Spain and Portugal: An 11-Day Tour of Historical Discovery Through Lisbon, Seville, Madrid and More
Discover the very best of Portugal and Spain on an 11-day tour taking you from Lisbon all the way to Madrid, stopping along the way to experience the rich history, culture, architecture and local cuisine in Seville and Granada and to soak up the sun and sea and visit the Rock of Gibraltar on the Costa del Sol. Walk the charming streets of Lisbon, discover the stunning European architecture and history of Madrid, stand in awe at Granada’s Alhambra Palace, visit the enchanting Cathedral of Seville, where Christopher Columbus is buried and so much more. Your tour includes ten nights of deluxe accommodation, daily breakfast, local dining experiences, four dinners with wine and one lunch, the services of an English-speaking guide and sightseeing and entrance fees as per itinerary.
If you love sipping sangria, can’t get enough of tasty tapas and want to embrace the very best Portugal and Spain have to offer, this is the tour for you. Bursting with culture, history and architecture, Spain and Portugal are essential travel destinations that everyone should visit at least once. Begin in the Portuguese capital of Lisbon, then travel through the picturesque region of Andalucia, Seville, the sunny Costa del Sol, Granada, and end your adventures in Madrid.
What You’ll Love…
The Sights – Discover Lisbon and embrace the Spanish way of life
Your journey begins in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, with an extensive city tour. Here you will tick off some of the city’s most incredible sights: the treasured 16th-century Belem Tower - a UNESCO World Heritage site and symbol of the country’s Age of Discovery, the imposing Lisbon Cathedral and the winding cobblestone street of Alfama, the charming old Fisherman’s Quarter.
Reach the Spanish border to enter Andalucia, where your first stop is Seville, a charming city where flamenco clubs, Gothic cathedrals and fascinating buildings blend effortlessly. Your tour will take you to the spectacular Cathedral of Seville, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world where Christopher Columbus is buried. You’ll also explore the many plazas of the Santa Cruz Quarter, the majestic Plaza de España and the Giralda Bell Tower.
Spend a full day in the sunny Costa del Sol, known for its hundreds of gorgeous beaches, quiet coves and glamorous restaurants and clubs. Embrace the Spanish way of life with a day at your leisure in this holiday destination, where you can sip vino by the sea, relax and unwind at the beach and soak up the atmosphere. Journey tot he Rock of Gibraltar—an iconic and picturesque 426-metre-high limestone rock jutting out of the sparkling waters.
After bidding farewell to the southern coast, it’s on to Granada and a tour of the 13th-century Alhambra Palace. This hilltop fortress - which takes its name from the Arabic word for ‘Red Castle’ - is a UNESCO World Heritage site set against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Admire views over the city from this hilltop site and wander through the pathways of this dazzling palace.
Finally, uncover the allure of Madrid, Spain’s central capital, a city of chic boulevards and spectacular parks. A comprehensive city tour here will show you Madrid’s opera district, the Plaza de Colon, the Royal Palace and much more. You’ll visit the world-renowned Prado Museum, home to famous works by artists such as El Greco and Ribera and end your adventure discovering the small eateries and beautiful streets of Madrid with a day at your leisure.
Your Package Includes:
- Ten nights of deluxe accommodation in Lisbon, Seville, Costa de Sol and Madrid
- Daily breakfast, one lunch and five dinners with wine at local restaurants
- Visit the Cathedral of Lisbon, the oldest place of worship in the city
- Tour the city of Seville with its many historical sites
- Travel to cliffside Ronda, birthplace of modern bullfighting
- Visit the 13th-century Alhambra in Granada
- Enter the Church of Santo Tomé with its El Greco masterpiece in Toledo
- Journey to the impressive Rock of Gibraltar
- Visit the Prado Museum in Madrid and view an astonishing collection of Spanish masterpieces
- All entrance fees and sightseeing as per the itinerary
- Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
- Hotel taxes, fees & service charges
- Tips and gratuities
The tour begins in Lisbon, Portugal and ends in Madrid, Spain. International flights are not included in your package.
Getting to Portugal is easy. Regular direct flights are available from most major Australian cities with British Airways and Etihad with an approximate flight time of 26 hours.
Flights depart regularly from major gateways including Singapore (approx flight time of 18 hours), Hong Kong (approx flight time of 18 hours) and Bangkok (approx flight time of 17 hours).
Airport transfers are not included and can be purchased for an additional cost of AU$59.12 per person on arrival and AU$132.34 per person on departure.
Need Flights? We have a dedicated team who are able to assist with all your flight requirements. If you need a stopover or are looking at travelling to more destinations, our team can help. Contact our flights concierge team using the phone number on our website.
