Best of Spain and Portugal
15 Day Spain/Portugal Tour to Barcelona & Lisbon | Operated by InsightVacations
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15 Days
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3 Countries
Spain, Portugal, Gibraltar -
17 Cities
Madrid, Segovia, Avila, Salamanca, Porto, Fátima, Obidos, Lisbon, Seville, Gibraltar, Costa del Sol, Mijas, Torremolinos, Alfarnatejo, Granada, Valencia, Barcelona -
21 Meals
5 Dinner with Wines, 14 Breakfasts, 2 Lunch with Wines -
Pace: Comfortable
Mainly 2–3-night stays in each location. Comfortable travel days with numerous stops. Requires 1-3 miles of walking per day that might involve some uneven surfaces, such as cobblestones and stairs.
Trip Itinerary
Join your Travel Director for a Welcome Dinner in a local restaurant and get to know your fellow travelers over an evening of delicious food and wine.
Guided by your Local Expert, visit the Spanish capital’s most historic neighborhoods. Your drive continues through the Old Quarter, discovering the origins of the city. Enjoy a special visit to the renowned Prado Museum with an art historian who will guide you through the collective works of Velázquez, Goya, Titian, Rubens and more.
Travel to the fortified city of Segovia. Walk through the medieval streets with a Local Expert and see the magnificent Alcazar fortress, before continuing onto the historic aqueduct. Journey west, overlooking the ancient walls of Ávila, en route to Salamanca. During your guided sightseeing tour, admire the golden stone buildings the city is famous for, including the arcaded Plaza Mayor, the honey-colored cathedral and the 16th century university buildings.
Cross the Portuguese border to reach Porto. Situated on the River Douro, the city is celebrated internationally as the capital of Port wine. Visit the Vila Nova de Gaia wine stores and walk along corridors of casks. Get to know your tawnys and vintages during a tasting. Continue your exploration of the city, admiring the multi-colored houses, churches adorned with glazed tiles and iconic bridges.
Continue to Fátima, Portugal’s most renowned place of pilgrimage. See the basilica or perhaps visit the Chapel of the Apparitions, which commemorates the appearance of the Virgin Mary to three young shepherds in 1917. Journey to the fortified town of Óbidos and walk within its walls, exploring the narrow, medieval streets where houses are covered with flowers. Your travels continue to the Portuguese capital, Lisbon.
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 faraway lands. Enjoy a taste of the famous Pastéis de Belém from a traditional patisserie that has managed to hold on to the secret recipe of Portugal's finest pastry for almost 200 years. View the modern 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, featuring one of the most prominent horse-drawn carriage collections in the world. With the afternoon at your leisure, perhaps join an Optional Experience to the Portuguese Riviera, frequented by surfers, royalty and, on occasion, James Bond.
Leave Lisbon via the modern Tagus Bridge and cross the border to reach Seville. Visit the Seville Cathedral, the burial place of Christopher Columbus.
Explore Seville with Insight Choice. Choose to embark on a walk through the old Jewish quarter. Alternatively, join a scenic drive around the city and enjoy panoramic views.
This evening, why not join an optional experience with dinner and a horse and carriage ride?
Enjoy a relaxed start and a morning to unwind, shop or continue exploring this fascinating city at your own pace. Our suggestion is to join an Optional Experience to the ancient city of Córdoba, where you will visit the magnificent Mezquita, see the old Jewish Quarter, and enjoy some free time to shop or explore as you wish. Later this afternoon, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you visit the Cristina Heeren Foundation, a flamenco dance school and beneficiary of a TreadRight Foundation grant. Their mission is to promote the teaching and conservation of flamenco. Feel the passion behind the choreography as you put your rhythm to the test during a dance lesson.
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. See the Barbary Apes, legendary guardians of the colony. Relax as you travel the scenic route along the Costa del Sol through high end 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, taking in the views of the coast.
Enjoy the day at leisure on the sun-drenched Costa del Sol. Relax by the blue Mediterranean waters, stroll along the promenade, savor the specialties in the local restaurants or consider exploring Málaga, the birth city of Picasso.
