Best of Spain & Portugal (Classic, Winter, End Barcelona, 15 Days)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a captivating 15-day journey through the vibrant cultures, rich history, and stunning landscapes of Spain and Portugal. This multi-day tour offers an immersive experience, taking you from the bustling streets of Madrid to the sun-kissed Costa del Sol, with stops at iconic destinations like Segovia, Porto, Lisbon, Seville, and Barcelona. Explore world-renowned museums, marvel at architectural wonders, savor local delicacies, and engage with the local culture. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or an adventure seeker, this tour offers something for everyone.
Included
5 Dinner with Wine (DW)
14 Breakfast (B)
2 Lunch with Wine (LW)
Madrid: Join your Travel Director at 18:00 for a Welcome Dinner in a local restaurant and get to know your fellow travelers over a beautiful evening of delicious food and wine.
Porto: Sample a selection of famous Port wines at a tasting at the Vila Nova de Gaia wine stores.
Lisbon: Delight in a taste of the famous Portuguese delicacy, Pastéis de Belém.
Torremolinos: Taste a selection of freshly pressed olive oils with locally made farmer bread when you stop at Almazara, the oldest olive grove in the region.
Alfarnatejo: Hear stories of local life as you join a local family for a freshly prepared traditional lunch with wine.
Valencia: Learn the authentic recipe of paella when you join a local chef for a Cooking Demonstration. Savor the flavors of this classic dish for dinner, washed down with a glass of Sangria, during your Highlight Dinner.
Join a wine expert when you visit Cava Dorada. Enjoy a tasting at the great Cava vineyards during your delicious Highlight Lunch.
Barcelona: At a typical Catalan restaurant, savor a delicious Celebration Dinner that incorporates classic cooking with the freshest produce.
Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
Barcelo Torre de Madrid
Hotel Alameda Palace
NH Collection Porto Batalha
Dom Pedro Lisboa
Ayre Hotel Sevilla
Melia Costa Del Sol
Vincci Albayzin
Barcelo Valencia
Barcelo Sants
From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
Obidos: Lead by your Travel Director, walk through the picturesque narrow streets up to the main square of this ancient walled town.
All guests travelling with Insight Vacations through December 31, 2022 are required to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19, which may include a booster shot to keep the vaccination status current and valid, depending on the travel destination. Children not eligible for vaccination and/or booster at the time of travel must provide a verifiable and negative Covid-19 test result, taken within 72 hours prior to the start of the tour (taking time zones into consideration) for all tours departing until December 31, 2022.
While highly recommended, COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters are no longer required for guests traveling with us from January 1, 2023 onward. It is your client’s responsibly to comply with specific vaccine and/or booster requirements imposed by airlines and/or authorities in the destinations visited, as well as requirements for accessing restaurants and venues, which may be more restrictive than the above. No refunds will be given if they are unable to undertake some or all of their vacation due to failure to comply with these requirements.
Choose between two carefully selected activities
Seville: Stroll through Barrio de Santa Cruz with your Local Expert to hear how the Jewish community has shaped the history of Seville.
Seville: Explore Seville's top sights on a panoramic city tour with your Local Expert.
Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
Madrid: Witness the world's finest collection of Spanish paintings, plus an impressive international collection, as you tour the Prado Museum with an art historian.
Granada: Visit the famous Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens. While others wait in line, you'll be exploring accompanied by a Local Expert, keen to share insights into this Moorish landmark.
Seville: The Cristina Heeren Foundation aims to promote the teaching and conservation of flamenco and is a beneficiary of a TreadRight Foundation grant. Meet the students of the foundation, learn some basic flamenco steps, and then feel the passion as they perform an emotional show. The school enables students access to cultural education that otherwise may not have occurred. TreadRights sponsorship has helped students to complete their studies in advanced guitar, singing and dance. As students complete their training, they will carry on and safeguard the traditional flamenco dance, contributing to the protection of Andalusia and Spain’s cultural heritage. The Cristina Heeren Foundation advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education and UN Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Madrid: See the highlights of the city with your Local Expert. Visit the Old Town, traveling along the elegant Paseo de la Castellana, past the fountain in the Plaza de Cibeles, the Cervantes Monument and Royal Palace, before crossing the Puerta del Sol.
Segovia: Walk the medieval streets of this fortified city with your Local Expert and see the 14th century Alcazar Palace.
Avila: Walk within the ancient walls of this unique town.
Salamanca: See the handsome arcaded Plaza Mayor, the honey-colored cathedral and the 16th century university buildings as you explore the city with your Local Expert.
Porto: See the iconic bridges and buildings decorated in tiles.
Fátima: Join the faithful at one of the world's holiest sites and pay homage at the Chapel of the Apparitions or see the basilica.
Lisbon: Explore with your Local Expert, from the Lower Town, beneath the hilltop Bairro Alto to the Terreiro do Paco. Visit the Belém Quarter to see the modern Monument to the Discoveries and the medieval Belém Tower.
Lisbon: Visit the cloisters of Jerónimos Monastery with its beautiful Manueline architecture, reflecting Portugal's trade over the centuries and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Seville: Visit the Seville Cathedral with your Local Expert. Pass the altarpiece dripping with gold and see the Tomb of Columbus, held aloft by four kings.
Gibraltar: With your Local Expert, explore the Rock of Gibraltar, one of the pillars of Hercules, affording magnificent views and see the meeting of the Atlantic, the Mediterranean and the Spanish Sierra. Visit St. Michael's Cave and see the Barbary Apes.
Mijas: Journey to this white-washed village and stroll the streets to admire the coastal views.
Alfarnatejo: Visit the beautiful, quiet town and walk the town center to see the 18th century Iglesia del Santo Cristo de Cabrilla.
