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Best of Spain and Portugal
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This tour moves at a comfortable leisurely pace with five two-night stays in Lisbon, Seville, the Costa del Sol, Barcelona and Madrid and overnight stays in the four other cities. Driving days are not too long and with frequent stops.
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Best of Spain and Portugal
ITINERARY (17 DAYS/16 NIGHTS)
DAY ONE: DEPART
Board your overnight flight.
DAY TWO: MADRID
Welcome to Madrid, Europe's highest capital, occupying the centre of the Iberian peninsula. On arrival at Madrid Airport, your airport shuttle service leaves for the tour hotel at 09:30, 12:30, 15:00 & 17:30. Settle in and relax before meeting your fellow passengers and Tour Director for a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: NH Eurobuilding
DAY THREE: MADRID-TOLEDO-SALAMANCA
Drive to Toledo, former capital of Spain. Walk through the maze of narrow cobbled streets to see the Cathedral, one of Europe's oldest synagogues, and the El Greco masterpiece in the chapel of Santo Tome. Later, pass the ancient walls of St Teresa's town of Avila en route to the 'golden' city of Salamanca. Before reaching your hotel, see the honey-coloured cathedral.
Hotel: Alameda Palace (BB,D)
DAY FOUR: SALAMANCA-OPORTO
Cross the Portuguese border to reach Oporto, celebrated internationally as the Port wine capital. With your Tour Director, see the Vila Nova de Gaia wine stores which house the famous port wines. Also admire the multi-coloured houses and churches covered in glazed tiles.
Hotel: Tiara Park Atlantic Porto (BB,D)
DAY FIVE: OPORTO - FATIMA - OBIDOS - LISBON
After breakfast, head south to miraculous Fatima to join the pilgrims flocking into the great Basilica. Continue to Batalha to visit the Royal Chapel in the Gothic monastery before driving to the old walled town of Obidos to explore the medieval streets. Later, continue to Lisbon.
Hotel: Marriott Lisbon (BB)
DAY SIX: LISBON
Today's sightseeing with a local guide shows you Sao Jorge Castle, the Monument to the Discoveries and the Belem Tower. Later, visit Jeronimo's Monastery with its superbly ornate cloister. The afternoon is at leisure to explore at your own pace. (BB)
DAY SEVEN: LISBON-SEVILLE
Leave Lisbon via the modern Tagus Bridge and cross the border to reach Seville. A tour with a local guide includes the immense 15th century Cathedral, burial place of Christopher Columbus, and the slender Giralda Tower. Tour the fashionable Santa Cruz Quarter with its flower-decked wrought iron balconies and see the Alcazar. Tonight settle back for a Highlight Dinner and entertainment featuring a fiery Flamenco show. Enjoy a short informative presentation on the regional wines that complement your meal.
Hotel: Melia Lebreros (BB,HD)
DAY EIGHT: SEVILLE AT LEISURE
The day is completely yours to relax, explore or continue sightseeing in this fascinating city. One suggestion is an optional excursion to Cordoba to visit the magnificent Mezquita? Later, maybe consider enjoying a typical Sevilliano dinner at a local restaurant. (BB)
DAY NINE: SEVILLE - GIBRALTAR - COSTA DEL SOL
Head south to Gibraltar, attached to Spain, yet an independent colony under British control since 1704. There's time to see the 12th century Moorish castle, explore the shops or take a trip to the top of the Rock to see St Michael's Cave. Later, take the scenic route along the Costa del Sol to your hotel.
