Best of Spain and Portugal

Description

Embark on a 15-day guided tour to experience the highlights of Spain and Portugal. In Madrid, an art historian will guide you through the Prado Museum, showcasing Spain’s most renowned artworks. Stroll through the medieval streets of Segovia with a Local Expert. In Granada, explore the region's oldest olive grove and enjoy a home-cooked meal with a local family, featuring regional produce and wine. Discover the Alhambra’s intricate stonework and beautiful gardens. In Seville, immerse yourself in the rhythm of flamenco with a private dance lesson accompanied by an acoustic guitar. In Porto, enjoy a port wine tasting, and in Lisbon, marvel at the Gothic beauty of the Jerónimos Monastery.

Pricing

From

$8,145*

Per person, twin share

What's Included and Highlights

WHAT'S INCLUDED:

• Handpicked 4 & 5 star hotels in great locations 
• Superior dining in top rated restaurants 
• Daily breakfasts & many relaxed morning starts after 9am 
• 24/7 personal service – knowledgeable Travel Director & expert Driver 
• ‘Business Class’ style coaches with extended legroom* 
• Insider Access, Insightful Encounters and Insight Choice experiences 
• Local discovery led by Local Experts 
• Porterage, plus tips and gratuities at hotels and restaurants, is included 

HIGHLIGHTS:

In Madrid, an art historian will walk you through the Prado Museum, where Spain's most impressive paintings hang. Navigate Segovia’s medieval streets alongside a Local Expert. Journeying to Granada, visit the region’s oldest olive grove, before dining in the home of a local family, sampling local produce and wine. At the Alhambra, explore the palace's lace-like stone walls and wander its manicured gardens. In Seville, stomp to the sounds of an acoustic guitar during a private flamenco dance lesson. In Porto, sip port during a wine tasting, and in Lisbon, see an architectural masterpiece — the Gothic-style Jerónimos Monastery. 

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Arrival in Madrid  
Welcome to Madrid! Meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a delightful dinner at a local restaurant, where you'll experience the authentic flavours of Madrid.  

Day 2: The Bourbon Legacy in Madrid 
Explore Madrid's historic neighbourhoods with a Local Expert, beginning with a drive through the Old Quarter to uncover the city's origins. Enjoy an exclusive visit to the famous Prado Museum, where an art historian will guide you through masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, Titian, Rubens, and more.  

Day 3: Segovia and Salamanca's Golden Beauty  
On your way to Segovia, visit the fortified city and stroll through its medieval streets with a Local Expert. See the stunning Alcázar fortress and the impressive ancient aqueduct. Then, head west, passing the ancient walls of Ávila, to reach Salamanca. During your guided tour, admire the city’s golden-hued stone buildings, including the Plaza Mayor, the honey-coloured cathedral, and the 16th-century university.  

Day 4: Porto, the Grande Dame on the Douro  
Cross into Portugal and arrive in Porto, nestled on the Douro River. Porto is renowned for its port wine, so visit the Vila Nova de Gaia wine cellars for a tasting. Explore the city’s charming streets, filled with colourful houses, ornate churches, and iconic bridges.  

Day 5: Fátima, Óbidos, and Lisbon 
Start with a visit to Fátima, one of Portugal's most sacred pilgrimage sites, then head to the medieval town of Óbidos. Wander its narrow streets and taste the locally made cherry liqueur. Finally, reach Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, for the next leg of your journey.  

Day 6: Lisbon and the Age of Exploration  
Your Local Expert will guide you through Lisbon's Lower Town, including Pombal Square. Explore the historic Belém Quarter, from where explorers once set sail, and sample the famous Pastéis de Belém at a traditional pastry shop. Visit the Monument to the Discoveries and the Belém Tower, then head to the National Coach Museum, which houses an impressive collection of royal carriages. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon free to explore on your own, or perhaps take an optional excursion to the Portuguese Riviera.  

Day 7: Seville, the City of Carmen  
Travel from Lisbon over the modern Tagus Bridge to Seville, Spain. Visit the Seville Cathedral, where Christopher Columbus is buried. Choose your sightseeing experience in Seville: a walk through the historic Jewish quarter or a scenic drive around the city with panoramic views.  

Day 8: Free Time and Flamenco in Seville  
Spend the morning at your leisure in Seville. Take time to shop, relax, or explore at your own pace. You may wish to join an optional excursion to Córdoba to see the stunning Mezquita and wander through the old Jewish Quarter. Later, immerse yourself in the passion of flamenco at the Cristina Heeren Foundation, where you’ll take part in a flamenco dance lesson.  

Day 9: Gibraltar and Costa del Sol 
Journey south to Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory. Visit the famous Rock of Gibraltar and St. Michael's Cave. Afterward, enjoy a scenic drive along the Costa del Sol, passing through luxurious resorts frequented by the elite.  

Day 10: Leisure Day on the Costa del Sol  
Spend the day at leisure in the sunny Costa del Sol. Relax by the Mediterranean Sea, enjoy a stroll along the promenade, or sample local delicacies. You may also choose to visit Málaga, the birthplace of Picasso.  

Day 11: Dining with Locals and the Alhambra 
Travel to the tranquil village of Alfarnatejo, nestled among stunning mountains. Visit the town's 18th-century church, then head to a historic olive grove for a tasting of local oils paired with homemade bread. Enjoy a homemade lunch at a local family's house, using fresh, regional ingredients. In the afternoon, visit the Alhambra Palace in Granada, a magnificent Moorish citadel surrounded by lush gardens and intricate stonework.  

Day 12: Valencia Bound  
Continue to Valencia, passing through its Old City and stopping at the City of Arts and Sciences. In your free time, you can visit the Cathedral and El Miguelete, or relax with a drink while watching the world go by. Valencia is the birthplace of paella, so enjoy a cooking demonstration at a family-run restaurant, where you’ll learn how to make this iconic dish. Indulge in a delicious paella dinner afterward.  

Day 13: Coastal Journey to Barcelona 
Follow the coastline to Peñíscola, where you'll see the sea-side castle featured in the film *El Cid*. Continue to Sant Sadurní d'Anoia for a visit to the cava wineries, where you'll enjoy a tasting of Spanish sparkling wines over a light lunch. Finish your journey along the coast and arrive in Barcelona.  

Day 14: Barcelona's Modernist Marvels  
Tour Barcelona with a Local Expert, driving along the Passeig de Gràcia, lined with Modernist architecture. Visit Gaudí’s stunning Sagrada Família, admiring its towering pillars and intricate stained-glass windows. Enjoy a farewell dinner with your fellow travellers, celebrating the unforgettable two-week adventure through Spain and Portugal.  

Day 15: Departure from Barcelona 
Today, bid farewell to your Iberian journey and transfer to the airport for your onward travels.