Amazing Spain & Portugal - Small Group, Summer
Amazing Spain & Portugal - Small Group, Summer
$3450
Amazing Spain & Portugal - Small Group, Summer
9 Days Starting and ending in Madrid, Spain
Visiting: Madrid, Toledo, Granada, Seville, Évora, Lisbon, Salamanca, Ávila
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SE300ZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, History, Religion and Spiritual
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Spain and Portugal with the "Amazing Spain & Portugal - Small Group, Summer" tour. This cultural adventure begins and ends in Madrid, taking you through the historic streets of Toledo, the enchanting Alhambra Palace in Granada, and the vibrant city of Seville. Experience the passion of flamenco at the Cristina Heeren Foundation and explore the medieval wonders of Évora. In Lisbon, savor the iconic Pastéis de Belém and discover the city's rich maritime history. Visit the sacred site of Fátima and the golden city of Salamanca, before returning to Madrid. With expert local guides, authentic dining experiences, and a focus on cultural preservation, this tour offers a deep dive into the rich heritage and stunning landscapes of the Iberian Peninsula.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Madrid
Location: Madrid
Accommodation: Barceló Emperatriz, Madrid.
Accommodation Name: Riu Plaza España, Madrid
Meals Included: Dinner
While in Madrid, explore the elegant boulevards, expansive parks and varied architectural styles. Join your Travel Director for 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.
Day 2: The Old Capital Of Toledo And On To Granada
Location: Toledo
Accommodation: Vincci Albayzín, Granada.
Accommodation Name: Vincci Albayzín, Granada
Meals Included: Breakfast
Visit the fascinating city of Toledo, situated high above the River Tagus. This was Spain's capital during the Golden Era, where Arab, Jewish and Christian cultures flourished side-by-side through the Middle Ages. From here you will venture south to meet a local artisan in a Damascene workshop for a personal insight into this ancient craft, handed down by the Moors centuries ago. Then enjoy a walk within the city walls of Toledo, through the narrow cobbled streets, led by your Local Expert. Visit the Church of Santo Tomé, housing El Greco's famous painting, ‘The Burial of the Count of Orgaz.' Your journey continues to Granada.
Day 3: The Alhambra Palace And Seville, City Of Carmen
Location: Granada
Accommodation: Meliá Sevilla, Seville.
Accommodation Name: Meliá Sevilla
Meals Included: Breakfast
'Give him alms, woman, because there is nothing sadder in life than being blind in Granada', proclaims the inscription on the walls of the Alhambra. Bathed in the morning light, the Alhambra Palace awaits—a fantasy of arabesque gardens, fountains and stone cut like lace. Explore with your Local Expert before visiting the exotic water gardens of the Generalife, the summer residence of the Spanish royals. Take a moment to relax in the sunshine as you enjoy the fine views over the town and its three verdant hills before continuing on to Seville. Visit the Seville Cathedral, the burial place of Christopher Columbus. Explore the city with Insight Choice. Choose to embark on a walk through the old Jewish quarter. Alternatively, enjoy a drive with panoramic views.
Day 4: Free Time And Flamenco In Seville Relaxed Start
Location: Seville
Accommodation: Meliá Sevilla, Seville.
Accommodation Name: Meliá Sevilla
Meals Included: Breakfast
This day is yours to completely relax or continue exploring this fascinating city. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to Córdoba and visit the magnificent Mezquita, an 8th-century mosque with a Christian cathedral built inside it? Later, visit the Cristina Heeren Foundation, a beneficiary of a TreadRight Foundation grant, for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. This private dance school is dedicated to promoting the conservation of flamenco and supports young enthusiasts from all over the world with a special focus on new talent from the Andalusian region. Feel the passion behind the choreography as you put your rhythm to the test during a dance lesson before witnessing emotions come to life in a flamenco performance.
Day 5: Évora And On To Lisbon Relaxed Start
Location: Évora
Accommodation: Turim Saldanha Hotel, Lisbon.
Accommodation Name: Turim Saldanha
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 6: Lisbon And The Age Of The Discoveries
Location: Lisbon
Accommodation: Turim Saldanha Hotel, Lisbon.
Accommodation Name: Turim Saldanha
Meals Included: Breakfast
During your stay, a guided orientation of the city with your Local Expert takes you to 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. View the 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. With the afternoon at your leisure, consider joining an Optional Experience to the beautiful Portuguese Riviera.
Day 7: Holy Fátima And Salamanca
Location: Salamanca
Accommodation: Hotel Alameda Palace, Salamanca.
