Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Madrid!

Arrival in Madrid: Upon disembarking in the lively capital of Spain, your private driver will greet you and whisk you away to your luxury hotel. Enjoy a warm welcome and take some time to relax.

Evening at Leisure: Ease into your trip with a leisurely evening exploring Madrid’s vibrant streets. Enjoy a stroll through Plaza Mayor or savor a glass of sangria on a charming terrace.

Day 2: Discover Madrid’s Royal Treasures

Private Walking Tour of Madrid with Royal Palace: Today, your licensed English-speaking guide will lead you on a captivating tour of Madrid’s rich history. Visit the stunning Royal Palace, with its opulent rooms and grand halls, and stroll through the charming old town.

Tapas Tasting Lunch: Stop at a traditional tapas bar to sample some of Madrid’s best small bites.

Evening at Leisure: Embrace Madrid’s lively nightlife or enjoy a quiet dinner at a local restaurant recommended by your guide.

Day 3: Wine and Dine in La Rioja

Transfer to La Rioja: Depart Madrid with your private car and driver for a scenic transfer to La Rioja, Spain’s renowned wine country.

Winery Visits and Tastings: Spend the afternoon visiting exclusive wineries, where you’ll sample exceptional wines and learn about the winemaking process in the setting of this beautiful region.

Overnight in La Rioja: Settle into your luxurious hotel nestled among the vineyards and enjoy an evening of relaxation.

Day 4: Onward to Pamplona – Let the Festivities Begin!

Transfer to Pamplona: Continue your journey to Pamplona, just in time for the San Fermín Festival!

*Opening Ceremony (Chupinazo): Be part of the electrifying start of the festival on July 6th. Watch as the mayor lights the rocket to mark the beginning of San Fermín and join in the celebrations with locals and visitors alike.

Check-In and Relax: Arrive at your choice of luxury accommodation in Pamplona, ideally located to soak in all the festival fun.

*Please note that the opening ceremony can get very crowded, thus if you would like experience all the glory of the San Fermín Festival while avoiding said excess crowds, our Spain travel experts suggest joining the festivities after the 10^th of July.

Day 5: Pamplona – Experience the Thrill of San Fermín

VIP Balcony for the Running of the Bulls: Wake up early for the iconic Running of the Bulls! Watch from the comfort and safety of a VIP balcony, which will offer the best views of this thrilling spectacle. Remember, booking early with our Travelive specialists is key to securing the perfect spot!

Giants and Big-Heads Parade: In the afternoon, enjoy the delightful Giants and Big-Heads Parade, a colorful and fun procession that is a hit with families and visitors of all ages.

Evening Fireworks: Conclude your day with a magical fireworks display that lights up the Pamplona sky every night of the festival.

Day 6: Immerse Yourself in Pamplona’s Festivities

Morning at Leisure: Spend your morning wandering the charming streets of Pamplona at your own pace or enjoy a coffee in one of the local cafes as the city comes alive with the energy of the festival.

Tour of Pamplona with an Official Guide: Discover the hidden gems and rich history of Pamplona with a private guide, who will lead you through the city’s historic sites that include the beautiful Cathedral of Santa Maria and the picturesque Plaza del Castillo.

Evening Celebrations: Enjoy more of Pamplona’s vibrant festival atmosphere with street performances, live music, and more fireworks!

Day 7: Head to San Sebastian – Coastal Charm Awaits

Transfer to San Sebastian: Say goodbye to Pamplona and head to the stunning coastal city of San Sebastian.

Check-In to your Luxury Accommodation: Arrive at your luxury hotel overlooking the famous La Concha Beach.

Evening at Leisure: Explore the charming old town, dine on pintxos at local bars, or simply relax with a glass of wine by the sea.

Day 8: Explore San Sebastian

Private Walking Tour of San Sebastian: Enjoy a private guided tour through the city’s highlights, including the beautiful promenade, historic sites, and local markets.

Basque Gastronomy Experience: Savor a delightful meal at one of San Sebastian’s renowned Michelin-starred restaurants, known for their innovative Basque cuisine.

Day 9: Journey to Bilbao – The Cultural Hub of the Basque Country

Transfer to Bilbao: Depart San Sebastian for Bilbao, a city celebrated for its unique mix of modern architecture and Basque culture.

Check-In to your Luxury Accommodation: Arrive at your luxury hotel in the heart of Bilbao, ready for your explorations.

