Spain's Classics & Portugal (Barcelona to Lisbon) (2024)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a vibrant 15-day journey through the cultural heartlands of Spain and Portugal. This multi-day tour offers a unique blend of history, architecture, and gastronomy, taking you through bustling cities, medieval towns, and picturesque landscapes. From the architectural wonders of Barcelona and Valencia to the Moorish heritage of Granada and Cordoba, from the lively capital of Madrid to the medieval charm of Toledo, and finally to the coastal allure of Lisbon and Obidos in Portugal, this tour promises an unforgettable experience. Enjoy local delicacies, learn about the rich history, and immerse yourself in the local culture. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or a culture enthusiast, this tour has something for everyone.
Included
13 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 5 dinners
Day 1 to 2: H10 Casanova
Day 3 to 4: SH Valencia Palace
Day 5: Catalonia Hotel
Day 6 to 7: Barcelo Renacimiento
Day 8 to 9: H10 Puerta de Alcala
Day 10: Vila Gale Collection
Day 11 to 13: Altis Grand Hotel
hotel: 13 night(s);
Included activities
Local guide
To complete your tour, we include roundtrip airport-to-hotel transfers when purchasing our airfare with your tour. If you have arranged for your own air, we are pleased to provide you the option of purchasing these transfers. Please note that all transfers will leave at pre-scheduled times.
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Departure
Day 1: Departure
Your colorful cultural adventure through Spain and Portugal begins today. Pack your bags and prepare for an unforgettable journey.
Day 2 – Day 2: Arrival in Barcelona
- Barcelona
- More
Welcome to Spain! Today, you'll arrive in the vibrant city of Barcelona. In the evening, meet your fellow travelers and enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 3 – Day 3: Exploring Barcelona
- Barcelona
- More
- Cross Montigalà
- Sagrada Família
- Parc de Sant Jordi
- Sabadell Art Museum
- Casa Batlló
- More
Start your day with a leisurely walk to some of Barcelona's main sights. After lunch, embark on a panoramic tour of the city, showcasing the Columbus Monument, Parc de Montjuic, and Antoni Gaudi's Batllo House and Casa Mila building. A local expert will accompany you on a visit to the awe-inspiring La Sagrada Familia, considered to be the most famous of Gaudi's work.
Day 4 – Day 4: Barcelona to Valencia via Peniscola
- Barcelona
- Peníscola / Peñíscola
- Valencia
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- Peniscola Castle
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Today, bid farewell to Barcelona and head towards Valencia. En route, stop at the beautiful town of Peniscola, known as the 'City in the Sea'. Explore the fortified town and its Knights Templar Castle dating back to the 13th century. End your day in Valencia, a treasure trove of Roman and Arabic architecture, surrounded by citrus groves.
Day 5 – Day 5: Discovering Valencia
- Valencia
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- City of Arts and Sciences
- Quart Towers
- Almudín de Játiva
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Embark on a panoramic tour of Valencia, visiting the City of Arts and Sciences. Explore the city's old town on foot and view the ornate Serranos Towers. Enjoy some free time to explore before heading to Albufera, the birthplace of paella. Enjoy a short boat ride on the canals surrounding the rice field plantations, visit a traditional fisherman's home, and enjoy a paella-making demonstration followed by a delicious paella lunch.
Day 6 – Day 6: Valencia to Granada
- Valencia
- Granada
- More
Today, make your way to Granada, the last great capital of the Moors in Spain before it fell to the Catholic monarchs in 1492. Spend the evening at leisure, perhaps exploring the local cuisine at a nearby restaurant.
Day 7 – Day 7: Granada to Seville via Alhambra
- Granada
- Seville
- More
- Alhambra
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Join a local expert for a tour of the world-famous Alhambra, a mesmerizing example of Islamic architecture. Afterward, make your way to Seville, considered Spain's 'cultural capital'.
Day 8 – Day 8: Exploring Seville
- Seville
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- Sevilla Aquarium
- Alameda de Hércules
- Plaza de España
- Casa de Pilatos
- Parque del Tamarguillo
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Choose how you want to explore Seville today. You can either walk through the Santa Cruz Quarter and continue to the Plaza de España or enjoy a boat ride on the Guadalquivir River. Later, visit the Seville Cathedral, the largest gothic church in the world, and see Columbus' tomb and the Giralda Bell Tower. End the afternoon with a light tapas lunch, overlooking the cathedral. In the evening, enjoy an authentic flamenco show, one of Seville's most famous traditions.
Day 9 – Day 9: Seville to Madrid via Cordoba
- Seville
- Córdoba
- Madrid
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- Plaza del Potro
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Travel to the extraordinary Moorish city of Cordoba. Upon arrival, embark on a walking tour of La Mezquita, an 8th-century mosque that was converted into the city's cathedral in the 16th century. Continue your exploration of Cordoba in the city's well-preserved and historical Jewish Quarter. Then, board the AVE high-speed train to Spain's capital city, Madrid. Arrive in the late afternoon and enjoy some free time to rest or venture out and explore on your own.
Day 10 – Day 10: Discovering Madrid
- Madrid
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- Puerta de Alcalá
- Naval Museum
- Main Square
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During a locally guided panoramic tour of Madrid's historic center, see iconic sites such as the Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor. Join a local expert to explore the priceless masterpieces of the Prado Museum, which boasts some of the world's finest collections of art by masters such as Velazquez and Goya. Your afternoon will be free to explore this fascinating city further.
Day 11 – Day 11: Madrid to Elvas via Toledo
- Madrid
- Toledo
- Elvas
- More
- Toledo City Hall
- Museum of Santa Cruz
- More
Travel to Toledo, the capital of medieval Spain until 1560. Embark on a comprehensive tour, highlighting the magnificent Gothic cathedral. Then, visit the Church of Santo Tome and view El Greco's masterpiece painting, The Burial of Count Orgaz. Bid Spain adios and cross the border into Portugal, arriving in the off-the-beaten-path town of Elvas, a garrison town recognized as a World Heritage site.
Day 12 – Day 12: Elvas to Lisbon
- Elvas
- Lisbon
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- Monumento Natural dos Lagosteiros
- Trafaria beach
- Jerónimos Monastery
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After enjoying a relaxing morning in Elvas, make your way to Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. Spend your day uncovering legends of the country's past, including the Jeronimo's Monastery, the Monument to the Discoveries, and the Tower of Belém. Enjoy time in the evening to settle into your new home for the next 3 nights.
Day 13 – Day 13: Free Day in Lisbon
- Lisbon
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The day is yours! Discover the capital city on your own. Consider tasting the city's mouthwatering cuisine or taking the historic tram to the vibrant Alfama district. Perhaps you will go on an optional excursion to the Portuguese Riviera, visiting the picturesque towns of Cascais and Sintra.
Day 14 – Day 14: Lisbon to Obidos
- Lisbon
- Óbidos
- More
Today, visit one of Portugal's most famed towns – Obidos! With its labyrinth of cobblestoned streets and whitewashed houses, this medieval town beckons you to linger and enjoy its charm. You may choose to try one of the local delicacies – sour cherry liquor served in chocolate cups – or simply enjoy the narrow streets and picture-perfect alleyways. Gather this evening for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of an unforgettable trip to Spain and Portugal.
Day 15 – Day 15: Departure
- Óbidos - Departure day
- More
Return home with memories of two warm cultures and of a beautiful land. Your colorful cultural adventure through Spain and Portugal comes to an end today.
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