Best of Spain and Portugal (Small Groups, End Barcelona, 15 Days)

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Description

Summary

Starts
Madrid
Duration
15 days
Languages
English
Difficulty
Easy

Description

Embark on a captivating 15-day journey through the historic and cultural wonders of Spain and Portugal. This multi-day tour offers an immersive experience, taking you through the vibrant cities, charming villages, and breathtaking landscapes of these two enchanting countries. Discover the rich history, art, and architecture of Madrid, Segovia, Salamanca, Porto, Lisbon, Seville, Valencia, and Barcelona. Savor the local cuisine, explore the renowned wine regions, and engage with the locals for an authentic cultural experience. From the awe-inspiring Alhambra Palace in Granada to the iconic Sagrada Família in Barcelona, this tour is a feast for the senses and a treasure trove of unforgettable memories.

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Included

14 nights accommodation

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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.

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.

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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.

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 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.

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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.

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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.

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Destinations

Granada, Andalusia,Spain Europe - Panoramic view of Alhambra.Granada
Porto, Portugal old town ribeira aerial promenade view with colorful houses, Douro river and boats.Porto
Scenic aerial view of the Agbar Tower in Barcelona in Spain.Barcelona
Photo of View on Peniscola from the top of Pope Luna's Castle , Valencia, Spain.Valencia
Mijas
Batalha
Segovia - city in SpainSegovia
Photo of view from the top of the Space Metropol Parasol (Setas de Sevilla) one have the best view of the city of Seville, Spain.Seville
Photo of Lisbon City Skyline with Sao Jorge Castle and the Tagus River, Portugal.Lisbon
The Puerta del Sol square is the main public space in Madrid. In the middle of the square is located the office of the President of the Community of Madrid.Madrid
Salamanca - city in SpainSalamanca

Map

Attractions

Sevilla Aquarium, El Prado-Parque de María Luisa, Distrito Sur, Seville, Sevilla, Andalusia, SpainSevilla Aquarium
Monumento Natural dos Lagosteiros, Castelo, Sesimbra, Setúbal, Setúbal Peninsula, Área Metropolitana de Lisboa, PortugalMonumento Natural dos Lagosteiros
Photo of view of Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia in Valencia in the City of Arts and Sciences. It was designed by famous Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava.City of Arts and Sciences
Photo of sagrada Familia in Barcelona, the most known building created by Antoni Gaudi.Sagrada Família
Photo of the fortress and palace complex Alhambra, Granada, Spain.Alhambra
Photo of the Belem tower at the bank of Tejo River in Lisbon ,Portugal.Belém Tower
National Coach Museum, Belém, Lisbon, Grande Lisboa, Área Metropolitana de Lisboa, PortugalNational Coach Museum
Photo of Chapel of Apparitions - Fatima - Portugal. Chapel of the Apparitions
Praia de Lavadores, Canidelo, Vila Nova de Gaia, Porto, Área Metropolitana do Porto, North, PortugalPraia de Lavadores

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Day 1: Welcome to Madrid

  • Madrid - Arrival day
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Kickstart your journey with a warm welcome dinner in Madrid, Spain's vibrant capital. Join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for an evening of delightful local cuisine and wine.

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Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Madrid

  • Madrid
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  • Naval Museum
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Embark on a guided tour through Madrid's historic neighborhoods. Discover the city's origins as you drive through the Old Quarter. Visit the renowned Prado Museum, where an art historian will guide you through the works of Velázquez, Goya, Titian, Rubens, and more.

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Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: Segovia and Salamanca

  • Segovia
  • Salamanca
  • Madrid
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  • Anaya Palace
  • Alcázar of Segovia
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Travel to the fortified city of Segovia. Walk through its medieval streets and visit the magnificent Alcazar fortress and the historic aqueduct. Journey west to Salamanca, where you'll admire the city's golden stone buildings, including the arcaded Plaza Mayor, the honey-colored cathedral, and the 16th-century university buildings.

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Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: Journey 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 and walk along corridors of casks. Learn about your tawnys and vintages during a tasting. Continue exploring the city, admiring the multi-colored houses, churches adorned with glazed tiles, and iconic bridges.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: Fátima, Óbidos, and Lisbon

  • Lisbon
  • Porto
  • Batalha
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  • Chapel of the Apparitions
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Continue to Fátima, Portugal's most renowned place of pilgrimage. Visit the basilica or the Chapel of the Apparitions, which commemorates the appearance of the Virgin Mary in 1917. Journey to the fortified town of Óbidos and explore its narrow, medieval streets adorned with flowers. Your travels continue to the Portuguese capital, Lisbon.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: Discovering Lisbon

  • Lisbon
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  • Belém Tower
  • National Coach Museum
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Explore Lisbon with a Local Expert. Visit the spacious avenues of the Lower Town, the hilltop Bairro Alto, and the Terreiro do Paco, the city's finest square. Visit the historic Belém Quarter and the Belém Tower. Enjoy a taste of the famous Pastéis de Belém from a traditional patisserie. Visit the National Coach Museum, featuring a prominent horse-drawn carriage collection.

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Day 7

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 for panoramic views. In the evening, consider joining an optional experience with dinner and a horse and carriage ride.

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Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: Seville at Leisure

  • 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. Consider joining an Optional Experience to the ancient city of Córdoba. In the afternoon, visit the Cristina Heeren Foundation, a flamenco dance school. Experience the passion behind the choreography during a dance lesson.

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Day 9

Day 9 – Day 9: Gibraltar and Mijas

  • Mijas
  • Seville
  • More

Head south to Gibraltar, an overseas territory under British control. Visit the Rock of Gibraltar and St. Michael's Cave with your Local Expert. Travel along the scenic Costa del Sol to the white-washed village of Mijas. Stroll through the old streets and gardens, taking in the views of the coast.

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Day 10

Day 10 – Day 10: Leisure Day on the Costa del Sol

  • Mijas
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Enjoy the 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.

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Day 11

Day 11 – Day 11: Alfarnatejo and Granada

  • Granada
  • Mijas
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  • Alhambra
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Continue to Alfarnatejo, a quiet whitewashed village. Walk the town center to see the 18th-century Iglesia del Santo Cristo de Cabrilla. Visit the region's oldest olive grove and taste a selection of different oils. Enjoy a Highlight Lunch with a local family. Continue to Granada to visit the magnificent Alhambra Palace with your Local Expert.

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Day 12

Day 12 – Day 12: Journey to Valencia

  • Valencia
  • Granada
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  • City of Arts and Sciences
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Journey to Valencia. Pass through the Old City to see its ancient gates, and the City of Arts and Sciences. Learn how to make the world-famous 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.

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Day 13

Day 13 – Day 13: Valencia to Barcelona

  • Barcelona
  • Valencia
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Follow the coast to Peñíscola to view the sea-lapped castle used in the film 'El Cid'. 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.

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Day 14

Day 14 – Day 14: Discovering Barcelona

  • Barcelona
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  • Sagrada Família
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A Local Expert joins you for a drive along the Passeig de Gràcia, adorned with elegant wrought-iron street lamps and some of the most flamboyant Modernist buildings. Visit Gaudi's extraordinary masterpiece, the Sagrada Família. At a local restaurant, join your fellow travelers to toast to newfound friends and a wonderful journey, enjoying a Celebration Dinner with wine.

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Day 15

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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