**NEW ALL SPAIN & PORTUGAL ITINERARY**

19 DAY IBERIAN TOUR from MADRID with BARCELONA STAY (RONIB)

DEPARTS MADRID / WEDNESDAYS : 11 April - 17 October 2018

Day 1 (Wednesday)   MADRID / ZARAGOZA / SAN SEBASTIAN

Depart from Julia Travel bus terminal (Plaza de Oriente) at 0830 towards Zaragoza with free time to visit the Basilica of Our Lady of The Pilar, patroness of Hispanity and stroll through the old streets of Zaragoza. In the afternoon we will continue to San Sebastian, one of the most famous tourist destinations. Take a panoramic city tour of this French style bourgeois city, seeing the extraordinary landscape dominated by the bay and the magnificent Conchas beach. (Consider joining this tour in San Sebastian a day or so earlier!!)

 

Day 2 (Thursday)       SAN SEBASTIAN / BILBAO / CASTRO URDIALES / SANTANDER

Breakfast and then depart San Sebastian. We will approach Mount Igueldo, with its unforgettable views of the city and then proceed towards Bilbao for a panoramic tour and free time on the esplanade where the Guggenheim Museum is located in order to admire this modern architectural building. Proceed to the old fishing village “Castro Urdiales”. Free time before continuing onto Santander, a port city located between the sea and the mountains, well known for its Sardinero Beach, one of the best known beaches in Spain. Free time to stroll through this elegant city. Accommodation.

 

Day 3 (Friday)           SANTANDER / SANTILLANA / COVADONGA / OVIEDO

After breakfast depart for Santillana, one of the most important historical artistic towns in Spain. It contains architectural treasures such as the Collegiate of Santa Juiliana, a Jewel of the Romanesque Architecture in Cantabria. Continue to Covadonga, here you will have free time to see the Sanctuary and the Grotto where you will see the patroness of Asturias our Lady of Covadonga. In the afternoon, departure to Oviedo, where you will see on a series of hills the beauty of Saint Maria de Naranco Church, Jewel of the pre Romanic Asturian architecture. Free time to explore Oviedo, many of their streets are pedestrian, you will be able to see World Heritage sites like The Cathedral, a splendid example of gothic Asturian architecture. Accommodation.

 

Day 4 (Saturday)        OVIEDO / LUGO / LA CORUÑA

After breakfast depart for the Galician region and arrive in Lugo, which holds one of the most impressive roman ramparts with a permitter of 2266 metres in circumference declared World Heritage. Continue onto La Coruña for a brief panoramic tour through the main avenues of this fabulous town driving by the Marine Avenue to admire the elegance of this city with the typical Galician architecture of glass house galleries. Brief stop in one of the wonders of the world the oldest working lighthouse the “Tower of Hercules” dating back from the roman period. Afternoon at leisure where you join optional tour to the Rias Altas. Accommodation.

 

Day 5 (Sunday)          LA CORUÑA / SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA

After breakfast depart for Santiago de Compostela, declared World Heritage as it is one of the most important centre of Christian Pilgrimages in Spain and as the end of the Camino de Santiago route built during the Roman Empire. Enjoy a city tour including the main square called Obradoiro and also the Cathedral (entrance included) dedicated to the Apostle Santiago. The afternoon is free to explore the narrow cobblestone streets and get the feel of the student atmosphere. Accommodation.

 

Day 6 (Monday)         SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA / RIAS BAJAS / LA TOJA / VIGO

Breakfast then depart towards one of the most picturesque areas of Galicia, the Rias Bajas. Driving through this magnificent landscape we will arrive to la Toja Island, universally known for its spa. Free time and then continue to the Ria de Arosa, passing through Pontevedra to arrive in Vigo, situated in the middle of the Rias Baixas. Accommodation.

 

Day 7 (Tuesday)        VIGO / VIANA DO CASTELO / BRAGA / PORTO

Breakfast then cross the Portuguese border to arrive in Viana do Castelo, this city is located between the mouth of the river Minho and Porto. You will have free time to visit the old town with cobbled streets and emblazoned buildings. We then continue to Braga known as the city of the archbishops and the third most populated city in Portugal. Free time and then depart to Porto. Accommodation.

 

Day 8 (Wednesday)   PORTO

After breakfast enjoy a panoramic tour of this World Heritage city; to admire the Cathedral, the stock Exchange building and the Santa Clara church. Accommodation. Optional: Taste the famous “Port wine” at a local wine cellar.

 

Day 9 (Thursday)       PORTO/ COIMBRA / FATIMA

Breakfast and depart to Coimbra, site of one of the oldest universities in Europe, famous as a centre of learning and culture as seen in ancient streets and architecture,and birthplace of Fado, the music of Portugal. Free time, and then continue to Fatima, centre of the Christian Faith and World Pilgrimage Sanctuary with its impressive Basilica and the Cova da Iria place where the Virgin Maryappeared. The Chapel of the Apparitions, heart of the sanctuary, with the tombs of the three shepherds, Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta. Tonight there is the possibility to attend the procession of the candles. Accommodation.