Day 1 - Arrive in Lisbon
Welcome to captivating Lisbon, one of the oldest cities in Europe with its Moorish and Roman ruins. Make your way to the hotel and get some rest before tonight’s orientation meeting at approximately 7 pm with your Tour Manager and fellow travelers, followed by a delectable Welcome Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: AVANI Avenida Liberdade
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 – Lisbon City Tour
Today will begin with a stop at the top of Edward VII’s Park to enjoy the magnificent view over the hills of Lisbon and the River Tagus. Next, view the treasured 16th century Belem Tower and the Jeronimos Monastery, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afterward, visit the Cathedral of Lisbon and enjoy the elegant Liberdade Avenue.
This afternoon is at your leisure where you can choose to join the optional tour to quaint Sintra, the “Glorious Eden” of Lord Byron, and ancient summer retreat of the royal court, highlighted by lavish romantic castles and stunning monuments. Visit the Sintra Royal Palace, a 15th-century royal residence, containing one of the largest tile collections in Portugal.
Enjoy some free time in the Village Historical Centre before returning to Lisbon.
Overnight: AVANI Avenida Liberdade
Meals: Breakfast
Optional: Half Day Sintra Tour
Day 3 - Travel to Seville
Depart Lisbon this morning heading South. Cross the region of Alentejo, with its rolling hills, vineyards and cork oak trees. Reach the Spanish border and enter the region of Andalucia. Continue your drive through picturesque Andalucia to Seville.
After dinner, you’ll have the opportunity to attend an optional Flamenco Show in Seville, known as the birthplace of Flamenco.
Overnight: Melia Lebreros
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Optional: Evening Flamenco Show
Day 4 - Seville City Tour
Visit the spectacular Cathedral of Seville, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world where Christopher Columbus is buried. See the renowned Giralda Bell Tower with its striking Moorish architecture built on the site of the former great mosque; its minaret is still intact. Drive to the majestic Plaza de España, an architectural complex by the Guadalquivir river within the fragrant orange scented gardens of Maria Luisa Park. A walking tour then follows along the narrow streets lined with whitewashed homes in the Barrio Santa Cruz, home to the city’s Jewish Quarter. On your afternoon at leisure, enjoy the beautiful plazas of the city or, participate in the optional tour to Cordoba, founded by the Romans. Visit the Mezquita, a former Moorish mosque that today is Cordoba’s main Cathedral and the former Jewish Quarter before returning to Seville. Be sure to explore Seville’s restaurant scene tonight, known for its emerging new Spanish cuisine.
Overnight: Melia Lebreros
Meals: Breakfast
Optional: Half Day Cordoba Tour
Day 5 - Ronda Sightseeing En Route to Costa del Sol
Your travels take you to the dramatic cliffside city of Ronda, which overlooks the El Tajo gorge, home to the Plaza de Toros, the oldest bullring in the country. Ronda, considered the birthplace of modern bullfighting in the 18th century, was once a horsemanship training facility. View the historic stables and its interesting museum with exhibits of some of Spain’s most famous Matadors. Later, a scenic drive to the lovely resort area of the Costa del Sol. Dinner together this evening. along with displays of famous Matadors before proceeding to the Costa del Sol
Overnight: Sol House Aloha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6 - Full Day in Costa del Sol
Enjoy a full day at leisure in the Costa del Sol, known for its hundreds of gorgeous beaches, quiet hidden coves and glamorous clubs, restaurants, and cafes. Or, join the optional morning tour to Malaga, birthplace of Pablo Picasso. Visit the Picasso Museum with over 285 works donated by members of Picasso’s family. View the Paseo de la Alameda, fragrant Paseo del Parque and the Barrio de la Malagueta. A walking tour through this historical town is accented by views of the Malaga Cathedral, the second-highest in southern Spain. After a stop at Cathedral Square, return to the Costa del Sol for time on your own. The chic nightlife of the dynamic Costa del Sol is waiting for you tonight!
Optional: Half Day Malaga Tour
Overnight: Sol House Aloha
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 - Excursion to Gibraltar
Journey to the impressive Rock of Gibraltar*, a British Colony for over 300 years standing guard over the Strait of Gibraltar, where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean and Europe meets Africa. Take a tour of the area in a minibus climbing up to see St. Michael’s Cave and the famous Barbary apes with dramatic views of both the Spanish and Moroccan coastline. Spend some time in the main street of town with its colonial buildings and duty-free shops. Return to the Costa del Sol in the evening.
*Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory independent from Spain and therefore has different entry requirements. Non-US passport holders are responsible to check if a visa is required for Gibraltar in addition to all other countries on their itinerary.
Overnight: Sol House Aloha
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 - Moorish Influenced Alhambra
Depart the southern coast and journey to Moorish Granada. Here, visit the 13th-century Alhambra*, one of Spain’s most celebrated monuments, dramatically perched atop Assabica Hill overlooking the entire city. This imposing hilltop fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the world’s finest examples of Moorish art and architecture. During the reign of the Moors, the Alhambra served as the residence of the royal family. Walk along the lanes of the serene Generalife Gardens with its beautifully designed courtyards, waterfalls and ponds, and views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Tonight, you’ll enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant.
