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 completing baggage, ticket and passport procedures, we depart for Porto at 06.50 on Turkish Airlines flight TK1449. Upon arrival at 09.45 local time, we board our waiting vehicle at the airport and begin our Porto city tour.

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

Our route begins at Carmo Square and takes us past the historic Lello bookshop and Clerigos Church down to Aliados Square. Places 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, Luis I Bridge and Arrabida Bridge. Our city tour ends after a visit to the riverside Ribeira district, which 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) Guimaraes, in northern Portugal, is one of the country's main cultural and historical centres. Also known as the birthplace of Portugal, Guimarães is the city where the Kingdom of Portugal was founded 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, named European Capital of Culture in 2012, we see the medieval castle, churches that are distinctive examples of Portuguese architecture, gardens, historic houses and streets.

After our visit, we travel to Bom Jesus do Monte. We walk down the winding stairways, described as a labyrinth, in front of Bom Jesus Cathedral, built by Carlos Amarante in the neoclassical style between 1784-1857. We then set off for Braga. Built by the Romans 2000 years ago and known as the Rome of Portugal, Braga 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 Porto Boat Tour. (20 Euro) On this tour, we see 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 retains traces of the past, locals still 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. Portugal’s capital and largest city, 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 tour here with a visit to the church section of Jeronimos Monastery. We then stop for photos at Belem Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries on the banks of the Tajo River.

Our next stop is Alfama, the city’s oldest neighbourhood and one of the areas least damaged by the 1755 earthquake. Named after the Arabic word for bathhouse, this neighbourhood can only be explored on foot. We take a short walk before returning to our vehicle. Along the way, we see Praça do Comercio and pass through the Baixa neighbourhood, 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. This concludes our city tour, and we continue to our hotel.

In the evening, guests who wish may 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 discovering Portuguese culture while listening to Fado over 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) Our first stop is Sintra, a town north of Lisbon on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Known for its history and natural surroundings, Sintra is home to Pena Palace, built in the 19th century. The palace, whose colourful structure is visible from the town's hills, has become a symbol of Sintra. After our tour of Sintra, we head to our second stop, Cabo de Roca, at the westernmost tip of Europe. Following the ocean coast, we reach Guincho Cape and then the Boca de Inferno cliffs near Cascais. From here, we continue to our third stop, Cascais. We visit the fishing harbour in this seaside town on the Atlantic Ocean. We then head to the district of Estoril, known for its casino. In the early 20th century, Estoril became one of Europe's most popular holiday destinations, particularly among royal families and wealthy tourists. One of its best-known landmarks is Estoril Casino, a large casino. After our tour of Estoril, we are transferred 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. We will first 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 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 see the Alcazar, the palace of the kings of Castile, from the outside.

Next, we will pass through the Archives of the Indies, where records of all sea voyages to the Americas from their discovery 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 the 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) As one of the birthplaces of flamenco, Seville 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 Towns tour at an extra cost. (65 Euro) Ronda is a mountain town in Spain's Andalusia region, known for its history and natural beauty. The town is known for its deep gorge and the historic Puente Nuevo Bridge spanning it. Built in the 18th century, the bridge crosses El Tajo Canyon, which divides the town in two, and is one of Ronda's landmarks. Ronda also has a historic bullring considered one of the oldest in the world. Our second stop 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 our tour here, we see Casco Antiguo, the city's historic centre, Puerto Banus marina and the luxury shops. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel in Seville. We spend the night at the hotel.

Cordoba, Granada and Al Hambra

After breakfast at the hotel, guests who wish can join the optional Cordoba & Granada & Al Hambra tour at an extra charge. (120 Euro) Our first stop will be Cordoba, which we will reach after a 1,5-hour journey. Located in Spain’s Andalusia region, Cordoba is one of the country’s oldest cities. The city is known for its history, cultural heritage, architecture and buildings that reflect Andalusian Islamic culture.

In Cordoba, our first sight will be the Guadalquivir River. We will walk across the historic Roman bridge and pass through the Roman gate to enter the city. In this 2000-year-old city, we will visit the Kurtuba Great Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, supported by 850 columns. Our guide will provide information about the building during the visit. After visiting the Kurtuba Mosque, we will continue our walk to see the old streets, the old inn reflecting Andalusian architecture and the houses of Cordoba.

We will then depart for Granada. Located in the heart of Andalusia, Granada is known for its historical heritage, music and dance, scenery and Alhambra Palace. One of Spain’s main tourist destinations, the city welcomes millions of visitors each year. Our city tour will include Gran Via Street, BibRambla and Town Hall Squares, Granda Cathedral (from the outside), Granada’s first university, Madraza, 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 one of Spain’s most visited historic buildings. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Alhambra 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. It 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. The tour costs 90 Euro. Our 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 battered by ocean waves, Cadiz Cathedral with its golden dome, the old fishing quarters and the seafood restaurants along the narrow streets of the historic town. The final stop on our tour will be Gibraltar. After our visit to this point connecting Africa and Europe, we will be transferred to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Departure from Seville

After breakfast at the hotel, we check out and have free time. Later, at the time specified by our guide, we depart for Seville Airport. After completing baggage, ticket and passport procedures, we depart for Istanbul at 18.35 on Turkish Airlines flight TK1300. Our tour ends upon arrival at 23.55 local time.