Accommodation

14 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability)

Meals

14 Breakfasts, 7 Dinners *Vegetarian options available for all meals on request

Others

Explore Madrid, Spain’s vibrant capital Enjoy a welcome dinner in Madrid See the historic town of Segovia Enjoy free time for a night out in San Sebastian Explore Pamplona; made famous by “the running of the bulls” Sample local Spanish wines Explore Zaragoza on a guided walking tour Visit Andorra la Vella; Europe’s highest capital city See Barcelona’s spectacular architecture on a driving tour Enjoy lunch in picturesque Peniscola Embark on a guided tour of Valencia Enjoy a paella dinner in Valencia Wonder the medieval halls of Castillo de Belmonte Visit Toledo; a UNESCO World Heritage Site Tour Granada and learn about the legacy of the Spanish Moors Admire the views from Puente Nuevo in Ronda See Seville’s highlights on a driving tour Explore Seville on a guided walking tour Relax on the beaches of the Algarve Enjoy a driving tour of Lisbon; Portugal’s vibrant capital city Visit Obidos, a charming medieval town Explore picturesque Porto on a driving and walking tour Sample Port wine; one of Portugal’s most famous exports Visit Ciudad Rodrigo, a 12th-century fortified town Explore the streets of Salamanca Enjoy a farewell dinner in Salamanca Visit Avila; famous for its medieval walls

Guide

Fully guided tour with experienced tour leader Tour leader will accompany group throughout and manage all logistical details

Transport

Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)

Not included:

Others

International flights Travel to the start point and from the endpoint is not included. Travel insurance For a relatively small price, travel insurance provides you with the 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. Click here for more information.

Flights

You will be responsible for booking your own international and/or domestic flights. We additionally recommend you do not book your airfare until your place on the tour is confirmed. Please make sure to check the times that your tour will start and end before booking your flights.

Optional

On Tour Excursions Optional excursions are not included in the tour cost. All optional excursions are booked on tour and paid in cash to your tour leader, unless stated otherwise. Please note, certain optional excursions are subject to availability and could change as a result. Some optional excursions need to be pre-booked, please contact us to find out more

Insurance

When you sign up for an Expat Explore tour, you are required to secure adequate travel insurance cover for the duration of your trip. If you cannot provide Expat Explore with proof of adequate travel insurance prior to the start of your tour, you will not be permitted to embark on day one. The requirements include the following coverage: Trip Interruption Trip Delay Medical Expenses Quarantine Expenses and Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation The insurance must also cover medical costs and a medically imposed quarantine if the insured or someone the insured has come into contact with, tests positive for COVID-19. Before you book your tour, you’re welcome to obtain a quote with Tour Radar’s insurance partner, Cover Genius.

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Start Of Tour In Madrid
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Start Of Tour In Madrid

Welcome to Madrid and the start of this exciting 15-day tour of Spain and Portugal! Arrive at the hotel this morning and meet your tour leader. Then it’s time for the travel fun to begin! The tour kicks off with an orientation tour of Madrid to learn more about Spain’s beautiful capital city and its highlights. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore the city this afternoon. This evening, meet up with your tour leader at the hotel for an included welcome dinner. Enjoy the delicious tastes of Spain and get to know the rest of the travellers on this group tour.

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!

Welcome dinner in Madrid: Look forward to your first taste of Spain and celebrate the first night of the tour with a welcome dinner! Meet the rest of the tour group who you will be travelling with for the next two weeks and enjoy some delicious Spanish cuisine.

Meals: supper
Day 2 Day 2: Segovia - San Sebastian
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Segovia - San Sebastian

Depart Madrid this morning and travel to San Sebastian on Spain’s northern coast. Along the way, stop off in Segovia, a picturesque UNESCO World Heritage Site which is home to the highest concentration of Romanesque churches in Europe, as well as an incredibly well-preserved Roman aqueduct that runs into the heart of the city. Arrive in San Sebastian in the late afternoon. San Sebastian is a charming city with a beautiful beach and vibrant nightlife. A foodie’s paradise, San Sebastian is known for its Basque gastronomy, so this evening is best spent exploring the beachfront bars and indulging in pintxo, northern Spain’s version of tapas!

See the historic town of Segovia: Explore the historic old town of Segovia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Highlights in the old town include the ancient Roman aqueduct, the Alcazar (royal palace) and Segovia Cathedral.

Enjoy a night out in San Sebastian: Enjoy some free time to relax on the beach, stroll the charming city streets and then get to know the locals as you hit the beachfront bars for traditional pintxo!

