Treasures of Spain and Portugal
14 Day Spain & Portugal Tour from Madrid | Operated by Trafalgar
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14 Days
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2 Countries
Spain, Portugal -
14 Cities
Madrid, Toledo, Segovia, Zamora, Santiago de Compostela, Porto, Fátima, Lisbon, Seville, Granada, Guadix, Valencia, Peñíscola, Barcelona -
19 Meals
6 Dinners, 13 Breakfasts -
Pace: Active
Faster paces with mix of 1–2-night stays in each location. Typically features 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve steep hills and uneven surfaces, such as cobblestones.
Trip Itinerary
Kick-start your epic encounter with Spain and Portugal in Europe’s highest capital city, Madrid. Spend your day rambling along tree-lined boulevards and people-watching in the city's lively squares before joining your fellow travelers and Travel Director for a Welcome Dinner and orientation drive past some of Madrid's most iconic sites.
We journey south for an excursion to the hilltop city of Toledo, where we'll join our Local Specialist for a walking tour. Visit the Church of Santo Tomé, home to El Greco's most famous painting, 'The Burial of the Count of Orgaz', and visit the former synagogue of Santa Maria la Blanca. This afternoon, join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour of the Spanish capital, which includes views of the Royal Palace, the former residence of the Spanish royal family and the Cibeles Fountain.
Venture to Segovia and see the Roman Aqueduct, by far the most impressive Roman structure in Spain - delivering drinking water across its impressive 160 arches to the people of Segovia in ancient times, view the Alcázar of Segovia. Travel to the city of Zamora in the Castile and Leon region. Your orientation walking tour includes views of the Plaza Mayor and the Church of Mary Magdalene. Later this evening, why not follow your nose to a cozy local spot and relax with some refreshingly fruity sangria to toast the day.
Travel to Santiago de Compostela, where you’ll join a Local Specialist, who will share insights into the 'Way of Saint James' and explain why thousands of people attempt the life-changing pilgrimage annually. Visit the vast Cathedral, reputed to be the final resting place of Saint James the Great, and the Praza do Obradoiro, a square dominated by four architectural styles.
Today we Dive Into Culture and the centuries-old tradition of local Port production at a tasting in a Port cellar. Afterwards, embark on a sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist in Porto. Wander past Baroque churches and along the winding lanes that tumble down towards the Douro. See the remarkable bridges that span the river, the medieval Ribeira Quarter and its old quay/dock, before visiting the Stock Exchange Palace with its splendid Arabian Hall inspired by Granada's Alhambra. Spend the rest of the afternoon strolling through the historic center of Porto - just steps away from our riverside hotel.
Follow the road taken by pilgrims over the last 100 years to the Shrine at Fátima, site of a celebrated religious miracle. We arrive in colorful Lisbon later – our home for the next two nights. This evening perhaps enjoy a traditional Portuguese dinner amidst the melancholic sounds of the fado.
Delve into Lisbon's centuries-old seafaring heritage today, paying tribute to the brave men who set off from these shores to discover a new world. We'll see the shimmering white Monument to the Discoveries, the iconic suspension bridge spanning the River Tagus, and Belém Tower when we join a Local Specialist on a sightseeing tour of Lisbon. We'll Dive Into Culture at the UNESCO-listed Hieronymite Monastery, an exquisite testament to 16th-century Manueline architecture and art. Join an Optional Experience to the historic towns of Cascais and Sintra.
We travel east through Portugal’s picturesque rural landscapes of the Alentejo famous for the country’s cork and cross into Spain, journeying through the province of Huelva, renowned for its Jabugo ham, before arriving in Seville. This evening, explore the fine art of olive oil production at a Be My Guest experience and Connect With Locals over a memorable dinner at an olive oil farm.
The charisma of Seville is unmistakable. Join a Local Specialist for a walking tour through the city. View the symbolic Giralda Bell Tower, see the tiled fountains, pavilions and lush palms in the Maria Luisa Park and walk through the imposing Plaza de España. Later, we’ll stroll through the historic Jewish Quarter before visiting the largest Gothic Cathedral in the world.
Multicultural Granada takes center stage today as we visit the magnificent Alhambra in the company of a Local Specialist. A fine example of Moorish architecture, the Alhambra complex was built during the 14th century towards the end of Islamic rule in Spain. Wander through the exotic water gardens of the Generalife, the royal Summer Palace, once linked to the other palaces by a covered walkway across the ravine, and admire the intricate design and detail around every turn.
