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Amazing Spain and Portugal

Operated by: Insight Vacations

9 Days from $2,104 per person
APR - OCT 2023
Spain Paella Food

Countries Visited

Spain, Portugal ...more Spain, Portugal

Locations Visited

Madrid, Toledo, Granada, Seville, Évora, Lisbon, Fátima, Salamanca, Avila ...more Madrid, Toledo, Granada, Seville, Évora, Lisbon, Fátima, Salamanca, Avila
  1. Day 1 Welcome to Madrid

    Your airport transfer departs Madrid airport for your hotel at 09:00, 11:30, 13:30 or 16:00.While in Madrid, explore the elegant boulevards, expansive parks and varied architectural styles.At 18:30, join your Travel Director for your Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant.

    meals Dinner with Wine
    hotel Hotel Riu Plaza España, Madrid.
  2. Day 2 Toledo and on to Granada

    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 master 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.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
    hotel Vincci Albayzín, Granada.
  3. Day 3 A scenic drive to Seville

    '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 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.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Catalonia Giralda Hotel, Seville.
  4. Day 4 Free Time in Seville and Flamenco Relaxed Start

    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? 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.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Ayre Hotel Sevilla, Seville.
  5. Day 5 Évora and onto Lisbon Relaxed Start

    Continue to the lively university town of Évora, one of the best preserved 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.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Turim Saldanha Hotel, Lisbon.
  6. 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 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 500-year-old Jerónimos Church with its beautiful Manueline architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With the afternoon at your leisure, perhaps join an Optional Experience to the beautiful Portuguese Riviera?

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Turim Saldanha Hotel, Lisbon.
  7. Day 7 Holy Fátima and Salamanca Relaxed Start

    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.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Hotel Alameda Palace, Salamanca.
  8. Day 8 Ávila and Madrid

    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 Celebration Dinner.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
  9. Day 9 Depart Madrid

    After breakfast, transfers arrive at Madrid airport at 07:00, 09:00 and 11:00.

    meals Breakfast
Amazing Spain & Portugal Guided Tour Map
Price Includes

Dining Summary

  • 3 Dinner with Wine (DW)
  • 8 Breakfast (B)

Choice Highlights

  • Choose between two carefully selected activities
  • 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.

Authentic Dining

  • Madrid: Join your Travel Director at 18:30 for a Welcome Dinner in a local restaurant and get to know your fellow travellers over a beautiful evening of delicious food and wine.
  • Lisbon: Delight in a taste of the famous Portuguese delicacy, Pastéis de Belém.
  • Madrid: With good food and wine, toast the culmination of your travels during a fabulous Celebration Dinner.

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.

Make Travel Matter

  • Seville: The Cristina Heeren Foundation aims to promote the teaching and conservation of flamenco and is a beneficiary of a TreadRight Foundation grant. Meet the students of the foundation, learn some basic flamenco steps, and then feel the passion as they perform an emotional show. The school enables students access to cultural education that otherwise may not have occurred. TreadRights sponsorship has helped students to complete their studies in advanced guitar, singing and dance. As students complete their training, they will carry on and safeguard the traditional flamenco dance, contributing to the protection of Andalusia and Spain’s cultural heritage. The Cristina Heeren Foundation advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education and UN Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Top Rated Highlights

  • Toledo: Explore this magnificent ancient city with your Local Expert and visit the Church of Santo Tomé to see an El Greco masterpiece.
  • Granada: Explore 'The City of the Pomegranate' with a Local Expert. During sightseeing you'll see the icons dedicated to this fruit throughout the city.
  • 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.
  • Lisbon: Visit Jerónimos Monastery with its beautiful Manueline architecture, reflecting Portugal's trade over the centuries and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Lisbon: Delight in a taste of the famous Portuguese delicacy, Pastéis de Belém.
  • 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 golden stone buildings and handsome arcades of Plaza Mayor for which this city is famous for.
  • Avila: Walk within the ancient walls of this unique town.
  • Madrid: See the highlights of the city with your Local Expert. Visit the Old Town, travelling 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.

Dates & Prices

Prices shown are per person based on two people sharing a twin room. To request a personalized travel quote, click "Request Quote" and a Travel Specialist will send your custom quote including airfare if requested.

Online Booking Process

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April 2023
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$2,275
May 2023
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$2,475
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Optional Add-Ons

Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.

