Iberian Explorer
Tour Type: Regional
Brochure Type Europe Costsaver 2024 V1
Add a dash of emoción to your journey across the Iberian Peninsula, following an enticing trail of tapas, architectural triumphs and centuries-old art on this 13 day adventure through Spain and Portugal. You'll ramble through Barcelona, people-watch in Madrid, and stroll along the golden beaches of Costa del Sol. Other famous highlights along the way include the ancient cave dwellings at Guadix, Lisbon's iconic Belem Tower and the world's greatest Gothic Cathedral in sizzling Seville.
Dining Summary
Brochure Type Europe Costsaver 2024 V1
Add a dash of emoción to your journey across the Iberian Peninsula, following an enticing trail of tapas, architectural triumphs and centuries-old art on this 13 day adventure through Spain and Portugal. You'll ramble through Barcelona, people-watch in Madrid, and stroll along the golden beaches of Costa del Sol. Other famous highlights along the way include the ancient cave dwellings at Guadix, Lisbon's iconic Belem Tower and the world's greatest Gothic Cathedral in sizzling Seville.
Dining Summary
- 12 Breakfast (B)
- 4 Dinner (D)
- Enjoy a scenic drive to this Moorish city
- Orientation of this university city includes views of the Plaza Mayor
- See the ancient castle overlooking the Mediterranean Sea
- See the Art Nouveau, Train Station Estación del Norte, Cathedral, Towers of Serrano and Quart and the City of Arts and Sciences
- See the Royal Palace, Cibeles Fountain and Retiro Park on a sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist
- Sightseeing with your Local Specialist includes views of Gaudi's La Sagrada Família and La Rambla
- Sightseeing with your Local Specialist includes views of the Cathedral, Plaza de España and Giralda Tower
- View Belem Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries on your sightseeing tour with your Local Specialist
- View the cave homes in 'Barrio Troglodyte'
- Visit the celebrated Shrine
- Visit the famous Rock of Gibraltar
- Visit this renowned resort area
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Audio headsets are provided throughout your holiday to enhance your included sightseeing experiences
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- City orientation tours
- Extensive variety of Choice Experiences
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries
- Many meals and daily breakfasts included
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
Call 410-638-5822 for more information or to book today! Mention code 18891758
- Tour Operator
- Trafalgar Tours
- Offer
- Offer valid through 12/31/2024
- Duration
- 13 Days
- Escorted
- Escorted - Yes
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Day 1 | Barcelona | Arrive Barcelona: Bienvenido a España! The golden shores of Barcelona kickstart your exhilarating visit to Spain and Portugal. Check in to your hotel, then take some time to recharge siesta-style before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travelers this evening for a glimpse of what lies ahead. There's boundless energy to Barcelona and you'll want to soak it all up on your first evening in the capital of Catalonia. Accommodations: Campanile Sud - Cornella |
| Day 2 | Barcelona | Barcelona sightseeing and free time: Gear up for an exciting morning of sightseeing in Barcelona, joining your Local Specialist who knows all the best spots in town. Capture the sights and sounds of La Rambla, Passeig de Gracia and facade of the ornate La Sagrada Família as you tour the city. Spend the rest of your day exploring on your own. Head to the Gothic Quarter or seek out the fanciful façades of Spanish Art Nouveau architect Antoni Gaudí, whose plentiful works of art and architecture lend a fairy-tale feel to Barcelona's skyline. Consider joining an Optional Experience to Montserrat with its hidden monastery, home to the revered La Moreneta, and later opt into a scenic drive of Montjuic, host to the 1992 summer Olympics, before indulging in a delightful Catalonian feast with drinks. Accommodations: Campanile Sud - Cornella |
| Day 3 | Valencia | Barcelona - Peñíscola - Valencia: Today we'll skirt along the Costa Dorada, a gleaming strip of the Mediterranean coastline, traveling past expansive orange groves to Peñíscola. You'll see its imposing 13th-century Templar Castle, famed as the dramatic backdrop for the Hollywood classic El Cid. Then continue to Valencia, catching a glimpse of the iconic highlights of this bustling modern metropolis on your orientation tour with your Travel Director. View the Art Nouveau, Train Station Estación del Norte, the Towers of Serrano and Quart. Next, leave the present behind and admire the futuristic ?City of Arts and Sciences', a cultural complex built into the Turia riverbed. Accommodations: NH Las Ciencias |
| Day 4 | Granada | Valencia - Guadix - Granada: Today we journey to the foothills of the Sierra Nevada where you'll find a hidden underground world of cave houses. The trogloditas of Guadix live in these ancient man-made dwellings, skilfully carved centuries ago. The only clue to their existence is the white chimneys that rise up from the hills and front doors etched into the rockface. You'll have the chance to capture this curiosity on camera then continue your scenic travels to Granada, the last stronghold of the Moors in Spain. Accommodations: Macia Condor |
| Day 5 | Costa del Sol | Granada - Costa del Sol: Embrace the laid-back spirit of your Spanish hosts and enjoy a slow start to the day on your Mediterranean tour. Spend your free morning exploring Granada and its Moorish influences on your own. There's even time for a quick tea break at a traditional tetería or you may choose to join an Optional Experience to the Albaicín Quarter, one of the oldest centers of Islamic culture in the city. Later, we head to the golden beaches of the Costa del Sol. Set your watch to siesta time or don your sandals and sunglasses for a leisurely stroll to soak up the fresh sea air. Consider joining an Optional Experience this evening to the hilltop village of Mijas offering stunning views of the coast followed by a delicious Mediterranean meal. Accommodations: Moon Dreams Calabahia Hotel |
