Don’t miss a thing on this most exhilarating of Spain and Portugal trips, filled with the flavors of sangria and Port shared with locals, life-changing pilgrimages and the legacy of the Romans, Moors, Iberian royalty, and a ‘Spanish Pope’ who built a ‘City in the Sea’.
Locations Visited: Madrid, Toledo, Segovia, Zamora, Santiago de Compostela, Porto, Fátima, Lisbon, Seville, Granada, Guadix, Valencia, Peñíscola, Barcelona
Highlights
Must-see Highlights
- Explore Madrid, Toledo, Santiago de Compostela, Porto, Lisbon, Seville and Barcelona
- Discover Segovia, Zamora, Fátima and Valencia
- Visit The Church of Santo Tomé and the synagogue in Toledo, the cathedral and Praza do Obradoiro in Santiago de Compostela, the Stock Exchange Palace and a local Port wine cellar in Porto, Seville Cathedral, the Alhambra Palace in Granada
- View the Roman Aqueduct and Alcázar in Segovia, the cathedral in Zamora, the Shrine at Fátima, the Belém Tower and Hieronymite Monastery in Lisbon, the Giralda Bell Tower in Seville, the cave homes of Guadix, the Serrano and Quart Towers and the city of Arts and Sciences complex in Valencia and La Sagrada Família in Barcelona
- See the Monument to the Discoveries in Lisbon
How You'll Travel
- Deluxe coach travel
- Selected hotel dinners plus a locally hosted meal
- 4-star stays
What's Included
Travel Director
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
Hotels
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized
Meals
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Sightseeing
- Must-see sightseeing
Audio
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Transport
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Optionals
- Optional Experiences and free time
Itinerary
Hola Madrid
Kick-start your epic encounter with Spain and Portugal in Europe’s highest capital city, Madrid. Spend your day rambling along tree-lined boulevards and people-watching in the city's lively squares before joining your fellow travelers and Travel Director for a dinner and orientation drive past some of Madrid's most iconic sites.
Admire the Sights of Toledo and Madrid
Journey south for an excursion to the hilltop city of Toledo, where you'll join your Local Specialist for a walking tour. Visit the Church of Santo Tomé, home to El Greco's most famous painting, 'The Burial of the Count of Orgaz', and visit the former synagogue of Santa Maria la Blanca. This afternoon, join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour of the Spanish capital, which includes views of the Royal Palace, the former residence of the Spanish royal family and the Cibeles Fountain.
Journey to Segovia and Zamora
Venture to Segovia and see the Roman Aqueduct, by far the most impressive Roman structure in Spain - delivering drinking water across its impressive 160 arches to the people of Segovia in ancient times, view the Alcázar of Segovia. Travel to the city of Zamora in the Castile and Leon region. Your orientation walking tour includes views of the Plaza Mayor and the Church of Mary Magdalene. Later this evening, why not follow your nose to a cozy local spot and relax with some refreshingly fruity sangria to toast the day.
A Pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela
Travel to Santiago de Compostela, where you’ll join a Local Specialist, who will share insights into the 'Way of Saint James' and explain why thousands of people attempt the life-changing pilgrimage annually. Visit the vast Cathedral, reputed to be the final resting place of Saint James the Great, and the Praza do Obradoiro, a square dominated by four architectural styles.
Journey to Scenic Porto
Today we Dive into Culture and the centuries-old tradition of local Port production at a tasting in a Port cellar. Afterwards, embark on a sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist in Porto. Wander past Baroque churches and along the winding lanes that tumble down towards the Douro. See the remarkable bridges that span the river, the medieval Ribeira Quarter and its old quay/dock, before visiting the Stock Exchange Palace with its splendid Arabian Hall inspired by Granada's Alhambra. Spend the rest of the afternoon strolling through the historic center of Porto - just steps away from our riverside hotel.
Onwards to Fátima and Lisbon
Follow the road taken by pilgrims over the last 100 years to the Shrine at Fátima, site of a celebrated religious miracle. Arrive in colorful Lisbon later – our home for the next two nights.
