Spain & Portugal In Low Season
Spain & Portugal In Low Season
$2530
Spain & Portugal In Low Season
12 Days Starting and ending in Hotel in Madrid
Visiting: Granada, Costa del Sol, Seville, Algarve, Lisbon, Porto, Salamanca, Madrid
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ESPLS
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
10 - 51
Age range:
10-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Spain and Portugal in low season offer sunny winter holidays, sand and scenery without the crowds and none of that extreme summer heat! This 12-day Spain and Portugal guided tour visits top cities, UNESCO-protected towns and seaside gems to erase your winter blues. Soak up the rays in Costa del Sol and the Algarve. Taste Port wine in Porto and traverse Lisbon’s vibrant streets. Visit Granada (home to the Alhambra), journey through the UNESCO-protected city of Salamanca and do the Flamenco in Seville! Expat Explore’s low season tours offer exciting experiences plus free time in top destinations.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Madrid - Toledo - Granada
Location: Granada
Get ready for an unforgettable experience on this 12-day Spain and Portugal tour! After meeting up with your tour leader and travel companions in Madrid this morning, hit the road to Toledo. Upon arrival, head out on an orientation tour of this UNESCO World Heritage town with its fairytale architecture and natural landscapes. Then, travel to the south of Spain for the next stop, Granada. This Moorish city is packed with history, culture and many tales! This evening, join the optional Granada Local Food & Wine Evening to tuck into local gastronomy. Take note that the optional has to be booked prior to the start of the tour.
Visit the ancient city of Toledo
Discover the delights of Granada
Day 2: Granada - Nerja - Costa Del Sol
Location: Costa del Sol
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Start the day with an exciting optional excursion to the Alhambra Palace, one of the top sights to see in Spain. For that reason, this optional excursion must be booked in advance. Otherwise, spend the morning exploring Granada as you wish! Next, journey to Costa del Sol for some sunny experiences. Admire the remarkable Aqueduct Eagle on the way to the beautiful town of Nerja. Arrive and embark on an orientation tour before journeying to the coastal city of Malaga, famed for its stunning beaches, incredible architecture and palpable arts and culture. Embark on a city tour with your tour leader before enjoying free time to explore. Join the group this evening for an included dinner.
Soak up the winter sun in Costa del Sol
Day 3: Malaga - Ronda - Seville
Location: Seville
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning after breakfast, travel towards Ronda, a mountaintop city on both sides of the Tajo Gorge. This city is famous for its ‘Puente Nuevo’ (New Bridge). Head out on an orientation tour to savour the scenic views and learn more about this beloved bridge. Next, journey to Seville, the city known as the “Pearl of Andalusia". Arrive and embark on a locally guided tour of this enchanting city's sights, including the Torre del Oro, Metropol Parasol, Calle Sierpes and the extraordinary Plaza de Espana. This imposing public square is home to some of Spain's most stunning examples of Baroque Revival, Renaissance Revival and Moorish Revival Spanish architecture. This evening, visit a local restaurant for an included dinner.
Visit Ronda; home to the famous Puente Nuevo
See Seville on a driving tour
Enjoy a local dinner in Seville
Day 4: Seville: Free Day
Location: Seville
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is a free day to make the most of your time in Seville! Choose to join the optional excursion visiting the stunning Seville Alcázar and Seville Cathedral, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Each of these destinations is a Spanish travel highlight on its own, showcasing awe-inspiring architecture. Otherwise, the day is free to explore as you wish. You could meander through the city and visit the Museum of Flamenco where the iconic Spanish dance was born. This evening, join the optional Flamenco show and dinner for a firsthand look into colourful Spanish culture!
Day 5: Seville - Algarve
Location: Algarve
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, journey onwards to Portugal! Today's first stop is the stunning Algarve. This southern coastal region is a masterpiece of picturesque destinations, two of which are upcoming stops. First, travel to Tavira and embark on an orientation tour. Take note of some of the town's highlights, such as the Old Bridge and Tavira Castle. Next, visit a local cork factory to learn more about this area's rich biodiversity and taste some liquor! Lastly, travel to the capital of the Algarve region, Faro. This destination is home to a quaint and picturesque old town encircled by stunning mountain scenes. Head out on an orientation tour to see the historic centre and marvel at architectural beauties like the Faro Cathedral.
