Best of Spain & Portugal (Winter Season)
16 Days from $2,983 per person
Follow the fortunes of the Spanish, Portuguese and Moorish Kingdoms through their grand castles, stupendous religious buildings and incredible works of art. An ideal journey of discovery in autumn, winter or spring.
This page shows Winter Season departures and itinerary; click here to see the main season version of this tour!
Overview
Follow the fortunes of the Spanish, Portuguese and Moorish Kingdoms through their grand castles, stupendous religious buildings and incredible works of art. An ideal journey of discovery in autumn, winter or spring.
This page shows Winter Season departures and itinerary; click here to see the main season version of this tour!
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Day 1: Your Journey Begins
Board your overnight flight to Europe (please ask about our great deals).
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Day 2: Welcome to Madrid
At Madrid Airport, transfers depart for your hotel at 9:00 am, 11:00 am, 1:30 pm and 4:00 pm. Later, join your Tour Director for a Welcome Reception and a beautiful evening of dinner and wine.
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Day 3: Madrid of the Bourbons
Guided sightseeing takes you past Madrid's most famous fountain in the Plaza de Cibeles. Drive down the Gran Via to the Royal Palace and Cervantes Monument before crossing the Puerta del Sol. The highlight of your tour is a visit to the magnificent Prado Museum.
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Day 4: Segovia and Golden Salamanca
Travel to the fortified city of Segovia where you will walk through the medieval streets from the ancient aqueduct to see the magnificent Alcazar fortress. Journey west, passing the ancient walls of Ávila, en route to Salamanca. During your orientation see some of the golden stone buildings the city is famous for, including the handsome arcaded Plaza Mayor, the honey-colored cathedral and the 16th century university buildings.
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Day 5: Porto, Grande Dame on the Douro
Cross the Portuguese border to reach Porto. See the Vila Nova de Gaia wine stores that house the famous wines. Walk along corridors of casks and get to know your tawnys and vintages during a tasting. Admire the multi-colored houses and churches covered in glazed tiles, as well as the iconic bridges.
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Day 6: Holy Fatima, Obidos and Lisbon
In Fatima, see the basilica or visit the Chapel of the Apparitions. Then continue to the hilltop town of Obidos, where you'll walk inside the city walls to explore the flower-bedecked houses and narrow, medieval streets. Your next destination is the Portuguese capital.
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Day 7: Lisbon and the Age of Discovery
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 unknown lands. See the traditional patisserie that has managed to hold on to the secret recipe of Portugal's finest pastry for almost 200 years and enjoy a taste of the famous Pastéis de Belém. View the Monument to the Discoveries and the more ancient 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 UNESCO World Heritage Site of Jerónimos Monastery with its beautiful Manueline architecture. With the afternoon at your leisure, perhaps join an Optional Experience to the Portuguese Riviera? It is often visited by surfers, occasionally royalty, and even James Bond.
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Day 8: Seville, the City of Carmen
Leave Lisbon via the modern Tagus Bridge and cross the border to reach Seville. With your Local Expert, visit the immense cathedral to see the Tomb of Christopher Columbus and the slender Giralda Tower, the former minaret of the Great Mosque. Explore the labyrinthine Santa Cruz Quarter and see the Alcazar.
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Day 9: Free Time and Flamenco in Seville
Enjoy a relaxed start and a day to relax, shop or continue exploring this fascinating city at your own pace. Our suggestion is to join an Optional Experience to the ancient city of Cordoba, where you will visit the magnificent Mezquita, see the old Jewish Quarter, and enjoy some free time to shop or explore as you wish. In the evening you are treated to dinner, wine and entertainment featuring a fiery flamenco show.
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Day 10: Head for Gibraltar, the Costa del Sol and Mijas
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 to see the Barbary Apes, legendary guardians of the colony. Relax as you travel the scenic route along the Costa del Sol through exclusive 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 and take in the views of the coast.
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Day 11: The Flavors and Mountains of Malaga
Travel to the oldest olive grove in the region and stop at the rural mill-factory of Almazara to taste a selection of different oils with locally made farmer bread. Continue through the Provence of Malaga, where Picasso was born, to Alfarnatejo, a quiet town with a population of just 500 people and surrounded by stunning mountainous landscape. Walk the town center to see the 18th century Iglesia del Santo Cristo de Cabrilla.
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Day 12: Dining with Locals and the Alhambra
In small groups, you are invited to into the home of a local family to join them for a delicious Highlight 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.
