Grand Spain & Portugal (Small Groups, End Madrid, 18 Days)

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Description

Summary

Starts
Madrid
Duration
18 days
Languages
English
Difficulty
Easy

Description

Embark on an unforgettable 18-day journey through the vibrant cultures, rich histories, and stunning landscapes of Spain and Portugal. This multi-day tour offers a unique blend of exploration, relaxation, and cultural immersion. From the bustling streets of Madrid to the tranquil beauty of Santiago de Compostela, from the architectural marvels of Barcelona to the ancient charm of Évora, every day brings a new adventure. Experience the passion of flamenco in Seville, marvel at the architectural wonders of Gaudi in Barcelona, and taste the traditional Pastéis de Belém in Lisbon. With expert local guides, comfortable accommodations, and delicious meals, this tour is designed to delight your senses and broaden your horizons.

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Included

17 Breakfast (B)

1 Dinner (D)

4 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 custard tart, Pastéis de Belém, made in a 19th century bakery with the original secret recipe.

Madrid: Honest culinary traditions and a fiesta of fresh ingredients are the hallmarks of your Spanish 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.

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17 nights in twin-share rooms at hand-picked hotels

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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.

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.

Gijón: Meet locals for a delicious meal of locally sourced produce that has been prepared just for you. This experience supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

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 and arcades of Plaza Mayor, and learn about the unique traditions of this historic university city.

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: The city is home to Café Iruña, a favourite of Ernest Hemingway.

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.

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.

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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

Santillana del Mar
Photo of the aerial view of Plaza de Toros in Pamplona, the capital of Navarre province in northern Spain.Pamplona
Granada, Andalusia,Spain Europe - Panoramic view of Alhambra.Granada
Scenic aerial view of the Agbar Tower in Barcelona in Spain.Barcelona
Photo of panoramic aerial view of San Sebastian (Donostia) on a beautiful summer day, Spain.Donostia / San Sebastián
Évora - city in PortugalÉvora
Photo of Facade of Santiago de Compostela cathedral in Obradoiro square, Spain.Santiago de Compostela
Batalha
Photo of Santander city beach aerial panoramic view.Santander
Ávila - city in SpainÁvila
photo of an aerial view above Saint-Jean-de-Luz is a fishing town at the mouth of the Nivelle river, in southwest France’s Basque country. Saint-Jean-de-Luz
Toledo - city in SpainToledo
Photo of the Cathedral of Oviedo, Spain, was founded by King Fruela I of Asturias in 781 AD and is located in the Alfonso II square.Oviedo
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
Fátima - city in PortugalFátima
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
Photo of aerial view of Bilbao, Spain city downtown with a Nevion River, Zubizuri Bridge and promenade. Mountain at the background, with clear blue sky.Bilbao

Map

Attractions

Museo de Ávila, Ávila, Castile and León, SpainMuseo de Ávila
Sevilla Aquarium, El Prado-Parque de María Luisa, Distrito Sur, Seville, Sevilla, Andalusia, SpainSevilla Aquarium
Museum of Santa Cruz, Toledo, Castile-La Mancha, SpainMuseum of Santa Cruz
Muralla de Santander, Santander, Cantabria, SpainMuralla de Santander
Parque Nacional de Los Picos de Europa, Posada de Valdeón, León, Castile and León, SpainParque Nacional de Los Picos de Europa
Photo of Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, Spain.Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
Sobrellano Palace, Comillas, Costa Occidental, Cantabria, SpainSobrellano Palace
Photo of Cervantes Square in Alacalà de Henares, Spain, Madrid.Cervantes square
Photo of Pablo Gargallo Museum,Zaragoza,Spain.Museum of Fine Arts of Asturias
Photo of Coca Castle, Segovia. Castile and Leon (Spain) .Castle of Coca
Photo of Barcelona central beach aerial view Sant Miquel Sebastian plage Barceloneta district catalonia.Barceloneta Beach
Photo of sagrada Familia in Barcelona, the most known building created by Antoni Gaudi.Sagrada Família
Photo of Plaza de toros – a bullring in the spanish city Pamplona.Plaza de Toros
San Telmo Ermita, Zumaia, Urola-Kosta, Gipuzkoa, Autonomous Community of the Basque Country, SpainSan Telmo Ermita
Photo of Generalife gardens at Alhambra, Granada, Spain .Generalife
FLY TOLEDO, Toledo, Castile-La Mancha, SpainFLY TOLEDO
Photo of Casa de Pilatos in Seville, Spain.Casa de Pilatos
Sanctuary of Covadonga, Cangas de Onís, Asturias, SpainSanctuary of Covadonga
Photo of the fortress and palace complex Alhambra, Granada, Spain.Alhambra
El RastroEl Rastro
Photo of the Belem tower at the bank of Tejo River in Lisbon ,Portugal.Belém Tower
Chapel of Bones (Évora), Sé e São Pedro, Évora, Alentejo Central, Alentejo Region, PortugalChapel of Bones (Évora)
National Coach Museum, Belém, Lisbon, Grande Lisboa, Área Metropolitana de Lisboa, PortugalNational Coach Museum
Photo of Museum of the Marine in Madrid,Spain.Naval Museum
Photo of Guggenheim, Bilbao, museum, modern art, Spain.Guggenheim Museum
cathedral of Evora in Portugal.Cathedral of Évora
Palacio de Fuensalida

