Spain and Portugal in Style - 13 Days
13 Days
Barcelona
Madrid
*****
Insight Luxury Gold
Embrace the Passion and Culture of Spain & Portugal on a 13-Day Guided Tour - Embark on a 13-day journey through the rich worlds of Spain and Portugal. In Granada, explore the Alhambra Palace's water gardens with a Local Expert. Wander through Seville’s whitewashed alleys, then enjoy a private flamenco performance in an 18th-century mansion. In Lisbon, uncover royal tales at the elegant Queluz Palace. Experience a moving Cante Alentejano recital in Serpa, a form of traditional Portuguese singing recognised by UNESCO showcasing Portugal’s soulful heritage. In Madrid, an art historian will guide you through the Prado Museum’s Spanish masterpieces. Savour Iberia with curated culinary experiences, from Michelin-starred dining and market tastings to a hands-on cooking class, blending tradition with modern flair.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Barcelona
Your tour includes private door to door transfers from your home address to your local departure Airport.
Welcome to Barcelona
Your Spain and Portugal luxury tour begins with a private chauffeur to your luxury boutique hotel. Upon arrival, enjoy exquisite city views from the rooftop bar and infinity pool before dining on traditional Spanish delights.
Day 2: Catalonia’s Creative Capital
Wind your way along Barcelona's grand boulevards, taking in the city's elegant architecture and vibrant atmosphere, before visiting Gaudí's breath-taking Sagrada Família, a masterpiece of intricate design and soaring towers. Later, stroll through the colourful mosaics and playful designs of Park Güell with a Local Expert, uncovering Gaudí’s unique vision.
Today you can select your choice of the below experiences. Your Travel Concierge will discuss and confirm your preference on trip...
Once inside Gaudí's amazing Sagrada Família, look up at the detailed wonders of his famous architectural masterpiece.
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Uncover more of Barcelona’s whimsical sites on a stroll through Park Güell on Carmel Hill with a Local Expert. Walk along its leafy paths, down the dramatic Dragon Stairway, and through Gaudí’s Greek Theatre designed for open-air shows.
Day 3: Valencia and the Orange Blossom Coast
Follow the golden Costa Dorada through olive and orange groves along the Mediterranean coast to seaside La Galera. Savour a creative Mediterranean menu made from fresh seasonal produce at Vicent Guimera's Michelin-starred L’Antic Molí before arriving in Valencia. Explore this vibrant city, rich in history with your Travel Concierge.
Day 4: Granada and the Alhambra Palace
Discover Granada’s 13th-century Alhambra Palace, with its intricate Islamic designs, exotic gardens and tranquil pools. Conclude with a decadent stay at a renovated 19th-century palace.
Day 5: Córdoba and Seville
Step back in time at Córdoba’s Old Roman Bridge and great Mosque-Cathedral, strolling beneath delicate arches and pillars. Arriving in Seville, enjoy a cocktail before dining at an elegant restaurant.
Day 6: Seville, the City of Carmen
Discover the rich Andalusian culture of Seville, from its orange-scented streets to lively plazas. Personalise Your Day with a visit to the Fine Arts Museum to admire treasured masterpieces or explore the magnificent Seville Cathedral. Later, embrace the spirit of flamenco on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with a private dance lesson at the Cristina Heeren Foundation.
Today you can select your choice of the below experiences. Your Travel Concierge will discuss and confirm your preference on trip...
Visit the Fine Arts Museum exhibiting masterpieces of Sevillian Baroque and Spanish artists such as Murillo or Velásquez.
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The “Soul of Spain,” lures you in with its artistic flair and tempting secrets as you join your Local Expert on a walk through the flower-decked squares of the Santa Cruz quarter.
Day 7: The Flavours of Andalucía
After a Relaxed Start, immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and scents of Andalusia with a morning market visit to Mercado de Abastos. Your cooking experience awaits. Learn the secrets to Spain's popular dishes and dine on your creations.
Day 8: Serpa Lunch with Local Singing Perfomance
Greet Portugal in the charming hilltop town of Serpa. Over lunch, you're treated to a stirring performance of Cante Alentejano, a traditional polyphonic singing style recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This encounter is a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, preserving an art form deeply woven into Alentejo’s cultural identity.
Day 9: Lisbon and the Age of Discoveries
Begin your day at Lisbon’s Monument to the Discoveries and the waterfront Belém Tower, two enduring symbols of Portugal’s Age of Exploration. Visit the National Coach Museum to admire one of the world’s finest collections of ceremonial carriages, before marvelling at the intricate design of the Queluz Palace. This evening, dine in style as you sample local specialities in elegant surroundings.
Day 10: Forever Évora
Bask in Évora’s flavours at Herdade da Calada winery where you’ll explore the estate, learn about their winemaking process and have the privilege to sip on a selection of their tantalising local wines well-known to the Portuguese but largely undiscovered further afield. Discover the charming, historic town of Evora', a UNESCO World Heritage site. Tonight, enjoy a delicious dinner of Alentejo specialities.
