Highlights Of Spain & Portugal
Highlights Of Spain & Portugal
$1760
Highlights Of Spain & Portugal
9 Days Starting and ending in Hotel 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
Get ready for the ultimate 9-day trip to Spain and Portugal! After touching down in Madrid, head to the hotel where you'll mingle with your tour group and tour leader. Once the group is all ready, head out and discover the incredible Spanish capital on an orientation tour. Be sure to look out for the top attractions in Madrid! Afterwards, explore the city some more on your own. Later, chat and learn about your tour group as you enjoy the first night together on tour over an included dinner.
Explore Madrid; Spain’s capital city
Welcome dinner in Madrid
Day 2: Toledo - Granada
Location: Granada
Meals Included: Breakfast
Say 'adiós' to Madrid and travel to Toledo, a charming UNESCO World Heritage town. This ancient walled town features Gothic architectural influences as well as a spectacular Cathedral that visitors will remember forever! The next stop is Granada, a Moorish city steeped in history and culture in the south of Spain. Upon arrival, the tour group will embark on an orientation tour of this enchanting city with your expert tour leader. Be sure to listen for fun facts and interesting nuggets about Granada and this region in general. Tonight, choose to join the optional Granada Local Food & Wine Evening for a delicious introduction to local cuisine and wine. Please note that this optional excursion must be booked before the start of the tour.
Visit the ancient city of Toledo
Discover the delights of Granada
Day 3: Granada - Ronda - Seville
Location: Seville
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, traverse the city of Granada or join the optional excursion to the Alhambra Palace. Please note that this optional excursion must be booked prior to the start of the tour. Ronda is next on the route and situated on either side of Tajo Gorge. Marvel at the scenic landscape visible from ‘Puente Nuevo’ (New Bridge), one of the most popular attractions in the area, and grab lunch here. Today's last stop is Seville, where a driving tour will reveal the city's splendour. Make the most of some free time at the stunning Plaza de Espana before checking into the hotel and enjoying an included dinner.
Visit Ronda; home to the famous Puente Nuevo
See Seville on a driving tour
Enjoy a local dinner in Seville
Day 4: Seville
Location: Seville
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is all about exploring Seville's magic and history. A guided city tour with an expert local guide kicks off the day's activities. After that, enjoy the remainder of the day your way! Your first option is touring the Alcázar of Seville on an optional excursion. Alternatively, choose to explore the incredible views at Metropol Parasol or opt for a trip to the Museum of Flamenco. Otherwise, why not explore the city on foot and see where its charm guides you? According to legend, the city was discovered by Hercules himself. This evening, take advantage of the opportunity to experience what Seville is famous for – tapas and flamenco! Join tonight's optional excursion for an unforgettable cultural immersion.
Explore the streets of Seville on a guided tour
Day 5: Algarve - Lisbon
Location: Lisbon
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The next stop, Lisbon, Portugal, is calling! En route, discover Portugal's breathtaking southern coastal region, the Algarve, with shimmering beach fronts and impressive cliffs. A comfort stop at one of these beaches provides the perfect opportunity to add some colour to your skin or cool off in the bright blue ocean. Upon arrival in Lisbon, an orientation tour showcases this capital city's top attractions, including the grandeur of Sao Jorge Castle and the charm of the old town's array of colours. This evening concludes with an included dinner.
Visit the Algarve; Portugal's stunning southern coast
Enjoy a driving tour of Lisbon
Day 6: Lisbon: Free Day
Location: Lisbon
Meals Included: Breakfast
Discover the beauty of Lisbon your way today! From incredible attractions like the Monument of the Discoveries and Belém Tower to the district of Bairro Alto on a hilltop, Lisbon offers a lot to explore. Otherwise, opt for an optional excursion to Sintra. This scenic village is Portugal's capital of Romanticism and a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for incredible monuments. Tuck into a delicious lunch after a visit to Pena Palace or choose to partake in another optional excursion to Fátima – the most renowned pilgrimage site in Portugal. Fado music is a cultural highlight in Portugal, and tonight is the perfect opportunity to discover it. This ancient folk music unique to Portugal can be enjoyed in many of the nearby bars!
Day 7: Obidos - Porto
Location: Porto
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, the tour continues to Porto with a stop in Obidos en route. Explore the thin cobblestone roads, scenic homes and impressive castle in this bolstered town. Next, say hello to Porto where the country's top export, Port wine, is produced. Traverse Porto on a guided tour by foot and marvel at top attractions like the Ponte Dom Luis bridge across the Douro River and the Clerigos Tower. This afternoon, make the most of your time in Porto by sipping on the country's famous Port wine at an included tasting. Tonight, join the optional Evening on the Douro excursion for a cruise along the picturesque Douro River with a memorable gastronomical experience!
Visit Obidos; a medieval fortified town
Enjoy a driving and walking tour of Porto
Taste Portugal’s most famous drink - Port!
Day 8: Ciudad Rodrigo - Salamanca
Location: Salamanca
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The tour leaves Portugal today as we traverse the stunning countryside on our way back to Spain. Before exiting Portugal, enjoy a stop in Ciudad Rodrigo, a beautiful cathedral city with defensive walls that date back centuries! Later, arrive in Salamanca and set off on a tour with a local guide. See and learn about top sights including the old and new cathedrals, the University and the Art Deco Casa Lis museum before enjoying free time in the Plaza Mayor. End the day with an included dinner before the last day of tour tomorrow. Enjoy three courses of delicious traditional meals from the Salamanca region.
Visit Ciudad Rodrigo, a 12th-century fortified town
Explore the streets of Salamanca
Farewell dinner in Salamanca
Day 9: Avila - Madrid
Location: Madrid
Meals Included: Breakfast
This exciting and jam-packed Spain and Portugal tour concludes after nine days of travel. Travel from Salamanca to Avila, a breathtaking city known for a plethora of Romanesque and Gothic churches as well as medieval walls that are still preserved. Finally, head back to Madrid for the conclusion of the tour. This is the perfect opportunity to exchange details with your new tour friends so you can stay in contact!Adiós!
Visit Avila; home to incredible Romanesque architecture
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.