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Iberian Explorer

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Tour Pace: Active
MIjas, Costa del Sol, Spain
Tour Style: Value
14 Days from $1,495 per person

Ramble up Las Ramblas and through the zesty Iberian peninsula, from Barcelona to Lisbon, Salamanca to Madrid. Enjoy delicious paella in Valencia, see the troglodyte cave dwellings at Guadix and the medieval quarter of Lisbon with its Belém Tower.

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

  2. Welcome to Barcelona. After meeting with your Travel Director, you might like to explore Spain's most cosmopolitan city.

    hotel:Novotel Sant Joan Despi

  3. Your Local Specialist shows you the sights including Gaudi's Sagrada Familia, the Ramblas, Plaza Catalunya and spectacular views of the city from Montjuïc. Enjoy free time to explore the city or join an Optional Experience to Montserrat.

    meal(s):BB

  4. Drive through orange groves to Peñíscola and see the ancient castle used in the film ‘El Cid'. Continue through the ‘huertas' to sunny Valencia, the third-largest city in Spain, where your orientation includes the Town Hall, the Bull Ring, the Towers of Serrano and Quart, the cathedral and the modern ‘City of Arts and Science' designed by renowned architect, Santiago Calatrava. This complex is also featured in the George Clooney movie Tomorrowland.

    meal(s):BB, D
    hotel:Abba Acteon

  5. Travel southwest across the ‘sierras' to view the cave houses at Guadix. Take pictures of the troglodyte dwellings and then cross the jagged Mora Pass to Granada.

    meal(s):BB, D
    hotel:Macia Condor

  6. This morning there is time to explore the city or participate in an Optional Experience suggested by your Travel Director. Arrive later on the famous Costa del Sol for free time or consider an excursion to one of the famous hilltop villages.

    meal(s):BB
    hotel:Tryp Guadalmar/Tryp Alameda

  7. Enjoy a scenic coastal drive past Marbella to La Linea. Cross to the Rock of Gibraltar, where you have the chance to see the famous Barbary monkeys and possibly visit the cave of St. Michael. Then continue through spectacular Andalusian countryside to Seville. After dinner at your hotel tonight you might like to experience a fiery flamenco show.

    meal(s):BB, D
    hotel:MA Congresos

  8. Admire the great monuments and sights of Seville with your Local Specialist on your included morning sightseeing tour. View the pools and pavilions in Maria Luisa Park, constructed for the 1929 Exposition. Explore the city at your own pace or join an Optional Experience to visit the elegant Moorish Alcazar and famous exhibition site of Plaza America. Tonight, you might like to sample some traditional tapas.

    meal(s):BB

  9. Drive to the Portuguese border then continue past the cork trees of the Alentejo region. From here travel via Setúbal to the capital of Portugal, Lisbon, a great seafaring city situated near where the Tagus River flows into the Atlantic Ocean. Tonight consider a traditional Portuguese dinner with music.

    meal(s):BB
    hotel:Altis Park

  10. See the Hieronymite Monastery and the medieval quarter of the city before taking in views of the Belém Tower on an included sightseeing tour with your Local Specialist. Then time at leisure to maybe take an Optional Experience to Sintra and the coastal town of Cascais.

    meal(s):BB

  11. A scenic drive north through the magnificent Serra d'Aire Mountains brings you to the Shrine at Fátima, site of celebrated religious miracles. Cross the border back into Spain and arrive later in Salamanca where you view the Plaza Mayor during your orientation tour.

    meal(s):BB
    hotel:Vincci Ciudad De Salamanca

  12. Your journey continues through the Sierra de Guadarrama Mountains to Madrid, Europe's highest capital city. This afternoon your Local Specialist shows you all the sights including the Royal Palace, the Puerta del Sol and the Cervantes Memorial in the Plaza de España. This evening why not visit one of Madrid's many fine restaurants where you have the chance to try some of the local dishes?

    meal(s):BB
    hotel:Tryp Leganes

  13. An entire day to explore the city. You might like to visit the Prado Museum, watch the street artists on Plaza Mayor or join an Optional Experience to the medieval city of Toledo, the ancient capital of Castile. Tonight dine with your companions as you celebrate a memorable vacation.

    meal(s):BB, D

  14. Say ‘adios' to your companions after a wonderful 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.

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.

  • WIFI on Coach and in Hotels WIFI on Coach and in Hotels
  • Professional Travel Director Professional Travel Director
  • Sightseeing with Local Experts Sightseeing with Local Experts
  • Breakfast Daily Breakfast Daily
  • Expertly Selected Hotels Expertly Selected Hotels
  • Hotel Tips Hotel Tips
  • Personal Flight Options Personal Flight Options

Meal Summary

12 buffet breakfasts, 4 three course dinners.

