive 13th-century Gothic cathedral.
• Villa Olimpica is the area in Barcelona that was totally reconstructed and, for the most part, newly built specifically to host the 1992 Summer Olympic Games in Barcelona.

Another night in Barcelona.

Day 12. Barcelona - Zaragoza - Madrid (635 km ~ 395 miles)

Breakfast, then departure towards Zaragoza.

Spain's fifth-largest city, Zaragoza, is the capital of the Aragón region. Located south of the Pyrenees, it sits right in the middle of Barcelona and Madrid and is home to a range of fascinating sights, from Roman ruins to magnificent Islamic architecture and a striking Baroque cathedral. We will stop in the city center so you can have time to explore the most notorious sights of Zaragoza: the Basilica de Baroque and the Puente de Piedra Bridge (the Stone Bridge).

• A striking Baroque Basilica, it is here that many believe that Santiago, one of Jesus’ disciples and referred to as James in the Bible, saw the Virgin Mary ascend a marble pillar. A chapel was built around that pillar and later added to and renovated, until it became the stunning cathedral it is today. If you want, you can head inside to look around at its magnificent interior, then take the elevator to the top to enjoy some of the most spectacular views of the city.
• The Puente de Piedra (the Stone Bridge) is the oldest of all the bridges across the Ebro River. It was built in 1401 in a Gothic style. Seven arches support the entire stone structure, which is about 225 meters long and has cutwaters to help break up the water flow. It is very close to the Plaza del Pilar, so its silhouette with the Basilica del Pilar in the background has become one of the iconic images of the city.

After some free time in Zaragoza, we'll continue to Madrid. Arrival and end of the tour.

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Please click here to see the route on a map.

* If, in an unlikely case, The Patronato of the Alhambra and Generalife were not granted tickets for certain dates for the participants of the visit, a tour of the city of Granada will be provided instead: Visit the Palace of Carlos V, the Archaeological Museum, the Church of Santa María de la Alhambra, the Royal Chapel, and take a walk through the city's Alcaiceria (silk market) and the Cathedral Square.

Prices:

Per person in double/twin room: 1895 €

Single Supplement: 595 €

Supplement July to Oct.: 110 €

Supplement for departure on April 9 and 16 (Easter), April 30, May 7 (Feria): 110 € 

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Here you will find commonly asked questions regarding our tours.

1. Are the tours for individuals, families, or small groups of friends?

- Yes. Our tours are for single travelers, couples, families, and groups of friends whom we put together with other travelers to form a larger group.

2. How many people are normally included on a tour?

We cannot guarantee an exact number per tour. Normally, it ranges from 10 to 25 people per group, but these numbers can vary greatly depending on the time of year. In summer, groups tend to be larger as this is a popular time of year, while the winter season usually attracts fewer people, thus smaller groups are formed. There are certain tours that combine travelers if the destinations follow the same routes; e.g., you may be on a 10-day tour package with companions traveling on a 5-day package. The tour will cover the same areas, and the 5-day package guests will break off thereafter. Also, more people may be joining in for the other part of the package.

3. Is there a guide or tour leader on the bus?

- Yes. An accompanying guide (tour leader) always travels with the group during the entire tour. An exception may occur when there are minimal numbers signed up for a particular tour. These small groups will travel with an experienced, English-speaking driver-guide. In all major cities, we use local professionals and licensed guides.

4. What languages do the guides use?

English and Spanish. All our tour guides speak both languages fluently. If a tour group consists of an English-speaking group only, the tour will run in English. But most of the tours will have both English and Spanish (from Latin America and Central America) passengers, so the guides will explain in both languages.

5. Do your tours run during certain times of the year?

Most of our tours run all year. Some tours, e.g., those running to the northern regions of Spain, only run from March until October. Each tour's description provides all the relevant information needed. For example, ''Sundays all year'' means that a tour will start on every Sunday of the year, regardless of the numbers. Just look up the calendar for the specific dates Sundays are falling on, and make sure you arrive in Spain a day before.

6. What cities do the tours start from?

Tours start in Madrid or Barcelona.

7. Where are the meeting points for the tours?

In Madrid, it is Calle Ferraz 3 (Ferraz Str., 3). This meeting point is in the city center, right off Plaza España.

In Barcelona, it is in the reception of the Hotel ''Catalunya Barcelona 505'' (Carrer de Muntaner, 505, 08022, Barcelona).

8. Do you pick them up from the hotels on the first day of the tour?

By default, no. We do not pick up from hotels because that would delay the tour launch time. However, if your hotel is en route, using the same bus route on launch day, we will pick you up. A week before travel, we require the name of your hotel in Madrid and will inform you if you can be picked up directly from your hotel or need to head over to the meeting point at 7.45 a.m.