Seville

Available on Day 3

Dinner in Seville With a Horse and Carriage Ride

Seville is Spain's most majestic city and an evening out is a must! Tonight we'll enjoy a lovely array of traditional Andalusian specialities, served in a local restaurant with wine, beer & soft drinks included. As well as a wonderful meal, we'll experience a magnificent horse & carriage ride through the old town of Seville, which is especially magical in the evening.
Adult Price: € 66

Available on Day 3

Andalusian Evening & The Atmosphere Of Old Seville

Enjoy a delicious array of alluring Andalusian specialities in a local restaurant with wine included. Perhaps round off the evening with a stroll through the atmospheric squares and lanes of Seville's old quarter, which has a magical charm by night.
Adult Price: € 53

Available on Day 4

Cordoba & the Mezquita

Join your Local Expert for a walking tour of the perfectly preserved Moorish city of Cordoba. The highlight is undoubtedly the magnificent Mezquita, an 8th-century mosque with a Cathedral built inside. Walk through the forest of horseshoe shaped arches to the Baroque choir stalls of the Cathedral and the richly ornamented Mihrab prayer niche, with free time to enjoy this amazing city.
Adult Price: € 47

Lisbon

Available on Day 5

Lisbon by Night

Drive to the Bairro Alto, the old quarter of Lisbon, to admire the beautiful views over the city. Then take a funicular ride to the downtown Baixa area where cobblestones sparkle in the light of the shops, bars and cafes. Returning to your hotel, you'll pass monuments and buildings, lit up in all their glory.
Adult Price: € 19

Available on Day 5

Seafood Dinner By The Tagus River

Across the mighty Tagus River await Lisbon's famous traditional restaurants and wonderful views of the city. Board your ferry to cross the wide blue waters for a delightful evening of Portuguese seafood and fish specialities. After dinner, encounter more sweeping views over the Portuguese capital, as you return to your hotel via the impressive suspension bridge. Local crab will usually be available on the menu for a €7.00 supplement.
Adult Price: € 58
Note: On occasion the ferry may not be available and we will travel over the bridge both ways.

Available on Day 6

Fado Evening

Known as ''the soul of the Portuguese identity'', Fado is the emotive national song. Take in an unmissable performance of this UNESCO-recognised art in one of the country's famed fado houses. To complete the experience, savour a typical Portuguese dinner with drinks included.
Adult Price: € 67
Note: Cancellation within 24 hours will incur a 50% cancellation fee.

Available on Day 6

Excursion to the Royal Portuguese Riviera

Like the Kings of Portugal before you, travel along the Portuguese Riviera. With your Local Expert, see the glamorous resort of Cascais and the wealthy playground of Estoril, with its famous Casino and learn of the inspiring people who frequented Portugal's Golden Triangle. Finally, a visit to Queluz Palace – all veritable jewels in the crown of Portugal.
Adult Price: € 46

Madrid

Available on Day 8

Madrid Royal Palace

The Royal Palace of Madrid is Spain's most sumptuous and impressive royal residence, jam packed with the riches and glory of Spanish history. Join a Local Expert to explore the extensive collection of armoury, porcelain, tapestries, gilt mirrors, works of art and period furniture. Highlights include the gold and scarlet Throne Room and magnificent State Apartments. A rare and enlightening look into the history and lifestyle of the Spanish monarchy.
Adult Price: € 34

