Iberian Explorer
13 Days from $1,775 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.
Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange for flights to arrive on or before Day 1.
Overview
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.
Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange for flights to arrive on or before Day 1.
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Day 1: Arrive Barcelona (2 Nights)
Welcome to Barcelona. On arrival at Barcelona Airport, transfers will operate at 9:30 am, 12 noon, and 2:30 pm. Guests arriving later should make their own way to the hotel. After meeting with your Travel Director, you might like to explore Spain's most cosmopolitan city.
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Day 2: Barcelona Sightseeing and Free Time
Your Local Specialist shows you the sights including views of Gaudí's Sagrada Família, the Ramblas, Plaça de Catalunya and spectacular views of the city from Montjuïc. Enjoy free time to explore the city or join an Optional Experience to Montserrat.
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Day 3: Barcelona – Peñíscola – Valencia
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 Bullring, the Towers of Serrano and Quart, the cathedral and the modern 'City of Arts and Science' designed by renowned architect, Santiago Calatrava.
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Day 4: Valencia – Guadix – Granada
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.
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Day 5: Granada – Costa del Sol
This morning there is time to explore the city or participate in an Optional Experience to the Albaicín Quarter of Granada. Arrive later on the famous Costa del Sol for free time or consider an excursion to Mijas, one of the famous hilltop villages.
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Day 6: Costa del Sol – Gibraltar – Seville (2 Nights)
Enjoy a scenic coastal drive past Marbella to La Línea. Cross the border to the Rock of Gibraltar, where you have the chance to see the famous Barbary apes and possibly visit the cave of St. Michael. Then continue through the spectacular Andalusian countryside to Seville. After dinner at your hotel tonight, you might Consider an Optional Experience to see a fiery flamenco show.
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Day 7: Seville Sightseeing and Free Time
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. Tonight, you might like to sample some traditional tapas.
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Day 8: Seville – Lisbon (2 Nights)
Drive to the Portuguese border then continue past the cork trees of the Alentejo region. From here travel to the capital of Portugal, Lisbon, a great seafaring city situated near where the Tagus River flows into the Atlantic Ocean. Tonight, why not consider a traditional Portuguese dinner with music?
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Day 9: Lisbon Sightseeing and Free Time
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 in Lisbon or maybe take an Optional Experience to discover Portugal's Golden Triangle of Queluz, Cascais and Estoril.
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Day 10: Lisbon – Fátima – Salamanca
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.
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Day 11: Salamanca – Madrid Sightseeing (2 Nights)
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 main 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?
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Day 12: Madrid Free Day
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.
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Day 13: Depart Madrid
Say 'adios' to your companions after a wonderful vacation. Return transfers will arrive at Madrid Airport at 8:30 am and 11 am. Conditions apply.
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
| Depart Date | Return Date | Price | Discount | Availability | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jun 19 | 13 Jun 19 |
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$2,025pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Call 1-877-622-9109 | ||
| 15 Jun 19 | 27 Jun 19 |
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$1,795pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote | ||
| 22 Jun 19 | 4 Jul 19 |
|
$1,795pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote | ||
| 29 Jun 19 | 11 Jul 19 |
|
$2,025pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote | ||
| 6 Jul 19 | 18 Jul 19 |
|
$1,795pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote | ||
| 13 Jul 19 | 25 Jul 19 |
|
$1,795pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote | ||
| 27 Jul 19 | 8 Aug 19 |
|
$1,795pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote | ||
| 10 Aug 19 | 22 Aug 19 |
|
$1,775pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote | ||
| 17 Aug 19 | 29 Aug 19 |
|
$1,775pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote | ||
| 31 Aug 19 | 12 Sep 19 |
|
$1,775pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote | ||
| 21 Sep 19 | 3 Oct 19 |
|
$2,025pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote | ||
| 28 Sep 19 | 10 Oct 19 |
|
$2,025pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote |
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 $620.
Triple Room Discount: $40 p.p.
Gratuities: Option to pre-pay gratuities for Travel Director and Driver $127 per person.
Airport transfers: On arrival at Barcelona Airport transfers will operate at 9:30 am, 12 noon 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.
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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WIFI on Coach and in Hotels
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Professional Travel Director
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Sightseeing with Local Experts
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Breakfast Daily
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Expertly Selected Hotels
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Hotel Tips
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Personal Flight Options
Meal Summary
16 meals: 12 Buffet breakfasts, 4 Three-course dinners.
