Spain, Portugal And Morocco Overland Group Tours

Upon your arrival at Madrid Airport, you will meet our tour leader right after clearing customs. He will greet you and introduce you to your small group sharing your overland tour to Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. Welcome to Madrid, Spain. The elegant capital of Spain is known for its spacious boulevards and well-groomed parks, a vibrant royal city in the heart of Spain's geography. Your small group overland adventure tour begins with a welcome meeting and a guided tour of Madrid. Next, we will retreat to the hotel for a group orientation meeting around 7:00 pm. After the meeting, we will head out for an optional group dinner where you can get to know your fellow travelers. If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. If you can't arrange a flight that will have you arrive at the hotel in time on the day, we recommend arriving early. We'll happily book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). There's minimal time for sightseeing in Madrid, so consider flying in a few days early to explore, as Madrid landmarks are worth exploring. After the welcome meeting, perhaps get into the mind of a Madrileno with some tapas and Rioja for a taste of Spanish nightlife.

After breakfast, we will hop on our overland vehicle and head toward the historic city of Salamanca (approximately 3 hours). Situated among beautiful pastures and rolling green hills on Spain's northern plateau, the rose-hued medieval town of Salamanca is great to explore on a walking tour to discover its historical highlights. Your leader will take you on an orientation walk on arrival, where you can explore the central Plaza Mayor and discover the beautiful Renaissance and Baroque architecture the city is known for. Plaza Mayor is an actual central Plaza of vibrant local life, perhaps the most perfect city square in Spain. It is architecturally unique and thrives with activity as locals meet and take coffee, tapas, or cocktails on the court. The rest of your afternoon and evening is then free. You can admire the intricate detail of the Casa de Las Conchas, or 'House of the Shells,' see the contrasting Old and New Cathedrals, and climb to the top to get a view across the terracotta rooftops. Due to Salamanca's academic reputation, the city thrives on a large student population. Salamanca then enjoys the young exuberance of nightlife, so you can soak up the buzzing vibe tonight if you wish.

Meet the group in the morning after breakfast, then travel west in your overland truck to Coimbra on the scenic road (approximately 4 hours). Coimbra will be your base for the next two nights. Coimbra is set on the banks of the River Mondego, it was once the capital of Portugal, and its royal heritage can be felt in its ancient streets and buildings. On arrival, your leader will escort you on a walking tour to help you orientate yourself in the maze of alleyways of this riverfront city. Half the fun of Coimbra is wandering and exploring, so use your free time to get to know the city more. Coimbra features white stone buildings with several excellent examples of colorful Azulejos tiling. Some historical structures were initially built in the 12th century (like the Cathedral Se Velha). However, Coimbra is known for its Romanesque architecture and can find some of Portugal's best examples. The University of Coimbra – the oldest in Portugal – and the famous baroque library, the Biblioteca Joanina, with its 18th-century bell tower, are the highlights one must explore.