Highlights of Spain and Portugal
13 Days Starting and ending in Madrid, Spain
Visiting: Madrid, Valencia, Guadix, Granada, Córdoba, Seville, Giralda Bell Tower, Seville, Maria Luisa Park, Seville, Seville Cathedral, Seville, Jerez de la Frontera, Cádiz, Évora, Évora Cathedral, Chapel of Bones, Évora, Roman Temple, Évora, Lisbon, Belém Quarter, Lisbon, Castle of São Jorge, Lisbon, Cascais, Sintra, Fátima, Salamanca, Ávila, Toledo, Royal Palace, Madrid, Cibeles Fountain, Madrid, Plaza de Oriente, Madrid, Prado Museum, Madrid, Gran Vía, Madrid, Segovia
Tour operator:
Tour code:
WHIGN26
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishActivities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the vibrant cultures and rich histories of Spain and Portugal with the "Highlights of Spain and Portugal" tour. Starting in Madrid, this adventure takes you through iconic cities like Valencia, Granada, Seville, and Lisbon, offering a blend of modern innovation and ancient traditions. Discover architectural marvels such as the Alhambra Palace and Seville Cathedral, and indulge in local flavors with experiences like tasting authentic Valencian horchata and savoring a home-cooked meal at a Portuguese ranch. With expert guidance, cherry-picked accommodations, and a luxury coach, this tour ensures a seamless exploration of the Iberian Peninsula's must-see sights and hidden gems. Enjoy the flexibility of optional experiences and free time to immerse yourself in the local culture, making this a truly enriching travel experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Madrid
Location: Madrid
Accommodation Name: NH Collection Eurobuilding
Meals Included: Dinner
The fiery Spanish capital of Madrid paves the way for an unforgettable journey through centuries of history and cultural highlights across the Iberian Peninsula. Embrace la buena vida and soak up the vibrant city atmosphere, before joining your fellow travelers and Travel Director for dinner and a city orientation.
Day 2: Journey to Valencia
Location: Valencia
Accommodation Name: Novotel Valencia Lavant
Meals Included: Breakfast
Journey to Valencia, renowned for its modern verve and spirit of innovation. An orientation drive will include views of the 14th-century Towers of Serrano and Quart, and the City of Arts and Sciences, a large-scale urban recreation center for culture and science and designed by Santiago Calatrava. Enjoy organic Horchata, the celebrated drink of Valencia, during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.
Day 3: Off to Unique Guadix and on to Granada
Location: Guadix, Granada
Accommodation Name: Abades Nevada Palace
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel to Guadix, where you’ll witness how generations of locals have carved cozy abodes into their rocky surrounds. We'll visit the troglodyte cave dwellings that blend effortlessly into the surrounding ochre landscape. Then, journey to Granada, the last stronghold of the Moors in Europe. This evening, sample the hearty flavors of Andalusia at a local restaurant.
Day 4: Onwards to Córdoba and Seville
Location: Granada, Córdoba, Seville
Accommodation Name: Meliá Lebreros
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Tread in the footsteps of Spain's last emirs, joining your Local Specialist for a visit to the incredible Alhambra, with its amazing palaces, gardens and fountains. Inspired by poetry, the architecture is said to be a reflection of paradise as described in Islamic verse. Immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere in quiet courtyards, follow its colossal ancient walls and admire the ornate stone carvings. We then leave Granada behind for Córdoba where we'll join a Local Specialist to visit the mesmerizing Mosque of the Caliphs, a jewel of Hispano-Islamic art featuring striking arches and Byzantine mosaics. Our final stop for the day is alluring Seville, our home for the next three nights.
Day 5: Uncover the Secrets of Seville
Location: Seville, Giralda Bell Tower, Seville, Maria Luisa Park, Seville, Seville Cathedral, Seville
Accommodation Name: Meliá Lebreros
Meals Included: Breakfast
Seville takes center stage today as you explore this charismatic city. You'll see the symbolic Giralda Bell Tower with a Local Specialist, then visit the Maria Luisa Park, home of the 1929 Exposition. The park was built in Moorish style and features half a mile of fountains, ponds, pavilions and lush plantings. You'll explore the architectural gems of Seville's 1929 Ibero-American Exposition and visit the largest Gothic Cathedral in the world, where the explorer Christopher Columbus is entombed. Consider an Optional Experience this evening to witness the twirling of colorful skirts and rhythmic clapping of castanets at a fiery flamenco performance.