Hotel: Melia Costa Del Sol (BB,D)
DAY TEN: COSTA DEL SOL AT LEISURE
Enjoy a whole day at leisure on the Costa del Sol. Relax by the blue Mediterranean waters, stroll along the promenade or savour the specialities in the local restaurants. (BB,D)
DAY ELEVEN: COSTA DEL SOL - MIJAS - GRANADA
A leisurely drive through green hills above the Costa del Sol, leads to the white-washed village of Mijas. There is time to stroll through the old streets and pleasant gardens and take in the views of the Mediterranean coast. Continue to Granada, capital of the Moorish Kingdom of Spain until the Moors' defeat in 1492. Visit the Alhambra Palace, a complex of magnificent buildings begun by the Moors and built over the centuries. Sightseeing includes the famous Lion Court as well as the exotic water gardens of the Generalife, the royal summer residence, where you can relax in the sun and enjoy the fine views over the town.
Hotel: Saray (BB,D)
DAY TWELVE: GRANADA - VALENCIA
Drive over the Mora Pass, enjoying superb views over the Sierra Nevada en route. Pass through palm forests and lemon groves as you travel to Valencia, set in one Europe's most fertile agricultural plains. On your orientation tour, see the Generalidad Palace, El Miguelete Cathedral, gates of Serranos, Cuarte and the modern Centre for Arts and Sciences before checking into your hotel.
Hotel: Husa Reina Victoria (BB,D)
DAY THIRTEEN: VALENCIA - BARCELONA
Follow the coast to Peñíscola to view the sea-lapped castle used in the film El Cid. Continue along the Costa Dorada (Gold Coast) to Barcelona. A local guide will show you the Gothic Quarter, where you will visit the cathedral and view the lively Ramblas. Tour the modern Eixample District to see Gaudi's famed Sagrada Familia church. As night falls, why not dine out 'Catalan style'?
Hotel: Melia Barcelona (BB)
DAY FOURTEEN: BARCELONA AT LEISURE
Today has been set aside as a free day to allow you to explore this vibrant city at your own pace. Options include an excursion to the great Monastery of Montserrat to see the Black Madonna. (BB)
DAY FIFTEEN: BARCELONA-MADRID
Pass the city of Zaragoza in the province of Aragón as you make your way along the Jalón Valley, past Guadalajara and back to Madrid.
Hotel: NH Abascal (BB)
DAY SIXTEEN: MADRID SIGHTSEEING
A guided sightseeing tour takes you along the Gran Via and Paseo de la Castellana. See the Cervantes Monument in the Plaza España, the Puerta del Sol and Madrid's most famous fountain in the Plaza de la Cibeles. Your highlight is a visit to the Prado Museum to admire the paintings of Velázquez, Goya and many others. Perhaps enjoy a farewell dinner in the evening with your fellow passengers. (BB)
DAY SEVENTEEN: RETURN HOME
Sadly, your tour comes to an end today. Departure transfers arrive at Madrid Airport at 07:00, 09:00 & 11:00. (BB)
DAY ONE: DEPART
Board your overnight flight.
DAY TWO: MADRID
Welcome to Madrid, Europe's highest capital, occupying the centre of the Iberian peninsula. On arrival at Madrid Airport, your airport shuttle service leaves for the tour hotel at 09:30, 12:30, 15:00 & 17:30. Settle in and relax before meeting your fellow passengers and Tour Director for a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: NH Eurobuilding
DAY THREE: MADRID-TOLEDO-SALAMANCA
Drive to Toledo, former capital of Spain. Walk through the maze of narrow cobbled streets to see the Cathedral, one of Europe's oldest synagogues, and the El Greco masterpiece in the chapel of Santo Tome. Later, pass the ancient walls of St Teresa's town of Avila en route to the 'golden' city of Salamanca. Before reaching your hotel, see the honey-coloured cathedral.
Hotel: Alameda Palace (BB,D)
DAY FOUR: SALAMANCA-OPORTO
Cross the Portuguese border to reach Oporto, celebrated internationally as the Port wine capital. With your Tour Director, see the Vila Nova de Gaia wine stores which house the famous port wines. Also admire the multi-coloured houses and churches covered in glazed tiles.
