Tour Description

This 18-day guided tour adds a personal touch as you travel from Portugal to Spain. In Lisbon, traverse the avenues of the Lower Town and learn about the city's finest square with a knowledgeable Local Expert. At Madrid's Prado Museum, an art historian will guide you through rooms of Spain's most impressive Renaissance art. Sample Spain’s most delicious wines and learn about the Verdejo grape at an exclusive wine tasting in in Rueda. Then in Barcelona, walk through the ancient Roman Gate with a Local Expert before stopping to visit the city's most breathtaking basilica, Sagrada Família. Later, join a Gijon local for an intimate and freshly prepared lunch made from locally-sourced produce.

Priced From:

$ 10050pp ^*

From: 2025-04-12

To: 2025-10-11

Start Location: Madrid, Spain

End Location: Madrid, Spain

Trip Type: Regional Insight

Tour Advisors

Tiffany McCrea-Lennon

Managing Director

Chris McKinnel

Travel Specialist

Gaylyn Murdoch

Administration Manager

Russell Mein

Travel Specialist

Holly Skene

Travel Co-ordinator

Kim Thomas

Broker

Itinerary

Welcome to Madrid

Day 1

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Riu Plaza España, Madrid, Canopy by Hilton Madrid Castellana

While in Madrid, explore the elegant boulevards, expansive parks and varied architectural styles. Join your Travel Director for dinner at a local restaurant and enjoy the opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers over a delightful evening of good food and wine.

Toledo and on to Granada

Day 2

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Vincci Albayzín, Granada

Venture south to meet a master artisan in a Damascene workshop for a personal insight into this ancient craft handed down by the Moors centuries ago. Continue to the fascinating city of Toledo, situated high above the River Tagus. This was Spain's capital during the golden era, where Arab, Jewish and Christian cultures flourished side-by-side through the Middle Ages. Walk within the city walls, through the narrow cobbled streets, led by your Local Expert. Visit the Church of Santo Tomé, housing El Greco's famous painting, ‘The Burial of the Count of Orgaz.' Your journey continues to Granada.

The Alhambra Palace

Day 3

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Meliá Sevilla

'Give him alms, woman, as there is nothing in life as the sadness of being blind in Granada', cries the inscription on the walls of the Alhambra. Bathed in morning light, the Alhambra Palace awaits - a fantasy of arabesque gardens, fountains and stone cut like lace. Explore with your Local Expert and also visit the exotic water gardens of the Generalife, the royal summer residence. Take a moment to relax in the sunshine as you enjoy the fine views over the town and its three verdant hills. Embark on a scenic drive to Seville and visit the Seville Cathedral, the burial place of Christopher Columbus.Explore Seville with Insight Choice. Choose to embark on a walk through the old Jewish quarter. Alternatively, join a scenic drive around the city and enjoy panoramic views.

Free Time in Seville and Flamenco Relaxed Start

Day 4

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Meliá Sevilla

This is a free day, so take your time to bask in the city’s romantic aura and explore as you wish. Our suggestion is to join an Optional Experience to the ancient city of Córdoba, where you will visit the magnificent Mezquita, see the old Jewish Quarter, and enjoy some free time to shop or explore as you wish. Visit Cristina Heeren Foundation, a beneficiary of a TreadRight Foundation grant, for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. This private dance school is dedicated to promoting the conservation of flamenco and supports young enthusiasts from all over the world with a special focus on new talent from the Andalusian region. Feel the passion behind the choreography as you put your rhythm to the test during a dance lesson before witnessing emotions come to life in a flamenco performance.

Évora and on to Lisbon Relaxed Start

Day 5

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Turim Saldanha

Continue to the lively university town of Évora, one of the best preserved medieval towns in Portugal, with architectural styles dating back to Roman Times. Visit the fascinating Capela dos Ossos, a chapel decorated with 5000 bones, before making your way to Lisbon.

Lisbon Relaxed Start

Day 6

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Turim Saldanha

During your stay, a guided orientation of the city with your Local Expert takes you along the avenues of the Lower Town and beneath the hilltop Bairro Alto to the Terreiro do Paco, the finest square in the city. Visit the Belém Quarter and enjoy a taste of Pastéis de Belém from the patisserie that has been using the same, secret recipe for almost 200 years. View the Monument to the Discoveries and the more ancient Belém Tower. This fortress was originally set in the middle of the river, but is now left high and dry on the riverbank. Visit the National Coach Museum, featuring one of the most prominent horse-drawn carriage collections in the world. With the afternoon at your leisure, perhaps join an Optional Experience to the beautiful Portuguese Riviera?