Evening at Leisure: Take a leisurely stroll along the Nervión River or enjoy a Basque dinner in one of Bilbao’s old-town restaurants.

Day 10: Discover Bilbao’s Artistic Side

Private Walking Tour of Bilbao with Guggenheim Museum: Discover Bilbao’s rich history and vibrant culture with a private guided tour, which includes a visit to the Guggenheim Museum, an architectural masterpiece filled with contemporary art.

Casco Viejo Exploration: Wander through the atmospheric Casco Viejo, Bilbao’s old quarter, where you can enjoy pintxos, local shops, and charming squares.

Day 11: Departure from Bilbao

Departure Day: Your private driver will transfer you to Bilbao Airport for your departure flight as you leave with the memories of an extraordinary Spanish journey filled with festivals, fine wine, and unforgettable moments.

Why This Itinerary is Special

This itinerary offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience that combines Spain’s rich history, world-class cuisine, and the exhilarating San Fermín Festival in Pamplona. Whether it’s watching the Running of the Bulls from the comfort of a VIP balcony, tasting exceptional wines in La Rioja, or exploring the cultural gems of the Basque Country, you’ll enjoy the very best of Spain in comfort and style.

The post Fiestas, Bulls, Wine, and Wonders: A San Fermín Adventure in Spain appeared first on Blog | Travelive.

Lisbon, Evora, Comporta, Algarve 

•     2 Nights Luxury Accommodations in Lisbon 
•     2 Nights Luxury Accommodations in Evora
•     2 Nights Luxury Accommodations in Comporta 
•     3 Nights Luxury Accommodations in Algarve 
•     Private Tour of Lisbon with a Licensed English-Speaking Guide 
•     Private Tour of Sintra, Cascais and Estoril
•     Private cooking and bread-making class with a winery visit
•    Private Tour of Evora
•     Horse riding in Comporta Beach
•     Algarve Full Day West Tour 
•     Private Car and driver for the whole itinerary or Luxury Car Rental
•     Breakfast Daily

ITINERARY 

DAY 1 Lisbon  

Start your day by discovering the must-see monuments of Lisbon together with your private guide. Begin in the historic Belem neighborhood, the same place many great Portuguese explorers embarked on their voyages of discovery, such as Prince Henry the Navigator, the first overseas expedition to conquer Ceuta in Morocco, Bartholomeu Dias to round the Cape of Good Hope, the first voyages of Ferdinand Magellan, and Vasco da Gama’s discovery of the sea route to India. Visit the Belem Tower, originally built in 1515 as a fortress to guard the entrance to Lisbon’s harbor, or the Discovery Monument, built in honor of Henry the Navigator, who led Portugal’s discovery expeditions into the New World, during the country’s heyday in the 15th century. Continue your exploration of Jeronimo’s Monastery, the most impressive symbol of Portugal’s power and wealth during the Age of Discovery, built by King Manuel I in 1502, to commemorate Vasco da Gama’s voyage and to thank the Virgin Mary for its success. Following along the riverbank, towards Commerce Square, you will pass through the Alfama neighborhood, highlighting the city’s Moorish legacy, before heading to the Pombalina district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the lively Rossio Square, Liberty Avenue, and the Marques of Pombal roundabout. 

DAY 2 Lisbon – Full-day Tour in Sintra, Cascais and Estoril

Today you will have the opportunity to explore charming towns surrounding Lisbon. After meeting your private driver and leaving the city, you’ll head straight to the World Heritage Site of Sintra where hundreds of years of history and culture are waiting for you to discover. Doing a short walk in the old city center you’ll find yourself surrounded by the old houses now converted into small quaint handicraft shops and traditional pastry shops. Driving around the mountain you will pass by amazing Royal Palaces, Chalets, and Aristocratic residences in the most incredible combination of architectural styles, colors, and shapes that you will find in Portugal. Your driver guide will include stops for you to explore the local churches, including the Igreja Ulgueira, and Igreja Paroquidal de Sao Pedro de Sintra. You will also see the colorful Pena Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site. After lunch in one of the many restaurants available in town, it will be time to head to Cascais. Once a small fishing village only, the town of Cascais managed to maintain its seafaring traditions combined with the aristocratic and royal presences of the late 19th and beginning of the 20th century. Walking by its animated town center you’ll find the cosmopolitan life side by side with the Atlantic. You will then board a sailboat to return to Lisbon, giving you the chance to observe this magnificent coast from a different perspective. Revel in the sight of white sandy beaches and amazing 17th-century palaces starting from the town of Estoril and its famous casino.

