Welcome to Barcelona, one of the world's most stylish and cosmopolitan cities, on the cutting edge of architecture, food, fashion, style and music. The city is arguably most famous for the renowned architecture of the genius and eccentric Antoni Gaudí, and significant art collections of the famed Picasso and Miró. Here, the locals ooze a friendly and laid-back charm, welcoming you in with an enthusiasm that’s reflected in the city’s lively streets. The main tree-lined pedestrian mall, Las Ramblas, runs all the way from the quayside through the heart of the city and will lead you to the Gothic Quarter. Dotted with bars and terraces, Barcelona is home to a vibrant nightlife scene with plenty of opportunities to indulge in its iconic tapas and sangria! We don’t want you to miss out on a single moment of this exciting small group tour, so we recommend that you arrive at your hotel by 6:00pm This evening, say hola to your fellow travellers and Tour Director as we meet for welcome drinks at the hotel.

After breakfast, we’ll begin exploring the sights of Barcelona, seeing the contrast of old and new as we drive through town and step inside Antoni Gaudí's iconic masterpiece, the La Sagrada Familia (Holy Family Church). This sky-scraping basilica, an enduring symbol of Barcelona, stands as a testament to Gaudí's visionary genius and remains an unfinished work in progress, captivating visitors with its intricate facades and towering spires. We then drive down to the oldest part of the city and see the Gothic Quarter, former Roman village, and heart of Medieval Barcelona. We also explore the Cathedral Square and its lovely surrounding streets lined with beautiful handicraft shops, quaint local restaurants and buildings as old as the 14th century. We’ll walk to Saint James Square, the political heart of the city, and Catalunya Square. We continue our sightseeing through the famous Vila Olímpica neighbourhood and Port Olímpic marina, created as a hub for athletes of the 1992 Summer Olympic Games, before continuing to the Montjuïc Mountain to take a scenic picture of the city. The afternoon is at leisure before tonight’s group welcome dinner at a local restaurant just a short walk from our hotel.

Today we’ll further explore the delights of beautiful Barcelona. Our exploration of Gaudí's distinctive architecture continues at Passeig de Gràcia, one of Barcelona’s largest avenues. Here we’ll marvel at the whimsical exteriors of Casa Batlló, one of the city’s most iconic sites. Sometimes referred to as the ‘House of the Dragon’, although Casa Batlló finished its design in 1907, it has been restored and maintained many times throughout the decades. While here, we’ll also see Casa Milà, originally built as a private residence during 1906-1912. Both of these UNESCO Heritage-listed Sites are some of the greatest examples of Catalan modernism! We will pass by Barcelona’s monumental Bull Ring and the city park, Parc de la Ciutadella, featuring the old triumphal arch of Barcelona. A green oasis in the centre of the city, Parc de la Ciutadella has been open since 1881 and covers almost 31 hectares of metropolitan Barcelona. On the park’s grounds is several of the city’s key sites, including the zoo, Catalan Parliament, a few museums and in the centre is a grand waterfall-fountain that Gaudí helped design with fellow renowned Spanish architect, Josep Fontserè. Our last stop of the day is the iconic Park Güell. Declared an artistic monument and World Heritage-listed Site by UNESCO, the park is a canvas of Gaudí's signature modernism style epitomised by curved lines, vivid colours and a seamless blend of nature and architecture. See the mosaic ‘El Drac’ dragon fountain and the intricately tiled Serpentine Bench. The afternoon is at leisure to explore at your own pace.

Optional Excursion

Montserrat is a mountain top monastery in Catalonia, Spain. This incredible rocky formation is a sacred place for the Catalan people. Includes entrance to Basilica and return cable car for breathtaking views up to the Monastery and with any luck you can also hear the singing of the boys choir (weekdays around 13.00 and Sundays around 12.00, the boys choir does not sing every day as they frequently travel and perform in other churches). 4hrs – From Euro 87pp. This price is based on a minimum of 10 guests. If there are less than 10, please speak with your Tour Director about other options.

