Amazing Spain & Portugal - Classic Group, Summer

Amazing Spain & Portugal - Classic Group, Summer

9 Days
From

$2850

$2556

Amazing Spain & Portugal - Classic Group, Summer

9 Days Starting and ending in Madrid, Spain

Visiting: Madrid, Toledo, Granada, Seville, Lisbon, Salamanca

Tour operator:

Insight Vacations

Tour code:

E300N26

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $2850 $2556 Operator discount: -$294

NB: Prices correct on 28-Sep-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on the "Amazing Spain & Portugal - Classic Group, Summer" tour and immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of the Iberian Peninsula. Begin your journey in Madrid, exploring its elegant boulevards and historic sites. Discover the ancient city of Toledo, marvel at the Alhambra Palace in Granada, and experience the vibrant culture of Seville, including a flamenco performance at the Cristina Heeren Foundation. Continue to Portugal, visiting the medieval town of Évora and savoring the famous Pastéis de Belém in Lisbon. Witness the spiritual aura of Fátima and the historic charm of Salamanca before returning to Madrid. Enjoy guided tours, local insights, and luxurious accommodations throughout this unforgettable adventure.

Highlights

  • Seville: Stroll through Barrio de Santa Cruz with a Local Expert and hear how the Jewish community has shaped the city's history.

  • Madrid: Join your Travel Director at 18:30 for a Welcome Dinner in a local restaurant and get to know your fellow travelers over a beautiful evening of delicious food and wine.

  • Lisbon: Delight in a taste of the famous Portuguese custard tart, Pastéis de Belém, made in a 19th century bakery with the original secret recipe.

  • Toledo: At a Damascene workshop, meet a master artisan for a personal insight into this ancient craft. Witness firsthand their precision as they inlay gold and silver into iron, using a chisel and a hammer.

  • Granada: Visit the famous Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens. While others wait in line, you'll be exploring accompanied by a Local Expert, keen to share insights into this Moorish landmark.

  • Seville: The Cristina Heeren Foundation aims to promote the teaching and conservation of flamenco. Meet the students of the foundation, learn some basic flamenco steps, and then feel the passion as they perform an emotional show.

  • Évora: With your Travel Director explore the ancient city of Évora and visit the fascinating Capela dos Ossos, meaning the Chapel of Bones, a chapel decorated with human remains.

  • Fátima: Join the faithful at one of the world's holiest sites and pay homage at the Chapel of the Apparitions and see the basilica.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Welcome To Madrid

Location: Madrid

Accommodation Name: Riu Plaza España, Madrid

Meals Included: Dinner

While in Madrid, explore the elegant boulevards, expansive parks and varied architectural styles. Join your Travel Director for dinner at a local restaurant and enjoy the opportunity to get to know your fellow travelers over a delightful evening of good food and wine.

Day 2: The Old Capital Of Toledo And On To Granada

Location: Toledo

Accommodation Name: Vincci Albayzín, Granada

Meals Included: Breakfast

Visit the fascinating city of Toledo, situated high above the River Tagus. This was Spain's capital during the golden era, where Arab, Jewish and Christian cultures flourished side-by-side through the Middle Ages. From here you will venture south to meet a local artisan in a Damascene workshop for a personal insight into this ancient craft, handed down by the Moors centuries ago. Then enjoy a walk within the city walls of Toledo, through the narrow cobbled streets, led by your Local Expert. Visit the Church of Santo Tomé, housing El Greco's famous painting, ‘The Burial of the Count of Orgaz.' Your journey continues to Granada.

Day 3: The Alhambra Palace And Seville, City Of Carmen

Location: Granada

Accommodation Name: Meliá Sevilla

Meals Included: Breakfast

'Give him alms, woman, because there is nothing sadder in life than being blind in Granada', proclaims the inscription on the walls of the Alhambra. Bathed in the morning light, the Alhambra Palace awaits—a fantasy of arabesque gardens, fountains and stone cut like lace. Explore with your Local Expert before visiting the exotic water gardens of the Generalife, the summer residence of the Spanish royals. Take a moment to relax in the sunshine as you enjoy the fine views over the town and its three verdant hills before continuing on to Seville. Visit the Seville Cathedral, the burial place of Christopher Columbus. Explore the city with Insight Choice. Choose to embark on a walk through the old Jewish quarter. Alternatively, enjoy a drive with panoramic views.

