Charming Portugal, Burgundy and Alsace (2027)

Day 1: Madrid

Day 2: Madrid

Day 3: Madrid - Mérida - Évora - Lisbon

We´ll leave Madrid, heading towards the capital of Extremadura: Mérida, where we´ll visit the archaeological complex of the Roman Theatre and Amphitheatre (tickets included), a World Heritage Site renowned for its excellent state of preservation. There will be time for lunch in the pleasant pedestrian historic center bustling with life and restaurants. We´ll continue to Portugal and stop in Évora, another city recognized as a World Heritage Site, with its white streets, Renaissance palaces, and cathedral. We´ll arrive in Lisbon in the evening.

Day 4: Lisbon

In the morning, we´ll embark on a sightseeing tour of Lisbon, exploring the Portuguese capital of the seven hills, with its charming alleys, iconic tiles, the feeling of "saudade," and the beautiful Atlantic light. We’ll also visit the Belem neighborhood, from where the great Portuguese navigators set sail to cross the oceans in the 15th century. Free time in the afternoon to walk and go to the Bairro Alto and its viewpoint; if you’d like to, you could take an optional trip to the towns of Sintra, Cascais and Estoril. In the evening, we’ll return to the hotel from the lively Restauradores Square, filled with vibrant bars and cafes.

Day 5: Lisbon - Fátima - Porto

We’ll travel to the north of Portugal, where we’ll visit Fátima, an important pilgrimage site. We’ll then continue to Porto, the country’s second-largest city. After lunch, we’ll enjoy a 50-minute cruise along the Douro River aboard a traditional Portuguese "Rabelo" boat, offering a unique perspective of the city’s beautiful riverside. Afterwards, you’ll have free time to explore the lively medieval Ribeira district, known for its narrow streets lined with historic merchant houses and charming cafés, before heading to the hotel.

Day 6: Porto - Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary - Cambados - Santiago de Compostela

Today, we´ll travel through stunning landscapes. In Braga, we´ll take a ride on the world’s oldest water-operated cable car to reach the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus, where breathtaking views await. After exploring the sanctuary, we recommend descending via its picturesque staircase. Our journey continues into Galicia, where we´ll visit the historic town of Cambados or O Grove in Rías Baixas. Here, we´ll embark on a glass-bottom boat trip along the Ría de Arousa, learning about mussel and oyster production. Enjoy wine and mussel tasting onboard. At lunchtime, we´ll arrive in Santiago de Compostela for a city tour led by a local guide, exploring its medieval streets and renowned pilgrimage sites dating back to the Middle Ages.

Day 7: Santiago de Compostela - Lugo - León - Fromista - Burgos

We’ll travel along the Way of St. James, beginning with Lugo. Here, we’ll have time to explore the historic town center and its Roman walls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We’ll arrive in Leon at lunchtime, where we’ll visit the magnificent Gothic cathedral, renowned for its stained-glass windows, and enjoy a stroll through the historic town center.We’ll then continue our journey across the Castilian plateau—lands connected for centuries to the St. James’ Way. We’ll stop alongside the historic Canal of Castilla, one of the most ambitious hydraulic engineering projects of the Spanish Enlightenment. From there, we can walk alongside pilgrims to the Church of San Martin de Tours in Fromista (admission included), one of the greatest treasures of Spanish Romanesque architecture. We’ll then continue to Burgos, where we recommend taking a walk through its historic city center.

Day 8: Burgos - San Millán de la Cogolla - Vitoria - Pamplona

After breakfast and before starting our day, we’ll head to the city center of Burgos. Free time to visit its cathedral or take a walk through the historic center. We continue to SAN MILLAN DE LA COGOLLA, a small enclave considered the birthplace of written Spanish. We’ll visit the Yuso Monastery (admission included), a World Heritage site where the famous “Glosas Emilianenses” were discovered—considered to be the earliest written texts in both Castilian Spanish and Basque. We’ll arrive in VITORIA-GASTEIZ for lunch and a stroll through its medieval quarter, known as the "Medieval Almond" for its unique shape. In the afternoon, we’ll continue our route to PAMPLONA, the historic capital of Navarre, world-famous for the San Fermín festival. Free time in the city center before heading to our hotel.

Day 9: Pamplona - Olite - Zaragoza - Poblet - Barcelona

After breakfast, we will head to OLITE, famous for one of the most remarkable castle-palaces in Spain. Its towers, galleries, courtyards, and gardens make it look straight out of a fairy tale. It was once the residence of the Kings of Navarre. Time to enjoy a coffee and stroll through its streets. We continue toward ZARAGOZA, situated along the banks of the Ebro River and known for the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, one of Spain´s major sanctuaries and a spiritual symbol of the Hispanic world. We then continue into Catalonia to visit one of the route´s great spiritual treasures: admission and visit included to the impressive Cistercian Monastery of Poblet, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Arrival at the hotel in BARCELONA, late in the afternoon.

Day 10: Barcelona

In the morning, we include a panoramic tour of BARCELONA, considered one of Europe’s most fascinating capitals. Open to the Mediterranean Sea, the city is renowned for Gaudí and its modernist architecture, as well as for its lively Ramblas and the legacy of the World Expositions and Olympic Games held here. Barcelona is often regarded as one of the most beautiful and captivating cities in Europe. The tour ends at the Maremagnum, a modern leisure and dining complex by the sea next to Columbus Square, where you can stroll through this lively area. Afternoon at your leisure. Return to the hotel at the end of the day.

