Tripology

An Exciting Interview with Arthur Frommer

The Best Of Spain & Portugal


Print Email

Detailed Trip Description

Discover the best of these two colorful countries on this exciting vacation covering the Spanish regions of Castile, La Mancha, Andalusia, Costa del Sol, Castile, and Oporto. Among the highlights: a visit of the walled city of Toledo and of the royal Alhambra palace and fortress in Granada. Also experience the sunny town of Malaga and its surrounding resort villages, the British-owned Rock of Gibraltar, spectacular Seville, enchanting Evora, delightful Lisbon, and the famed Fatima sanctuary. Enjoy a guided tour of Oporto, rich in culture and history and known for its Port wine production; and Salamanca, Avila, and Segovia, precious jewels situated in the heart of Spain. Spend the last two overnights in Madrid with an included sightseeing tour of this dynamic capital city.


Print Email
 

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 - On the Plane

 
Overnight Transatlantic Flight.
Commercial Flight

Board Your Overnight Transatlantic Flight.


Day 2 - Madrid

 
ARRIVAL IN MADRID, SPAIN.
Hotel

Check into your hotel. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers. (D)


Day 3 - Madrid

 
MADRID-TOLEDO-GRANADA.
Sightseeing

A short morning drive south to Toledo. Spectacularly situated on a granite hill surrounded by a loop of the Tagus River, the ancient Castilian capital attracts more sightseers from all over the world than any other Spanish town. Time to visit the old walled city, which was made famous in El Greco’s paintings. Even now it’s like a great open-air museum of Spanish history and art. Cross the Guadalquivir River and head for the olive and orange groves of the rolling Andalusian hills.

Hotel

Overnight in history-steeped Granada at the foot of the Sierra Nevada. (B,D)


Day 4 - Granada

 
GRANADA-COSTA DEL SOL.
Sightseeing

Take advantage of the included visit with a Local Guide of the Alhambra, a summer complex built by the Moorish kings. You’ll treasure the memory of its architectural beauty, dazzling ceilings, and magnificent gardens.

Hotel

This afternoon enjoy a scenic drive along the Costa del Sol via Malaga to your overnight hotel. (B)


Day 5 - Spain

 

A day at leisure to catch up on your postcards, enjoy the sandy beaches, browse through the trendy boutiques, or sample the many fancy restaurants.

Adventure

Don’t miss out on the optional excursion to Mijas, a typical Andalusian market town with some enchanting views of the coast from its upper terraces. (B,D)


Day 6 - Sevilla

 
COSTA DEL SOL-SEVILLE.
Sightseeing

First today a visit to the strategic rock fortress of Gibraltar, in British hands since 1704. Then on through the sunny sherry wine region on the Costa de la Luz to vibrant, festive ille. (B,D)


Day 7 - Sevilla

 
Optional sightseeing
Sightseeing

One of Spain’s most colorful cities. Perhaps you’d like to spend this morning enjoying an optional sightseeing tour including the main highlights of the vibrant city. (B,D)


Day 8 - Lisbon

 
SEVILLE-EVORA, PORTUGAL-LISBON.
Sightseeing

This morning enjoy the scenery of the Sierra de Aracena before crossing into Portugal and the fertile plains of the Alentejo. Admire the forest of cork trees and make a stop in Evora, a delightfully attractive Moorish city with arches, alleys, flower-decked balconies, and brilliant white houses.

Hotel

Take the motorway for the drive into Lisbon for two overnights. (B)


Day 9 - Lisbon

 
Adventure

Henry the Navigator made Lisbon the 15th-century mistress of the seas. You’ll see his monument, the Belem Tower, the Moorish Citadel, the impressive Black Horse Square, and other highlights on the guided sightseeing excursion.

Optional excursion
Sightseeing

Spend the afternoon in the Alfama’s tile-decorated streets, or take an optional excursion along the Estoril Coast to Cascais and Sintra. (B)


Day 10 - Lisbon

 
LISBON-OPORTO.
Sightseeing

North this morning by way of Santarém, using the motorway to reach Fatima for a visit of its worldfamous sanctuary. Later, Oporto on the northern bank of the River Douro.

Optional sightseeing
Sightseeing

Optional sightseeing with a Local Guide takes in many of the city’s highlights. (B)


Day 11 - Salamanca

 
OPORTO-SALAMANCA, SPAIN.
Sightseeing

A profusion of woodlands and mountains on your way to Spain by way of Fuentes de Onoro and Ciudad Rodrigo, located high above the Rio Agueda. Reach the ancient and beautiful university town of Salamanca in the early evening. (B,D)


Day 12 - Madrid

 
SALAMANCA-MADRID.
Sightseeing

Leave Salamanca this morning, still visualizing its charming Plaza Mayor. Journey to fortified Avila with its many towers for an orientation tour. Visit St. Theresa’s convent before continuing to Segovia for another visit of this medieval town picturesquely set on a rocky hill. Cross the boundary between new and old Castile to arrive in Madrid. (B)


Day 13 - Madrid

 
Sightseeing

Not only is it the capital of Spain, but because it is situated 2,180 feet above sea level, the Spaniards rightly say Madrid is the nearest thing to heaven. Enjoy the main highlights on the included guided sightseeing excursion. (B)


Day 14 - Madrid

 
Fly back home.
Airport Transfer

Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)


Request more info

Not the trip you were looking for?

 

You may also start a free trip request below and get matched with up to three travel specialists who can help you plan your travel:

Create Trip Request

 

Submit Inquiry to Travel Specialist

Trips you may also be interested in

Spanish Wonder
Enjoy 9 Days Spanish Wonder Escorted tour featuring sightseeing and many activities in Barcelona, Cordoba, Granada, Madrid, Seville, Toledo and Valencia.
Spain, Morocco and Portugal
Enjoy 16 Days Spain, Morocco and Portugal Escorted tour featuring sightseeing and many activities in Casablanca, Costa del Sol, Fatima, Fez, Granada, Lisbon, Madrid, Marrakech, Salamanca, Seville and Tangier.
Spain France and Italy
Enjoy 13 Days Spain France and Italy Escorted tour featuring sightseeing and many activities in France, Italy and Spain.
Southern Spain and Portugal
Enjoy 9 Days Southern Spain and Portugal Escorted tour featuring sightseeing and many activities in Costa del Sol, Granada, Lisbon, Madrid, Seville and Toledo plus a Douro Valley Cruise Option.

Search for travel inspiration