Day 6: Admire the Sights of Jerez and Cádiz Dive Into Culture
Location: Jerez de la Frontera, Cádiz
Accommodation Name: Meliá Lebreros
Meals Included: Breakfast
We indulge in the aromatic flavors of Jerez today as we Dive Into Culture and into the centuries-old tradition of Spanish sherry production. The quiet plazas of romantic Cádiz are our next stop. Tread in the footsteps of Columbus, who used this historic port city as his launchpad to the 'New World', and see the exotic plants and trees dotted throughout the city, said to have been brought here by him upon his return.
Day 7: Venture to Évora Connect with Locals
Location: Seville, Évora, Évora Cathedral, Chapel of Bones, Évora, Roman Temple, Évora
Accommodation Name: M'ar de Ar Muralhas
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leaving the zesty scents of Seville behind, head to the golden landscapes of the Alentejo, where the Brito Paes family await your arrival for a special lunch on their traditional stud ranch, which has been rearing Lusitano horses since the 18th century. This Be My Guest experience takes place in the home of their ancestors before continuing to Évora for a guided sightseeing tour. With a Local Specialist you'll visit Evora's cathedral and Chapel of Bones, you will also see the Roman temple. Tonight, enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Day 8: On to Lively Lisbon Dive Into Culture
Location: Lisbon, Belém Quarter, Lisbon
Accommodation Name: Olissippo Marquês de Sá
Meals Included: Breakfast
Arrive in the seafaring Portuguese capital of Lisbon this afternoon, where you'll join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour. Dive into Culture Visiting the Belém Quarter and enjoy a taste of Pastéis de Belém.
Day 9: Lisbon Your Way
Location: Lisbon, Castle of São Jorge, Lisbon, Cascais, Sintra
Accommodation Name: Olissippo Marquês de Sá
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is yours to connect with the Portuguese capital. Relax at a sidewalk café with a creamy pastel de nata and venture to the Castle of São Jorge to admire the sea of pastel pinks, yellows and blues that clad Lisbon's seven hills. You may choose to join an Optional Experience to the historic towns of Cascais and Sintra.
Day 10: Pilgrimage to Fátima and on to Salamanca
Location: Fátima, Salamanca
Accommodation Name: Gran Corona Sol
Meals Included: Breakfast
Follow the road taken by pilgrims over the last 100 years to the Shrine at Fátima, a site of celebrated religious miracles. We then leave Portugal, traveling to the historic Spanish city of Salamanca with its golden-hued façades and ancient university heritage, where we will visit its 18th-century Plaza Mayor.
Day 11: Continue to Toledo and Madrid Dive Into Culture
Location: Ávila, Toledo, Madrid
Accommodation Name: VOCO Madrid Retiro
Meals Included: Breakfast
See the walled city of ��vila, the city of Saint Teresa of Ávila. We then arrive in the clifftop city of Toledo and join a Local Specialist for a guided walk through its streets. We'll visit the Church of Santo Tomé and the former Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca. Later, Dive Into Culture and witness local craftsmen at work creating inlaid steel the traditional way. We arrive in Madrid this evening, our home for the next two nights.
Day 12: Explore Fiery Madrid
Location: Madrid, Royal Palace, Madrid, Cibeles Fountain, Madrid, Plaza de Oriente, Madrid, Prado Museum, Madrid, Gran Vía, Madrid, Segovia
Accommodation Name: VOCO Madrid Retiro
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, we join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour of Madrid, where we’ll see the Royal Palace, Cibeles Fountain and Plaza de Oriente, originally created as a retreat for the royal family. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the city on your own terms. Admire the world's finest collection of Spanish art at the Prado Museum, indulge in some last-minute shopping on Gran Vía or consider an Optional Experience to the medieval UNESCO-listed city of Segovia. This evening marks the end of our memorable journey through the Iberian Peninsula. Join your fellow companions and Travel Director for dinner.
Day 13: Adiós Madrid
Location: Madrid
Meals Included: Breakfast
For now it's time to say a fond farewell to our traveling companions, your Travel Director and the beauty of Spain and Portugal at the end of a memorable holiday.
What's Included
-
Expert Travel Director and Professional Driver
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver are included in the tour.
-
Cherry-picked Hotels
Stay in cherry-picked hotels that are all tried and trusted.
-
Porterage and Gratuities
All porterage and restaurant gratuities are included.
-
Hotel Tips and Taxes
All hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are covered.
-
Sightseeing and Extras
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras are part of the tour.
-
Audio Headsets
Audio headsets are provided for flexible sightseeing.
-
Luxury Transportation
Travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation such as rail journeys.
-
Optional Experiences and Free Time
Optional experiences and free time are available during the tour.
