Portugal and Spain

Day 1 -Tue - Welcome to Portugal. Arrive Lisbon.

Met upon arrival at the airport. Transfer to your Hotel
The remainder of the Day at Leisure. Overnight Lisbon

 

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Day 2 - Wed - Full Day Tour - Sintra, Pena Palace, Roca Cape, Cascais, Estoril with lunch

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Drive across the luxuriant Sintra Mountain and its gardens - "The Glorious Eden" - by twisted roads bordered by several plants, its mystical hills dotted with fairytale palaces and extravagant villas that have bewitched visitors for centuries. Pass by Colares, famous for its "Ramisco" vines, some of the oldest in Portugal and belonging to a demarcated area of wine.Go up the mountain by twisted roads with breathtaking views of the coastline and arrive to Cabo da Roca - the westernmost point of continental Europe, a promontory of Sintra Mountain, a granite cliff, 472 feet (144 m) high- for a fantastic view of the seaside.

Next is Guincho beach, backed by dunes and with some of the best rollers in Europe, it is a true paradise for surfers.
Continue by the seaside with rocky and sandy beaches and the picturesque cliff - the mouth of Hell- where high waves crash into gigantic caves carved out of the rock by the sea.

Cascais fishing port swiftly expanded to an elegant, cosmopolitan, coastal resort. Once stop of navigators like Columbus and Vasco da Gama. From the hill there's a nice view of Estoril bay and the typical fishing boats unloading the catch, a flash marina and a castle.

We return to Lisbon by Estoril Coast where we can have a panoramic view of the Casino and its gardens. The Estoril coast, incorporating holiday hotspots offers great beaches and a choice of historic sights.

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Day 3 - Thur - Full Day Tour Obidos , Nazare, Batalha, Fatima, Aljustrel with lunch

Perched on a hill rising out of an agricultural plain, Óbidos is one of Portugal's picturesque gems. From its lofty centre one gazes upon expanses of vineyards speckled with whirling windmills and terracotta- roofed homesteads.

 

Nearer, narrow cobbled streets, lined typically with whitewashed, bougainvillaea- draped houses, wind up to the walled interior. The region was the westernmost limit of the Roman Empire.

Under Portuguese rule, Obidos flourished into a major trading port. Every Portuguese queen was given Obidos as a wedding present. Obidos continues to be a popular destination during the summer, when tourists jam the streets to explore the city's medieval charm.... This ancient walled town called Obidios was Inhabitanted by Romans and Arabs, and was
the place of the Portuguese Court for more than 500 years.

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Arrive at Nazare, the most colourful of Portuguese fishing villages and the richest fishing region in Portugal. A lot of restaurants serve A great variety of the local speciality, which is of course fish and seafood.Narrow streets with white-washed houses where one can still see fishermen and their wives wearing traditional clothes, brightly painted
boats, with their high pointed prows, and its sizable beach with locals drying the fish on wire racks. This seaside resort is also famous for its beautiful handicraft, made by fishermen's wives while the husband is at sea, fishing.
Continue to XIV century Batalha Monastery, the supreme achievement of gothic architecture in Portugal. Manueline additions in the 15th and 16th centuries, gave the monastery it's finer detail. Here you can admire the highest church in Portugal.

Finally Fatima - the center of Christian faith and a local of world's pilgrimage. See the chapel on the place where Our Lady appeared to the shepherds, the Basilica and the vast square where people crawl on their knees towards the heart of the shrine, in a impressive sign of faith and devotion, lightning a candle, praying and making a vow to Our Lady or fulfilling a promise. Religious services can be attended.Visit also Aljustrel with the humble houses where the shepherds lived.

 

Day 4 - Fri Morning - Half Day City Tour of Lisbon

Cross the central Marques de Pombal square and go down by the XVIII century boulevard called Liberdade avenue to the popular Restauradores and Rossio squares; it's the heart of Lisbon since Roman times, and the Pombaline downtown which has been the shopping area for more than 2000
years.

The majestic waterfront Comercio square, facing the extraordinary estuary of the river, once the welcome gate to seafarer and caravels. Close by is the nucleus of ancient Lisbon.

 

Visit the oldest quarter, Alfama, with the structure of the medieval city, with labyrinthine narrow streets, steep stairways and alleys, tiny squares. If possible, we'll stop in a handicraft shop for a taste of Port wine.

