TREASURES OF SPAIN & PORTUGAL

Drive to the city to meet our local guide. Admire the stunning architecture of La Sagrada Familia (entrance included), the Casa Mila & Casa Batllo featuring the art nouveau fantasies of Gaudi. Stroll down bustling La Rambla and arrived at the Columbus Monument. Travel up to Montjuic Hill, the site of the 1992 Olympics, for a spectacular view of the city. View the Cathedral in the Barrio Gothic and admire the well-preserved city walls which have surrounded the old city for over 2000 years.    

Drive south to Valencia, once a royal capital and now a sunny garden city. 

Start our Valencia tour with a panoramic drive around the City of Arts & Science, a futuristic ‘city within a city’.  View the Town Hall and the Bull Ring before proceeding on foot to La Seo Cathedral which is said to house the ‘Holy Grail’.

Admire the Miguelete (Little Michael Tower) before visiting the old town with the historic Silk Exchange and Central Market.

Travel through Valencia’s rolling countryside of citrus and olive groves to Cuenca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its dramatic architecture and landscapes. Wander its cobblestone streets and take in views from Mirador del Barrio del Castillo.

Cross the rugged Castilian Plateau, transitioning from cliffs and gorges to plains dotted with olive groves and vineyards, before arriving in vibrant Madrid, Spain’s bustling capital.

Start our tour of Madrid with a visit to the Royal Palace, (may close during official ceremonies without prior notice.  The visit will be replaced by Prado Museum).   

See the Plaza Mayor where bullfights, royal coronations and even the Spanish Inquisition took place.  View the Cibeles Fountain, the Gran Via and Puerta del Sol, officially the exact centre of the city. Visit Plaza Espana where the statue of Cervantes takes centre stage. Enjoy a morning snack of freshly made churros dipped in thick creamy hot chocolate.  

In the afternoon, visit an outlet mall for deals on popular brands of Spain and more. 

Drive south to Toledo, the “City of Three Cultures,” perched above the Tagus River. Stop at Alcántara Bridge for photos, visit the Gothic Cathedral, and wander the historic Jewish Quarter with its narrow streets and whitewashed houses. Explore a Damascene workshop to see the ancient art of inlaying gold on iron or steel.

Continue to Córdoba, home to the iconic Mezquita-Catedral, historic Alcázar, and charming Jewish Quarter.

Stroll along Córdoba’s Puente Romano for panoramic city views, then visit the Mezquita-Catedral with its forest of columns, intricate arches, and mihrab within a Renaissance cathedral. Explore the Jewish Quarter with its whitewashed houses, colorful balconies, and the photogenic Calleja de las Flores.

Drive through the scenic Andalusian countryside to Seville, and immerse yourself in Spanish culture with a hands-on flamenco lesson led by professional dancers.

Visit Seville’s 15th-century Gothic Cathedral, housing Christopher Columbus’ tomb, and climb the ramps of the Giralda Tower for panoramic views. See the Alcázar, stroll through the Jewish district of Santa Cruz, and stop for photos at the Setas de Sevilla. Drive through María Luisa Park to the stunning Plaza de España.

Cross the sunbaked landscapes of Extremadura into Portugal, crossing the 25th April Bridge to reach Lisbon.

Drive through Lisbon’s Lower Town and Alfama Quarter, contrasting the grid-like Baixa with the narrow lanes of Bairro Alto. Visit Jerónimos Monastery, Vasco da Gama’s tomb, the Navigator’s Monument, and Belém Tower.

Continue to Sintra, famous for its gardens, villas, and colorful palaces, then visit Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe. Stop in Cascais, a charming fishing village, to see Boca do Inferno before returning to Lisbon for free time.

Travel north to Óbidos, a medieval town with well-preserved walls and charming streets. Enter through its historic gate adorned with Portuguese tiles, wander cobblestone lanes with whitewashed houses, sample Ginja liqueur, and explore local artisan shops. Admire Óbidos Castle and, for the active, climb the walls for panoramic views.

Enjoy lunch featuring roasted piglet Bairrada before continuing to Porto, a vibrant city famed for its riverfront, historic architecture, port wine, and rich cultural heritage.

Explore Porto’s historic riverside district, a UNESCO World Heritage site with colorful buildings, narrow streets, and picturesque squares. Admire the azulejo panels at São Bento Railway Station and visit Livraria Lello, an art-nouveau bookshop said to have inspired J.K. Rowling.

Enjoy a relaxing Douro River cruise on a traditional Rabelo boat, passing the Ribeira, Vila Nova de Gaia, and historic bridges, followed by a port wine tasting at a local winery. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore, perhaps visiting the vibrant historic Balhão Market.

Welcome back to Singapore. We hope you have had an enjoyable vacation with Dynasty Travel, and we look forward to our next trip together!