Northern Spain & Portugal

Day 1 – Barcelona

Hotel: Catalonia Boulevard Meals: Dinner

Welcome to Spain!

Upon arrival in Barcelona, transfer to your hotel before joining your tour leader and fellow travellers for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Enjoy an evening of delicious Spanish cuisine and wine as you get to know your group.

Day 2 – Barcelona

Hotel: Catalonia Boulevard Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, embark on a guided city tour of Barcelona, discovering its extraordinary architecture and iconic landmarks.

Travel along the city's grand avenues, admiring Antoni Gaudí's remarkable modernist creations, including La Pedrera and Casa Batlló. Continue to Montjuïc Park for spectacular views across Barcelona and its harbour, passing the Olympic Ring, Columbus Monument and Olympic Port.

Visit the magnificent Sagrada Família, Barcelona's most famous landmark, with entrance included.

Spend the afternoon exploring at your leisure. Wander through the historic Gothic Quarter, browse the boutiques along Passeig de Gràcia or enjoy a stroll along the waterfront.

Inspiring Highlights: Panoramic Barcelona city tour, La Pedrera, Casa Batlló, Montjuïc Park, Sagrada Família.

Itinerary Amendment – 18 April and 16 May 2027 Departures

Enjoy an afternoon catamaran cruise along Barcelona's Mediterranean coastline, including a complimentary drink and traditional local tapa. Relax in the shaded seating area or soak up the sunshine on the forward nets.

Day 3 – Barcelona → Zaragoza → Pamplona → Bilbao

Hotel: Barceló Nervión – Bilbao Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, depart Barcelona and travel through Spain's diverse agricultural and industrial landscapes towards Zaragoza, the historic capital of Aragón.

Enjoy free time to admire the magnificent Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, an impressive example of Baroque architecture overlooking the Ebro River.

Continue to Pamplona, famous for its annual San Fermín festival and running of the bulls. Discover its charming medieval old town, historic streets and beautiful Gothic Cathedral.

Later, continue to Bilbao for your overnight stay.

Inspiring Highlights: Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, Pamplona's medieval old town and Gothic Cathedral.

Day 4 – Bilbao → San Sebastián → Bilbao

Hotel: Barceló Nervión – Bilbao Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Begin with a guided city tour of Bilbao, discovering its contemporary architecture and impressive urban transformation.

Enjoy free time near the iconic Guggenheim Museum, one of Spain's most celebrated architectural landmarks.

This afternoon, travel to the beautiful coastal city of San Sebastián, renowned for its elegant streets, world-famous cuisine and spectacular beaches.

Enjoy a panoramic tour showcasing the magnificent La Concha Bay before visiting Mount Igueldo for breathtaking views over the city and coastline.

Return to Bilbao for dinner at a local restaurant, where you'll sample traditional Basque pintxos, the region's delicious version of tapas.

Inspiring Highlights: Bilbao city tour, San Sebastián, La Concha Bay, Mount Igueldo, traditional Basque pintxos dinner.

Day 5 – Bilbao → Castro Urdiales → Santander

Hotel: Santemar Hotel – Santander Meals: Breakfast

Travel west along the beautiful coastline of Green Spain, discovering charming seaside towns and spectacular coastal scenery.

Stop in Castro Urdiales, a picturesque fishing village featuring a medieval harbour and the magnificent Gothic Church of Santa María overlooking the Bay of Biscay.

Enjoy free time to explore before continuing to Santander, an elegant port city situated around one of Europe's finest natural bays.

Discover the city's beautiful waterfront and famous El Sardinero Beach.

Inspiring Highlights: Castro Urdiales fishing town, Church of Santa María, Santander, El Sardinero Beach.

Day 6 – Santander → Santillana del Mar → Covadonga → Oviedo

Hotel: Eurostars Palacio de Cristal Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, travel to Santillana del Mar, one of Spain's most beautifully preserved historic towns.

Admire its charming medieval streets and remarkable Romanesque architecture, including the Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana.

Continue to Covadonga, where you'll have free time to explore the famous Sanctuary and Holy Cave, dedicated to Our Lady of Covadonga, the patroness of Asturias.

