Madrid, Lisbon, Porto and Santiago de Compostela 8 days

After arriving at Madrid-Barajas Airport, we will be greeted and transferred to our hotel.

We will have the rest of the day to relax and begin enjoying the capital of Spain.

Madrid, lively and awake at all hours, is famous for being an open city where people of all kinds and from anywhere come together.

In addition to its well-known museums, lively avenues with all kinds of shops, world cuisine restaurants, and incomparable nightlife, Madrid surprises with quiet historic corners full of charm for strolls.

There, we will find centuries-old taverns with family traditions where friends gather for a drink, neighborhoods of all styles, and alternative cultural centers away from the more touristy circuits.

At the same time, this city has an authenticity that is hard to match. It is hospitable, diverse, and undoubtedly one of the most interesting in Europe.

Greca Tip: As in any other large city, the center of Madrid offers a diverse variety of gastronomic venues to suit all tastes, where you can taste the traditional local tapas.

After enjoying our delicious breakfast, we will begin the day discovering the elegance and vibrant energy of Madrid, one of Europe’s most captivating capitals. Throughout the morning, we will embark on a comprehensive panoramic tour through the heart of the city, admiring some of Madrid’s most iconic landmarks such as Paseo del Prado, the fountains of Cibeles and Neptuno, Puerta de Alcalá, Plaza de Colón, and the historic Plaza Mayor.

Our journey will then continue to the beautiful Retiro Park, a peaceful green oasis in the center of the city where locals and visitors alike gather to relax. Here, we will admire the picturesque lake and the stunning Crystal Palace, one of Madrid’s architectural gems surrounded by elegant gardens and tree-lined paths.

Later, football enthusiasts will enjoy an unforgettable experience with included admission to the legendary Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home of Real Madrid, one of the most celebrated football clubs in the world. This visit offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the history and passion of Spanish football.

The remainder of the afternoon will be free for you to continue exploring Madrid at your own pace, whether strolling through its lively avenues, visiting museums, or enjoying traditional Spanish cuisine in one of its charming taverns. In the evening, return to the hotel for a well-deserved rest.

Greca Tip: Madrid’s historic center comes alive in the evening. We recommend visiting the lively neighborhoods of La Latina or Mercado de San Miguel to enjoy authentic tapas and local wines in a vibrant atmosphere.

We’ll leave Madrid behind as we journey toward Mérida, the historic capital of Extremadura. Here, we’ll delve into the extraordinary Roman Theatre and Amphitheatre (tickets included), a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its remarkable state of preservation. Walking among its ancient stones feels like traveling back in time to the grandeur of Rome. Afterwards, you’ll have time to enjoy lunch in Mérida’s charming pedestrian old town, lively with cafés, restaurants, and local atmosphere.

Our route then leads us across the border into Portugal, where we’ll stop in Évora, another World Heritage treasure. Its whitewashed alleyways, Renaissance palaces, and impressive cathedral create a serene and elegant ambiance that reflects centuries of Portuguese heritage. We’ll have some time to wander and appreciate the soul of this timeless city.

We’ll continue toward Lisbon, arriving in the evening, ready to settle in and unwind after a day rich in culture and history.

Greca Tip: While in Évora, try a traditional pastel de nata from a local bakery—its warm, creamy sweetness is one of Portugal’s most iconic delights.

After breakfast, we’ll begin an inspiring journey through Lisbon, the enchanting city of seven hills. As we explore its historic center, you’ll feel the charm of its narrow alleys, the beauty of its traditional azulejo tiles, and the unmistakable atmosphere of saudade that permeates the city. Lisbon’s soft Atlantic light will accompany us as we discover its most emblematic corners.

Our morning continues in the Belém district, the birthplace of the great Portuguese explorations of the 15th century. From here, sailors once set out toward unknown oceans, leaving a legacy reflected in the monuments, gardens, and riverside views that define this iconic neighborhood.

You’ll have free time in the afternoon to wander through the city’s viewpoints or explore the lively Bairro Alto, where tradition and modernity blend in its picturesque streets.