Day 4: Free Time And Flamenco In Seville Relaxed Start

Location: Seville

Accommodation Name: Meliá Sevilla

Meals Included: Breakfast

This day is yours to completely relax or continue exploring this fascinating city. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to Córdoba and visit the magnificent Mezquita, an 8th century mosque with a Christian cathedral built inside it? Visit the Cristina Heeren Foundation, a beneficiary of a TreadRight Foundation grant, for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. This private dance school is dedicated to promoting the conservation of flamenco and supports young enthusiasts from all over the world with a special focus on new talent from the Andalusian region. Feel the passion behind the choreography as you put your rhythm to the test during a dance lesson before witnessing emotions come to life in a flamenco performance.

Day 5: Évora And On To Lisbon Relaxed Start

Location: Lisbon

Accommodation Name: Turim Saldanha

Meals Included: Breakfast

Continue to the lively university town of Évora, one of the best preserved medieval towns in Portugal, with architectural styles dating back to Roman Times. Visit the fascinating Capela dos Ossos, a chapel decorated with 5000 bones, before making your way to Lisbon.

Day 6: Lisbon And The Age Of The Discoveries

Location: Lisbon

Accommodation Name: Turim Saldanha

Meals Included: Breakfast

During your stay, a guided orientation of the city with your Local Expert takes you to 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. View the Monument to the Discoveries and the historic Belém Tower. This fortress was originally set in the middle of the river, but is now left high and dry on the riverbank. Visit the National Coach Museum. With the afternoon at your leisure, consider joining an Optional Experience to the beautiful Portuguese Riviera.

Day 7: Holy Fátima And Salamanca

Location: Salamanca

Accommodation Name: Alameda Palace, Salamanca

Meals Included: Breakfast

Travel into the green hills north of Lisbon to visit Fátima, the most celebrated place of pilgrimage in Portugal. Visit the chapel commemorating the appearance of the Virgin Mary to three children in 1917. Cross the border, returning to Spain and continue to Salamanca, famous for its golden stone buildings and the handsome arcades of the Plaza Mayor. Across the River Tormes, see the Puente Romano with 15 of its 26 arches dating from the time of the ancient Romans.

Day 8: Ávila And Madrid

Location: Madrid

Accommodation Name: Canopy by Hilton Madrid Castellana

Meals Included: Breakfast

Cross the rock-strewn hills of the Castile, to arrive at Ávila. Admire the impressive city still entirely enclosed within its 11th-century walls, a unique occurrence in Europe. Return to Madrid to explore more of the capital with your Local Expert. At a local restaurant, join your Travel Director and newfound friends for a lively dinner.

Day 9: Depart Madrid

Location: Madrid

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today, bid a fond farewell to your memorable journey through Spain as you transfer to the airport and reflect on the experiences and adventures you've had.

What's Included

  • Meals

    1 Dinner (D), 8 Breakfast (B), 2 Dinner with Wine (DW)

  • Local Expert Guides

    Guided tours and insights from local experts in various cities including Seville, Toledo, Granada, and Lisbon.

  • Hotel and Restaurant Tips

    All hotel and restaurant tips are included.

  • Taxes and Porterage

    All taxes and porterage charges at hotels are included.

  • Baggage Handling

    Bags are carried and delivered to your hotel door.

  • Insight Flourish

    Occasional local specialties representing the destination.

  • Wi-Fi

    Complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).

  • Airport Transfers

    Transfers available at scheduled times for flights as per the itinerary start and end dates.

  • Luxury Coach

    Travel in Insight’s luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.

  • Hand Sanitizer

    Hand sanitizer is freely available on board.

What's Not Included

  • Optional Experiences

    Optional experiences such as a visit to Córdoba and the Portuguese Riviera are not included.

  • Additional Airport Transfers

    Transfers for flights outside the scheduled times or additional nights accommodation are not included.

Mode of Transport

Travel in style aboard Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom, ensuring a comfortable journey throughout Spain and Portugal.