 

The tour continues along the riverside by the harbour with sights of one of world's leading cruise destinations and go to Belem, the most monumental and historical quarter, we pass by Belem palace, official residence of the President of Portugal. Stops at Belem Tower - icon of the Age of Discovery (stop for photos, drinks and toilettes), the Monument to the Discoveries - evoking the maritime expansion.

Close by is Jeronimos Monastery, magnificent example of the Manueline style, the most impressive symbol of Portugal's power and wealth during the Age of Discovery - stop to see the church (closed on Mondays, replaced by Ajuda palace).Visit the Coach Museum, housing the best carriages' collection in the world (closed on Mondays, replaced by Ajuda palace).

 

Day 5 - Sat Lisbon by Night and Fado show with Dinner

At night, the city's old quarters come alive with the sound of typical songs. The Fado Houses, where one can savour the excellent local cooking and listen to the emotional music of Portugal, are unique.

Down the hills, the open air cafés, bars and discos, reflect their lights in the waters of River Tagus.

 

The main squares and avenues of Lisbon by night, Marques de Pombal square facing Eduardo VII park, Liberdade Avenue - stylish boulevard from the XVIII century with its cabarets - Restaurdores square with theatres and restaurants. Continue by Rossio, square - the heart of Lisbon, the shopping area.

 

And we arrive to the wide and stylish Comercio square in front of the vast estuary of Tagus river.

The riverside with the discos zone.We will continue our tour with a panoramic view of the Discovery Monuments - Padrão dos Descobrimentos - Torre de Belém, Mosteiro dos Jerónimos. Finally go to a typical restaurant where we can assist to the show "Fado and Folclore".

 

 

Day 6 - Sun - Porto Tour from Lisbon Full Day

Oporto, Portugal's second-largest city and the capital of its port wine industry, with many streets unchanged since the Middle Ages, this city along the Douro River has a remarkably unspoiled assortment of architecture.

 

The history of this now great city had humble beginnings. The Romans gave the place the name of "Portocale". The Moors later occupied it in the early 8th Century. It was later captured in the name of the Christian army in 982. The place only expanded during the Period of the Discoveries when Portugal became Europe's central point in trade.

 

In the 15th Century the town was one of the ship building centres in Portugal. The city has a number of distinctive atmospheres and this is very evident when comparing the various parts of the city.

 

As would be expected of such an important city it is full of fascinating buildings. Oporto is full of charm with many art treasures, striking cathedrals, waterfront cafes and bars and an atmospheric riverside Ribeira quarter.

 

Despite being predominantly industrial, Oporto thrives on its history, culture and wine...

 

Day 7 - Mon - Morning - Mini-Cruise on Tagus River - Half Day

A mini-cruise is a real must in order to enjoy Lisbon - a city overlooking the river and the ocean. Centuries of history will emerge from its monuments scattered along the river as well as the Castles on the hills.

 

Enjoy a Panoramic view of Parque das Nacoes where the Expo 98 was held with all its modern architecture. Major Sights: Lisbon Bridge , City Centre , Monuments to the Discoveries and
Parque das Nacoes . Return to the Hotel

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Day  8  Tue – Lisbon – Algarve 

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Upon pick up at the airport or your Hotel in Lisbon, transfer to the  bus  to  start your 7 Night Circuit..

Drive to the Algarve . Check in to your Hotel

 

Afternoon, enjoy a Half Day visit to Benagil Caves by boat. The Caves, sometimes known as the Benagil Cathedral,

 ( because of its various arch forms ) are known to attract  thousands of visitors every year to witness Algarve's stunning and famous natural landmark. 

 

Remainder of the day at leisure .

Dinner  and  Overnight  Hotel

 

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Day  9 -  Wed - Algarve
 

Full Day Trip to the Algarve : VisIts to Sagres, Lagos & Cape St Vincent

 

On the morning you'll be ready to set off on your journey into the western Algarve. The first stop on your tour will be Cape St Vincent, which is the south westernmost point of mainland Europe. You'll visit the famous Lighthouse, from which you'll have spectacular views over the dramatic rocky cliffs towering above the Atlantic Ocean.