Sightseeing Highlights

  • Sightseeing with your Local Specialist includes Gaudi's Sagrada Familia, the Ramblas and views from Montjuïc
  • See the ancient castle overlooking the beach
  • Orientation tour includes the Cathedral, Town Hall, Towers of Serrano and Quart and City of Arts and Sciences
  • View the cave homes in “Barrio Troglodyte”
  • Enjoy a scenic drive to this Moorish city
  • Visit this renowned resort area
  • Visit the famous rock of Gibraltar
  • Sightseeing with your Local Specialist includes views of the Cathedral and Giralda Tower
  • View Belém Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries on your sightseeing tour with your Local Specialist
  • Visit the celebrated Shrine
  • Orientation of this university city includes views of the Plaza Mayor
  • Sightseeing with your Local Specialist includes Puerta del Sol, The Cervantes Memorial and the Cibeles Fountain
Definite Departure
Depart Date Return Date Price Discount Availability Price
4 Aug 17 17 Aug 17 checkmark $1,495pp Call 1-877-622-9109
11 Aug 17 24 Aug 17 checkmark $1,495pp Call 1-877-622-9109
25 Aug 17 7 Sep 17 checkmark $1,495pp Call 1-877-622-9109
1 Sep 17 14 Sep 17 checkmark $1,495pp Call 1-877-622-9109
8 Sep 17 21 Sep 17 checkmark $1,495pp Call 1-877-622-9109
15 Sep 17 28 Sep 17 checkmark $1,495pp Call 1-877-622-9109
22 Sep 17 5 Oct 17 checkmark $1,495pp Call 1-877-622-9109
29 Sep 17 12 Oct 17 checkmark $1,495pp Call 1-877-622-9109
6 Oct 17 19 Oct 17 checkmark $1,495pp Call 1-877-622-9109

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 $430.

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

Airport transfers: On arrival at Barcelona Airport transfers will operate at 9:30 am, 12 pm and 2:30 pm. Guests arriving later should make their own way to the hotel. Return transfers on the last travel day will arrive at Madrid Airport at 8:30 am and 11 am.

Important Visa Information: Visas may be required for this trip.

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.

Past Travelers: Save an additional 5% off the Land Only 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

Saturday, July 8, 2017
Iberian Explorer
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : Tour Director and Driver were thoughtful and effective. Amount of walking was a little underestimated. Hotels were fine except for one which had to change rooms twice to get air conditioning and two others which had no warm water in the showers. I would recommend Grand European and may use them again.
Vacation : Choice of cities and sights was good. A little more free time would have been helpful, along with city maps and public transportation information.
Thursday, May 18, 2017
Iberian Explorer
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : Everything was well thought out , orderly and timely. I would definitely use this service again.
Vacation : Every detail was thought of. I felt safe and taken care of.
Thursday, May 18, 2017
Iberian Explorer
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : I will definitely travel again, very thing was handled quickly with no difficulties
Vacation : I enjoyed both SPAIN AND PORTUGL I had never been to either country before, in 12 days we covered a lot of places. Saw more country than I thought I would. Our guide Pascal lecrivan was excellent, he made the trip enjoyable and he was very knowable. I learned a lot of history about each country
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
Iberian Explorer
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : Yes everything went so well. Our tour director, Pedro Pinto did an Excellent job as well as our driver Fernando Carmo. Very commendable. I've used Trafalgar and Insight many times but my first time to receive a gift For being a loyal client. I'm so happy For the service.
Vacation : The trip was terrific! We were well taken cared of. Our tour director, Pedro Pinto did an excellent job as well as our driver Fernando Carmo. Wehada nice time. Very commendable tour director!

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.

Barcelona

Mystical Montserrat

Adult Price: € 40

Join an Optional Experience to the enchanting and mystical mountain of Montserrat, with its breathtaking views and spectacular scenery. There we will visit the Benedictine monastery where the Black Madonna can be seen.

Catalonian Dinner And The Dancing Fountains

Adult Price: € 59

Join us for drinks and a Catalonian feast in the bustling city of Barcelona. After dinner, we’ll take you to see the spectacle of the famous Dancing Fountains, which were built for the 1929 World’s Fair and are one of the wonders of the modern world.

Costa Del Sol

Mijas Andalucian Hilltown & Mediterranean Dinner

Adult Price: € 62

Visit this charming hilltop village, perched high up with splendid views of the coastline. While here, you’ll experience its narrow streets with white-washed houses, unusual donkey taxi service, oval bullring, and shoppers will find some hidden gems. Your evening will finish with a Mediterranean dinner at a coastal restaurant.

Gibraltar

A Guided Tour Of The Rock Of Gibraltar

Adult Price: € 31

Experience a tour of the Rock of Gibraltar, one of the pillars of Hercules, by private mini bus. You’ll enjoy magnificent views of the meeting of the Atlantic and Mediterranean and the Spanish Sierra, visit St. Michael`s cave and see the famous Barbary apes.

Granada

Albaicin And The Royal Chapel

Adult Price: € 35

Enjoy a leisurely walking tour through the Albaicin World Heritage Site – a maze of narrow streets and Moorish splendour. You'll get to explore the Catholic Monarchs' tombs and some of their treasures at the Royal Chapel, and stop off at the picturesque Alcaiceria quarter.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Spectacular Toledo: Spain's Ancient Capital

Adult Price: € 44

Visit the ancient capital of Spain, which sits above the River Tagus and is home to the nation's principal cathedral and El Greco's famous views. Learn about Moorish and Jewish cultures, and how the area is famed for the production of Damascene work: intricate inlaid gold jewellery and craftwork.

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.

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, 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.

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