| Day 6 | Seville | Costa del Sol - Gibraltar - Seville: Explore a slice of Britain when you cross the border into Gibraltar, the much-contested gateway to the Mediterranean Sea. Maybe join an Optional Experience to get up close to the Barbary apes and visit the cave of St. Michael at the Rock of Gibraltar, the Roman and Greeks' former pillar of the ?known world?. Next, we return to Spain, traveling north through the Andalusian countryside to sizzling Seville. Accommodations: Vertice, MA Congresos |
| Day 7 | Seville | Seville sightseeing and free time: A Local Specialist is on hand today to reveal Seville's special allure and, standing amidst the pavilions and fountains of Maria Luisa Park, you'll hear all about the elaborate Ibero-American Exposition of 1929 which put this sleepy Spanish city on the global map. See the world's largest Gothic Cathedral and its Giralda Bell Tower, then consider joining an Optional Experience to the Alcázar, built by a Christian king who loved Mudejar architecture. This lavish palace complex has witnessed key moments in Spanish history and welcomed great Spanish kings and queens over the centuries. Tonight, you might consider an Optional Experience to see the whirling skirts and fiery passion of a flamenco show. This foot-tapping extravaganza is not to be missed. Accommodations: Vertice, MA Congresos |
| Day 8 | Lisbon | Seville - Lisbon: The highlights of your Spain and Portugal value tour just keep on rolling and for now it's adiós Sevilla and a warm olá to Portugal, as we journey through the golden and green plains of the Alentejo to Lisbon. Pastel and azulejo-clad façades line the Portuguese capital's narrow streets which ramble across and over its seven hills from St. George Castle to the Tagus River. You'll be drawn to the city's vibrant nightlife in the Bairro Alto and beyond, so head out with new friends for a night on the town or join your Travel Director for a poignant Optional Experience including a traditional meal accompanied by the authentic sounds of fado. Accommodations: Ramada by Wyndham |
| Day 9 | Lisbon | Lisbon sightseeing and free time: Visit the banks of the Tagus River this morning, joining a Local Specialist for a guided sightseeing tour that will take you past the iconic Hieronymite Monastery and Belem Tower, built in the 16th century to defend the city. Later, you'll want to hop on one of the signature trams to explore the city's hilly bairros or find a corner cafe to sample some of the local pastries - pasteis de nata anyone? You could choose to leave the city limits behind this afternoon and visit the beach playgrounds of Estoril and Cascais, as well as Sintra, on an Optional Experience of the iconic Golden Triangle - the choice is yours. Accommodations: Ramada by Wyndham |
| Day 10 | Salamanca | Lisbon - Fátima - Salamanca: Rub shoulders with visiting travelers who have made the journey to the Catholic pilgrimage center of Fátima. It was here in 1917 that the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to three shepherd children. Today this humble village has been transformed into a place celebrating a religious miracle. There's time to explore the Basilica and Sanctuary before venturing east and crossing the Spanish border bound for Salamanca where your Travel Director will take you to one of Spain's most beautiful plazas - Plaza Mayor with its golden baroque facades. Spend the evening your way amidst the historic monuments and honey-hued façades for which this ancient university town is famous. Accommodations: Bardo Recoletos Coco |
| Day 11 | Madrid | Salamanca - Madrid sightseeing: We leave Salamanca behind, with Madrid firmly in our sights. Our scenic drive takes us through the Sierra de Guadarrama Mountains before arriving in the Spanish capital. With a Local Specialist at your side, you'll embark on a sightseeing tour to view the Cibeles Fountain, Gran Vía and Paseo de la Castellana. Admire views of the Royal Palace and Retiro Park, originally created as a retreat for the Royal Family. The evening is yours to discover why the Madrileños adore their nightlife, so resist the urge to set an early curfew and perhaps join an optional dinner and discovery in downtown Madrid. Accommodations: Praga |
| Day 12 | Madrid | Madrid free day: There's every excuse to rise with the Madrileños and enjoy a leisurely start to your morning. You'll have a full free day to explore the city your way and discover the legacy of 'Madrid's Best Mayor', who helps the city become one of the most gracious capitals across Europe. King Charles III's desire to 'beautify' Madrid can be seen around every turn. Alternatively, you could take an opportunity to join an Optional Experience to the medieval city of Toledo, the country's famous sword-making center. Accommodations: Praga |
| Day 13 | Madrid | Depart Madrid: Keep that Spanish gusto in your step as you prepare to close the curtain on your epic Mediterranean journey through Spain and Portugal. It's time to say a final hasta la vista to your fellow travelers and your Travel Director. Accommodations: |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
- Twin prices are per person.
- These prices are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.
- All tour information is correct at time of tours going live, however is subject to change, please confirm all details at time of booking.
- For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Conditions page.
- Hotel Class Key: D: Deluxe SF: Superior First Class F: First Class
