Best of Spain and Portugal (Classic, Winter, End Barcelona, 15 Days)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable multi-day tour through the vibrant landscapes and rich cultures of Spain and Portugal. From the bustling streets of Madrid to the sun-drenched beaches of the Costa del Sol, this journey offers a perfect blend of history, art, and culinary delights. Explore iconic landmarks such as the Alhambra Palace and Sagrada Família, savor local delicacies like paella and Port wine, and immerse yourself in the traditions of flamenco dance. With expert guides and comfortable accommodations, each day promises new adventures and unforgettable memories. Join us for a captivating exploration of these enchanting countries, where every moment is a celebration of life and culture.
Included
15 days accommodation
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 travellers over a beautiful evening of delicious food and wine.
Vila Nova de Gaia: Sample a selection of world renowned Port wines during a tour and tasting in the city's historic wine cellars.
Lisbon: Delight in a taste of the famous Portuguese custard tart, Pastéis de Belém, made in a 19th century bakery with the original secret recipe.
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: Join a local family for a Dine-at-Home lunch featuring traditional recipes. Learn about regional customs and culture through your hosts' warm hospitality and lively conversation.
Valencia: Learn the authentic recipe of paella when you join a local chef for a Cooking Demonstration. Savour the flavours of this classic dish for dinner, washed down with a glass of Sangria, during dinner.
Barcelona: 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, savour a delicious Celebration Dinner that incorporates classic cooking with the freshest produce.
Choose between two carefully selected activities
Seville: Stroll through Barrio de Santa Cruz with a Local Expert and hear how the Jewish community has shaped the city's history.
Seville: See the city's top sights on a panoramic 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, travelling 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: Visit the medieval streets of this fortified city to see the 14th-century Alcazar Palace and extensive Roman aqueduct.
Salamanca: See the handsome arcaded Plaza Mayor, the honey-coloured 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.
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.
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.
Alfarnatejo: Visit the beautiful, quiet town and walk the town centre.
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 Centre of Arts and Sciences and the huge gates of the old town, Torres de Serranos and Torres de Quart.
Peñíscola: See the seaside castle featured in the film 'El Cid'.
Barcelona: With your Local Expert, drive along the elegant Passeig de Gràcia to witness some of the finest Modernist architecture as you journey through the Eixample district to see Gaudi's extraordinary masterpiece, the mesmerising Sagrada Família.
Barcelona: Venture inside Gaudí'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.
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.
Fátima: Led by your Travel Director, explore the pilgrimage site that attracts nearly seven million faithful visitors every year.
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.
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Madrid
- Madrid - Arrival day
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- La Alameda's Castle
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Kick off your adventure with a delightful evening in Madrid. Meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a sumptuous dinner at a local restaurant, where you'll savor exquisite food and wine, setting the tone for the exciting journey ahead.
Day 2 – Day 2: Madrid
- Madrid
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- Naval Museum
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Explore the historic neighborhoods of Spain's capital with a Local Expert. Delve into the city's origins as you traverse the Old Quarter. A special visit to the renowned Prado Museum awaits, where an art historian will guide you through masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and more.
Day 3 – Day 3: Segovia, Ávila & Salamanca
- Segovia
- Salamanca
- Madrid
- Ávila
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- Salamanca Cathedral
- Frog Salamanca
- Anaya Palace
- Alcázar of Segovia
- Segovia Cathedral
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Venture to Segovia, where a Local Expert will guide you through its medieval streets to the impressive Alcazar Fortress and historic aqueduct. Continue west to Ávila, admiring its ancient walls, before arriving in Salamanca. Here, you'll explore the city's golden stone buildings, including the arcaded Plaza Mayor, the honey-hued cathedral, and the 16th-century university.
Day 4 – Day 4: Porto
- Porto
- Salamanca
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- Praia de Lavadores
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Cross into Portugal to reach Porto, the city renowned for its Port wine. Visit the Vila Nova de Gaia wine stores, where you'll stroll through corridors of casks and enjoy a tasting session. Continue exploring Porto, taking in its vibrant houses, tile-adorned churches, and iconic bridges.
