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Highlights of Spain & Portugal

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Tour Pace: Comfortable
Flamenco Dresses, Madrid, Spain
Tour Style: First Class
14 Days from $2,205 per person

Kick off your Iberian adventure in Madrid before heading to the hanging houses in Cuenca and devouring delicious paella in Valencia. See the troglodyte cave dwellings at Guadix, the 14th century Alhambra Palace and passionate Flamenco in Seville before heading to Portugal's Algarve, its hilly capital, Lisbon, and Fatima, site of celebrated religious miracles.

Highlights of Spain & Portugal also has winter departures; click here to see the Winter Season version of this tour!

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  1. Board your overnight flight to Europe (not included).

  2. Welcome to Madrid, the capital of Spain. Relax or take a stroll along tree-lined boulevards before meeting up with your fellow travelers and Travel Director. Enjoy an evening drive to take in some of the city's main sights followed by a Welcome Reception.
    meal(s):WR
    hotel:NH Collection Eurobuilding

  3. In Cuenca view the hanging houses which are built on the edge of the cliffs over the deep gorge. On arrival in Valencia your orientation drive will include views of the Towers of Serrano and Quart. Stop to view the City of Arts and Sciences which is a large-scale urban recreation center for culture and science and designed by Santiago Calatrava. This complex is also featured in the George Clooney movie 'Tomorrowland'. Tonight why not sample paella, a specialty from this region.
    meal(s):BB
    hotel:Silken Puerta

  4. Travel inland through the ‘sierras’ to view the troglodyte cave dwellings at Guadix. Cave houses are common throughout the province of Granada but the highest concentration in this area. Take the jagged Mora Pass to the Moorish city of Granada. Dine tonight in a local restaurant for a special Regional Meal.
    meal(s):BB, RM
    hotel:Carmen

  5. Your Local Specialist takes you on a visit to the incredible Alhambra Palace, built in the 14th century and a magnificent example of Moorish architecture. Admire the ancient stucco, quiet courtyards and colossal walls. In Córdoba visit the Cathedral Mosque of Córdoba, the former mosque of the caliphs, a jewel of Hispano – Islamic art featuring striking arches and Byzantine mosaics with a Local Specialist. Later arrive in Seville, your home for the next three nights.
    meal(s):BB, DW
    hotel:Melia Lebreros

  6. See the Giralda Bell Tower with your Local Specialist during your sightseeing tour of Seville. Visit the Maria Luisa Park, the centerpiece of the 1929 Exposition, built in a Moorish style and featuring half a mile of fountains, ponds, pavilions and lush plantings and walk through the imposing Plaza de España. Visit the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, where the explorer Christopher Columbus is entombed. Tonight why not experience the passion of the flamenco.
    meal(s):BB

  7. Start your day in Jerez and gain a Cultural Insight into sherry production which is renowned in this region. Later visit the historic port city of Cadiz. Columbus departed from here on many of his voyages, and the exotic plants and trees dotted throughout the city are said to have been brought here by him upon his return. Once home to the vast Spanish Navy, Cadiz was raided by Sir Francis Drake a year prior to the 1588 Spanish Armada departure.
    meal(s):BB

  8. Cross the border into southern Portugal for a leisurely afternoon on the sunny Algarve. Spend time relaxing on the beach or take a stroll along the harbor.
    meal(s):BB, DW
    hotel:Agua Riverside

  9. See the Serra de Arrabida mountains and enjoy a Be My Guest lunch at a traditional Stud Ranch where Lusitano horses are reared. This afternoon arrive to Lisbon and visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Hieronymite Monastery as well as see the Belém Tower on your sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist. Tonight why not sample a traditional fado show.
    meal(s):BB, BG
    hotel:Olissippo Marques De Sa

  10. Enjoy a relaxing free day to explore all of Lisbon's attractions. Why not visit the lively Rossio Square where street cafes overlook the Baroque fountains or the Alfama district with its medieval alleyways and outstanding views? Later perhaps join an Optional Experience to the historic towns of Cascais and Sintra.
    meal(s):BB

  11. Drive north through the magnificent Serra d'Aire Mountains to the Shrine at Fátima, site of celebrated religious miracles. Cross the border back into Spain and arrive later in Salamanca where you view Plaza Mayor during your orientation tour.
    meal(s):BB
    hotel:Gran Corona Sol