-
Hotel Standards
On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
What's Not Included
-
Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
-
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
-
Optional Activities
Optional activities and experiences not listed in the itinerary are not included.
-
Flights
International and domestic flights to and from the tour start and end locations are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with a luxury air-conditioned coach equipped with Wi-Fi in most countries, ensuring a comfortable journey between destinations. Enjoy the flexibility of audio headsets for sightseeing and the convenience of alternative transportation options like rail journeys.
Accommodation
Stay in cherry-picked hotels such as NH Collection Eurobuilding in Madrid, Novotel Valencia Lavant in Valencia, and Meliá Lebreros in Seville, ensuring comfort and convenience throughout your journey. Experience the charm of local accommodations like Abades Nevada Palace in Granada and Olissippo Marquês de Sá in Lisbon.
Dining Summary
- 5 Dinner (D)
- 12 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
Dive into Culture
- Jerez de la Frontera: Sample the famous sherry tradition in the southern Spanish city of Jerez, which has been making wine since ancient times.
- Lisbon: Visit the Belém Quarter and enjoy a taste of Pastéis de Belém from the patisserie that has been using the same secret recipe for almost 200 years.
- Toledo: The invincible swords of Toledo have defended cities for centuries. Visit an inlaid steel factory in Toledo to see local craftsmen forging the highest quality steel.
Check out our Q&As
-
What unique cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes several unique cultural experiences such as tasting authentic Valencian horchata in Valencia, visiting a family ranch in Panoias-Ourique to learn about Portugal's Lusitano horse, and sampling the famous sherry tradition in Jerez de la Frontera. Additionally, you will visit the Belém Quarter in Lisbon to enjoy a taste of Pastéis de Belém and see local craftsmen forging inlaid steel in Toledo.
-
What is the 'Be My Guest' experience on this tour?
The 'Be My Guest' experience takes place at a family ranch in Panoias-Ourique, where you will learn about Portugal's Lusitano horse and hear an ancestral story of unrequited love. You will also enjoy a home-cooked lunch with Tiago and Vera in the heart of the Alentejo region.
-
What is the 'Make Travel Matter' experience in Valencia?
In Valencia, the 'Make Travel Matter' experience involves tasting authentic Valencian horchata from a local vendor. This drink is produced using locally sourced and natural ingredients, respecting traditional methods. The experience supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
-
What are some of the key historical sites visited during the tour?
The tour visits several key historical sites including the Alhambra Palace in Granada, the Cathedral Mosque in Córdoba, Seville Cathedral, the Cathedral of Évora, Plaza Mayor in Salamanca, and the Church of Santo Tomé and the Synagogue in Toledo. Additionally, you will see the Towers of Serrano and Quart in Valencia and the Shrine at Fátima.
-
What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides transportation in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries. Alternative transportation such as rail journeys may also be used.
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
2025 Apr
2025 May
2025 Jun
2025 Jul
2025 Aug
2025 Sep
2025 Oct
2025 Nov
2025 Dec
2025 Jan
2026 Feb
2026 Mar
2026 Apr
2026 May
2026 Jun
2026 Jul
2026 Aug
2026 Sep
2026 Oct
2026 Nov