Reviews
Service
Vacation
Independent Reviews
Trusted Customer
Sunday, December 11, 2022
Service
It was a well organized trip, the crew - driver and tour director - were excellent, the hotels were all above average, the activities - included and optional - were excellent, road stops were all of good quality. The destinations were all good places to visit.
Vacation
It was a good vacation with a great itinerary, with a professional, caring, personable staff.
John Corso
Friday, November 12, 2021
Service
A little rocky. After I thought I was paid in full, they found out that they did not bill me for airfare.
Response from Grand European Travel:
We apologize for the misunderstanding that airfare is not included in the land portion of your travel package. We do hope that overall you enjoyed Spain and Portugal and came home with some lovely memories.
Monday, November 22, 2021
Vacation
More information should be included in the itinerary regarding how taxing some of the outings were i.e. Toledo. High elevation and steep walking upgrades were very taxing for many of the elderly travelers. Also, I found the waiters in Spain (not associated with the tour) were very rude. Almost like they resented Americans.
Patricia Enright Harris
Saturday, October 16, 2021
Service
Husband handled
Vacation
All details were handled and the hotels were fabulous
Michael Harris
Sunday, September 19, 2021
Service
The hotels were excellent. Host and driver were first rate. The weather cooperated and the sites were amazing. A GREAT time. I only wish we had been able to take the northern half of the trip !!
Vacation
We saw the highlights and they made us want to go back to see more in the future.
Trusted Customer
Friday, December 20, 2019
Service
Dave was great and kept us informed about excursions and other minor changes made before the tour.
Vacation
Tour Director was great!
Theresa Simonetti
Monday, October 14, 2019
Service
Response to inquiries was not timely - always more than 24 hours.
Vacation
Did not expect to spend so much time on the motor coach the 5 and 6 hour days were exhausting. Maybe you could extend this trip to 10 days and cut down on the travel time. I felt more time should have been spent in the towns visited: Cordoba in Spain and Cascais in Lisbon. Also, would have preferred an additional 2 night Hotel stay - maybe in Sevilla or Granada.
Response from Grand European Travel:
Thank you for your suggestions. This trip does cover a lot of ground and there are some long travel days. We will be sure to share your comments with our Operations Team for further review.
Wednesday, October 16, 2019
Trusted Customer
Sunday, June 9, 2019
Service
Tour Guide Mahy was exceptional. Pleasant, well organized, knowledgeable, skilled at getting us all corralled, and a lot of fun to be around. The tour included all the highlights of each city we visited and the pace was perfect for us.
Vacation
We had a wonderful time—great tour guide and driver, terrific fellow travelers, exquisite hotels, wonderful food—overall great experience.
Celine Felix
Sunday, May 26, 2019
Service
Would recommend and purchase again.
Vacation
Everything was fantastic.
Sonia Ramirez
Sunday, May 12, 2019
Service
I love GET Already.
Response from Grand European Travel:
and GET loves you! Thank you for being one of our favorite repeat guests!
Tuesday, May 14, 2019
Vacation
I had a happy momment on Italian Scene..with Trafalgar but Spain & Portugal - not so so
Trusted Customer
Sunday, April 21, 2019
Service
Our booking specialist was excellent. She was helpful, she answered all of my questions and she provided us great information. She was also responsive as I needed to talk to her periodically due to some complexities in our booking.
Vacation
I would like to have given 5 stars. Here is feedback about the trip which I sent to Insight Vacations. Dear Insight Global Guest Relations: My family and I recently returned from the above-referenced tour. I have some feedback for you that I wanted to share in more space than the evaluation forms would permit. We had a lovely time on the trip. The things we saw, the meals and the information we received about Spain and Portugal were all excellent. Most of the hotels were nice. The Hesperia Madrid was particularly lovely. In two of the hotels, the "Hotel Alameda Palace Salamanca" and the "Turim Saldanha Hotel Lisbon" there was black mold in the shower stalls. All that is needed would be a thorough cleaning with bleach but it appeared that this mold had been left to thrive. It was offputting. The hotels were fine - but I would not want to stay there again because of the bathrooms. The meals were nice as were the optional experiences. We particularly loved Cordoba and the Mezquita. Gemma, our guide there was excellent and made the mosque turned church come alive for us. I have been on a number of tours in Europe. Due to the people on this tour, I may never do another group tour again. The emphasis for many of the people - or at least the loudest/most vocal - was on how much they could drink. These were middle-aged adults carrying on like teenagers. It made dinner uncomfortable as the behavior was poor. Felipe, our Tour Director, is a very nice gentleman. He is calm, smart, and efficient. However, I think he is too nice. He was unable to rein in the rowdy behavior of a few making it difficult for others. Also, there were specific individuals who monopolized Felipe. As a very nice man, I think he found it difficult to detach from them. Therefore, it was hard to get his attention because a couple of the men were always talking to him. There was one woman on the tour - Maria Shea - who clearly thought the rules did not apply to her. We were supposed to rotate on the bus. She never rotated. She literally just seemed to pick where she wanted to sit on the bus and sat there. This was often up front. Felipe did not address this with her. Felipe left numbers in the seats each day so we would know where to sit. One morning, she got on the bus and re-arranged the numbers to benefit herself and her seating. This not only confused people, but created an bit of a furor when a couple with health issues got on to sit in their pre-arranged regular seat and found it occupied. Felipe had to fix it and took accountability for it but it was not his fault. When sitting up front, Ms. Shea removed her shoes and hoisted her foot up on the railing of the bus. This is unclean and unsightly. Although Felipe and Philippe, our bus driver, were sitting right in front of her, no one addressed it for it continued all day and again the next day when she managed to get in the front seat AGAIN. So you may be asking what the big deal is - it's the principle of the thing. When the rules state we rotate, then everyone who does not have a health issue should rotate. And those who are not in compliance should be addressed. If the rules are going to be suspended or ignored, then they should be for all. Ms. Shea was also one of the ones who over drank any time there was included wine and proceeded to behave poorly. Having been on prior tours I have seen behaviors like this before but they have always been addressed. Did I speak to Felipe at the time? I did not and I own that I should have. However, I felt he had to have seen the behavior and chose to ignore it. A couple of thoughts for you - make sure your rules are followed consistently or don't have them; limit people to 2 drinks and stick to that - if I want to be around drunks I can go to bars here; make sure people understand they need to keep their shoes on, and their feet off the seats, rails, etc. This was literally the first tour out of a dozen or so when I have chosen not to supply my email address as I did not care to hear from anyone on this trip due to the poor behavior. One other piece of feedback - we needed more time at our stops. I am disappointed that we did not have time for shopping in most of the places we visited. I understand our timeframe was short. Maybe the specific itinerary should be reviewed and something removed to provide more time to explore the cities. Thank you for your review of this email. None of the above impacted my specific enjoyment of what we did or saw. However, it did impact my feelings about group travel and about Insights, specifically. I appreciate you taking the time to read this.
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