Day 5 – Day 5: Fátima, Óbidos & Lisbon
- Lisbon
- Porto
- Batalha
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- Castle of Óbidos
- Sculpture of Our Lady of Fátima
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Journey to Fátima, Portugal's most famous pilgrimage site. Continue to the fortified town of Óbidos, where you'll wander through its flower-adorned medieval streets. Conclude your day in Lisbon, the vibrant Portuguese capital.
Day 6 – Day 6: Lisbon
- Lisbon
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- Monumento Natural dos Lagosteiros
- Praia do Castelo
- Park Outeiro dos Cucos
- Belém Tower
- National Coach Museum
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Discover Lisbon's spacious avenues and historic neighborhoods with a Local Expert. Visit the Belém Quarter, home to the famous Pastéis de Belém pastry. Marvel at the Monument to the Discoveries and the historic Belém Tower. Explore the National Coach Museum, showcasing an impressive collection of horse-drawn carriages. The afternoon is yours to explore or join an optional excursion to the Portuguese Riviera.
Day 7 – Day 7: Seville
- Seville
- Lisbon
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- Sevilla Aquarium
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Cross the border into Spain to reach Seville. Visit the magnificent Seville Cathedral, the final resting place of Christopher Columbus. Choose between a guided walk through the old Jewish quarter or a scenic drive around the city, offering panoramic views of Seville's stunning architecture.
Day 8 – Day 8: Seville
- Seville
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- Casa de Pilatos
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Enjoy a leisurely morning in Seville. Consider an optional excursion to Córdoba to visit the stunning Mezquita and explore the old Jewish Quarter. Later, participate in a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the Cristina Heeren Foundation, where you'll learn about flamenco dance and even try a few steps yourself.
Day 9 – Day 9: Gibraltar & Mijas
- Seville
- Torremolinos
- Mijas
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Travel south to Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory. With a Local Expert, visit the iconic Rock of Gibraltar and explore St. Michael's Cave. Continue along the scenic Costa del Sol, passing luxurious resorts, before arriving in the charming white-washed village of Mijas.
Day 10 – Day 10: Costa del Sol
- Torremolinos
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Enjoy a day of leisure on the sun-kissed Costa del Sol. Relax by the Mediterranean, stroll along the promenade, or indulge in local culinary delights. Alternatively, explore Málaga, the birthplace of Picasso, and immerse yourself in its vibrant culture.
Day 11 – Day 11: Alfarnatejo & Granada
- Torremolinos
- Marbella
- Granada
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- Iglesia de Santo Domingo de Guzmán
- Alhambra
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Travel to the serene village of Alfarnatejo, nestled in a picturesque mountainous landscape. Visit the 18th-century Iglesia del Santo Cristo de Cabrilla and taste local olive oils at a rural mill-factory. Enjoy a home-cooked lunch with a local family before heading to Granada to explore the magnificent Alhambra Palace.
Day 12 – Day 12: Valencia
- Valencia
- Granada
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- City of Arts and Sciences
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Journey to Valencia, where you'll explore the Old City and marvel at the City of Arts and Sciences. In your free time, visit the Cathedral or relax with a drink. Later, join a local chef for a paella cooking demonstration and enjoy this iconic dish for dinner.
Day 13 – Day 13: Peñíscola & Barcelona
- Barcelona
- Valencia
- Peníscola / Peñíscola
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- St Pedro's Church
- Casa Batlló
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Follow the coast to Peñíscola to admire the sea-lapped castle featured in 'El Cid.' Continue to the Cava Bodegas at Sant Sadurní d'Anoia for a light lunch and cava tasting. Conclude your day in the vibrant city of Barcelona.
Day 14 – Day 14: Barcelona
- Barcelona
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- Pasaje San Juan
- Sagrada Família
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Join a Local Expert for a drive along the elegant Passeig de Gràcia, adorned with beautiful Modernist buildings. Visit Gaudí's extraordinary Sagrada Família, where you'll marvel at its stunning architecture. Celebrate your journey with a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, toasting to new friendships and unforgettable memories.
Day 15 – Day 15: Departure
- Barcelona - Departure day
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Bid farewell to your incredible journey through Spain and Portugal as you transfer to the airport. Reflect on the unforgettable experiences and cherished memories from your multi-day tour.
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