Bienvenido a España! The golden shores of Barcelona kickstart your exhilarating visit to Spain and Portugal. Check in to your hotel, then take some time to recharge siesta-style before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a glimpse of what lies ahead. There's boundless energy to Barcelona and you'll want to soak it all up on your first evening in the capital of Catalonia.
Gear up for an exciting morning of sightseeing in Barcelona, joining your Local Specialist who knows all the best spots in town. Capture the sights and sounds of La Rambla, Plaça de Catalunya and the ornate La Sagrada Família as you tour the city, ascending to Montjuïc for sublime views. Spend the rest of your day exploring on your own. Head to the Gothic Quarter or seek out the fanciful façades of Spanish Art Nouveau architect Antoni Gaudí, whose plentiful works of art and architecture lend a fairy-tale feel to Barcelona's skyline. You may consider joining an Optional Experience to Montserrat with its hidden monastery, home to the revered La Moreneta. Grab your front-row seat, on an Optional Experience, to watch the famous Dancing Fountains followed by a delightful Catalonian feast with drinks.
Today we'll skirt along the Costa Daurada, a gleaming strip of the Mediterranean coastline, travelling past expansive orange groves to Peñíscola. You'll see its imposing 13th-century Templar Castle, famed as the dramatic backdrop for the Hollywood classic El Cid. Then continue to Valencia, catching a glimpse of the iconic highlights of this bustling modern metropolis on your orientation tour with your Travel Director. View the Art Nouveau, Train Station Estación del Norte, the Towers of Serrano and Quart and the impressive Cathedral. Next, leave the present behind and admire the futuristic ‘City of Arts and Sciences', a cultural complex built into the Turia riverbed.
Today we journey to the foothills of the Sierra Nevada where you'll find a hidden underground world of cave houses. The trogloditas of Guadix live in these ancient man-made dwellings, skilfully carved centuries ago. The only clue to their existence is the white chimneys that rise up from the hills and front doors etched into the rockface. You'll have the chance to capture this curiosity on camera then continue your scenic travels across the Mora Pass to Granada, the last stronghold of the Moors in Spain.
Embrace the laid-back spirit of your Spanish hosts and enjoy a slow start to the day on your Mediterranean tour. Spend your free morning exploring Granada and its Moorish influences on your own. There's even time for a quick tea break at a traditional tetería or you may choose to join an Optional Experience to the Albaicín Quarter, one of the oldest centres of Islamic culture in the city. Later, we head to the golden beaches of the Costa del Sol. Set your watch to siesta time or don your sandals and sunglasses for a leisurely stroll to soak up the fresh sea air. Consider joining an Optional Experience this evening to the hilltop village of Mijas offering stunning views of the coast followed by a delicious Mediterranean meal.
Explore a slice of Britain when you cross the border into Gibraltar, the much-contested gateway to the Mediterranean Sea. Maybe join an Optional Experience to get up close to the Barbary apes and visit the cave of St. Michael at the Rock of Gibraltar, the Roman and Greeks' former pillar of the “known world”. Next, we return to Spain, travelling north through the Andalusian countryside to sizzling Seville. After dinner at your hotel tonight, you might consider an Optional Experience to see the whirling skirts and fiery passion of a flamenco show. This foot-tapping extravaganza is not to be missed.
A Local Specialist is on hand today to reveal Seville's special allure and, standing amidst the pavilions and fountains of Maria Luisa Park, you'll hear all about the elaborate Ibero-American Exposition of 1929 which put this sleepy Spanish city on the global map. See the world's largest Gothic Cathedral and its Giralda Bell Tower, then consider joining an Optional Experience to the Alcázar, built by a Christian king who loved Mudéjar architecture. This lavish palace complex has witnessed key moments in Spanish history and welcomed great Spanish kings and queens over the centuries. Spend some time this afternoon exploring the city's Old Quarter your way and celebrate the sunset in Seville in style, sampling the traditional tapas on an optional evening in Old Seville.
The highlights of your Spain and Portugal value tour just keep on rolling and for now it's adiós Sevilla and a warm olá to Portugal, as we journey through the golden and green plains of the Alentejo to Lisbon. Pastel and azulejo-clad façades line the Portuguese capital's narrow streets which ramble across and over its seven hills from St. George Castle to the Tagus River. You'll be drawn to the city's vibrant nightlife in the Bairro Alto and beyond, so head out with new friends for a night on the town or join your Travel Director for a poignant Optional Experience including a traditional meal accompanied by the authentic sounds of fado.