Accommodation

Stay in comfort at the Riu Plaza España in Madrid, Vincci Albayzín in Granada, Meliá Sevilla in Seville, Turim Saldanha in Lisbon, and Alameda Palace in Salamanca, with the final night at Canopy by Hilton Madrid Castellana.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of activities can I expect in Seville?

    In Seville, you can choose between a stroll through the old Jewish quarter with a Local Expert or a panoramic drive to see the city's top sights. Additionally, you can visit the Seville Cathedral, the burial place of Christopher Columbus, and experience a flamenco performance at the Cristina Heeren Foundation.

  • What unique experiences are included in Toledo?

    In Toledo, you will visit a Damascene workshop to meet a local artisan and gain personal insight into this ancient craft. You will also explore the city with a Local Expert and visit the Church of Santo Tomé to see El Greco's famous painting, 'The Burial of the Count of Orgaz.'

  • What can I expect during the visit to the Alhambra Palace in Granada?

    At the Alhambra Palace in Granada, you will explore the arabesque gardens, fountains, and intricately carved stonework with a Local Expert. You will also visit the exotic water gardens of the Generalife, the summer residence of the Spanish royals, and enjoy fine views over the town.

  • What is special about the visit to Évora?

    In Évora, you will explore one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Portugal, with architectural styles dating back to Roman times. A highlight of the visit is the Capela dos Ossos, a chapel decorated with 5000 bones.

  • What will I experience in Lisbon?

    In Lisbon, you will have a guided orientation with a Local Expert, visiting the Belém Quarter and tasting Pastéis de Belém from a patisserie that has been using the same secret recipe for almost 200 years. You will also view the Monument to the Discoveries, the historic Belém Tower, and visit the National Coach Museum.

  • What is included in the visit to Fátima?

    In Fátima, you will visit the chapel commemorating the appearance of the Virgin Mary to three children in 1917, which is one of the most celebrated pilgrimage sites in Portugal.

  • What can I expect on the last day in Madrid?

    On the last day in Madrid, you will explore more of the capital with a Local Expert, visiting highlights such as the Old Town, Paseo de la Castellana, Plaza de Cibeles, Cervantes Monument, and Royal Palace. In the evening, you will join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a lively dinner at a local restaurant.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1978.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

Reviews of this operator

Peggy Lindenborn  

Country Roads of Southern Italy and Sicily

02-Nov-2021

Country Roads of Southern Italy and Sicily is a delightful trip and our travel guides and driver, Enzo, Chris and Greg were amazing and made the trip very memorable. We saw so many places and had great experiences along the way! Thanks to them for such a wonderful vacation.!

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Best of Spain & Portugal

11-Jan-2023

Great itinerary, good pace, tour director was friendly and very knowledgeable and organised. Bus was very spacious and driver was great. Yes would recommend insight to friends and families

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Jacqueline Thornberry  

Scenic Iceland and the Northern Lights

31-Oct-2021

The number is our group was small which meant we got to know each other. Our tour guide, Laura Spiers, was excellent as was our driver. The food was good, and of course everything we saw in Iceland was beautiful and educational.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Kathryn Ronca  

Enchanting Canyonlands

08-Nov-2021

The trip was fantastic. Everything was well planned and exceeded my expectations. All insight personal were courteous helpful and professional Ann Manual and Kevin were a topnotch team There was attention to every detail and at all times felt safe and always a personal touch to the trip. The motor coach was clean and roomy and there was multiple wipe downs during the day All hotels were top notch and all staff at the hotels and restaurants were helpful and courteous I would recommend this trip as it gave you a fantastic view of the natural wonders of the the West.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Patrick Ong  

Italian Intermezzo

12-Jan-2023

This trip is absolutely amazing! Worth every Penny! Our Tour guide did not Disappoint.

