"8 Best Value Tours in Europe" A Passionate Tour of Spain and Portugal

We set off in the morning to visit the Spanish capital.MadridThe area boasts numerous attractions including the Pilis Fountain, Plaza de Milà, Plaza de España, and the Royal Palace. The Royal Palace, built during the height of Spanish royalty, is magnificent and resplendent, showcasing the sacred afterglow of the former empire. The "Kilometer Zero," representing the center of Spain, is a small square tile placed on the pedestrian walkway of Puerta del Sol. Puerta del Sol is lined with shops and department stores, making it a great place to purchase Spanish leather goods, clothing, and various souvenirs.

In the afternoon, we said goodbye to Madrid and headed to...ZaragozaUpon arrival, head straight to Plaza de Santa Columns. The square houses the Basilica di Santa Maria del Columns, a Baroque-style church built between 1681 and 1872. It is dedicated to Our Lady of the Columns, whom the Pope calls "the Mother of the Spanish People," and is considered the first Notre Dame cathedral in history. The square is lined with restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy dinner at your leisure.

Accommodation: Zaragoza or a nearby city | Suggested hotel: Eurostars Hotel Rey Fernando **** or similar

We set off in the morning for a famous coastal city in Spain.BarcelonaUpon arrival, explore the vibrant and charming city of Barcelona, ​​including the Columbus Monument and La Rambla. Next, visit the Sagrada Familia, Barcelona's most iconic church and a masterpiece by the architectural genius Gaudí, known as the "poet of architecture." Afterwards, admire the exterior of Camp Nou stadium for photos and purchase souvenirs. Following this, visit the Olympic Stadium on Montjuïc Hill, where the 1992 Olympic Games were held. From the hill, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city. The remaining time is free for leisure activities in the bustling Plaça Catalunya. Dinner will be served before returning to the hotel.

During peak season, due to crowd control measures and long queues at the Sagrada Familia, it is recommended to book Sagrada Familia tickets online in advance.Sagrada Familia official ticketing websiteScheduled tour time: 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM.

Accommodation: Barcelona or a nearby city | Suggested hotel: AC by Marriott Hotel Sant Cugat **** or similar

In the morning, we depart along the coastline for Valencia, Spain's third-largest city. Historically, Valencia has served as Spain's gateway to the Mediterranean, a hub of commerce and culture. Valencia's radiating influence attracted frequent visits from Arabs, stimulating cultural exchange and economic reform, and endowing Valencia with a prosperity and splendor unmatched by other cities. Although Valencia has lost some of its former glory, it remains an important city for trade exhibitions, hosting various expos throughout the year.

Upon arrival, we will visit the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, the ancient city gates, and Valencia Cathedral in the old town. The three entrances to the cathedral reveal its long and eventful history, but the most striking feature is the agate chalice housed in the southern chapel, which is rumored to be the Holy Grail used by Jesus at the Last Supper. Afterward, we will head towards Alicante, a beach resort city on the Costa Blanca.

Accommodation: Alicante or a nearby city | Suggested hotel: Hotel Campanile Alicante *** or similar

In the morning, we will depart for Granada, a historic city on the highlands of Andalusia. This city was ruled by the Visigoths and Arabs, and was the last stronghold of the Moorish dynasty during its 800-year rule of the Iberian Peninsula. In the 15th century, King Ferdinand successfully expelled the Arabs, completing the unification of Spain and leaving behind a wealth of cultural relics. Upon arrival, we will visit the Alhambra Palace (also known as the Red Palace), a relic of the Moorish "Golden Age," or explore Granada's city center and old town. The exquisite architecture and refined style are truly breathtaking.

After the tour, we will proceed to Mijas, a white mountain town (optional, at our own expense). This pure white town, blooming with flowers, boasts charming houses with white walls and red roofs, stretching along a gentle slope of the hillside, creating a pristine white landscape.

During peak season, due to crowd control measures and extremely long queues, it is recommended to purchase tickets online in advance for a visit to the Alhambra Palace. The official Alhambra Palace ticketing website is available from 13:30 to 14:00.

Accommodation: Granada or a nearby city | Suggested hotel: Hotel Restaurant Campanile Malaga Airport *** or similar.

In the morning, we depart for the town of Ronda, the hometown of Spanish bullfighters, for a self-funded group activity. Ronda boasts Spain's oldest bullring, which once witnessed the loves, hates, and passions of bullfighters of that era. Beneath its seemingly calm exterior, Ronda still harbors the most intense Spanish charm. Its romantic, serene white houses perched on a daunting cliff are the best proof of this.

After our visit, we continue to Seville, the soulful capital of Andalusia. This city was once the capital of the Islamic caliphate, the guardian angel of Andalusian culture, the birthplace of Flamenco dance, the setting for the novel Carmen, and Spain's fourth-largest city. Upon arrival, we visit the 16th-century Cathedral, which houses the royal chapel, the tombs of several medieval kings, and Columbus's tomb next to the main altar, in recognition of the great navigator's discovery of the New World. Afterwards, we visit the Royal Alcázar of Seville, once an Islamic palace and one of the Spanish monarchy's palaces. This palace was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987. Having experienced both Islamic and Catholic dynasties, its clever blend of styles forms one of the most complex and beautiful buildings in the world. Afterwards, we stroll through the Santa Cruz Quarter, the Torre del Oro, and Maria Luisa Park, the site of the 1992 World Expo, where the intricately painted tiles of Plaza de España tell the story of Spain's history and splendor.

Accommodation: Seville or nearby cities | Reference Hotel: Hotel YIT Via Sevilla Mairena **** or similar

We set off in the morning for the capital of Portugal.LisbonThe tour is scheduled to begin in the afternoon at Cape Tak, the westernmost point of Europe. Here, tour members can not only experience the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean, but also purchase a commemorative certificate to prove that they have set foot at the westernmost point of Europe, making it a highly memorable experience.

After the tour, we will travel to Lisbon to visit the Belém Tower, a famous landmark and the Monument to the Navigators, which symbolizes Portugal's pioneering role in the Age of Exploration and its passion for discovering new continents. Afterwards, we will visit the Jerónimó Monastery to see the Manuel style architecture left over from the height of Portugal's maritime power in the 16th century. After the tour, we will be transferred to the area around Rimarúci Square and Pompeii Square for free time. If you are interested, you can taste authentic Portuguese egg tarts at a century-old bakery.

Accommodation: Lisbon or nearby city | Suggested hotel: B&B Hotel Lisboa Aeroporto *** or similar

We will depart for Madrid in the morning, and in the afternoon we will visit the ancient city of Toledo. Surrounded by the Tagus River and its sturdy walls, Toledo records the history and culture of Spain. During the height of Spain's power, it served as the capital. Stroll through this city full of ancient ruins, overlook the Alcázar Castle, and visit the magnificent cathedral to fully experience the former glory of Spain. After the tour, we will head towards Madrid and arrive in Madrid at around 8 pm.