Lisbon and Porto from Madrid - 6 days

At the indicated time, we will meet at the meeting point in Madrid, at the Aloft Hotel, to begin our journey to Salamanca.

We will have some free time to explore this university city, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and renowned for its extraordinary architectural and artistic heritage. We can stroll through its streets and squares, admiring some of its most iconic landmarks and enjoying the atmosphere of one of Spain’s most fascinating historic cities.

We will then continue our journey towards the Portuguese border, traveling through landscapes that mark the transition between the two countries. From there, we will continue to Porto, where we will arrive at the end of the day.

After the transfer to the hotel, we will check in and have some time to rest and begin discovering this charming Portuguese city.

Greca Tip: In Salamanca, be sure to visit the New Cathedral. As you approach the building, look closely at the intricate details of its Gothic façade, including unusual carvings such as an astronaut, a monkey eating an ice cream, and a stork.

We will begin the day with breakfast at the hotel. We will then enjoy a panoramic tour of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where we will discover some of the city’s most representative landmarks. We will admire the Cathedral, the historic Stock Exchange Palace, and Santa Clara Church while learning about the cultural and architectural heritage that characterizes the city.

We will then enjoy a different perspective of Porto on a cruise along the Douro River, from where we will be able to admire the city and its landscapes from the water. The experience will continue with a visit to one of Porto’s renowned wine cellars, where we will learn more about the region’s winemaking traditions and enjoy a wine tasting.

The rest of the day will be free to explore Porto at our own pace, stroll through its streets, discover its historic corners, or simply enjoy the atmosphere of the city.

Greca Tip: The Douro River cruise will allow us to experience Porto from a different perspective. We recommend keeping the camera ready to capture the views of the colorful Ribeira façades and the bridges connecting both sides of the river.

After breakfast, you'll depart for Coimbra, home to one of Europe's oldest universities. This prestigious institution was constructed on the grounds of a former palace and is renowned for its Baroque Joanina Library and impressive 18th-century bell tower.

Coimbra is also recognized as the birthplace of traditional Portuguese music, known as fado. Take some time to explore this captivating city at your own pace and delve into its unique cultural offerings.

Next, we'll continue our journey to Fatima, a significant center of the Christian Faith and a revered World Pilgrimage Sanctuary. You'll be awestruck by the grandeur of the Sanctuary of Fatima and the sacred Cova da Iria, the site where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared.

Greca Tip: As in other Portuguese cities, Coimbra is brimming with bakeries and pastry shops. It's a common sight to see locals sipping coffee in the streets while indulging in delicious traditional sweets such as pastel de Belém (also known as pastel de nata) or queijadas.

After breakfast, you'll set off for the Batalha Monastery. This magnificent Dominican Convent was constructed to commemorate the Portuguese victory over the Castilians in the Battle of Aljubarrota in 1385.

Over the next two centuries, this site became the primary architectural endeavor of the Portuguese monarchy. The monastery boasts a distinctive national Gothic style, heavily influenced by Manueline art, with its crowning jewel being the exquisite Royal Cloister.

Continuing our journey, we'll make our way to Nazare, a charming coastal village that has retained its vibrant fishing traditions. It's a popular tourist destination, and you'll have the opportunity to witness the fishmongers donning the traditional seven skirts—a delightful sight to behold.

Next, we'll visit Alcobaça, home to a Gothic church and Cistercian monastery dating back to the 12th century. The monastery holds great historical significance and showcases remarkable architectural beauty.

As the day draws to a close, we'll arrive in Lisbon, where you'll be staying for the duration of your trip.

Greca Tip: To enhance your evening, don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in the soulful sounds of Fado music. You can easily add this captivating experience during the reservation process.

After a delicious breakfast, you'll join a local guide to explore the key attractions of Lisbon at the mouth of the Tagus River.

Our first stop is the iconic Tower of Belém, initially built as a defensive fortress but later transformed into a customs center and lighthouse. Constructed between 1515 and 1519 by Francisco de Arruda and declared a World Heritage Site in 1983.

Just nearby, we'll visit the Jerónimos Monastery, where you'll find the tomb of Vasco da Gama, a renowned Portuguese explorer who opened the spice route to India.

We'll also visit the Monument of the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos), a fascinating landmark that celebrates Portugal's Age of Discovery and its rich history.

The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure. We highly recommend taking a stroll through the enchanting Alfama neighborhood, known for its picturesque low houses, narrow streets, and vibrant street art. Lose yourself in its charming labyrinthine alleys, which reflect the Arab influence on the city's layout.

Lastly, you should visit the National Tile Museum, where you can delve into the history of this unique art form that adorns the city's streets and buildings.

Savor every moment as you immerse yourself in the wonders of this remarkable city!

Waking up in a land steeped in history is a privilege reserved for travelers attuned to the soul of their destinations. Today, you will leave behind the paths already taken to journey toward Mérida, a jewel declared a World Heritage Site, where the echoes of the Roman Empire still resonate in every stone.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will set off for this monumental city, the capital of Extremadura and guardian of a millennia-old legacy. In the morning, upon arrival in Mérida, your steps will lead you to the majestic Roman theater, where performances are still held under the moonlight, just as they were two thousand years ago. Nearby, the amphitheater whispers stories of gladiators, while the Roman bridge stretches over the Guadiana River with the same dignity it held in the time of Augustus.

Did you know this theater was buried for centuries, hidden beneath a hill? Today, it comes to life as a stage for living culture and a witness to the eternal.

You will have free time to explore at your own pace, soak in the atmosphere, savor the local cuisine, or simply wander through streets still pulsing with Rome’s legacy. In the afternoon, the journey continues to Madrid.

Greca Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and bring water. Mérida’s ancient stones are best enjoyed with unhurried steps and an open heart.