  12. See the walled city of Avila before arriving in Toledo. Visit the Church of Santo Tomé, home to one of El Greco's most famous paintings – The Burial of Count Orgaz. Visit the synagogue during your guided walk through the narrow streets with your Local Specialist. Enjoy a Cultural Insight into the historical steel industry while watching local craftsmen at work. Later arrive in Madrid, your home for the next two nights.
    meal(s):BB
    hotel:Ayre Gran Colon

  13. This morning join your Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour of Madrid where you will see the Royal Palace, Puerta del Sol and the Cervantes Monument. This afternoon enjoy free time to explore the city or you can take an Optional Experience to the medieval UNESCO World Heritage City of Segovia. This evening join your fellow companions and Travel Director for a Farewell Dinner.
    meal(s):BB, FD

  14. Say ‘adios' to your traveling companions, your Travel Director and these beautiful countries at the end of a memorable vacation. Airport transfers are available. Conditions apply.
    meal(s):BB
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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.

2018 Preview

Preview itineraries and content are based on selected vacations featured in our 2017 Collection, however, items such as (but not limited to), hotels, meals, sightseeing inclusions, trip destinations, transfers and transportation, are subject to change. The final composition of your trip will be published in our 2018 Collection due out in September. By paying your deposit, you are agreeing to accept the finalized version of your trip itinerary.

  • Professional Travel Director Professional Travel Director
  • Sightseeing with Local Experts Sightseeing with Local Experts
  • VIP Access VIP Access
  • WIFI on Coach and in Hotels WIFI on Coach and in Hotels
  • Personal Flight Options Personal Flight Options
  • Most Meals Most Meals
  • Hotel Tips Hotel Tips
  • Expertly Selected Hotels Expertly Selected Hotels
  • Cultural Enrichment Cultural Enrichment

Meal Summary

12 nights, 12 hot buffet breakfasts, 1 lunch, 5 dinners, On-trip transport.

Included Highlights

Be My Guest

  • Saddle up for a superb stud farm visit, the tragic story of unrequited love and a traditional home-cooked lunch with Tiago and Vera in Portugal's beautiful Alentejo

Cultural Insight

  • Sample the famous sherry tradition in the southern Spanish city of Jerez, that has been making wine since the 7th century. The invincible swords of Toledo have defended cities for centuries. Visit an inlaid steel factory in Toledo to see local craftsmen forging the highest quality steel

Local Specialist

  • For included sightseeing in Granada, Córdoba, Seville, Lisbon, Toledo and Madrid

