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Iberian Explorer

14 Days from $1,530 per person

Style: Value | Pace: Active

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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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.

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

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

    hotel:Novotel Sant Joan Despí

  3. Your Local Specialist shows you the sights including views of 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.

    meal(s):BB, D
    hotel:SH Florazar/Mas Camarena

  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 Mijas, 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 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 spectacular Andalucian countryside to Seville. After dinner at your hotel tonight you might like to experience a fiery flamenco show.
    meal(s):BB, D
    hotel:MA Congress

  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. 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 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:Olaias 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 in Lisbon or maybe take an Optional Experience to discover Portugal's Golden Triangle of Queluz, Cascais and Estoril.
    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 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?
    meal(s):BB
    hotel:NH Leganés

  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. Return transfers on the last travel day will arrive at Madrid Airport at 8.30am and 11.00am.. 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.

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  • Definite Departure
Depart Date Return Date Price Discount Availability Price
8 Jun 18 21 Jun 18 checkmark $1,695pp Request Quote Book Now
22 Jun 18 5 Jul 18 checkmark $1,910pp Request Quote Book Now
29 Jun 18 12 Jul 18 checkmark $1,695pp Request Quote Book Now
6 Jul 18 19 Jul 18 checkmark $1,530pp Request Quote Book Now
20 Jul 18 2 Aug 18 checkmark $1,530pp Request Quote Book Now
27 Jul 18 9 Aug 18 $1,910pp Request Quote Book Now
3 Aug 18 16 Aug 18 checkmark $1,695pp Request Quote Book Now
10 Aug 18 23 Aug 18 checkmark $1,695pp Request Quote Book Now
31 Aug 18 13 Sep 18 checkmark $1,695pp Request Quote Book Now
14 Sep 18 27 Sep 18 $1,695pp Request Quote Book Now
21 Sep 18 4 Oct 18 checkmark $1,695pp Request Quote Book Now
28 Sep 18 11 Oct 18 checkmark $1,695pp Request Quote Book Now
5 Oct 18 18 Oct 18 checkmark $1,695pp Request Quote Book Now
12 Oct 18 25 Oct 18 checkmark $1,695pp Request Quote Book Now

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 $530.

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 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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  • 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 views of 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
 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.

Similar Trips

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Reviews

Wednesday, November 1, 2017
Iberian Explorer
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : The tour director and driver were wonderful. However I was told that the discount trip was less because the hotels were a short distance to the city and not in the city. The hotels were way outside in the industrial part. A cab ride into town cost almost as much as the optional excursions, so that's a way to get people to sign up for excursions, otherwise they would be a hotel, sometimes questionable, with nothing to do. One gal said that the hotel in Valencia looked like a ****** hotel and the last hotel we stayed in ,WAY OUTSIDE SPAIN, was in a ghetto . so that is the last memory I have of Grand European cost saver.
Response from Grand European Travel:
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We do strive to provide quality accommodations on all of our trips, including Cost Saver and appreciate hearing when those standards are not met.  We will be sharing your feedback with Trafalgar's Quality Control Team for immediate review.

Thursday, November 9, 2017
Vacation : The only reason it is a 3 star is because I met some wonderful people on the trip
Thursday, October 26, 2017
Iberian Explorer
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : The information in the brochures does not match what was delivered in many cases. The problem is under-delivering.
Response from Grand European Travel:
It appears you booked one of our CostSaver trips which are designed to be more affordable that our first class trips.  The hotels are not usually in the city centers and there is a lot great deal of free time to be more independent if you desire, but also a nice array of Optional Experiences if you prefer.   Please accept our apologies if this was not made clear to you when you booked your trip.  We apologize for the changes in hotels as well.  We do state that they could change at any time depending on hotel availability or trip changes that may occur.
Monday, October 30, 2017
Vacation : The hotels selected for the trip were in poor locations. Many were different from the ones listed in the trip brochure. Some of them, such as the last one in Madrid, were pretty bad. The optional tour of the Alhambra in Granada was never offered, yet it was listed in the trip brochures. It amounts to intentional misinformation!
Thursday, September 14, 2017
Iberian Explorer
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : Tour Guidewas there to help in every situation.
Vacation : Everything was excellent.
Tuesday, September 5, 2017
Iberian Explorer
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : Booking was easy. The places we went to are beautiful except 2 hotels (novotel) were very old. The aircon was not working and the shower was very dangerous as we can not control the water temperature. It goes burning hot even with the cold water turned all the way. The breakfast in most hotels are not good. Thefe is hardly no fresh fresh fruits. One hotel has cut up fruits that are old and stale. The tour guide was good overall the only thing the weather was so hot and we wanted to go back to the hotel but he still left us after the city tour and we just waited for an hour or so just waiting to be picked up. On our free time, he dropped us off in a place where the shops are like the shops we have back home. We didnot have time to shop for local souvenirs. There was hardly time for shopping given. Also i would have loved to be brougth or shown products made in spain like the where lladro is made.
Vacation : It was ok. Except when we wanted to go with the coach back to the hotel because it waa too hot, we had to stay and just waited for the coach to pick us up.
Thursday, August 10, 2017
Iberian Explorer
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : This is my first trip with Grand European Travel, and I enjoyed it greatly. However, I would prefer to have lesser optional tours and have all expenses included, including local guides, drivers, and tour director. I preferred one pay and all inclusive deal. But again, it would be great to know about these arrangement before booking, rather than finding it out after booking.
Vacation : Wonderful trip with a wonderful company
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!
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.

Similar Trips

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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 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.

Similar Trips

Print Itinerary

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.

Granada

Albaicín And The Royal Chapel

Adult Price: €37.00

Enjoy a leisurely walking tour through the Albaicín 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 Alcaicería quarter.

Barcelona

Mystical Montserrat

Adult Price: €40.00

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.

Barcelona

Catalonian Dinner And The Dancing Fountains

Adult Price: €59.00

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 Andalusian Hilltown & Mediterranean Dinner

Adult Price: €62.00

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.

Seville

Flamenco: Experience the Best Show in Town

Adult Price: €40.00

Discover the passion, rhythm and magic of an Andalusian 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.

Gibraltar

A Guided Tour Of The Rock Of Gibraltar

Adult Price: €31.00

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.

Seville

The Moorish Alcazar And Plaza América

Adult Price: €40.00

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.

Seville

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

Adult Price: €53.00

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.

Seville

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

Adult Price: €69.00

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 organised tickets to the best show in town, where you’ll experience 90 minutes of memorable entertainment.

Lisbon

Gourmet Dinner, Parliament, Exclusive Estrela and Evening Orientation

Adult Price: €53.00

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.

Lisbon

Portuguese Fado Evening Of Music & Song With Dinner

Adult Price: €66.00

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

Lisbon

The Golden Triangle: Queluz, Cascais & The Estoril Coast

Adult Price: €46.00

We'll visit the impressive Rococo Palace of Queluz, 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.

Lisbon

Seafood Dinner By The Tagus River

Adult Price: €53.00

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: €61.00

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.

Madrid

Spectacular Toledo: Spain's Ancient Capital

Adult Price: €44.00

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.

 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.

Similar Trips

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