Hotel: Tiara Park Atlantic Porto (BB,D)
DAY FIVE: OPORTO - FATIMA - OBIDOS - LISBON
After breakfast, head south to miraculous Fatima to join the pilgrims flocking into the great Basilica. Continue to Batalha to visit the Royal Chapel in the Gothic monastery before driving to the old walled town of Obidos to explore the medieval streets. Later, continue to Lisbon.
Hotel: Marriott Lisbon (BB)
DAY SIX: LISBON
Today's sightseeing with a local guide shows you Sao Jorge Castle, the Monument to the Discoveries and the Belem Tower. Later, visit Jeronimo's Monastery with its superbly ornate cloister. The afternoon is at leisure to explore at your own pace. (BB)
DAY SEVEN: LISBON-SEVILLE
Leave Lisbon via the modern Tagus Bridge and cross the border to reach Seville. A tour with a local guide includes the immense 15th century Cathedral, burial place of Christopher Columbus, and the slender Giralda Tower. Tour the fashionable Santa Cruz Quarter with its flower-decked wrought iron balconies and see the Alcazar. Tonight settle back for a Highlight Dinner and entertainment featuring a fiery Flamenco show. Enjoy a short informative presentation on the regional wines that complement your meal.
Hotel: Melia Lebreros (BB,HD)
DAY EIGHT: SEVILLE AT LEISURE
The day is completely yours to relax, explore or continue sightseeing in this fascinating city. One suggestion is an optional excursion to Cordoba to visit the magnificent Mezquita? Later, maybe consider enjoying a typical Sevilliano dinner at a local restaurant. (BB)
DAY NINE: SEVILLE - GIBRALTAR - COSTA DEL SOL
Head south to Gibraltar, attached to Spain, yet an independent colony under British control since 1704. There's time to see the 12th century Moorish castle, explore the shops or take a trip to the top of the Rock to see St Michael's Cave. Later, take the scenic route along the Costa del Sol to your hotel.
Hotel: Melia Costa Del Sol (BB,D)
DAY TEN: COSTA DEL SOL AT LEISURE
Enjoy a whole day at leisure on the Costa del Sol. Relax by the blue Mediterranean waters, stroll along the promenade or savour the specialities in the local restaurants. (BB,D)
DAY ELEVEN: COSTA DEL SOL - MIJAS - GRANADA
A leisurely drive through green hills above the Costa del Sol, leads to the white-washed village of Mijas. There is time to stroll through the old streets and pleasant gardens and take in the views of the Mediterranean coast. Continue to Granada, capital of the Moorish Kingdom of Spain until the Moors' defeat in 1492. Visit the Alhambra Palace, a complex of magnificent buildings begun by the Moors and built over the centuries. Sightseeing includes the famous Lion Court as well as the exotic water gardens of the Generalife, the royal summer residence, where you can relax in the sun and enjoy the fine views over the town.
Hotel: Saray (BB,D)
DAY TWELVE: GRANADA - VALENCIA
Drive over the Mora Pass, enjoying superb views over the Sierra Nevada en route. Pass through palm forests and lemon groves as you travel to Valencia, set in one Europe's most fertile agricultural plains. On your orientation tour, see the Generalidad Palace, El Miguelete Cathedral, gates of Serranos, Cuarte and the modern Centre for Arts and Sciences before checking into your hotel.
Hotel: Husa Reina Victoria (BB,D)
DAY THIRTEEN: VALENCIA - BARCELONA
Follow the coast to Peñíscola to view the sea-lapped castle used in the film El Cid. Continue along the Costa Dorada (Gold Coast) to Barcelona. A local guide will show you the Gothic Quarter, where you will visit the cathedral and view the lively Ramblas. Tour the modern Eixample District to see Gaudi's famed Sagrada Familia church. As night falls, why not dine out 'Catalan style'?
