Portugal and Andalusian Cities Tour

Arrival in Porto

We meet in front of the Turkish Airlines counter at the International Terminal of Istanbul Airport 3 hours before departure. After baggage, ticket and passport procedures, we depart for Porto at 07.55 on Turkish Airlines flight TK1449. After arriving at 09.55 local time, we begin our Porto city tour in the vehicle waiting for us at the airport.

Porto, the country's second-largest city, is known for its distinctive architecture, colourful houses and narrow streets. Our first stop on the city tour is Boavista, known as a modern commercial and business district. We then head to the area around Queijo Castle on the Atlantic Ocean coast. Passing through Foz, a former fishing village where the Douro River meets the ocean, we follow the riverbank towards central Porto.

Our route through the centre begins at Carmo Square. We pass the historic Lello bookshop and Clerigos Church before heading down to Aliados Square. The sights we will see include Bento Station, Sao Francisco Church, Borsa Palace, Porto Cathedral, Liberdade Square, Batalha Square, Santa Catarina, the city's best-known shopping street, I. Luis Bridge and Arrabida Bridge. Our city tour ends with a visit to Ribeira, a district on the banks of the Douro River that is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

After the tour, guests who wish may join the optional Guimaraes & Bom Jesus de Monte & Braga tour at an extra charge. (70 Euro) Located in northern Portugal, Guimaraes is one of the country's important cultural and historical centres. Guimarães is also known as the birthplace of Portugal because the Kingdom of Portugal was founded here in the 12th century. Its narrow streets, stone buildings and medieval structures give the city its historic character. During our walking tour of the city, which was named European Capital of Culture in 2012, we see the medieval castle, churches showcasing distinctive Portuguese architecture, gardens, historic houses and streets.

We then depart for Bom Jesus do Monte. In front of Bom Jesus Cathedral, built by Carlos Amarante in the neoclassical style between 1784-1857, we descend the staircase described as a labyrinth and set off for Braga. Built by the Romans 2000 years ago, Braga is known as the Rome of Portugal and is one of the country's oldest settlements. During our visit, we see the city's historic streets, colourful squares and traditional buildings. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel.

In the evening, guests who wish may join the Boat Tour in Porto. (20 Euro) On this tour, we view Porto from the Douro River. After the boat tour, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Fatima, Obidos and Lisbon

After breakfast at the hotel, we set off for Lisbon. Our first stop along the way is Fatima. Believed to be the place where the Virgin Mary appeared to three young shepherds in 1917 and revealed three secrets, it is one of Christianity’s largest centres of pilgrimage and worship. We then continue to Obidos. In this small town, which has preserved its historic character, local people wear traditional clothing on certain days of the week. During our walking tour, we see the town’s narrow streets, small churches, houses and shops.

After the tour, we depart for Lisbon. The capital and largest city of Portugal, Lisbon is one of Europe’s oldest capitals. Located on the Atlantic Ocean coast, the city is known for its views, colourful neighbourhoods and cultural heritage. We begin our city tour with a visit to the church of Jeronimos Monastery. We then stop for photos at Belem Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries on the banks of the Tajo River. We take a short walk through Alfama, the city’s oldest neighbourhood and one of the areas least damaged by the 1755 earthquake. After our walk through this neighbourhood, whose name comes from the Arabic word for bathhouse and which can only be explored on foot, we return to our vehicle. Along our route, we see Praça do Comercio and pass through the Baixa district, Rossio Square and Restauradores Square. We stop for photos on the upper terrace of Eduardo Park, overlooking Marques de Pombal Square at the end of Liberdade Avenue, which is lined with boutiques. We then conclude our tour and head to our hotel.

In the evening, guests who wish can join the optional Fado Night with Dinner tour at an extra charge. (75 Euro) Fado is an emotional style of music that explores the history of the Portuguese people, love, loss and nostalgia. After an evening with dinner and drinks, we return to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Sintra and the Atlantic coast

After breakfast at the hotel, guests who wish may join the optional Pearls of Lisbon (Sintra & Cascais & Estoril & Cabo de Roca) tour at an extra charge. (75 Euro) Located north of Lisbon, Sintra is a town on the UNESCO World Heritage List, known for its history and natural surroundings. Pena Palace, one of Sintra's main landmarks, was built in the 19th century. With its colourful exterior visible from the town's hills, the palace has become a symbol of Sintra. After our tour of Sintra, our second stop will be Cabo de Roca, the westernmost point of Europe. Following the ocean coast, we will first reach Guincho cape, then the Boca de Inferno rock formation near Cascais. From here, we will head to our third stop, Cascais. We will visit the fishing harbour in this seaside town on the Atlantic Ocean. Afterwards, we will continue to the district of Estoril, known for its casino. Estoril became one of Europe's most popular holiday destinations in the early 20th century and is particularly favoured by royal families and wealthy tourists. One of its well-known landmarks is Estoril Casino, a large casino. After the tour, we will transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Seville city tour

After breakfast at the hotel, we will begin our city tour of Seville. Located on the banks of the Guadalquivir River in Spain's Andalusia region, Seville is known for its rich history and culture. During our tour, we will see Maria Luisa Park, where Plaza de Espana is located, and Plaza America. We will view Seville Cathedral, the world's third-largest cathedral and the burial place of Cristof Colomb, from the outside. We will also see the Hiralda Minaret, which stands next to the cathedral. Dating from the Umayyad state in Andalusia, this minaret is the last surviving part of the mosque on whose site the cathedral was built. We will also view the Alcazar, the palace of the kings of Castile, from the outside.

