"Chinese Group" 11-Day In-depth Spain & Portugal Tour

At 8:30 AM, after gathering in Barcelona, we will head to Zaragoza to visit the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar. This Baroque architectural masterpiece is not only one of Spain's most important pilgrimage sites, but its 11 colorful glass domes also shimmer in the sunlight. We will then visit the Aljafería Palace, an 11th-century Islamic palace known as the "Alhambra of Spain." Its exquisite horseshoe arches, intricate stucco carvings, and later Gothic additions bear witness to the glorious history of the Christian Reconquista. Afterwards, we will proceed to Madrid. Check into a hotel in Madrid or its surrounding areas.

In the morning, proceed to Las Ventas Bullring to pick up guests joining the tour in Madrid. Afterwards, enjoy a city tour of Madrid, including Royal Palace of Madrid (optional), Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, and Gran Vía. As mentioned in Jolin Tsai’s song, Madrid is a city of wonder—where ancient history, modern art, diverse cultures, passionate locals, and vibrant nightlife come together.

Later, continue to the historic city of Toledo, where you will visit Toledo Old Town and Toledo Cathedral. After the tour, drive to Salamanca or a nearby area for overnight stay.

Please note: If you wish to visit the Royal Palace of Madrid, please check the schedule and purchase tickets in advance via the official website:

https://tickets.patrimonionacional.es/es/tickets/palacio-real-de-madrid

Recommended time slot: 11:00

In the morning, depart from Salamanca Hotel for Porto, Portugal. Porto is famous for its namesake wine, and the wine trade has given this port city a diverse history. Wander through the narrow streets of the old town to Ribeira Square, where you can take photos or savor local delicacies, and feel the Atlantic breeze. At Ribeira Quay, experience the charm of medieval architecture, ancient alleys, the Porto wine cellars on the Vila Nova de Gaia side, the Dom Luís I Bridge, and traditional rabelo boats floating on the river. Afterward, visit the Porto Cathedral, a blend of Gothic and Baroque styles, and the Clérigos Tower, an iconic landmark of Porto. Overnight in Porto or a nearby hotel.

After breakfast, proceed to Coimbra, where you may enjoy local specialties at your leisure. The University of Coimbra is spread across this charming hillside city. Visit the magnificent Baroque Library of the University of Coimbra (optional), often referred to as a “temple of books.” Its gilded ceilings symbolize the light of knowledge, while Chinese-style lacquered bookshelves house over 300,000 rare volumes. Notably, a colony of bats has lived in the library for over two centuries, helping to protect the books from insects.

Special note: Visitors are required to maintain absolute silence inside the library—even the sound of a camera shutter is considered disrespectful to this 18th-century sanctuary of knowledge.

Afterwards, visit the Roman Catholic landmark Old Cathedral of Coimbra. This 12th-century Romanesque structure is rich in detail, featuring carved biblical scenes on the cloister columns, a painted ceiling with a still-functioning medieval sundial, and the famous “Mouth of Truth” sculpture, which graduating students traditionally kiss.

Overnight stay in Coimbra or nearby area.

After breakfast, depart for Sintra. The Sintra Old Town is home to numerous famous palaces and castles, with the iconic Sintra National Palace standing at its heart, easily recognized by its distinctive twin conical chimneys.

Continuing west from Sintra, drive along a scenic coastal road to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe, famously described as “where the land ends and the sea begins.” Standing atop the 140-meter cliffs, you can witness the dramatic waves crashing against the rugged coastline below.

On the return journey to Lisbon, stop at the charming seaside resort town of Cascais, once a traditional fishing village and now a popular coastal getaway, also known for its connection to the James Bond novel Casino Royale. Enjoy some free time to explore the town and relax by the sea.

Overnight stay in Lisbon or nearby area.

As the Portuguese say, “Those who have not seen Lisbon have not seen beauty,” a testament to the city’s charm and confidence. Today, enjoy a relaxed exploration of Lisbon, beginning with the impressive 25 de Abril Bridge, one of the longest suspension bridges in Europe, whose iconic red structure is often compared to San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge.

Continue to the magnificent Jerónimos Monastery, a masterpiece of Manueline architecture. Its intricately carved arches resemble ocean waves, while each column in the cloisters is adorned with maritime motifs. The monastery is also the resting place of Portugal’s national poet Luís de Camões and the explorer Vasco da Gama.

You will also visit the historic Belém Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries, both symbols of Portugal’s glorious Age of Exploration, commemorating the great navigators who once set sail from these shores.

Of course, you may also take the opportunity to taste the famous Portuguese custard tart, Pastel de Nata. Afterwards, continue by coach to Seville for an overnight stay in Seville or nearby area.