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Day 13: On to Valencia
Journey to Valencia, home of the City of Arts and Sciences. Pass through the Old City and see the city's ancient gates, Torres de Serranos and Torres de Quart. In your free time perhaps take a stroll to the Cathedral and El Miguelete? Or sit back to with a drink and watch the Valencian’s 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 town and learn the traditional recipe during a Cooking Demonstration, before savoring the delicious flavors of this classic dish, washed down with a glass of sangria, during your Highlight Dinner.
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Day 14: Peñíscola and Barcelona
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 freshly prepared Highlight Lunch, enjoy a tasting as you learn the sparkling secrets of Spanish bubbly. Continue along the coast to reach Barcelona.
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Day 15: Barcelona Sightseeing
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 inside 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 newfound friends and a wonderful journey as you enjoy a Celebration Dinner with wine.
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Day 16: Depart Barcelona or Madrid
Departure transfers arrive at Barcelona Airport at 7:00 am, 9:00 am and 11:00 am. The 9:00 am transfer will continue to Madrid, scheduled to arrive early evening at Madrid Airport, followed by the Madrid tour hotel.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
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Definite Departure
- Solo Traveler Discount
| Depart Date | Return Date | Price | Discount | Availability | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Solo Traveler Discount
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2 Nov 18 | 17 Nov 18 |
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$3,425$3,168pp | Early PaymentPay by Aug 30 | Request Quote Book Now | |
| 9 Nov 18 | 24 Nov 18 | $3,225$2,983pp | Early PaymentPay by Aug 30 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 19 Dec 18 | 3 Jan 19 |
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$3,595$3,325pp | Early PaymentPay by Aug 30 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 19 Dec 18 | 3 Jan 19 |
|
$3,595$3,325pp | Early PaymentPay by Aug 30 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 26 Dec 18 | 10 Jan 19 | $3,595$3,325pp | Early PaymentPay by Aug 30 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 26 Dec 18 | 10 Jan 19 | $3,595$3,325pp | Early PaymentPay by Aug 30 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 4 Jan 19 | 19 Jan 19 |
|
$3,225$2,983pp | Early PaymentPay by Aug 30 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 18 Jan 19 | 2 Feb 19 | $3,225$2,983pp | Early PaymentPay by Aug 30 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 25 Jan 19 | 9 Feb 19 | $3,225$2,983pp | Early PaymentPay by Aug 30 | Request Quote Book Now | |||
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Solo Traveler Discount
|
8 Feb 19 | 23 Feb 19 | $3,225$2,983pp | Early PaymentPay by Aug 30 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 8 Mar 19 | 23 Mar 19 |
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$3,250$3,006pp | Early PaymentPay by Aug 30 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
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Solo Traveler Discount
|
15 Mar 19 | 30 Mar 19 | $3,250$3,006pp | Early PaymentPay by Aug 30 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 22 Mar 19 | 6 Apr 19 |
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$3,250$3,006pp | Early PaymentPay by Aug 30 | Request Quote Book Now |
- Solo Traveler Discount: This departure includes a 25-100% discount on standard single supplement subject to availability.
Additional Visa Requirements: Passengers who require visas for the UK will also need a separate visa for Gibraltar.
Price is per person and is based on two people sharing a twin bedded room. Single rooms are available at a supplement.
Single Room Supplement: from $800 p.p.
Gratuities: Option to pre-pay gratuities for Travel Director and Driver $132 per person.
AARP Members are entitled to an exclusive Member Benefit Discount on all Grand European Travel vacations. Plus receive a free travel gift! Call Toll Free: 1-866-847-3858 for details.
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Professional Travel Director
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Sightseeing with Local Experts
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VIP Access
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WIFI on Coach and in Hotels
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Personal Flight Options
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Most Meals
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Hotel Tips
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Expertly Selected Hotels
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Cultural Enrichment
Included Quality Dining
14 Buffet Breakfasts (BB) 2 Lunches with Wine (LW) and 6 Dinners with Wine (DW) all tea or coffee.
Departures on tour for Christmas and New Year's Eve enjoy a festive Highlight Dinner.
Signature Experiences
MADRID:
- Witness the world's finest collection of Spanish paintings as you tour the Prado Museum with an expert art historian.
TOLEDO:
- With a Local Expert, visit the Church of Santo Tomé and see El Greco's masterpiece.