2026 Dec
2026 Jan
2027 Feb
2027 Mar
2027
Sunday - Friday
Mar 30, 2025 - Apr 11, 2025Sunday - Friday
Apr 13, 2025 - Apr 25, 2025Sunday - Friday
Apr 20, 2025 - May 02, 2025Sunday - Friday
May 04, 2025 - May 16, 2025Sunday - Friday
May 11, 2025 - May 23, 2025Sunday - Friday
May 18, 2025 - May 30, 2025Sunday - Friday
Jun 01, 2025 - Jun 13, 2025Sunday - Friday
Jun 08, 2025 - Jun 20, 2025Sunday - Friday
Jun 15, 2025 - Jun 27, 2025Sunday - Friday
Jun 22, 2025 - Jul 04, 2025Sunday - Friday
Jun 29, 2025 - Jul 11, 2025Sunday - Friday
Jul 06, 2025 - Jul 18, 2025Sunday - Friday
Jul 13, 2025 - Jul 25, 2025Sunday - Friday
Jul 20, 2025 - Aug 01, 2025Sunday - Friday
Jul 27, 2025 - Aug 08, 2025Sunday - Friday
Aug 03, 2025 - Aug 15, 2025Sunday - Friday
Aug 10, 2025 - Aug 22, 2025Sunday - Friday
Aug 17, 2025 - Aug 29, 2025Sunday - Friday
Aug 24, 2025 - Sep 05, 2025Sunday - Friday
Aug 31, 2025 - Sep 12, 2025Sunday - Friday
Sep 07, 2025 - Sep 19, 2025Sunday - Friday
Sep 14, 2025 - Sep 26, 2025Sunday - Friday
Sep 21, 2025 - Oct 03, 2025Sunday - Friday
Oct 05, 2025 - Oct 17, 2025Sunday - Friday
Oct 12, 2025 - Oct 24, 2025Sunday - Friday
Nov 02, 2025 - Nov 14, 2025Sunday - Friday
Nov 23, 2025 - Dec 05, 2025Sunday - Friday
Dec 07, 2025 - Dec 19, 2025Monday - Saturday
Dec 22, 2025 - Jan 03, 2026Friday - Wednesday
Dec 26, 2025 - Jan 07, 2026Sunday - Friday
Jan 04, 2026 - Jan 16, 2026Sunday - Friday
Feb 01, 2026 - Feb 13, 2026Sunday - Friday
Feb 15, 2026 - Feb 27, 2026Sunday - Friday
Mar 01, 2026 - Mar 13, 2026Sunday - Friday
Mar 08, 2026 - Mar 20, 2026Sunday - Friday
Mar 15, 2026 - Mar 27, 2026Sunday - Friday
Mar 29, 2026 - Apr 10, 2026Sunday - Friday
Apr 05, 2026 - Apr 17, 2026Sunday - Friday
Apr 12, 2026 - Apr 24, 2026Sunday - Friday
Apr 19, 2026 - May 01, 2026Sunday - Friday
Apr 26, 2026 - May 08, 2026Sunday - Friday
May 03, 2026 - May 15, 2026Sunday - Friday
May 10, 2026 - May 22, 2026Sunday - Friday
May 17, 2026 - May 29, 2026Sunday - Friday
May 24, 2026 - Jun 05, 2026Sunday - Friday
May 31, 2026 - Jun 12, 2026Sunday - Friday
Jun 07, 2026 - Jun 19, 2026Sunday - Friday
Jun 14, 2026 - Jun 26, 2026Sunday - Friday
Jun 21, 2026 - Jul 03, 2026Sunday - Friday
Jun 28, 2026 - Jul 10, 2026Sunday - Friday
Jul 05, 2026 - Jul 17, 2026Sunday - Friday
Jul 12, 2026 - Jul 24, 2026Sunday - Friday
Jul 19, 2026 - Jul 31, 2026Sunday - Friday
Jul 26, 2026 - Aug 07, 2026Sunday - Friday
Aug 02, 2026 - Aug 14, 2026Sunday - Friday
Aug 09, 2026 - Aug 21, 2026Sunday - Friday
Aug 16, 2026 - Aug 28, 2026Sunday - Friday
Aug 23, 2026 - Sep 04, 2026Sunday - Friday
Aug 30, 2026 - Sep 11, 2026Sunday - Friday
Sep 06, 2026 - Sep 18, 2026Sunday - Friday
Sep 13, 2026 - Sep 25, 2026Sunday - Friday
Sep 20, 2026 - Oct 02, 2026Sunday - Friday
Sep 27, 2026 - Oct 09, 2026Sunday - Friday
Oct 04, 2026 - Oct 16, 2026Sunday - Friday
Oct 11, 2026 - Oct 23, 2026Sunday - Friday
Oct 18, 2026 - Oct 30, 2026Sunday - Friday
Nov 01, 2026 - Nov 13, 2026Sunday - Friday
Nov 15, 2026 - Nov 27, 2026Sunday - Friday
Nov 22, 2026 - Dec 04, 2026Sunday - Friday
Dec 06, 2026 - Dec 18, 2026Sunday - Friday
Dec 13, 2026 - Dec 25, 2026Monday - Saturday
Dec 21, 2026 - Jan 02, 2027Sunday - Friday
Dec 27, 2026 - Jan 08, 2027Sunday - Friday
Jan 03, 2027 - Jan 15, 2027Sunday - Friday
Jan 24, 2027 - Feb 05, 2027Sunday - Friday
Jan 31, 2027 - Feb 12, 2027Sunday - Friday
Feb 07, 2027 - Feb 19, 2027Sunday - Friday
Feb 14, 2027 - Feb 26, 2027Sunday - Friday
Feb 28, 2027 - Mar 12, 2027Sunday - Friday
Mar 07, 2027 - Mar 19, 2027Sunday - Friday
Mar 14, 2027 - Mar 26, 2027Wednesday - Monday
Mar 31, 2027 - Apr 12, 2027Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
Terms and Conditions