Spain & Portugal In Low Season

Welcome to the start of this 12-day tour of Spain and Portugal! Meet up with your tour leader and fellow travellers in Madrid this morning. Then, it’s time to travel to Toledo. Enjoy an orientation tour of this enchanting UNESCO World Heritage town which is a feast for the eyes with fairytale architecture and scenery all around. Later, travel onwards to Granada located in the south of Spain. Arrive and set off on an orientation tour of this Moorish city full of history, culture and fascinating stories to tell. Tonight, join the Granada Local Food & Wine Evening for a local gastronomy experience. This optional excursion must be booked prior to the start of the tour - click here for more information!

Visit Toledo: Experience the Gothic architecture found throughout this UNESCO World Heritage Site city. The history of this region goes all the way back to the Bronze Age! Discover some of Toledo’s top sights including the Alcázar, Puerta del Sol, Toledo Cathedral and more on an orientation tour with your tour leader.

Orientation tour of Granada: Learn more about the Moorish influence in southern Spain on an orientation tour with your tour leader. Granada is often called the "Damascus of the West." First an Iberian settlement, it came under the influence of the Moors in the 8th century. Admire some of the city’s top sights including the Plaza Nueva and the Cathedral de Granada and take in the views from Mirador de San Nicolas. Granada is also home to the famous Alhambra.

This morning, join our optional excursion to the Alhambra Palace. As this is one of Spain’s most extraordinary sights, this optional excursion must be booked prior to the start of the tour - click here to book now! Alternatively, explore Granada at your own pace. Then, head to the sunny Costa del Sol. Stop to admire the impressive Aqueduct Eagle before arriving in the stunning town of Nerja. Here, embark on an orientation tour with your tour leader. Later, travel to Malaga, a coastal city famous for beautiful beaches, amazing architecture and a thriving arts and culture scene. Look forward to an orientation tour and free time to explore before tonight's included dinner.

Soak up the winter sun in Costa del Sol: Visit the charming town of Nerja and the buzzing city of Malaga along the Costa del Sol. Embark on Costa del Sol tours with your tour leader in each location and look forward to enjoying some free time to explore on your own. This region is known for its warm Mediterranean climate, coastal views and breathtaking beaches!

After breakfast, travel to Ronda, a mountaintop city which sits on both sides of the Tajo Gorge. Ronda is best known for its ‘Puente Nuevo’ (New Bridge). Soak up the spectacular scenery while learning all about this beautiful bridge on an orientation tour. Later this afternoon, travel onwards to Seville. Take in the iconic sights of this magical city which is known as the “Pearl of Andalusia” on a locally-guided tour. See the Torre del Oro, Metropol Parasol, Calle Sierpes and the exceptional Plaza de Espana. This vibrant public square is the most imposing in Spain and displays exquisite examples of Baroque Revival, Renaissance Revival and Moorish Revival Spanish architecture styles. Later, enjoy an included dinner at a local restaurant.

Visit Ronda: Stop over in Ronda and see the towering ‘Puente Nuevo’ (New Bridge). Found on top of the El Tajo gorge, Ronda is a unique little town. Here, you’ll catch a glimpse of some truly breathtaking views!

Guided tour of Seville: Explore Seville on a tour with a local guide. Learn more about its history, culture and architecture. Seville is where some famous scenes for TV series and films were shot. These include Game of Thrones, Star Wars and Lawrence of Arabia. This is the ideal way to take to the streets of Seville to soak up the culture, tastes, sights and sounds of the city!

Dinner in Seville: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Seville.

Look forward to a full free day to explore the many wonders of Seville! Today’s optional excursion offers the opportunity to visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites - the breathtaking Seville Alcázar and Seville Cathedral. Both of these architectural masterpieces are true Spain travel highlights. Alternatively, choose to wander the city at your own pace. You could visit the Museum of Flamenco, this is where the dance form was born after all! Tonight, why not experience Flamenco firsthand at an optional Flamenco dinner show? This colourful performance is sure to captivate!

Leaving Spain behind (for now), set off this morning for a new country; Portugal! The first stop while visiting Portugal is the incredibly scenic Algarve. Experience the beauty of this magnificent southern coastal region with visits to two of the Algarve’s most picture-perfect destinations. First up is a visit to the town of Tavira. An orientation tour will reveal highlights including the Old Bridge and Tavira Castle. After some free time, travel to Faro; the capital of the Algarve! Faro is home to a charming, pedestrian-friendly old town and is surrounded by gorgeous mountainous scenery. Explore the historic centre on an orientation tour and admire architectural marvels like the Faro Cathedral. The evening is free to spend as you wish.

Visit the Algarve: Enjoy a scenic drive through the Algarve. This is definitely one of Portugal's most spectacular regions - complete with rugged cliffs, golden beaches and crashing waves! Spend some time in the town of Tavira and admire the Old Bridge and Tavira Castle before arriving in Faro, the capital of the Algarve. Faro is renowned for its incredible Cathedral and pedestrian-friendly old town.

