Grand Spain & Portugal (Small Groups, End Madrid, 18 Days)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable 18-day journey through the heart of Spain and Portugal, where history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes await. This multi-day tour offers a perfect blend of guided exploration and leisure, allowing you to immerse yourself in the vibrant cities and charming towns that define the Iberian Peninsula. From the bustling streets of Madrid to the artistic allure of Barcelona, each day presents a new adventure. Discover the architectural wonders of Granada, the spiritual ambiance of Santiago de Compostela, and the coastal beauty of San Sebastián. With expert guides and carefully curated experiences, this tour promises an enriching and memorable exploration of these captivating countries. Enjoy comfortable accommodations, delightful local cuisine, and the camaraderie of fellow travelers as you traverse this diverse and enchanting region.
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.
17 nights in twin-share rooms at hand-picked hotels
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 farm to table 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.
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.
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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- El Retiro Park
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Begin your adventure in the vibrant city of Madrid, where you'll explore its elegant boulevards and expansive parks. As the sun sets, join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a delightful dinner at a local restaurant, setting the stage for the exciting journey ahead.
Day 2 – Day 2: Toledo and Granada
- Toledo
- Granada
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- Museum of Santa Cruz
- Palacio de Fuensalida
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Travel south to Toledo, a city perched high above the River Tagus. Here, delve into the rich tapestry of cultures that thrived during Spain's golden era. Visit a Damascene workshop and the Church of Santo Tomé, home to El Greco's masterpiece. Later, journey to the enchanting city of Granada.
Day 3 – Day 3: Granada to Seville
- Granada
- Seville
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- Sevilla Aquarium
- Generalife
- Alhambra
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In the morning, explore the Alhambra Palace and the lush Generalife Gardens, a testament to Granada's Moorish heritage. Later, travel to Seville, where you'll visit the magnificent Seville Cathedral. Choose between a walk through the old Jewish quarter or a scenic drive around the city.
Day 4 – Day 4: Seville and Córdoba
- Seville
- Córdoba
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- Casa de Pilatos
- Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba
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Enjoy a free day in Seville or opt for an excursion to Córdoba. Visit the stunning Mezquita and explore the old Jewish Quarter. Back in Seville, experience the passion of flamenco at the Cristina Heeren Foundation, where you'll participate in a dance lesson and enjoy a performance.
Day 5 – Day 5: Évora to Lisbon
- Lisbon
- Évora
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- Chapel of Bones (Évora)
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Travel to Évora, a charming medieval town in Portugal. Visit the intriguing Capela dos Ossos, adorned with thousands of bones. Continue to Lisbon, where you'll settle into your accommodation and prepare for the next day's exploration.
Day 6 – Day 6: Lisbon
- Lisbon
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- Belém Tower
- National Coach Museum
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Discover Lisbon's charm with a guided tour, visiting the Belém Quarter and sampling the famous Pastéis de Belém. Explore the National Coach Museum, home to an impressive collection of horse-drawn carriages. Spend the afternoon at your leisure, perhaps exploring the Portuguese Riviera.
Day 7 – Day 7: Fátima to Salamanca
- Fátima
- Salamanca
- Batalha
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- Chapel of the Apparitions
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Visit Fátima, a revered pilgrimage site, and explore the Chapel of Apparitions. Cross back into Spain and arrive in Salamanca, known for its golden stone buildings and the stunning Plaza Mayor. Enjoy the evening in this historic city.
Day 8 – Day 8: Ávila to Madrid
- Madrid
- Ávila
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- San Vicente de Ávila
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Travel to Ávila, a city encircled by well-preserved 11th-century walls. Marvel at this unique sight before returning to Madrid. Spend the evening enjoying a lively dinner with your travel companions at a local restaurant.
Day 9 – Day 9: Madrid
- Madrid
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- Naval Museum
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Explore Madrid's historical areas with a Local Expert, including a visit to the renowned Prado Museum. Discover masterpieces by artists like Velázquez and Goya. The afternoon is yours to relax or shop in the city's boutiques.
Day 10 – Day 10: Madrid to Santiago de Compostela
- Santiago de Compostela
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- Castle of Coca
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Journey through the Guadarrama Mountains and past the Castillo de la Mota. Arrive in Santiago de Compostela, a city steeped in history, where the tomb of St. James was discovered. Immerse yourself in the city's spiritual ambiance.
Day 11 – Day 11: Santiago de Compostela
- Santiago de Compostela
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- Cervantes square
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Choose between a guided city tour or a scenic walk along the Way of St. James. Visit Praza do Obradoiro and admire the cathedral's intricate facade. Enjoy free time to explore the city's narrow streets and historic squares.
Day 12 – Day 12: Santiago de Compostela to Oviedo
- Oviedo
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- Casa de los Hevia
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Travel through Galicia's ancient forests to Asturias' Green Coast. Enjoy a farm-to-table lunch and cider tasting. Arrive in Oviedo, where you'll visit the Cathedral of the Holy Saviour and admire its stunning altarpiece.
Day 13 – Day 13: Oviedo to Santander
- Santander
- Santillana del Mar
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- Roman bridge in Cangas de Onis
- Sanctuary of Covadonga
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Visit the Holy Cave of Covadonga and see the Roman Bridge in Cangas de Onís. Travel through the Picos de Europa to Santillana del Mar, a picturesque village. Continue to Santander, where you'll enjoy free time in the evening.
Day 14 – Day 14: Santander to San Sebastián
- Bilbao
- Donostia / San Sebastián
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- Loretopea
- Guggenheim Museum
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Visit Bilbao and admire the Guggenheim Museum's modern architecture. Travel along the Costa Vasca, stopping in Getaria to see 'El Ratón'. Arrive in San Sebastián and explore its beautiful harbor and Basque maritime heritage.
Day 15 – Day 15: San Sebastián
- Saint-Jean-de-Luz
- Donostia / San Sebastián
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- Urgull mendiko bista
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Enjoy a leisurely day in San Sebastián. Stroll along the boardwalk, explore La Concha Bay, or visit the nearby French village of Saint-Jean-de-Luz. The day is yours to relax and soak in the city's charm.
Day 16 – Day 16: San Sebastián to Barcelona
- Pamplona
- Barcelona
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- Iglesia de San Lorenzo
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Travel to Pamplona, famous for its Running of the Bulls festival. Explore Estafeta Street or visit the iconic Café Iruña. Continue to Barcelona, the vibrant capital of Catalonia, known for its unique culture and traditions.
Day 17 – Day 17: Barcelona
- Barcelona
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- Pasaje San Juan
- Sagrada Família
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Discover Barcelona's artistic heritage with a Local Expert. Drive along Passeig de Gràcia and visit Gaudí's extraordinary Sagrada Família. Spend the afternoon at leisure before enjoying a Celebration Dinner with your travel companions.
Day 18 – Day 18: Barcelona to Madrid
- Barcelona
- Madrid - Departure day
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Conclude your unforgettable journey across Spain and Portugal as you travel from Barcelona back to Madrid. Reflect on the incredible experiences and memories made during this remarkable tour.
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