Madrid, Northern Spain & Portugal - First Class

Arrive at the airport and transfer to hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Accommodation at Aloft Madrid Gran Vía / 1881 Madrid Ventas hotel or similar.

Morning tour exploring Madrid’s medieval roots, including the old Arabfortress and the Barrio de la Morería. Discover the Hapsburg district, shaped by Philip II, with its Renaissance and Baroque landmarks at Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, and Plaza de la Villa. Continue to the Madrid of the Bourbons and the city planning of Charles III, featuring the Royal Palace, Cibeles Fountain and Neptune Fountain. Admire 19th-century highlights such as the elegant Plaza de Oriente and the Prado Museum. Experience modern Madrid with its grand avenues like Gran Vía, the upscale Salamanca district, Parque del Oeste, the city’s commercial and financial centers, and Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at Aloft Madrid Gran Vía / 1881 Madrid Ventas hotel or similar. (B)

Depart Madrid for Zaragoza. Enjoy free time to visit the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, the patroness of Hispanic peoples, and to wander through the charming old streets of the city. In the afternoon, continue to San Sebastián. Spend the night at Palacio de Aiete hotel or similar. (B)

Enjoy a tour of this elegant and sophisticated city, whose landscape is defined by its beautiful bay and La Concha Beach. Ascend Mount Igueldo to enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the city. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight stay at Palacio de Aiete hotel or similar. (B)

Depart for Bilbao and enjoy free time on the esplanade of the Guggenheim Museum to admire this striking example of modern architecture. Continue to Castro Urdiales, a picturesque fishing village with free time to explore. Travel to Santander, a port city set between the sea and the mountains, known for its many beaches. Overnight accommodation at Santemar hotel or similar. (B)

Travel to Santillana del Mar, one of Spain’s towns with the greatest historical and artistic heritage, home to true architectural treasures such as the Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana. Continue to Covadonga, with free time to visit the Sanctuary and grotto that houses the image of the Virgin. Depart for Oviedo, set on a series of hills at the foot of Mount Naranco. Its monuments are World Heritage Sites, with the Cathedral being one of the most significant examples of Asturian Gothic. Enjoy your stay at Sercotel Ciudad de Oviedo hotel or similar. (B)

Depart for the Galician region. Enroute to Lugo, stop in Mondoñedo and enjoy free time to visit its impressive 12th-century cathedral and taste the delicious local “Mondoñedo cake.” Continue to Lugo with free time to admire the Roman remains that still stand today, including its ancient walls, declared a World Heritage Site. Proceed to Santiago de Compostela, whose old town is also a World Heritage Site and one of Spain’s most important monumental centers — a major destination for Christian pilgrimage and the final stop of the Camino de Santiago. Overnight at Santiago Plaza hotel affiliated by Meliá or similar. (B)

City tour of Santiago, including a visit to the Plaza del Obradoiro and its magnificent Cathedral (entrance included), dedicated to the Apostle Saint James the Greater. Remainder of the day is at leisure. Stay for the night at Santiago Plaza hotel affiliated by Meliá or similar. (B)

Depart for Salamanca and enjoy free time in this historic university city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its exceptional architectural and artistic heritage. Overnight at Catalonia Plaza Mayor hotel or similar. (B)

Free time in the morning before departing toward the Portuguese border, for Porto. Stay overnight at Yotel Porto / BessaHotel Boavista / Cristal Porto hotel or similar. (B)

Enjoy a full day at leisure in this magnificent city on the banks of the Douro River. Overnight at Yotel Porto / BessaHotel Boavista / Cristal Porto hotel or similar. (B)

Departure to Coimbra, home to one of Europe’s oldest universities and known as the cradle of Fado. Free time to explore. Continue to Fatima, a major center of Christian faith and world-renowned pilgrimage site, featuring its impressive Basilica and the Cova da Iria, where the Virgin Mary appeared. Visit the Chapel of the Apparitions, the heart of the sanctuary, and see the tombs of the three little shepherds, Lucía, Francisco, and Jacinta. Overnight stay at Santa María / Aurea / Estrela / Regina hotel or similar. (B)

Depart for Batalha Monastery, a masterpiece of Gothic and Manueline architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to the picturesque fishing village of Nazaré for some free time. Travel to Alcobaça to admire its Gothic church and 12thcentury Cistercian monastery, before continuing to Lisbon. Accommodation at Lutécia / VIP Art’s / VIP Entrecampos hotel or similar. (B)

Morning city tour of Lisbon, formerly known as Olissipo, visiting its main squares and avenues, the Belém Tower, the Jerónimos Monastery (exterior), and the Monument to the Discoveries. After at leisure. Overnight stay at Lutécia / VIP Art’s / VIP Entrecampos hotel or similar. (B)

Departure for Mérida, a UNESCO World Heritage city. As the capital of Extremadura, Mérida is renowned for its rich historical heritage, including wellpreserved Roman ruins such as the theater, amphitheater, and Roman bridge. Enjoy free time before continuing to Madrid. Enjoy a night’s stay at Aloft Madrid Gran Vía / 1881 Madrid Ventas hotel or similar. (B)

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport. (B)