Description
Spain and Portugal are two countries with rich histories and distinct cultures, and on this best of Spain and Portugal tour, you'll see their highlights. In Spain, you’ll overnight in Madrid, Granada, Cordoba, Seville, and Salamanca. In Portugal, you’ll overnight in Lisbon and Porto.
One of the tour highlights is a visit to Toledo, a town that attracts more visitors from around the world than any other Spanish town. In this old walled town, built on a hill, you’ll visit the 12th-century Church of St. Tome, which has one of El Greco's most famous paintings.
You will be delighted by the included visit of the Alhambra complex, built in the 13th century by Moorish kings and today has one of the oldest decorative gardens in the Western World. In Avila—a UNESCO World Heritage city founded in the 11th century to protect the Spanish territories from the Moors—see the towers and walls and visit St. Theresa's Convent, a Carmelite convent opened in 1636 on the birthplace of St. Teresa. In Portugal, visit the world-famous shrine in Fatima, dedicated to the Virgin Mary who appeared to three children here in 1917.
Enjoy sightseeing with a Local Guide in Toledo, Granada, Seville, Lisbon, Porto, and Madrid. These experts in the cities' histories and cultures will highlight the must-see sights, such as Seville's Cathedral, the world’s third largest church; Lisbon's Belem Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built around 1514 to commemorate the expedition of Vasco de Gama and to defend the port of Lisbon; and Porto's cathedral, built between the 12th and 13th centuries in Romanesque style overlooking the port wine cellars on the banks of the Douro river.
All of this and more—including a visit with wine tasting to a local wine cellar in Montilla—await you on this fabulous Spain and Portugal tour designed for value-minded travelers.
Itinerary
Day 1 ARRIVE IN MADRID, SPAINCheck into your hotel. The rest of the day is for you to relax or start exploring Madrid, taking advantage of the CosmosGO app. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers.  Dinner |
Day 2 MADRID–TOLEDO–GRANADATravel south to Toledo. Spectacularly situated on a granite hill surrounded by a loop of the Tagus River, the ancient Castilian capital is a treasure-chest of masterpieces. Visit the walled Old Town with a Local Guide and marvel at the 12th-century Church of St. Tomé, known for its large painting by El Greco of The Burial of the Count of Orgaz. Later, cross the Guadalquivir River and head for the olive and orange groves that dot the rolling Andalusian hills. Overnight in history-steeped Granada at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.  BreakfastDinner |
Day 3 GRANADA–CORDOBAGranada was the Moors’ most treasured city, and they still mourn its loss in their prayers. With a Local Guide, visit the Alhambra Complex*, a masterpiece of Islamic architecture and design built by Moorish kings, and featuring one of the oldest decorative gardens in the western world, the Generalife gardens. On the way to Cordoba, enjoy more idyllic scenery as you reach an olive farm, where you will stop for a local olive oil tasting. Breakfast |
Day 4 CORDOBA–SEVILLEA Local Guide will explain the intriguing history and unique architecture of the magnificent Cordoba Mezquita, a beautiful catholic cathedral built on top of an ancient mosque, famous for its 850 pillars of porphyry, marble, and jasper. On to vibrant, festive Seville. BreakfastDinner |
Day 5 SEVILLEGet to know Seville on the included city tour. The capital of Andalusia, colorful Seville has much to offer: the cathedral, the beautiful La Giralda minaret tower, a symbol of Seville; and the Real Alcázar palace, with its extravagant moorish architecture and opulent gardens. Fun fact: the Palace of the “Kingdom of Naboo”, from “Star Wars”, and the Palace of the “Kingdom of Dorne”, from “Game of Thrones”, were filmed in Plaza de España and the Royal Alcazar of Seville. Breakfast |
Day 6 SEVILLE–EVORA, PORTUGAL–LISBONEnjoy the scenery of the Sierra de Aracena before crossing into Portugal and the fertile plains of the Alentejo. Admire the forest of cork trees and stop to visit Evora, a delightfully attractive Moorish city with arches, alleys, flower-decked balconies, brilliant white houses, and the Temple of Diana. Continue to Lisbon. Breakfast |
Day 7 LISBONHenry the Navigator made Lisbon the 15th-century “Mistress of the Seas.” You’ll see his monument, the Belem Tower, the Moorish Citadel, the impressive Black Horse Square, and other highlights on the guided sightseeing tour. Spend the afternoon at leisure in the Alfama’s tile-decorated streets, or take an optional excursion to the scenic Portuguese Riviera. Breakfast |
Day 8 LISBON–FÁTIMA–COIMBRA–PORTOStop in Fátima to visit its world-famous Catholic Sanctuary, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Continue to Coimbra, known for its university, one of the oldest in Europe, and to Porto, on the northern bank of the Douro River. For the perfect way to round out your day, why not join an optional Douro River cruise and dinner? Breakfast |
Day 9 PORTODiscover Porto’s highlights on the guided city tour. See its historical cathedral, and visit a Port wine cellar along the banks of the Douro River. This afternoon, consider an optional excursion to Guimarães, called the “cradle” of Portugal and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tonight, enjoy an included dinner at a local restaurant. BreakfastDinner |
Day 10 PORTO–SALAMANCA, SPAINEnjoy the plentiful woodlands, mountains and vineyards on your return to Spain via the scenic Douro Valley. Reach the ancient and beautiful university town of Salamanca in the early evening, the best time to take a stroll in the atmospheric Plaza Mayor. Breakfast |
Day 11 SALAMANCA–ÁVILA–SEGOVIA–MADRIDJourney to fortified Ávila with its many towers and visit St. Theresa’s Convent before continuing to Segovia, a medieval town picturesquely set on a rocky hill. Spend some time in Segovia before crossing the boundary between new and old Castile to arrive in Madrid. Breakfast |
Day 12 MADRIDThe capital of Spain, situated 2,180 feet above sea level, Madrid is the nearest thing to Heaven, according to Spaniards. Discover the main highlights of this aristocratic city on the included guided tour. Breakfast |
Day 13 MADRIDYour vacation ends with breakfast this morning. |