Day 11: The Roman Ruins of Mérida and Madrid
Make your way across green and golden farmlands to Mérida’s well-preserved Roman Theatre. From Roman ruins to a vibrant, modern city, journey through the sunbaked landscapes of Extremadura to Madrid. As the city lights up, the evening is yours to stroll along Calle Serrano, Madrid’s most famous and elegant shopping street.
Day 12: Madrid of the Bourbons
Begin with a stroll among the city's historic sites with your Local Expert admiring the statue of Cervantes and the Cibeles Fountain that exhibits a rush of movement leaving you eager for sites to come. Personalise your day joining an art historian at the Prado Museum, or, explore the maze-like old town. Celebrate your travels over a final decadent dinner.
Today you can select your choice of the below experiences. Your Travel Concierge will discuss and confirm your preference on trip...
Join an art historian and visit the Prado Museum, often called a museum of painters for its extensive collection of works by artists such as Bosch, Titian or El Greco — the favourites of Spain's 16th- and 17th-century monarchs.
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Join a Local Expert on a walking tour to explore the maze of streets in Madrid's old town.
Day 13: Depart Madrid
After breakfast, bid farewell to your travel companions before your private transfer to Madrid Barajas Airport.
On arrival back to your UK home airport our driver will meet you and escort you to your waiting vehicle for a private door to door transfer back to your home address.
Includes
- 12 nights in handpicked 5 star hotels in great locations
- ‘Business Class’ style coaches with extended legroom and bathroom facilities (w/c)
- 24/7 personal service – knowledgeable Travel Director & expert driver
- Porterage, plus tips and gratuities at hotels and restaurants are included
- Meals as stated in the itinerary
Excludes
- Flights - please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to obtain a quote and book flights
- Pre & post nights - please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to obtain a quote and book additional nights
- Driver & Tour Director gratuities - these can be pre-paid, please ask your reservations agent when booking your tour
Choose Your Departure Date
Prices shown above are per person based on 2 adults sharing. For single, triple, quad and child prices please call us for a quote.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to check the latest up-to-date availability and to book your tour.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How much is the deposit to secure a tour and when is the balance due?
A deposit of 10% is required when making your booking.
The balance of the holiday cost must be received by us no less than 10 weeks prior to your date of departure. Bookings made within 10 weeks of departure require full payment at the time of booking.
For some tours or if there is a special "Early Booking offer", the balance maybe due sooner than 10 weeks before departure, in this case you will be advised at time of booking when the balance due date would be.
The balance payment date will be shown on your confirmation invoice.
Payments can be made by debit card, credit card or bank transfers.
YOUR PAYMENTS TO US ARE FULLY FINANCIALLY SECURE FOR YOUR PEACE OF MIND: Where your confirmed travel arrangements include a flight and you are resident in the UK (or EU) or the flight departs from, arrives in or transits the UK, this is financially protected through our Air Travel Organiser’s Licence (ATOL) number 6874 managed by the Civil Aviation Authority, Gatwick Airport South, West Sussex, RH6 0YR, UK, telephone 0333 103 6350, email claims@caa. co.uk.
CANCELLATIONS: Cancellations t&c's can differ from operator to operator, these will be confirmed to you with your booking confirmation. For our general Terms and conditions and general cancellation details please click here.
What does the tour cost include?
The per person price listed covers all hotel accommodations, taxes, all applicable sightseeing and admissions as per the itinerary, motor coach, cruise or rail transportation, services of a professional Travel Director, all meals as shown in the itinerary and luggage handling. All tips have been included for services on trip by dining-room staff, chambermaids and porters at hotels, airports, docks and train stations.
Can i book flights through you?
Yes, we can offer competitive airfares with all the major airlines.
When booking a package with us that includes flights and a tour, your package is then fully ATOL bonded by the CAA for your full financial peace of mind.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for any flight requirements.
You are, of course, welcome to book flights independently but we are therefore not responsible should your flights be delayed and you miss any part of your tour or other arrangements booked with us.
Can i add additional hotel nights before or after my tour?
Many of our clients choose to add extra hotel nights to spend a little more time in their chosen destination. You can reserve additional hotel nights before or after your tour.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your additional nights and assist with your requirements.
How many guests will be on this tour?
- Our small-group Luxury Gold journeys have an average of 18 guests, allowing you to enjoy a personal experience on your tour.
Can i book twin beds or triple/quad rooms?
Yes, we have options for twin (2 beds) and triple/quad room configurations.
If you a travelling in a party of three or four adult guests, please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your requirements.
For double rooms (2 guests), 1 Double/Queen or King bed is the normal, Twin beds can be requested at time of booking.
For triple rooms (3 guests) these will normally have 1 Queen/King bed and a fold out bed, or 2 Queen/King beds and a fold out bed.
For Quad rooms (4 Guests) these will normally have 2 Queen/King beds.
How much is the solo/single supplement?
Escorted tours are the perfect option if you're travelling solo, combining the camaraderie of a smaller group with the independence of a solo trip. Many tours offer solo room share options, or a competitive solo supplement.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your requirements.
Do your coaches have on-board wifi and bathroom faclilites?