This afternoon, journey to Oviedo and admire the beautiful Church of Santa María del Naranco, an outstanding example of pre-Romanesque Asturian architecture.

Explore Oviedo's pedestrian-friendly streets, historic squares and magnificent Gothic Cathedral before enjoying an evening at leisure.

Inspiring Highlights: Santillana del Mar, Covadonga Sanctuary and Holy Cave, Church of Santa María del Naranco, Oviedo.

Itinerary Amendment – 18 April and 16 May 2027 Departures

Enjoy dinner with your fellow travellers at a traditional Asturian cider house.

Day 7 – Oviedo → Mondoñedo → Lugo → Santiago de Compostela

Hotel: Exe Peregrino Meals: Breakfast

Journey into the beautiful region of Galicia, stopping first in Mondoñedo, a charming historic town known for its impressive 13th-century Cathedral.

Enjoy free time to explore and perhaps sample the town's famous traditional Mondoñedo cake.

Continue to Lugo, where you'll discover remarkable Roman heritage, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Roman walls and the Cathedral of Saint Mary.

Later, arrive in Santiago de Compostela, one of Spain's most significant pilgrimage destinations and the celebrated finishing point of the Camino de Santiago.

Inspiring Highlights: Mondoñedo Cathedral, Lugo's Roman walls, Cathedral of Saint Mary.

Day 8 – Santiago de Compostela

Hotel: Exe Peregrino Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Santiago de Compostela, one of Europe's most important pilgrimage cities.

Visit the magnificent Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, believed to house the remains of the Apostle Saint James, with entrance included.

Discover the impressive Obradoiro Square, the historic heart of the city and a gathering place for pilgrims completing the Camino de Santiago.

Spend the remainder of the day exploring the city's atmospheric cobblestone streets, traditional shops, historic buildings and charming cafés at your leisure.

Inspiring Highlights: Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, Obradoiro Square.

Day 9 – Santiago de Compostela → Rías Baixas → Porto

Hotel: Vila Galé Porto Ribeira Meals: Breakfast

Depart Santiago de Compostela and travel through the beautiful Rías Baixas region, famous for its picturesque coastline, sheltered estuaries and excellent seafood.

Enjoy a scenic cruise along the Ría de Arousa, accompanied by a tasting of local Albariño wine and freshly prepared mussels.

Continue south across the Portuguese border towards Porto, one of Europe's oldest cities and a UNESCO World Heritage destination.

Situated along the Douro River, Porto is celebrated for its colourful riverside architecture, historic neighbourhoods and world-famous port wine.

Inspiring Highlights: Ría de Arousa cruise, Albariño wine and mussel tasting.

Day 10 – Porto

Hotel: Vila Galé Porto Ribeira Meals: Breakfast

Discover the historic charm of Porto on a guided sightseeing tour showcasing the city's magnificent architecture and cultural heritage.

Admire Porto Cathedral, the impressive Stock Exchange Palace and the beautiful Church of Santa Clara.

Continue with a scenic cruise along the Douro River, enjoying wonderful views of Porto's colourful waterfront and historic bridges.

Visit one of the city's famous port wine cellars, where you'll learn about the region's winemaking traditions and enjoy a tasting of its celebrated wines.

Spend the remainder of the day exploring Porto at your leisure.

Inspiring Highlights: Porto Cathedral, Stock Exchange Palace, Church of Santa Clara, Douro River cruise, port wine cellar visit and tasting.

Day 11 – Porto

Hotel: Vila Galé Porto Ribeira Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy a full day at leisure discovering Porto at your own pace.

Explore the lively Ribeira district, where colourful historic buildings overlook the Douro River, or browse the traditional shops and cafés along Santa Catarina Street.

Visit the beautiful São Bento Railway Station, famous for its magnificent blue-and-white tiled murals depicting scenes from Portuguese history.

Alternatively, relax at a riverside café, sample local Portuguese cuisine or discover more of Porto's charming neighbourhoods.

The evening is yours to enjoy.

Itinerary Amendment – 18 April and 16 May 2027 Departures

Experience a traditional Portuguese fado performance while enjoying dinner with your fellow travellers.