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Day 1: Madrid

  • Madrid - Arrival day
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Begin your journey in the vibrant city of Madrid. Explore its elegant boulevards, expansive parks, and varied architectural styles. In the evening, join your Travel Director for a delightful dinner at a local restaurant, where you'll get to know your fellow travellers over good food and wine.

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Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: Madrid - Toledo - Granada

  • Toledo
  • Granada
  • Madrid
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  • Museum of Santa Cruz
  • FLY TOLEDO
  • Palacio de Fuensalida
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Venture south from Madrid to meet a master artisan in a Damascene workshop, gaining personal insight into this ancient craft. Continue to the fascinating city of Toledo, where you'll walk within the city walls and visit the Church of Santo Tomé, housing El Greco's famous painting, 'The Burial of the Count of Orgaz'. Your journey continues to Granada.

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Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: Granada - Seville

  • Granada
  • Seville
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  • Sevilla Aquarium
  • Generalife
  • Alhambra
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Begin 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. Embark on a scenic drive to Seville, where you'll visit the Seville Cathedral, the burial place of Christopher Columbus. Choose to embark on a walk through the old Jewish quarter or join a scenic drive around the city for panoramic views.

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Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: Seville

  • Seville
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  • Casa de Pilatos
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Enjoy a free day in Seville. You may choose to join an Optional Experience to the ancient city of Córdoba, where you will visit the magnificent Mezquita and the old Jewish Quarter. Alternatively, visit the Cristina Heeren Foundation, a private dance school dedicated to promoting the conservation of flamenco. Participate in a dance lesson and witness a flamenco performance.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: Seville - Évora - Lisbon

  • Lisbon
  • Seville
  • Évora
  • More
  • Chapel of Bones (Évora)
  • Cathedral of Évora
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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, before making your way to Lisbon.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: Lisbon

  • Lisbon
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  • Monumento Natural dos Lagosteiros
  • Praia do Castelo
  • Belém Tower
  • National Coach Museum
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During your stay in Lisbon, a guided orientation of the city takes you along the avenues of the Lower Town and beneath the hilltop Bairro Alto to the Terreiro do Paco, the finest square in the city. Visit the Belém Quarter and enjoy a taste of Pastéis de Belém from the patisserie that has been using the same, secret recipe for almost 200 years. View the Monument to the Discoveries and the more ancient Belém Tower. Visit the National Coach Museum, featuring one of the most prominent horse-drawn carriage collections in the world.

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Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: Lisbon - Fátima - Salamanca

  • Fátima
  • Salamanca
  • Lisbon
  • Batalha
  • More

Travel into the green hills north of Lisbon to visit 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, returning to Spain and continue to Salamanca, famous for its golden stone buildings and the handsome arcades of the Plaza Mayor. Across the River Tormes, see the Puente Romano with 15 of its 26 arches dating from the time of the ancient Romans.

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Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: Salamanca - Ávila - Madrid

  • Madrid
  • Salamanca
  • Ávila
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  • Museo de Ávila
  • Royal Palace of Madrid
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Cross the rock-strewn hills of the Castile, to arrive at Ávila. Admire the impressive city still entirely enclosed within its 11th-century walls, a unique occurrence in Europe. Return to Madrid to explore more of the capital with your Local Expert. At a local restaurant, join your Travel Director and newfound friends for a lively dinner.

