Private Europe Tour (SPN007) Grand Portugal-Spain (9 Days 8 Nights)

We pick you up at Lisbon Airport and take your group to Sintra (distance 30 km, travel time approx. 30 minutes).

One of Portugal's most beautiful historic towns, Sintra is home to Pena Castle, the National Palace, and Queluz Palace. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995.

We take you to explore Sintra's historic Old Town, dating back to the 11th century, with its charming streets paved with brick and granite.

Next, we head to the western coast to visit Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe. You are invited to receive a certificate for reaching Europe's westernmost edge and take commemorative photos. Afterwards, we travel to Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, situated in southern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. We explore Lisbon, an ancient capital with more than 800 years of history. Rebuilt following the historic earthquake, Lisbon possesses a unique charm and beauty all its own.

We take your group to visit Jerónimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos), another major UNESCO World Heritage site located in Belém. Featuring Manueline architecture that took 70 years to build, it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and serves as the final resting place of Vasco da Gama, the world's renowned explorer.

Then, stop for photos at the Monument to the Discoveries, built in 1960 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the death of Prince Henry the Navigator and to honor world explorers. Take photos with Belém Tower (Torre de Belém), an iconic symbol of Lisbon built in 1515. Originally built in the middle of the river as a defense fortress monitoring maritime traffic, it was the starting point for Vasco da Gama and Portuguese navigators on their voyages of discovery.

Afterwards, we take you to the Bairro Alto district, which was home to merchants trading with Portugal for more than 400 years. Enjoy free time for brand-name shopping, relaxing in cafés, and exploring this popular gathering spot for artists and writers.

This morning, we depart early for Seville, Spain (distance 460 km, travel time approx. 4 hours 30 minutes). Spain's fourth-largest city, located in the Andalusia region, is celebrated for its cultural heritage, lush greenery, public parks, and floral gardens. The festivals held in Seville are among the most renowned, reflecting the lively spirit of Andalusia. Having been ruled by the Moors for over 800 years, the city is steeped in Moorish artistic and architectural influences.

In the afternoon, we take your group to visit Seville Cathedral, the largest cathedral in Spain and the third-largest in the world after St. Peter's Basilica in Rome and St. Paul's Cathedral in London. Featuring a blend of Moorish architecture, inside lies the tomb of the great explorer Christopher Columbus. Built on the site of a former mosque with the ambition of creating an unrivaled masterpiece, its treasury houses priceless paintings and sacred ceremonial items crafted from gold and silver. Pass by the Gold Tower (Torre del Oro), a maritime museum situated on the banks of the Guadalquivir River, the city's main waterway. Pass by the Alcázar, the royal palace residence of numerous Spanish monarchs, decorated in Mudéjar style.

Visit Plaza de España, a magnificent semicircular plaza where each arched alcove features beautifully crafted ceramic tile coats of arms representing Spain's provinces. Be captivated by a Flamenco performance, Spain's iconic national dance.

We depart for Granada (distance 260 km, travel time approx. 3 hours), the longest-standing Moorish stronghold. It once served as the provincial capital during the Caliphate of Córdoba for 60 years. Today, Granada is the capital of Granada province in the autonomous community of Andalusia, Spain, located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains where the Darro and Genil rivers converge, at an altitude of 738 meters above sea level.

Lunch is served at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we explore Granada, the last Islamic stronghold recaptured by the Spanish monarchs in 1492. Visit the Alhambra Palace (La Alhambra), a royal palace, fortress, and former center of government. The entire Alhambra complex, including the Generalife Gardens and the Albaicín, was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984. The Alhambra complex features fortified walls and watchtowers built from red stone, giving it its Arabic name Qal'at al-Hamra, meaning 'Red Castle.'

Afterwards, we stop at Plaza Santa Ana and Plaza Nueva at the foot of the Alhambra hill, where you can enjoy shopping and treat yourself to a wide variety of delicious local food offerings.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel restaurant.

We set out for Cordoba (distance 201 km, travel time approx. 2 hours 30 minutes). Discover this caliphate city that flourished as one of Europe's greatest cultural centers in the 10th century, home to universities emphasizing literature, science, philosophy, and medicine.

We tour Cordoba along the ancient city walls, behind which lies the historic Jewish Quarter, and see the Alcázar Castle.

