Highlights of Spain and Portugal
Highlights of Spain and Portugal
$3450
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the vibrant cultures and rich histories of Spain and Portugal with the "Highlights of Spain and Portugal" tour. This immersive experience takes you from the bustling streets of Madrid to the artistic heart of Valencia, the Moorish marvels of Granada, and the historic charm of Seville. Discover the architectural wonders of Lisbon and the spiritual serenity of Fátima, while savoring local delicacies like Valencian horchata and Pastéis de Belém. Enjoy guided tours of iconic landmarks such as the Alhambra Palace, Seville Cathedral, and the Synagogue in Toledo. Travel in comfort aboard a luxury air-conditioned coach, stay in cherry-picked hotels, and indulge in authentic cultural experiences, including a visit to a family ranch in Portugal. With expert guidance and flexible sightseeing options, this tour promises a comprehensive exploration of the Iberian Peninsula's most captivating destinations. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Madrid
Location: Madrid
Accommodation: NH Collection Eurobuilding
Accommodation Name: NH Collection Eurobuilding
Meals Included: Dinner
The fiery Spanish capital of Madrid paves the way for an unforgettable journey through centuries of history and cultural highlights across the Iberian Peninsula. Embrace la buena vida and soak up the vibrant city atmosphere, before joining your fellow travelers and Travel Director for dinner and a city orientation.
Day 2: Journey to Valencia
Location: Valencia
Accommodation: Silken Puerta
Accommodation Name: Novotel Valencia Lavant
Meals Included: Breakfast
Journey to Valencia, renowned for its modern verve and spirit of innovation. An orientation drive will include views of the 14th-century Towers of Serrano and Quart, and the City of Arts and Sciences, a large-scale urban recreation center for culture and science and designed by Santiago Calatrava. Enjoy organic Horchata, the celebrated drink of Valencia, during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.
Day 3: Off to Unique Guadix and on to Granada
Location: Guadix, Granada
Accommodation: Catalonia
Accommodation Name: Abades Nevada Palace
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel to Guadix, where you’ll witness how generations of locals have carved cozy abodes into their rocky surrounds. We'll visit the troglodyte cave dwellings that blend effortlessly into the surrounding ochre landscape. Then, journey to Granada, the last stronghold of the Moors in Europe. This evening, sample the hearty flavors of Andalusia at a local restaurant.
Day 4: Onwards to Córdoba and Seville
Location: Granada, Córdoba, Seville
Accommodation: Meliá Lebreros
Accommodation Name: Meliá Lebreros
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Tread in the footsteps of Spain's last emirs, joining your Local Specialist for a visit to the incredible Alhambra, with its amazing palaces, gardens and fountains. Inspired by poetry, the architecture is said to be a reflection of paradise as described in Islamic verse. Immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere in quiet courtyards, follow its colossal ancient walls and admire the ornate stone carvings. We then leave Granada behind for Córdoba where we'll join a Local Specialist to visit the mesmerizing Mosque of the Caliphs, a jewel of Hispano-Islamic art featuring striking arches and Byzantine mosaics. Our final stop for the day is alluring Seville, our home for the next three nights.
Day 5: Uncover the Secrets of Seville
Location: Seville
Accommodation: Meliá Lebreros
Accommodation Name: Meliá Lebreros
Meals Included: Breakfast
Seville takes center stage today as you explore this charismatic city. You'll see the symbolic Giralda Bell Tower with a Local Specialist, then visit the Maria Luisa Park, home of the 1929 Exposition. The park was built in Moorish style and features half a mile of fountains, ponds, pavilions and lush plantings. You'll explore the architectural gems of Seville's 1929 Ibero-American Exposition and visit the largest Gothic Cathedral in the world, where the explorer Christopher Columbus is entombed. Consider an Optional Experience this evening to witness the twirling of colorful skirts and rhythmic clapping of castanets at a fiery flamenco performance.
Day 6: Admire the Sights of Jerez and Cádiz Dive Into Culture
Location: Jerez de la Frontera, Cádiz
Accommodation: Meliá Lebreros
Accommodation Name: Meliá Lebreros
Meals Included: Breakfast
We indulge in the aromatic flavors of Jerez today as we Dive Into Culture and into the centuries-old tradition of Spanish sherry production. The quiet plazas of romantic Cádiz are our next stop. Tread in the footsteps of Columbus, who used this historic port city as his launchpad to the 'New World', and see the exotic plants and trees dotted throughout the city, said to have been brought here by him upon his return.
Day 7: Venture to Évora Connect with Locals
Location: Seville, Évora
Accommodation: M'ar de Ar Muralhas
Accommodation Name: M'ar de Ar Muralhas
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leaving the zesty scents of Seville behind, head to the golden landscapes of the Alentejo, where the Brito Paes family await your arrival for a special lunch on their traditional stud ranch, which has been rearing Lusitano horses since the 18th century. This Be My Guest experience takes place in the home of their ancestors before continuing to Évora for a guided sightseeing tour. With a Local Specialist you'll visit Evora's cathedral and Chapel of Bones, you will also see the Roman temple. Tonight, enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Day 8: On to Lively Lisbon Dive Into Culture
Location: Lisbon
Accommodation: Olissippo Marquês de Sá
Accommodation Name: Olissippo Marquês de Sá
Meals Included: Breakfast
Arrive in the seafaring Portuguese capital of Lisbon this afternoon, where you'll join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour. Dive into Culture Visiting the Belém Quarter and enjoy a taste of Pastéis de Belém.
