Madrid, Portugal, Northern Spain and Basque Country with Lourdes (2025)

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We´ll leave Madrid, heading towards the capital of Extremadura: Mérida, where we´ll visit the archaeological complex of the Roman Theatre and Amphitheatre (tickets included), a World Heritage Site renowned for its excellent state of preservation. There will be time for lunch in the pleasant pedestrian historic center bustling with life and restaurants. We´ll continue to Portugal and stop in Évora, another city recognized as a World Heritage Site, with its white streets, Renaissance palaces, and cathedral. We´ll arrive in Lisbon in the evening.

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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.

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We’ll head to the north of Portugal to visit Fátima, a revered sanctuary. Our journey will then take us to Porto, Portugal’s second largest city. We’ll have free time for lunch before embarking on a panoramic tour of this charming coastal city at the mouth of the Douro River. Known for its cobblestone streets, colorful houses, imposing bridges, and delicious wines, Porto promises a delightful experience. We’ll also include a visit to one of its historic cellars. After the tour, you’ll have free time to explore at your leisure.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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In the morning, after admiring the views over the bay of San Sebastian from Mount Igueldo, we´ll head to the Miramar Palace and its beautiful gardens. Free time afterwards to enjoy the city´s large beach or stroll along its boulevards. We suggest having lunch in the "Old Town" famous for its pintxos bars. Early in the afternoon, we will go to France. BORDEAUX, arrival in the evening. We suggest taking a walk through the city center.

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The entire center of Bordeaux has been recognized as a World Heritage Site. Prepare to be captivated by the "Water Mirror" and explore the historic old town with its charming pedestrian streets and 11th-century cathedral. We will include admission to the Cité du Vin (with audio tour in English, Spanish or French), an impressive interactive museum that delves into the history and production of wine; wine tasting included at the viewpoint overlooking Bordeaux. Later, you´ll have free time to stroll along the Garonne River banks, lined with quaint restaurants perfect for lunch. Afterward, we continue towards the Pyrenees, arriving in Lourdes by mid-afternoon. You´ll have time to visit the sanctuary (we suggest attending the candlelit procession). Dinner will be included.

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We’ll depart early from Lourdes, crossing the Pyrenees with their high peaks and stunning landscapes. Following the Way of St. James, we’ll arrive in Roncesvalles to see the beautiful Gothic Collegiate Church of Santa María. In Pamplona, famous for its bull runs, you’ll have time for lunch. Our journey will continue to Olite, where the 13th-century castle, once the residence of the kings of Navarra, will definitely catch your attention. We’ll then proceed to Madrid, arriving around 9:00 p.m.

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