Sightseeing Experiences
- Barcelona Sightseeing with your Local Specialist includes views of Gaudí's Sagrada Família, the Ramblas and views from Montjuïc
- Peñiscola See the ancient castle overlooking the beach
- Valencia Orientation tour includes the Cathedral, Town Hall, Towers of Serrano and Quart and City of Arts and Sciences
- Guadix View the cave homes in “Barrio Troglodyte”
- Granada Enjoy a scenic drive to this Moorish city
- Costa Del Sol Visit this renowned resort area
- Gibraltar Visit the famous Rock of Gibraltar
- Seville Sightseeing with your Local Specialist includes views of the Cathedral and Giralda Tower
- Lisbon View Belém Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries on your sightseeing tour with your Local Specialist
- Fátima Visit the celebrated Shrine
- Salamanca Orientation of this university city includes views of the Plaza Mayor
- Madrid Sightseeing with your Local Specialist includes Puerta del Sol, The Cervantes Memorial and the Cibeles Fountain
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
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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.
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
Catalonian Dinner And The Dancing Fountains
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.
Adult Price: €59
Mystical Montserrat
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.
Adult Price: €40
Granada
Albaicín And The Royal Chapel
Enjoy a leisurely walking tour through the Albaicín World Heritage Site—a maze of narrow streets and Moorish splendor. You'll get to explore the Catholic Monarchs' tombs and some of their treasures at the Royal Chapel, and stop off at the picturesque Alcaicería quarter.
Adult Price: €37
Mijas Andalusian Hilltown & Mediterranean Dinner
Visit this charming hilltop village, perched up high with splendid views of the coastline. Experience its narrow streets with white-washed houses, see the oval bullring, or hunt for hidden gems in the shops. Your evening will finish with a Mediterranean dinner at a coastal restaurant.
Adult Price: €62
Seville
A Guided Tour Of The Rock Of Gibraltar
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. You'll visit St. Michael's cave and see the famous Barbary apes.
Adult Price: €36
Flamenco: Experience the Best Show in Town
Discover the passion, rhythm and magic of an Andalusian flamenco show with us this evening. We've organized tickets to the best show in town, where you’ll experience 90 minutes of memorable entertainment with an included drink.
Adult Price: €40
Discover The Origin Of "Tapas" & Evening In Old Seville
Join us for a dinner of mouth-watering tapas-style specialties. You’ll get the chance to taste different flavors and wines, before taking an atmospheric evening stroll through the charming old quarter of Seville.
Adult Price: €53
The Moorish Alcazar And Plaza América
We'll begin with a visit to the elegant 14th-century Moorish Alcazar, set in its own beautiful gardens. The gardens were recently used as the setting for the Water Gardens of Dorne in the Game Of Thrones series. Then, we'll journey to the famous exhibition site of Plaza América—a must for any visitor to Seville.
Adult Price: €41
Flamenco, the best show in town with a three-course dinner
After a three-course dinner of Andalusian specialties with drinks included, you’ll discover the passion, rhythm and magic of flamenco this evening. We've organized tickets to the best show in town, where you’ll experience 90 minutes of memorable entertainment.
Adult Price: €69
Lisbon
Portuguese Fado Evening Of Music & Song With Dinner
An evening's entertainment Portuguese style. You’ll savor a typical meal with local aperitifs and wines and hear beautiful, traditional Fado singing.
Adult Price: €66
Gourmet Dinner, Parliament, Exclusive Estrela and Evening Orientation
Your opportunity to view 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 Tagus River.
Adult Price: €53
Seafood Dinner By The Tagus River
Take a ferry across the mighty Tagus River and enjoy typical Portuguese seafood and fish specialties at a local restaurant. After dinner, we’ll cross the impressive Suspension Bridge for a sweeping view over the Portuguese capital.
Adult Price: €53
The Golden Triangle: Sintra, Cascais & The Estoril Coast
After passing through the fashionable resort of Estoril, we'll explore the picturesque fishing village of Cascais, with its beautiful array of mansions and exclusive residences. To complete the Golden Triangle, we'll visit the impressive Royal Palace of Sintra.
Adult Price: €46
Madrid
Dinner and Discovery in Old and New Madrid
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 traditional flavor of the old city. We'll see where the locals come together and have a chat over their aperitifs, before enjoying a delicious dinner.
Adult Price: €61
Toledo
Spectacular Toledo: Spain's Ancient Capital
Visit the ancient capital of Spain, which sits above the Tagus River 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 jewelry and craftwork.
Adult Price: €44
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.
-
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.