Day 12 – Porto → Aveiro → Coimbra

Hotel: Aeminium Coimbra Affiliated by Meliá Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, depart Porto for Aveiro, a charming coastal city often referred to as the Venice of Portugal.

Discover its picturesque canals aboard a traditional colourful moliceiro boat, once used to transport seaweed through the waterways.

Continue to Coimbra, one of Portugal's most historic university cities.

Join a local guide to explore its fascinating medieval streets, beautiful riverfront and prestigious university, one of the oldest in Europe.

Discover the city's remarkable architectural heritage and centuries-old academic traditions.

Inspiring Highlights: Moliceiro boat ride along Aveiro's canals, guided tour of Coimbra.

Day 13 – Coimbra → Batalha → Nazaré → Lisbon

Hotel: Lutecia Smart Design Hotel – Lisbon Meals: Breakfast

Travel south towards Lisbon, stopping first at the magnificent Batalha Monastery.

This UNESCO World Heritage-listed masterpiece showcases extraordinary Gothic and Manueline architecture and is one of Portugal's most impressive historic monuments.

Continue to the picturesque fishing town of Nazaré, famous for its traditional coastal culture, sweeping beaches and enormous Atlantic waves.

Enjoy free time to explore the seaside town before continuing to Lisbon, Portugal's vibrant capital.

The evening is at leisure to discover the city's wonderful restaurants, historic streets and lively atmosphere.

Inspiring Highlights: Batalha Monastery, Nazaré fishing town.

Day 14 – Lisbon

Hotel: Lutecia Smart Design Hotel – Lisbon Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Lisbon, discovering the city's grand avenues, historic neighbourhoods and celebrated landmarks.

Visit the famous Belém Tower, magnificent Jerónimos Monastery and impressive Monument to the Discoveries, commemorating Portugal's great maritime explorers.

Continue through the elegant Marquis of Pombal Square and along Liberty Avenue, one of Lisbon's most prestigious boulevards.

This afternoon, enjoy free time exploring the atmospheric Alfama Quarter, Lisbon's oldest neighbourhood.

Wander through its narrow winding streets, admire colourful buildings and discover traditional Portuguese taverns and charming local cafés.

The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Inspiring Highlights: Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, Monument to the Discoveries.

Day 15 – Lisbon → Mérida → Madrid

Hotel: Aloft by Marriott Madrid Gran Vía Meals: Breakfast

Farewell Portugal and journey back into Spain, travelling towards the historic city of Mérida.

Discover this remarkable UNESCO World Heritage destination, renowned for its exceptionally preserved Roman ruins.

Explore the city's fascinating ancient heritage, including the impressive Roman Theatre and Amphitheatre, which offer a glimpse into life during the Roman Empire.

Continue to Madrid, Spain's vibrant capital, for your overnight stay.

Day 16 – Madrid

Hotel: Aloft by Marriott Madrid Gran Vía Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy a guided city tour of Madrid, discovering its magnificent architecture, historic squares and elegant boulevards.

Explore the medieval Barrio de la Morería and the historic Habsburg Quarter before admiring the impressive Plaza Mayor and Plaza de la Villa.

Continue through Bourbon Madrid, passing the magnificent Royal Palace, beautiful Cibeles and Neptune Fountains and iconic Puerta de Alcalá.

Discover Madrid's cosmopolitan character as you travel along the lively Gran Vía, through the sophisticated Salamanca District and along Paseo de la Castellana, passing the famous Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

Spend the afternoon at leisure exploring Madrid's world-class museums, stylish boutiques, charming neighbourhoods and lively café culture.

This evening, join your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner, celebrating your unforgettable journey through Spain and Portugal.

Inspiring Highlights: Plaza Mayor, Plaza de la Villa, Royal Palace, Puerta de Alcalá.

Day 17 – Madrid

After breakfast, your wonderful 17-day journey through Spain and Portugal comes to an end.

From Barcelona's extraordinary architecture and the beautiful Basque coastline to Porto's riverside charm, Lisbon's historic treasures and Madrid's grand boulevards, your adventure has showcased the rich history, culture and scenery of the Iberian Peninsula.

Transfer to the airport for your onward journey.

Itinerary is subject to change.