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9 days Portugal & Spain Europe

All of Portugal and Galicia

Lisbon • Algarve • Évora • Fátima • Porto • Santiago de Compostela • León • Madrid

Discover the highlights of Portugal and northern Spain on this fascinating 9-day journey through historic cities, beautiful coastal landscapes, religious landmarks and UNESCO-listed heritage sites.

Starting in Lisbon, explore the Portuguese capital and the historic Belém district before travelling south through the Algarve, visiting Lagos, Cape St. Vincent, Albufeira and Faro. Continue through the Alentejo region to the historic towns of Mértola, Évora, Marvão, Castelo de Vide and Tomar before reaching Fátima.

The journey continues north to Porto, where you will enjoy a cruise along the Douro River, before crossing into Spain. Discover Braga’s Sanctuary of Bom Jesus, the Rías Baixas, Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, O Cebreiro and León before concluding your journey in Madrid.

This itinerary combines sightseeing, culture, history, scenic landscapes, local experiences and leisure time into one memorable Iberian adventure.

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Lisbon

Welcome to Lisbon! Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free for you to relax and settle in. Tour information will be provided in the afternoon, either directly or through an information board at the hotel reception.

Overnight: Lisbon

Day 2 Lisbon City Tour

After breakfast, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Lisbon, Portugal's picturesque capital, famous for its seven hills, charming alleys, traditional tiles and distinctive Atlantic atmosphere. The tour also takes you to Belém, the historic district from where Portuguese navigators embarked on their ocean voyages during the Age of Discoveries. The afternoon is free for independent exploration. You may stroll through the city, visit Bairro Alto and enjoy its viewpoints. An optional excursion to Sintra, Cascais and Estoril may also be available. In the evening, return to the hotel from Restauradores Square, a lively area filled with cafés and bars.

Overnight: Lisbon

Day 3 Lisbon – Lagos – Cape St. Vincent – Albufeira

Depart Lisbon early and travel south towards the Algarve, crossing the long bridge over the Tagus River. Visit Lagos, a historic coastal city once known for its strategic port and role in Portuguese maritime exploration. Enjoy time to explore its charming historic centre and have lunch. Continue to Cape St. Vincent, the westernmost point of continental Europe, known for its dramatic cliffs and spectacular Atlantic views. There will also be an opportunity to photograph the historic Sagres Fortress. Later, continue to Albufeira, where you can relax on the beach or explore the lively historic centre.

Overnight: Albufeira or neighbouring Algarve area

Day 4 Albufeira – Faro – Mértola – Évora

Travel to Faro, the peaceful capital of the Algarve, for a leisurely stroll. Continue into the Alentejo region and visit Mértola, a historic walled town situated along the Guadiana River. Once an important centre during the Muslim era, the town is dominated by its impressive castle and is known for its whitewashed houses and historic streets. Continue to Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the remarkable Chapel of Bones, constructed using the bones of more than 5,000 people. Afterwards, explore Évora's historic centre, featuring medieval palaces, Gothic religious buildings and the remains of its ancient Roman temple.

Overnight: Évora

Day 5 Évora – Marvão – Castelo de Vide – Tomar – Fátima

Travel through the scenic landscapes of the Alentejo region. Stop in Marvão, a picturesque fortified town offering panoramic views across the surrounding countryside. Continue to Castelo de Vide, where you can explore its impressive castle and historic Jewish quarter. There may also be an opportunity to visit the medieval synagogue, now a museum. After lunch, continue to Tomar, famous for the spectacular Convent of Christ, a former castle-convent associated with the Knights Templar. Before arriving in Fátima, stop in Aljustrel, birthplace of the three young shepherds associated with the apparitions of the Virgin Mary. You will have the opportunity to see Lucia's house. Arrive in Fátima and enjoy free time at the Sanctuary. Guests may also watch the candlelight procession. Dinner included.

Overnight: Fátima

Day 6 Fátima – Porto

Depart Fátima and travel north towards Porto, Portugal's second-largest city. Arrive at approximately 11:00 a.m. and enjoy a 50-minute cruise along the Douro River aboard a traditional Portuguese Rabelo boat. The cruise offers beautiful views of Porto's riverside scenery. After the cruise, enjoy free time to explore the Ribeira district, famous for its narrow streets, historic buildings, cafés and riverside atmosphere. Continue to your hotel.

Overnight: Porto

Day 7 Porto – Braga – Cambados/O Grove – Santiago de Compostela

Travel through northern Portugal and visit Braga. Enjoy a ride on the historic water-operated cable car to the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, where you can admire panoramic views. After exploring the sanctuary, you may descend via its famous staircase. Continue into Galicia, Spain, visiting Cambados or O Grove in the Rías Baixas. Enjoy a glass-bottom boat trip along the Ría de Arousa, learning about local mussel and oyster production. Wine and mussel tasting is included onboard. Continue to Santiago de Compostela, arriving around lunchtime. Enjoy a city tour led by a local guide, exploring the medieval streets and important pilgrimage sites associated with the famous Way of St. James.

Overnight: Santiago de Compostela

Day 8 Santiago de Compostela – Lugo – O Cebreiro – León – Madrid

Continue your journey along the Way of St. James. Stop in Lugo to explore its historic centre and see the impressive Roman Walls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to O Cebreiro, a charming Galician village known for its traditional stone buildings. By lunchtime, arrive in León, where you will visit its magnificent Gothic cathedral, renowned for its beautiful stained-glass windows. Enjoy a walk through León's historic centre before departing at approximately 5:00 p.m. for Madrid. Arrival in Madrid is expected at approximately 9:00 p.m. Note: If the number of travellers travelling from León to Madrid is small, this section of the journey may be operated by train or regular transportation.

Overnight: Madrid

Day 9 Madrid – Tour Ends

After breakfast, your Portugal and Spain journey comes to an end. Depart with wonderful memories of Portugal's historic cities, Algarve coastline, religious landmarks, Porto's riverside scenery and the cultural treasures of northern Spain.

Overnight: End of tour.

What's included

Included

  • Travel by coach with an English-speaking guide
  • Basic travel insurance
  • Hotel accommodation
  • Breakfast buffet
  • Arrival and Departure transfer
  • City tour of Lisbon
  • Guided city tour of Santiago de Compostela
  • Douro River cruise in Porto
  • Wine and mussel tasting during the boat trip in Cambados
  • Evening transfer from Restauradores Square in Lisbon
  • Admission to the Chapel of Bones in Évora
  • Admission to the Convent of Christ in Tomar
  • Cable car/funicular ride to the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus in Braga
  • Dinner in Fátima

Not included

  • International and domestic flights unless specifically stated in the package
  • Visa application fees and visa processing charges
  • Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, room service and other personal purchases
  • Meals and drinks not specifically mentioned in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees to attractions and sites not specifically listed under inclusions
  • Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers and hotel staff
  • Any services not specifically mentioned under What's Included

Important notes

  • Accommodation may be provided at the listed hotel or a similar category hotel.
  • The itinerary includes a wine and mussel tasting experience in the Rías Baixas.
  • Hotel names listed in the itinerary are planned hotels or hotels of a similar category and may be subject to change.

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