Day 11: Barcelona - Girona - Besalú - Colliure - Carcassonne

We’ll travel to northern Catalonia, starting with a visit to Girona. Here, you’ll have time to explore the city’s magnificent historic center, filled with medieval architecture and Roman, Arab, and Hebrew influences. We recommend visiting the Cathedral of Saint Mary, an impressive Gothic structure located in the upper part of the city, as well as the old Jewish quarter, known for its narrow, picturesque streets. Next, we’ll head to the charming medieval town of Besalú. You’ll have time for lunch and to explore its quaint streets, the impressive, fortified stone bridge, the castle, the Jewish baths, and the old pilgrim hospital. After lunch, we’ll continue into French Catalonia, stopping in Collioure, a small coastal town full of charm. You can enjoy its beautiful beach, wander through the port and narrow alleys, and visit the impressive castle, built on an ancient Roman castrum that once housed the court of the kings of Mallorca. If you’re interested, you can also visit the tomb of the poet Antonio Machado. In the evening, we’ll arrive in Carcassonne, considered Europe’s finest fortified city. We suggest taking a nighttime stroll to admire the beautifully lit walls and enjoying dinner at one of the many charming restaurants in the Cité.

Day 12: Carcassonne - Narbonne - Marseille

We’ll start the morning in Carcassonne. Accompanied by our guide, we’ll visit the impressive Castle of the Counts (admission included) and the medieval walls. Afterward, you’ll have some free time to explore on your own. After lunch, we’ll head to Narbonne, where you’ll have the chance to discover this charming Occitan city and its picturesque historic center. In the evening, we’ll arrive in Marseille, France’s second-largest city. We recommend taking a stroll through the lively Vieux Port, known for its vibrant atmosphere and numerous small restaurants.

Day 13: Marseille - Arles - Avignon - Lyon

Villages, landscapes, history – today we’ll see some of the most beautiful places in Provence. In Arles, a UNESCO World Heritage city, we’ll explore its Roman and medieval legacy and be reminded of Van Gogh. In Les Baux, we’ll visit this small medieval village and include admission to Carrières de Lumières, an impressive underground show that combines art, image, and sound in its old quarries. We’ll have time for lunch and a stroll in Avignon, home to the immense Palais des Papes. Our journey will continue to Lyon, where we’ll walk through the World Heritage Site old town and take the cable car up to Notre-Dame de Fourvière, a huge basilica offering a great view over the city.Note: If tickets for the Carrières de Lumières show are unavailable due to closure or high demand, we will visit the Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard instead.

Day 14: Lyon - Tournus - Beaune - Savigny Castle - Dijon

We’ll set off from Lyon and head to the Burgundy region. Our first stop will be Tournus, a quaint little town with an imposing stone gate and a large abbey. After that, we’ll travel to Beaune, where we’ll have time for lunch and to explore the wine capital of Burgundy. We recommend visiting the wine museum or the historic hospice. Next, we’ll visit the Savigny Castle, situated in the heart of this winemaking region. Built in the 15th century, the castle houses extraordinary museums featuring motorbikes, racing cars, planes, and helicopters. Our journey will continue to Dijon, the capital of Burgundy, known for its lively streets and numerous medieval and Renaissance buildings, including the standout Palace of the Dukes.

Day 15: Dijon - Besançon - Colmar - Riquewihr - Strasbourg

While still in the Burgundy region, we’ll stop in Besançon, a city of Roman origin with a beautiful historic center and a 17th-century citadel that overlooks the town. We’ll then continue our journey to Alsace, a French region that has been contested between France and Germany for centuries. Alsace retains its own German dialect, Alsatian, along with architecture and traditions deeply rooted in Germanic culture. Our first stop in Alsace will be Colmar, a city with unique architecture, colorful half-timbered houses and canals winding through the town. Colmar is also famous for its white wine and gastronomy. You’ll have time for lunch and a leisurely walk. In the afternoon, we’ll visit one of the most beautiful towns in Alsace: Riquewihr, a medieval town with cobblestone streets and colorful houses that look like they’re straight out of a fairy tale—it even inspired scenes from Beauty and the Beast. We will also take the opportunity to visit an old winery and have a tasting of local wine with a typical sweet. We’ll arrive in Strasbourg in the evening. We recommend taking a walk around the cathedral area and Petite France, both filled with charming spots and cozy restaurants.

Day 16: Strasbourg - Champagne - Paris

Time in STRASBOURG, the capital of Alsace. The city is home to the European Parliament. Its historic center is stunning, with picturesque medieval streets, its impressive Gothic cathedral, and its canals and flowers. We include a boat ride along the canals of the Petite France district.We then continue our route towards the Champagne region to visit a traditional Champagne winery (tour and tasting included) and discover the secrets of the world’s most famous sparkling drink.Onward to PARIS, arrival at the end of the day.

Day 17: Paris

We’ll embark on a panoramic tour of Paris with a local guide. Later, we’ll transfer to the charming Montmartre district, renowned for its street artists and quaint restaurants, where you can enjoy lunch. Afterward, we’ll head back to the hotel, stopping at the Louvre for those who wish to stay in the city center. We suggest visiting the museum. You’ll have free time in the afternoon. In the evening, you can attend an optional variety show.

Day 18: Paris

Today we’ll include a transfer to Versailles with its immense palace and beautiful gardens (admission not included). Free time in the afternoon in Paris. Your guide will offer options for a boat trip on the Seine and a visit to the Latin Quarter.

Day 19: Paris

After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.