Leaving the cape behind, you'll head back for the short drive to Sagres, a small historic town known for its incredible virgin landscapes and one of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve. Enjoy a peaceful stroll through the area and explore its historic fort, before being taken to the next stop on your tour:

 

Get your cameras ready: the next stop on your day trip is one you'll want to remember forever! The Ponta de Piedade is an area of the Portuguese coastline with natural rock formations that will leave you speechless. Golden stone caves, grottoes and arches formed from the cliffs over the centuries make this one of the most magical places in the Algarve.

Immerse yourself in the area's legendary history next, visiting Lagos, where you'll feel as though you've travelled back in time as you stroll down Medieval streets lined with picturesque houses and any number of delicious local restaurants to tempt you. What's more, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a boat trip of Lagos to see the sights from a different point of view (not included).

 

At the end of an unforgettable day trip, you'll drive back to your hotel.

 

 

Day 10 -  Thur - Algarve – Algeciras - Gibraltar

 

Early drive from the Algarve through the Andalusian countryside, passing Seville city (no stop) we will make a lunch stop enroute and set off in the direction of the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar. The Rock, as it is also known, is located just two hour's drive away.

 

Having arrived in Gibraltar and after our cave tour, you'll have the day free to explore the duty-free shops and the sights at your own pace. The heart of the Rock's commercial centre is Main Street, where you'll find any number of jewellery shops, fashion boutiques, perfumeries, electrical stores... anything you could possibly want to buy! Make sure to leave room in your suitcase!

 

You can also use your free time to enjoy a pint of beer and a typical British meal of fish and chips in one of the local pubs. We visit Gibraltar's emblematic landmarks, like St Michael's Cave and the nature reserve home to Barbary macaques, a species of monkey.

 

 St. Michael's Cave Tour

 

We'll meet up on Reclamation Road in the center of Gibraltar at 12:30 pm. Then, for the next two hours, we'll get to know some of the places that make the area such a special destination for those who visit it.

Situated in the south of the Iberian Peninsula, Gibraltar has breathtaking views of the eponymous Strait, the barely 8 miles that separate Africa from Europe. Riding a bus, we will pass the most important tourist sites in the English town, such as Europa Point, the Trinidad Lighthouse, or the viewpoint of the Columns of Hercules.

We will continue the tour towards the Rock of Gibraltar Nature Reserve. Here we will enter St Michael's Cave, a natural grotto in the heart of Gibraltar. We will have the opportunity to tour inside the cave and discover all its geological formations, such as impressive stalactites and stalagmites.

We will leave the cave and meet the most famous inhabitants of Gibraltar, the cheeky monkeys. Did you know that they are the only apes living in freedom in the whole European continent? After taking some fun pictures of these primates, we will head to the city center to take a stroll along the famous Main Street, full of shops and curious buildings. We will end the tour at 2:30 pm in the center of Gibraltar.

 

At the end of the day, you'll be dropped back off in your hotel in Algeciras.

 

 

Day  11 – Fri - Algeciras - Tangier

 

 

Post breakfast, we set out on a Full Day trip to Tangier

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Early departure from the hotel to Tarifa port (25 klm away) to get the fast Ferry to Tangier,to discover the wonders of Northern Morocco

 

At Tarifa harbour, where after passing through the ticket offices and completing the necessary formalities, around 9:30 am you will be on the fast ferry that will take you to Tangier (the boat journey lasts approximately 45 minutes and is done without a guide).

Once in Tangier port, the local guide will be waiting for you. We will board on a bus tour that will take us comfortably to Tangier, a millennial city dominated by various towns throughout its history.

Today it is the economic and administrative capital of the northern region of Morocco, representing an important and cosmopolitan business center.

 

During this part of the tour, we will visit the modern zone of the city, knowing places such as: the Place de France, the Boulevard Pasteur, and the diplomatic districts. In addition, we will explore the old city or Medina, walk through its most characteristic souks, to delve into and get to know a little about its cultural traditions.

After the visit in Tangier, we will have a delicious lunch in a typical Moroccan restaurant, enjoying its exquisite cuisine, in the pleasant company of folklore of the region.

 

After lunch, we will return to the port of Tangier and embark on the ferry back to Algeciras, where we conclude our tour. Return by bus to the hotel in Algeciras for dinner and overnight.