Accommodation Name: Alameda Palace, Salamanca
Meals Included: Breakfast
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, famous for its golden stone buildings and the handsome arcades of the Plaza Mayor. Across the River Tormes, see the Puente Romano with 15 of its 26 arches dating from the time of the ancient Romans.
Day 8: Ávila And Madrid
Location: Ávila
Accommodation: Barceló Emperatriz, Madrid.
Accommodation Name: Canopy by Hilton Madrid Castellana
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cross the rock-strewn hills of the Castile, to arrive at Ávila. Admire the impressive city still entirely enclosed within its 11th-century walls, a unique occurrence in Europe. Return to Madrid to explore more of the capital with your Local Expert. At a local restaurant, join your Travel Director and newfound friends for a lively dinner.
Day 9: Depart Madrid
Location: Madrid
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, bid a fond farewell to your memorable journey through Spain as you transfer to the airport and reflect on the experiences and adventures you've had.
What's Included
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Choice Highlights
Choose between two carefully selected activities in Seville, including a stroll through Barrio de Santa Cruz with a Local Expert and a panoramic tour of the city's top sights.
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Top Rated Highlights
Explore Toledo with a Local Expert, visit the Church of Santo Tomé, and see an El Greco masterpiece. In Granada, explore 'The City of the Pomegranate' with a Local Expert.
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Make Travel Matter
Visit the Cristina Heeren Foundation in Seville, meet the students, learn flamenco steps, and enjoy a performance.
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Authentic Dining
Enjoy a Welcome Dinner in Madrid, taste Pastéis de Belém in Lisbon, and toast to your travels with local specialties in Madrid.
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Dining Summary
Includes 1 Dinner, 8 Breakfasts, and 2 Dinners with Wine.
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Additional Included Highlights
Personal radio headsets, hotel and restaurant tips, taxes, porterage charges, and complimentary Wi-Fi are included.
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Insight Experiences
Meet a master artisan in Toledo and visit the Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens in Granada with a Local Expert.
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Well-being
Travel in a luxurious, air-conditioned coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Hand sanitizer is available on board.
What's Not Included
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Optional Experiences
Optional experiences such as a visit to Córdoba and the Portuguese Riviera are not included.
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Transfers Outside Scheduled Times
Transfers are only available at scheduled times.
If your flights are outside these times, you may need to purchase transfers or make your own arrangements.
Dining Summary
- 1 Dinner (D)
- 8 Breakfast (B)
- 2 Dinner with Wine (DW)
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
- Toledo: At a Damascene workshop, meet a master artisan for a personal insight into this ancient craft. Witness firsthand their precision as they inlay gold and silver into iron, using a chisel and a hammer.
- 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.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style and comfort aboard a luxurious, air-conditioned 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom, ensuring a relaxing journey through Spain and Portugal.
Accommodation
Stay in comfort at the Riu Plaza España in Madrid, Vincci Albayzín in Granada, Meliá Sevilla in Seville, Turim Saldanha in Lisbon, and Alameda Palace in Salamanca, offering a blend of modern amenities and local charm.
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, where you can learn some basic flamenco steps and watch a passionate flamenco performance. This experience supports the conservation of flamenco and helps students complete their studies in advanced guitar, singing, and dance.
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What can I expect to see in Toledo?
In Toledo, you will explore the ancient city with a Local Expert and visit the Church of Santo Tomé to see an El Greco masterpiece. You will also meet a local artisan in a Damascene workshop to gain insight into this ancient craft.
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What is special about the visit to the Alhambra Palace in Granada?
The visit to the Alhambra Palace in Granada includes exploring the arabesque gardens, fountains, and intricately carved stonework with a Local Expert. You will also visit the exotic water gardens of the Generalife, the summer residence of the Spanish royals.
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What is the significance of the Capela dos Ossos in Évora?
The Capela dos Ossos, or Chapel of Bones, in Évora is a fascinating site decorated with human remains. It is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Portugal, showcasing architectural styles dating back to Roman times.
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What historical sites will be visited in Lisbon?
In Lisbon, you will visit the Belém Quarter, see the Monument to the Discoveries, and the historic Belém Tower. You will also enjoy a taste of Pastéis de Belém from a patisserie that has been using the same secret recipe for almost 200 years.
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What is the significance of Fátima on this tour?
Fátima is one of the world's holiest sites, where you will visit the chapel commemorating the appearance of the Virgin Mary to three children in 1917. It is a celebrated place of pilgrimage in Portugal.
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What can I expect during the visit to Salamanca?
In Salamanca, you will see the golden stone buildings and the arcades of Plaza Mayor. You will also learn about the unique traditions of this historic university city and see the Puente Romano, with arches dating back to ancient Roman times.
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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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Low Deposit
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.
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