Your Itinerary
Bienvenido! Welcome to Madrid! You will be collected from the airport and transferred to your hotel, where this evening you will meet your tour leader and fellow travellers.
The rest of the evening will be spent at your leisure.
Special InformationArrival airport transfers are included as part of your package. You will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.
If you are arriving early and have made your own arrangements prior to your tour commencing, airport transfers will not be included. However, if you are purchasing pre-nights accommodation as part of your Inspiring Vacations package, airport transfers will still be provided to the starting hotel.
Passengers will be arriving at various times throughout the day. If arriving prior to standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm local time, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available, as there are generally no scheduled activities on Day 1 of the itinerary. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel's discretion.
This morning, meet your tour guide and the rest of your group. Enjoy breakfast before heading out to explore Madrid on a guided city tour.Explore Barrio de la Morería, the Habsburgs District, Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor and Plaza de la Villa; the Madrid of the Bourbons and the complex town planning schemes of Charles III, the Royal Palace, Cibeles and Neptuno Fountains and the Puerta de Alcalá. We continue on to contemporary Madrid with areas such as Gran Vía, Castellana, the district of Salamanca, Plaza Castilla and Parque del Oeste, as well as commercial and financial areas of Modern Madrid, and the emblematic Las Ventas Bullring.Tonight, join your fellow travellers for an authentic Tapas dinner at a local restaurant.Inspiring HighlightsBarrio de la MoreríaPuerta del SolPlaza MayorPlaza de la VillaGran VíaCastellanaPlaza CastillaParque del OesteLas Ventas BullringTapas Dinner
Day 3 - Madrid [Bus] Segovia [Bus] Avila [Bus] Salamanca
Your Iberian adventure commences today after breakfast, as we drive into the Castilla region towards Salamanca.
En route, the first stop will be the city of Segovia, known for its UNESCO World Heritage Site – the Aqueduct of Segovia, which dates back to Roman times. Whilst here, you will have time to explore at your own pace before we continue west towards Avila.
One of the most well-preserved fortifications in Spain, the UNESCO-listed town of Avila has a fully fortified town centre, parts of which can be walked atop. Here you will have enough time to enjoy lunch and explore the fortifications at your leisure.
This afternoon, we will arrive in Salamanca – renowned for its architectural heritage, historical University of Salamanca and a popular stop on the Vía de la Plata path of the Camino de Santiago. The night will be spent at your leisure to enjoy this wonderful city.
Inspiring Highlights
Aqueduct of Segovia
Avila
Special InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.
Day 4 - Salamanca [Bus] Pinhão [Bus] Porto
Today, Portugal beckons.Departing after breakfast, our first stop in Portugal is the quaint town of Pinhão. Nestled on a bend of the Douro River, surrounded by terraced hillsides, the regions around Pinhão are known as being the centre of port production and home to some of the best wines in the world. It is worth mentioning the beautiful train station ornate with vintage harvest images.Heading west, we will arrive in Porto, one of the oldest European cities. Be in awe of the beautiful buildings that line the Duoro River, the iconic Portuguese trams and the double-deck metal arch Luís I Bridge.Enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure.Inspiring HighlightsPinhãoSpecial InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 5.5 hours.
Today after breakfast, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Porto.
The tour starts at Avenida dos Aliados, heading toward the iconic Clérigos Tower and the famous Livraria Lello for an outside view and historical introduction to both sites. You will then pass by the University of Porto and the lush Cordoaria Garden, continuing past the historic old Relação Prison before reaching the breathtaking lookout at Miradouro da Vitória. From there, take a scenic walk down Rua das Flores to São Bento Railway Station to admire its world-renowned tilework and learn about its history. The guided portion concludes at the magnificent Porto Cathedral (view from outside).
The remainder of the day will be free to further explore this beautiful city, and enjoy all that it has to offer.Inspiring Highlights
Porto Walking Tour: Avenida dos Aliados, Clérigos Tower (exterior), Livraria Lello (exterior), University of Porto, Cordoaria Garden, and Miradouro da Vitória viewpoint.
Day 6 - Porto [Bus] Coimbra [Bus] Lisbon
Departing Porto after breakfast, we head south en route to Lisbon via Coimbra – birthplace of the folk music genre, fado. Whilst in Coimbra, embrace the historic centre, the cathedral and famous University of Coimbra, all whilst hearing the traditional music through the city.
In Coimbra you will witness how student traditions and symbolic practices are preserved. Students in their long black coats enter monumental buildings that still serve as study houses. Walk through the narrow beautiful streets and admire the Roman ruins, the city walls and the special nooks and crannies of the typical neighbourhoods of the historical centre.
Continue onto Lisbon. Spread across seven hills and known for its decorative arts, Lisbon is one of Europe's most interesting capital cities.