 

 

Day  12 – Sat - Algeciras – Ronda - Granada

 

Early drive (08h00)  from Algeciras travelling north towards Ronda. Once we arrive to Ronda, your tour guide will show you around the best and most important sites of Ronda. You will walk around and learn the history and enjoy the sites of this beautiful city. Ronda was built by the roman emperor Julius Caesar in the 1 Century AD, then in the 8th Century, the city was taken by the moors. Nowadays Ronda is the third most visited city in Andalusia, it is in a stunning place, middle of the El Tajo gorge. The city is divided by a new bridge, which was finished in the 16th Century, which joins the old Moorish town with the new town. Amongst other monuments and sights, you can get to know:

Three bridges of Ronda: Puente Romano, Puente Viejo & The Puente Nuevo, the Town hall, the Bullfighting Ring (Ronda is said to be the home to the modern-day bullfighting, Don Bosco’s House (a modernist palace from the beginning of the 20th Century, decorated with Arabian and regional ceramics.

 

After the 1.30 hours visit of Ronda, you will have some free time to have a bite to eat before we head on towards Granada.

 

13h45 hrs. arrival in Granada – Check in to the hotel. 

 
16h00 After lunch depart by bus with a local guide to visit the immense Alhambra Palace and its beautiful Generalife gardens, built in Arabian times. 

 

Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

 

 

Day  13  -  Sun - Granada to Cordoba 

 

Early departure from Granada to the splendid city of Cordoba. Therein, you'll visit the Roman Bridge before reaching the Jewish Quarter to visit the legendary Synagogue. And for the grand finale, you'll see the astounding, multi-arched Great Mosque of Cordoba.

Pearl of Muslim Spain, Andalucía’s thousand-year-old city, Córdoba, was once the capital of both the Roman Empire and the Moorish Kingdom, representing an alluring mix of cultural and political history.Get to know the fascinating history of Jewish Quarter (Juderia), take in the spiritual surroundings of Mezquita Cathedral de Cordoba, then let your taste buds guide you at a local gastronomic tour.

Evening -  Flamenco show

 

19.00 hrs.- Attend a flamenco dance show , a cherished  culture and almost a sacred tradition carried  on generation after generation. Return to hotel.
 

 

Day  14  -  Mon -   Cordoba to Seville 

 

After breakfast, depart by bus to Seville, where a local expert guide, guides you through a scenic visit of Sevilla. Lasting two hours and featuring the Cathedral and the Giralda, Plaza de España, the beautiful banks of the river Guadalquivir, the Golden Tower, the districts of Santa Cruz and Triana, and the Maestranza Bullring.

 

After the tour, we will include a boat trip along the river Guadalquivir, enjoying the panoramic views from the boat. Enjoy leisure time straight afterwards or the tours to the Cathedral  

 

At the end of the afternoon, we will go to the historic city centre area (calle Alfonso XII) where many different restaurants can be found. You can choose your favorite cuisine: Indian, Halal, Chinese, Spanish, International and so on.  Return to the hotel.

 

 

Day  15 – Tues - Seville – Seville  Airport  or  Lisbon  Airport   OR  Extend your stay in Malaga

 

End of our services.

 

Post breakfast, you can be dropped at the airport  

 

 

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Hotels Envisaged

 

 

Lisbon - 7 Nights

        Hotel Ramada by Wyndham

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Algarve - 2 Nights

     Hotel Vila Gale Cerro Alagoa

 

Algeciras - 2  Nights

            Hotel  NH Campo de Gibraltar

 

Granada -1 Night

            Hotel  Alixares

 

Cordoba - 1 Night

            Hotel  Macia  Alfaros

 

Seville - 1 Night

            Hotel  NH  Plaza de Armas       

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Inclusions

                                                                     

Welcome and Assistance at Airports

 

Well  Appointed  Hotels and Transfers

 

Transportation in an Air-Conditioned Deluxe Vehicle

 

Services of Professional English Speaking Guide

 

Entrance fees as specified in the Itinerary

 

Daily  Breakfast  and  Lunch  or  Dinner  daily  

 

 

 

Exclusions

 

 

International  Flights 

 

Mandatory  Insurance

 

Tips to Tour Guides and Drivers 

 

Optional  Tours  within  Cities ( If applicable )

 

Drinks with Meals

 

Items of Personal Nature