Day 9: Lisbon Your Way
Location: Lisbon
Accommodation: Olissippo Marquês de Sá
Accommodation Name: Olissippo Marquês de Sá
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is yours to connect with the Portuguese capital. Relax at a sidewalk café with a creamy pastel de nata and venture to the Castle of São Jorge to admire the sea of pastel pinks, yellows and blues that clad Lisbon's seven hills. You may choose to join an Optional Experience to the historic towns of Cascais and Sintra.
Day 10: Pilgrimage to Fátima and on to Salamanca
Location: Fátima, Salamanca
Accommodation: Gran Corona Sol
Accommodation Name: Gran Corona Sol
Meals Included: Breakfast
Follow the road taken by pilgrims over the last 100 years to the Shrine at Fátima, a site of celebrated religious miracles. We then leave Portugal, traveling to the historic Spanish city of Salamanca with its golden-hued façades and ancient university heritage, where we will visit its 18th-century Plaza Mayor.
Day 11: Continue to Toledo and Madrid Dive Into Culture
Location: Ávila, Toledo, Madrid
Accommodation: Meliá Castilla
Accommodation Name: VOCO Madrid Retiro
Meals Included: Breakfast
See the walled city of Ávila, the city of Saint Teresa of Ávila. We then arrive in the clifftop city of Toledo and join a Local Specialist for a guided walk through its streets. We'll visit the Church of Santo Tomé and the former Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca. Later, Dive Into Culture and witness local craftsmen at work creating inlaid steel the traditional way. We arrive in Madrid this evening, our home for the next two nights.
Day 12: Explore Fiery Madrid
Location: Madrid
Accommodation: Meliá Castilla
Accommodation Name: VOCO Madrid Retiro
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, we join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour of Madrid, where we’ll see the Royal Palace, Cibeles Fountain and Plaza de Oriente, originally created as a retreat for the royal family. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the city on your own terms. Admire the world's finest collection of Spanish art at the Prado Museum, indulge in some last-minute shopping on Gran Vía or consider an Optional Experience to the medieval UNESCO-listed city of Segovia. This evening marks the end of our memorable journey through the Iberian Peninsula. Join your fellow companions and Travel Director for dinner.
Day 13: Adiós Madrid
Location: Madrid
Meals Included: Breakfast
For now it's time to say a fond farewell to our traveling companions, your Travel Director and the beauty of Spain and Portugal at the end of a memorable holiday.
What's Included
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver are included in the tour.
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Accommodation in cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted, is included.
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
All porterage and restaurant gratuities are included.
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
All hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are included.
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras are included in the tour.
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing are included.
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi
Travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation such as rail journeys.
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Optional Experiences and free time
Optional experiences and free time are part of the tour.
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On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized
On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
What's Not Included
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Airfare
International airfare to/from the start/end of your trip is not included.
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Visas
Visas and other government fees are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance, which is highly recommended, is not included.
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Optional Experiences
The cost of optional experiences and free time activities is not included.
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Extra Meals
Meals, other than those included in the itinerary, are not included.
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Incidentals
Incidentals, phone calls, laundry, and other personal expenses are not included.
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Tips
Tips for services of a personal nature and any items not listed in the itinerary are not included.
Mode of Transport
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys).
Accommodation
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted.
Dining Summary
- 5 Dinner (D)
- 12 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
Dive into Culture
- 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 Belém Quarter and enjoy a taste of Pastéis de Belém from the patisserie that has been using the same secret recipe for almost 200 years.
- 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.
Iconic Experience
- 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 Center 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: With your Local Specialist, 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, traveling along the elegant Paseo de la Castellana, past the Cibeles fountain, Cervantes Monument and Royal Palace.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes several unique cultural experiences such as tasting authentic Valencian horchata in Valencia, visiting a family ranch in Panoias-Ourique to learn about Portugal's Lusitano horse, and enjoying a home-cooked lunch. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to sample sherry in Jerez de la Frontera and taste Pastéis de Belém in Lisbon. ...more ...less
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides transportation in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi available in most countries. Alternative transportation such as rail journeys may also be used.
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Are there any special dining experiences included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a special Be My Guest experience where you will have a home-cooked lunch at a family ranch in the Alentejo region of Portugal. Additionally, breakfast is provided daily, and up to half of your evening meals are included.
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What is the significance of the 'Make Travel Matter' experience in Valencia?
The 'Make Travel Matter' experience in Valencia involves tasting authentic Valencian horchata from a local vendor. This experience supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities by promoting local and organic production, providing employment opportunities to people at risk of social exclusion, and using environmentally friendly practices. ...more ...less
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What are some of the key historical sites visited on this tour?
Key historical sites visited on the tour include the Alhambra Palace in Granada, the Cathedral Mosque in Córdoba, Seville Cathedral, the Cathedral of Évora, Plaza Mayor in Salamanca, and the Church of Santo Tomé and the Synagogue in Toledo.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Jul 20, 2025 - Aug 01, 2025Sunday - Friday
Jul 27, 2025 - Aug 08, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar 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 trafalgar charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Enquire for Extra Savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.
Highlights of Spain and Portugal
13 Days Starting and ending in Madrid, Spain
Visiting: Madrid, Valencia, Guadix, Granada, Córdoba, Seville, Jerez de la Frontera, Cádiz, Évora, Lisbon, Fátima, Salamanca, Ávila, Toledo ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SHIGZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
25 - 50
Age range:
5-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