Visit the banks of the Tagus River this morning, joining a Local Specialist for a guided sightseeing tour that will take you past the iconic Hieronymite Monastery and Belém Tower, built in the 16th century to defend the city. Later, you'll want to hop on one of the city's signature trams to explore the city's hilly bairros or find a corner café to sample some of the local pastries – pasteis de nata anyone? You could choose to leave the city limits behind this afternoon and visit the beach playgrounds of Estoril and Cascais, as well as Sintra, on an Optional Experience of the iconic Golden Triangle – the choice is yours.
Rub shoulders with visiting travellers who have made the journey to the Catholic pilgrimage centre of Fátima. It was here in 1917 that the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to three shepherd children. Today this humble village has been transformed into a place celebrating a religious miracle. There's time to explore the Basilica and Sanctuary before venturing east and crossing the Spanish border bound for Salamanca where your Travel Director will take you to Spain’s most beautiful Plaza Mayor with its golden baroque facades. Spend the evening your way amidst the historic monuments and honey-hued façades for which this ancient university town is famous.
We leave Salamanca behind, with Madrid firmly in our sights. Our scenic drive takes us through the Sierra de Guadarrama Mountains before arriving in the Spanish capital. With a Local Specialist at your side, you'll embark on a sightseeing tour to view the Cibeles Fountain, Gran Vía and Paseo de la Castellana. Admire views of the Royal Palace and Retiro Park, originally created as a retreat for the Royal Family. The evening is yours to discover why the Madrileños adore their nightlife, so resist the urge to set an early curfew and perhaps join an optional dinner and discovery in downtown Madrid.
There's every excuse to rise with the Madrileños and enjoy a leisurely start to your morning. You'll have a full free day to explore the city your way and discover the legacy of 'Madrid's Best Mayor', which installed Madrid as one of the most gracious capitals across Europe. King Charles III's desire to 'beautify' Madrid can be seen around every turn. Alternatively, you could take an opportunity to join an Optional Experience to the medieval city of Toledo, the country's famous sword-making centre. This evening, you'll celebrate with your fellow travellers as your enchanting journey through the Iberian Peninsula comes to a close.
Keep that Spanish gusto in your step as you prepare to close the curtain on your epic Mediterranean journey through Spain and Portugal. It's time to say a final hasta la vista to your fellow travellers and your Travel Director. Find out more about your available transfers at costsavertour.com/transfers.
Prices shown are per person based on two people sharing a twin room. To request a personalized travel quote, click "Request Quote" and a Travel Specialist will send your custom quote including airfare if requested.
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.
Available on Day 2
Experience the laidback lifestyle of Spain and join us for drinks and a Catalonian feast in the bustling city of Barcelona. After dinner, we'll take you on a tour to see the famous Dancing Fountains, a must-visit monument built in 1929 for the World's Fair. Considered one of the wonders of the modern world, the fountains are a spectacular sight to behold.
Adult Price: € 59
Joined by our Local Specialist, we’ll take a drive to the enchanting and mystical mountain of Montserrat. You’ll feel as though you’ve stepped inside a fairytale as you take in the spectacular scenery and enjoy a tour of the sights, including the Benedictine Monastery where you’ll view the famed Black Madonna.
Adult Price: € 46
Available on Day 3
We'll delve into the country's third-largest city to enjoy its Mediterranean verve. Vibrant and modern, Valencia still retains much of its past, going back to its Roman foundation 2,000 years ago. The iconic dish "Paella" originated here and tonight we'll learn about its traditions and enjoy this singular Spanish fare during a typical meal in one of the city’s most emblematic restaurants.
Adult Price: € 53
Available on Day 4
With our Local Specialist, we'll enjoy a leisurely walking tour through the Albaicín UNESCO 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 wander through the picturesque Alcaicería quarter.
Adult Price: € 37
Available on Day 5
Visit this charming hilltop village, perched up high with splendid views of the coastline. With our Local Specialist, we'll experience its narrow streets with white-washed houses, see the oval bullring and hunt for hidden gems in the shops. Your evening will finish with a Mediterranean dinner at a coastal restaurant to toast the day's adventures.