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Day 9

Day 9 – Day 9: Madrid

  • Madrid
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  • Jardín del Parterre, Aranjuez
  • Naval Museum
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Enjoy sightseeing with your Local Expert as they take you along the main historical areas in the Capital of Spain known as Madrid of the Bourbons. Your drive continues through the Old Quarter discovering the origins of the city. A highlight of your escorted journey will be a visit to the Prado Museum. Discover countless works by Velázquez, Goya, Titian, Rubens and others as you are guided by a local art historian. The afternoon is free for you to relax at a cafe or shop in the boutiques.

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Day 10

Day 10 – Day 10: Madrid - Santiago de Compostela

  • Santiago de Compostela
  • Madrid
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  • Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
  • Castle of Coca
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Journey through the Guadarrama Mountains to the infinite horizons of Old Castile and continues past the impressive Castillo de la Mota, conquered by Queen Isabella. Travel on to Santiago de Compostela, where the tomb of the Apostle St. James was miraculously discovered in the Middle Ages.

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Day 11

Day 11 – Day 11: Santiago de Compostela

  • Santiago de Compostela
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  • Cervantes square
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Explore Santiago de Compostela with Insight Choice. Choose to join a city tour with a Local Expert and visit Praza do Obradoiro to admire the cathedral facade festooned with architectural frills. Alternatively, embark on a scenic walk on part of the Way of St James, through parks and gardens that transform with the seasons. Relax during your free time or explore the narrow streets and old squares of this city.

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Day 12

Day 12 – Day 12: Santiago de Compostela - Oviedo

  • Oviedo
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Pass through the ancient forests of Galicia and cross to the Green Coast of Asturias - one of Spain's most beautiful, named after the colour of the sea and the pine and eucalyptus trees that line the shore. Your route reveals glorious coastal vistas before turning inland to travel through old villages and deep valleys en route to Oviedo. Continue on to Oviedo where a Local Expert will show you the 9th century churches built when the city was the capital of Christian Spain. Visit the Cathedral of the Holy Saviour in the stately square of Plaza Alfonso II. Admire the incredible altarpiece, one of the finest in Europe.

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Day 13

Day 13 – Day 13: Oviedo - Santillana del Mar - Santander

  • Santander
  • Oviedo
  • Santillana del Mar
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  • Muralla de Santander
  • Parque Nacional de Los Picos de Europa
  • Sobrellano Palace
  • Casino of Llanes
  • Sanctuary of Covadonga
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Visit the Holy Cave of Covadonga, a shrine to Pelayo, who achieved the first Christian victory over the Moors in 722. See the unique Roman bridge in Cangas de Onís as you head into the foothills of the Picos de Europa, a national park boasting spectacular mountain and gorge scenery. Enjoy views of the Costa de Cantabria while travelling to Santillana del Mar, arguably the most beautiful village in Spain. Stroll through the rustic cobblestone streets, admiring stone houses decorated with carved, heraldic symbols and reach the delightful church square. Continue on to the sophisticated beach resort of Santander where you have free time in the evening to enjoy this luxurious hotel.

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Day 14

Day 14 – Day 14: Santander - Bilbao - San Sebastián

  • Bilbao
  • Santander
  • Donostia / San Sebastián
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  • San Telmo Ermita
  • Guggenheim Museum
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In nearby Bilbao, admire the striking modern architecture of the Guggenheim Museum, one of the world's most spectacular buildings. Enjoy the views as you are driven along part of the Costa Vasca, dotted with small coastal fishing villages and 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. Explore the secrets of the harbour area and uncover the forgotten Basque maritime cultural heritage.

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Day 15

Day 15 – Day 15: San Sebastián

  • Saint-Jean-de-Luz
  • Donostia / San Sebastián
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  • Loretopea
  • Maria Kristina zubia
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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?

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Day 16

Day 16 – Day 16: San Sebastián - Pamplona - Barcelona

  • Pamplona
  • Donostia / San Sebastián
  • Barcelona
  • More
  • Iglesia de San Lorenzo
  • Barceloneta Beach
  • 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.

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Day 17

Day 17 – Day 17: Barcelona

  • Barcelona
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  • Sagrada Família
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Wake up ready to embrace the city’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. Raise your glass and toast your travels during your delightful Celebration Dinner.

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Day 18

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.

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