Complete Portugal and Northern Spain

02 TUE. Lisbon .-
In the morning, we´ll embark on a sightseeing tour of Lisbon, exploring the Portuguese capital of the seven hills, with its charming alleys, iconic tiles, the feeling of ¨saudade,¨ and the beautiful Atlantic light. We’ll also visit the Belem neighborhood, from where the great Portuguese navigators set sail to cross the oceans in the 15th century. Free time in the afternoon to walk and go to the Bairro Alto and its viewpoint; if you’d like to, you could take an optional trip to the towns of Sintra, Cascais and Estoril. In the evening, we’ll return to the hotel from the lively Restauradores Square, filled with vibrant bars and cafes.

03 WED. Lisbon - Lagos - Cape St. Vincent - Albufeira .-
We’ll depart early for southern Portugal, enjoying beautiful landscapes as we cross the long bridge over the Tagus River. Upon arrival in the Algarve, the southern region of Portugal, we´ll explore the historic city of Lagos, known for its port from where Portuguese ships once sailed to Brazil, and its charming historic center enclosed within ancient walls. There will be time for lunch. In the afternoon, we´ll travel to the westernmost point of continental Europe amidst windswept cliffs to discover Cape St. Vincent. Nearby, we´ll have the opportunity to photograph the historic Sagres fortress. Later, we´ll spend time in Albufeira, a stunning coastal city where you can relax on its beaches or wander through its lively historic center. Accommodation will be provided in Albufeira or a neighboring city in the Algarve

04 THU. Albufeira - Mértola - Évora .-
We’ll travel to Faro, the peaceful city of the Algarve, for a leisurely stroll. From there, we’ll continue our journey into the Alentejo region. On the banks of the Guadiana River, we’ll visit Mértola, a walled town-museum, an important center during the Muslim era, dominated by its large castle that invites us to wander through its streets lined with whitewashed houses and historical corners. We’ll then continue to Évora, where we’ll visit the Chapel of Bones (admission included), a unique chapel built with more than 5,000 skeletons. Afterward, we’ll explore this walled city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its medieval palaces, Gothic religious buildings, and ancient Roman temple.

05 FRI. Évora - Marvão - Castelo de Vide - Tomar - Fátima .-
Today we´ll travel amidst the beautiful landscapes of Alentejo. We´ll stop in Marvão, a very picturesque walled town that offers a fantastic panoramic view of the region. After that, we´ll get to know Castelo de Vide with its impressive castle. We´ll also have time to walk through its old Jewish quarter, where we can visit the medieval synagogue (now a museum) or explore the winding streets of the town. After lunch, we´ll continue to Tomar, a city renowned for the Convent of Christ, a former castle-convent that belonged to the Order of the Templars (admission included). Before arriving in Fátima, we´ll stop in Aljustrel, the village where the three young shepherds who witnessed Virgin Mary´s apparitions were born. We´ll have the opportunity to see Lucia´s house. Upon arrival in Fátima, you´ll have free time at the Sanctuary of Fátima, where you can watch the candlelight procession if you wish (not held in winter). Dinner will be included.

06 SAT. Fátima - Porto .-
We’ll travel to the north of Portugal, arriving in Porto, the country’s second-largest city, around 11:00 a.m. Upon arrival, we’ll enjoy a 50-minute cruise along the Douro River aboard a traditional Portuguese ¨Rabelo¨ boat, offering a unique perspective of the city’s beautiful riverside. Afterwards, you’ll have free time to explore the lively Ribeira district, known for its narrow streets lined with historic merchant houses and charming cafés, before heading to the hotel.

07 SUN. Porto - Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary - Cambados - Santiago de Compostela .-
Today, we´ll travel through stunning landscapes. In Braga, we´ll take a ride on the world’s oldest water-operated cable car to reach the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus, where breathtaking views await. After exploring the sanctuary, we recommend descending via its picturesque staircase. Our journey continues into Galicia, where we´ll visit the historic town of Cambados in Rías Baixas. Here, we´ll embark on a glass-bottom boat trip along the Ría de Arousa, learning about mussel and oyster production. Enjoy wine and mussel tasting onboard. At lunchtime, we´ll arrive in Santiago de Compostelafor a city tour led by a local guide, exploring its medieval streets and renowned pilgrimage sites dating back to the Middle Ages.

08 MON. Santiago de Compostela - Lugo - O Cebreiro - León - Oviedo .-
We’ll travel along the Way of St. James, beginning with Lugo. Here, we’ll have time to explore the historic town center and its Roman walls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next, we’ll visit O Cebreiro, a charming Galician stone village. Our journey will continue to León, where we’ll arrive at lunchtime. In León, we’ll visit the magnificent Gothic cathedral, renowned for its stained-glass windows, and enjoy a stroll through the historic town center.

We’ll then cross the Cantabrian Range on our way to Asturias, arriving in Oviedo by evening. We’ll include a tour of the city with a local guide, either upon arrival or the following morning. During this hour-and-a-half tour, we’ll visit the 9th-century cathedral, the Calatrava Congressional Palace, Campoamor Theatre, and Calle de la Rua.

09 TUE. Oviedo - Covadonga - Santillana del Mar - Santander .-
We’ll travel to the Picos de Europa (Peaks of Europe). Our journey will begin with a visit to the Basilica of Covadonga. From there, we´ll follow the coastline to Santillana, one of Spain’s most beautiful towns with an intact medieval quarter. We´ll also visit the Altamira Cave Museum(tickets included), located nearby. Later, we’ll head to Santander, the capital of the region, a coastal city offering stunning views of both mountains and beaches. A panoramic tour with a local guide is included, allowing us to explore this elegant coastal city and its beautiful bay.

10 WED. Santander - Bilbao - Foronda Service Area - Madrid .-
We’ll follow the motorway along the Cantabrian coast, passing through stunning landscapes where mountains meet the sea. Our journey will lead us to Bilbao, the largest city in the Basque Country. There, we´ll embark on a brief city tour with a local guide, exploring highlights such as the Guggenheim area, the old quarter, and the Cathedral. Following the tour, you´ll have free time to savor authentic ¨pintxos¨. We´ll continue towards Madrid. Arrival in the evening, around 08:00 p.m.

Note: Depending on the number of passengers, the journey from Bilbao to Madrid may be conducted by either regular coach or train service.

11 THU. Madrid .-
After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.

• Europamundo General Services: Travel by bus with English speaking guide, basic travel insurance and breakfast buffet.
  Includes arrival transfer
  Boat: River Duero in Porto, Wine and mussel tasting in a boat trip in Cambados.
  City tour in : Lisbon, Santiago de Compostela, Oviedo, Santander, Bilbao.
  Evening Transfer: Return from Restauradores Square in Lisbon.
  Experiences: Tasting of a typical menu in a cider house in Oviedo.
  Ticket admission: Chapel of Bones in Evora, Convent - Castle of Christ in Tomar, National Museum of Altamira caves in Santillana.
  Funicular: to Bom Jesus Sanctuary in Braga.
  2 Lunch or Dinner Included in: Fátima, Oviedo.