Hotel: Melia Barcelona (BB)
DAY FOURTEEN: BARCELONA AT LEISURE
Today has been set aside as a free day to allow you to explore this vibrant city at your own pace. Options include an excursion to the great Monastery of Montserrat to see the Black Madonna. (BB)
DAY FIFTEEN: BARCELONA-MADRID
Pass the city of Zaragoza in the province of Aragón as you make your way along the Jalón Valley, past Guadalajara and back to Madrid.
Hotel: NH Abascal (BB)
DAY SIXTEEN: MADRID SIGHTSEEING
A guided sightseeing tour takes you along the Gran Via and Paseo de la Castellana. See the Cervantes Monument in the Plaza España, the Puerta del Sol and Madrid's most famous fountain in the Plaza de la Cibeles. Your highlight is a visit to the Prado Museum to admire the paintings of Velázquez, Goya and many others. Perhaps enjoy a farewell dinner in the evening with your fellow passengers. (BB)
DAY SEVENTEEN: RETURN HOME
Sadly, your tour comes to an end today. Departure transfers arrive at Madrid Airport at 07:00, 09:00 & 11:00. (BB)
TOUR FEATURES
Premium Highlights
Visit the unique city of Toledo, to admire the Cathedral, old synagogue, as well as El Greco's masterpiece in the chapel of Santo Tome
Visit the Royal Chapel in the ornate Gothic Monastery of Batalha
Visit Jeronimo's Monastery, a masterpiece of Manueline art
Visit the tomb of Christopher Columbus in Seville's Gothic Cathedral, built in the 15th century
Journey high above the Mediterranean to the white-washed village of Mijas
In Granada, visit the exquisite Alhambra Palace and water gardens of the Generalife
Admire the paintings of Velazquez and Goya on a guided visit of Madrid's Prado Museum
Personal Insights
Enjoy a short group tutorial on the wines that complement your evening meal in Seville
Additional Excursions & Sights
See the cathedral in the university town of Salamanca
See the walled town of Avila
See the wine stores of the Vila Nova de Gaia in Oporto
Visit the neo-classical Basilica in the pilgrimage town of Fatima
Visit the ancient fortified city of Obidos
View the modern Monument to the Discoveries and ancient Belem Tower in Lisbon
View the Alcazar, Giralda Tower, and the fashionable Santa Cruz quarter in Seville
Visit Gibraltar to see the famous Rock
See Valencia's Gothic Generalidad Palace, octagonal El Miguelete Tower and Cathedral
See the City Gates and the Center for Arts and Sciences in Valencia
See the white walled cottages and stone castle of Peníscola
Drive through Barcelona's modern Eixample District to view Gaudi's Sagrada Familia
Visit the Cathedral in the Gothic Quarter and Barcelona's most famous street, Las Ramblas
See Madrid's Cervantes Monument, Cibeles Fountain and Puerta del Sol
Scenic drives across the Guadarrama Mountains, Mora Pass and along the Costa del Sol
Insight's First Class Services
Escorted by a professional Tour Director
Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard restroom
Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
Airport Shuttle arrival and departure transfers at scheduled times on Day 2 and Day 17
Quality Dining
Highlight Dinner featuring a Flamenco Show in Seville (HD)
15 Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 6 three-course table d’hôte Dinners, or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)
Operated By:
Insight
Premium Highlights
Visit the unique city of Toledo, to admire the Cathedral, old synagogue, as well as El Greco's masterpiece in the chapel of Santo Tome
Visit the Royal Chapel in the ornate Gothic Monastery of Batalha
Visit Jeronimo's Monastery, a masterpiece of Manueline art
Visit the tomb of Christopher Columbus in Seville's Gothic Cathedral, built in the 15th century
Journey high above the Mediterranean to the white-washed village of Mijas
In Granada, visit the exquisite Alhambra Palace and water gardens of the Generalife