DAY 3 Travel from Lisbon to Évora

Evora is a charming city in the Alentejo region of Portugal, rich in history and culture. In this half-day tour, you will explore some of its most remarkable monuments, dating from different periods and styles. You will start your tour at the Roman Temple, also known as the Temple of Diana, a well-preserved ruin from the 1st century CE. You will admire its Corinthian columns and learn about its history and significance in the ancient city of Liberalitas Iulia. Next, you will walk to the Cathedral of Evora, the largest medieval cathedral in Portugal. You will marvel at its impressive façade, which combines Romanesque and Gothic elements, and enter its majestic interior. You will see the Gothic cloisters, the Manueline Chapel of the Esporão, and the Baroque main chapel. You will also have the opportunity to climb the towers and enjoy a panoramic view of the city. Finally, you will visit the Chapel of Bones, one of the most unique and macabre attractions in Evora. This small chapel, built by Franciscan monks in the 16th century, is lined with the bones and skulls of over 5,000 human skeletons. You will contemplate the eerie atmosphere and the message of the chapel: “We bones, are here, waiting for yours.” This half-day tour will give you a glimpse of the fascinating history and culture of Evora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will discover the diversity and beauty of its monuments and the stories and legends behind them.

DAY 4 Cooking class in Alentejo

Take a traditional cooking and bread-making class. The region of Alentejo is known for its unique way of bread making. Using traditional methods and accompanied by your local expert who will share all the secrets and tips for the perfect loaf of bread, you will make your bread and of course, taste the fruits of your labor.  After that, you will head to a vineyard where you’ll get to know Alentejo’s wines

DAY 5 Transfer from Alentejo to Comporta

After a relaxing transfer to Comporta, you will have the day to yourself. Spend the morning by the pool, have lunch at Sublime Comporta Beach Club, or spend some time at the beach.

DAY 6 Horse-riding and time at leisure

Today you will have the chance to enjoy Comporta’s many hidden treasures. You can enjoy a horse ride in the morning and then have a relaxing time shopping for charming souvenirs downtown. This is a wonderful way to experience the natural and cultural beauty of this charming beach town in Portugal. You can also visit some of the cultural and historical attractions downtown, such as the Rice Museum, the Roman Ruins, or the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption.

DAY 7 Transfer to Algarve

Enjoy your time at the beach right in front of your hotel and relax in this magnificent natural scenery. The Algarve is the southernmost region of Portugal, famous for its stunning coastline, charming villages, and rich culture. You can explore its historical and natural attractions, such as the Ria Formosa Natural Park, home to diverse wildlife and pristine islands.

DAY 8 Full-day exploring Silves, Lagos, Sagres and Aljezur

Today’s first stop will be the town of Silves. Known for its medieval, reddish-colored castle that overlooks the medieval town, Silves was one of the most important centers of the Muslim occupation of the Algarve.  Your next stop will be the former capital of the Algarve: Lagos. The city has been linked to the historic Portuguese discoveries of the 15th century and is said to have been the home of the Nautical School of Prince Henry the Navigator. Due to its historic importance, the town is one of the highlights of the region and should be on the bucket list of every history buff. Roam in the old streets of the medieval center and see where the slave market used to be, the fortified city walls, and find the statues of some of the most important historical figures of the Portuguese discoveries.  The next stop of your tour will be the fortification of Sagres and then, after a short exploration of the fortress, you will continue to the “end of the World” of the Cape of Saint Vincent.  Your guide will happily explain the myths surrounding the Cape before you have some free time to explore on your own or even enjoy lunch. After that, you will head to Aljezur, a small town in the area of the Natural Park of the Vicentina Coast. Here you will find the truly authentic beaches the region of Algarve is known for! 

DAY 9 day at leisure/optional activities

Today you can enjoy a fun activity, such as kayaking in the Benagil Caves. You can also explore the eastern Algarve’s beaches and the beautiful rock formations, or even take a hike through the coastline. Algarve has many options for nature lovers and your Travelive expert will happily find the best one that suits your preferences.

DAY 10

Transfer to Lisbon or Faro Airport

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