Visit the Algarve; Portugal's stunning southern coast
Enjoy a tour of a cork factory and a traditional liquor tasting
Day 6: Algarve - Lisbon
Location: Lisbon
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Leave the Algarve behind after breakfast and journey towards Lisbon, the enchanting capital city of Portugal. Upon arrival, head out on an expertly guided driving tour to see this historic city's stunning sights. While driving along the Tagus River, learn more about Lisbon's interesting history and spot must-see attractions like the Monument to the Discoveries, Jeronimos Monastery and Belem Tower. Tomorrow's a free day, so make a list of things you'd like to explore more in-depth. After hotel check-in, enjoy some free time and sit down for an included group dinner, a three-course meal consisting of delectable local foods.
Discover Lisbon on a driving tour
Day 7: Lisbon: Free Day
Location: Lisbon
Meals Included: Breakfast
Take full advantage of today's free day in Lisbon! Now's your chance to explore some of yesterday's attractions in more detail. Or, meander through the bohemian Bairro Alto neighbourhood and stop by the hilltop Castelo de São Jorge. For an unmissable experience, join the optional trip slightly further out to Fátima. Portugal's top religious pilgrimage site is home to limestone Coin Caves and the imposing Sanctuary of Fátima. Later, embark on the highly recommended half-day optional trip to Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with fairytale sights, which is also the Romanticism capital of Portugal. Enjoy a tour of the vibrant Pena Palace followed by a delicious dinner. Today, the choice is yours and there are no wrong decisions!
Day 8: Lisbon - Obidos - Nazaré - Porto
Location: Porto
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Leave Lisbon behind today in exchange for the iconic Porto. On the way, stop in Obidos for an orientation tour to uncover this medieval town's picturesque houses, an impressive castle and the twists and turns of its cobbled streets. Then, visit the stunning seaside town of Nazaré, where the world's biggest waves can be found! This afternoon, arrive in Porto and enjoy a guided walking and driving tour to learn more about Portugal's second-largest city's top attractions, such as the famed Ponte Dom Luis crossing the River Douro. Next, enjoy a Port wine tasting and discover why it's the country's best-known export. Tonight, enjoy an included group dinner before hotel check-in.
Visit Obidos; a medieval fortified town
Enjoy a driving and walking tour of Porto
Taste Portugal’s most famous drink - Port!
Day 9: Porto: Free Day
Location: Porto
Meals Included: Breakfast
Bid Porto a"bom dia"and get ready to explore the sights of Porto on a full free day! You'll be spoilt for choice with things to do in one of Portugal's oldest cities. Stroll along the banks of the Douro as you explore Ribeira, the most vibrant and lively area in Porto! For the best city views, cross the Ponte de Dom Luís I Bridge or climb the Clérigos Tower. There's also a lush Botanical Garden and the intriguing Parque de São Roque to explore. Choose to join this evening's optional cruise along the Douro River. It's one of the best ways to soak up the city sights before tucking into a three-course meal at a lovely local restaurant.
Day 10: Porto - Ciudad Rodrigo - Salamanca
Location: Salamanca
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, bid Portugal "adeus" before the journey back to Spain begins. Across the border, stop in the historic and artistic Spanish city of Ciudad Rodrigo. Embark on an orientation tour and uncover more about this fortified city. The city's Old Town is surrounded by well-preserved city walls from the 12th century and is home to intriguing history and exquisite architecture. Then, journey to Salamanca. Take a guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site and marvel at the myths and historical sights. One of Europe's oldest universities, the University of Salamanca, can be found here along with 12th and 16th-century cathedrals that will take your breath away. Tonight, enjoy a local feast at a three-course dinner.