Bid farewell to the Algarve after breakfast this morning and travel to Portugal’s captivating capital city, Lisbon! Arrive and discover the many magical sights of this historic city on a driving tour. Uncover Lisbon’s fascinating history while driving along the Tagus River and spotting iconic landmarks like the Monument to the Discoveries, Jeronimos Monastery and Belem Tower. Take note of places to see in Lisbon on your free day tomorrow! Check into the hotel later in the afternoon and enjoy some free time before tonight’s included dinner with the group. Look forward to a three-course meal of delicious local dishes.

Lisbon driving tour: Drive alongside the Tagus River and along some of Lisbon's most famous streets and learn about the history, 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!

Experience a full free day in Lisbon! Take this opportunity to explore the sights seen during yesterday's driving tour more in-depth, wander around the bohemian Bairro Alto neighbourhood or visit the hilltop Castelo de São Jorge. Alternatively, explore a little further afield with the optional trip to Sintra. This fairytale village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is renowned as Portugal’s capital of Romanticism. Visit the colourful Pena Palace before enjoying lunch. Another optional excursion available today is a trip to the town of Fátima. This is Portugal’s most celebrated religious pilgrimage site. Here, encounter the limestone Coin Caves and the impressive Sanctuary of Fátima. However you choose to spend this free day, it’s sure to be memorable!

Leaving Lisbon behind, the tour makes its way to Porto. En route, visit Obidos. Discover this dreamy medieval town which is home to picture-perfect houses, a striking castle and winding cobblestone streets on an orientation tour. Next, stop in Nazaré, a gorgeous coastal town which is home to the world’s biggest waves! Arrive in Porto in the afternoon and embark on a guided driving and walking tour. Marvel at Portugal’s second-largest city’s many scenic spots and architectural delights such as the iconic Ponte Dom Luis which crosses the River Douro. Then, look forward to an included tasting of Porto’s most famous export - Port wine! Say “saúde” (cheers)! This evening, sit down for an included dinner before checking into the hotel.

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

Porto driving and walking tour: See picturesque Porto from the coach and on foot. Learn about the history of the architecture, sights and culture of this city and its UNESCO World Heritage Site historical centre.

Port 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.

Bom dia Porto! Discover the many wonders of Porto on this free day. As one of Portugal’s oldest cities, there are a range of historic highlights to explore. Wander around the Ribeira which is located on the banks of Douro and is Porto’s liveliest and most scenic area! To soak up Porto’s awe-inspiring views, cross the Ponte de Dom Luís I Bridge or climb the Clérigos Tower. You could also visit the lush Porto Botanical Garden or the mesmerising Parque de São Roque. However you spend your free day in Porto, be sure to save some time for sampling local food and wine! Tuck into a hearty Francesinha sandwich, fresh bacalhau (cod) or a warming bowl of caldo verde soup.

Say “adeus” to Portugal this morning as the tour makes its way back to Spain. Crossing the border, visit Ciudad Rodrigo, a historic and artistic Spanish city. Join your tour leader for an orientation tour and learn more about this fortified city. Its well-preserved 12th-century city walls surround an Old Town full of fascinating history and striking architecture. Later, head to Salamanca where the group will spend the evening. Uncover myths, legends and spellbinding historical sights on a guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The University of Salamanca is one of the oldest universities in Europe while the city’s 12th and 16th-century cathedrals are a sight to behold. Tonight, tuck into a delicious three-course dinner featuring local dishes.

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.

Enjoy a local dinner in Salamanca: Look forward to a delicious, three-course dinner featuring local dishes from the Salamanca province. Vegetarian options are available.

There’s one more stop on this Spain & Portugal adventure before the tour arrives back in Madrid for the final night of the tour. Leaving Salamanca this morning, head to Avila. At 1,130 m above sea level, Avila is the highest provincial capital in Spain and offers sweeping views of the countryside. This special city is best known for its medieval city walls and its Romanesque and Gothic churches. Arrive back in Madrid this afternoon and experience the allure of Spain’s capital on a locally guided tour. From the bustling Plaza Mayor and Mercado de San Miguel to the grand Royal Palace, Madrid is teeming with things to see and do! This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with the group.

Visit Avila: Visit this beautiful medieval city en route to Madrid. This walled city and its Cathedral are a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy 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.

Guided 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!

Farewell dinner in Madrid: Say farewell to this unforgettable winter trip with one last dinner with the group in Madrid. Reminisce about the last 12 days over your last Spanish meal.

After 12 days of visiting Portugal and Spain’s stunning top sights and hidden gems, this Spain & Portugal winter tour comes to an end after breakfast this morning. Be sure to swap contact details with your newfound travel buddies before travelling home. Expat Explore wishes you a safe journey onward and can’t wait to have you on the road with us again soon!