 

Day 10 (Friday)          FATIMA / BATALHA / NAZARE / ALCOBACA / LISBON

After breakfast depart to the Batalha Monastery, a masterpiece of Gothic and Manueline style considered a World Heritage place by UNESCO. Continue to the picturesque fishing town of Nazare. Free time and continue to Alcobaca (World Heritage) visit the 12^th century church and admire the tombs of Pedro and Ines de Castro and then to Lisbon. Accommodation. Optional night tour to attend a show of Fado, typical Portuguese song and music.

 

Day 11 (Saturday)      LISBON

After breakfast a sightseeing tour of the ancient Olissipo, drive through its main squares and avenues, Belem Tower, Jeronimos Monastery, Coach Museum, Monument to the Discoveries, Marquis of Pombal Square, Liberty Avenue. The afternoon is at leisure, maybe visit the Alfama quarter and the old city gathered next to the castle, with buildings nested in narrow twisting “Ruas” full of colour housing the genuine “tebernas” where Fado sounds as a missing past. Accommodation.

 

Day 12 (Sunday)        LISBON / CACERES / CORDOBA

Breakfast and depart at 0730 for Caceres (World Heritage City) because of the city's blend of Roman, Islamic, Northern Gothic and Italian Renaissance architecture. We will walk through its Plaza Mayor and the Old Town with its Medieval Quarter. Continue to Cordoba, once the capital of the Caliphate. Dinner and accommodation

 

Day 13 (Monday)       CORDOBA / SEVILLE

After breakfast a Cordoba city tour including the impressive Mosque and Jewish Quarter. Continue to Seville, a wonderful city, regarded by some as the romantic capital of Andalucía. Visitors can understand why this city is the setting for the Operas Carmen, Don Juan & Figaro as well as being the home of the fiery flamenco; they feel it in the narrow streets, squares, courtyards and colourful patios of the Santa Cruz district. Dinner and accommodation.

 

Day 14 (Tuesday)      SEVILLE

After breakfast enjoy a panoramic tour including the Cathedral from outside, Santa Cruz Quarter, and Maria Luisa Gardens. An afternoon at leisure to explore the city, perhaps a river cruise along the Guadalquir or a visit to the pseudo reconstruction of Pontius Pilates House (Casa de Pilatos), which began in the 16th century, and presents an interesting blend of mudejar, gothic and renaissance styles with its beautiful patio and gallery, elegant fountain and ornamental minerva statues. Dinner and accommodation. Optional Flamenco tour.

 

Day 15 (Wednesday) SEVILLE / GRANADA

Breakfast and then depart via the Caliphate road to Granada. Visit the Alhambra and Generalife Gardens, the last stronghold of the Moorish Kingdoms up to 1492, an amazing monumental environment. Dinner and accommodation. Optional Gipsy Flamenco show at Sacromonte quarter.

 

Day 16 (Thursday)     GRANADA / VALENCIA

After breakfast, depart for Valencia, one of the capitals of the Mediterranean coast with its modern Arts and Sciences Architectural Complex integrated by six elements: Hemispheric, Umbracle, Science Museum, Oceanographic, Palau de les Arts and Ágora.Valencia is also the home of the internationally renowned and delicious “Paella”. Accommodation.

 

Day 17 (Friday)          VALENCIA / BARCELONA

After breakfast a morning sightseeing tour of Valencia including the most prominent buildings. Then drive past the old riverbed of the Turia to the most avant-garde part of the city to marvel at the arts and sciences complex known as “Ciudad de las Artes y de las Ciencias”. We will be able to see the emblematic exteriors of the buildings designed by the famous architect Santiago Calatrava. Depart in the early afternoon via Tarragona on the Mediterranean Coast for Barcelona. Accommodation.

 

Day 18 (Saturday)      BARCELONA

Breakfast then a morning city tour; drive along the main avenues, with impressive buildings by Gaudi, symbol of the Catalonian modernism, the Park of Montjuich with spectacular views of the city and harbour, Olympic Ring, monument to Columbus and the old Gothic Quarter. Your afternoon is at leisure. Accommodation.

 

Day 19 (Sunday)        BARCELONA / ZARAGOZA / MADRID

Breakfast then depart for Madrid via Zaragoza, the capital city of Aragon within the banks of the Ebro river a short stop before continuing onto Madrid. END OF THE TOUR. (Consider finishing this tour in Barcelona)

• (B/L/D) = Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Seasonal supplements may apply

• Transportation in air conditioned vehicle
• Accommodation including daily breakfast and 4 dinners
• Guided visits in Santiago de Compostela, Porto, Lisbon, Cordoba, Seville, Granada, Valencia, Barcelona
• Monument entry fees

Generally, coach tours in Spain, Portugal & Morocco use local guides in cities and destinations visited. Tours are also normally accompanied by a multilingual tour escort unless they are specifically listed as only ‘English Speaking’. Your tour may comprise a combination of tours and other participants in your tour may be going to or leaving for other destinations. Your tour escort may also change during the course of your program. Your fellow travellers could be from all over the world, speaking various languages. Tour information and descriptions will be given in English, and possibly Spanish and other language(s) depending on those spoken by tour participants.