The Best of Spain & Portugal
The Best of Spain & Portugal
The Best of Spain & Portugal
13 Days Starting and ending in Madrid, Spain
Visiting: Madrid, Granada, Seville, Lisbon, Porto, Salamanca
Tour operator:
Tour code:
6820-2024
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 43
Age range:
5-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Spain and Portugal—two countries with rich histories and distinct cultures. Your affordable tour of Spain and Portugal reveals their fascinating highlights. In Spain, you’ll overnight in Madrid, Granada, Cordoba, Seville, and Salamanca. In Portugal, you’ll stay in Lisbon and Porto. Tour highlights include a guided visit to Toledo, a treasure chest of art and historical architecture. In Granada, enjoy an included visit to the fascinating Alhambra complex*, built in the 13th century by Moorish kings. In Avila—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and fascinating walled city founded in the 11th century, you’ll visit St. Theresa's Convent, the birthplace of St. Teresa. Admire the Moorish architecture in the historical city centres of Cordoba and Seville, both gems of Andalusia, and get to know Madrid, the elegant capital city of Spain, built on a plateau in the heart of the country. In Portugal, visit Lisbon with a Local Guide and see the Belem Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built to commemorate the expedition of Vasco de Gama, and Porto's cathedral, built on a panoramic terrace overlooking the port wine cellars on the banks of the Douro River. Enjoy guided sightseeing in the cities of Toledo, Granada, Seville, Madrid, Cordoba, Lisbon, and Porto. Our Local Guides - experts in the cities' histories and cultures - will highlight the unique sights and tell you about local culture and history. All of this and more—including an olive oil farm visit with tastings—await you on this fabulous and affordable Spain and Portugal tour designed for value-minded travel lovers.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive In Madrid, Spain
Location: Madrid
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Praga
Meals Included: Dinner
Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is for you to relax or start exploring Madrid, taking advantage of the CosmosGO app. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and travel companions.
Day 2 : Madrid - Toledo - Granada
Location: Granada
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Gran Hotel Luna De Granada
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Drive south to Toledo. Spectacularly situated on a granite hill surrounded by a loop of the Tagus River, the ancient Castilian capital is a treasure-chest of masterpieces. Visit the walled Old Town with a Local Guide and marvel at the 12th-century Church of St. Tomé, known for its large painting by El Greco of The Burial of the Count of Orgaz. Later, cross the Guadalquivir River and head for the olive and orange groves that dot the rolling Andalusian hills. Overnight in history-steeped Granada at the foot of the Sierra Nevada. Today’s Distance: 298 mi/ 480 km
Day 3 : Granada - Cordoba
Location: Granada
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Exe Las Adelfas
Meals Included: Breakfast
Granada was the Moors’ most treasured city, and they still mourn its loss in their prayers. With a Local Guide, visit the Alhambra Complex*, built by Moorish kings. On the way to Cordoba, enjoy more idyllic scenery as we reach an olive farm, to learn about olives and enjoy a local olive oil tasting. Today’s Distance: 143 mi/ 230 km NOTE:*Alhambra complex: Entrance to Nasrid Palace is not guaranteed.
Day 4 : Cordoba - Seville
Location: Seville
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Don Paco
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
With a Local Guide visit the magnificent Mezquita, famous for its 850 pillars of porphyry, marble, and jasper. The Mosque-Cathedral (UNESCO World Heritage site since 1984), is arguably the most significant monument in the western Muslim world and an amazing building in its own right. The complete evolution of the Omeyan style in Spain can be seen in different sections, alongside the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles of the Christian part. On to vibrant, festive Seville. Today’s Distance: 93 mi/ 150 km
Day 5 : Seville
Location: Seville
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Don Paco
Meals Included: Breakfast
Get to know Seville on the included city tour. The capital of Andalusia, vibrant Seville has much to offer: the cathedral, the beautiful La Giralda minaret tower, a symbol of Seville; and the Real Alcázar palace, with its extravagant Moorish architecture and opulent gardens. Fun fact: the Palace of the Kingdom of Naboo, from Star Wars, and the Palace of the Kingdom of Dorne, from Game of Thrones, were filmed in Plaza de España and the Royal Alcazar of Seville.
Day 6 : Seville - Evora.Portugal - Lisbon
Location: Lisbon
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Roma
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 to visit Evora, a delightfully attractive city. Among the highlights are the architecture of the white houses, the tiles and the balconies. The city, designated UNESCO World Heritage site, inspired the style in which some Brazilian cities, such as Salvador de Bahia, were built. Continue to Lisbon. Today’s Distance: 267 mi/ 430 km
Day 7 : Lisbon
Location: Lisbon
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Roma
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 tour. Spend the afternoon at leisure in the Alfama’s tile-decorated streets or take an optional excursion to the scenic Portuguese Riviera.
