Best of Spain & Portugal - End Barcelona, Small Group, Summer
Best of Spain & Portugal - End Barcelona, Small Group, Summer
$6195
Best of Spain & Portugal - End Barcelona, Small Group, Summer
15 Days Starting in Madrid, Spain and ending in Barcelona, Spain
Visiting: Madrid, Salamanca, Porto, Lisbon, Seville, Gibraltar, Costa del Sol, Granada, Valencia, Barcelona
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SE932ZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Spain and Portugal with the "Best of Spain & Portugal - End Barcelona, Small Group, Summer" tour. This cultural adventure begins in Madrid, where you'll explore historic neighborhoods and the renowned Prado Museum. Travel through the medieval streets of Segovia and Salamanca, and cross into Portugal to experience Porto's iconic wine cellars. Discover the pilgrimage site of Fátima and the charming town of Óbidos before reaching Lisbon, where you'll taste the famous Pastéis de Belém. In Seville, choose between a stroll through the Jewish quarter or a panoramic city tour. Visit Gibraltar's Rock and the Costa del Sol's picturesque villages. Delight in authentic dining experiences, including a paella cooking demonstration in Valencia. Conclude your journey in Barcelona, marveling at Gaudí's Sagrada Família. Travel in style with luxurious accommodations and a comfortable coach, ensuring a memorable and enriching experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Madrid
Location: Madrid
Accommodation Name: Barceló Torre de Madrid, Barceló Emperatriz, Madrid
Meals Included: Dinner
Join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for dinner in a local restaurant and enjoy an evening of delicious food and wine.
Day 2: Madrid Of The Bourbons
Location: Madrid
Accommodation Name: Barceló Torre de Madrid, Barceló Emperatriz, Madrid
Meals Included: Breakfast
Guided by your Local Expert, visit the Spanish capital’s most historic neighborhoods. Your drive continues through the Old Quarter, discovering the origins of the city. Enjoy a special visit to the renowned Prado Museum with an art historian who will guide you through the collective works of Velázquez, Goya, Titian, Rubens and more.
Day 3: Segovia And Golden Salamanca
Location: Salamanca
Accommodation: Hotel Alameda Palace, Salamanca.
Accommodation Name: Alameda Palace, Salamanca
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel to the fortified city of Segovia. Walk through the medieval streets with a Local Expert and see the magnificent Alcazar fortress, before continuing onto the historic aqueduct. Journey west, overlooking the ancient walls of Ávila, en route to Salamanca. During your guided sightseeing tour, admire the golden stone buildings the city is famous for, including the arcaded Plaza Mayor, the honey-colored cathedral and the 16th century university buildings.
Day 4: Porto, Grande Dame On The Douro
Location: Porto
Accommodation: NH Collection Porto Batalha., Infante Sagres, Porto.
Accommodation Name: NH Collection Porto Batalha
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cross the Portuguese border to reach Porto. Situated on the River Douro, the city is celebrated internationally as the capital of Port wine. Visit the Vila Nova de Gaia wine stores and walk along corridors of casks. Get to know your tawnys and vintages during a tasting. Continue your exploration of the city, admiring the multi-colored houses, churches adorned with glazed tiles and iconic bridges.
Day 5: Holy Fátima, Ancient Óbidos And Lisbon Relaxed Start
Location: Lisbon
Accommodation: Dom Pedro Lisboa, Lisbon., Corinthia Hotel, Lisbon.
Accommodation Name: Turim Marques, Lisbon , Corinthia, Lisbon
Meals Included: Breakfast
Continue to Fátima, Portugal’s most renowned place of pilgrimage. Journey to the fortified town of Óbidos and walk within its walls, exploring the narrow, medieval streets where houses are covered with flowers. Your travels continue to the Portuguese capital, Lisbon.
Day 6: Lisbon And The Age Of The Great Discoveries
Location: Lisbon
Accommodation: Dom Pedro Lisboa, Lisbon., Corinthia Hotel, Lisbon.
Accommodation Name: Turim Marques, Lisbon , Corinthia, Lisbon
Meals Included: Breakfast
Sightseeing with a Local Expert takes you along the spacious 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, from where sailing ships once set forth to discover faraway lands. Enjoy a taste of the famous Pastéis de Belém from a traditional patisserie that has managed to hold on to the secret recipe of Portugal's finest pastry for almost 200 years. View the modern Monument to the Discoveries and the historic Belém Tower. This fortress was originally set in the middle of the river, but is now left high and dry on the riverbank. Visit the National Coach Museum, featuring one of the most prominent horse-drawn carriage collections in the world. With the afternoon at your leisure, perhaps join an Optional Experience to the Portuguese Riviera, frequented by surfers, royalty and, on occasion, James Bond.