Visit Ciudad Rodrigo, a 12th-century fortified town
Explore the streets of Salamanca with a local guide
Enjoy a local dinner in Salamanca
Day 11: Salamanca - Avila - Madrid
Location: Madrid
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This Spain & Portugal exploration has one more stop before heading back to Madrid to wrap up the tour. This morning, depart Salamanca and arrive in Avila, Spain's highest provincial capital at 1,130m above sea level. Marvel at the widespread countryside views! Explore the medieval city walls and Romanesque and Gothic churches that this city is famous for. Next, journey back to Madrid and embark on a city tour with a local guide upon arrival. Be sure to take note of the top attractions, such as the buzzing Plaza Mayor and Mercado de San Miguel to the grand Royal Palace. Sit down for a farewell dinner with the group this evening.
Visit Avila; home to incredible Romanesque architecture
Explore Madrid, Spain’s capital, with a local guide
Enjoy a farewell dinner in Madrid
Day 12: End Of Tour In Madrid
Location: Madrid
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, end off 12 days of exploring Spain and Portugal's top attractions and hidden gems during low season with one last breakfast. Be sure to exchange contact details with your new travel family! We wish you safe travels ahead and look forward to hosting you on tour again soon!
What's Included
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Accommodation
11 nights hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms. The majority of our accommodations are of a 3- and 4-star standard, offering excellent value, comfort and convenience
Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability) -
Transport
Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard
Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days) -
Meals
11 Breakfasts, 6 Dinners*Vegetarian options available for all meals on request
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Tour Leader
Fully guided tour with experienced tour leader
Tour leader will accompany group throughout and manage all logistical details
What's Not Included
International flightsTravel to the start point and from the end point is not included. We recommend using Skyscanner to find the best deals on international flights.Travel insuranceFor a relatively small price, travel insurance provides you with peace of mind so that you can enjoy your tour without any worries.
All passengers travelling on an Expat Explore tour are required to have valid travel insurance cover and you are responsible for arranging your own insurance.
Mode of Transport
Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard
Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)
Accommodation
11 nights hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms. The majority of our accommodations are of a 3- and 4-star standard, offering excellent value, comfort and convenience
Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability)
Traveller Comfort - *COACH* tours
We welcome all travellers on our tours but we would like to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible. In light of this, please ensure that you are happy with the below information and level of fitness required.
Expat Explore tries to be as accommodating as possible, however, our tours are unfortunately not designed for people travelling with wheelchairs or severe mobility issues.
Our tours are fast paced because they are designed for you to see the most a destination has to offer. We also want to ensure that you explore as much as possible, which may require long periods without stops on the coach as we drive to a new destination.
We offer walking tours in most cities (up to 3 hours), and a wheelchair is not always a practical option as there are often cobbled streets and stairs on these tours.
For travellers in wheelchairs, you will only be able to store your wheelchair under the coach with the other luggage. Thus, on the long drives between cities you will not necessarily have access to your wheelchair if we make a quick bathroom stop along the way. Please note that travelling with a wheelchair could prove difficult as our coaches don't have wheelchair lifts, as such you will need to be able to board and alight the coach on your own.
With regards to our accommodation, not all hotels have lifts and this means potentially having to carry bags up and down stairs.
For more information regarding traveller fitness please see our Terms and Conditions.
Health and Fitness
We welcome all travellers on our tours but we would like to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible. In light of this, please ensure that you are happy with the below information and level of fitness required.
Expat Explore tries to be as accommodating as possible, however, our tours are unfortunately not designed for people travelling with wheelchairs or severe mobility issues.
Our tours are fast paced because they are designed for you to see the most a destination has to offer. We also want to ensure that you explore as much as possible, which may require long periods without stops on the coach as we drive to a new destination.
We offer walking tours in most cities (up to 3 hours), and a wheelchair is not always a practical option as there are often cobbled streets and stairs on these tours.
For travellers in wheelchairs, you will only be able to store your wheelchair under the coach with the other luggage. Thus, on the long drives between cities you will not necessarily have access to your wheelchair if we make a quick bathroom stop along the way. Please note that travelling with a wheelchair could prove difficult as our coaches don't have wheelchair lifts, as such you will need to be able to board and alight the coach on your own.