Discover Lisbon's Treasures
Delve into Lisbon's centuries-old seafaring heritage today, paying tribute to the brave men who set off from these shores to discover a new world. You'll see the shimmering white Monument to the Discoveries, the iconic suspension bridge spanning the River Tagus, and Belém Tower when you join a Local Specialist on a sightseeing tour of Lisbon. Dive into Culture visiting the Belém Quarter. Enjoy a taste of Pastéis de Belém. Join an optional trip through the Golden Triangle, visiting Estoril, Cascais and one of Lisbon’s stunning royal palaces.
On to Seville
We travel east through Portugal’s picturesque rural landscapes of the Alentejo famous for the country’s cork and cross into Spain, journeying through the province of Huelva, renowned for its Jabugo ham, before arriving in Seville. This evening, explore the fine art of olive oil production at a Be My Guest experience and Connect With Locals over a memorable dinner at an olive oil farm.
Explore Spectacular Seville
The charisma of Seville is unmistakable. Join a Local Specialist for a walking tour through the city. View the symbolic Giralda Bell Tower, see the tiled fountains, pavilions and lush palms in the María Luisa Park and explore the architectural gems of Seville's 1929 Ibero-American Exposition. Later, stroll through the historic Jewish Quarter before visiting the largest Gothic Cathedral in the world.
Off to Granada
Multicultural Granada takes center stage today as you visit the magnificent Alhambra in the company of a Local Specialist. A fine example of Moorish architecture, the Alhambra complex was built during the 14th century towards the end of Islamic rule in Spain. Wander through the exotic water gardens of the Generalife, the royal Summer Palace, once linked to the other palaces by a covered walkway across the ravine, and admire the intricate design and detail around every turn.
Onwards to Valencia
Travel to Guadix in the northern foothills of the Sierra Nevada, where you’ll see the whitewashed troglodyte dwellings set into the ochre cliffs. Continue to Valencia, your home for the night, to view the Bullring, admire the facade of Estación del Norte and see the Serrano Towers. Embrace the city’s spirit of innovation with a stop at the striking City of Arts and Sciences, designed by Santiago Calatrava. Here, enjoy horchata during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. This evening, you could choose to join an Optional Experience to make paella with local chefs, then sit down to enjoy it in the city where it began.
See the Sights of Barcelona
Head north along the coast through the Levant region and stop at Peñíscola, the 'City in the Sea', to view the ancient castle of the 'Spanish Pope', built by the Knights Templar and used in the film, 'El Cid'. We continue along the Costa Dorada to Barcelona with its whimsical Gaudí architecture. Join a Local Specialist and see the exterior of the unfinished La Sagrada Família before paying tribute to Christopher Columbus at the monument that bears his name.
Barcelona Your Way
Today, you’ll soak up the charm of Barcelona. You could join a morning Optional Experience to Montserrat, where you’ll visit the mountaintop monastery and the shrine of the Black Madonna. Take the afternoon to stroll through the vibrant streets of El Born at your own pace and treat yourself to some delicious tapas. This evening, you’ll gather with your fellow travelers and Travel Director to enjoy a delightful dinner together.
Trip Notes:
International Air: Please note that airfares are not included. We will quote you the lowest possible airfare available on the day you book.
Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange flights to arrive on or before Day 1 of the itinerary.
Terms & Conditions:
Prices listed are per person, land only, and based on double occupancy. Single room supplements are available.
'Price with Current Deals' reflects current applicable 'Early Payment Discounts' or 'Last Minute Deals.' Early Payment Discounts (land only) savings vary by itinerary, are not valid on all vacations/departure dates and are subject to availability; not valid with all other promotional offers. Last Minute Deals are available on select departures only and only available to travellers departing from Canada; not combinable with Early Payment Discounts or any other promotional offers; full payment due at time of booking. All discounts are for new bookings only, subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Call or request a quote for complete details.
Trip prices and information are correct at the time of the trips going live online; however, they are subject to confirmation - please confirm all details at the time of quote and booking.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