In Barcelona, the meeting point is always in the reception of the ''Catalunya Barcelona 505'' hotel.

9. What type of vehicles do you use?

We use buses for larger groups and minibuses for smaller ones. Vehicles are comfortable, modern, and equipped with air conditioning.

10. If there is Wi-Fi on your buses,?

There is Wi-Fi on all our buses in Spain and Portugal. But please keep in mind that sometimes during the transfers between the cities, the Wi-Fi signal can be weak or intermitting due to poor coverage from the main operators. Please do not expect very high Internet speed (to download or stream movies during the transfers).

11. Are meals included?

Buffet breakfasts with all the drinks are included every morning in all hotels our guests occupy during their tour.

Lunches and dinners are included anywhere that's mentioned in the itinerary (sections ''Itinerary'' and ''Included in Tour''). Normally, dinners are held in the hotel's restaurants, but many times they will be buffet (''eat as much as you want''), and only drinks will be at an extra cost. Also, sometimes lunches and dinners will be held in the restaurants.

12. If I am a vegetarian or allergic to certain products, is there any problem?

No problems at all. Inform the tour leader, and he will assist you. On a side note, many dinners are buffet-type, so you can simply choose what you prefer. For those with allergies, if in doubt, please remind the tour leader during mealtimes. Alternatively, ask the restaurant staff about the content of the dishes.

13. What time do you arrive in Madrid on your last day of travel? Can I book a flight on the same day, flying out of Spain?

Normally, we return to Madrid between 17.00 and 19.00 on the last day of the tour. However, it is not recommended to book the flight out on the same evening or night, as traffic jams in Madrid or other possible events may delay your arrival. Feel free to talk to us before starting the tour, and we'll organize your overnight stay in Madrid after the tour.

14. I need a night in the hotel or a transfer from or to the airport to be booked before or after the tour.

Sure. Just let us know at the time you organize it.

15. Can I just show up for the trip without a reservation and pay directly in the office, on the spot?

Unfortunately, not. The tour must be booked in advance, as we need to make all the arrangements beforehand.

16. How long in advance should I book a trip?

If you book at least 2 weeks in advance, the trip is guaranteed for you, though we recommend booking even earlier, if possible, as in these cases we have a wider range of hotels to accommodate the early reservations—better options.

17. Can I customize one of the tours for myself?

No, as there are more people traveling with you on the tour. However, if you represent an agency or the leader of a group of people, contact us; we'll take care of a private and customized tour for your party only.

18. What is the booking process?

It is simple. Once you have chosen the tour, there are six steps:

1. You confirm the tour by e-mail, indicating the starting date, tour code, number of persons traveling, and their names, as well as the types of rooms preferred (single, double, or triple).

2. We will send you an invoice.

3. You pay 10% to book the tour.

4. We issue the confirmation.

5. Three weeks before the starting date, you pay the rest of the money due, and

6. You show up for the tour on the appointed date and time.

19. How much should I pay and when?

We require a 10% deposit during reservation and the remaining 90% no less than 3 weeks before the tour commences.

20. How would I pay?

You can pay in one of four ways:

1. Bank wire to our company’s bank account. Our banking details are included on the invoice that you receive.

2. We can charge your credit card. Please keep in mind that, in this case, we charge an additional 2% on top of the amount (bank charges).

3. Transferwise.com is an online system allowing the transfer of funds. There is a small commission attached.

4. Western Union (normally for short-notice reservations and when the amount needs to be received urgently).

21. What is the cancellation and refund policy?

10% paid at the time of reservation is non-refundable. The other 90% is fully refundable if cancelled in no less than 2 weeks (e.g., if you paid 100% upfront, you get the whole amount right away). There are no refunds for cancellations made with less than 3 weeks to go before the trip.

22. Are there any discounts or surcharges?

Yes. Discounts are listed under the section ''Prices'', under each package.

23. Are taxes included in the tour prices?

Yes, VAT and tourist taxes for different cities are included.

24. How do I know if I need a visa for Spain or Morocco?

- Please check the visa information for Spain here. The visa requirements for Morocco can be found here. Please note that all trips to Morocco will require your Schengen visa to be of an ''multiple entry'', as you will enter Spain for the second time.

25. I am ready to go ahead and book one of your tours, but I need a visa to enter Spain.

Yes, we do help our customers get their visas after a trip is confirmed. As we are a fully licensed tour operator in Spain, after the deposit is paid, we can issue a confirmation, which you can later bring to the Spanish Embassy or Consulate. In this letter, we confirm that you booked and partially (or fully) paid for a tour with us. Please note that we do not guarantee the issue of a visa and cannot influence the process. The decision is up to the Embassy, as they have their own rules and regulations for each country. At the same time, we do our best to ensure we provide assistance where possible.