This morning, we travel to Guadix in the northern foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains where you will see the whitewashed troglodyte dwellings lodged in the ochre-colored cliffs of the surrounding area. We travel to Valencia, where we'll stay overnight to view the Bullring and admire the beautiful façade of the Modernist Estacion del Norte Train Station and the Serrano Tower. Embrace the city's spirit of innovation and stop to view the City of Arts and Sciences, a large-scale urban recreation center for culture and science, designed by Santiago Calatrava. Here we enjoy horchata, the celebrated drink of Valencia, during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.
Head north along the coast through the Levant region and stop at Peñíscola, the 'City in the Sea', to view the ancient castle of the 'Spanish Pope', built by the Knights Templar and used in the film, 'El Cid'. We continue along the Costa Dorada to Barcelona with its whimsical Gaudí architecture. Join a Local Specialist and see the exterior of the unfinished La Sagrada Família before paying tribute to Christopher Columbus at the monument that bears his name.
Embrace the charm of Barcelona, ramble through El Born for delicious tapas or consider joining an Optional Experience to the mountaintop monastery of Montserrat to see the shrine of the Black Madonna, or spend the rest of the day exploring the city's enchanting barrios. This evening, we join our fellow travelers and Travel Director for a Farewell Dinner.
For now it's adios to Spain at the end of a memorable holiday.
Price Includes
What's Included- - An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- - Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- - All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- - Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- - All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- - Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- - Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- - Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- - Optional Experiences and free time
- - On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
- - 6 Dinners (D)
- - 13 Breakfasts (B)
- Drive through central Madrid and see some of the city's famous features during an orientation with your Travel Director.
- Explore this magnificent ancient city with your Local Specialist and visit the Church of Santo Tomé to see an El Greco masterpiece.
- See the highlights of the city with your Local Specialist. Visit the Old Town, traveling along the elegant Paseo de la Castellana, past the Cibeles fountain, Cervantes Monument and Royal Palace.
- Stroll along medieval streets from the impressive Roman aqueduct to Plaza Mayor, and see the 14th-century Alcazar Palace.
- See the cathedral of Zamora and the 12th-century Church of Mary Magdalene during an orientation with your Travel Director.
- Join a Local Specialist on a visit to Praza do Obradoiro and admire the cathedral façade festooned with architectural frills.
- See the Clérigos Tower, Avenida dos Aliados and the Palácio da Bolsa former stock exchange.
- Join the faithful at one of the world's holiest sites and pay homage at the Chapel of the Apparitions or see the basilica.
- Explore with your Local Specialist, from the Lower Town, beneath the hilltop Bairro Alto to the Terreiro do Paco. Visit the Belém Quarter to see the modern Monument to the Discoveries and the medieval Belém Tower.
- Guided by your Local Specialist, see the Giralda Tower, former minaret of the Great Mosque and now the cathedral's belltower. Explore the narrow streets of the Santa Cruz Quarter and emerge by the great walls of the Alcazar.
- Visit the famous Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens. Explore with a Local Specialist keen to share insights into this Moorish landmark.
- See the cave homes that embellish the hills around Guadix.
- See the ultra-modern Center of Arts and Sciences and the historic bullring of Valencia during an orientation drive with your Travel Director.
- See the castle featured in the film 'El Cid'.
- With your Local Specialist, see Las Ramblas and the elegant Passeig de Gràcia to take in some of the city's finest Modernist architecture. Journey past the beautiful façades of the Eixample district to see Gaudi's extraordinary masterpiece, the mesmerizing Sagrada Família.
- Savor the flavors of Portugal's centuries-old Port heritage and gain insights into its local production at a tasting in a Port cellar.
- Visit the Hieronymite Monastery, a former monastery of the Order of Saint Jerome and exquisite example of Manueline architecture.
- Enjoy a traditional Andalusian Be My Guest dinner and the charming company of the Morillo family. A welcome drink of sangria in their sun-dappled courtyard before learning how they produce olive oil.
