OVERVIEW:
Take an epic journey through the Iberian peninsula and discover the rich cultural, culinary, and artistic influences left by the Moors, Jews, and Europeans on Spain and Portugal. This adventure will allow you to explore the best of both countries in one unforgettable trip.
Highlights:
- Discover the iconic landmarks of Madrid and Lisbon, including the Royal Palace, the Prado Museum, and the Jeronimos Monastery.
- Explore the charming medieval cities of Toledo, Salamanca, and Coimbra, with their stunning architecture and rich cultural heritage.
- Taste the delicious local cuisine, including tapas, paella, and seafood, and sample the famous port wine in Porto.
- Visit the stunning beaches and rugged coastline of the Algarve, with its picturesque fishing villages and clear blue waters.
- Learn about the fascinating history and multicultural influences of the region, from the Roman Empire to the Moors and beyond.
Advantages:
- Private Tour.
- The tour can start on any date that suits you
- .Top VIP Treatment.
- Enjoy the opportunity to visit two Gehry-designed architectural marvels – the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and the Hotel Marqués de Riscal.
- Get exclusive access to an A&K experience with a private dinner and flamenco performance at a Seville palace.
- Explore the medieval streets of the Jewish Quarter in Córdoba and marvel at the Grand Mosque’s stunning interior.
- Satisfy your taste buds by taking part in a tapas adventure in Madrid, and get a chance to taste the delicious Spanish cuisine.
- Personalize your Portugal memento by participating in a private tile-painting workshop in Lisbon.
ITINERARY DETAILS:
Day 1: ARRIVE LISBON, PORTUGAL
Welcome to Lisbon, Portugal’s vibrant capital city, situated on the banks of the Tagus River. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by your tour guide and transferred to your hotel. After checking in, you can explore the city at your leisure or simply relax and recover from your journey.
Day 2: LISBON | PRIVATE TILE-PAINTING WORKSHOP
In the morning, you’ll enjoy a walking tour of Lisbon’s charming old quarter, Alfama, before arriving at a local artist’s studio for a private tile-painting workshop. Learn about the art of azulejos, the traditional Portuguese tiles that adorn many of the city’s buildings, and create your own masterpiece to take home. Afterward, you’ll have the afternoon to explore the city on your own or take a guided tour of one of Lisbon’s many museums.
Day 3: ÉVORA | WALLED MEDIEVAL
CITY Depart Lisbon and head to Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Portugal’s best-preserved medieval towns. Take a walking tour of the city’s historic center, which is surrounded by ancient walls, and visit the Chapel of Bones, a macabre but fascinating 16th-century chapel made entirely out of human bones. Afterward, enjoy some free time to explore the town’s shops and restaurants before returning to Lisbon in the evening.
Day 4: MÉRIDA, SPAIN & SEVILLE | ANCIENT MÉRIDA
Today you’ll cross the border into Spain and visit the ancient Roman city of Mérida, which is home to some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in Europe, including a stunning amphitheater and a massive aqueduct. After exploring Mérida, you’ll continue on to Seville, the capital of Andalusia, where you’ll check into your hotel and have the evening to explore the city on your own.
Day 5: SEVILLE | GOTHIC CATHEDRAL & JEWISH QUARTER
In the morning, you’ll visit Seville’s magnificent Gothic Cathedral, the largest cathedral in the world and the final resting place of Christopher Columbus. You’ll also explore the city’s charming Jewish Quarter, with its narrow streets and whitewashed houses. In the evening, you can take a stroll along the Guadalquivir River or sample some tapas at one of the city’s many bars and restaurants.
Day 6: GRANADA | THE MOORISH ARCHITECTURE OF ALHAMBRA
Today you’ll travel to Granada, the last stronghold of the Moors in Spain, and home to one of the country’s most famous landmarks, the Alhambra. This stunning palace and fortress complex is a masterpiece of Moorish architecture and is set against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains. You’ll have the afternoon to explore the Alhambra and the city of Granada on your own before returning to Seville in the evening.
Day 7: CÓRDOBA & MADRID | JEWISH QUARTER & MEZQUITA
Depart Seville and travel to Córdoba, another Andalusian gem that was once the capital of Moorish Spain. You’ll visit the city’s historic Jewish Quarter, with its winding streets and whitewashed houses, and the magnificent Mezquita, a stunning mosque-cathedral that is one of the most important Islamic buildings in the world. After exploring Córdoba, you’ll continue on to Madrid, where you’ll check into your hotel and have the evening to explore the city at your leisure.
Day 8: Madrid
Royal Splendor After breakfast, embark on a guided tour of Madrid’s royal history. You’ll visit the Royal Palace of Madrid, a stunning Baroque structure that was the official residence of the Spanish royal family from 1765 to 1931. You’ll also stop at the Plaza Mayor, a picturesque square that’s been the heart of Madrid since the 17th century. In the afternoon, you’ll have free time to explore the city at your own pace.