Day 7: Seville, The City Of Carmen
Location: Seville
Accommodation: NH Collection Sevilla, Seville.
Accommodation Name: NH Collection Sevilla, Seville
Meals Included: Breakfast
Leave Lisbon via the modern Tagus Bridge and cross the border to reach Seville. Visit the Seville Cathedral, the burial place of Christopher Columbus.Explore Seville with Insight Choice. Choose to embark on a walk through the old Jewish quarter. Alternatively, join a scenic drive around the city and enjoy panoramic views.
Day 8: Free Time And Flamenco In Seville Relaxed Start
Location: Seville
Accommodation: NH Collection Sevilla, Seville.
Accommodation Name: NH Collection Sevilla, Seville
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a relaxed start and a morning to unwind, shop or continue exploring this fascinating city at your own pace. 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 some free time to shop or explore as you wish. Later this afternoon, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you visit the Cristina Heeren Foundation, a flamenco dance school and beneficiary of a TreadRight Foundation grant. Their mission is to promote the teaching and conservation of flamenco. Feel the passion behind the choreography as you put your rhythm to the test during a dance lesson.
Day 9: Head For Gibraltar, Mijas And The Costa Del Sol
Location: Gibraltar
Accommodation: Meliá Costa del Sol, Torremolinos.
Accommodation Name: Meliá Costa del Sol, Torremolinos
Meals Included: Breakfast
Head south to Gibraltar, part of mainland Spain yet an overseas territory under British control since 1704. With your Local Expert, visit the Rock of Gibraltar and St. Michael’s Cave. Relax as you travel the scenic route along the Costa del Sol through high end resorts where the rich and famous holiday. Your journey continues through the green hills to the white-washed village of Mijas. Stroll through the old streets and gardens, taking in the views of the coast.
Day 10: At Leisure On The Costa Del Sol Relaxed Start
Location: Costa del Sol
Accommodation: Meliá Costa del Sol, Torremolinos.
Accommodation Name: Meliá Costa del Sol, Torremolinos
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy the day at leisure on the sun-drenched Costa del Sol. Relax by the blue Mediterranean waters, stroll along the promenade, savor the specialties in the local restaurants or consider exploring Málaga, the birth city of Picasso.
Day 11: Dining With Locals And The Alhambra Relaxed Start
Location: Granada
Accommodation: Vincci Albayzín, Granada.
Accommodation Name: Vincci Albayzín, Granada
Meals Included: Breakfast
Continue to Alfarnatejo, a quiet whitewashed village, with a population of less than 500 people, surrounded by stunning mountainous landscape. Walk the town center to see the 18th century Iglesia del Santo Cristo de Cabrilla. Travel to the oldest olive grove in the region and stop at the rural mill-factory to taste a selection of different oils, paired with locally made farmer bread. In small groups, you are invited into the home of a local family to join them for a delicious lunch made of fresh, local produce with flavors typical of the region. Continue to Granada to visit the magnificent Alhambra Palace with your Local Expert. Built as a citadel by the Moors in the 13th century, it is a wonder of beautiful gardens, fountains and stone cut like lace.
Day 12: On To Valencia
Location: Valencia
Accommodation: Barceló Valencia.
Accommodation Name: Barceló Valencia
Meals Included: Breakfast
Journey to Valencia. Pass through the Old City to see its ancient gates, and the City of Arts and Sciences. In your free time perhaps take a stroll to the Cathedral and El Miguelete? Alternatively sit back with a drink and watch the Valencians go about their day. Valencia is home to one of the world's greatest dishes, paella. Meet the chef of a local family-run restaurant in the heart of the Old City and learn how to make this local specialty during a Cooking Demonstration. Later, indulge in the delicious flavors of this classic dish at dinner.
Day 13: Along The Coast To Peñíscola And On To Barcelona
Location: Barcelona
Accommodation: Meliá Barcelona Sarrià, Barcelona.
