Highlights of Spain and Portugal (Summer, 13 Days)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a captivating 13-day journey through the vibrant landscapes of Spain and Portugal. This multi-day tour offers a unique blend of rich history, diverse culture, and stunning architecture. From the fiery capital of Madrid to the seafaring city of Lisbon, each day presents a new adventure. Marvel at the hanging houses of Cuenca, explore the innovative city of Valencia, and witness the troglodyte cave dwellings in Guadix. Experience the Moorish influence in Granada and Seville, and immerse yourself in the aromatic flavours of Jerez. Visit the golden landscapes of Alentejo, the historic city of Salamanca, and the walled city of Ávila. This tour is a perfect blend of guided activities and free time to explore on your own, ensuring a memorable holiday.
Included
5 Dinner (D)
12 Breakfast (B)
1 Lunch (L)
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
NH Collection Eurobuilding, VOCO Madrid
Silken Puerta
Catalonia
Meliá Lebreros
M'ar de Ar Muralhas
Olissippo Marquês de Sá
Gran Corona Sol
Hotel Madrid Centre Retiro, VOCO Madrid
Hotel Madrid Centre Retiro
Panoias-Ourique: Saddle up for a superb stud farm visit, the tragic story of unrequited love and a traditional home-cooked Be My Guest lunch with Tiago and Vera in Portugal's beautiful Alentejo.
Jerez de la Frontera: Sample the famous sherry tradition in the southern Spanish city of Jerez, which has been making wine since ancient times.
Lisbon: Visit the Hieronymite Monastery, a former monastery of the Order of Saint Jerome and exquisite example of Manueline architecture.
Toledo: The invincible swords of Toledo have defended cities for centuries. Visit an inlaid steel factory in Toledo to see local craftsmen forging the highest quality steel.
Madrid: Drive through central Madrid and see some of the city's famous features during an orientation with your Travel Director.
Valencia: See the ultra-modern Centre of Arts and Sciences and the historic bullring of Valencia during an orientation drive with your Travel Director.
Guadix: See the cave homes that embellish the hills around Guadix.
Granada: Visit the famous Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens. Explore with a Local Specialist keen to share insights into this Moorish landmark.
Córdoba: Explore the incredible Mezquita with your Local Specialist. Admire the forest of horseshoe arches and learn how this building symbolises many of Córdoba's religious changes over the centuries.
Seville: Guided by your Local Specialist, see the Giralda Tower, former minaret of the Great Mosque and now the cathedral's belltower. Explore the narrow streets of the Santa Cruz Quarter and emerge by the great walls of the Alcazar.
Cádiz: See the cathedral, Teatro Romano, the monumental Puerta de Tierra and enjoy a walk along Paseo Maritimo.
Évora: Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site with your Local Specialist and see the famous Roman Temple. Witness the fascinating cathedral and its mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture.
Lisbon: Explore with your Local Specialist, 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 or see the basilica.
Salamanca: See the Salamanca's golden Plaza Mayor, voted one of the most beautiful central plazas in Spain.
Toledo: Explore this magnificent ancient city with your Local Specialist and visit the Church of Santo Tomé to see an El Greco masterpiece.
Avila: View the impressive city walls that define Ávila's Old Town.
Madrid: See the highlights of the city with your Local Specialist. Visit the Old Town, travelling along the elegant Paseo de la Castellana, past the Cibeles fountain, Cervantes Monument and Royal Palace.
Valencia: Taste authentic Valencian street food from a local Horchata vendor. This rich and flavourful nut-based drink loved by many is produced here using only locally sourced and natural ingredients, and respecting traditional methods of production. This experience advances UN Global Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. Alongside the local and organic production, they have been bringing the vibrant tradition of Horchata back to its glory days, giving employment opportunities to people at risk of social exclusion. They have also built over 10 street carts from recycling materials, all working on solar energy and ice.
: Explore Córdoba, Seville, Évora, Lisbon, Toledo and Madrid with a Local Specialist
: Discover Valencia, Cádiz and Salamanca
: Visit the Alhambra Palace in Granada, the Cathedral Mosque in Córdoba, Seville Cathedral, the Cathedral of Évora, the Hieronymite Monastery in Lisbon, Plaza Mayor in Salamanca and the Church of Santo Tomé and the Synagogue in Toledo
: View the Hanging Houses of Cuenca, the Towers of Serrano and Quart and the City of Arts and Sciences complex in Valencia, the Shrine at Fátima and the Cave Houses of Guadix
: An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
: Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
: All porterage and restaurant gratuities
: All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
: Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
: Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
: Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
: Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
: Optional Experiences and free time
: On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
All porterage and restaurant gratuities
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Optional Experiences and free time
On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Madrid
- Madrid - Arrival day
- More
Begin your journey in the vibrant Spanish capital, Madrid. Immerse yourself in the city's lively atmosphere before joining your fellow travellers and Travel Director for a welcome dinner and city orientation.
