Great Iberian Cities

Great Iberian Cities

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Great Iberian Cities

9 Days Starting in Barcelona, Spain and ending in Lisbon, Portugal

Visiting: Barcelona, Madrid, Toledo, Seville, Lisbon

Tour operator:

Trafalgar

Tour code:

SBARZN20

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Luxury

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Great Iberian Cities, exploring the vibrant cultures of Spain and Portugal. Begin your adventure in the lively city of Barcelona, where Gaudí's architectural wonders await. Travel through the heart of Spain, visiting iconic cities like Madrid and Toledo, where history and art come alive at the Prado Museum and the Church of Santo Tomé. Experience the warmth of Andalusia in Seville, with its stunning cathedral and charming local hospitality. Cross into Portugal to discover Lisbon's rich maritime heritage, including the Monument to the Discoveries and the UNESCO-listed Hieronymite Monastery. Enjoy luxury travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned coach, staying in cherry-picked hotels, and savoring local flavors with included meals and unique dining experiences. This cultural tour promises a perfect blend of guided sightseeing and free time to explore at your own pace, making it an ideal way to experience the best of the Iberian Peninsula.

Highlights

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    Must-see Highlights

    • Explore Barcelona, Madrid, Toledo, Seville and Lisbon
    • Visit Prado Museum in Madrid, Church of Santo Tome and the Synagogue in Toledo, the Cathedral in Seville
    • View La Sagrada Família in Barcelona, the Monument to the Discoveries in Lisbon, the Giralda Bell Tower in Seville and Hieronymite Monastery in Lisbon
    • See the Royal Palace, the Gran Vía, Retiro Park and the Cibeles Fountain in Madrid, Seville Cathedral and the Belém Tower in Lisbon

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    Make Travel Matter®

    Barcelona: In Barcelona, the talented team at Mescladis, an initiative promoting work opportunities to people victim from social exclusion, introduces us to local and seasonal flavors during our Welcome Dinner. Your experience supports UN Global Goal 4 Quality Education and 10 Reduced Inequalities.

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    Be My Guest

    Seville: Enjoy a traditional Andalusian Be My Guest dinner and the charming company of your host, Isaac. A welcome drink of sangria in their sun-dappled courtyard before learning how they produce olive oil.

Places You'll See

Plaza De España, Seville

Itinerary

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Day 1: Welcome To Barcelona

Location: Barcelona

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Exe Cristal Palace

Ramble up Las Ramblas and get ready for an unforgettable discovery of the Iberian Peninsula. The fiery coastal city of Barcelona kicks off your mesmerizing encounter with Spain and Portugal. Set your watch to the leisurely Mediterranean way of life, spending the day relaxing or connecting with a city that once inspired Gaudí's imagination. Later, join your Travel Director and fellow compañeros for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience during a Welcome Reception, and evening drive to see the city’s iconic sights.

Day 2: Discover Lively Barcelona

Location: Barcelona

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Exe Cristal Palace

Meals Included: Breakfast

We spend the morning exploring a city whose great passions include football, fashion and fairy-tale façades by famed architect Antoni Gaudí. We'll admire the exterior of his masterpiece - the unfinished Sagrada Familia, as well as his creations on the Passeig de Gracia during our guided sightseeing with a Local Specialist. The rest of the day is yours to delight in Spanish culture and cuisine. Consider joining an Optional Experience to Montserrat to see the shrine of the Black Madonna, affectionately known in Catalonia as La Moreneta.

Day 3: Journey To Madrid

Location: Madrid

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Barceló Imagine

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today, we drive through the valleys and pastures of Aragón towards Spain's capital where you will have lunch in Zaragoza. We arrive this evening in Madrid, renowned for its vibrant nightlife which we will have an opportunity to enjoy on our own terms.

Day 4: Explore Fiery Madrid Dive Into Culture

Location: Madrid

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Barceló Imagine

Meals Included: Breakfast

We join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour of Madrid, where we will see trendy Gran Vía and the Cibeles Fountain, before we Dive Into Culture visiting the world-famous Prado Museum. Admire the masterpieces of Velázquez and other Spanish greats in this extraordinary museum, said to house the largest collection of European art in the world. Spend the rest of your day exploring the city at leisure. Visit the Royal Palace or stroll through Buen Retiro Park at the heart of the city – the choice is yours.

Day 5: Onwards To Toledo And Seville

Location: Toledo

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: NH Sevilla Plaza de Armas

Meals Included: Breakfast

We journey south to the clifftop city of Toledo, where we'll join our Local Specialist for a walking tour. Visit the Church of Santo Tomé, home to one of El Greco's most famous paintings, 'The Burial of the Count of Orgaz', and visit the former synagogue of Santa Maria la Blanca. We arrive in Seville this evening and immerse ourselves in the effervescent spirit of Andalusia. Visit Basilippo Olive farm which produces 100-percent organic extra virgin olive oil. At this Be My Guest experience you’ll Connect With Locals over dinner featuring fresh regional ingredients and the local sangria of course.

Day 6: See The Sights Of Seville Connect With Locals

Location: Seville

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: NH Sevilla Plaza de Armas

Meals Included: Breakfast

The charisma of Seville is unmistakable. Your Local Specialist will take you on a sightseeing tour past the symbolic Giralda Bell Tower, Maria Luisa Park and the architectural gems of Seville's 1929 Ibero-American Exposition. Later, we’ll stroll through the historic Jewish Quarter before visiting the largest Gothic Cathedral in the world, where Christopher Columbus is entombed.

