Spain and Portugal: Culture and Gastronomy

Day 1: Madrid
Arrival at Madrid airport and private transfer to the hotel. Accommodation for 2 nights, with breakfast.

In the afternoon, private half-day walking tour with a local guide through the Madrid city center with tasting of local snacks and drinks. Madrid, one of the most beautiful and bustling capitals in Europe, stands out for its remarkable architecture. Among the points of interest are the Plaza Mayor, the old city located between the Royal Palace and the Parque del Retiro, and the Puerta del Sol, known as the kilometer 0 of Spain.


Day 2: MADRID
Breakfast at the hotel. Private full-day tour with local guide to San Lorenzo de El Escorial, including a visit to its monastery and site. The 16th century Monastery of El Escorial is considered the 8th wonder of the world and serves as a Pantheon for the Kings of Spain. The area is famous for its parks and fountains, such as Fuente Nueva, surrounded by bars and restaurants.

After lunch at a local restaurant (not included), guided tour of the Valley of the Fallen, a monument dedicated to the fighters of the Spanish Civil War, with a basilica carved in the rock and the largest cross in the world, 150 meters high, at the top of the Risco de la Nava.

Finally, dinner at Casa Botin. Located in the historic heart of Madrid, it is considered the oldest restaurant in the world, famous for its classic Spanish dishes and its history, which includes connections with Ernest Hemingway and Goya.


Day 3: MADRID - TOLEDO
After breakfast at the hotel and check-out, private transfer to the hotel in Toledo. Accommodation for 1 night, with breakfast. Free afternoon to explore the city.

Toledo, the former capital of Spain, is known for its mix of Arab, Jewish, and Christian influences. The Gothic cathedral and the Alcázar palace-fortress stand out in the city.

In the evening, private walking tour of about two hours with a local guide through the city to learn about the legends, curiosities and history of Toledo. Visit hidden squares, alleys, and underground spaces off the conventional route to discover the mysteries of the city.


Day 4: TOLEDO - TRUJILLO - CÁCERES
After breakfast and check-out from the hotel, the trip to Trujillo, known as the city of the Conquistadores.

Trujillo, a walled city with origins in the 13th century, was home to Celts, Romans, Moors, and Christians, standing out as the birthplace of conquerors like Francisco Pizarro. The visit includes the Plaza Mayor, with a highlight of the Palace of Conquest and the Pizarro statue.

After lunch at a local restaurant (not included), continue the trip to Cáceres. Accommodation for 1 night, with breakfast.

In the afternoon, private tour of about 3 hours with a local guide through the historic center of Cáceres. The city reveals one of the most important medieval ensembles in Europe, with a mix of Roman and Arab buildings and impressive walls. Visit to the 16th century Gothic Cathedral of Santa Maria. Day


5: CÁCERES - MÉRIDA - ÉVORA
Breakfast and check-out at the hotel. Travel to Mérida with a visit to an Iberian Bellota ham producer to learn about the traditional production of this product in Extremadura.

After lunch at a local restaurant (not included), meet with a local guide for a tour of the historic center of Mérida to discover its rich archaeological heritage, including the Arch of Trajan, the Temple of Diana, the theater and the amphitheater, ending with a visit to the impressive Roman Museum. Continuation of the trip to Évora, in Portugal. Accommodation for 1 night, with breakfast.

Optional activity suggestion (not included):

• Dinner at Fialho, a family-run restaurant famous for the quality of its dishes.
  
  
  

Day 6: ÉVORA - LISBON
Breakfast and check-out at the hotel. Private walking tour with a local guide through the historic center of Évora. The city, rich in history, dates back to the period of the Roman Empire and was marked by Arab occupation. Opportunity to visit the Cathedral of Evora, the Roman Temple of Diana, the Giraldo Square and the Church of San Francisco.

Visit to the Monte da Ravasqueira wine estate, with wine and olive oil tasting and picnic. Then, visit the town of Arraiolo s, famous for its handmade rugs.

Arrival in Lisbon at the end of the day. Accommodation for 2 nights, with breakfast.


Day 7: LISBON
Breakfast at the hotel. Half-day private tour with a local guide through Lisbon, known as the white city due to its unique luminosity. Visit two emblematic monuments: the Belém Tower and the Jeronimos Church, both World Heritage Sites and examples of the Manueline style.

Stop to taste the famous custard cake at the historic Casa dos Pastéis de Belém. The tour also offers a panoramic visit to the Baixa and Chiado neighborhoods, in addition to the large Avenues.

Free afternoon for independent activities.


8th day: LISBON - CAISCAIS - SINTRA - LISBON
Breakfast at the hotel. Private full-day tour with local guide in Sintra and Cascais.

Stop in Cascais, a beautiful coastal city, to stroll through its scenic streets. Continue to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point in Europe, with spectacular views. Then, visit a renowned wine estate, where you can learn about the winemaking process and taste high-quality wines.

In Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the tour includes free time for lunch (not included) and a visit to the village, ending with a visit to the Pena Palace, an architectural jewel.

Finally, farewell dinner in Lisbon, where you can enjoy Fado, the traditional Portuguese musical expression, accompanied by a full meal. Return to the hotel on your own.


Day 9: LISBON
After breakfast and check-out from the hotel, private transfer to the airport.