Continue to Alfarnatejo, a quiet whitewashed village, with a population of less than 500 people, surrounded by stunning mountainous landscape. Walk the town center to see the 18th century Iglesia del Santo Cristo de Cabrilla. Travel to the oldest olive grove in the region and stop at the rural mill-factory to taste a selection of different oils, paired with locally made farmer bread. In small groups, you are invited 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.
Journey to Valencia. Pass through the Old City to see its ancient gates, and the City of Arts and Sciences. In your free time perhaps take a stroll to the Cathedral and El Miguelete? Alternatively sit back with a drink and watch the Valencians 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 City and learn how to make this local specialty during a Cooking Demonstration. Later, indulge in the delicious flavors of this classic dish at your Highlight Dinner.
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 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 to newfound friends and a wonderful journey, enjoying a Celebration Dinner with wine.
Today, bid farewell to your journey along Spain and Portugal as you transfer to the airport.
Price Includes
Dining Summary- - 5 Dinner with Wines (DW)
- - 14 Breakfasts (B)
- - 2 Lunch with Wines (LW)
- Join your Travel Director at 18:00 for a Welcome Dinner in a local restaurant and get to know your fellow travelers over a beautiful evening of delicious food and wine.
- Sample a selection of famous Port wines at a tasting at the Vila Nova de Gaia wine stores.
- Delight in a taste of the famous Portuguese delicacy, Pastéis de Belém.
- Taste a selection of freshly pressed olive oils with locally made farmer bread when you stop at Almazara, the oldest olive grove in the region.
- Hear stories of local life as you join a local family for a freshly prepared traditional lunch with wine.
- Learn the authentic recipe of paella when you join a local chef for a Cooking Demonstration. Savor the flavors of this classic dish for dinner, washed down with a glass of Sangria, during your Highlight Dinner.
- Join a wine expert when you visit Cava Dorada. Enjoy a tasting at the great Cava vineyards during your delicious Highlight Lunch.
- At a typical Catalan restaurant, savor a delicious Celebration Dinner that incorporates classic cooking with the freshest produce.
- Witness the world's finest collection of Spanish paintings, plus an impressive international collection, as you tour the Prado Museum with an art historian.
- 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.
- See the highlights of the city with your Local Expert. Visit the Old Town, traveling 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.
- Walk the medieval streets of this fortified city with your Local Expert and see the 14th century Alcazar Palace.
- See the handsome arcaded Plaza Mayor, the honey-colored cathedral and the 16th century university buildings as you explore the city with your Local Expert.
- See the iconic bridges and buildings decorated in tiles.
- Join the faithful at one of the world's holiest sites and pay homage at the Chapel of the Apparitions and see the basilica.
- Lead by your Travel Director, walk through the picturesque narrow streets up to the main square of this ancient walled town.
- 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.
- 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.
- Stroll through Barrio de Santa Cruz with your Local Expert to hear how the Jewish community has shaped the history of Seville.
- Explore Seville's top sights on a panoramic city tour with your Local Expert.
- With your Local Expert, explore the Rock of Gibraltar, one of the pillars of Hercules, affording magnificent views and see the meeting of the Atlantic, the Mediterranean and the Spanish Sierra. Visit St. Michael's Cave and see the Barbary Apes.
- Journey to this white-washed village and stroll the streets to admire the coastal views.
- Visit the beautiful, quiet town and walk the town center.
- Explore 'The City of the Pomegranate' with a Local Expert. During sightseeing you'll see the icons dedicated to this fruit throughout the city.
- See the ultra-modern Center of Arts and Sciences and the huge gates of the old town, Torres de Serranos and Torres de Quart.
- See the castle featured in the film 'El Cid'.
- With your Local Expert, drive down Las Ramblas and the elegant Passeig de Gràcia to witness some of the finest Modernist architecture. Journey through the Eixample district to see Gaudi's extraordinary masterpiece, the mesmerizing Sagrada Família.
- Venture inside Gaudi's extraordinary masterpiece, the Sagrada Família and marvel at the contrasts of architecture. Above see its giant, tree-like pillars and spectacular vaulting. Admire the wonderful rainbow of the incredible stained-glass windows.