Feefo Trusted Reviews

1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Sunday

Oct 12, 2024 - Oct 20, 2024
$3025

Saturday - Sunday

Apr 05, 2025 - Apr 13, 2025
$2895 $2597

Operator discount: -$299

Saturday - Sunday

Apr 12, 2025 - Apr 20, 2025
$2925 $2624

Operator discount: -$302

Saturday - Sunday

Apr 19, 2025 - Apr 27, 2025
$2925 $2624

Operator discount: -$302

Saturday - Sunday

May 10, 2025 - May 18, 2025
$2925 $2624

Operator discount: -$302

Saturday - Sunday

May 17, 2025 - May 25, 2025
$2925 $2624

Operator discount: -$302

Saturday - Sunday

May 31, 2025 - Jun 08, 2025
$2925 $2624

Operator discount: -$302

Saturday - Sunday

Jun 07, 2025 - Jun 15, 2025
$2925 $2624

Operator discount: -$302

Saturday - Sunday

Jun 14, 2025 - Jun 22, 2025
$2925 $2624

Operator discount: -$302

Saturday - Sunday

Jun 28, 2025 - Jul 06, 2025
$2850 $2556

Operator discount: -$294

Saturday - Sunday

Jul 05, 2025 - Jul 13, 2025
$2850 $2556

Operator discount: -$294

Saturday - Sunday

Jul 19, 2025 - Jul 27, 2025
$2850 $2556

Operator discount: -$294

Saturday - Sunday

Aug 02, 2025 - Aug 10, 2025
$2850 $2556

Operator discount: -$294

Saturday - Sunday

Aug 23, 2025 - Aug 31, 2025
$2850 $2556

Operator discount: -$294

Saturday - Sunday

Aug 30, 2025 - Sep 07, 2025
$2895 $2597

Operator discount: -$299

Saturday - Sunday

Sep 06, 2025 - Sep 14, 2025
$3150 $2826

Operator discount: -$324

Saturday - Sunday

Sep 20, 2025 - Sep 28, 2025
$3050 $2736

Operator discount: -$314

Saturday - Sunday

Sep 27, 2025 - Oct 05, 2025
$3050 $2736

Operator discount: -$314

Saturday - Sunday

Oct 11, 2025 - Oct 19, 2025
$2995 $2985

Operator discount: -$10

Saturday - Sunday

Oct 18, 2025 - Oct 26, 2025
$2995 $2985

Operator discount: -$10

Saturday - Sunday

Oct 25, 2025 - Nov 02, 2025
$2925 $2915

Operator discount: -$10

Saturday - Sunday

Apr 04, 2026 - Apr 12, 2026
$2940

Saturday - Sunday

Apr 11, 2026 - Apr 19, 2026
$2940

Saturday - Sunday

Apr 18, 2026 - Apr 26, 2026
$2940

Saturday - Sunday

Apr 25, 2026 - May 03, 2026
$2940

Saturday - Sunday

May 09, 2026 - May 17, 2026
$2965

Saturday - Sunday

May 16, 2026 - May 24, 2026
$2965

Saturday - Sunday

May 23, 2026 - May 31, 2026
$2965

Saturday - Sunday

May 30, 2026 - Jun 07, 2026
$2965

Saturday - Sunday

Jun 06, 2026 - Jun 14, 2026
$2965

Saturday - Sunday

Jun 13, 2026 - Jun 21, 2026
$2965

Saturday - Sunday

Jun 27, 2026 - Jul 05, 2026
$2940

Saturday - Sunday

Jul 04, 2026 - Jul 12, 2026
$2915

Saturday - Sunday

Jul 18, 2026 - Jul 26, 2026
$2915

Saturday - Sunday

Aug 01, 2026 - Aug 09, 2026
$2915

Saturday - Sunday

Aug 22, 2026 - Aug 30, 2026
$2915

Saturday - Sunday

Aug 29, 2026 - Sep 06, 2026
$2940

Saturday - Sunday

Sep 05, 2026 - Sep 13, 2026
$2985

Saturday - Sunday

Sep 19, 2026 - Sep 27, 2026
$2985

Saturday - Sunday

Sep 26, 2026 - Oct 04, 2026
$2985

Saturday - Sunday

Oct 10, 2026 - Oct 18, 2026
$2965

Saturday - Sunday

Oct 17, 2026 - Oct 25, 2026
$2965

Saturday - Sunday

Oct 24, 2026 - Nov 01, 2026
$2965

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Insight Vacations 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 insight vacations 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.