Best of Spain and Portugal (Small Groups, End Barcelona, 15 Days)
![](https://cdn.tourradar.com/s3/tour/1500x800/267830_65e970a540e24.jpg?w=360&h=210&fit=crop&crop=center&auto=format%2Ccompress&q=32&dpr=2&ixlib=react-9.8.1)
![](https://cdn.tourradar.com/s3/tour/1500x800/267830_65e970a544cf3.jpg)
![](https://cdn.tourradar.com/s3/tour/1500x800/267830_65e970a548df2.jpg)
![](https://cdn.tourradar.com/s3/tour/1500x800/267830_65e970a54ca98.jpg)
![](https://cdn.tourradar.com/s3/tour/1500x800/267830_65e970a5506b8.jpg)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a captivating 15-day journey through the heart of Spain and Portugal, where history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes await. This multi-day tour promises an unforgettable experience as you explore iconic cities, charming villages, and stunning coastlines. From the vibrant streets of Madrid to the historic wonders of Lisbon, each day offers a new adventure. Discover the artistic treasures of the Prado Museum, the medieval charm of Segovia, and the architectural marvels of Barcelona. Savor the flavors of local cuisine, including the world-famous paella and exquisite Port wine. With expert guides and carefully curated experiences, this tour provides an immersive exploration of Iberian culture and heritage. Whether you're strolling through ancient streets, tasting traditional delicacies, or marveling at architectural masterpieces, this journey promises to create lasting memories. Join us for an extraordinary adventure through Spain and Portugal, where every moment is a celebration of discovery.
Included
14 nights 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
- More
- La Alameda's Castle
- More
Begin your adventure in the vibrant city of Madrid. As the sun sets, join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a delightful dinner at a local restaurant. Savor the flavors of Spanish cuisine paired with exquisite wines, setting the tone for the exciting journey ahead.
Day 2 – Day 2: Madrid
- Madrid
- More
- Naval Museum
- More
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, and Salamanca
- Segovia
- Salamanca
- Madrid
- Ávila
- More
- Salamanca Cathedral
- Frog Salamanca
- Anaya Palace
- Alcázar of Segovia
- Segovia Cathedral
- More
Venture to the fortified city of Segovia, where a Local Expert will guide you through its medieval streets to the impressive Alcazar fortress and historic aqueduct. Continue your journey west to Ávila, admiring its ancient walls, before reaching Salamanca. Here, marvel at the golden stone buildings, including the arcaded Plaza Mayor, the honey-hued cathedral, and the 16th-century university.
Day 4 – Day 4: Salamanca to Porto
- Porto
- Salamanca
- More
- Praia de Lavadores
- More
Cross the border into Portugal and arrive in Porto, the city famed for its Port wine. Visit the Vila Nova de Gaia wine stores, where you'll walk among casks and learn about the different types of Port during a tasting session. Continue exploring Porto's vibrant streets, adorned with colorful houses and iconic bridges.
Day 5 – Day 5: Porto to Lisbon via Fátima and Óbidos
- Lisbon
- Porto
- Batalha
- More
- Castle of Óbidos
- Sculpture of Our Lady of Fátima
- More
Journey to Fátima, a revered pilgrimage site, before continuing to the fortified town of Óbidos. Stroll through its medieval streets, adorned with flowers, before heading to Lisbon, the vibrant capital of Portugal.
Day 6 – Day 6: Discovering Lisbon
- Lisbon
- More
- Belém Tower
- National Coach Museum
- More
Explore Lisbon's Lower Town and the historic Belém Quarter with a Local Expert. Visit the iconic Belém Tower and the National Coach Museum. Savor a Pastéis de Belém, a traditional pastry, and enjoy the afternoon at leisure, perhaps exploring the Portuguese Riviera.
Day 7 – Day 7: Lisbon to Seville
- Seville
- Lisbon
- More
- Sevilla Aquarium
- More
Cross the modern Tagus Bridge and journey to Seville. Visit the magnificent Seville Cathedral, the final resting place of Christopher Columbus. Choose between a walk through the old Jewish quarter or a scenic drive around the city for panoramic views.
Day 8 – Day 8: Seville
- Seville
- More
- Casa de Pilatos
- More
Enjoy a relaxed morning in Seville, with the option to visit Córdoba and its magnificent Mezquita. In the afternoon, participate in a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the Cristina Heeren Foundation, where you'll learn about flamenco and try your hand at a dance lesson.
Day 9 – Day 9: Seville to Gibraltar and Mijas
- Mijas
- Seville
- More
Travel south to Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory. Visit the iconic Rock of Gibraltar and explore St. Michael's Cave. Continue along the scenic Costa del Sol to the charming white-washed village of Mijas, where you'll enjoy a leisurely stroll through its picturesque streets.
Day 10 – Day 10: Leisure on the Costa del Sol
- Mijas
- More
Enjoy a day of relaxation on the sun-kissed Costa del Sol. Bask by the Mediterranean waters, stroll along the promenade, or savor local culinary delights. Alternatively, explore Málaga, the birthplace of Picasso, at your own pace.
Day 11 – Day 11: Costa del Sol to Alfarnatejo and Granada
- Granada
- La Cala del Moral
- More
- Iglesia de Santo Domingo de Guzmán
- Alhambra
- More
Visit the quaint village of Alfarnatejo, where you'll explore the town center and see the 18th-century Iglesia del Santo Cristo de Cabrilla. Experience local hospitality with a lunch at a family home, then continue to Granada to visit the stunning Alhambra Palace, a masterpiece of Moorish architecture.
Day 12 – Day 12: Granada to Valencia
- Valencia
- Granada
- More
- City of Arts and Sciences
- More
Travel to Valencia, where you'll explore the Old City and the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences. In your free time, visit the Cathedral or relax with a drink. Learn the art of making paella from a local chef and indulge in this iconic dish at dinner.
Day 13 – Day 13: Valencia to Barcelona via Peñíscola
- Barcelona
- Valencia
- Peníscola / Peñíscola
- More
- St Pedro's Church
- Casa Batlló
- More
Follow the coast to Peñíscola and admire the sea-lapped castle featured in 'El Cid.' Continue to the Cava Bodegas at Sant Sadurni d'Anoia for a light lunch and cava tasting. Journey along the Costa Dorada to reach the vibrant city of Barcelona.
Day 14 – Day 14: Exploring Barcelona
- Barcelona
- More
- Pasaje San Juan
- Sagrada Família
- More
A Local Expert will guide you through Barcelona's architectural wonders, including the elegant Passeig de Gràcia and Gaudí's masterpiece, the Sagrada Família. Marvel at its intricate design and vibrant stained-glass windows. Conclude your journey with a Celebration Dinner, toasting to new friendships and unforgettable memories.
Day 15 – Day 15: Farewell to Spain and Portugal
- Barcelona - Departure day
- More
As your remarkable journey through Spain and Portugal comes to an end, bid farewell to your fellow travelers. Transfer to the airport, taking with you cherished memories of this unforgettable adventure.
Similar tours
Download Europe’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place
Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Europe’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.