Others

Explore Madrid; Spain’s capital city Welcome dinner in Madrid Visit the ancient city of Toledo Discover the delights of Granada Visit Ronda; home to the famous Puente Nuevo See Seville on a driving tour Enjoy a local dinner in Seville Explore the streets of Seville on a guided tour Visit the Algarve; Portugal’s stunning southern coast Enjoy a driving tour of Lisbon Visit Obidos; a medieval fortified town Enjoy a driving and walking tour of Porto Taste Portugal’s most famous drink - Port! Visit Ciudad Rodrigo, a 12th-century fortified town Explore the streets of Salamanca Farewell dinner in Salamanca Visit Avila; home to incredible Romanesque architecture

Transport

Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)

Meals

8 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners *Vegetarian options available for all meals on request

Accommodation

8 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability)

Guide

Services of your Expat tour leader, who will be on hand with advice and tips to ensure that you get the most from your trip

Not included:

Optional

Optional excursions are not included in the tour cost. All optional excursions are booked on tour and paid in cash to your tour leader, unless stated otherwise. Please note, certain optional excursions are subject to availability and could change as a result. Some optional excursions need to be pre-booked, please contact us to find out more

Insurance

When you sign up for an Expat Explore tour, you are required to secure adequate travel insurance cover for the duration of your trip. If you cannot provide Expat Explore with proof of adequate travel insurance prior to the start of your tour, you will not be permitted to embark on day one. The requirements include the following coverage: Trip Interruption Trip Delay Medical Expenses Quarantine Expenses and Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation The insurance must also cover medical costs and a medically imposed quarantine if the insured or someone the insured has come into contact with, tests positive for COVID-19. Before you book your tour, you’re welcome to obtain a quote with Tour Radar’s insurance partner, Cover Genius.

Others

International flights Travel to the start point and from the endpoint is not included. Travel insurance For a relatively small price, travel insurance provides you with the peace of mind so that you can enjoy your tour without any worries.  All passengers travelling on an Expat Explore tour are required to have valid travel insurance cover and you are responsible for arranging your own insurance. Click here for more information.

Flights

You will be responsible for booking your own international and/or domestic flights. We additionally recommend you do not book your airfare until your place on the tour is confirmed. Please make sure to check the times that your tour will start and end before booking your flights.

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Start Of Tour In Madrid
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Start Of Tour In Madrid

Welcome to the start of this 9-day tour of Spain and Portugal! On arrival in Madrid, make your way to the hotel to meet up with your tour leader and fellow travellers this morning. After everyone is gathered, it’s time to explore the beautiful capital of Spain on an orientation tour. Look forward to seeing Madrid’s top sights! Afterwards, enjoy free time to discover more of the city. This evening, get to know more about the rest of the tour group and celebrate the first night of the tour at an included welcome dinner.

Orientation 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!

Traditional dinner in Madrid: Get a taste of Spanish cuisine and get to know your fellow travellers and tour leader over dinner at a local Madrid restaurant.

Meals: supper
Day 2 Day 2: Toledo - Granada
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Toledo - Granada

This morning, leave Madrid behind and head to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Toledo. This charming, ancient walled town, complete with Gothic architecture and an impressive Cathedral, is sure to have travellers falling in love with it! The tour continues south to the Moorish city of Granada. Arrive this afternoon and join your tour leader on an orientation tour of this historic city. Listen in for great insight into this beautiful region of Spain as well as the history, culture and highlights of Granada. Tonight, join the Granada Local Food & Wine Evening for delicious tapas and wine in a local gastrobar. 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!

Orientation tour of Granada: Learn more about the Moorish influence in southern Spain. 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. The neighbourhood of Albaicin offers original narrow winding streets and many fine examples of Moorish and Morisco architecture. Granada is also home to the famous Alhambra.

Meals: breakfast
Day 3 Day 3: Granada - Ronda - Seville
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Granada - Ronda - Seville

Spend the morning exploring Granada, or join our optional excursion to the Alhambra Palace. As one of the most beautiful sights to see in all of Spain, this optional excursion must be booked prior to the start of the tour - click here to book now! Next, travel to Ronda, a town located on both sides of the Tajo Gorge. The most iconic site here is the ‘Puente Nuevo’ (New Bridge). Take in the spectacular views from the bridge before enjoying a leisurely lunch stop. Finally, travel to Seville. Arrive and enjoy a driving tour of this enchanting city before enjoying free time at the beautiful Plaza de Espana. Enjoy an included dinner before checking into the hotel for tonight.

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, catch a glimpse of some truly breathtaking views!

Driving tour of Seville: Learn more about Seville’s history, culture and architecture on a driving tour. Seville is where some famous scenes for TV series and films were shot. These include Game of Thrones, Star Wars and Lawrence of Arabia.