Say adiós to Barcelona this morning as we make our way to the breathtaking Espot. It’s known as the hidden gem of the Spanish Pyrenees, a huge mountain range that straddles the border of Spain and France for 430-kilometres and offers some of the country’s most beautiful pristine landscapes. Espot is situated close to the Aigüestortes National Park in the Pyrenees mountain range. One of only 15 national parks in Spain, and the only national park in the Catalan region, mountain peaks rise over 3,000 metres creating a stunning backdrop for exploration. Despite its towering peaks throughout the range, everything in Aigüestortes centres around water. Numerous rivers, streams, waterfalls and lakes of all shapes and colours create a beautiful tapestry—with almost 200 lakes in this national park alone! While here, we’ll explore the many sides to this incredible location on an exciting 4WD jeep tour. As part of our tour, we’ll see the tranquil Lake Ratera where we can take a short walk to a look out. Later this afternoon, we’ll continue on to the small Pyrenean town of Viehla. Historically known for its ancient stone and slate architecture, Viehla’s origins trace back to the Roman period. It was not until the 10th century when it joined the Catalonian countries through feudal agreements, and in the 12th century it became an official part of the Crown of Aragon. The capital of the Arán Valley, Vielha is nestled among towering mountains that reach up to 2,000 meters, while the town itself sits at an impressive 1,000 meters above sea level.

Challenging Day

Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.

Sit back and enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery as we travel through the French Pyrenees to the Bay of Biscay and the beachside town of San Sebastián. En route, we’ll stop in the French town of Pau to stretch our legs. We’ll arrive at San Sebastián this afternoon, a popular getaway for Spaniards during the hot summers as it’s home to some wonderful beaches and resorts. It’s considered the cultural capital of the Basque region, and the town has a great mix of cosmopolitan lifestyle blended with a historical old-world feel. San Sebastián is framed by sparkling golden beaches and dense hillsides, adding to the destination’s undeniable allure. On arrival, we will get acquainted with the city on a sightseeing tour. We’ll begin by riding the cable car to the top of Igueldo Mountain for beautiful panoramic views of Santa Clara Island, Mount Ulia and La Concha Bay. We then cross the golden sands of La Concha and Ondarreta beaches, where we can see the striking ‘Comb of the Wind’ sculptures by the Basque artist Eduardo Chillida adorning the coastline. Continuing into the heart of the city, we’ll see the Old Quarter, the river Urumea and Mount Urgull. We also see San Vicente’s church, Museum of San Telmo, the old Dominic convent and the Basilica of Santa Maria.

Special Experience

Taste txakoli, the Basque Country’s famous dry white wine which pairs perfectly with a side of flavoursome pintxos.

This evening, we’re in for a delicious experience sampling the best of the Basque Country. Txakoli, also known as chacolí, is a dry white wine variety that is slightly sparkling, with high acidity and low alcohol content. Local to the Spanish Basque region, txakoli has intense citrus, herb and flower aromas—for the wine aficionados in the room! While here, we’ll also enjoy some ‘pintxos’, simple finger food that pairs particularly well with txakoli.

The day is at leisure for you to relax and explore at your own pace. You may wish to take the opportunity to kick back and bask in the beauty of one of the town’s three famous beaches, each known for its distinct features. Situated to the east of the Urumea River, Zurriola Beach is perhaps San Sebastián’s most lively and vibrant, and is also a popular spot for surfers to catch some waves. Ondarreta Beach is another good choice, as it’s the least famous of the city’s beaches, meaning it will be the quietest! Here you’ll find a slow-paced, relaxed atmosphere and calm waters to enjoy. The last of the three beaches is San Sebastián’s iconic La Concha Beach, where you’re greeted by over a kilometre of fine golden sand and crystal-clear azure water. Known for its crescent shape, La Concha Beach stretches across the city centre. This beach is so beautiful that it was actually named one of the top beaches of 2023! Alternatively, you may wish to spend time wandering the old town—often referred to as the most authentic neighbourhood of San Sebastián! Known locally as Parte Vieja, the old town is the true heart of the city and it’s here where you’ll find charming cobblestoned streets, quaint upscale shops and vibrant pintxos bars. We recommend trying La Gilda, a bold and salty pintxo skewer of olive, anchovy, and pickled pepper. Pair this with a txakoli wine or cider, and you have some delicious local flavours on your plate—salud!