Day 7: Continue To Colorful Lisbon Dive Into Culture

Location: Lisbon

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: VIP Grand Lisboa

Meals Included: Breakfast

We travel west to Portugal, meandering through the province of Huelva, renowned for its Jabugo ham. After crossing into Portugal's picturesque rural landscapes of the Alentejo – the country's cork capital – we arrive in colorful Lisbon where we'll meet our Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour celebrating the grand triumphs of the Portuguese in centuries past. See the Monument to the Discoveries, the suspension bridge that spans the Tagus, and Belém Tower, once the ceremonial gateway to Lisbon. Dive Into Culture on a visit to the UNESCO-listed Hieronymite Monastery, built in the 16th century, then spend the rest of the evening on your own exploration of the Portuguese capital.

Day 8: Lisbon Your Way

Location: Lisbon

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: VIP Grand Lisboa

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy the day sauntering through Lisbon's grand shopping boulevards and the narrow lanes of Bairro Alto or consider joining an Optional Experience to the historic towns of Cascais and Sintra. This evening, we enjoy dinner with newfound friends and our Travel Director, toasting to an epic Iberian holiday.

Day 9: Farewell Lisbon

Location: Lisbon

Meals Included: Breakfast

Our journey through Spain and Portugal has come to an end. All that's left is to say a fond adeus at the end of an unforgettable holiday.

What's Included

  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver

    The tour includes the services of an expert Travel Director and a professional Driver.

  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted

    Accommodation is provided in cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted.

  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities

    All porterage and restaurant gratuities are included in the tour.

  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes

    The tour covers all hotel tips, charges, and local taxes.

  • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals

    Daily breakfast and up to half of your evening meals are included.

  • Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras

    The tour includes must-see sightseeing and surprise extras.

  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing

    Audio headsets are provided for flexible sightseeing.

  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi

    Travel is provided by a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation such as rail journeys.

  • Optional Experiences and free time

    The tour offers optional experiences and free time for personal exploration.

  • On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized

    If necessary, hotels of similar standard and location may be used.

What's Not Included

Travel insurance is not included in the tour package.

Dining Summary

  • 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
  • 8 Breakfast (B)
  • 2 Dinner (D)
  • 1 Be My Guest (BMG)

Dive Into Culture

  • Madrid: Visit the Prado Museum in Madrid, where you'll have time to admire its extraordinary collection of European art dating from the 12th to early 20th centuries.
  • Lisbon: Visit the Hieronymite Monastery, a former monastery of the Order of Saint Jerome and exquisite example of Manueline architecture.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?

    The tour provides luxury air-conditioned coach transportation with Wi-Fi in most countries, or alternative transportation such as rail journeys.

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?

    The tour includes stays at cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, breakfast is provided daily and up to half of your evening meals are included in the tour package.

  • What unique experiences are included in the tour?

    The tour includes a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Barcelona, a Be My Guest dinner with the Morillo family in Seville, and visits to cultural sites like the Prado Museum in Madrid and the Hieronymite Monastery in Lisbon.

  • What is the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Barcelona?

    In Barcelona, the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience involves a Welcome Dinner with the team at Mescladis, an initiative promoting work opportunities for people facing social exclusion, supporting UN Global Goals for Quality Education and Reduced Inequalities.

  • What is the Be My Guest experience in Seville?

    In Seville, the Be My Guest experience includes a traditional Andalusian dinner with the Morillo family, featuring a welcome drink of sangria and learning about olive oil production.

  • What are some of the key sights visited in Madrid?

    In Madrid, the tour includes a visit to the Prado Museum, and sightseeing of the Gran Vía, Cibeles Fountain, and the Royal Palace.

  • What cultural sites are visited in Lisbon?

    In Lisbon, the tour includes visits to the Monument to the Discoveries, Belém Tower, and the UNESCO-listed Hieronymite Monastery.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1947

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Renato Arrieta  

Best tour I joined so far

14-Jan-2023

My first time with Trafalgar and I see no reason why I should not join them again.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
King Ng, Lafayette, California  

Very well planned trip with timely breaks during the coach ride..

08-Nov-2021

It was a well organized tour group and we hit lots of interesting and beautiful scenes. Like our previous trips with Trafalgar, tourists were treated with well manner and professional tour guide/director, making our trip very enjoyable and delightful!

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Best of Egypt

14-Jan-2023

We really did see the best of Egypt and beyond. Our tour guide, Mohammad, guided us through the rich history and the urban and rural life of such a unique and delightful country. We felt very safe and pampered.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Marshal Daguio  

Wonderful Best Of Turkey

06-Nov-2021

It was my first time with Trafalgar Tour and I had a wonderful trip from day 1 till the last day. The Tour Director, Yocel Atik is very knowledgeable and Excellent. The health director and coach driver are helpful and supportive as well. The hotels selected were comfortable especially Rixos Hotel and Movenpick Hotel. The Best of Turkey is better than I expected.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Barbara, Canada  

Irish Experience

09-Nov-2021

I am single and travel alone. I always feel secure and well-looked after when I travel with Trafalgar

Feefo Trusted Reviews

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Trafalgar allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform trafalgar, 90 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Trafalgar 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.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

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