Admire the paintings of Velazquez and Goya on a guided visit of Madrid's Prado Museum
Personal Insights
Enjoy a short group tutorial on the wines that complement your evening meal in Seville
Additional Excursions & Sights
See the cathedral in the university town of Salamanca
See the walled town of Avila
See the wine stores of the Vila Nova de Gaia in Oporto
Visit the neo-classical Basilica in the pilgrimage town of Fatima
Visit the ancient fortified city of Obidos
View the modern Monument to the Discoveries and ancient Belem Tower in Lisbon
View the Alcazar, Giralda Tower, and the fashionable Santa Cruz quarter in Seville
Visit Gibraltar to see the famous Rock
See Valencia's Gothic Generalidad Palace, octagonal El Miguelete Tower and Cathedral
See the City Gates and the Center for Arts and Sciences in Valencia
See the white walled cottages and stone castle of Peníscola
Drive through Barcelona's modern Eixample District to view Gaudi's Sagrada Familia
Visit the Cathedral in the Gothic Quarter and Barcelona's most famous street, Las Ramblas
See Madrid's Cervantes Monument, Cibeles Fountain and Puerta del Sol
Scenic drives across the Guadarrama Mountains, Mora Pass and along the Costa del Sol
Insight's First Class Services
Escorted by a professional Tour Director
Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard restroom
Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
Airport Shuttle arrival and departure transfers at scheduled times on Day 2 and Day 17
Quality Dining
Highlight Dinner featuring a Flamenco Show in Seville (HD)
15 Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 6 three-course table d’hôte Dinners, or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)
Operated By:
Insight
FAQ
Can airfare be arranged?
Yes, we can arrange airfare from your home city.
Should I purchase insurance?
Yes, the purchase of medical and trip cancellation/interruption insurance is strongly recommended.
Can airfare be arranged?
Yes, we can arrange airfare from your home city.
Should I purchase insurance?
Yes, the purchase of medical and trip cancellation/interruption insurance is strongly recommended.
DATES + TOUR PRICES
| Departure Date | Brochure Price | Our Preferred Price |
| March 19, 2010 | $3,250.00 per person | $3,150.00 per person |
| March 26, 2010 | $3,435.00 per person | $3,335.00 per person |
| April 2, 2010 | $3,275.00 per person | $3,175.00 per person |
| April 9, 2010 | $3,275.00 per person | $2,945.00 per person |
| April 16, 2010 | $3,535.00 per person | $3,435.00 per person |
| April 23, 2010 | $3,275.00 per person | $3,175.00 per person |
| April 30, 2010 | $3,365.00 per person | $3,265.00 per person |
| May 7, 2010 | $3,275.00 per person | $3,175.00 per person |
| May 14, 2010 | $3,275.00 per person | $3,175.00 per person |
| May 21, 2010 | $3,275.00 per person | $3,175.00 per person |
| May 28, 2010 | $3,275.00 per person | $3,175.00 per person |
| June 4, 2010 | $3,275.00 per person | $3,175.00 per person |
| June 11, 2010 | $3,275.00 per person | $3,175.00 per person |
| June 18, 2010 | $3,275.00 per person | $3,175.00 per person |
| June 25, 2010 | $3,275.00 per person | $3,175.00 per person |
| July 2, 2010 | $3,275.00 per person | $3,175.00 per person |
| July 9, 2010 | $3,275.00 per person | $3,175.00 per person |
| July 16, 2010 | $3,275.00 per person | $3,175.00 per person |
| July 23, 2010 | $3,275.00 per person | $3,175.00 per person |
| July 30, 2010 | $3,275.00 per person | $3,175.00 per person |
| August 6, 2010 | $3,275.00 per person | $3,175.00 per person |
| August 13, 2010 | $3,275.00 per person | $3,175.00 per person |
| August 20, 2010 | $3,299.00 per person | $3,199.00 per person |
| August 27, 2010 | $3,299.00 per person | $3,199.00 per person |
| September 3, 2010 | $3,325.00 per person | $3,225.00 per person |
NOTE: Prices are per person, based on double occupancy.
TOUR MAP
