The Best of Spain & Portugal
The Best of Spain & Portugal
The Best of Spain & Portugal
13 Days Starting and ending in Madrid, Spain
Visiting: Madrid, Toledo, Granada, Seville, Lisbon, Porto, Salamanca
Tour Overview
Spain and Portugal—two countries with rich histories and distinct cultures. Your affordable tour of Spain and Portugal reveals their fascinating highlights. In Spain, you’ll overnight in Madrid, Granada, Cordoba, Seville, and Salamanca. In Portugal, you’ll stay in Lisbon and Porto. Tour highlights include a guided visit to Toledo, a treasure chest of art and historical architecture. In Granada, enjoy an included visit to the fascinating Alhambra complex*, built in the 13th century by Moorish kings. In Avila—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and fascinating walled city founded in the 11th century, you’ll visit St. Theresa's Convent, the birthplace of St. Teresa. Admire the Moorish architecture in the historical city centres of Cordoba and Seville, both gems of Andalusia, and get to know Madrid, the elegant capital city of Spain, built on a plateau in the heart of the country. In Portugal, visit Lisbon with a Local Guide and see the Belem Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built to commemorate the expedition of Vasco de Gama, and Porto's cathedral, built on a panoramic terrace overlooking the port wine cellars on the banks of the Douro River. Enjoy guided sightseeing in the cities of Toledo, Granada, Seville, Madrid, Cordoba, Lisbon, and Porto. Our Local Guides - experts in the cities' histories and cultures - will highlight the unique sights and tell you about local culture and history. All of this and more—including an olive oil farm visit with tastings—await you on this fabulous and affordable Spain and Portugal tour designed for value-minded travel lovers.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive In Madrid, Spain
Location: Madrid
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Praga
Meals Included: Dinner
Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is for you to relax or start exploring Madrid, taking advantage of the CosmosGO app. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and travel companions.
Day 2 : Madrid - Toledo - Granada
Location: Toledo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Gran Hotel Luna de Granada
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Drive south to Toledo. Spectacularly situated on a granite hill surrounded by a loop of the Tagus River, the ancient Castilian capital is a treasure-chest of masterpieces. Visit the walled Old Town with a Local Guide and marvel at the 12th-century Church of St. Tomé, known for its large painting by El Greco of The Burial of the Count of Orgaz. Later, cross the Guadalquivir River and head for the olive and orange groves that dot the rolling Andalusian hills. Overnight in history-steeped Granada at the foot of the Sierra Nevada.
Day 3 : Granada - Cordoba
Location: Granada
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Exe Las Adelfas
Meals Included: Breakfast
Granada was the Moors’ most treasured city, and they still mourn its loss in their prayers. With a Local Guide, visit the Alhambra Complex*, built by Moorish kings. On the way to Cordoba, enjoy more idyllic scenery as we reach an olive farm, to learn about olives and enjoy a local olive oil tasting.
Day 4 : Cordoba - Seville
Location: Seville
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Don Paco
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
With a Local Guide visit the magnificent Mezquita, famous for its 850 pillars of porphyry, marble, and jasper. The Mosque-Cathedral (UNESCO World Heritage site since 1984), is arguably the most significant monument in the western Muslim world and an amazing building in its own right. The complete evolution of the Omeyan style in Spain can be seen in different sections, alongside the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles of the Christian part. On to vibrant, festive Seville.
Day 5 : Seville
Location: Seville
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Don Paco
Meals Included: Breakfast
Get to know Seville on the included city tour. The capital of Andalusia, vibrant Seville has much to offer: the cathedral, the beautiful La Giralda minaret tower, a symbol of Seville; and the Real Alcázar palace, with its extravagant Moorish architecture and opulent gardens. Fun fact: the Palace of the Kingdom of Naboo, from Star Wars, and the Palace of the Kingdom of Dorne, from Game of Thrones, were filmed in Plaza de España and the Royal Alcazar of Seville.
Day 6 : Seville - Evora, Portugal- Lisbon
Location: Lisbon
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Roma
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy the scenery of the Sierra de Aracena before crossing into Portugal and the fertile plains of the Alentejo. Admire the forest of cork trees and make a stop to visit Evora, a delightfully attractive city. Among the highlights are the architecture of the white houses, the tiles and the balconies. The city, designated UNESCO World Heritage site, inspired the style in which some Brazilian cities, such as Salvador de Bahia, were built. Continue to Lisbon.
Day 7 : Lisbon
Location: Lisbon
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Roma
Meals Included: Breakfast
Henry the Navigator made Lisbon the 15th-century “Mistress of the Seas.” You’ll see his monument, the Belem Tower, the Moorish Citadel, the impressive Black Horse Square, and other highlights on the guided sightseeing tour. Spend the afternoon at leisure in the Alfama’s tile-decorated streets or take an optional excursion to the scenic Portuguese Riviera.
Day 8 : Lisbon - Fátima - Coimbra - Porto
Location: Porto
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Portus Cale
Meals Included: Breakfast
Stop in Fátima to visit its world-famous Sanctuary, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Continue to Coimbra, known for its university, one of the oldest in Europe, and to Porto on the northern bank of the Douro River. For the perfect way to round out your day, why not join an optional Douro River cruise and dinner?
