Grand Spain & Portugal (Madrid, Summer, Small Groups)

18 days
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
97%
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Group Tour
This 18-day guided tour adds a personal touch as you travel from Portugal to Spain. In Lisbon, traverse the avenues of the Lower Town and learn about the city's finest square with a knowledgeable Local Expert. At Madrid's Prado Museum, an art historian will guide you through rooms of Spain's most impressive Renaissance art. Sample Spain’s most delicious wines...
19%
$7,505
From$6,102
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Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Madrid: See the highlights of the city with your Local Expert. Visit the Old Town, traveling 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.
    • Seville: Stroll through Barrio de Santa Cruz with your Local Expert to hear how the Jewish community has shaped the history of Seville.
    • Seville: Explore Seville's top sights on a panoramic city tour with your Local Expert.
    • 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.
    • 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 buildings and handsome arcades of Plaza Mayor for which this city is famous for.
    • Avila: Explore within the ancient walls of this unique town.

What's this trip about?

    This 18-day guided tour adds a personal touch as you travel from Portugal to Spain. In Lisbon, traverse the avenues of the Lower Town and learn about the city's finest square with a knowledgeable Local Expert. At Madrid's Prado Museum, an art historian will guide you through rooms of Spain's most impressive Renaissance art. Sample Spain’s most delicious wines and learn about the Verdejo grape at an exclusive wine tasting in in Rueda. Then in Barcelona, walk through the ancient Roman Gate with a Local Expert before stopping to visit the city's most breathtaking basilica, Sagrada Família. Later, join a Gijon local for an intimate and freshly prepared lunch made from locally-sourced produce.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeGroup - max of 40 people
Age range6 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityMadrid
End CityMadrid

Travel Themes

  • Cultural

Destinations

  • Europe
  • Spain
  • Portugal

Activities

  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: Welcome to Madrid

While in Madrid, explore the elegant boulevards, expansive parks and varied architectural styles. Join your Travel Director for your Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant and enjoy the opportunity to get to know your fellow travelers over a delightful evening of good food and wine.

Barceló Emperatriz, Madrid.

Morning Tea, Dinner with Wine

Day 2: Toledo and on to Granada

Venture south to meet a master artisan in a Damascene workshop for a personal insight into this ancient craft handed down by the Moors centuries ago. Continue to the fascinating city of Toledo, situated high above the River Tagus. This was Spain's capital during the g...

Day 3: The Alhambra Palace

'Give him alms, woman, as there is nothing in life as the sadness of being blind in Granada', cries the inscription on the walls of the Alhambra. Bathed in morning light, the Alhambra Palace awaits - a fantasy of arabesque gardens, fountains and stone cut like lace. E...

Day 4: Free Time in Seville and Flamenco Relaxed Start

This is a free day, so take your time to bask in the city’s romantic aura and explore as you wish. Our suggestion is to join an Optional Experience to the ancient city of Córdoba, where you will visit the magnificent Mezquita, see the old Jewish Quarter, and enjoy som...

Day 5: Évora and onto Lisbon Relaxed Start

Continue to the lively university town of Évora, one of the best preserved medieval towns in Portugal, with architectural styles dating back to Roman Times. Visit the fascinating Capela dos Ossos, a chapel decorated with 5000 bones, before making your way to Lisbon.

Turim Saldanha Hotel, Lisbon.

Breakfast

Day 6: Lisbon Relaxed Start

During your stay, a guided orientation of the city with your Local Expert 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 ...

Day 7: Holy Fátima and Salamanca

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...

Day 8: Ávila and Madrid

Cross the rock-strewn hills of the Castile, to arrive at Ávila. Walk within the ancient city that is still entirely enclosed within 11th century walls, a unique occurrence in Europe. Return to Madrid to explore more of the capital with your Local Expert. At a local re...

Day 9: Madrid of the Bourbons

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 wi...

Day 10: Through Rueda to Santiago

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.

NH Collection Santiago de Compostela.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 11: Santiago de Compostela Relaxed Start

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, t...

Day 12: The Costa Verde to Oviedo Relaxed Start

Pass through the ancient forests of Galicia and cross to the Green Coast of Asturias - one of Spain's most beautiful, named after the color of the sea and the pine and eucalyptus trees that line the shore. On a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, meet Flor who will invite...

Day 13: Picturesque Santillana del Mar and on to Santander

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...

Day 14: Bilbao and San Sebastián Relaxed Start

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...

Day 15: The Cantabrian Coast Relaxed Start

Enjoy a day at leisure to stroll along San Sebastián's boardwalk and with the city harbor 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...

Day 16: Pamplona and on to Barcelona

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, immortalized by Ernest Hemingway in his novel 'The Sun Also Rises.' Your tra...

Day 17: Barcelona, City of Gaudí

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 Gaud...

Day 18: Depart Madrid

Today, bid farewell to your journey along Spain and Portugal as you transfer to the airport.

Breakfast

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Dates & Availability

Price From $6,102
Price per day$339
Last Updated: 4/17/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Double
Single
Availability
11 May 2024
28 May 2024
$6,664
$8,931
available
25 May 2024
11 Jun 2024
$6,526
$8,669
closed
22 Jun 2024
09 Jul 2024
$7,619
$9,931
onRequest
20 Jul 2024
06 Aug 2024
$6,102
$8,429
onRequest
03 Aug 2024
20 Aug 2024
$6,102
$8,429
available
17 Aug 2024
03 Sep 2024
$7,791
$10,569
closed
31 Aug 2024
17 Sep 2024
$6,929
$9,631
available
14 Sep 2024
01 Oct 2024
$7,619
$9,894
closed
28 Sep 2024
15 Oct 2024
$6,641
$9,106
onRequest
12 Oct 2024
29 Oct 2024
$6,584
$8,981
closed

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Insight Vacations.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Insight Vacations Reviews & Ratings

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Tour Operator

Insight Vacations

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As the global leader in premium tours, Insight Vacations delivers all the sights and insights of destinations up close and personal. Each tour is crafted in true comfort and style with premium 5 and 4 star hotels, small groups and customized coaches with extra leg room. The brand’s category leading dining options including the unique dine-around and dine-at-home experiences means that guests enjoy a culinary journey through the places they visit. An extensive Vegetarian option across all tour series further compliments the elevated dining offering. With a Make Travel Matter Experience®, that creates a positive impact for both the visitor and visited, plus also supports the United Nations sustainable Development Goals, included on each and every trip, Insight Vacations leads the way in immersive responsible travel.

Insight Vacations is part of the family-owned and run The Travel Corporation (TTC), driven by service for over one hundred years.

Why we love this operator
They really care about everyone's individual needs on each tour and they have an incredible attention to detail.
What they’re known for
Premium worldwide tours for curious travelers who want to get closer to the destination in comfort and style.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Barceló Emperatriz, Madrid. Vincci Albayzín, Granada. Meliá Sevilla, Seville. Turim Saldanha Hotel, Lisbon. Hotel Alameda Palace, Salamanca. NH Collection Santiago de Compostela. Barceló Oviedo Cervantes. Eurostars Hotel Real, Santander. Barceló Costa Vasca, San Sebastián. Hilton Barcelona.,
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
  • 17 Breakfast (B)
  • 1 Morning Tea (MT)
  • 5 Dinner with Wine (DW)
  • 1 Lunch with Wine (LW)
Age Requirements
6 years and up
Additional Information
Trip ID
insightvacations-SE930ZN119

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