Classic Madrid to Lisbon

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Spain. Your adventure begins in the capital city of Madrid, with a welcome meeting at 6 pm where you will meet your trip leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, why not explore the city? Maybe have a picnic in Buen Retiro Park or explore the rich culture of European art at the Prado Museum, which houses works by Goya, Velazquez and other Spanish masters. Tonight, after the meeting, you’ll enjoy a welcome dinner of traditional tapas, maybe try patatas bravas, tortilla or croquetas. (D)

Take the train to Salamanca – home to the 10th century university that continues to bring vibrancy to the town through its diverse student population. When you arrive, head out on an orientation walk, taking in the ornate sandstone architecture of the city. Then, enjoy some free time for lunch. Drive to the Douro Valley by private vehicle. This UNESCO World Heritage area is set on the highest flowing river of the Iberian Peninsula and the region is known for its wineries and unforgettable scenery. Upon arrival, you can unwind in the comfort of your hotel and its lovely swimming pool and savor the breathtaking views of the Douro vineyards before heading for dinner. (B)

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, maybe heading out for a morning walk or taking a Rabelo boat ride (optional) – the traditional Rabelo was once a Portuguese cargo boat used to transport barrels of port wine. Take in the sights from the water before joining the group for an included lunch and wine tasting at your wine hotel. As you tuck into some local Portuguese cuisine and choose your new favourite afternoon wine, soak in the last of the sweeping green hill views and then head in a private vehicle to Porto, the second-largest city in Portugal. When you arrive, you have a free afternoon to wander this coastal city. Maybe visit Livraria Lello – a bookstore that’s been standing since 1906. If the romance of books isn’t your thing, you can head to the Serralves Foundation – this art foundation boasts a contemporary art museum, a park and a villa, all demonstrating contemporary Art Deco architecture and Modernism. (B/L)

This morning, you’ll head out on a leader-led walk around Porto, taking in the city’s colourful architecture and stately bridges. Wander through the medieval riverside district, the narrow cobbled streets and the countless cafes that are all surrounded by the Douro River. You’ll visit the local market, too, where you can grab some snacks before heading to a port wine tasting – port wine production is this city’s namesake, after all! This afternoon is at your leisure to explore how you wish. Maybe take the chance to take a boat ride to see the colourful buildings of Porto from a new perspective. Tonight, ask your leader for the best local restaurants and people watch as the sun goes down. (B)

This morning, take the train to Coimbra – the former capital of Portugal. Coimbra is now a university city home to a well-preserved medieval Old Town. When you arrive, you can explore however you wish – maybe stroll by the 12th-century Romanesque cathedral of Se Velha or wander the Jardins da Quinta das Lagrimas – 12 hectares of gardens and a palace that has been converted into a luxury hotel – and take a walk through the woodlands. Tonight, head out for dinner with your group and feast on traditional Portuguese favourites at a restaurant specializing in the nation’s favourite – bacalhau (salted cod). (B/D)

Join a local guide this morning for a tour of the University of Coimbra, including the famed Biblioteca Joanina (the baroque library). After, you have a free day to choose your own adventure. You might like to keep exploring the wonderful architecture of this region and visit the Santa Clara-a-Velha Monastery and the Santa Clara-a-Nova Monastery. Tonight, maybe head to a fado show to immerse yourself in the culture’s traditional music scene. Coimbra was elected the European Region of Gastronomy for 2022, so you shouldn’t have a hard time finding the perfect spot for a delicious dinner! (B)

Drive to Tomar – a city perfect for history and architecture buffs! When you arrive, take a leader-led orientation walk to get your bearings and then visit the Castelo de Tomar – this castle of the Knights Templar is a national monument built by King Afonso Henriques around 1160 near the river Nabao. After exploring the Convent of Christ inside, enjoy free time for lunch and then maybe take an afternoon walk in the National Forest of Sete Montes or visit the Church of Santa Maria do Olival. Later, you’ll continue your journey to Lisbon, arriving in the late afternoon. You’re free in the capital city tonight, so maybe ask your leader for the best dinner spots and watch the city light up as the sun goes down. (B)

Join your leader for an orientation walk to get your bearings, making a stop at the Fabrica de Nata for coffee and pasteis de nata (the famed Portuguese tarts that you’ll soon be obsessed with if you’re not already). This is home to one of the best custard-filled pastries (is your mouth watering yet?) in the world, so it’s a good idea to buy a few extras to take with you. The rest of the afternoon is free, so maybe wander to the Belem Tower, tour the Castelo de Sao Jorge or take a leisurely boat trip on the Tejo River. Tonight, you might like to rejoin your group for an optional farewell dinner and toast to a trip well-travelled with another glass of port or local wine. (B)

With no activities planned today, your trip comes to an end after breakfast. If you’d like to spend more time in this charming capital (as is recommended), just speak to your booking agent. (B)