Highlights Of Spain & Portugal
Highlights Of Spain & Portugal
$1760
Highlights Of Spain & Portugal
9 Days Starting and ending in Madrid
Visiting: Madrid, Granada, Seville, Lisbon, Porto, Salamanca
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ESP
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
10 - 51
Age range:
10-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History
Tour Overview
Tap into your sense of wonder as you explore Spain and Portugal on a 9-day tour! Starting in Madrid, discover the impressive architecture, rich culture and vibrant way of life. Explore Toledo, Granada and Seville. Witness the world-renowned Puente Nuevo on a visit to Ronda and head to Portugal for sensational Algarve sights. From Lisbon life to Porto port and Guarda's history, immerse yourself in the local experience before the tour ends with visits to Salamanca and Avila. Experience everything from tapas to flamenco on this unmissable tour of Spain and Portugal!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Start Of Tour In Madrid
Location: Madrid
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to the start of your 9-day tour of Spain and Portugal! On arrival in Madrid, make your way to the hotel to meet up with your tour leader and the other travellers in the tour group this morning. After everyone is gathered, it’s time to explore Madrid which is the beautiful capital of Spain, on an orientation tour. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore more of the city - you could choose to enjoy a taste of Spain on the Madrid Tapas Food Tour! This evening, enjoy your first taste of Spain at an included welcome dinner - a great opportunity to meet the other travellers in the group!
Orientation tour of Madrid: Explore Spain’s vibrant capital city with your tour leader. Wander the streets of Madrid and see top sights such as Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace, Mercado de San Miguel and more!
Traditional dinner in Madrid: Get a taste of Spanish cuisine and get to know your fellow travellers and tour leader over dinner at a local Madrid restaurant.
Day 2: Toledo - Granada
Location: Granada
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, leave Madrid behind and head to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Toledo. This charming, ancient walled town, complete with Gothic architecture and an impressive Cathedral, is sure to have travellers falling in love with it! The tour continues south to the Moorish city of Granada. Arrive this afternoon and join your tour leader on an orientation tour of this historic city. Listen in for great insight into this beautiful region of Spain as well as the history, culture and highlights of Granada.
Visit Toledo: Experience the Gothic architecture found throughout this UNESCO World Heritage Site city. The history of this region goes all the way back to the Bronze Age!
Orientation tour of Granada: Learn more about the Moorish influence in southern Spain. Granada is often called the "Damascus of the West." First an Iberian settlement, it came under the influence of the Moors in the 8th century. The neighbourhood of Albaicin offers original narrow winding streets and many fine examples of Moorish and Morisco architecture. Granada is also home to the famous Alhambra.
Day 3: Granada - Ronda - Seville
Location: Seville
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The journey through Andalusia continues! Spend the morning exploring the city of Granada, or join our optional excursion to the Alhambra Palace. In addition to a rich Moorish and Medieval history, Granada is a fascinating city packed with street art, culture and the best restaurants. Next, travel to Ronda, a town located on both sides of the Tajo Gorge. The most iconic site here is the ‘Puente Nuevo’ (New Bridge). Take in the spectacular views from the bridge before enjoying a leisurely lunch stop. Finally, travel to Seville. Arrive and enjoy a driving tour of this enchanting city before enjoying free time at the beautiful Plaza de Espana. Next, it’s time for an included dinner before checking into the hotel for tonight.
Visit Ronda: Stop over in Ronda and see the towering ‘Puente Nuevo’ (New Bridge). Found on top of the El Tajo gorge, Ronda is a unique little town. Here, catch a glimpse of some truly breathtaking views!
Driving tour of Seville: Learn more about Seville’s history, culture and architecture on a driving tour. Seville is where some famous scenes for TV series and films were shot. These include Game of Thrones, Star Wars and Lawrence of Arabia.
Dinner in Seville: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Seville.
Day 4: Seville
Location: Seville
Meals Included: Breakfast
Discover the history and charm of Seville today! Begin with a guided tour of the city, accompanied by an expert local guide. The rest of the day is free to spend as you wish! Choose to tour the Alcázar of Seville on an optional excursion, visit the Metropol Parasol for amazing views or visit the Museum of Flamenco. Alternatively, simply wander the historic city and see where your feet take you! Legend has it that Seville was founded by Hercules, and it certainly boasts a colourful history, from the Romans to the Moors! Seville is famous for its flamenco and tapas bars and tonight is your chance to experience this dance of passion at the lively optional Flamenco dinner show!
Guided tour of Seville: Explore Seville on a tour with a local guide. Learn more about its history, culture and architecture. Seville is where some famous scenes for TV series and films were shot. These include Game of Thrones, Star Wars and Lawrence of Arabia. This is the ideal way to take to the streets of Seville to soak up the culture, tastes, sights and sounds of the city!