Adult Price: € 62
Available on Day 6
Experience a tour of the Rock of Gibraltar, one of the pillars of Hercules, by private minibus. With cameras at the ready, you'll be sure to enjoy magnificent views of the meeting of the Atlantic and Mediterranean and the Spanish Sierra. You'll also have the chance to visit St. Michael's Cave and see the famous Barbary apes for an unforgettable travel experience.
Adult Price: € 37
Available on Day 6
Traveling through Andalusia is all about immersing yourself in the authentic culture of locals. 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
This evening you’ll discover the magic, rhythm and passion of flamenco while being served a three-course dinner of Andalusian specialties with drinks included. We've organized tickets to the best show in town. You won't soon forget this incredibly memorable ninety-minute experience.
Adult Price: € 69
Traveling through the historic city of Seville you'll be left in awe of gothic architecture, splendid palaces and, of course, dazzling Flamenco shows. But one of the best experiences to add to your bucket list is an evening of traditional tapas. Join us for an evening of mouth-watering taps specialties in the charming old quarter of Seville, sampling different flavors and wins as you dine like a local.
Adult Price: € 53
Available on Day 7
Flamenco is one of Seville’s most important cultural touchstones and "El Museo del Baile", the Museum of Flamenco, will offer an immersive experience you won’t find at any other venue. We'll enjoy a tour to learn about the history of the dance and even have the chance to take a flamenco lesson ourselves, followed by tapas and drinks with your fellow travellers. n.b. an alternate venue may be substituted due to availability.
Adult Price: € 53
Today, with our Local Specialist, we'll visit the elegant 14th Century Moorish Alcazar, a royal palace 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 thanks to their breathtaking beauty. We'll also journey to the famous exhibition site of Plaza América - a must for any visitor to Seville.
Adult Price: € 43
Enjoy an authentic travel experience in Seville and join us for an unforgettable hands-on experience with a cooking lesson at the local market. You'll learn about locally grown Spanish produce and help select the ingredients that we'll use later in your cooking class. Heading home with the skills to recreate a meaningful dish for yourself, this is an ideal tour for the foodies among us.
Adult Price: € 69
Available on Day 8
Take on the must-visit sights of Lisbon on this tour, kicking off with your chance to view the exclusive district of Estrela, its lush green park, enchanting Basilica and the Portuguese Parliament before enjoying a delicious gourmet dinner. You'll top off the evening with a drive along the banks of the mighty Tagus River.
Adult Price: € 55
Take your tour of Portugal to the next level as you immerse yourself in the culture and tradition of Lisbon with a night on the town. Savor a typical meal with local aperitifs and drinks included as you listen to the melodic sounds of beautiful Fado singing, an expressive musical art with more than 200 years of history. Cancellation within 24 hours will incur a 50% cancellation fee.
Adult Price: € 67
Available on Day 9
Venture outside Lisbon with our Local Specialist to experience some of the region's most wonderful sights. After passing through the fashionable Estoril Coast, explore the picturesque fishing village of Cascais, with its beautiful array of mansions and exclusive residences. To complete the Golden Triangle, we'll visit one of the impressive Royal Palaces of Portugal nestled in the Sintra Mountains.
Adult Price: € 46
Enjoy a memorable evening out in Lisbon as we take a ferry across the mighty Tagus River to enjoy typical Portuguese seafood and fish specialties at a local restaurant. After dinner, we'll cross the impressive Suspension Bridge to take in sweeping views of the Portuguese capital. On occasion, the ferry may not be available and we will travel over the bridge both ways.
Adult Price: € 55
Available on Day 11
Take your tour of Spain's capital city to the next level as we scratch beneath the surface of Madrid. Enjoy a tour of some lesser-known sights in Downtown Madrid, before indulging in an “a la carte” meal with musical entertainment. Top off the evening with a spin around beautiful squares and fountains of this magical city.
Adult Price: € 61
Available on Day 12
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city of Toledo with a Local Specialist, uncovering the culture and enchanting medieval architecture of the ancient capital of Spain. Learn of the Moorish and Jewish cultures in the region, discover why Toledo is famous for Damascene metalworks and visit El Greco’s masterpiece in St. Thomas’ church.
Adult Price: € 46