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

DEPARTS MADRID / WEDNESDAYS : 17 April - 16 October 2019 & 25 March 2020

Day 1 (Wednesday)      MADRID / ZARAGOZA / SAN SEBASTIAN

Depart from the Julia Travel bus terminal (Plaza de Oriente) at 8.30am to Zaragoza. Take a short stop before continuing to one of Spain’s most elegant and fashionable cities, San Sebastian. Take a panoramic city tour of this bourgeois style city, seeing the extraordinary landscape dominated by the bay and the magnificent Conchas beach. Accommodation.

(Consider joining this this tour in San Sebastian - add an extra night!)

 

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

This morning after breakfast depart San Sebastian and approach Mount Igueldo, with its unforgettable views of the city and then continue to Bilbao. Take a panoramic drive around the city and enjoy free time on the esplanade with the Guggenheim Museum, admire the modern architecture of this famous building. Proceed to the old fishing village “Castro Urdiales”. Free time. Continuing to 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. Afternoon at leisure. Accommodation.

 

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

After breakfast depart for Santillana, one of the most important historical artistic towns in Spain, with its architectural treasures such as the Collegiate of Santa Juiliana. Continue to Covadonga for free time to visit the Sanctuary and the Grotto with the patroness of Asturias our Lady of Covadonga. In the afternoon depart to Oviedo with time to explore the many pedestrian streets and World Heritage sites like The Cathedral, a splendid example of gothic Asturian architecture on your own. Accommodation.

 

Day 4 (Saturday)          OVIEDO / LUGO / LA CORUÑA

Following breakfast depart for the region of Galicia; arrive in Lugo, which holds one of the most impressive roman ramparts with a permitter of 2266 metres in circumference and has been declared a World Heritage site. Next continue to La Coruna for a panoramic tour followed by free time to perhaps visit the 100m Roman lighthouse (Tower of Hercules) and its modern interactive museum. Afternoon Optional Excursion: To the Rias Atlas through typical villages such as Pontedeume, Betanzos, etc. Accommodation.

 

Day 5 (Sunday)            LA CORUÑA / SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA

After breakfast depart for Santiago de Compostela, declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Take a city tour of this legendary pilgrimage town including the Cathedral and Obradoiro Square. Afternoon at leisure. 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 arrive to la Toja Island, universally known for its spa. Free time. Continue to the Ria de Arosa, passing through Pontevedra, arrive in Vigo, situated in the middle of the Rias Baixas. Accommodation.

 

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

After breakfast this morning cross the Portuguese border to Viana do Castelo, this city is located between the mouth of the river Minho and Porto. Free time. Continue to Braga known as the city of the archbishops. Short Stop. Continue to Porto. Accommodation.

 

Day 8 (Wednesday)      PORTO

This morning 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

After breakfast depart for Coimbra, the site of one of the oldest universities in Europe; a centre of learning and culture as seen in ancient streets and architecture, and as the birthplace of Fado - the music of Portugal. Free time. Continue to Fatima, a centre of the Christian Faith and World Pilgrimage with its impressive Basilica and the Cova da Iria place, where the Virgin Mary appeared. The Chapel of the Apparitions, heart of the sanctuary, with the tombs of the three shepherds, Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta. Accommodation. Possible Optional: Tonight there is the possibility to attend the procession of the candles.

 

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

Today, after breakfast, depart for the Batalha Monastery, a masterpiece of Gothic and Manueline style considered a UNESCO World Heritage site. Next travel to the picturesque fishing town of Nazare for some free time. Continue to Alcobaca another UNESCO World Heritage site and visit the 12th century church, admire the tombs of Pedro and Ines de Castro. This evening arrive in Lisbon. Accommodation. Evening Optional: Attend a show of Fado - typical Portuguese song and music.