This afternoon is at your leisure, however we recommend venturing to the Alfama Quarter, the old city, and marvelling at the Arco da Rua Augusta.
Inspiring Highlights
Coimbra
University of Coimbra
Lisbon
Special InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
After breakfast, join a city sightseeing tour of the ancient Olissipo. Drive through Lisbon's main squares and avenues, visiting Belem Tower, Jeronimos Monastery, the Coach Museum, Monument to the Discoverers, Marquis of Pombal Square and Liberty Avenue.
Spend the afternoon at your leisure.
Inspiring Highlights
Belem Tower
Jeronimos Monastery
Coach Museum
Monument to the Discoverers
Marquis of Pombal Square
Liberty Avenue
Day 8 - Lisbon [Bus] Merida [Bus] Seville
Today after breakfast, we bid farewell to Portugal as we make our way to Seville via Merida. Enjoy the heritage bequeathed by the city's inhabitants over the centuries. Its streets and buildings reflect the passage of Roman, Visigoth, Arab and Christian culture, transporting us to the past. Augusta Emerita archaeological site stands a symbol of great Roman city features, including the amphitheatre, the circus and the theatre.
In the afternoon, our journey continues towards Seville, capital of Andalucía, and the essence of Spanish tradition. On arrival (approx. 5:30pm), you will have the remainder of the day at your leisure to explore this wonderful city.
Inspiring Highlights
Merida
Special InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 5.5 hours.
Explore the city on a morning tour of the Andalusian capital, Seville.
Today you'll explore romantic Seville on a city tour, including the largest Gothic cathedral in the world (please note, the visit will be limited to the exterior unless an optional interior tour is booked). It is a testament to the historic health and importance of Seville. Continue to the barrio de Santa Cruz, the former Jewish quarter of Seville. From here, we continue to Maria Luisa Park and Plaza de España.
This afternoon is at leisure for you to enjoy the city of light.
Inspiring Highlights
Sevilla Cathedral (outside)
Barrio de Santa Cruz
Maria Luisa Park
Plaza de España
Day 10 - Seville [Bus] Cordoba [Bus] Granada
We will leave Seville after breakfast, with a stop at Cordoba to explore its Jewish Quarter, narrow winding streets and also Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba.
Afterwards, we continue onto Granada at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains. On arrival (approx. 5pm) the remainder of the day will be yours to explore.
Inspiring Highlights
Cordoba
Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba
Special InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours.
The time has come to explore the famous Alhambra and Generalife Gardens. Given the vastness of this sprawling complex, this involves approximately three hours on foot – don't forget your walking shoes!
The Alhambra is the contemporary history of Granada's Arab past. Its buildings, towers, palaces, patios and gardens make this palace and fortress complex one of the most visited monuments in Spain. It towers over Granada's historic Arabic quarter. Within the fortress you'll find exquisite palaces and serene pathways weaving through amazing gardens and courtyards. The detail is next level – sumptuous interiors, beautiful Islamic geometric patterns, exquisitely carved wood, incredible ornamental features. First built by the Moors as a fortress during the Muslim rule of Spain, the complex is testament to their decadent lifestyle.
The rest of the day is free for you to see more of Granada at your own pace. The city is home to a huge number of tapas bars – what better way to pass the time?
Inspiring Highlights
Alhambra
Day 12 - Granada [Bus] Toledo [Bus] Madrid
Today after breakfast, we bid farewell to Granada, and set our sights on Madrid, but not before stopping in Toledo en-route.
The Imperial City of Toledo, where the Moors, Christians and Jews have lived together for centuries, invites you to a guided city tour, including its iconic Old Town.
Inspiring Highlights
Toledo
Special InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
Today will be the last full day as a group, as some travellers will complete their journey with Inspiring Vacations tomorrow, while others will continue onwards to Morocco. Tonight you will enjoy a farewell group dinner to bid farewell to Spain and to the group members who will be departing.
Today is a full free day in Madrid, yours to spend exactly as you please. Wander the Golden Triangle of Art, home to the Prado, the Reina Sofía and the Thyssen-Bornemisza, or take a slower morning in the gardens of El Retiro. Browse for souvenirs along Gran Vía, linger over tapas in La Latina, and finish the day watching the city go by from a table in the Plaza Mayor.
Today is another day at leisure in Madrid, and a chance to see the side of the city you did not reach yesterday. Tour the state rooms of the Royal Palace and the Almudena Cathedral beside it, or take the high-speed train out to the walled city of Toledo or the Roman aqueduct at Segovia, each around half an hour away. Closer to home, graze your way through the Mercado de San Miguel, browse the Sunday flea market at El Rastro, or climb to the Templo de Debod for the best sunset in the city.