Accommodation Name: Meliá Barcelona Sarrià, Barcelona
Meals Included: Breakfast
Follow the coast to Peñíscola to view the sea-lapped castle used in the film 'El Cid'. Continue along the Costa Dorada to the Cava Bodegas at Sant Sadurni d'Anoia. During a delicious light lunch, enjoy a tasting as you learn the sparkling secrets of Spanish bubbly. Continue along the coast to reach Barcelona.
Day 14: Barcelona Sightseeing Relaxed Start
Location: Barcelona
Accommodation: Meliá Barcelona Sarrià, Barcelona.
Accommodation Name: Meliá Barcelona Sarrià, Barcelona
Meals Included: Breakfast
A Local Expert joins you 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 Gaudi’s extraordinary masterpiece, the Sagrada Família. See the central nave with its giant, tree-like pillars, spectacular vaulting and the beautiful rainbows flooding in through the intricate stained-glass windows. At a local restaurant, join your fellow travelers to toast to newfound friends and a wonderful journey, enjoying a Celebration Dinner with wine.
Day 15: Depart Barcelona
Location: Barcelona
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, bid farewell to your journey along Spain and Portugal as you transfer to the airport.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Stay in luxurious hotels such as Barceló Torre de Madrid, NH Collection Porto Batalha, and Meliá Barcelona Sarrià, offering comfort and elegance throughout your journey.
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Luxurious Coach Travel
Travel in style with Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach featuring double the standard legroom, onboard washroom, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
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Dining Experiences
Enjoy 5 dinners with wine, 14 breakfasts, and 2 lunches with wine as part of your tour.
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Guided Tours
Experience guided tours with Local Experts in cities like Madrid, Seville, and Barcelona, including visits to iconic landmarks such as the Prado Museum and the Alhambra Palace.
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Cultural Experiences
Participate in cultural experiences such as a flamenco dance lesson at the Cristina Heeren Foundation in Seville.
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Personal Radio Headsets
Personal radio headsets are provided to give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
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Hotel and Restaurant Tips
Hotel and restaurant tips are included, so you never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency.
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Baggage Handling
We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
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Complimentary Wi-Fi
Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
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Airport Transfers
If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times.
What's Not Included
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Optional Experiences
Optional experiences such as visits to the Portuguese Riviera or the ancient city of Córdoba are not included and may incur additional costs.
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Flights
International and domestic flights to and from the tour start and end locations are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and beverages outside of the included dining experiences are not covered.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach featuring double the standard legroom, onboard washroom, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Dining Summary
- 5 Dinner with Wine (DW)
- 14 Breakfast (B)
- 2 Lunch with Wine (LW)
Additional Included Highlights
- 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.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- 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.
Insight Experiences
- 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.
- 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.
Well-being
- 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.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique cultural experience is included in Seville?
In Seville, you will visit the Cristina Heeren Foundation, a flamenco dance school, where you can learn some basic flamenco steps and watch an emotional performance by the students. This experience supports the teaching and conservation of flamenco, contributing to the protection of Andalusia and Spain's cultural heritage.
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What special dining experiences are offered during the tour?
The tour includes several authentic dining experiences such as a Welcome Dinner in Madrid, a Port wine tasting in Vila Nova de Gaia, a taste of Pastéis de Belém in Lisbon, a Dine-at-Home lunch with a local family in Alfarnatejo, and a paella cooking demonstration and dinner in Valencia. Additionally, there is a Celebration Dinner in Barcelona at a typical Catalan restaurant.
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What is the significance of the visit to the Alhambra Palace in Granada?
The visit to the Alhambra Palace in Granada is significant as it allows you to explore this Moorish landmark with a Local Expert, who will share insights into its history and architecture. The Alhambra is renowned for its beautiful gardens, fountains, and intricate stonework.
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What can I expect during the visit to Gibraltar?
During the visit to Gibraltar, you will explore the Rock of Gibraltar with a Local Expert, offering magnificent views and the opportunity to see the meeting of the Atlantic, the Mediterranean, and the Spanish Sierra. You will also visit St. Michael's Cave and see the Barbary Apes.
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How does the tour support sustainable travel and local communities?
The tour supports sustainable travel and local communities through experiences like visiting the Cristina Heeren Foundation in Seville, which promotes the teaching and conservation of flamenco. This initiative is supported by the TreadRight Foundation and advances UN Sustainable Development Goals related to quality education and sustainable communities.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
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