Hidden Treasure

  • Enjoy at least one surprise Hidden Treasure

Sightseeing Highlights

  • City tour in Córdoba, Seville, Lisbon, Toledo, Madrid
  • Orientation of Valencia, Cadiz, the Algarve Region, Salamanca
  • Visit the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Cathedral Mosque in Córdoba, Seville Cathedral, the Hieronomyte Monastery in Lisbon, the Shrine at Fátima, Plaza Mayor in Salamanca, Santo Tomé, Synagogue in Toledo
  • View the Hanging Houses of Cuenca, the Towers of Serrano and Quart and the City of Arts and Sciences complex designed by Santiago Calatrava in Valencia, The Cave Houses of Guadix
Definite Departure
Depart Date Return Date Price Discount Availability Price
29 Jul 17 11 Aug 17 checkmark $2,450pp Call 1-877-622-9109
5 Aug 17 18 Aug 17 checkmark $2,450pp Call 1-877-622-9109
12 Aug 17 25 Aug 17 checkmark $2,450pp Call 1-877-622-9109
19 Aug 17 1 Sep 17 checkmark $2,450pp Call 1-877-622-9109
26 Aug 17 8 Sep 17 checkmark $2,475pp Call 1-877-622-9109
2 Sep 17 15 Sep 17 checkmark $2,475pp Call 1-877-622-9109
9 Sep 17 22 Sep 17 checkmark $2,475pp Call 1-877-622-9109
16 Sep 17 29 Sep 17 checkmark $2,475pp Call 1-877-622-9109
23 Sep 17 6 Oct 17 checkmark $2,475pp Call 1-877-622-9109
30 Sep 17 13 Oct 17 checkmark $2,450pp Call 1-877-622-9109
7 Oct 17 20 Oct 17 checkmark $2,450pp Call 1-877-622-9109
14 Oct 17 27 Oct 17 checkmark $2,450pp Call 1-877-622-9109
7 Apr 18 20 Apr 18 $2,450$2,205pp Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 Request Quote Book Now
14 Apr 18 27 Apr 18 checkmark $2,450$2,205pp Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 Request Quote Book Now
21 Apr 18 4 May 18 checkmark $2,450$2,205pp Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 Request Quote Book Now
28 Apr 18 11 May 18 $2,475$2,228pp Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 Request Quote Book Now
5 May 18 18 May 18 checkmark $2,475$2,228pp Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 Request Quote Book Now
12 May 18 25 May 18 checkmark $2,475$2,228pp Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 Request Quote Book Now
19 May 18 1 Jun 18 checkmark $2,475$2,228pp Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 Request Quote Book Now
26 May 18 8 Jun 18 $2,475$2,228pp Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 Request Quote Book Now
2 Jun 18 15 Jun 18 $2,475$2,228pp Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 Request Quote Book Now
9 Jun 18 22 Jun 18 $2,475$2,228pp Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 Request Quote Book Now
16 Jun 18 29 Jun 18 $2,475$2,228pp Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 Request Quote Book Now
23 Jun 18 6 Jul 18 $2,450$2,205pp Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 Request Quote Book Now
30 Jun 18 13 Jul 18 $2,450$2,205pp Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 Request Quote Book Now
7 Jul 18 20 Jul 18 $2,450$2,205pp Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 Request Quote Book Now
14 Jul 18 27 Jul 18 $2,450$2,205pp Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 Request Quote Book Now
21 Jul 18 3 Aug 18 $2,450$2,205pp Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 Request Quote Book Now
28 Jul 18 10 Aug 18 $2,450$2,205pp Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 Request Quote Book Now
4 Aug 18 17 Aug 18 $2,450$2,205pp Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 Request Quote Book Now
11 Aug 18 24 Aug 18 $2,450$2,205pp Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 Request Quote Book Now
18 Aug 18 31 Aug 18 $2,450$2,205pp Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 Request Quote Book Now
25 Aug 18 7 Sep 18 $2,475$2,228pp Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 Request Quote Book Now
1 Sep 18 14 Sep 18 $2,475$2,228pp Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 Request Quote Book Now
8 Sep 18 21 Sep 18 checkmark $2,475$2,228pp Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 Request Quote Book Now
15 Sep 18 28 Sep 18 checkmark $2,475$2,228pp Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 Request Quote Book Now
22 Sep 18 5 Oct 18 checkmark $2,475$2,228pp Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 Request Quote Book Now
29 Sep 18 12 Oct 18 checkmark $2,450$2,205pp Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 Request Quote Book Now
6 Oct 18 19 Oct 18 checkmark $2,450$2,205pp Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 Request Quote Book Now
13 Oct 18 26 Oct 18 $2,450$2,205pp Early PaymentPay by Jan 11 Request Quote Book Now

Autumn, Winter, Spring: These departures are subject to change price, discount and hotel.

undefinedFestival Celebrations: Christmas and New Year Celebrations have been arranged for these departures.

undefinedSpecial Rate Solo Rooming: These departures include 25-100% discount on the standard single supplement.

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 $500 p.p.

Triple Discount: $30 p.p.

Gratuities: Option to pre-pay gratuities for Travel Director and Driver $93 per person.

Airport transfers: Transfers on arrival at Madrid Airport will operate at 10:30 am, 1:00 pm and 3:30 pm. Guests arriving later should make their own way to the first hotel. Return transfers from the last hotel will arrive at Madrid Airport at 8:30 am and 11:00 am.

Early Payment Discount: Pay in full to save the amount listed above. For details, click here.

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.

Frequent Travelers: Save an additional 5% off the price of the vacation.

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  • U.S. citizens traveling to Spain and Portugal must have a current passport valid for six months beyond the conclusion of their trip. You can find information on how to apply for a passport here, and how to renew a passport here. No visa is required for U.S. citizens visiting Spain and Portugal.

  • 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.

  • 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. 

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • We highly recommend our optional Travel Protection Plan, which allows you to cancel for any reason up to 48 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.

Reviews

Wednesday, October 12, 2016
Highlights of Spain & Portugal
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : GET has many good tours. This was my second tour. Very easy set up. Josh was our GET rep and was fantastic.
Vacation : Organize the route better: too much time on the bus traveling from one destination to the next. Needed more time in Madrid. Also, one day, the challenging walking was much too onerous for many on the tour. Guide (David Nadal) was great as was the bus driver (Paolo).
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
Highlights of Spain & Portugal
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : The hotel rooms were dated and too much bus driving by sites. I thought this was all inclusive and was surprised that we were nicked and dimed, for the optional tours. The Tour Guide was wonderful, as was our bus driver.
Vacation : I do not think I would go on Trafalgar with another bus tour.
Sunday, October 9, 2016
Highlights of Spain & Portugal
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : I am satisfied and happy with the entire tour - tour director, driver, places covered, hotels used and commentary of local guides are informative and enlightening of the local people and culture.
Vacation : I would recommend this tour to friends. I have been to both countries before but each time I discover something new and wonderful.
Sunday, October 9, 2016
Highlights of Spain & Portugal
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : Jean was a terrific Tour Director! Pedro was a careful and great bus driver.
Vacation : WE were kept busy and got to see a lot more than we expected. Hotels were the best. Could have used wash clothes when showering. Also tubs were slippery as they had no grip strips on the floor of the tubs. I would definately recommend Grand European Travel.