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

Meals: breakfast,supper
Day 4 Day 4: Seville
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Seville

Discover the history and charm of Seville today! Begin with a guided tour of the city, accompanied by an expert local guide. The rest of the day is free to spend as you wish! Choose to tour the Alcázar of Seville on an optional excursion, visit the Metropol Parasol for amazing views or visit the Museum of Flamenco. Alternatively, simply wander the historic city and see where your feet take you! Legend has it that Seville was founded by Hercules, and it certainly boasts a colourful history, from the Romans to the Moors! Seville is famous for its flamenco and tapas bars and tonight is your chance to experience this dance of passion at the lively optional Flamenco dinner show!

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!

Meals: breakfast
Day 5 Day 5: Algarve - Lisbon
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Algarve - Lisbon

Today it’s time to travel to Lisbon, Portugal! Along the way, visit the Algarve. This stunning southern coastal region of Portugal features golden beaches and limestone cliffs. Look forward to a comfort stop at one of these beautiful beaches so you can top up your tan or take a dip in the cool, blue ocean. Arrive in Lisbon, set off on an orientation tour of the capital and see Lisbon’s highlights. From the imposing Sao Jorge Castle to the pastel colours of the old town, Lisbon has it all! Enjoy an included dinner in Lisbon tonight.

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 on one of the stunning Algarve beaches, enjoy lunch here or explore the local town.

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!

Meals: breakfast,supper
Day 6 Day 6: Lisbon: Free Day
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Lisbon: Free Day

Today is your free day to explore Lisbon at your own pace. You could visit Lisbon’s landmarks, including the Monument to the Discoveries and the Belém Tower or discover the hilltop district of Bairro Alto. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to Sintra, a charming UNESCO World Heritage Site village and the capital of Romanticism in Portugal, known for its striking monuments. While there, visit Pena Palace and enjoy lunch. Or, join an excursion to Portugal’s most famous pilgrimage site, Fátima. This evening is your chance to enjoy one of Portugal’s cultural highlights; Fado music. Unique to Portugal, it is arguably the oldest urban folk music in the world - you are sure to discover many bars nearby playing Fado!

Meals: breakfast
Day 7 Day 7: Obidos - Porto
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Obidos - Porto

On the way to Porto this morning, enjoy a stop in Obidos. This classic fortified town is home to narrow cobbled streets, picturesque houses and an imposing hilltop castle. We continue our tour of Portugal and enter Porto - Portugal’s second-largest city and home of one of the country’s most famous exports - port wine! Enjoy a walking tour of Porto, where you will see Ponte Dom Luis - a stunning bridge that crosses the River Douro, the Clerigos Tower and many other famous landmarks. Enjoy the opportunity to sample a glass of port wine this afternoon at the included Port tasting. Tonight, join the Evening on the Douro optional with a cruise along the picturesque Douro River and an unforgettable gastronomical experience.

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 the 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.

Meals: breakfast
Day 8 Day 8: Ciudad Rodrigo - Salamanca
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Ciudad Rodrigo - Salamanca

It is time to depart Portugal and travel back to Spain through beautiful stretches of countryside. Make a stop in Ciudad Rodrigo, a historic, fortified Spanish city full of architectural delights. Explore the Old Town on an orientation tour before enjoying free time for lunch. After arriving in Salamanca, embark on a locally guided city tour. Salamanca is a stunning city home to incredible Baroque, Gothic and Renaissance buildings. See top sights including the old and new cathedrals, the University and Casa Lis (an Art Deco museum) before ending in the Plaza Mayor with some free time. The day ends with an included dinner before the tour concludes tomorrow. Enjoy three courses of delicious traditional meals from the Salamanca region.

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.

Meals: breakfast,supper
Day 9 Day 9: Avila - Madrid
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Avila - Madrid

After nine fun-filled days on the road, today is the last day of this Spain and Portugal tour. This morning, depart Salamanca and travel to the stunning city of Avila, which is notable for its many Romanesque and Gothic churches, and the famous and incredibly well preserved medieval walls. Then, continue on to the capital Madrid. Arrive in Madrid and the tour concludes this afternoon. Make sure to swap contact details with your newly-made travel friends! Adios!

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.

Meals: breakfast

9 days tour

Highlights Of Spain & Portugal

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Highlights Of Spain & Portugal

Day 1: Start Of Tour In Madrid

Day 2: Toledo - Granada

Day 3: Granada - Ronda - Seville

Day 4: Seville

Day 5: Algarve - Lisbon

Day 6: Lisbon: Free Day

Day 7: Obidos - Porto

Day 8: Ciudad Rodrigo - Salamanca

Day 9: Avila - Madrid

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