Iberian Turn (Without Alhambra) (2024)

Day 1

Welcome to your tour with Europamundo! We’ll transfer you to the hotel and you’ll have some free time. In the afternoon, you’ll find information about the start of your tour on the boards located at the hotel reception.

Day 2

In the morning, we´ll embark on a sightseeing tour of Lisbon, exploring the Portuguese capital of the seven hills, with its charming alleys, iconic tiles, the feeling of "saudade," and the beautiful Atlantic light. We’ll also visit the Belem neighborhood, from where the great Portuguese navigators set sail to cross the oceans in the 15th century. Free time in the afternoon to walk and go to the Bairro Alto and its viewpoint; if you’d like to, you could take an optional trip to the towns of Sintra, Cascais and Estoril. In the evening, we’ll return to the hotel from the lively Restauradores Square, filled with vibrant bars and cafes.

Day 3

We’ll depart early for southern Portugal, enjoying beautiful landscapes as we cross the long bridge over the Tagus River. Upon arrival in the Algarve, the southern region of Portugal, we´ll explore the historic city of Lagos, known for its port from where Portuguese ships once sailed to Brazil, and its charming historic center enclosed within ancient walls. There will be time for lunch. In the afternoon, we´ll travel to the westernmost point of continental Europe amidst windswept cliffs to discover Cape St. Vincent. Nearby, we´ll have the opportunity to photograph the historic Sagres fortress. Later, we´ll spend time in Albufeira, a stunning coastal city where you can relax on its beaches or wander through its lively historic center. Accommodation will be provided in Albufeira or a neighboring city in the Algarve.

Day 4

We´ll continue our journey towards the Alentejo region, starting with Mértola, a town-museum on the banks of the Guadiana River. This walled town, an important center from the Muslim era, is dominated by its large castle that invites us to stroll through its streets lined with white houses and corners full of history. Next, we´ll head to Beja, one of the oldest cities in the country famous for its large fortress of Roman and medieval origin. We´ll have time to walk around and enjoy lunch in the historic center, with its narrow streets and picturesque squares. Our journey will continue to Évora, where we´ll visit the Chapel of Bones (admission included), a unique chapel constructed with more than 5,000 skeletons. We´ll then explore this walled city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its medieval palaces, Gothic religious buildings, and ancient Roman temple.

Day 5

Today we´ll travel amidst the beautiful landscapes of Alentejo. We´ll stop in Marvão, a very picturesque walled town that offers a fantastic panoramic view of the region. After that, we´ll get to know Castelo de Vide with its impressive castle. We´ll also have time to walk through its old Jewish quarter, where we can visit the medieval synagogue (now a museum) or explore the winding streets of the town. After lunch, we´ll continue to Tomar, a city renowned for the Convent of Christ, a former castle-convent that belonged to the Order of the Templars (admission included). Before arriving in Fátima, we´ll stop in Aljustrel, the village where the three young shepherds who witnessed Virgin Mary´s apparitions were born. We´ll have the opportunity to see Lucia´s house. Upon arrival in Fátima, you´ll have free time at the Sanctuary of Fátima, where you can watch the candlelight procession if you wish (not held in winter). Dinner will be included.

Day 6

We’ll travel to the north of Portugal. Arriving around 11:00 a.m. in Porto, the country’s second-largest city, we’ll begin with a sightseeing tour (included) of the historic center situated on the banks of the Douro River. We’ll also visit one of its old wineries (included). You’ll have free time to explore the city at your leisure.

Day 7

Today, we´ll travel through stunning landscapes. In Braga, we´ll take a ride on the world’s oldest water-operated cable car to reach the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus, where breathtaking views await. After exploring the sanctuary, we recommend descending via its picturesque staircase. Our journey continues into Galicia, where we´ll visit the historic town of Cambados in Rías Baixas. Here, we´ll embark on a glass-bottom boat trip along the Ría de Arousa, learning about mussel and oyster production. Enjoy wine and mussel tasting onboard. At lunchtime, we´ll arrive in Santiago de Compostela for a city tour led by a local guide, exploring its medieval streets and renowned pilgrimage sites dating back to the Middle Ages.

Day 8

We’ll travel along the Way of St. James, beginning with Lugo. Here, we’ll have time to explore the historic town center and its Roman walls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next, we’ll visit O Cebreiro, a charming Galician stone village. Our journey will continue to León, where we’ll arrive at lunchtime. In León, we’ll visit the magnificent Gothic cathedral, renowned for its stained-glass windows, and enjoy a stroll through the historic town center.We’ll then cross the Cantabrian Range on our way to Asturias, arriving in Oviedo by evening. We’ll include a tour of the city with a local guide, either upon arrival or the following morning. During this hour-and-a-half tour, we’ll visit the 9th-century cathedral, the Calatrava Congressional Palace, Campoamor Theatre, and Calle de la Rua.