This morning our eyes are set on travelling just outside of San Sebastián to the small town of Guernica, known for the aerial bombings committed by Nazis during the Spanish Civil War. These actions inspired Pablo Picasso to create his famous painting ‘Guernica’, which is now displayed at the Reina Sofía Museum in Madrid. We will also visit the Peace Museum, with an exhibit showing how Guernica has represented democracy, freedom, human rights, and peace. We’ll continue onto the pretty port city of Bilbao, our destination for the next two nights. The Basque Country’s largest city—and truly one of its finest—Bilbao boasts a delightful mix of tradition and modernity. A city steeped in history, it was first established as a Roman settlement in the 2nd century, but it was not until the Middle Ages that the city gained notability. Due to its geographical position, Bilbao became a key location for Spanish trade and commerce, with its commercial hub heritage still apparent today through its impressive architecture. In Bilbao this afternoon, we’ll explore Frank Gehry’s world-famous Guggenheim Museum, one of modern architecture’s most iconic masterpieces. The building’s incredible exterior isn’t the only thing to see—the museum is also home to one of the world’s largest art collections. The Guggenheim Foundation was founded in 1937 by Solomon R Guggenheim and is dedicated to encouraging the appreciation and understanding of art and architecture, primarily of the modern and contemporary periods. Here we’ll have free time to wander the impressive museum at leisure and marvel at the pieces on display. The evening is at leisure for you to enjoy the atmosphere of Bilbao at your own pace.

Today we’ll set off on a tour to better acquaint ourselves with Bilbao. We’ll begin by marvelling at the gothic exteriors of Santiago Cathedral. This church was dedicated to Saint James the Apostle, and acted as a transit point for pilgrims that were following the Northern Way of the famed Camino de Santiago. We’ll also explore the main square of Bilbao’s old town, Plaza Nueva, an energetic centre lined with beautiful cafes and bars. Mercado de la Ribera is next on our agenda. Built on the site of the original Rivera Street market and said to be one of Europe's biggest covered food markets, this vibrant market is an absolute treat to wander. We’ll also head to the top of Mount Artxanda for breathtaking views of the city. One of Bilbao’s most iconic spots, it offers a fresh perspective on the historic old town below. From here, we’ll also be able to trace the winding Nervión River, which unofficially divides the city in two! This afternoon is free for you to enjoy at leisure. Why not wander around the beautiful narrow lanes and streets of Casco Viejo? Or perhaps you’d like to visit the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum? Here, you can take a journey through art history, from the 12th century to the present day. This museum is unique, born from the fusion of two institutions—the original Bilbao Fine Arts Museum, founded in 1908, and the Modern Art Museum, established in 1924—a beautiful combination of tradition and innovation.