- Taste authentic Valencian street food from a local Horchata vendor. This rich and flavourful nut-based drink loved by many is produced here using only locally sourced and natural ingredients, and respecting traditional methods of production. This experience advances UN Global Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. Alongside the local and organic production, they have been bringing the vibrant tradition of Horchata back to its glory days, giving employment opportunities to people at risk of social exclusion. They have also built over 10 street carts from recycling materials, all working on solar energy and ice.
Optional Experiences
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.
Dinner and Discovery in Downtown Madrid (Available on Day 2)Join us this evening as we scratch beneath the surface of some lesser-known aspects of Madrid's city center. Then, we'll settle in for dinner, along with musical entertainment and finish up with a spin around some of the wonderful squares and fountains of magical Madrid.
Adult Price: €68 Douro Cruise and Dinner (Available on Day 5)Enjoy a glass of port and a relaxing and leisurely cruise along the Douro River. You'll have a chance to see two medieval "world heritage" cities plus six impressive bridges, one of them the famous UNESCO-listed Eiffel bridge. Afterwards, savor a typical meal next to the river in the Medieval Ribeira Quarter.
Adult Price: €68 Portuguese Fado Evening Of Music & Song With Dinner (Available on Day 6)Fado is the expressive national song of Portugal, often called the soul of their identity. Tonight, we'll visit one of the famed local fado houses for an unforgettable performance and savor a typical Portuguese meal, with drinks included.
Adult Price: €76 The Golden Triangle: Sintra, Cascais & The Estoril Coast (Available on Day 7)We'll venture outside Lisbon with our Local Specialist today. 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 one of the impressive Royal Palaces of Portugal.
Adult Price: €54 Seafood Dinner By The Tagus River (Available on Day 7)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.
Today, with our Local Specialist, we'll visit the elegant 14th-century Moorish Alcazar, set in its own beautiful gardens. The gardens were used as the setting for the Water Gardens of Dorne in the Game Of Thrones series. We'll also journey to the famous exhibition site of Plaza América - a must for any visitor to Seville.
Adult Price: €52 Discover The Origin Of Tapas & Evening In Old Seville (Available on Day 9)Join us for a dinner of mouth-watering tapas-style specialties. You’ll get the chance to taste different flavors and wines and dine like a local in the charming old quarter of Seville.
Adult Price: €60 Flamenco: Experience the Best Show in Town (Available on Day 9)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.
Adult Price: €44 Flamenco, the Best Show in Town With a Three-Course Dinner (Available on Day 9)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 organised tickets to the best show in town. You won't soon forget this incredibly memorable ninety-minute experience.
Adult Price: €74 Albaicín and the Royal Chapel (Available on Day 10)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 explore the Catholic Monarchs' tombs and some of their treasures at the Royal Chapel, and wander through the picturesque Alcaicería quarter.
Adult Price: €43 Valencia’s Golden Age, a Leisurely Walking Tour (Available on Day 11)Valencia has a well-preserved medieval center which our Local Specialist will bring alive as they take us back to the city's heyday, from Roman and Gothic times into the Golden Age, when Valencia was Spain’s most important city. We'll take a leisurely stroll through the medieval streets and also visit Lonja, an exquisite late gothic building, UNESCO-listed since 1996.
Adult Price: €34 Valencia Dinner and Discovery (Available on Day 11)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: €59 Gothic Quarter and Dinner (Available on Day 12)Work up an appetite with a walking tour of the old Gothic Quarter, where Barcelona was born. Meander through the beautiful medieval streets and century-old architecture with your Local Specialist. Then we’ll take you to the Port Vell Waterfront, now a vibrant marina in the old harbor, where you'll enjoy Mediterranean food in one of our favorite local eateries.
Adult Price: €78 Olympic Barcelona with Calatalan Dinner (Available on Day 12)Take a scenic drive up to Montjuic for sweeping views over buzzing Barcelona and a glimpse of the buildings used during the 1992 Olympics. Afterwards, indulge in a delicious Catalonian style dinner complemented by drinks and good company.
Adult Price: €72 Mystical Montserrat (Available on Day 13)Today, with our Local Specialist, take a drive to the enchanting and mystical mountain of Montserrat, with its breathtaking views and spectacular scenery. While there, visit the Benedictine monastery to view the famed Black Madonna. At the daily farmer's market, perhaps sample and purchase their homemade cheeses, honeys, and other local specialties.
Adult Price: €53