Meals: breakfast
Day 3 Day 3: Pamplona - Zaragoza
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Pamplona - Zaragoza

Today’s first stop is Pamplona - the historic city made famous by “the running of the bulls” during the San Fermin festival. Pamplona is packed with history! Enjoy free time to explore the beautiful medieval city centre and see the city walls and citadel. After seeing Pamplona, travel to Zaragoza and enjoy a wine tasting along the way. Arrive in Zaragoza and take a locally guided walking tour of the city. The city has experienced a long and varied history, with Roman, Moorish, Jewish and Christian communities leaving their marks over the centuries. The storied history of Zaragoza can be seen in the architecture of the Basílica del Pilar cathedral, Aljafería Islamic palace, the Roman theatre and more.

Explore the city of Pamplona: Visit the historic city that was made famous by the “running of the bulls” and see top sights including the Baroque facade of the town hall in Plaza Consistorial, the Gothic church of San Saturnino and Cámara de Comptos (the oldest building in the city, dating back to the 13th century).

Sample local Spanish wines: Drive through the popular wine-growing regions of northern Spain and enjoy a tasting of local Spanish wines. Typical Spanish grape varieties include Tempranillo, Garnacha, Albariño and Macabeo.

Locally guided walking tour of Zaragoza: Wander through the streets of Zaragoza on a walking tour accompanied by a local guide. Experience the legacy of the many different cultures that have influenced the city’s history. The city centre is compact and easy to walk around; perfect for an evening stroll.

Meals: breakfast
Day 4 Day 4: Andorra - Barcelona
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Andorra - Barcelona

It’s time to hit the road to Barcelona! Today’s first stop is the tiny principality of Andorra. Enjoy free time to explore Andorra la Vella, the highest capital city in Europe and a popular ski resort. Arrive in Barcelona in the late afternoon. The cosmopolitan capital of the Catalonia region is bursting full of beautiful sights and fascinating things to see and do. The hotel for the next two nights is located in Sant Cugat, just outside the city. Enjoy an included dinner with the group tonight.

Visit Andorra and Andorra la Vella: This tiny, independent principality has a population of just 85,000 and is located in the southern peaks of the Pyrenees Mountains, between Spain and France. Explore Europe’s highest capital city - Andorra la Vella - and enjoy free time in this beautiful city.

Meals: breakfast,supper
Day 5 Day 5: Barcelona: Free Day
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Barcelona: Free Day

This morning, embark on a driving tour with your tour leader and become acquainted with Barcelona’s vibrant energy. Look out for top sights including the Sagrada Família, Plaça d’Espanya and Parque de Joan Miró. The rest of the day is free to explore Barcelona! A fantastic way to see the city is on the Highlights of Barcelona optional excursion. See Palau Güell, the famous La Boqueria market, the Gothic Quarter and, of course, the magnificent Sagrada Família! Alternatively, visit the Old Town, stroll along Las Ramblas or relax in one of the city’s parks. Why not join the optional Flamenco show and dinner excursion tonight for a vibrant Spanish music and dance experience?

Orientation tour of Barcelona: In this city renowned for its art and architecture, you’ll see incredible sights such as the fantastical Sagrada Família, which is unlike any building you will have ever seen, and other spectacular modernist landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí. See Barcelona’s top attractions and gain insight into this vibrant city on a driving tour led by your tour leader.

Meals: breakfast
Day 6 Day 6: Peniscola - Valencia
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Peniscola - Valencia

Leaving Barcelona behind, travel along the south coast towards Valencia. En route, stop for lunch in Peniscola. Home to a historic old town, a beautiful promenade and sandy beaches watched over by an imposing castle built by the Knights Templar - this is surely one of the most picturesque spots in Europe to enjoy a lunch stop! Arrive in Valencia and enjoy a guided tour of this thriving port city. Discover Valencia’s uniqueness in how it retains plenty of historic charm despite the decades of development that have given it a distinct space-age feel. Enjoy dinner in the city tonight Look forward to tasting paella - one of the dishes Valencia is famous for!

Enjoy lunch in picturesque Peniscola: Visit and enjoy lunch and the amazing views! This fortified seaport is on a rocky headland with only a narrow strip of land connecting it to the mainland. The scenery is sure to take your breath away! The castle built in the early 14th century served as the home of the Avignon pope Benedict XIII from 1415 to 1423.

Guided tour of Valencia: Embark on a guided tour of Valencia with your tour leader. Experience the bold architecture (both contemporary and Art Nouveau) of spots like the City of Arts and Sciences complex, Colón Market, Turia Gardens, and the Cathedral.

Paella dinner: Tuck into Valencia’s most famous dish! Paella, a hearty rice dish, is one of the most well-known dishes in Spanish cuisine.