*Alhambra visiting times, which may include evening hours, and which areas of the complex are accessible on the day of your visit, are determined solely at the discretion of the Alhambra. Your itinerary will be arranged by your tour manager to accommodate the designated time of entry.
Overnight: Abba Granada Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9 - Toledo Sightseeing En Route to Madrid
En route to Madrid, travel via the region of La Mancha, legendary home of Don Quixote, featuring panoramic views of its famous windmills. Continue to Toledo, the former capital city of Spain that still retains its medieval atmosphere and charm. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986, Toledo is known for its extensive monumental heritage and historical coexistence of Christian, Muslim and Jewish cultures. A walking tour will include a visit to the Church of Santo Tomé with the masterpiece painting by El Greco and the Synagogue of Santa Maria La Blanca, the oldest synagogue in Europe still standing.
Continue to Madrid and enjoy the evening at leisure
Overnight: Hotel Miguel Angel by BlueBay
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 - Madrid City Tour
Today, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Madrid. Drive along the Gran Via through the Opera District, Plaza de Colon and view the Royal Palace. Pass through Puerta del Sol Plaza and Plaza de España with its monument of the author Cervantes. The tour will end at the world-renowned Prado Museum, where you will be able to view works of art by famous artists such as El Greco, Velázquez, and Ribera.
Spend the afternoon at your leisure or, join the optional tour to Escorial where you’ll visit what has often been described as the “eighth wonder of the world”. El Escorial is arguably Philip II’s most enduring legacy to Spain. This combination monastery-palace-mausoleum is situated approximately one hours’ drive from Madrid in the foothills of the Guadarrama Mountains.
Tonight, indulge in a farewell dinner at a local restaurant with your fellow travellers and tour manager.
Optional: Half Day Escorial Tour (PM)
Overnight: Hotel Miguel Angel by BlueBay
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11 - Depart Spain
After breakfast, head to the airport for your onward journey.
Meals: Breakfast
The ’7 day change of mind guarantee’ does not apply for Tour bookings. Due to the high demand and limited departures any cancellation / refund requests must be made within 48 hours of purchase. Otherwise, the standard Refund Policy applies.
Valid for the following departure dates:
9, 30 April 2020
14 May 2020
4, 11 June 2020
17, 24, 29 September 2020
1, 8, 13, 22, 29 October 2020
5, 12 November 2020
Booking conditions and cancellation fees do apply. Please take out travel insurance at this time.
Important: Please allow for travelling time from Australia. International flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. It is your responsibility to make your own travel arrangements and ensure that you arrive in Dubai for your chosen tour start date.
Airport transfers: Airport transfers are not included and can be purchased for an additional cost of AU$60 per person on arrival and AU$133 per person on departure.
The package is valid for ONE PERSON aged 8 years or older (based on twin share). If you are travelling with another person you must purchase TWO PACKAGES, otherwise, an additional single traveller surcharge will apply. Single travellers will get their own room throughout the tour.
Solo Traveller Surcharge: If travelling alone, you must pay a single traveller surcharge of AU$1,050.
Child Policy: Please note this tour is not suitable for children under 8 years of age.
The maximum capacity on this tour is 42 people.
Tour includes accommodation at the following hotels or similar:
- AVANI Avenida Liberdade, Lisbon
- Melia Lebreros, Seville
- Sol House Aloha - Costa del Sol, Torremolinos
- Abba Granada Hotel, Granada
- Hotel Miguel Angel by BlueBay, Madrid
Maximum Room Capacity: The maximum room capacity is two people. If a child is travelling with two adults, then a twin and single room can be requested, and a single surcharge will apply.
Your Package does not include:
- Airport transfers
- International flights
- Travel Insurance
- Visas
- Meals not stated in the itinerary
**Optional Tours: **Pricing is per person:
Half-Day Escorial Tour $A138
Evening Flamenco Show A$100
Half-Day Malaga Tour A$100
Half-Day Cordoba Tour A$77
Half-Day Sintra Tour A$92
Please Note: Disability access is limited during the tour, please consider this before making your booking. Hotels may not have ramps, wide entryways or elevators to accommodate disabled passengers or devices such as wheelchairs, walkers and motorised scooters. Due to physical constraints and space limitations, wheelchairs, walking frames and motorised scooters may not be taken aboard motor coaches.
Additional expenses such as (but not limited to) flights are not included with this voucher.
Please note, a visa may be required for travel for some guests.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended. We suggest purchasing travel insurance as soon as possible after purchasing this voucher
All services are subject to availability.
All surcharges are payable directly to the tour company.
Please note this tour is not operated by Luxury Escapes. You will be contacted post-purchase with further details.
Please note that full terms and conditions apply. Refer to website’s terms and conditions.