Departing Bilbao this morning, we’ll take the UNESCO Heritage-listed Vizcaya Bridge. The Vizcaya Bridge offers a unique way to cross the Nervión River using a suspended gondola, which hangs from a high steel structure and moves back and forth between Portugalete and Getxo. This gondola carries passengers, bicycles, and even vehicles, providing both a scenic and efficient crossing Continuing west and following the northern Spanish coastline, we’ll arrive at the medieval town of Santillana del Mar. The village centre has been declared a national monument, which dates back to the 8th century. We’ll have some free time to explore before we continue to the seaside village of San Vicente de la Barquera. One of the most picturesque towns on the Cantabrian coast, San Vicente de la Barquera was a former fishermen’s refuge and is known for its excellent fish and seafood. After some free time to enjoy the town and have lunch we’ll depart for Oviedo. Tucked between the Bay of Biscay and the Cantabrian Mountains, Oviedo is known for its medieval-style old quarter and impressive architecture. It’s also home to some incredible pre-Romanesque treasures, adding to its historic charm. This quaint town is the perfect place for exploring on foot, and this afternoon we’ll embark on a walking tour to discover the best of Oviedo. We’ll marvel at the gothic exteriors of the Oviedo cathedral, before making our way to the Palace of Valdecarzana-Heredia, a baroque-style house that was built in 1629 for one of the greatest families of the Asturias region. The Church of San Tirso is next on our agenda, one of the most iconic sites in the city. Established in 790, this beautiful church is renowned for its pure Romanesque design and was an important stop on the Camino de Santiago route. We’ll also stroll through Porlier Square which is surrounded by the magnificent palaces of Toreno and Camposagrado.

Waving goodbye to Oviedo this morning, our eyes are set on reaching the historic town of Santiago de Compostela this evening! Heading west, our first stop of the day is at the quiet fishing village of Luarca. Built around an ‘S’ shaped cove, this small town boasts charming white houses and embraces its strong seafaring heritage. Here, we’ll have some time to wander the endearing streets and harbour. Next, we stop near the stunning Beach of the Cathedrals where we have some free time for lunch. This unique stretch of sand is home to a series of arched rock formations that form a ‘cathedral’ at low tide, and disappear completely when the tide comes in—it truly is a beautiful sight to behold! We’ll arrive at the gorgeous town of Santiago de Compostela in the early evening. This famous town is the culmination point of the renowned Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, and in a few days, we’ll have the opportunity to walk a portion of it! Widely known for the legend of Saint James the Apostle, the city has been a key spiritual epicentre since the Middle Ages, a legacy that has continued to the present day. Great pilgrimages aside, Santiago de Compostela is a lively city that has a beautiful blend of rich history, ancient architecture and delicious Spanish gastronomy. It’s religious importance heavily impacted the city’s development, seen through the tapestry of Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architecture.

Our morning is dedicated to seeing the sites of Santiago de Compostela on a city tour! We begin by uncovering the city’s most iconic site, the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. An architectural marvel that has been developed over centuries, it began construction in the 11th century in the Romanesque-style the region is renowned for. In the following centuries, the cathedral added beautiful Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque elements, reflecting different time periods and the city’s rich heritage. Legend has it that the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is the burial place of Saint James the Great, one of the apostles of Jesus Christ, making it among the last remaining churches to be built over the tomb of an apostle. We’ll also visit the surrounding squares, getting a feel of the city’s character. In front of the cathedral’s western façade is Praza do Obradoiro, a square that contains neither traffic, shops or cafes, creating a calm and unique atmosphere. We’ll also visit Quintana, Inmaculada, and Praterías, three iconic squares that are each rich in their own history and architectural beauty. We’ll also wander down the historic rúas, which are the main streets that lead the pilgrims to the grand cathedral—think of all the history of these streets alone! After some free time for lunch, we’ll travel to a nearby winery to learn all about albariño, a delicious variety of white wine. Named after the grapes that are grown in the Galicia region of northwestern Spain and in some nearby areas across the border in Portugal, albariño is a dry, highly acidic white wine with refreshing notes of citrus. Here, we’ll bask in the pretty landscape and of course, enjoy a delectable tasting. When we return to Santiago de Compostela, the evening is at leisure for you to enjoy.

Special Experience

Walk part of the famous ‘Camino de Santiago’, one of the most important pilgrimages for Christians during the Middle Ages.

Challenging Day

Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.