Meals: breakfast,supper
Day 7 Day 7: Valencia - Madrid
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Valencia - Madrid

Today, it’s time to travel onwards to Madrid. Journey through the historic La Mancha region, made famous by the legend of Don Quixote - an ageing knight who, inspired by his literary heroes, sets off with his squire in search of chivalrous adventure. Next up, explore Castillo de Belmonte. Located on the hill of San Cristobal, tour the medieval castle and discover grandly furnished rooms and dungeons, and learn more about the intriguing history. Arrive in Madrid later in the afternoon. This evening, enjoy an included dinner where travellers from the Highlights of Spain & Portugal tour will join the group.

Visit the medieval Castillo de Belmonte: Tour the halls of this impressive historic sight. This beautifully restored medieval castle was built in the 15th century on the hill of San Cristobal. The interiors are dominated by spectacular stucco works in the Gothic and Moorish styles, and a beautiful Neo-Gothic courtyard. It was once the home of France’s Empress Eugénie after her husband, Napoleon III, lost the French throne in 1871.

Meals: breakfast,supper
Day 8 Day 8: Toledo - Granada
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Toledo - Granada

This morning, say farewell to Madrid and head to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Toledo, an ancient city in central Spain. Fall in love with this charming medieval town, complete with Gothic architecture and an impressive cathedral. The tour continues south to the Moorish city of Granada, which was the last stronghold of the Spanish Moors, and the legacy is evident all around! Arrive and set off on an orientation tour of the city. Discover top attractions and gain great insight into this beautiful region of Spain. Tonight, taste local cuisine on the Granada Local Food & Wine Evening optional excursion. This unmissable culinary experience must be booked prior to the start of the tour - click here to book!

Experience the historic city of Toledo: Experience the Gothic architecture in this UNESCO World Heritage Site and learn more about its varied history. Toledo is known as the city of three cultures due to Christian, Islamic and Jewish influences. 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 "Damascus of the West." First an Iberian settlement, it came under the influence of the Moors who travelled there from North Africa in the 8th century. The neighbourhood of Albaicin offers original narrow winding streets and many fine examples of Moorish and Morisco architecture.

Meals: breakfast
Day 9 Day 9: Ronda - Seville
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Ronda - Seville

This morning offers the opportunity to join our optional excursion to the awe-inspiring Alhambra Palace. As Granada’s most iconic sight and a highlight of any Spain tour, the Alhambra excursion must be booked prior to the start of the tour - click here for more information. This afternoon, travel to Ronda and admire the spectacular views from the ‘Puente Nuevo’ (New Bridge) before enjoying free time for lunch. Later in the afternoon, arrive in the enchanting city of Seville and get to know the city’s sights on a short driving tour. Afterwards, enjoy free time at the beautiful Plaza de Espana and sit down for an included dinner before checking into the hotel for tonight.

Visit the town of Ronda: Stopover in Ronda and see the towering ‘Puente Nuevo’ (New Bridge). Located on both sides of the El Tajo Gorge, Ronda is a unique little town. Here, you’ll get to take in some truly breathtaking views!

Seville driving tour: Enjoy a short driving tour of this wonderfully compact city and see the highlights of Seville.

Meals: breakfast,supper
Day 10 Day 10: Seville
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Seville

A full day in Seville awaits! Start off with a locally guided walking tour of the city and soak up the culture, sights and sounds of Seville! Later, explore this beautiful and pleasingly compact city at your own pace. This is a town steeped in history, found in the architecture, culture and general atmosphere. Legend has it that Seville was founded by Hercules, many thousands of years ago! Seville is famous for its flamenco dance, tapas bars and orange trees. You could visit the Metropol Parasol for amazing views, tour the Seville Alcázar of Seville or visit the Museum of Flamenco. Tonight, opt-in to join the Flamenco dinner show excursion for vibrant Spanish culture and flavours!

Explore Seville on a guided walking tour: Join a local guide on a tour of the city and learn more about its history, culture and architecture. See the historic centre complete with gothic churches, Mudéjar palaces and medieval streets. Seville is where some famous scenes for TV series and films were shot. These include Game of Thrones, Star Wars and Lawrence of Arabia.

Meals: breakfast
Day 11 Day 11: Algarve - Lisbon
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Algarve - Lisbon

Today, cross the border and travel to Lisbon in Portugal! En route, visit the Algarve, the stunning southern coastal region of Portugal that features golden beaches and limestone cliffs. Make a comfort stop at one of these beautiful beaches and enjoy the impressive views, golden sand, and azure blue waters. Arrive in Lisbon and it’s time to set out on an orientation tour of Portugal’s capital city. See Lisbon’s top sights and attractions from the imposing Sao Jorge Castle to the pastel colours of the old town - Lisbon has it all! Take note of any spots you would like to explore on the free day tomorrow!