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.

Algarve

Wonders of the Algarve

Adult Price: € 34

Your opportunity to experience the coastal Algarve region, with wonderful photo opportunities at Ponta da Piedade. Next, we'll walk around Lagos and then to photogenic Praia da Rocha before you’ll enjoy free time in one of the well-known yachting marinas. This is a fully-guided tour.

Granada

Gypsy Night Out in Old Granada

Adult Price: € 34

Enjoy an evening in Granada’s old quarter, which offers the finest views over the illuminated Alhambra Palace. We’ve organised tickets for you to see the Zambra dances by Sacromonte's famous gypsies – a fiery, emotive performance unique to this part of Spain. And we've also included a drink, too.

Lisbon

Gourmet Dinner, Parliament, Exclusive Estrela and Evening Orientation

Adult Price: € 53

Your opportunity to enjoy the exclusive district of Estrela, its park, basilica and the Portuguese Parliament, on the way to a delicious gourmet dinner. You’ll finish the evening with a drive along the banks of the mighty River Tagus.

Portuguese Fado Evening Of Music & Song With Dinner

Adult Price: € 65

An evening's entertainment Portuguese style. You’ll savour a typical meal with local aperitifs and wines and hear beautiful, traditional Fado singing.

Seafood Dinner By The Tagus River

Adult Price: € 53

Take a ferry across the mighty Tagus River and enjoy typical Portuguese seafood and fish specialities at a local restaurant. After dinner, we’ll cross the impressive Suspension Bridge for a sweeping view over the Portuguese capital.

The Golden Triangle: Sintra, Cascais & The Estoril Coast

Adult Price: € 46

We'll visit the impressive Royal Palace of Sintra before passing through the fashionable resort of Estoril. Then, we'll explore the picturesque fishing village of Cascais, with its beautiful array of mansions and exclusive residences.

Madrid

Dinner and Discovery in Old and New Madrid

Adult Price: € 61

This evening you'll have the chance to admire the elegance of Madrid's new city, with its wide, tree-lined avenues and decorative fountains, before you experience the flavour of the old. Join the locals in a chat, and people-watch as you sip an aperitif before enjoying a delicious dinner.

Segovia World Heritage Site - Its Ancient Aqueduct & Fairy-tale Castle

Adult Price: € 45

Enjoy a visit to Segovia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which sits on a rocky outcrop between two rivers. With your Local Specialist, you’ll visit the 13th-century castle, reputed to have inspired Walt Disney, as well as seeing the best-preserved Roman aqueduct which has remained intact for 2,000 years.

Seville

The Moorish Alcazar And Plaza America

Adult Price: € 38

On this trip, you’ll begin with a visit to the elegant Moorish Alcazar, set in its own beautiful gardens. You'll then journey to the famous exhibition site of Plaza America which is a must for any visitor to Seville.

Discover The Origin Of "Tapas" & Evening In Old Seville

Adult Price: € 53

Join us for a dinner of mouth-watering tapas-style specialties. You’ll get the chance to taste different flavours and wines, before taking an atmospheric evening stroll through the charming old quarter of Seville.

Flamenco: Experience the Best Show in Town with a Drink

Adult Price: € 40

Discover the passion, rhythm and magic of an Andalucian flamenco show with us this evening. We've organised tickets to the best show in town, where you’ll experience 90 minutes of memorable entertainment with an included drink.

Flamenco, the best show in town with a three-course dinner

Adult Price: € 69

After a three-course dinner of Andalucian specialities, you’ll discover the passion, rhythm and magic of flamenco this evening. We've organised tickets to the best show in town, where you’ll experience 90 minutes of memorable entertainment with an included drink.

Valencia

Paella Experience

Adult Price: € 50

Spain's famous rice dish "The Paella" originated inValencia. This evening, we'll travel to a seafront restaurant where we'll sample several of its many variations. We'll also enjoy great beach views and a drive through the new yachting marina, home of the America's Cup 2007.

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