Holy Fátima and Salamanca

Day 7

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Alameda Palace, Salamanca

Travel into the green hills north of Lisbon to visit Fátima, the most celebrated place of pilgrimage in Portugal. Visit the chapel commemorating the appearance of the Virgin Mary to three children in 1917. Cross the border, returning to Spain and continue to Salamanca, famous for its golden stone buildings and the handsome arcades of the Plaza Mayor. Across the River Tormes, see the Puente Romano with 15 of its 26 arches dating from the time of the ancient Romans.

Ávila and Madrid

Day 8

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Canopy by Hilton Madrid Castellana, Barceló Torre de Madrid

Cross the rock-strewn hills of the Castile, to arrive at Ávila. Admire the impressive city still entirely enclosed within its 11th-century walls, a unique occurrence in Europe. Return to Madrid to explore more of the capital with your Local Expert. At a local restaurant, join your Travel Director and newfound friends for a lively dinner.

Madrid of the Bourbons

Day 9

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Canopy by Hilton Madrid Castellana, Barceló Torre de Madrid

Enjoy sightseeing with your Local Expert as they take you along the main historical areas in the Capital of Spain known as Madrid of the Bourbons. Your drive continues through the Old Quarter discovering the origins of the city. A highlight of your escorted journey will be a visit to the Prado Museum. Discover countless works by Velázquez, Goya, Titian, Rubens and others as you are guided by a local art historian. The afternoon is free for you to relax at a cafe or shop in the boutiques.

Through Guadarrama Mountains to Santiago de Compostela

Day 10

Duration: 1

Accommodation: NH Collection Santiago de Compostela

Journey through the Guadarrama Mountains to the infinite horizons of Old Castile and continue past the impressive Castillo de la Mota, conquered by Queen Isabella. Travel on to Santiago de Compostela, where the tomb of the Apostle St. James was miraculously discovered in the Middle Ages.

Santiago de Compostela Relaxed Start

Day 11

Duration: 1

Accommodation: NH Collection Santiago de Compostela

Explore Santiago de Compostela with Insight Choice. Choose to join a city tour with a Local Expert and visit Praza do Obradoiro to admire the cathedral facade festooned with architectural frills. Alternatively, embark on a scenic walk on part of the Way of St James, through parks and gardens that transform with the seasons. Relax during your free time or explore the narrow streets and old squares of this city.

The Costa Verde to Oviedo Relaxed Start

Day 12

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Barceló Oviedo Cervantes

Pass through the ancient forests of Galicia and cross to the Green Coast of Asturias - one of Spain's most beautiful, named after the colour of the sea and the pine and eucalyptus trees that line the shore. Enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience for lunch. Very popular with locals, enjoy a homemade farm to table meal and learn about traditional cider product, including a tasting. Your route reveals glorious coastal vistas before turning inland to travel through old villages and deep valleys en route to Oviedo. Continue on to Oviedo where a Local Expert will show you the 9th century churches built when the city was the capital of Christian Spain. Visit the Cathedral of the Holy Saviour in the stately square of Plaza Alfonso II. Admire the incredible altarpiece, one of the finest in Europe.

Picturesque Santillana del Mar and on to Santander

Day 13

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Eurostars Real, Santander

Visit the Holy Cave of Covadonga, a shrine to Pelayo, who achieved the first Christian victory over the Moors in 722. See the unique Roman bridge in Cangas de Onís as you head into the foothills of the Picos de Europa, a national park boasting spectacular mountain and gorge scenery. Enjoy views of the Costa de Cantabria while travelling to Santillana del Mar, arguably the most beautiful village in Spain. Stroll through the rustic cobblestone streets, admiring stone houses decorated with carved, heraldic symbols and reach the delightful church square. Continue on to the sophisticated beach resort of Santander where you have free time in the evening to enjoy this luxurious hotel.