With group sizes of a maximum of either 24 or 40 guests across all our tours, there’s always more space in our best-in-class coaches to stretch out and relax, no matter your destination.
Travel in premium style on our fleet include Mercedes and Volvo as our brand partners of choice. And, in Europe, Britain and on select North American tours we take extra space to the next level with our exclusive ‘Business Class’ style custom coaches - our best-in-class coaches that have been custom designed with 13 fewer seats, offering up to 55% more personal space.
Our coaches offer onboard Wi-Fi, bathroom facilities (w/c), charging unites, reclining seats, air conditioning, footrests, tray tables, drink holders and seat pockets
Are gratuities included for the driver, tour director and at restaurants etc?
Gratuities are included at hotels and restaurants. And, you have the option to pre-pay your Travel Director and driver gratuities before you travel if you wish.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for you to pre-pay driver and tour director gratuities.
Do you offer/include Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance is not included in your tour and we do not offer travel insurance.
Please procure Travel Insurance before travelling. This will protect you and will give you peace of mind before you travel and whilst on your tour.
We suggest that your insurance covers the following:
- Cancellation or curtailment of your vacation due to medical or other reasons
- Loss or damage to your property and baggage
- Loss of cash, credit cards etc
- Medical costs and personal accidents
Certain countries require visitors to have valid medical insurance on entry and in Europe, you may find that doctor's surgeries, dentists and hospitals often require payment in cash prior to providing services. Whilst rare, medical evacuation can be exceptionally expensive.
Do remember to bring a copy of your policy, contact phone numbers and details of how to claim when you travel.
Should you choose to travel on Purely Escorted Tour without the required travel insurance, you will have full responsibility for all expenses (trip interruption, trip delay, medical expenses, quarantine expenses and emergency evacuation/repatriation) that may arise while travelling with us.
What does a guaranteed departure mean?
A guaranteed departure means the tour will operate no matter how many people are booked to travel on that departure.
In the slim case that a guaranteed departure you are booked on has to be withdrawn due to unforeseen circumstances, you are entitled to a full refund on the funds already paid, or if flexible with your time, we can move you onto another departure that suits you.
What do I need to know about border crossings, visas, entry requirements and passports?
Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks and so it is strongly advised that you consult your local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them.
Note: Purely Escorted Tours is not responsible for obtaining any necessary visas required on your tour.
Information about border crossings and visas, entry requirements varies by destination. Please check the destination you're visiting below for more information:
Europe trips:
Each guest must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of their trip and that they have acquired all necessary visas and permits. Multiple-entry visas may be required if you are entering a country more than once on your holiday.
Guests are advised that only the countries you plan to visit can provide up-to-date information about their specific visa requirements. Guests should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the countries they plan to visit well in advance of travel. Please check your itinerary carefully. Remember that requirements vary based on a passport's place of issue and that the process can take time.
Check that multi-entry visas have the correct entry dates and destinations before you travel. Please be aware that with some itineraries, you may travel through a country without making an overnight stop. If this happens on your itinerary, you will still need a visa to enter/exit the country for example an ETA when transiting through UK & Ireland.
Please ensure that you carry proper identification with you at all times, as border crossings will need to see your entry documents and passports. Usually crossing borders is a very straightforward process that is managed by your Travel Director. However, be advised that you may be required to open your luggage and answer simple questions about the length of your stay, purpose of travel, etc.
United Kingdom and Northern Ireland trips incl transiting travellers:
From January 8, 2025 UK law requires travelers both entering and transiting through the UK and Northern Ireland to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.
UK eTA applications can be made at the UK Governments official website.
USA trips incl transiting travellers:
US law requires travellers both entering and transiting through the United States are required to obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.
ESTA applications can be made at the U.S. Customs and Boarder Protection website.
Canada trips:
Canadian law requires travellers both entering and transiting through Canada to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.
eTA applications can be made at the Government of Canada's website.
Rest of the World trips:
Each guest must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of their trip and that they have acquired all necessary visas and permits. You are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas before the departure of your guided holiday. Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks before your departure. It is strongly advised that you consult the local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting well in advance to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them.
What if I have mobility issues?
Please notify us of any disability requiring special assistance prior to travelling. We will try our best to accommodate you throughout the tour and will inform the hotels.
What if I have food allergies?
Please advise us of any dietary requirements. We will make arrangements with our suppliers where possible.
You will also need to talk to your Travel Director at the beginning of your tour and they will do their utmost to arrange an alternative menu at the hotels and restaurants.
How much luggage can I bring?
Travelling on a Purely Escorted Tour entitles each guest to travel with one suitcase not exceeding 23kg (50lbs) in weight, with dimensions not exceeding 77.5cm (30.5in) x 56cm (22in) x 32cm (12.5in).
In addition guests may also bring one item of hand luggage that is small and light enough to be carried onto the coach and fit underneath the seat, or in the small overhead compartment above. (Luggage with adjustable handles and wheels will not fit).
Please test the weight of your baggage prior to travel. You should be able to lift and comfortably transport it for short distances.
Baggage allowances vary from airline to airline and you should check with your chosen carrier for details prior to travel.