Day 8 : Lisbon - Fátima - Coimbra - Porto
Location: Porto
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Portus Cale
Meals Included: Breakfast
Stop in Fátima to visit its world-famous Sanctuary, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Continue to Coimbra, known for its university, one of the oldest in Europe, and to Porto on the northern bank of the Douro River. For the perfect way to round out your day, why not join an optional Douro River cruise and dinner? Today’s Distance: 224 mi/ 360 km
Day 9 : Porto
Location: Porto
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Portus Cale
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Discover Porto’s highlights on the guided city tour. See its historical cathedral and visit a Port wine cellar along the banks of the Douro River. This afternoon, consider an optional excursion to Guimarães, called the “cradle” of Portugal and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tonight, enjoy an included dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 10 : Porto - Salamanca, Spain
Location: Salamanca
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Sercotel Artheus Carmelitas Salamanca
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy the plentiful woodlands and mountains on your return to Spain via the scenic Douro Valley. Reach the ancient and beautiful university town of Salamanca in the early evening, the best time to take a stroll in the Plaza Mayor. Today’s Distance: 267 mi/ 430 km
Day 11 : Salamanca - Ávila - Segovia - Madrid
Location: Madrid
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Praga
Meals Included: Breakfast
Journey to fortified Ávila with its many towers and visit St. Theresa’s Convent before continuing to Segovia, a medieval town picturesquely set on a rocky hill. Some say that the beautiful castle inspired Disney’s “Cinderella.” Spend some time in Segovia before crossing the boundary between new and old Castile to arrive in Madrid. Today’s Distance: 168 mi/ 270 km
Day 12 : Madrid
Location: Madrid
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Praga
Meals Included: Breakfast
Built 2180 feet above sea level, Madrid, capital of Spain, is the nearest thing to Heaven, according to Spaniards. Discover the main highlights of this aristocratic city on the included guided tour.
Day 13 : Madrid
Location: Madrid
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
What's Included
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Meals
Buffet breakfasts daily; 4 dinners, including a dinner at a local restaurant in Porto.
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Fully Guided
Enjoy guided sightseeing in the cities of Toledo, Granada, Seville, Madrid, Cordoba, Lisbon, and Porto with expert Local Guides.
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Transport
Travel in comfort with private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoaches equipped with free Wi-Fi.
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Accommodation
Stay in a variety of comfortable and well-equipped hotels including the Hotel Praga in Madrid, Gran Hotel Luna de Granada, Exe Las Adelfas in Cordoba, Hotel Don Paco in Seville, Hotel Roma in Lisbon, Portus Cale in Porto, and Sercotel Artheus Carmelitas Salamanca in Salamanca.
What's Not Included
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Airport Transfers at Destination
Airport transfers at the destination are not included.
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Insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
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International Travel
International flights to and from the destination are not included.
UNESCO Sites
Alhambra and Generalife Granada|Belem Tower in Lisbon|Cathedral in Seville|Historic Centre of Cordoba|Historic centre of Evora|Historic Centre of Porto|Historic City of Toledo|Old City of Salamanca|Old Town of Avila with its Extra muros Churches|Old Town of Segovia and its Aqueduct|Paseo del Prado and Buen Retiro, a landscape of Arts and Sciences
Meals
Buffet breakfasts daily; 4 dinners, including a dinner at a local restaurant in Porto
Notes
*Entrance to the Nasrid Palace is not guaranteed
Accommodation
Stay in a variety of comfortable and well-equipped hotels including the Hotel Praga in Madrid, Gran Hotel Luna de Granada, Exe Las Adelfas in Cordoba, Hotel Don Paco in Seville, Hotel Roma in Lisbon, Portus Cale in Porto, and Sercotel Artheus Carmelitas Salamanca in Salamanca. Each hotel offers unique amenities and convenient locations to enhance your travel experience.
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoaches equipped with free Wi-Fi, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey throughout Spain and Portugal.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is provided during the tour?
Travel is provided in private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoaches equipped with free Wi-Fi, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey throughout Spain and Portugal.
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What kind of accommodations can I expect on this tour?
You will stay in a variety of comfortable and well-equipped hotels including the Hotel Praga in Madrid, Gran Hotel Luna de Granada, Exe Las Adelfas in Cordoba, Hotel Don Paco in Seville, Hotel Roma in Lisbon, Portus Cale in Porto, and Sercotel Artheus Carmelitas Salamanca in Salamanca. Each hotel offers unique amenities and convenient locations to enhance your travel experience.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, buffet breakfasts are provided daily, and there are 4 dinners included, one of which is at a local restaurant in Porto.
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Will there be guided tours during the trip?
Yes, the tour includes guided sightseeing in the cities of Toledo, Granada, Seville, Madrid, Cordoba, Lisbon, and Porto. Local Guides, who are experts in the cities' histories and cultures, will highlight unique sights and share insights about local culture and history.
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Are there any UNESCO World Heritage Sites included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes visits to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Alhambra and Generalife in Granada, Belem Tower in Lisbon, the Cathedral in Seville, the Historic Centre of Cordoba, the Historic Centre of Evora, the Historic Centre of Porto, the Historic City of Toledo, the Old City of Salamanca, the Old Town of Avila with its Extra muros Churches, the Old Town of Segovia and its Aqueduct, and Paseo del Prado and Buen Retiro in Madrid.
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Is there any leisure time during the tour?
Yes, there are several opportunities for leisure time during the tour. For example, on Day 1 in Madrid, you have the rest of the day to relax or start exploring the city. On Day 7 in Lisbon, you can spend the afternoon at leisure in the Alfama’s tile-decorated streets or take an optional excursion to the scenic Portuguese Riviera.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour package?
No, airport transfers at the destination are not included in the tour package.
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Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is not included in the tour package.
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Are international flights included in the tour package?
No, international travel is not included in the tour package.
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What is the starting and ending location of the tour?
The tour starts and ends in Madrid, Spain.
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Is there any special note regarding the Alhambra complex visit?
Yes, please note that entrance to the Nasrid Palace within the Alhambra complex is not guaranteed.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1961
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.
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Low Deposit
Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cosmos charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.