Today we say adios to Spain and a huge olá to Portugal! Heading south to cross the border, our first stop of the day is in beautiful Braga, situated in the far north of Portugal. The country’s third largest city, Braga is regarded as the religious centre of Portugal, which is evident through the many Baroque churches that are scattered throughout town. Along with its impressive churches, Braga is home to charming plazas, bustling shopping streets, narrow cobblestoned laneways and beautiful gardens. While here, we’ll explore the city with our Tour Director on foot, meandering down its winding streets, before enjoying some free time for lunch—there is no shortage of delicious eateries here! Despite being Portugal’s second largest city, Porto manages to retain much of its traditional charm. The city boasts an ‘old European’ feel thanks to narrowly missing the 1755 earthquake that devastated many parts of Portugal, particularly Lisbon. Also known as Oporto, Porto hugs the Douro River, creating postcard-worthy riverside neighbourhoods on both sides of the banks, which are connected by an iconic arched metal bridge. Porto is especially famed for its fortified wine that shares its name! We’ll arrive in Porto this afternoon, where the remainder of the day is free for you to enjoy at leisure. Why not visit the interesting harbour area or spend some time at the photography museum housed in a 19th century prison? It’s also nice to simply wander through the town’s narrow medieval streets around the Sé (the cathedral) and enjoy the gentle lapping of the Douro River along the docks. For dinner, you might wish to try a local dish called ‘francesinha’, known as Portugal’s answer to the croque-monsieur. This hearty sandwich is packed with cured meats, steak and sausage, smothered in melted cheese, and drenched in a rich beer and tomato sauce. Served on a bed of fries, it’s best to save your diet for later!

Today is dedicated to exploring one of the oldest European centres. It’s history dates back to approximately 300BC, and it was actually called ‘Portus Cale’ in Roman times. We’ll begin our guided tour by exploring the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ribeira Quarter. A medieval-maze of cobblestoned alleys that wind their way down to the banks of the Douro River, this incredibly charming quarter is perhaps Porto’s most-loved attraction and the atmosphere here is unmatched. We will walk past colourful houses, quaint tavernas, family-run shops and historical landmarks. Next, we’ll marvel at the impressive Gothic exteriors of the Church of Saint Francis, before making our way to Porto’s iconic old Stock Exchange. Known locally as the ‘Palácio da Bolsa do Porto’, this 19th century building was owned by the Porto Commercial Association, and was situated in the former economic and commercial district of the city. Although it no longer operates as a stock exchange, it still remains the headquarters of the Association! Built in 1842 over the ruins of the St Francis convent that burnt down in 1833, the building flaunts a unique blend of British Neoclassical and Palladian styles.

Special Experience

Discover how authentic port is made, before sampling its unique flavour at one of Porto’s historic cellars.

After a special port tasting, we’ll take to the water for a short and relaxing cruise of the Douro River. Giving us the opportunity to admire the city from a different perspective, we pass under some of Porto’s famous bridges.

Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to unwind or explore at your own pace.

This morning we’ll explore the ‘Portuguese Venice’, Aveiro. A city famed for its colourful houses and numerous canals, Aveiro is nestled on the Ria de Aveiro, a saltwater lagoon that was traditionally farmed for its seaweed and fish. The city is renowned for its Art Nouveau architecture, particularly as these brightly painted masterpieces line the pretty canals of Aveiro—talk about postcard-worthy sights! Its low-rise buildings give the city an authentic Portuguese vibe, making it a beautiful destination to discover. Here, we have time to marvel at the graceful gondola-like 'moliceiros' boats, which were once used by farmers in the lagoon. They’re painted in bright colours that often depict pretty Portuguese symbols or scenes of local life. We will also have the opportunity to sample the local 'Ovos Moles de Aveiro' sweets—a delicious treat made from egg yolks and sugar, wrapped in a thin crust and moulded into various shapes. We’ll take a short orientation tour, then have some time to stroll around this unique city before departing for Coimbra. Inhabited by Romans and Arabs, Coimbra was once the capital of Portugal. Filled with medieval architecture, the city is still abundant with history and tradition. The city of Coimbra is divided into two by the stunning Mondego River: the Cidade Baixa (lower town) the main commercial centre, and Cidade Alta (upper town) the older part of the city, where the iconic university and many of Coimbra's main attractions are located. This afternoon a tour of Coimbra awaits us. Perhaps the most impressive is the beautiful University of Coimbra, one of the oldest universities in the world. Perched on a hill that overlooks the city below, this UNESCO World Heritage-listed Site was founded in 1290 and its historic campus is home to several notable buildings, including the Cathedral of Santa Cruz, the Joanine Library and the Royal Palace of Alcáçova. Many would be surprised to know that nowadays it is actually a public research university! We’ll be able to enter the grounds to get a better understanding of the institution, and further marvel at its impressive design and size.