Day 9: Madrid & Toledo
Design Your Day Today is yours to explore as you please. You can spend the day discovering more of Madrid’s vibrant neighborhoods, or you can venture out to the nearby city of Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s known for its rich history, art, and architecture. In Toledo, you’ll have the chance to visit the Cathedral of Toledo, the Alcázar of Toledo, or the Museum of El Greco. Alternatively, you can opt to take a hot air balloon ride over the Castilian countryside or enjoy a horseback riding excursion.
Day 10: Elciego
An Enchanting Food & Wine Experience After breakfast, travel to Elciego, a charming town located in the heart of Rioja wine country. Here, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the Marqués de Riscal winery, designed by famed architect Frank Gehry. You’ll learn about the wine-making process and taste some of the region’s finest vintages. In the evening, enjoy a gourmet dinner at a local restaurant and spend the night in a luxury hotel overlooking the vineyards.
Day 11: Elciego
Tasting the Fruits of the Rioja Today, you’ll have the opportunity to further explore the Rioja wine region. You can visit another winery for a tasting, take a cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional Riojan dishes, or simply relax and soak up the scenic countryside.
Day 12: Bilbao
Guggenheim Museum Tour After breakfast, travel to Bilbao, a dynamic city that’s home to the world-renowned Guggenheim Museum. You’ll enjoy a guided tour of the museum’s permanent collection, which includes works by artists such as Jeff Koons, Andy Warhol, and Mark Rothko. After the tour, you’ll have free time to explore Bilbao on your own.
Day 13: Barcelona
Gaudí’s Unfinished Masterpiece After breakfast, board a train to Barcelona, the vibrant capital of Catalonia. Upon arrival, you’ll take a guided tour of La Sagrada Familia, the stunning unfinished basilica that was designed by the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant and reflect on the memories you’ve made during your journey across the Iberian Peninsula.
Day 14: Depart Barcelona
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home, or extend your stay in Barcelona to explore more of this fascinating city on your own.
Inclusions:
- All transportation, including airport transfers and guided tours
- Accommodation in 4-star hotels with breakfast included
- Professional English-speaking tour guide
- All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary
- Some meals and wine tastings
Exclusions:
This tour package does not include the Porto Pre-Tour Extension, which includes a full-day winery tour of the Douro Region and a cruise on the Douro River aboard a traditional rabelo boat.
The 4-day pre-tour extension to Porto costs $3,495 per person, and a single supplement of $895 per person is also available. The extension is only available for select departure dates, so please refer to the Dates & Prices section for details.
On Day 1 of the pre-tour extension, guests will arrive in Porto and transfer to their hotel, where they will meet with fellow guests for dinner in the evening.
The Yeatman hotel will be the accommodation for the duration of the pre-tour extension. On Day 2, guests will explore Cais da Ribeira and visit the Stock Exchange and Saint Francisco Church, followed by a traditional rabelo boat cruise on the Douro River.
Day 3 of the pre-tour extension includes a full-day winery tour of the Douro region, featuring lunch at Quinta da Pacheca and a tutored tasting at Crofts before dinner.
On the final day, guests will tour the Allianca Museum in Sangalhos before visiting the university buildings in Coimbra and then finally ending the pre-tour extension in Lisbon.
Please note that the pre-tour extension’s meals provided include dinner on Day 1, breakfast
on Day 2, breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Day 3, and breakfast and lunch on Day 4.
Pricing Information:
Prices $11500 per person based on double occupancy.
Accommodation Plan:
GRANADA: Hotel Palacio de Santa Paula
SEVILLE: Hotel Palacio de Villapanes
CÓRDOBA & MADRID: Palacio de los Duques Gran Meliá
ELCIEGO : Hotel Marqués de Riscal
ARRIVE LISBON, PORTUGAL: Olissippo Lapa Palace
ÉVORA: Convento do Espinheiro
Tips and Advice for Travelers:
- Pack comfortable walking shoes as there will be a lot of walking involved in this tour.
- Bring layers as the weather can vary throughout the day.
- Keep a copy of your passport and important documents with you at all times.
- Check the voltage requirements of your electronic devices before departing and bring adapters if necessary.
- Be prepared for the cultural differences and customs of Spain and Portugal.
- Try local cuisine and wine to fully immerse yourself in the culture.
Trip Notes:
- The order of the itinerary may be subject to change based on local circumstances and events.
- The tour requires a moderate level of physical fitness, as there will be walking and some stairs.
- The tour group will consist of a maximum of 18 travelers.
- The accommodations will be in 4- and 5-star hotels throughout the tour.
- The tour includes a mix of guided tours and free time for independent exploration.
FAQs:
Q: Is airfare included in the tour package? A: No, airfare is not included in the tour package. However, we can assist you in booking flights.
Q: What is the cancellation policy? A: Please refer to our terms and conditions for our cancellation policy.
Q: Is travel insurance included in the tour package? A: No, travel insurance is not included in the tour package. However, we highly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment and ensure peace of mind during your travels.
Q: Can the tour be customized to fit my needs? A: Yes, we offer customizations to fit your needs. Please contact us for more information.