Holidays in Spain and Portugal 2023

Welcome to Madrid, the capital of Spain. Relax or take a stroll along tree-lined boulevards before meeting up with your fellow travellers and Travel Director. Enjoy an evening drive to take in some of the city's main sights followed by a Welcome Reception.

Meal(s)

Welcome Reception                                 Hotel: Collection Eurobuilding

In Cuenca view the hanging houses which are built on the edge of the cliffs over the deep gorge. On arrival in Valencia your orientation drive will include views of the Towers of Serrano and Quart. Stop to view the City of Arts and Sciences which is a large-scale urban recreation centre for culture and science and designed by Santiago Calatrava. Tonight why not sample paella, a speciality from this region.

Meal(s)

Full Breakfast                                     Hotel: Silken Puerta

Travel inland through the ‘sierras’ to view the troglodyte cave dwellings at Guadix. Cave houses are common throughout the province of Granada but the highest concentration in this area. Take the jagged Mora Pass to the Moorish city of Granada. Dine tonight in a local restaurant for a special Regional Meal.

Meal(s)

Full Breakfast/Regional Meal                       Hotel: Carmen

Your Local Specialist takes you on a visit to the incredible Alhambra Palace, built in the 14th century and a magnificent example of Moorish architecture. Admire the ancient stucco, quiet courtyards and colossal walls. In Córdoba visit the Cathedral Mosque of Córdoba, the former mosque of the caliphs, a jewel of Hispano - Islamic art featuring striking arches and Byzantine mosaics with a Local Specialist. Later arrive in Seville, your home for the next three nights.

Meal(s)

Full Breakfast/Dinner with wine                    Hotel: Melia Lebreros

See the Giralda Bell Tower with your Local Specialist during your sightseeing tour of Seville. Visit the Maria Luisa Park, the centrepiece of the 1929 Exposition, built in a Moorish style and featuring half a mile of fountains, ponds, pavilions and lush plantings and walk through the imposing Plaza de España. Visit the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, where the explorer Christopher Columbus is entombed. Tonight why not experience the passion of the flamenco.

Meal(s)

Full Breakfast

Start your day in Jerez and gain a Cultural Insight into sherry production which is renowned in this region. Later discover the historic port city of Cadiz. Columbus departed from here on many of his voyages, and the exotic plants and trees dotted throughout the city are said to have been brought here by him upon his return. Once home to the vast Spanish Navy, Cadiz was raided by Sir Francis Drake a year prior to the 1588 Spanish Armada departure.

Meal(s)

Full Breakfast

Cross the border into southern Portugal for a leisurely afternoon on the sunny Algarve. Spend time relaxing by the pool or join an Optional Experience.

Meal(s)

Full Breakfast/Dinner with wine                    Hotel: Agua Riverside

See the Serra de Arrabida mountains and enjoy a Be My Guest lunch at a traditional Stud Ranch where Lusitano horses are reared. This afternoon arrive to Lisbon and visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Hieronymite Monastery as well as see the Belém Tower on your sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist. Tonight why not sample a traditional fado show.

Meal(s)

Full Breakfast/Be My Guest Dining                   Hotel: Olissippo Marques De Sa

Enjoy a relaxing free day to explore all of Lisbon's attractions. Why not visit the lively Rossio Square where street cafes overlook the Baroque fountains or the Alfama district with its medieval alleyways and outstanding views? Later perhaps join an Optional Experience to the historic towns of Cascais and Queluz.

Meal(s)

Full Breakfast

Drive north through the magnificent Serra d'Aire Mountains to the Shrine at Fátima, site of celebrated religious miracles. Cross the border back into Spain and arrive later in Salamanca where you view Plaza Mayor during your orientation tour.

Meal(s)

Full Breakfast                                     Hotel: Gran Corona Sol

See the walled city of Avila before arriving in Toledo. Visit the Church of Santo Tomé, home to one of El Greco's most famous paintings - The Burial of Count Orgaz. Visit the synagogue during your guided walk through the narrow streets with your Local Specialist. Enjoy a Cultural Insight into the historical steel industry while watching local craftsmen at work. Later arrive in Madrid, your home for the next two nights.

Meal(s)

Full Breakfast                                     Hotel: Ayre Gran Colon

This morning join your Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour of Madrid where you will see the Royal Palace, Puerta del Sol and the Cervantes Monument. This afternoon enjoy free time to explore the city or you can take an Optional Experience to the medieval UNESCO World Heritage City of Segovia. This evening join your fellow companions and Travel Director for a Farewell Dinner.

Meal(s)

Full Breakfast/Farewell Dinner

Say 'adios' to your travelling companions, your Travel Director and these beautiful countries at the end of a memorable holiday. Airport transfers are available. Conditions apply.

Meal(s)

Full Breakfast

Sightseeing Highlights

• Audio Headsets for flexible sightseeing

• Daily breakfast and an average of 50% of evening meals

• Luxury air-conditioned coach with WiFi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)

• Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted

• Hand-picked Insider Experiences

• Optional Experiences and free time

• All porterage and restaurant gratuities

• Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras

• An expert Travel Director and separate Driver

• All hotel tips, charges and local taxes

• VIP entry to many sights

Dining

• 12 full breakfasts
• 5 dinners
• 1 Lunch (Be My Guest)
  

Travel Highlights

• Daily breakfast and an average of 50% of evening meals

• Luxury air-conditioned coach with WiFi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)

• Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted

• Hand-picked Insider Experiences

• Optional Experiences and free time

• All porterage and restaurant gratuities

• Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras

• Audio Headsets for flexible sightseeing

• An expert Travel Director and separate Driver

• All hotel tips, charges and local taxes

• VIP entry to many sights

Airport Transfers

• FREE Airport transfers. Conditions apply.