Grand Spain & Portugal (Classic, End Madrid, 18 Days)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an 18-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 serene beauty of Santiago de Compostela, and from the ancient city of Toledo to the coastal charm of San Sebastián. Along the way, you'll explore architectural marvels, taste local delicacies, and engage with traditional crafts. This tour is designed to provide a balance of guided activities and free time, allowing you to tailor your experience to your interests. Whether you're a history buff, a food lover, or an art enthusiast, this tour offers something for everyone.
Included
1 Morning Tea (MT)
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.
Santiago de Compostela: Join a city tour with a Local Expert and visit Praza do Obradoiro to admire the cathedral facade festooned with architectural frills.
Santiago de Compostela: Embark on a scenic walk on part of the Way of St. James with a Local Expert, through parks and gardens that transform with the seasons.
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.
Toledo: At a Damascene workshop, meet a master artisan for a personal insight into this ancient craft. Witness firsthand their precision as they inlay gold and silver into iron, using a chisel and a hammer.
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.
Gijon: Meet Flor, a local of Gijón, for a delicious meal of locally sourced produce that she has prepared just for you.
Pamplona: In Barcelona, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience during a visit to a biodynamic farm whose secrets have been handed down through four generations. Take in the views of Catalunya and taste the flavour of the valley 'Terroir' in the form of a sparkling wine. Sample this light refreshment and follow the process from the vine to your glass, learning about the unique sustainable methods employed. Sparkling wine is essential to Catalan culture, flowing freely during celebrations it is the perfect way to start your adventure into Catalunya. This experience contributes to UN Global Goal 12: Responsible Production and Consumption.
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.
Toledo: Explore this magnificent ancient city with your Local Expert and visit the Church of Santo Tomé to see an El Greco masterpiece.
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.
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.
Fátima: Join the faithful at one of the world's holiest sites and pay homage at the Chapel of the Apparitions and see the basilica.
Salamanca: See the golden stone buildings and handsome arcades of Plaza Mayor for which this city is famous for.
Avila: Explore within the ancient walls of this unique town.
Oviedo: Led by your Local Expert, see 1,000-year-old wall paintings in some of Europe's oldest churches. Admire the incredible altarpiece, one of the finest in Europe, when you visit the Cathedral of the Holy Saviour.
Picos de Europa: Visit the holy cave of Covadonga and see the tomb of Pelayo who is celebrated for winning the Battle of Covadonga against the Muslim Moors in 722 and later became the first King of Asturias.
Picos de Europa: Venture into this magnificent national park to admire the stunning picturesque scenery and rocky trails.
Santillana del Mar: Step back in time when you visit this perfectly preserved and 'most beautiful village in Spain.'
Getaria: See the rock known as El Ratón or the mouse.
San Sebastián: Led by your Local Expert, enjoy a guided walking tour of the Old Quarter including Plaza de la Constitucion.
Pamplona: Spend free time exploring this city, known for its annual Running with the Bulls festival.
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 mesmerising 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.
17 Breakfast (B)
5 Dinner with Wine (DW)
1 Lunch with Wine (LW)
Madrid: Join your Travel Director at 18:30 for a Welcome Dinner in a local restaurant and get to know your fellow travellers over a beautiful evening of delicious food and wine.
Lisbon: Delight in a taste of the famous Portuguese delicacy, Pastéis de Belém.
Madrid: Honest culinary traditions and a fiesta of fresh ingredients are the hallmarks of your Spanish Highlight Dinner. The perfect accompaniment to good conversation and a chilled glass of beer or wine.
Barcelona: At a typical Catalan restaurant, savour a delicious Celebration Dinner that incorporates classic cooking with the freshest produce.
jain, vegetarian, vegan, halal, kosher, meat
From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
Évora: With your Travel Director explore the ancient city of Évora and visit the fascinating Capela dos Ossos, meaning the Chapel of Bones, a chapel decorated with human remains.
Bilbao: See the spectacular modern Guggenheim Museum designed by Frank Gehry and sites of this Basque region gem during your orientation with your Travel Director.
Granada: The 4-star Vincci Albayzín is located in the centre of Granada and is typically Andalusian in style. It boasts a magnificent enclosed patio that bathes its rooms in natural light.