 

Day 11 (Saturday)        LISBON

This morning after breakfast take 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 early for Caceres, considered World Heritage City because of its blend of Roman, Islamic, Northern Gothic and Italian Renaissance architecture. 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

Today, after breakfast enjoy a Cordoba sightseeing tour including a visit to the magnificent 8th century Mezquita/Mosque/Cathedral and the historic Jewish quarter, with its narrow winding streets, decorated courtyards and patios of flowers. In the afternoon continue to Seville, a wonderful city, and regarded by some as the romantic capital of Andalucía. Dinner and accommodation.

 

Day 14 (Tuesday)         SEVILLE

Breakfast; take a Panoramic city tour including the Cathedral (outside only), Santa Cruz Quarter, Maria Luisa Gardens and Plaza Espana. The afternoon is at leisure to explore the city, perhaps take 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 Artistic Excursion: Flamenco tour.

 

Day 15 (Wednesday)    SEVILLE / GRANADA

After breakfast drive east along the Caliphate road to the heart of Andalucia observing an endless number of olive trees on the way to Granada, the final stronghold of the Moorish Kingdom in 1492, a glorious city immortalised in song and verse and overlooked by the majestic snow covered Sierra Nevadas. Enjoy a sightseeing tour visiting the Alhambra and the Generalife Gardens, which showcases Moorish palaces, towers and gardens in an incomparable setting – the Alhambra is special! Dinner and accommodation. Evening Optional: Attend a typical show of gipsy flamenco.

 

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

This morning after breakfast take a morning city tour of this bright city including a drive through the old city showing the most prominent buildings, then drive past the old riverbed of the Turia to the most avant-garde complex “Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias”. This afternoon depart for Barcelona, with its tree lined La Rambla Boulevard filled with cafes, bars, street performers and flower-stalls packed both day and night! A city of stunning contrasts from Gaudi’s Art Nouveau architecture found in the unfinished Sagrada Familia Cathedral, to his Modernism architecture and famous Parc Guell. Barcelona should not be missed by any visitor to Spain. Accommodation.

 

Day 18 (Saturday)        BARCELONA

Breakfast followed by a morning city sightseeing tour including Park of Montjuic with its spectacular views, the monument to Columbus and the old Gothic Quarter. The capital of Catalonia, where Gaudi, Picasso and Dali have all lived and worked, full of modern architecture, historical buildings, the 1992 Olympics and much more contribute to making Barcelona a memorable city that is waiting to be explored on your afternoon at leisure. Accommodation.

 

Day 19 (Sunday)          BARCELONA / ZARAGOZA / MADRID

Today, after breakfast, depart southward short stop in Zaragoza, the capital city of Aragon within the banks of the Ebro River and free time before continuing onto Madrid. END OF TOUR. Consider finishing in Barcelona after breakfast today and extending your stay!

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

• Transportation in air conditioned vehicle
• First class (4*) tour hotels used (or similar): San Sebastian – Palacio de Aiete; Santander – Santemar; Oviedo – Ayre Hotel Ramiro/Oca Santo Domingo Plaza; La Coruna – Tryp Coruna; Santiago – Tryp Santiago; Vigo – Tryp Los Galeones; Porto – Tryp Porto Expo/Eurostars Herismo; Fatima – Aurea Fatima/Estrela de Fatima/Regina; Lisbon – Lutecia; Cordoba – NH Cordoba Guadalquivir; Seville – Silken Al-Andalus Palace; Granada – Melia Granada; Valencia – NH Valencia Las Artes; Barcelona – Catalonia Barcelona Plaza/Condal Mar
• Daily breakfast and 4 dinners
• Guided visits/panoramic tours in San Sebastian, Bilbao, La Coruna, Santiago, Porto, Lisbon,Cordoba, Seville, Granada*, Valencia & Barcelona
• Monument entry fees

Regular departure coach tour by air-conditioned vehicle with multilingual escort/guides.

Tour departs from JULIA TRAVEL bus terminal (Plaza de Oriente, Madrid).

Additional Information: Passport details are required in advance; Tourist city taxes (in applicable cities) are to be paid locally.

*There is a small possibility that tickets to the Alhambra may not be attained, in which case the operator may be obliged to change the Alhambra visit.

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. Your fellow tour participants may be staying at multiple hotels in each city.