See the stunning Algarve region: Drive through the southern coastal region and make a comfort stop at one of the Algarve’s gorgeous beaches. Enjoy some time relaxing by the ocean!

Driving orientation tour of Lisbon: Drive alongside the Tagus river and along some of Lisbon’s most famous streets and learn all about the history, the 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!

Meals: breakfast,supper
Day 12 Day 12: Lisbon: Free Day
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Lisbon: Free Day

Today is a free day to explore Lisbon at your leisure. See iconic landmarks including the Monument to the Discoveries and the Belém Tower, or discover the wonderful hilltop district of Bairro Alto. Be sure to taste a delicious pasteis de nata (Portuguese custard tart) during your free time! Alternatively, join an optional excursion to Fátima - Portugal’s most famous pilgrimage site. Or, visit colourful Sintra for a tour and lunch; this charming UNESCO World Heritage Site village is known for its strikingly colourful monuments and was once the summer retreat for Portugal’s royal families! This evening, find a spot to enjoy one of Portugal’s cultural highlights; Fado music which is some of the oldest urban folk music in the world!

Meals: breakfast
Day 13 Day 13: Obidos - Porto
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Obidos - Porto

Say tchau to Lisbon this morning, as Porto awaits! The first stop today is Obidos, a classic fortified town with narrow cobbled streets, picturesque houses and an imposing hilltop castle. Enjoy free time to explore. Continue the tour of Portugal and arrive in Porto - the second largest city in Portugal and one of the oldest European centres - for a driving and walking tour. See sights including Ponte de’ Luis, the Clerigos Tower and many other famous landmarks. One of Portugal’s famous exports is Port wine, which you will have the opportunity to taste this afternoon at an included tasting. Tonight, join the Evening on the Douro optional with a cruise along the picturesque Douro River and an unforgettable gastronomical experience.

Explore the town of Obidos: Enjoy some free time to explore the well-preserved, picturesque medieval streets of this charming town. The main gate into Obidos, Porta de Vila, contains a beautifully tiled chapel depicting the passion of Christ, and the walls of the town can be walked in approximately one hour.

Driving and walking tour of Porto: 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.

Enjoy a Port wine 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.

Meals: breakfast
Day 14 Day 14: Ciudad Rodrigo - Salamanca
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Ciudad Rodrigo - Salamanca

It’s time to wave goodbye to Portugal and travel back across the border to Spain. Journey through the countryside this morning and make a stop in Ciudad Rodrigo, where you can enjoy an orientation tour and some free time. Ciudad Rodrigo has been inhabited since the Neolithic period and is most famous for its 12th-century city walls. Arrive in Salamanca in the afternoon and set off on a guided tour with a local guide. Visit the Casa Lis museum, old and new cathedrals, the University and much more. End the tour with some free time in the Plaza Mayor. Finally, enjoy an included farewell dinner, offering three courses of delicious food from around the province of Salamanca.

Visit Ciudad Rodrigo: Join your tour leader on an orientation tour of this historic Spanish city near the Portugal border. Explore the many architectural hidden gems located within the Old Town which is protected by well-preserved 12th-century walls. The Romanesque Cathedral de Santa Maria is the city’s most important landmark while the Plaza Mayor reveals a number of striking buildings.

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.

Farewell dinner in Salamanca: It’s the last night of the tour! Enjoy a three-course, authentic Salamanca meal at the farewell dinner.

Meals: breakfast,supper
Day 15 Day 15: Avila - Madrid
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Avila - Madrid

It’s the last day of the tour and time to travel back to Madrid. Depart Salamanca this morning and travel to Avila to enjoy some free time. Nestled amongst rolling hills in Spain’s countryside, Avila is notable for its many Romanesque and Gothic churches as well as its famous and incredibly well preserved medieval walls. Finally, continue on to Madrid, where this amazing 15-day tour of Spain and Portugal concludes.

Visit the city of Avila: Make a comfort stop in Avila. This walled town and its Cathedral are a UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll have 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.

Meals: breakfast

+12

15 days tour

Spain & Portugal Explorer

This tour includes:

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Itinerary of your trip Spain & Portugal Explorer

Day 1: Start Of Tour In Madrid

Day 2: Segovia - San Sebastian

Day 3: Pamplona - Zaragoza

Day 4: Andorra - Barcelona

Day 5: Barcelona: Free Day

Day 6: Peniscola - Valencia

Day 7: Valencia - Madrid

Day 8: Toledo - Granada

Day 9: Ronda - Seville

Day 10: Seville

Day 11: Algarve - Lisbon

Day 12: Lisbon: Free Day

Day 13: Obidos - Porto

Day 14: Ciudad Rodrigo - Salamanca

Day 15: Avila - Madrid

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