Salamanca: The centrally located Hotel Alameda Palace is close to a range of restaurants and shops and only a short walk to the Plaza Mayor. The spacious rooms all have marble bathrooms and antique-style furniture.
Madrid: Located on Madrid’s most chic avenue, the Hesperia Madrid is a centrally located, modern hotel offering comfortable and contemporary rooms.
Santiago de Compostela: The NH Collection Santiago De Compostela delivers modern luxury in a timeless setting, just minutes from the historic Plaza del Obradoiro.
Oviedo: The Barceló Oviedo Cervantes is situated in the heart of Oviedo, 10 minutes from the Old Town and cathedral. This striking and stylish designer hotel is restored from an early 20th century mansion.
Santander: The luxury 5-star Eurostars Hotel Real is at the heart and soul of Santander and is a hallmark of excellence and prestige, facing the Playa de los Peligros beach.
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.
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Madrid
- Madrid - Arrival day
- More
Begin your journey in the vibrant city of Madrid. Explore the city's elegant boulevards and expansive parks, taking in the varied architectural styles. In the evening, join your Travel Director for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, where you'll have the opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers over good food and wine.
Day 2 – Day 2: Madrid - Toledo - Granada
- Madrid
- Toledo
- Granada
- More
- FLY TOLEDO
- Barrancas de Burujón
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Venture south to Toledo, a fascinating city perched high above the River Tagus. Here, you'll meet a master artisan in a Damascene workshop and gain personal insight into this ancient craft. Explore the city's narrow cobbled streets and visit the Church of Santo Tomé, home to El Greco's famous painting, 'The Burial of the Count of Orgaz.' From Toledo, continue your journey to Granada.
Day 3 – Day 3: Granada - Seville
- Granada
- Seville
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- Sevilla Aquarium
- Generalife
- Alhambra
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Start your day with a visit to the Alhambra Palace, a fantasy of arabesque gardens, fountains, and stone cut like lace. Also, visit the exotic water gardens of the Generalife, the royal summer residence. From Granada, embark on a scenic drive to Seville, where you'll visit the Seville Cathedral, the burial place of Christopher Columbus. Choose to explore the old Jewish quarter or enjoy a scenic drive around the city with panoramic views.
Day 4 – Day 4: Seville - Córdoba - Seville
- Seville
- Córdoba
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Enjoy a free day to explore at your own pace. We suggest an optional experience to the ancient city of Córdoba, where you can visit the magnificent Mezquita and the old Jewish Quarter. In Seville, visit the Cristina Heeren Foundation, a dance school dedicated to promoting the conservation of flamenco. Take a dance lesson and witness a flamenco performance.
Day 5 – Day 5: Seville - Évora - Lisbon
- Seville
- Évora
- Lisbon
- More
Continue your journey to the lively university town of Évora, one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Portugal. Visit the fascinating Capela dos Ossos, a chapel decorated with 5000 bones. From Évora, make your way to Lisbon, the vibrant capital of Portugal.
Day 6 – Day 6: Lisbon
- Lisbon
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- Belém Tower
- National Coach Museum
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Spend the day exploring Lisbon with a guided orientation of the city. Visit the avenues of the Lower Town, the hilltop Bairro Alto, and the Terreiro do Paco, the city's finest square. In the Belém Quarter, taste the famous Pastéis de Belém and view the Monument to the Discoveries and the ancient Belém Tower. Visit the National Coach Museum, featuring one of the most prominent horse-drawn carriage collections in the world.
Day 7 – Day 7: Lisbon - Fátima - Salamanca
- Lisbon
- Salamanca
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Travel north to Fátima, the most celebrated place of pilgrimage in Portugal. Visit the chapel commemorating the appearance of the Virgin Mary to three children in 1917. Cross the border into Spain and continue to Salamanca, famous for its golden stone buildings and the handsome arcades of the Plaza Mayor. See the Puente Romano, with 15 of its 26 arches dating from the time of the ancient Romans.