As night falls, we’ll head back to the hotel from the vibrant Restauradores Square, a lively meeting point filled with terraces, cafés, and the unmistakable rhythm of Lisbon.

Greca Tip: For an authentic taste of Lisbon, try a warm pastel de Belém in the neighborhood where it was created—its creamy filling and flaky crust are a true symbol of Portuguese tradition.

After enjoying our breakfast, we will begin our journey toward the north of Portugal, where the spiritual atmosphere of Fátima awaits us. This renowned pilgrimage site, visited by millions each year, offers a serene setting that invites reflection and connection with centuries-old tradition.

We will then continue toward Porto, Portugal’s elegant second city, shaped by its bridges, hillside neighborhoods, and the timeless charm of the Douro River. After lunch, we will experience a memorable 50-minute cruise aboard a traditional Portuguese rabelo, sailing gently along the river as we admire the historic waterfront, the terraces of colorful houses, and the impressive bridges that define the city’s silhouette.

Later, you will have free time to wander through the lively medieval district of Ribeira, a maze of narrow lanes filled with old merchant houses, hidden corners, and inviting cafés overlooking the water—an ideal setting to savor the soul of Porto at your own pace.

At the end of the day we will return to the hotel to rest.

Greca Tip: Don’t leave Porto without trying a traditional francesinha—a delicious local specialty best enjoyed with a glass of Douro wine.

After enjoying our breakfast, we will set out on a day filled with stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Our morning begins in Braga, one of Portugal’s most historic cities, where we will ascend to the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte aboard the world’s oldest water-powered funicular. From the top, sweeping views of the city and its lush surroundings await us. After visiting the sanctuary, we recommend descending its iconic baroque staircase, a masterpiece framed by fountains, sculptures, and greenery.

We will then continue our route toward Galicia, arriving in the charming coastal town of Cambados, in the heart of the Rías Baixas. Here, we will embark on a glass-bottom boat experience along the Ría de Arousa, observing traditional mussel and oyster farming platforms. During the navigation, we will also enjoy a tasting of local wine and fresh mussels—a true celebration of Galician flavors.

At lunchtime, we will reach Santiago de Compostela, where a local guide will lead us through its winding medieval streets, majestic squares, and legendary pilgrimage landmarks that have welcomed travelers for more than a thousand years.

Greca Tip: While in Santiago, try the famous tarta de Santiago, a traditional almond cake that has been delighting pilgrims for centuries.

After enjoying our breakfast, we will begin a memorable journey following one of Europe’s most iconic routes: the Way of St. James. Our first stop will be Lugo, where we will explore its atmospheric historic center and walk along the magnificent Roman Walls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has protected the city since the 3rd century.

As we continue through the Galician mountains, we will reach O Cebreiro, a picturesque village known for its stone houses with thatched roofs, ancestral traditions, and its mystical role in the Camino’s history. Its tranquil setting invites us to slow down and take in the charm of rural Galicia.

Around midday, we will arrive in León, one of Spain’s great medieval capitals. Here, we will visit its breathtaking Gothic Cathedral, famous for its dazzling stained-glass windows—the finest example of Gothic illumination in the country. Afterwards, we will enjoy a relaxed walk through its historic center, where plazas, noble buildings, and the legacy of the Camino unfold at every turn.

We will depart around 5:00 p.m., expecting to arrive in Madrid at approximately 9:00 p.m., bringing our day’s journey to a close.

Greca Tip: In León, try the local “cecina,” a delicately smoked cured beef that has been cherished in the region for centuries.

After a tasty breakfast, the tour will come to an end, hopefully full of unforgettable memories!

Having spent a few fantastic days with Greca, we hope to see you again soon to help create and enjoy some more wonderful moments that you will cherish forever!

Have a nice trip! Or, as Spanish people say: "¡Buen viaje!".

Greca Tip: Extend your stay in Madrid by adding more nights when making your reservation!