"Seville turns back time" - the capital of Andalusia perfectly embodies Spain's golden age and romantic soul. Starting with the 【Plaza de España】, this semi-circular plaza built for the 1929 Exhibition blends Renaissance and Moorish Revival styles, with colorful ceramic-tiled provincial benches sparkling in the morning light. The world's largest Gothic cathedral, 【Seville Cathedral】 (optional), and the adjacent 【Alcázar of Seville】 (optional) also add a vibrant touch to the city, their unforgettable architectural styles attracting visitors to stop and admire. Afterwards, we will head to Cordoba, a city with countless cultural heritage sites and ancient ruins. Stroll across the 【Roman Bridge】 and through the 【Calleja de las Flores】, and linger in the 【Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba】. Overnight in Cordoba or a nearby hotel.

Please note: If you wish to visit the Alcázar of Seville, please check the time and purchase tickets in advance after placing your order:https://alcazardesevilla.infoticketing.com/es Reservation: 11:00

Following the Mediterranean breeze, we travel south from Cordoba to arrive at Ronda, a breathtaking town perched dramatically on the edge of a cliff. In the old town, we pause to visit the iconic Puente Nuevo (New Bridge) and the historic bullring. The heart of Ronda lies in the New Bridge, which spans a gorge over 100 meters deep—standing at its central viewpoint, sheer cliffs drop beneath your feet while the Guadalevín River flows quietly below like a silver thread.

Built in 1785, the Ronda Bullring tells the story of the origins of modern bullfighting; within its double-layered sandstone arcades, the matador’s cape still appears as vivid as blood.

We then continue to the charming “white village” of Mijas, where you can enjoy a relaxed and leisurely afternoon. At the Ermita de la Virgen de la Peña, you will see the statue of the Virgin who protects fishermen—its ornate Baroque altar forming a striking contrast with the simple whitewashed walls.

At the end of the day’s journey, we head to Granada for an overnight stay.

Granada boasts both palaces built by the Moors and Christian Renaissance architecture. After breakfast, visit the Alhambra (optional). "If there is a heaven on Earth, it must be the Alhambra"—this red fortress, also known as the "Red Castle," stands on Sabika Hill in Granada. It is a prime example of Arab-style palace courtyards, the pinnacle of Islamic art in Europe, and the last political and cultural center of the Moors on the Iberian Peninsula. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it perfectly embodies the Islamic garden concept of "paradise on Earth."

After sightseeing, depart for Valencia. Check into a hotel in Valencia or the surrounding area.

Valencia, Europe's citrus-producing region, is famously characterized by its abundant citrus trees. While it retains Spain's lively and joyful spirit, it lacks the bustling pace of larger cities, instead exuding a relaxed and comfortable charm. Explore attractions in the old town such as Plaza del Ayuntamiento, City of Arts and Sciences, and Valencia's spiritual heart – Plaza de la Virgen. You can also try discovering the hidden shops nestled throughout the city.

Afterwards, head to Barcelona. Check into a hotel in or around Barcelona.

If the tour concludes on the same day, the drop-off location will be Sants Station. The estimated drop-off time is 19:30, and the price can be reduced by £49/person. Please contact customer service.

Barcelona is a city where reality and imagination dance together, inviting you on a fantastical architectural journey through time. As the capital of Catalonia, it captivates with unparalleled creativity and Mediterranean passion, encouraging you to write your own story within the city.

You will visit the neo-Gothic Sagrada Familia (optional, at your own expense), a “Bible in stone” that has been under construction for 141 years, with its 18 spires rising skyward like a forest. Discover Casa Milà (optional), Gaudí’s wave-like masterpiece known as “La Pedrera,” and explore Park Güell (optional), where a mosaic-covered serpentine bench forms the world’s longest undulating seat, while the 84 Doric columns of the Hypostyle Hall also serve as a drainage system. At Columbus Square, the golden statue of the Columbus Monument points toward the New World, while behind it, La Rambla comes alive with vibrant street performances.

Drop-off point: Barcelona Sants Station (main station)

Estimated drop-off time: 19:00 (guests may also choose to leave the tour earlier at designated attractions)

Important Notes:

1. Due to visitor flow control and long queues at the Sagrada Familia, guests who wish to enter must check availability and book tickets online in advance when reserving this tour. This is a highly popular attraction with limited ticket availability—please ensure you check remaining tickets and book accordingly.

• Recommended time: 09:30 AM
• If your tour date falls on a Sunday, please book the 10:30 AM slot instead
• Booking link: https://tickets.sagradafamilia.org/site/SagradaFamilia/product/10/type/1

2. For Park Güell, it is recommended to reserve tickets for around 14:00.

• Booking link: https://www.parkguellonline.cat/pg_muslinkIII/venda/index.jsp?lang=3&nom_cache=PARC&property=PARC&grupActiv=1