Today we make our way towards Lisbon, first stopping in the medieval fortress village of Óbidos, still surrounded by high walls which date back to the 12th century. While here, we’ll also enjoy a tasting of the renowned local liquor, Ginjinha. Made from ginja berries (a type of sour cherry), you’ll find it comes served in a chocolate cup! Making our way inland, we’ll explore Sintra, a beautiful town situated on the green slopes of a mountain range. Set amongst lush forests and overflowing with exotic gardens and palaces, Sintra was also the residence of the Portuguese Royal Family during the Middle Ages.

Special Experience

Visit the mesmerising Quinta da Regaleira, an impressive 20th century residence decorated with gothic turrets and ornate gargoyles.

Challenging Day

Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.

Exploring the sites of this amazing city is on our agenda today. Our panoramic tour begins with some of Lisbon’s most iconic and traditional landmarks. We’ll see the lush Parque Eduardo VII, a beautiful public park that offers sweeping views over the city before continuing to Belém. Known as the ‘Discoveries Quarter’, it was from here that the caravels set sail for their trips to South America and to the Orient. We’ll visit the beautifully intricate Cloisters of Jerónimos Monastery, built in the 16th century to celebrate the power of King Manuel I and the magnificence of the empire. It’s also a prime example of Portuguese Gothic Manueline style architecture. We’ll also see the Tower of Belém, built in Manueline style on the north bank of the River Tagus for defence purposes of the city and have a photo stop at the Monument to the Discoveries. This monument celebrates the Portuguese discoveries with special mention of Henry the Navigator. Next, we continue our panoramic and walking tour through the elegant Avenida da Liberdade, Lisbon’s main boulevard that’s lined with grand architecture and boutiques. Also discovering Restauradores Square, uncovering its historical significance in paying homage to Portugal’s independence from Spain, and the lively Rossio Square, the heart of Lisbon’s social and cultural life. Our last stop this morning, will be the magnificent Praça do Comércio—also known as Commerce Square—once the grand gateway to the city. It’s 18th century arches and soft-yellow façade, make this a totally postcard-worthy site. As we explore the vibrant Downtown District, we’ll learn how this area was meticulously rebuilt after the catastrophic 1755 earthquake, transforming it into a symbol of resilience and innovation.

Special Experience

Learn to make Lisbon’s most delicious treat, the famous Portuguese custard tart, in a hands-on cooking class.

During a fun and interactive cooking class, we’ll learn the secrets of crafting the perfect Portuguese custard tart. Locally known as ‘pastéis de nata’, these beloved custard tarts are world-renowned and are one of Portugal’s most popular desserts. Along with uncovering the recipe’s history, we’ll learn how to perfectly create the crunchy puff pastry from scratch, and its delicious custard filling.

The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy at leisure.

Portugal’s breathtaking southern coast awaits! Today we travel to the Algarve, Portugal’s southernmost region. On our way we will stop in Faro, the capital of the Algarve region. Perfectly blending a beautiful old town, cafes, shopping and cobblestone streets with great beaches and natural reserves, Faro is a joy to discover. We’ll see some of the city’s highlights on an orientation tour and have some free time for lunch. Cork is the national tree of Portugal and one of the country’s most important exports. In the Algarve, we’ll stop to visit a traditional cork factory, learning about a variety of cork products, and sampling some of the liquor the products are used for! Afterwards we’ll stroll through the cork oak plantation on a guided tour. We’ll continue onto our destination for the next few nights, Tavira. Arguably the most charming town in the Algarve region, Tavira is nestled on the banks of the Gilão River and is just a short 30-minute drive from Faro. Known for its unique mix of traditional architecture with Moorish influences, tranquillity and rich heritage adds to it undeniable allure. Over the next few days we’ll experience the carefree way of life in the Algarve, wandering through the whitewashed town, and enjoying the delicious cuisine and warm hospitality.