We will then pass through the Archives of the Indies, where records of all sea voyages to the Americas from the discovery of the continent until the 19th century were kept, and reach the narrow streets of the Santa Cruz neighbourhood, known as old Seville. At the end of our walk, we will see the former tobacco factory, now used as the main campus of the University of Seville, and Torre del Oro, meaning Golden Tower, which now houses a maritime museum. After the city tour, we will transfer to our hotel in Seville.

In the evening, guests who wish may join the optional Flamenco Fire Tour at an extra charge. (55 Euro) Seville, one of the birthplaces of flamenco, is considered one of Spain's main centres of flamenco culture. The city is known for its traditional flamenco shows, dance studios, flamenco festivals and events. During the flamenco evening, we will watch the dancers perform. After the tour, we will transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Ronda and Marbella

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Granada. Along the way, guests who wish can join the optional Ronda & Marbella tour at an extra cost. (65 Euro) Located in Spain's Andalusia region, Ronda is a mountain town known for its history and natural features. One of the town's landmarks, Puente Nuevo, was built in the 18th century over El Tajo Canyon, which divides the town in two. Ronda also has a historic bullring considered one of the oldest in the world.

The second stop on our tour is Marbella. Located on the Costa del Sol coast in the Andalusia region of southern Spain, the city is home to wealthy residents and is known for its luxury lifestyle. During the tour, sights include the city's central Casco Antiguo district, Puerto Banus marina and luxury shops. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel in Seville. Overnight at the hotel.

Cordoba, Granada and Al Hambra

After breakfast at the hotel, guests who wish may join the optional Cordoba & Granada & Al Hambra tour at an extra cost. (120 Euro) We will reach our first stop after a 1,5-hour journey. Located in Spain’s Andalusia region, Cordoba is one of the country’s oldest cities. It is known for its historical and cultural heritage, architecture, and buildings bearing traces of Andalusian Islamic culture. Our first encounter in Cordoba will be with the Guadalquivir River. We will walk across the historic Roman bridge and enter the city through the Roman gate. In this 2000-year-old city, we will visit the Kurtuba Great Mosque, one of the world’s largest mosques, supported by 850 columns. Our guide will explain the building’s history and features. After visiting the Kurtuba Mosque, we will continue our walk to see the old streets, the historic inn reflecting Andalusian architecture, and the houses of Cordoba.

After the tour, we will depart for Granada. Located in the heart of Andalusia, Granada is known for its historical heritage, music, dance, scenery, and Alhambra Palace. One of Spain’s main tourism destinations, the city welcomes millions of visitors every year. Our city tour will include Gran Via Avenue, BibRambla and Town Hall Squares, Granda Cathedral (exterior only), Madraza, Granada’s first university, the Silk Market, and the old Nasri Caravanserai.

After the city tour, we will visit Al Hambra Palace. An example of Andalusian Islamic architecture, Alhambra Palace is an important part of Granada’s historical heritage. One of Spain’s most visited historic buildings, Alhambra is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and is known worldwide. Designed as a defensive fortress and palace on a plateau on Sabika Hill overlooking Granada, its construction began in the 13th century and continued until the 15th century. The building was named Alhambra, meaning red, because of the colour of the red earth used in its construction. After the tour, we will transfer to our hotel in Seville. Overnight at the hotel.

Cadiz and Gibraltar

After breakfast at the hotel, guests who wish may join the optional Jerez & Cadiz & Strait of Gibraltar tour at an extra charge. (90 Euro). The first stop will be the town of Jerez, known for its vineyards and horses. We will then continue to Cadiz on the Atlantic Ocean coast. In Cadiz, we will see the cliffs struck by ocean waves, Cadiz Cathedral with its golden dome, the old fishing districts and the fish restaurants along the narrow streets of the historic town. Our final stop will be Gibraltar. After our tour of this point connecting Africa and Europe, we will transfer to the hotel. We will spend the night at the hotel.

Departure from Seville

After breakfast at the hotel and check-out, you will have free time. At the time specified by our guide, we will depart for Seville Airport. After baggage, ticket and passport procedures are completed, we will depart for Istanbul at 17.35 on Turkish Airlines flight TK1300. Our tour will end upon arrival at 23.55 local time.