Portugal and Andalusian Cities Tour

Arrival in Porto

We meet at the Turkish Airlines counter in the International Terminal of Istanbul Airport 3 hours before departure. After completing baggage, ticket and passport procedures, we depart for Porto at 12.45 on Turkish Airlines flight TK1451. Following our arrival at 15.40 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 centre. We then visit 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 begins at Carmo Square, passing the historic Lello bookshop and Clerigos Church before heading down to Aliados Square. The 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, I. Luis Bridge and Arrabida Bridge. We finish our city tour with a visit to the Ribeira district, which stands on the banks of the Douro River and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After the tour, guests who wish can 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 important cultural and historical centres. Known as the birthplace of Portugal, Guimarães is where the Kingdom of Portugal was founded in the 12th century. The city has narrow streets, stone buildings and structures dating from the Middle Ages. During our walking tour of the city, which was 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.

We then depart for Bom Jesus do Monte. Bom Jesus Cathedral was built in the neoclassical style by Carlos Amarante between 1784-1857. After descending the winding stairways in front of the cathedral, described as a labyrinth, we head to 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 can 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 pilgrimage and worship centres. We then continue to Obidos. In this small town, local people 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 our tour of Obidos, we depart for Lisbon. The capital and largest city of Portugal, Lisbon is among 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 by visiting the church of Jeronimos Monastery. We then stop for photos at Belem Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries on the banks of the Tagus River.

We take a short walk through Alfama, the city’s oldest district and one of the areas least damaged by the 1755 earthquake. Named after the Arabic word for bathhouse, this district can only be explored on foot. After the walk, we return to our vehicle. Along the way, we see Praça do Comercio and pass through the Baixa district and the squares of Rossio and Restauradores. 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 finish our tour here and continue to our hotel.

In the evening, guests who wish can join the optional Fado Night with Dinner tour at an extra cost. (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) Our first stop is Sintra, a town north of Lisbon listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for its historic buildings and natural surroundings, Sintra is home to Pena Palace, built in the 19th century. The palace, whose colourful exterior can be seen from the town's hills, has become a symbol of Sintra. After our visit to Sintra, we head to our second stop, Cabo de Roca, at the westernmost point of Europe. Following the ocean coast, we first reach Guincho Cape, then the Boca de Inferno cliffs near Cascais. We then continue to our third stop, Cascais. In this resort town on the Atlantic Ocean coast, we visit the fishing harbour before heading to the district of Estoril, known for its casino. Estoril became one of Europe's most popular holiday destinations in the early 20th century. Particularly popular with royal families and wealthy tourists, it is home to the well-known Estoril Casino, a large casino. After our visit, we 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. 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 resting place of Cristof Colomb, from the outside. The Hiralda Minaret, right next to the cathedral, will also be on our route. 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 Alcazar, the palace of the kings of Castile, from the outside. Then we will pass through the Archives of the Indies, where records of all sea voyages to the Americas from the 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, or the Golden Tower, which is now a maritime museum. After the 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 cost. (55 Euro) As one of the birthplaces of flamenco, Seville is considered one of Spain's most important centres for 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 charge. (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 stands over 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. 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 the jet set and is known for its luxury lifestyle. During our visit, sights include Casco Antiguo in the city centre, 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 can join the optional Cordoba & Granada & Al Hambra tour at an extra charge. (120 Euro) We will reach the first stop after a journey of 1,5 hours. 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 that reflect Andalusian Islamic culture. Upon arrival in Cordoba, we will first see 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 with our guide and learn about the building. It is one of the world’s largest mosques, supported by 850 columns. After visiting the Kurtuba Mosque, we will continue our walk to see the old streets, a historic inn reflecting Andalusian architecture, and Cordoba’s houses.

We will then 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 tourist destinations, the city welcomes millions of visitors every year. Sights on the city tour include Gran Via Street, BibRambla and Town Hall Squares, Granda Cathedral (exterior only), Granada’s first university, Madraza, the Silk Bazaar, 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. Construction as a defensive fortress and palace began in the 13th century on a plateau on Sabika Hill overlooking Granada and continued until the 15th century. It was named Alhambra, meaning Red, after 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 cost of 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. Here we will see the cliffs struck by ocean waves, Cadiz Cathedral with its golden dome, the old fishing districts 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 linking Africa and Europe, we will be transferred to our 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. We will leave for Seville Airport at the time specified by our guide. After completing baggage, ticket and passport procedures, we will depart for Istanbul at 12.00 on Turkish Airlines flight TK1298. Our tour will end upon arrival at 17.15 local time.