Today, we’ll explore the Algarve’s breathtaking Ria Formosa Natural Park, one of Portugal’s most important protected areas. Stretching over 60-kilometres along the coast, this park is a stunning labyrinth of lagoons, islands, marshes, and barrier islets, constantly being reshaped by the wind and tides. The diverse eco-system here has attracted a variety of species to the area, including flamingos, spoonbills, and perhaps even the rare purple swamphen—the official symbol of Ria Formosa. While here, we’ll enjoy a cruise through the park’s calm wetlands, taking in the spectacular scenery and getting the opportunity to spot some of its wildlife. We will also make a stop at the peaceful Armona Island, famed for its white-sand beach and clear water. This small archipelago is relatively quiet and not overcrowded, even in the peak of summer. There are no cars on the island, and very few motorised vehicles, so we’ll be able to bask in the Algarve’s more untouched side. This afternoon we will return to the beautiful Tavira, where you can enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Today our eyes are set on the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of Évora. Once a thriving trade hub and a significant city for religion, Évora was originally founded by the Romans and later fortified by the Moors, leaving behind a stunning fusion of architectural styles. Wandering its picturesque streets, we’ll see a fascinating blend of Roman ruins, medieval buildings, and traditional whitewashed houses, all contributing to its unique charm. On arrival, we’ll enjoy some free time for lunch, before setting off on a sightseeing tour. Our walk through the historical quarter will highlight the city’s well-preserved heritage, including the Sé de Évora, a magnificent cathedral that showcases both Romanesque and Gothic styles. Dating back to the 12th century, it boasts impressive towers and a pretty rose window. We’ll see the Roman Temple of Évora, also known as the Temple of Diana, one of Portugal’s best-preserved Roman monuments. Built in the 1st century AD, this remarkable structure stands as a testament to Évora’s importance during the Roman Empire. We’ll also stop by the Church of Saint Francis, a Gothic-Manueline church from the 16th century to marvel at its impressive exteriors. Our last stop for the day is a visit to the Chapel of Bones, also known locally as Capela dos Ossos. One of the city’s most iconic monuments, this chapel is located within the Church of Saint Francis and is lined with the bones and skulls of thousands of monks—a striking, yet eerie experience.

We head back to Lisbon late this morning, where the afternoon is free to enjoy at leisure. You may wish to head to the Time Out Market, a popular place to eat and browse the many stalls. Set within the lively, old-school-looking Mercado de Ribeira, this market showcases the best of the city’s culinary scene and its diverse cuisine—you’ll even find Michelin star chefs. We recommend following your nose and sampling a bit of everything! Another quintessential Portuguese experience is attending a Fado performance. Fado is a distinctive style of music that originated in Lisbon and is deeply rooted in Portuguese culture. The best way to enjoy traditional Fado is in a bar or a Fado Club, known locally as ‘Casas de Fado’. All aboard the yellow tram! If further exploring Lisbon is on your agenda this afternoon, then don’t miss the iconic 28 Tram. This famed tram route is renowned for taking its passengers up, down and through some of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods and past many historical highlights, like the cathedral and castle. Lisbon is also famous for its stunning ceramics, and during your journey, you might find yourself hopping off the tram to pick up a beautiful souvenir—a perfect reminder of your adventures. Tonight, we’ll delight in a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Our tour concludes after breakfast this morning. We bid farewell to our new friends and to our adventure across Northern Spain and Portugal. We hope you leave with the memories of a lifetime.