Day 5: Algarve - Lisbon
Location: Lisbon
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today it’s time to travel to Lisbon, Portugal! Along the way, visit the Algarve. This stunning southern coastal region of Portugal features golden beaches and limestone cliffs. Look forward to a comfort stop at one of these beautiful beaches so you can top up your tan or take a dip in the cool, blue ocean. Arrive in Lisbon, set off on an orientation tour of the capital and see Lisbon’s highlights. From the imposing Sao Jorge Castle to the pastel colours of the old town, Lisbon has it all! Enjoy an included dinner in Lisbon tonight.
Visit the Algarve: Enjoy a scenic drive through the Algarve. This is definitely one of Portugal's most spectacular regions - complete with rugged cliffs, golden beaches and crashing waves! Spend some time on one of the stunning Algarve beaches, enjoy lunch here or explore the local town.
Lisbon driving tour: Drive alongside the Tagus River and along some of Lisbon's most famous streets and learn about the history, culture and Portuguese lifestyle. Sights like the Sao Jorge Castle and the colours of the Old Town are not to be missed. There are seven miradouros (viewpoints) dotted around the city - all offering glorious views of the city and its surrounds!
Day 6: Lisbon: Free Day
Location: Lisbon
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is your free day to explore Lisbon at your own pace. You could visit Lisbon's landmarks, including the Monument to the Discoveries and the Belém Tower or discover the hilltop district of Bairro Alto. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to Sintra, a charming UNESCO World Heritage Site village and the capital of Romanticism in Portugal, known for its striking monuments. While there, visit Pena Palace and enjoy lunch. Or, join an excursion to Portugal’s most famous pilgrimage site, Fátima. This evening is your chance to enjoy one of Portugal's cultural highlights; Fado music. Unique to Portugal, it is arguably the oldest urban folk music in the world - you are sure to discover many bars nearby playing Fado!
Day 7: Obidos - Porto
Location: Porto
Meals Included: Breakfast
On the way to Porto this morning, enjoy a stop in Obidos. This classic fortified town is home to narrow cobbled streets, picturesque houses and an imposing hilltop castle. We continue our tour of Portugal and enter Porto - Portugal’s second-largest city and home of one of the country’s most famous exports - port wine! Enjoy a walking tour of Porto, where you will see Ponte Dom Luis - a stunning bridge that crosses the River Douro, the Clerigos Tower and many other famous landmarks. Enjoy the opportunity to sample a glass of port wine this afternoon at the included Port tasting.
Visit Obidos: Enjoy some free time to explore the picturesque medieval streets of this charming town. The main gate into Obidos, Porta de Vila, contains a beautiful tiled chapel depicting the passion of Christ, and the walls of the town can be walked in around one hour.
Porto driving and walking tour: See picturesque Porto from the coach and on foot. Learn about the history of the architecture, sights and the culture of this city and its UNESCO World Heritage Site historical centre.
Port tasting: Try Portugal's most famous drink - Port! It's a sweet, fortified red wine, often served as a dessert wine in dry, semi-dry and white varieties.
Day 8: Guarda - Salamanca
Location: Salamanca
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
It is time to depart Portugal and travel back to Spain through beautiful stretches of countryside. En route, make a stop in Guarda, the highest city in Portugal which is home to centuries-old fortified towers and defensive walls. After arriving in Salamanca, embark on a locally guided city tour. Salamanca is a stunning city home to incredible Baroque, Gothic and Renaissance buildings. See top sights including the old and new cathedrals, the University and Casa Lis (an Art Deco museum) before ending in the Plaza Mayor with some free time. The day ends with an included dinner before the tour concludes tomorrow. Enjoy three courses of delicious traditional meals from the Salamanca region.
Visit Guarda: Enjoy free time to explore the highest city in Portugal. Guarda is a historic city home to fortified towers and walls built during King Sancho I’s reign that survive to this day. At its heart is a Cathedral built in a mix of Gothic and Manueline styles. Other highlights include the Guarda Museum, Jewish Quarters and the Corgas da Matança Dolmen, a portal tomb that provides a window into the lives of the people who lived across the Iberian Peninsula during the Neolithic Period.
Guided tour of Salamanca: Discover the many beautiful sights of Salamanca on a city tour with a local guide! Start at the Casa Lis museum and marvel at its spectacular Art Deco windows. Make your way to the 12th-century Old Cathedral and the “new”, 16th-century Salamanca Cathedral. Visit the city’s famous University, the oldest university in the Hispanic world, and try to spot the frog in the reliefs! Other top sights include Casa de las Conchas, La Clerecía, la Plaza Mayor and more.