With regards to our accommodation, not all hotels have lifts and this means potentially having to carry bags up and down stairs.
Experiences
Visit the ancient city of Toledo
Discover the delights of Granada
Soak up the winter sun in Costa del Sol
Visit Ronda; home to the famous Puente Nuevo
See Seville on a driving tour
Enjoy a local dinner in Seville
Visit the Algarve; Portugal's stunning southern coast
Enjoy a tour of a cork factory and a traditional liquor tasting
Discover Lisbon on a driving tour
Visit Obidos; a medieval fortified town
Enjoy a driving and walking tour of Porto
Taste Portugal’s most famous drink - Port!
Visit Ciudad Rodrigo, a 12th-century fortified town
Explore the streets of Salamanca with a local guide
Enjoy a local dinner in Salamanca
Visit Avila; home to incredible Romanesque architecture
Explore Madrid, Spain’s capital, with a local guide
Enjoy a farewell dinner in Madrid
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides transportation in a modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and a toilet onboard. Any public transport used as part of the tour is also included, except on free days.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
You will stay in 2, 3, and 4-star hotel accommodations in twin rooms with private bathrooms for 11 nights. Single travelers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room, subject to availability.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes 11 breakfasts and 6 dinners. Vegetarian options are available for all meals upon request.
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What are some of the key experiences included in the tour?
The tour includes visits to the ancient city of Toledo, Granada, Costa del Sol, Ronda, Seville, the Algarve, Lisbon, Obidos, Porto, Ciudad Rodrigo, Salamanca, Avila, and Madrid. You will also enjoy local dinners in Seville and Salamanca, a Port wine tasting in Porto, and guided tours in several cities.
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Is there free time to explore on my own during the tour?
Yes, there are free days in Seville, Lisbon, and Porto where you can explore at your own pace.
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Are there any optional excursions available during the tour?
Yes, there are optional excursions such as the Granada Local Food & Wine Evening, a visit to the Alhambra Palace, a Flamenco dinner show in Seville, and trips to Sintra and Fátima from Lisbon.
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What should I know about the fitness level required for this tour?
The tour is fast-paced and includes walking tours in most cities, which can last up to 3 hours. It is not designed for people with severe mobility issues or those traveling with wheelchairs, as the coaches do not have wheelchair lifts and some hotels may not have lifts.
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What is not included in the tour package?
International flights, travel to the start point and from the endpoint, and travel insurance are not included in the tour package. All passengers are required to have valid travel insurance cover.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
If you are travelling alone there is no compulsory charge - you will share a twin room with another passenger of the same gender. There is an optional single supplement/private room upgrade available for single travellers who wish to have a private room. This can be added at the time of booking or by contacting our team.
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Children on tour?
Our tours are not suitable for young children which is why we have a minimum age limit of 10 years old. However, at the discretion of Expat Explore we may consider younger children on certain tours if they meet certain criteria and a request is received in writing via email. Minors (between 10 and 18 years of age) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who accepts full responsibility for them. Unaccompanied minors will not be accepted on tour. Expat Explore reserves the right to decline any booking at our discretion. Any minor (between 10 and 18 years of age) is priced the same as an adult.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
The health and safety of our travellers and employees are our top priority. Which means, when you travel with us, our enhanced hygiene protocols will ensure you do so in a safe and responsible way - ask for details of current policies.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2005
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
At Expat Explore we value responsible travel and are committed to exploring the world consciously and kindly. We are proud to make responsible travel possible with a number of our sustainable travel practices!
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Relate is a South African based not-for-profit organisation that Expat Explore supports. The group aims to help those less fortunate create better lives for themselves through a variety of fundraising initiatives. On our South Africa tours, each passenger will receive an Expat Explore branded Relate bracelet. We donate the cost of these bracelets to our chosen Relate charity: the Nelson Mandela Sc
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CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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Terms and Conditions