In the afternoon, we take you inside the Mezquita, a grand mosque from the Umayyad Caliphate. The remarkable highlight of this sacred monument is the harmonious blend of a Christian cathedral constructed within the Islamic mosque, creating a profound masterpiece of religious art and heritage. At the same time, the Islamic artistry of the Mihrab—a masterpiece of authentic Moorish ceramic tilework—is exquisitely preserved. We also take group photos at the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, the former residence of King Ferdinand built in 1328.

We then view the Roman Bridge (Puente Romano) spanning the Guadalquivir River, along with the watermill reflecting ancient Roman life and hydraulic power, complete with a defensive tower.

When it is time, travel to Toledo (distance 343 km, approx. 3 hours 30 minutes). Spain's former capital since the 13th century, Toledo is a historical and cultural hub known as the City of Three Cultures: Christian, Muslim, and Jewish. Perched on a high cliff and encircled by the Tagus River, its natural defenses protected it from invaders, and it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Pass by the Toledo Railway Station, famous for its Neo-Mudéjar architecture, and cross the Alcántara Bridge and Puente de San Martín, ancient bridges spanning the Tagus River leading into the inner old town of Toledo.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel restaurant.

We will take you to visit the Puerta de Bisagra (Gate of Bisagra, Toledo), the grand gateway into the historic old town built by Emperor Charles V. Originally constructed in Moorish style, it was later redesigned in Renaissance style by architect Alonso de Covarrubias around 1550.

Next, visit Toledo Cathedral, one of the world's most magnificent Gothic cathedrals. Originally used as a mosque during Muslim rule, construction of the Gothic structure began in 1226, incorporating Mudéjar, Baroque, and Neoclassical styles over the 300 years until its completion. The interior is exquisitely decorated with wood carvings and marble sculptures, with the Alcázar corner showcasing masterpieces of 16th-century architecture.

Pass by the Church of Santo Tomé (Iglesia de Santo Tomé) and the historic Jewish Quarter, including the Sinagoga de Santa María La Blanca.

Then, stop at a scenic viewpoint to take photos and admire panoramic views of Toledo—the iconic vista captured so beautifully by renowned Spanish painter El Greco. Enjoy free time to shop for souvenirs in the town center, including Toledo's famous handcrafted Damascene ware, known for intricate patterns of gold, silver, and copper wire inlaid into oxidized black steel.

After that, enjoy walking and shopping along the streets and alleys lined with souvenir shops and brand-name boutiques.

Depart for the city of Segovia (distance of 159 kilometers, travel time approx. 2 hours), the capital of Segovia province in Castile and León, Spain. Nestled at the foothills of the Sierra de Guadarrama, it is situated at the confluence of the Eresma and Clamores rivers.

Take the group to explore Segovia and take photos with Segovia Cathedral and the Roman Aqueduct, the largest surviving Roman aqueduct in Spain, featuring 165 arches and standing 29 meters high.

Take the group to explore the old town surrounded by defensive walls dating back to the 8th century, which were restored during the 15th century.

Take the group to visit the Castle of Segovia or Alcázar of Segovia, nicknamed the fairytale castle for its stunning exterior elegance. Perched on a high rocky crag where two rivers meet, it was built in the 13th century and expanded in the 15th - 16th centuries, ideally suited for defense against enemies in the past. Inside, the castle houses a museum displaying historical treasures. UNESCO registered Segovia as a World Cultural Heritage site in the year 1975.

After that, take the group on a journey to Madrid (distance of 90 kilometers, travel time approx. 1 hour), the capital of Spain—an ultra-modern metropolis where King Philip 2 moved his royal court from Toledo, designating Madrid as the new capital to this day.

6 Plaza de España - Plaza de Cibeles - Puerta del Sol - Plaza Mayor. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel restaurant, then take the group to tour Madrid, the capital and largest city of Spain and the 3rd largest city in Europe after London and Berlin.

Take the group to visit Plaza de España, home to the bronze statues of 2 knights, Don Quixote and Sancho Panza on horseback—the great visionary heroes who sparked new hope for a better life for all humankind.

Visit Plaza de Cibeles, beautifully adorned with fountains. Admire the marble sculpture of the goddess Cybele seated on a chariot drawn by 2 lions, also carved from marble, with the white Correos building resembling a wedding cake in the background.

Visit the Puerta de Alcalá triumphal arch, built in neoclassical style dedicated to King Carlos 3.