Bilbao and San Sebastián Relaxed Start

Day 14

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Barceló Costa Vasca, San Sebastián

In nearby Bilbao, admire the striking modern architecture of the Guggenheim Museum, one of the world's most spectacular buildings. Enjoy the views as you are driven along part of the Costa Vasca, dotted with small coastal fishing villages and pause in the seaside city of Getaria to see 'El Ratón', the mouse-shaped rock. Continue to San Sebastián and admire its beauty during a city tour with a Local Expert. Explore the secrets of the harbour area and uncover the forgotten Basque maritime cultural heritage.

The Cantabrian Coast Relaxed Start

Day 15

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Barceló Costa Vasca, San Sebastián

Enjoy a day at leisure to stroll along San Sebastián's boardwalk and with the city harbour filled with fishing boats and pleasure crafts, you can enjoy a number of sporting activities on its large sandy beach. Perhaps you'll want to explore the nearby French village of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, also known as Little Paris? Maybe stroll the promenade of the famous La Concha bay or enjoy the boutiques of the Old Town?

Pamplona and on to Barcelona

Day 16

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Hilton, Barcelona

Journey to the famed town of Pamplona, known for its Running of the Bulls festival. With time free for you to explore, perhaps take a stroll to the famous Estafeta Street or visit Café Iruña, immortalised by Ernest Hemingway in his novel 'The Sun Also Rises.' Your travels continue to Barcelona, the vibrant capital of Catalonia, a land that retains its own distinctive language, culture and traditions.

Barcelona, City of Gaudí

Day 17

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Hilton, Barcelona

Wake up ready to embrace the city’s artistic heritage. Join a Local Expert for a drive along the Passeig de Gràcia, adorned with elegant wrought-iron street lamps and some of the most flamboyant Modernist buildings. Continue through the Eixample district to visit Gaudi’s extraordinary masterpiece, the Sagrada Família. With the afternoon at leisure, you are free to relax or continue your exploration on your own. In the evening, join your Travel Director and newfound friends at a local restaurant. Raise your glass and toast your travels during your delightful Celebration Dinner.

Depart for Madrid

Day 18

Duration: 1

Today, bid farewell to your journey across Spain and Portugal as you transfer from Barcelona to Madrid.

Dates & prices

Start Date: 2025-04-12

End Date: 2025-04-29

twin

Child Price: 9070

Adult Price: 10150

twinShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 10150

triple

Child Price: 9360

Adult Price: 10440

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 13060

Start Date: 2025-04-26

End Date: 2025-05-13

twin

Child Price: 9070

Adult Price: 10150

twinShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 10150

triple

Child Price: 9360

Adult Price: 10440

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 12280

Start Date: 2025-05-10

End Date: 2025-05-27

twin

Child Price: 9115

Adult Price: 10195

twinShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 10195

triple

Child Price: 9405

Adult Price: 10485

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 12545

Start Date: 2025-05-24

End Date: 2025-06-10

twin

Child Price: 9245

Adult Price: 10325

twinShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 10325

triple

Child Price: 9535

Adult Price: 10615

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 12525

Start Date: 2025-06-07

End Date: 2025-06-24

twin

Child Price: 9315

Adult Price: 10395

twinShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 10395

triple

Child Price: 9605

Adult Price: 10685

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 12945

Start Date: 2025-07-05

End Date: 2025-07-22

twin

Child Price: 9395

Adult Price: 10475

twinShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 10475

triple

Child Price: 9685

Adult Price: 10765

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 12755

Start Date: 2025-08-02

End Date: 2025-08-19

twin

Child Price: 9670

Adult Price: 10750

twinShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 10750

triple

Child Price: 9960

Adult Price: 11040

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 13170

Start Date: 2025-08-30

End Date: 2025-09-16

twin

Child Price: 9670

Adult Price: 10750

twinShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 10750

triple

Child Price: 9960

Adult Price: 11040

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 13660

Start Date: 2025-09-27

End Date: 2025-10-14

twin

Child Price: 9015

Adult Price: 10095

twinShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 10095

triple

Child Price: 9305

Adult Price: 10385

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 12715

Start Date: 2025-10-11

End Date: 2025-10-28

twin

Child Price: 8970

Adult Price: 10050

twinShare

Child Price:

Adult Price: 10050

triple

Child Price: 9260

Adult Price: 10340

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 12590

Grand Spain & Portugal – End Madrid, Classic Group

Tour Advisors

Itinerary

Dates & prices