Day 1 Istanbul – Madrid
Arrive at Istanbul Airport, international departure terminal, 3 hours before departure, meeting in front of the Turkish Airlines check-in counter. After handling baggage, tickets, and passports, depart for Madrid on Turkish Airlines flight TK 1857 at 07:00. Arrive in Madrid at 10:30 local time, then start our Madrid city tour with our accompanying vehicle. Madrid, Spain’s capital, is among the most visited cities due to its rich history and cultural heritage. During our city tour, we'll visit first the Bullring (from outside), Alcala Gate, Plaza de la Independencia, Cibeles Monument, the famous Gran Via, Bernabeu Stadium, Plaza Castilla, Atocha Train Station, the Prado Museum (from outside), Plaza de España featuring Don Quixote and Sancho Panza statues, the Royal Palace (from outside), Plaza Mayor with its nine gates, and Sol Square. After the tour, optional guests can join the *Majestic Toledo Tour* (70 Euros). Toledo, about 70 km from Madrid, is a UNESCO-protected historical city that has hosted various cultures including Romans, Visigoths, Muslims, and Christians. Known for its medieval architecture and cultural heritage, in this outdoor museum city, we’ll see historic narrow streets, the Toledo Cathedral (from outside), mosques converted into churches, and many other marvels.
Day 2 Madrid – Porto
After breakfast at the hotel, proceed to Porto. Upon arrival, start our Porto city tour. Porto, the second largest city in Portugal, is famous for its unique architecture, colorful houses, and narrow streets. Our first stop is the modern commercial and business center, Boavista. Then we visit the walls of Queijo Castle on the Atlantic coast. Passing through the old fishing village Foz, where the Douro River flows into the ocean, we move towards Porto city center along the riverbanks. The route begins at Carmo Square, passes the historic Livraria Lello Bookstore, Clerigos Church, and leads to Aliados Square. We’ll see Bento Station, São Francisco Church, Stock Exchange Palace, Porto Cathedral, Liberty Square, Batalha Square, the famous shopping street Santa Catarina, I. Luis Bridge, and the Arrabida Bridge. The tour concludes with the exploration of Ribeira district on the UNESCO World Heritage list, located by the Douro River. After the tour, optional guests can join the *Splendid Porto Boat Tour* (20 Euros) on the Douro River to see Porto from a different perspective. Then transfer to the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 3 Porto
After breakfast, guests may participate in an optional *Splendid Guimaraes & Bom Jesus de Monte & Braga Tour* (70 Euros). Guimaraes, a historic city in northern Portugal, known as the “Birthplace of Portugal,” established as the Portuguese kingdom in the 12th century, features medieval streets, stone buildings, and structures from the Middle Ages. We will walk through the UNESCO World Heritage area with its medieval castle, churches built in Portuguese style, exquisite gardens, and historic houses. Afterwards, visit Bom Jesus do Monte, built between 1784-1857 in neo-classical style by Carlos Amarante, with its labyrinthine staircases. Then travel to Braga, one of Portugal’s oldest settlements, known as “Rome of Portugal” due to its Roman origins, with charming old streets, colorful squares, and traditional buildings. Afterward, guests may join the *Magnificent Aveiro & Costa Nova & Gondola Tour* (50 Euros). We explore Aveiro, known as the “Venice of Portugal,” with its canals, and visit Costa Nova with its famous Paja houses and colorful facades, taking photos. Finally, enjoy a gondola ride along the canals before returning to the hotel for the night.
Day 4 Porto – Fatima – Lisbon
After breakfast, depart for Lisbon with a stop at Fatima. Fatima is a major Christian pilgrimage site where the Virgin Mary appeared to three young shepherds in 1917 and revealed three secrets. Guests can explore freely; optional guests can join the *Majestic Obidos, Nazare Tour* (50 Euros). We will first stop at Obidos, a small medieval town where time seems to have stopped, with traditional costumes still worn on certain days, narrow streets, small churches, and picturesque houses. Next, visit Nazare, a high-coast fishing town famous for its beaches and steep cliffs, and Batalha, known for its Gothic monastery. Then proceed to Lisbon.
Day 5 Lisbon
After breakfast, optional guests can join the *Magnificent Lisbon Highlights Tour* (75 Euros). Lisbon, Portugal’s capital and largest city, is one of Europe's oldest capitals, situated on the Atlantic Ocean with impressive scenery, colorful neighborhoods, and rich culture. Our tour includes a visit to Jeronimos Monastery, Belem Tower, and Discovery Monument. We’ll stroll through the historic Alfama district, known for its narrow streets and traditional atmosphere. Afterward, see Praça do Comércio, Baixa, Rossio, and Restauradores Squares, and enjoy photos from Eduardo VII Park, ending the tour with transfer to the hotel.
Day 6 Lisbon – Seville
After breakfast, depart for Seville. Seville, in southern Spain’s Andalusia, is a city rich in history and culture. We will visit Plaza de Espana in Maria Luisa Park, Plaza America, the tomb of Columbus, the Seville Cathedral (from outside), built over the mosque of the last Moorish Queen, with the Giralda bell tower standing nearby, and the Alcazar (from outside). Walk through the old Santa Cruz neighborhood, with its narrow winding streets, traditional houses, and charming squares. Visit the Torre del Oro, an old tower and museum on the Guadalquivir River. In the evening, optional guests can attend the *Magnificent Flamenco Fire Show* (55 Euros). Flamenco originated here and is one of Spain’s most important cultural elements. Enjoy performances by flamenco dancers in an authentic atmosphere with lively music and dance.
Day 7 Seville – Cordoba & Granada & Alhambra & Seville
After breakfast, optional guests can join the *Magnificent Cordoba, Granada, and Alhambra Tour* (120 Euros). First, visit Cordoba, a historic city in Andalusia, famous for its rich cultural and architectural heritage. Cross the Guadalquivir River and enter through the Roman Bridge to the historic center, where the great Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba, with its 850 columns, stands. Walk through old streets, admirers of Andalusian architecture, and visit traditional houses. Then proceed to Granada, located in the heart of Andalusia, renowned for its history, music, dance, and the Alhambra Palace. On arrival, explore streets like Gran Via, Bib Rambla, and the Cathedral (from outside). Visit the Alhambra Palace, a stunning example of Islamic architecture, built in the 13th century on the Sabika Hill, with its distinctive red color, hence its name “The Red One.” The tour concludes with return to Seville and overnight stay.
Day 8 Seville – Istanbul
After breakfast, transfer to Seville Airport. Complete baggage, ticket, and passport procedures. Depart for Istanbul on Turkish Airlines flight TK 1306 at 18:40. Arrive in Istanbul at 23:55 local time, marking the end of our tour.