Day 2 – Day 2: Madrid - Cuenca - Valencia
- Madrid
- Cuenca
- Valencia
- More
- City of Arts and Sciences
- More
Travel to the city of Cuenca, known for its dramatic hanging houses. Continue to Valencia, a city renowned for its innovative spirit. Enjoy an orientation drive featuring the 14th-century Towers of Serrano and Quart, and the City of Arts and Sciences. Savor the celebrated drink of Valencia, organic horchata.
Day 3 – Day 3: Valencia - Guadix - Granada
- Valencia
- Guadix
- Granada
- More
Travel through the Sierra Nevada to Guadix, where you'll witness the unique cave dwellings. Continue to Granada, the last stronghold of the Moors in Europe. In the evening, sample the hearty flavors of Andalusia during a special regional dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 4 – Day 4: Granada - Córdoba - Seville
- Granada
- Seville
- Córdoba
- More
- Alhambra
- Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba
- More
Visit the incredible Alhambra in Granada, a reflection of paradise as described in Islamic verse. Leave Granada for Córdoba, where you'll visit the mesmerizing Mosque of the Caliphs. End the day in the alluring city of Seville, your home for the next three nights.
Day 5 – Day 5: Seville
- Seville
- Jerez
- Cádiz
- More
- Sevilla Aquarium
- Puerta de la Macarena (Seville)
- Casa de Pilatos
- More
Explore the charismatic city of Seville. Visit the symbolic Giralda Bell Tower, the Maria Luisa Park, and the imposing Plaza de España. Also, visit the world's largest Gothic Cathedral, where Christopher Columbus is entombed. In the evening, consider an optional flamenco performance.
Day 6 – Day 6: Seville - Jerez - Cádiz
- Seville
- Jerez
- Cádiz
- More
Indulge in the aromatic flavors of Jerez as you dive into the centuries-old tradition of Spanish sherry production. Continue to the romantic city of Cádiz, where you'll follow in the footsteps of Columbus and admire the exotic plants and trees brought back from his voyages.
Day 7 – Day 7: Seville - Alentejo - Évora
- Seville
- Arraiolos
- Évora
- More
Head to the golden landscapes of Alentejo, where you'll enjoy a special lunch on a traditional stud ranch. Continue to Évora for a guided sightseeing tour. Visit the city's cathedral, Roman temple, and Chapel of Bones. Enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Day 8 – Day 8: Évora - Lisbon
- Lisbon
- Évora
- More
- Jerónimos Monastery
- More
Arrive in the Portuguese capital of Lisbon in the afternoon. Join a local specialist for a sightseeing tour, including a visit to the UNESCO-listed Hieronymite Monastery, a testament to 16th-century Manueline architecture and art.
Day 9 – Day 9: Lisbon
- Lisbon
- More
- Castelo de S Jorge
- More
Enjoy a free day in Lisbon. Relax at a sidewalk café, visit the Castle of São Jorge, or explore the city's colorful neighborhoods. You may choose to join an optional experience to the historic towns of Cascais and Sintra.
Day 10 – Day 10: Lisbon - Fátima - Salamanca
- Lisbon
- Fátima
- Salamanca
- Batalha
- More
Follow the road taken by pilgrims to the Shrine at Fátima, a site of celebrated religious miracles. Leave Portugal and travel to the historic Spanish city of Salamanca, where you'll visit its 18th-century Plaza Mayor.
Day 11 – Day 11: Salamanca - Ávila - Toledo - Madrid
- Salamanca
- Toledo
- Madrid
- Ávila
- More
- Museum of Santa Cruz
- More
Visit the walled city of Ávila, the city of Saint Teresa. Continue to the clifftop city of Toledo for a guided walk, visiting the Church of Santo Tomé and the former Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca. Witness local craftsmen creating inlaid steel the traditional way before arriving in Madrid for the night.
Day 12 – Day 12: Madrid
- Madrid
- More
- plaza de España
- Complutum Roman city
- Naval Museum
- Royal Palace of Madrid
- More
Join a local specialist for a sightseeing tour of Madrid, featuring the Royal Palace, Cibeles Fountain, and Plaza de Oriente. Spend the afternoon exploring the city, perhaps visiting the Prado Museum. In the evening, join your fellow companions and Travel Director for a farewell dinner.
Day 13 – Day 13: Madrid
- Madrid - Departure day
- More
It's time to say goodbye to your fellow travellers, your Travel Director, and the beautiful countries of Spain and Portugal. Your memorable holiday comes to an end.
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