LISBON:
- Visit the Jerónimos Monastery with its beautiful Manueline architecture, reflecting Portugal’s trade over the centuries and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
GRANADA:
- Best interpreted with the help of a Local Expert, the Alhambra Palace is the ultimate in Muslim architecture.
BARCELONA:
- Explore Gaudi's extraordinary masterpiece, the Sagrada Família Basilica, guided by a Local Expert.
Top Rated Highlights
PORTO:
- See the iconic bridges and buildings decorated in tiles.
FÁTIMA:
- Join the faithful at one of the world’s holiest sites and pay homage at the Chapel of the Apparitions.
OBIDOS:
- Walk through the picturesque narrow streets up to the main square of this ancient walled town.
MIJAS:
- Journey to this white-washed village and stroll the streets to admire the coastal views.
ALFARNATEJO:
- Visit the beautiful, quiet town and walk the town center to see the 18th century Inglesia del Santo Cristo de Cabrilla.
VALENCIA:
- See the ultra modern Center of Arts and Sciences and the huge gates of the old town, Torres de Serrannos and Torres de Quart.
PENISCOLA:
- See the castle featured in the film "El Cid".
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
Reviews
Request a Quote
-
30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
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Passports and Visas
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Currency
The currency in Spain and Portugal is the Euro (€). While it’s a good idea to bring some money for when you first arrive, you’ll usually find a better exchange rate in your destination. The most convenient way to obtain cash is to use your ATM card at local banks in Spain and Portugal. We recommend you also bring a valid credit card for purchases while you are traveling. It is important that you inform your financial institutions of your travel plans before you leave home so they don’t flag your purchases as potentially fraudulent charges.
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Cuisine
Spain offers a delicious selection of cured hams, chorizo sausage, seafood, cheeses, and more. Try traditional dishes such as tortilla española (Spanish omelet), paella, and desserts such as flan, churros, and Catalan cream. For a quick lunch at a reasonable price, stop by a café or food cart for a bocadillo, a traditional Spanish sandwich made with baguette-style bread, ham and cheese. In the evening, try a selection of tapas – small bites served in bars and restaurants that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or a meal.
With Portugal’s long coastline, seafood is featured prominently on their menus. Popular dishes include sopa de mariscos (a shellfish soup) and bacalhau (dried codfish), and Portuguese grilled chicken prepared with chili, garlic and olive oil. For dessert, don’t miss out on the famous pastéis de nata custard pastry or arroz dolce (rice pudding) and a glass of port wine.
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Packing
We suggest bringing a variety of lightweight clothing items that can be layered to save space in your suitcase. This will also give you many options for how to dress in Spain and Portugal’s varying climates. It’s a good idea to bring a lightweight scarf to wear at religious sites and in the evening when temperatures cool off. For more helpful information please refer to our Packing Tips & Packing List.
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Tipping
Tipping in Spain and Portugal is much less common than in the U.S. When dining out, it’s appreciated, although not required, to leave a few extra euros for your server, and up to 10 percent for particularly good service. Leave your tip on the table rather than adding it to your credit card slip to ensure that your waiter receives it.
At the end of your guided vacation, it’s customary to offer your motor coach driver and Travel Director a gratuity. We recommend €3.00 per person/per day for your driver and €5.00 per person/per day for your Travel Director. Recommended gratuity for a Local Host and Local Specialist is 1-2 euros per person, paid at the conclusion of each guided visit. A convenient option is to prepay your tips before your departure.
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Baggage
Baggage on our trips is restricted to one large suitcase per person with dimensions not exceeding 30x19x10 inches and a maximum weight of 50 pounds. You are also permitted one piece of hand luggage, which should be small enough to fit under your coach seat or on the small overhead shelf compartment. Please note that luggage with an adjustable handle and wheels will not fit in the overhead compartment of the coach. Hotel porterage is included in your vacation.
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Health and Fitness
You will need to be comfortable on your feet, walking and standing for up to three hours in various weather conditions. All of our vacations involve walking, often on cobblestone and uneven surfaces in historic city centers. In order to get the most out of your vacation you need to be able to comfortably walk 1-3 miles unassisted in one day, be in good condition and be able to keep pace with the group.
If you need any medications, it is important that you bring enough to last you the whole trip and keep them in your carry-on bag while you travel.
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Insurance
We highly recommend our optional Travel Protection Plan, which allows you to cancel for any reason up to 24 hours before departure. The plan also includes trip interruption, baggage loss or delay, and medical and emergency assistance. Click here for a summary of coverage details, terms and conditions.
Request a Quote
-
30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