Day 8 – Day 8: Salamanca - Ávila - Madrid
- Salamanca
- Madrid
- More
- Museo de Ávila
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Cross the rock-strewn hills of Castile to arrive at Ávila, a city still entirely enclosed within its 11th-century walls. Return to Madrid to explore more of the capital with your Local Expert. In the evening, join your Travel Director and newfound friends for a lively dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 9 – Day 9: Madrid
- Madrid
- More
Enjoy sightseeing with your Local Expert as they take you through the main historical areas in Madrid. Your drive continues through the Old Quarter, discovering the origins of the city. A highlight of your day will be a visit to the Prado Museum, where you'll discover countless works by Velázquez, Goya, Titian, Rubens, and others, guided by a local art historian. The afternoon is free for you to relax or shop in the boutiques.
Day 10 – Day 10: Madrid - Santiago de Compostela
- Madrid
- More
- Castle of Coca
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Journey through the Guadarrama Mountains to the infinite horizons of Old Castile and continue past the impressive Castillo de la Mota. Travel on to Santiago de Compostela, where the tomb of the Apostle St. James was miraculously discovered in the Middle Ages.
Day 11 – Day 11: Santiago de Compostela
Day 11: Santiago de Compostela
- Cervantes square
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Explore Santiago de Compostela with a choice of activities. Join a city tour with a Local Expert and visit Praza do Obradoiro to admire the cathedral facade. Alternatively, embark on a scenic walk on part of the Way of St James, through parks and gardens. Enjoy free time to explore the narrow streets and old squares of this city.
Day 12 – Day 12: Santiago de Compostela - Oviedo
- Oviedo
- More
Pass through the ancient forests of Galicia and cross to the Green Coast of Asturias. Meet Flor who will invite you to join her for lunch. Your route reveals glorious coastal vistas before turning inland to travel through old villages and deep valleys en route to Oviedo. In Oviedo, a Local Expert will show you the 9th-century churches and the Cathedral of the Holy Saviour.
Day 13 – Day 13: Oviedo - Santillana del Mar - Santander
- Oviedo
- Santander
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- Sobrellano Palace
- Sanctuary of Covadonga
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Visit the Holy Cave of Covadonga and see the unique Roman bridge in Cangas de Onís as you head into the foothills of the Picos de Europa. Enjoy views of the Costa de Cantabria while travelling to Santillana del Mar, arguably the most beautiful village in Spain. Continue on to the sophisticated beach resort of Santander where you have free time in the evening to enjoy this luxurious hotel.
Day 14 – Day 14: Santander - Bilbao - San Sebastián
- Santander
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- Guggenheim Museum
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In nearby Bilbao, admire the striking modern architecture of the Guggenheim Museum. Enjoy the views as you are driven along part of the Costa Vasca, dotted with small coastal fishing villages. Pause in the seaside city of Getaria to see 'El Ratón', the mouse-shaped rock. Continue to San Sebastián and admire its beauty during a city tour with a Local Expert.
Day 15 – Day 15: San Sebastián
Day 15: San Sebastián
Enjoy a day at leisure to stroll along San Sebastián's boardwalk and with the city harbour filled with fishing boats and pleasure crafts, you can enjoy a number of sporting activities on its large sandy beach. Perhaps you'll want to explore the nearby French village of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, also known as Little Paris? Maybe stroll the promenade of the famous La Concha bay or enjoy the boutiques of the Old Town?
Day 16 – Day 16: San Sebastián - Pamplona - Barcelona
- Barcelona
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- Plaza de Toros
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Journey to the famed town of Pamplona, known for its Running of the Bulls festival. With time free for you to explore, perhaps take a stroll to the famous Estafeta Street or visit Café Iruña, immortalised by Ernest Hemingway in his novel 'The Sun Also Rises.' Your travels continue to Barcelona, the vibrant capital of Catalonia, a land that retains its own distinctive language, culture, and traditions.
Day 17 – Day 17: Barcelona
- Barcelona
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- Sagrada Família
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Wake up ready to embrace Barcelona's artistic heritage. Join a Local Expert for a drive along the Passeig de Gràcia, adorned with elegant wrought-iron street lamps and some of the most flamboyant Modernist buildings. Continue through the Eixample district to visit Gaudi's extraordinary masterpiece, the Sagrada Família. With the afternoon at leisure, you are free to relax or continue your exploration on your own. In the evening, join your Travel Director and newfound friends at a local restaurant for a delightful Celebration Dinner.
Day 18 – Day 18: Departure from Barcelona
- Barcelona - Departure day
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Today, bid farewell to your journey along Spain and Portugal as you transfer to the airport for your departure.
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