Day 9

We will travel to Picos de Europa. We will visit Basílica de Covadonga which is surrounded by beautiful scenery. We will resume our journey following the coastline to SANTILLANA, one of Spain’s most beautiful towns, and we will visit its well-preserved medieval quarter. We visit the National Museum and Research Centre of ALTAMIRA (ticket included) located in the vicinity of this town. We will later travel to SANTANDER, the region’s capital city, a coastal city with amazing vistas and beaches. We include panoramic city tour to discover this elegant city and its beautiful bay. NOTE: On some high difficulty dates (especially in summer from July to mid September), some groups can be accommodated in Bilbao.

Day 10

We’ll follow the motorway along the Cantabrian coast, passing through stunning landscapes where mountains meet the sea. Our journey will lead us to Bilbao, the largest city in the Basque Country. There, 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. Following the tour, you´ll have free time to savor authentic "pintxos". Later, we´ll continue our travels to La Rioja, renowned for its exceptional wines. We´ll visit the Wine Culture Museum in Briones to delve into the ancient art of winemaking. We´ll arrive in Zaragoza in the evening.

Day 11

We’ll start the day with a morning 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 lunch, we’ll head to Catalonia to visit the Poblet Abbey, a stunning walled monastery set amidst beautiful scenery. It is one of the best-preserved medieval monasteries in the world (tickets included). Our journey will then take us to Barcelona, where we’ll arrive in the evening.

Day 12

In the morning we include a city tour of Barcelona, considered one of the most interesting European capitals, open to the Mediterranean Sea, famous for Gaudí and its modernist architecture, also for the ramblas and the memories of the Universal Exhibitions and Olympics that took place there. Free time in the afternoon. 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.

Day 13

We’ll travel south along the Mediterranean, making a special stop in Peniscola, a charming walled town by the sea surrounded by picturesque landscapes, where we’ll have time for a stroll. We’ll then continue to Valencia, a vibrant port city on the Levantine coast, arriving around lunchtime. Will you try the famous paella? At approximately 04:30 p.m., we’ll continue our journey to Madrid, but not before making a brief stop at the avant-garde City of Arts and Sciences of Valencia. We’ll arrive in Madrid between 08:30 and 09:00 p.m. As a way of welcoming you to the city, we’ll include a transfer to the Plaza Mayor, a popular spot to enjoy pinchos or wine at one of its many restaurants.Note: Depending on the number of passengers, the journey from Valencia to Madrid might be carried out by high-speed train.

Day 14

Day 15

We leave Madrid in the early morning. We travel to the south across La Mancha, making a stop in PUERTO LAPICE, a ‘manchego’ village evoking the figure of Don Quixote. We will enter Andalusia via Despeñaperros, arriving in GRANADA. Lunch included. Free time in the afternoon. We recommend visiting the Cathedral, which houses the tomb of the Catholic Monarchs, or strolling through the Albaicín neighbourhood and enjoying the beautiful views of the Alhambra from the Mirador de San Nicolás.Note: We remind you that the tour you have purchased does not include the entrance to the Alhambra in Granada. If you are interested in purchasing a ticket, we suggest to do it through their official website: https://tickets.alhambra-patronato.es or through companies that organise visits to the city.

Day 16

Departure from Granada. We´ll head towards the Costa del Sol. First stop, Malaga, where we´ll have time for a stroll through its historic district, famous for its cathedral and the Picasso Museum. Afterward, we´ll proceed along the coastal highway, enjoying picturesque views of the Mediterranean. Puerto Banús, in Marbella, is a stunning and sophisticated recreational harbor. In the afternoon, we´ll continue our journey through the mountains listening to stories of bandits before reaching Ronda, a picturesque white town known for its cliffside location and a deep canyon that divides the town. Finally, Seville. We’ll arrive in the evening.

Day 17

In the morning, we´ll embark on a city tour of Seville, where you´ll visit the cathedral with its famous Giralda, explore the banks of the Guadalquivir River, and wander through the popular neighborhoods of Santa Cruz and Triana. After the tour, enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the Guadalquivir River offering stunning panoramic views (included). In the evening, you´ll have the option to attend a popular flamenco tablao.

Day 18

We will leave Seville among pleasant landscapes of soft mountains and large pasture lands, we travel towards Extremadura. MÉRIDA, entrance included to the archaeological complex of the Roman Theater and Amphitheater, of excellent conservation, World Heritage Site. Time to have lunch and a walk in the pleasant pedestrian historic center with lots of life and restaurants. We will continue to Portugal, making a stop in ÉVORA, a city also declared a World Heritage Site, with its white streets,its Renaissance palaces and its cathedral. LISBON, arrival at the evening.

Day 19

After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.