Day 9 : Porto
Location: Porto
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Portus Cale
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Discover Porto’s highlights on the guided city tour. See its historical cathedral and visit a Port wine cellar along the banks of the Douro River. This afternoon, consider an optional excursion to Guimarães, called the “cradle” of Portugal and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tonight, enjoy an included dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 10 : Porto - Salamanca, Spain
Location: Salamanca
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Sercotel Artheus Carmelitas Salamanca
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy the plentiful woodlands and mountains on your return to Spain via the scenic Douro Valley. Reach the ancient and beautiful university town of Salamanca in the early evening, the best time to take a stroll in the Plaza Mayor. Today’s Distance: 267 mi/ 430 km
Day 11 : Salamanca - Ávila - Segovia - Madrid
Location: Madrid
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Praga
Meals Included: Breakfast
Journey to fortified Ávila with its many towers and visit St. Theresa’s Convent before continuing to Segovia, a medieval town picturesquely set on a rocky hill. Some say that the beautiful castle inspired Disney’s “Cinderella.” Spend some time in Segovia before crossing the boundary between new and old Castile to arrive in Madrid.
Day 12 : Madrid
Location: Madrid
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Praga
Meals Included: Breakfast
Built 2180 feet above sea level, Madrid, capital of Spain, is the nearest thing to Heaven, according to Spaniards. Discover the main highlights of this aristocratic city on the included guided tour.
Day 13 : Madrid
Location: Madrid
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Stay at the Hotel Praga in Madrid, Gran Hotel Luna de Granada, Exe Las Adelfas in Cordoba, Hotel Don Paco in Seville, Hotel Roma in Lisbon, Portus Cale in Porto, and Sercotel Artheus Carmelitas Salamanca. Each hotel offers unique amenities and comfortable accommodations to enhance your travel experience.
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Meals
Buffet breakfasts daily; 4 dinners, including a dinner at a local restaurant in Porto.
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Guided Tours
Guided tours in various cities including Madrid, Toledo, Granada, Cordoba, Seville, Lisbon, Porto, and Salamanca.
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Local Guides
Local guides for specific attractions such as the Alhambra Complex in Granada and the Mezquita in Cordoba.
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UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Visits to multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Alhambra and Generalife in Granada, Belem Tower in Lisbon, Cathedral in Seville, Historic Centre of Cordoba, Historic Centre of Evora, Historic Centre of Porto, Historic City of Toledo, Monastery of the Hieronymites in Lisbon, Old City of Salamanca, Old Town of Avila with its Extra muros Churches, Old Town of Segovia and its Aqueduct, Paseo del Prado and Buen Retiro, and University of Coimbra.
What's Not Included
Entrance to the Nasrid Palace is not guaranteed.
Meals
Buffet breakfasts daily; 4 dinners, including a dinner at a local restaurant in Porto
Notes
*Entrance to the Nasrid Palace is not guaranteed
UNESCO Sites
Alhambra and Generalife Granada|Belem Tower in Lisbon|Cathedral in Seville|Historic Centre of Cordoba|Historic centre of Evora|Historic Centre of Porto|Historic City of Toledo|Monastery of the Hieronymites in Lisbon|Old City of Salamanca|Old Town of Avila with its Extra muros Churches|Old Town of Segovia and its Aqueduct|Paseo del Prado and Buen Retiro, a landscape of Arts and Sciences|University of Coimbra (See only)
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodations can I expect during the tour?
You will stay at various hotels including Hotel Praga in Madrid, Gran Hotel Luna de Granada, Exe Las Adelfas in Cordoba, Hotel Don Paco in Seville, Hotel Roma in Lisbon, Portus Cale in Porto, and Sercotel Artheus Carmelitas Salamanca. Each hotel offers unique amenities and comfortable accommodations to enhance your travel experience.
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Are there any UNESCO World Heritage sites included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes visits to several UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the Alhambra and Generalife in Granada, Belem Tower in Lisbon, the Cathedral in Seville, the Historic Centre of Cordoba, the Historic Centre of Evora, the Historic Centre of Porto, the Historic City of Toledo, the Monastery of the Hieronymites in Lisbon, the Old City of Salamanca, the Old Town of Avila with its Extra muros Churches, the Old Town of Segovia and its Aqueduct, and Paseo del Prado and Buen Retiro in Madrid.
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What meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes buffet breakfasts daily and 4 dinners, including a dinner at a local restaurant in Porto.
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What activities are planned for the day in Seville?
In Seville, you will get to know the city on an included city tour. Highlights include the cathedral, the beautiful La Giralda minaret tower, and the Real Alcázar palace with its extravagant Moorish architecture and opulent gardens. Fun fact: the Palace of the Kingdom of Naboo from Star Wars and the Palace of the Kingdom of Dorne from Game of Thrones were filmed in Plaza de España and the Royal Alcazar of Seville.
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What can I expect during the visit to Granada?
In Granada, you will visit the Alhambra Complex with a Local Guide. The Alhambra was built by Moorish kings and is a significant historical site. On the way to Cordoba, you will also visit an olive farm to learn about olives and enjoy a local olive oil tasting.
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Is there any special note regarding the visit to the Alhambra in Granada?
Yes, please note that entrance to the Nasrid Palace is not guaranteed.
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What are some highlights of the visit to Lisbon?
In Lisbon, you will see the monument to Henry the Navigator, the Belem Tower, the Moorish Citadel, and the impressive Black Horse Square on a guided sightseeing tour. You will also have the afternoon at leisure to explore the Alfama’s tile-decorated streets or take an optional excursion to the scenic Portuguese Riviera.
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What is included in the visit to Porto?
In Porto, you will discover the city's highlights on a guided tour, including its historical cathedral and a visit to a Port wine cellar along the banks of the Douro River. There is also an optional excursion to Guimarães, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1961
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Why book with Barrhead?
Fully Protected
All our holidays are fully financially protected.
Your flight & hotel package is fully ATOL protected.
Range
Our bespoke holidays are tailor-made to suit your personal requirements.
We can book flights, rail journeys, accommodation, cruises, attraction tickets and much more.
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
Expert Knowledge
We know because we go – our Touring & Adventure specialists have travelled to over 55 countries.
Reliable & unbiased advice from our trusted travel experts.
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We look after you every step of the way.