Granada: Explore 'The City of the Pomegranate' with a Local Expert. During sightseeing you'll see the icons dedicated to this fruit throughout the city.
Valencia: See the ultra-modern Center of Arts and Sciences and the huge gates of the old town, Torres de Serranos and Torres de Quart.
Peñíscola: See the castle featured in the film 'El Cid'.
Barcelona: With your Local Expert, drive down Las Ramblas and the elegant Passeig de Gràcia to witness some of the finest Modernist architecture. Journey through the Eixample district to see Gaudi's extraordinary masterpiece, the mesmerizing Sagrada Família.
Barcelona: Venture inside Gaudi's extraordinary masterpiece, the Sagrada Família and marvel at the contrasts of architecture. Above see its giant, tree-like pillars and spectacular vaulting. Admire the wonderful rainbow of the incredible stained-glass windows.
Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Welcome to Madrid
- Madrid - Arrival day
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Begin your journey in the vibrant city of Madrid. Meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers at a local restaurant for a delightful Welcome Dinner, where you'll enjoy delicious food and wine.
Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Madrid
- Madrid
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- Naval Museum
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Discover Madrid's historic neighborhoods with a Local Expert. Visit the renowned Prado Museum, where an art historian will guide you through the works of Velázquez, Goya, Titian, Rubens, and more.
Day 3 – Day 3: From Madrid to Salamanca via Segovia
- Segovia
- Salamanca
- Madrid
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- Alcázar de Segovia
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Travel to the fortified city of Segovia. Explore the medieval streets, visit the magnificent Alcazar fortress, and the historic aqueduct. Continue your journey to Salamanca, where you'll admire the city's golden stone buildings, including the Plaza Mayor, the cathedral, and the 16th-century university buildings.
Day 4 – Day 4: From Salamanca to Porto
- Porto
- Salamanca
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- Praia de Lavadores
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Cross the Portuguese border to reach Porto, the capital of Port wine. Visit the Vila Nova de Gaia wine stores, taste different varieties of wine, and explore the city's colorful houses, adorned churches, and iconic bridges.
Day 5 – Day 5: From Porto to Lisbon via Fátima and Óbidos
- Lisbon
- Porto
- Batalha
- Óbidos
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- Chapel of the Apparitions
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Travel to Fátima, Portugal's renowned place of pilgrimage. Visit the basilica and the Chapel of the Apparitions. Continue to the fortified town of Óbidos, where you'll explore the narrow, medieval streets. End the day in the Portuguese capital, Lisbon.
Day 6 – Day 6: Exploring Lisbon
- Lisbon
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- Jerónimos Monastery
- Belém Tower
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Explore Lisbon with a Local Expert. Visit the Belém Quarter, taste the famous Pastéis de Belém, view the modern Monument to the Discoveries, and the historic Belém Tower. Visit the cloisters of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Jerónimos Monastery. In the afternoon, consider joining an Optional Experience to the Portuguese Riviera.
Day 7 – Day 7: From Lisbon to Seville
- Seville
- Lisbon
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- Sevilla Aquarium
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Leave Lisbon and cross the border to reach Seville. 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 or join a scenic drive around the city. In the evening, consider joining an optional experience with dinner and a horse and carriage ride.
Day 8 – Day 8: Exploring Seville
- Seville
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- Casa de Pilatos
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Enjoy a relaxed start and a morning to unwind, shop or continue exploring Seville at your own pace. In the afternoon, visit the Cristina Heeren Foundation, a flamenco dance school. Feel the passion behind the choreography as you put your rhythm to the test during a dance lesson.
Day 9 – Day 9: From Seville to Mijas via Gibraltar
- Marbella
- Seville
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Head south to Gibraltar, an overseas territory under British control. Visit the Rock of Gibraltar and St. Michael's Cave with a Local Expert. Continue your journey along the Costa del Sol to the white-washed village of Mijas, where you'll stroll through the old streets and gardens.
Day 10 – Day 10: Relaxing in Mijas
- Marbella
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Enjoy a day at leisure on the sun-drenched Costa del Sol. Relax by the blue Mediterranean waters, stroll along the promenade, savor the specialties in the local restaurants or consider exploring Málaga, the birth city of Picasso.
Day 11 – Day 11: From Mijas to Granada via Alfarnatejo
- Granada
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- Alhambra
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Travel to Alfarnatejo, a quiet whitewashed village. Visit the 18th-century Iglesia del Santo Cristo de Cabrilla and taste a selection of different oils at the rural mill-factory. Continue to Granada to visit the magnificent Alhambra Palace with a Local Expert.
Day 12 – Day 12: From Granada to Valencia
- Valencia
- Granada
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Journey to Valencia. Pass through the Old City and the City of Arts and Sciences. Learn how to make the city's famous dish, paella, during a Cooking Demonstration at a local family-run restaurant in the heart of the Old City. Later, indulge in the delicious flavors of this classic dish at your Highlight Dinner.
Day 13 – Day 13: From Valencia to Barcelona
- Barcelona
- Valencia
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Follow the coast to Peñíscola and continue along the Costa Dorada to the Cava Bodegas at Sant Sadurni d'Anoia. Enjoy a tasting as you learn the sparkling secrets of Spanish bubbly. Continue along the coast to reach Barcelona.
Day 14 – Day 14: Exploring Barcelona
- Barcelona
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- La Sagrada Familia
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Explore Barcelona with a Local Expert. Drive along the Passeig de Gràcia and visit Gaudi's extraordinary masterpiece, the Sagrada Família. In the evening, join your fellow travelers for a Celebration Dinner with wine at a local restaurant.
Day 15 – Day 15: Farewell
- Barcelona - Departure day
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Today, bid farewell to your journey along Spain and Portugal as you transfer to the airport.
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