- 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.
Optional Experiences
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.
Toledo Excursion (Available on Day 2)A specialist guide takes you to the unique city of Toledo, Spain's capital during the golden era, and where El Greco lived and worked. Walk through the narrow cobbled streets to visit the fine Gothic cathedral and admire the old city views along the Tagus gorge. We'll also visit a specialist workshop where artisans create authentic Damascene ware, an ancient art perfected by the Moors and passed down over the centuries. On certain dates when the cathedral is not accessible this will be priced at 40 Euro.
Adult Price: €54 Madrid by Night (Available on Day 2)An evening drive to the most historic area of Madrid including stops for wonderful views of the city and a walk through the lively streets and squares of old Madrid. Enjoy free time for dinner in one of the many restaurants and return home along the grand Avenida Castellana with its spectacular fountains.
Adult Price: €22 Madrid by Night with Dinner (Available on Day 2)Enjoy an evening out in the nation's stately capital city. Tonight we'll enjoy a wonderful dinner out on the town in a carefully chosen venue, accompanied by Spanish wine and great local entertainment. What a wonderful introduction to Madrid.
Adult Price: €66 Lisbon by Night (Available on Day 5)Drive to Restauradores then a gentle walk through Rossio across the Baixa to discover the beautiful views of Santa Justa, the arch of Augusta, St George’s Castle and the Cathedral. Perhaps enjoy a drink at sunset in Commerce Square. There’s free time for dinner before returning to your hotel.
Adult Price: €22 Seafood Dinner By The Tagus River (Available on Day 5)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 specialties. 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.
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: €55 Fado Evening (Available on Day 6)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, savor a typical Portuguese dinner with drinks included.
Adult Price: €76 Dinner in Seville With a Horse and Carriage Ride (Available on Day 7)Seville is Spain's most majestic city and an evening out is a must! Tonight we'll enjoy a lovely array of traditional Andalusian specialties, 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 gardens of Plaza de America, the Murillo Gardens and Plaza de España, which is especially magical in the evening.
Adult Price: €72 Andalusian Evening & The Atmosphere Of Old Seville (Available on Day 7)Enjoy a delicious array of alluring Andalusian specialties 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: €60 Cordoba & the Mezquita (Available on Day 8)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: €56 Highlights of Malaga (Available on Day 10)A short drive brings us to Malaga, the thriving capital of the Costa del Sol. We'll see the old town with our Local Expert and see the house in which Pablo Picasso spent his early years. The town is also famous for its sweet, full-bodied wines and our tour concludes with a taste of the recent vintage.
Adult Price: €48 Mediterranean Dinner (Available on Day 10)Join us for a delicious Mediterranean style dinner in a delightful family restaurant on the Costa del Sol. We'll sample fresh Mediterranean fare, including some of the restaurant's signature dishes such as "fritura malagueña" or sea bass baked in sea salt, a traditional recipe since Roman times. Your meal will be accompanied by local wine.
Adult Price: €61 Gaudi's Parc Guell and the Maritime Front (Available on Day 13)Enter a strange fantasy world at Parc Güell, Spain's most impressive public park which we'll visit with our Local Expert. Here Gaudí designed mushroom-like houses, "bird nest" pillars and a stunning mosaic dragon. The huge central terrace is enveloped by a ceramic-encrusted serpentine bench (reputedly the world's longest seat) and offers panoramic views of Barcelona and the bay. We then head to the Maritime Front, why not try one of the numerous waterfront restaurants?
Adult Price: €46 Montserrat & The Black Madonna (Available on Day 14)We'll enjoy a stunning drive to Montserrat, the mystical sacred serrated mountain, with its unique formations and spectacular views. It's home to the Benedictine Abbey of Santa Maria de Montserrat and the ‘Virgin of Montserrat’, one of the most-venerated Black Madonna’s of Europe. Catalan landscapes unfold before us, as our Local Expert introduces us to this place of immense beauty and significance.
Adult Price: €53