Day 9: Avila - Madrid
Location: Madrid
Meals Included: Breakfast
After nine fun-filled days on the road, today is the last day of this Spain and Portugal tour. This morning, depart Salamanca and travel to the stunning city of Avila, which is notable for its many Romanesque and Gothic churches, and the famous and incredibly well preserved medieval walls. Then, continue on to the capital Madrid. Arrive in Madrid and the tour concludes this afternoon. Make sure to swap contact details with your newly-made travel friends! Adios!
Visit Avila: Visit this beautiful medieval city en route to Madrid. This walled city and its Cathedral are a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy some free time to explore the main sights in the historic centre, such as San Vicente de Ávila, a church that is one of the best examples of Romanesque architecture in the whole of Spain.
What's Included
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Accommodation
8 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
8 Breakfasts, 4 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
8 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
Explore Madrid; Spain’s capital city
Welcome dinner in Madrid
Visit the ancient city of Toledo
Discover the delights of Granada
Visit Ronda; home to the famous Puente Nuevo
See Seville on a driving tour
Enjoy a local dinner in Seville
Explore the streets of Seville on a guided tour
Visit the Algarve; Portugal's stunning southern coast
Enjoy a driving tour of Lisbon
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
Farewell dinner in Salamanca
Visit Avila; home to incredible Romanesque architecture
Check out our Q&As
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No, you will need to make your own arrangements to get to the meeting point for the first day of your tour. Please see the meeting point information for details on how to reach the meeting point.
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
No, entrance fees are not included.
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
No, visas are each traveler’s personal responsibility, and we recommend that plenty of time is allowed for visas to be applied for. When applying for your visa, please ensure that the proper research is carried out before you apply, and that you deal directly with the embassies or certified agents with regard to acquiring correct and timely information. We cannot take responsibility for customers
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Our tours are not suitable for young children, so we set a minimum age limit of 10 years old.
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Are flights included in this tour?
No, you will need to make your own arrangements to get to the meeting destination for the first day of your tour. Make sure you keep departure times and possible delays in mind when booking flights.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
All our tours are conducted in English.
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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
We are committed to curating excellent travel experiences and to do so we need all of our travelers to feel safe.
In order to ensure the peace of mind and safety of our travelers and staff on board the coach, we are still requesting that all travellers, regardless of their vaccination status, produce a negative Covid test. This test can be a PCR test -
Do you require a visa for this holiday?
Certain nationalities may require a visa(s) for this tour.
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Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?
All of the hotels on this tour offer Wi-Fi, which is available free of charge as part of your Expat Explore tour.
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Is the tour coach air conditioned?
Yes, Full air-conditioning
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Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
Due to weight and space limitations, you are allowed to bring one main piece of luggage weighing no more than 20kg, and one small soft bag for hand luggage weighing a maximum of 7kg. On all tours, you will have to carry your own luggage (e.g. into hotels and up to your room if hotels don’t have elevators). Please bear this in mind when you are deciding what to pack
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
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 customer services team. Please note that the room provided may be a single room with a single bed.
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
Yes, As detailed in the itinerary
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
All travellers are required to carry their own bags, get on and off the coach, and use public transport. Our city walking tours can last up to 3 hours and certain places involve walking up and down lots of steps. We want you to enjoy your tour, so read through the itinerary thoroughly and make your own conclusions as to whether you feel that you are fit and healthy enough.
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What is the maximum group size?
It depends on how many other people book! There could be up to 51 other passengers, so you will have the opportunity to make lots of friends!
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
We have searched and invested in excellent accommodation options, either located in cities or well placed with public transport connections. Clean linen, towels is always included. Toiletries (shampoo, shower gel etc) and hair dryers are not always included, so you may wish to bring these with you. Accommodation is provided in twin share en-suite rooms. We use a mix of mostly 2, 3 & 4-star hotels.
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What is the tipping policy?
Whilst we fully understand that some nationalities are not accustomed to tipping, this is a normal part of the culture in many of the countries we visit. Tipping has become an increasingly accepted practice in all areas of the service industry, but particularly in restaurants, bars and taxis worldwide. Expat Explore crew members
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
A full list of confirmed accommodation names and addresses for your particular departure will be emailed to you around 1 week before the tour starts.
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Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?
Our travelers come from all walks of life, with different backgrounds and interests.
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Our tour leaders come from all walks of life, with different backgrounds and interests. They are all confident and well-travelled with an in-depth knowledge of the destinations they are working in, and a passion for helping you make the most out of your Expat Explore tour.
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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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Free Date Changes
Expat Explore Travel allows you to make 5 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 91 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Expat Explore Travel requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of expat explore travel charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 20% of booking price.
At 44 days before tour starts: Forfeit 40% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.