Drive through the heart of the city past Kilometer Zero at Puerta del Sol, an elliptical plaza framed by classic cream-colored facades. The starting point for Spain's national roads, it sits in front of the Royal House of the Post Office near the Puerta del Sol Metro station—a vibrant area that never sleeps.

Pass by the statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree, the beloved symbol of Madrid. Then proceed to Plaza Mayor, Madrid's historic central stone square located in the old quarter. Historically, it hosted major religious ceremonies, royal coronations, and bullfights. Today, it preserves its lively 17th-century atmosphere as a pedestrian hub surrounded by bustling shops and cafés.

In the afternoon, visit the Royal Palace of Madrid (Palacio Real), the grand palace of the Spanish monarchy. Built entirely of marble in Baroque style over more than 25 years, step inside to explore among its more than 2,000 rooms, lavishly decorated with fine tapestries, historic artwork, porcelain, gold and silver, centuries-old weapons, antique armor, and priceless ornaments. Several rooms are decorated in oriental styles, including Chinese and Japanese motifs. Today, the palace is used for state ceremonies and welcoming international dignitaries. Behind the palace stretches a sweeping marble courtyard bordered by artistic balustrades and lush green gardens that contrast beautifully with the white marble palace facade.

Day 7: Madrid - Barcelona

Board the AVE high-speed train from Madrid to Barcelona (travel time approx. 2 hours 45 minutes).

The group arrives in Barcelona, located on the Mediterranean coast of the Iberian Peninsula. As Spain's second-largest city, it is renowned as the Capital of the Mediterranean—beautiful and thriving with port business and commerce, while seamlessly blending ancient history with contemporary modernity. It is also an Olympic city beloved by visiting sports enthusiasts.

In the afternoon, we take the group to Montjuïc (Montjuic), host venue of the 1992 Olympic Games, where you can take in panoramic views of Barcelona and one of the largest ports in the Mediterranean Sea. Afterward, enjoy shopping for a wide variety of goods along Las Ramblas (La Ramblas Street), Barcelona's premier commercial avenue. You will have free time to stroll and shop at your leisure, with countless shops in every alleyway offering clothing and souvenirs.

8 Barcelona

We take the group to visit the Basilica of La Sagrada Familia (La Sagrada Familia), the sacred symbol of Barcelona standing 170 meters tall with its wonderfully unique design. Construction began in 1882 by architect Antoni Gaudí, who spent 43 years working on it before his passing in 1926. Work is still underway today and is expected to be completed in 2026. This cathedral is unique in the way it incorporates natural forms and textures, reflecting the dramatic peaks and towering height of Montserrat.

Next, we take the group to see the City of Gaudí and the Spanish village, proud works of Gaudí cherished by the people of Barcelona. Located along Passeig de Gràcia, you will discover the priceless architecture of Casa Batlló, designed by Gaudí for a Barcelona textile tycoon by completely redesigning it, adding an extra floor, and creating an eye-catching roof with balconies sculpted like flawless skulls. Another must-see is Casa Milà, which Gaudí designed for a wealthy businessman in 1906, showcasing the affluence and creativity that defined the fashion of that era.

Next, we take you to Park Güell (Park Guell), one of Gaudí's works dedicated to the city's residents. Designed from 1900 to 1914, it features a covered market, a central square with viaduct paths crossing the valley, only two completed houses, and surrounding perimeter walls decorated with vibrant mosaic tiles throughout. Gaudí's final project was the Sagrada Família, which remains unfinished to this day.

In the afternoon, we take you to visit Camp Nou stadium of FC Barcelona. Built in 1954 and completed in 1957, the stadium has a massive capacity of 98,787 spectators. FC Barcelona has claimed numerous European and Spanish championship titles and remains an exceptionally successful football club in Spain today.

Note: If a match is scheduled on that day or if the stadium is closed to visitors, the company reserves the right to take photos outside and shop at the club's Mega Store instead.

Afterward, we head to the Casa Batlló area, another premier shopping district in Barcelona, where you can take exterior photos of Casa Milà, built in 1906 as one of Antoni Gaudí's final works, followed by free time to shop for goods and souvenirs at your leisure.

9 Barcelona Airport

We transfer the group to Barcelona Airport. If your flight departs in the evening, we can arrange sightseeing according to your preferences.