Day 15 - Madrid [Plane] Rome
Today marks the end of your Spain and Portugal journey. Make your way to the airport for your flight to Rome and your next adventures.Welcome to Italy. On arrival in Rome make your way to the hotel, where the rest of the day is yours to settle in and relax before the days ahead.This evening is at leisure to find a nearby eatery and enjoy your first taste of the city. During your stay you have a 48-hour Rome Hop-On Hop-Off Bus ticket that you can use at any time.Special InformationAirport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.Your included flight allows one checked bag up to 23kg (51lbs), and one 7kg (15 lbs) carry-on, with options to increase your luggage allowance at the airport if needed. Your flight will be unescorted.
Today is yours to enjoy Rome at your own pace, with an included hop on hop off bus ticket to help get around the city and take in the sights.
You might spend time around the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, wander to the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon, or stroll through Piazza Navona and pause for a coffee. The hop on hop off route is an easy way to move between the main landmarks without long walks in between.
The evening is at leisure to find a local restaurant and enjoy a relaxed dinner.
Inspiring Highlights
Rome - Hop on hop off bus ticket
Day 17 - Rome [Bus] Assisi [Bus] Siena [Bus] Florence
We set off early this morning by coach, travelling north to the medieval town of Assisi. Here we visit the Basilica of St Francis with its well known frescoes, and stop for lunch in the town.
We continue to Siena, known for its shell shaped Piazza del Campo, before travelling on through the Tuscan countryside.
Arrive into Florence in the evening and check in to our hotel, with the rest of the night at leisure.
Inspiring Highlights
Assisi - Basilica of St Francis
Siena - Piazza del Campo
Special Information
Our travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.
This morning after breakfast we explore Florence on a guided sightseeing tour, taking in the Duomo with Brunelleschi's Dome, Giotto's Bell Tower and the Baptistery, along with Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio and the Santa Croce Basilica. Enjoy lunch at a traditional Tuscan restaurant.
The afternoon is at leisure to explore Florence further at our own pace, or to join an optional visit to Pisa. Dinner tonight is at leisure.
Inspiring Highlights
Florence - Duomo, Bell Tower and Baptistery
Florence - Piazza della Signoria and Santa Croce Basilica
Special Information
The optional tour to Pisa can be booked and paid on tour with your guide.
Day 19 - Florence [Bus] Bologna [Bus] Venice
This morning after breakfast we travel to Bologna, a city known for its arcades and its food. On a walking tour we take in Piazza Maggiore and the San Petronio Basilica, and enjoy a light local lunch of regional specialties.
There is time to stroll the medieval streets and markets before we continue on to Venice in the afternoon. On arrival we check in to our hotel, with the evening at leisure.
Inspiring Highlights
Bologna - Piazza Maggiore and San Petronio Basilica
Special Information
Our travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
This morning after breakfast we transfer to Piazza San Marco for a guided tour of Venice, seeing the exterior of the Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs. We pause for a glass of spritz or prosecco with cicchetti, the local Venetian snacks.
The afternoon is at leisure to explore the canals and artisan shops at our own pace before returning to our hotel. The evening is at leisure.
Inspiring Highlights
Venice - Guided walking tour of Piazza San Marco
Today is at leisure to enjoy Venice at our own pace. We might take a vaporetto across the lagoon to the islands of Murano and Burano, known for glass and lace, or explore the quieter lanes of the Dorsoduro and Cannaregio neighbourhoods away from the busier squares.
The Rialto market and the bridges along the Grand Canal are pleasant to wander, and there are plenty of small cafes to stop and watch the day go by.
After breakfast our escorted tour comes to an end. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 23 - Venice [Bus] Ravenna [Ship]
This morning we transfer to the port at Ravenna to board our ship. We settle into our cabin as our Adriatic and Greek Islands voyage begins.Special InformationTravel will be in a shared mini-bus with other guests to the port. Venice to the port is about 2 ½ hours.
Day 24 - Dubrovnik [Ship]
We arrive in Dubrovnik, the walled city on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, its marble streets and sea walls above the Adriatic.
We call at Kotor in Montenegro, set at the head of a fjord-like bay beneath steep mountains, with a medieval old town.
We arrive at Corfu in the Ionian Islands, known for its Venetian old town and green hills.
Day 27 - Katakolon [Ship]
We call at Katakolon, the gateway to ancient Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games.
We arrive at Mykonos, a Cycladic island of whitewashed lanes and windmills.
Day 29 - Santorini [Ship]
We call at Santorini, its white villages set along the rim of a volcanic caldera.
Day 30 - Athens (Piraeus)
This morning we disembark in Piraeus, the port for Athens, and make our way to our hotel for an overnight stay.The rest of the day is at leisure to explore, perhaps the Acropolis and the Parthenon, or the Plaka district below.
After breakfast our journey comes to an end. At the appropriate time we make our own way to the airport for our onward flight.Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable journey.Special InformationAirport transfers and international airfares are not included.
