Summary
Experience Portugal and Spain in a unique light as you travel over Christmas! Celebrate a Spanish Christmas in Seville, one of Spain’s most charming towns. Explore the colourful towns of Toledo, Granada, Salamanca, Avila and Ronda. Walk the streets of the capitals, Madrid and Lisbon. Taste delicious tapas in Spain, fresh pastéis de nata in Lisbon and real Port in Porto. Spending the festive season on the Iberian route feels surreal as you celebrate with blue skies and warm winter sun. This is a truly eclectic and electric travel experience!
Highlights
- Visit the medieval town of Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Explore Ronda, famous for its ‘Puente Nuevo’ (New Bridge)
- Free days in Seville and Lisbon
- Taste the fortified wine Port in Porto
- Experience the Old Town of Salamanca
- Celebrate Christmas Day in Seville!
DAY 1: Start of tour in Madrid
Welcome to Madrid and the start of your Spain and Portugal Christmas tour! Arrive this morning and meet up with your tour leader and fellow travellers at the hotel. Once the group is gathered, it’s time to explore Madrid in all its festive glory with a local guide! This evening, sit down for an included welcome dinner. Enjoy your first taste of Spain and get to know your fellow explorers! Today marks the official start of Christmas celebrations in Spain. Today is the day that the Spanish Christmas Lottery, ‘El Gordo’ or the ‘Fat One’, takes place. It’s the biggest lottery draw in the world!
Experiences
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
Dinner
Accommodation
Hotel
DAY 2: Toledo – Granada
Travel south to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Toledo. Known to be Spain’s spiritual capital, the Gothic architecture and beautiful cathedral will leave you speechless! Next, drive on to the Moorish city of Granada. Here, enjoy an orientation tour of the city with your tour leader. See the most famous sites and learn more about its Moorish influences, including a view across the valley of the iconic Alhambra citadel. The historic palace and fortress is magnificent to behold and the site dates back to the 8th century! Enjoy free time this evening.
Experiences
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
Accommodation
Hotel
On Tour Excursions
Granada Local Food & Wine Evening
Enjoy a four-course wine and food pairing experience at a premier Granada gastro bar! Learn about the history of the local cuisine and wine production.
€ 60
DAY 3: Granada – Ronda – Seville (Christmas Eve)
This morning offers the incredible opportunity to visit the majestic Alhambra Palace & Gardens. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Granada’s top attractions. Later, travel through Andalusia which is famous for Flamenco, matadors and bullfighting – quintessential Spanish experiences! First, stop in Ronda, one of the oldest cities in Spain! Take in views of the famous ‘Puente Nuevo’ bridge and the stunning scenery of the surrounding countryside. Then, head to Seville – the city of siestas, tapas and some of Europe’s most amazing fiestas. End the day by exploring the old town accompanied by an expert local guide. This evening, look forward to an included dinner at a local restaurant.
Experiences
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
BreakfastDinner
Accommodation
Hotel
On Tour Excursions
Alhambra Palace & Gardens
Explore the Alhambra, a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site which includes a palace, fortress and beautiful gardens.
€ 80
DAY 4: Seville (Christmas Day): Free Day
Merry Christmas or “Feliz Navidad” as the locals say! You have a free day to explore Seville in all its festive glory. Wander the streets and the Plaza de Esppaña and admire the stunning historical architecture throughout the city! As it’s Christmas Day, look out for Spanish Christmas bread, Roscón de Reyes. It’s topped with crushed almonds and candied fruit! You’re also bound to also see Tió de Nadal, a jolly Christmas log decorated with a smiley face and stick legs. Get your fill of festive Spanish cuisine and enjoy the cheerful Christmas atmosphere!
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel
On Tour Excursions
Seville Flamenco Show & Dinner
Enjoy a live flamenco show along with a four-course Spanish dinner in Seville, the birthplace of flamenco!
€ 85
DAY 5: Algarve – Lisbon
It’s Boxing Day! Cross the border into Portugal and head for Lisbon, the vibrant capital city! En route, admire the incredible landscapes of southern Portugal. Enjoy a stop along the Algarve, Portugal’s picturesque southern coastal region, with some free time to grab lunch, explore the local town or relax on the beach. On arrival in Lisbon, join your tour leader on a driving tour of the city. See the Tagus River and some of the most famous attractions in the city, such as the Belém Tower and the Padrão dos Descobrimentos monument! Take note of spots to revisit or explore further tomorrow on your free day.
Experiences
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
BreakfastDinner
Accommodation
Hotel
DAY 6: Lisbon: Free Day
Discover Lisbon at your leisure today! Highlights include the Monument to the Discoveries, Belém Tower and the hilltop district of Bairro Alto. The streets are colourful and lined with dozens of restaurants and bars! Listen out for Fado music streaming from open windows – the region’s most beloved music is known for its lyrics of longing. And, if you want to do some Christmas souvenir shopping for your friends and family back home, head to A Vida Portuguesa. Definitely try some Pasteis de nata, delicious Portuguese egg tarts, as you go. Alternatively, consider the optional day trip to Sintra, the town of mountains, palaces, parks and medieval residences, or a visit to the Fatima Sanctuary and Coin Caves.
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel
On Tour Excursions
Colours of Sintra: Pena Palace with Lunch
Take a half-day trip to Sintra, a gorgeous UNESCO World Heritage village! This optional excursion includes entrance to Pena Palace and lunch.
€ 100
Fátima Sanctuary & Coin Caves
Explore the Fátima, the most famous religious pilgrimage site in Portugal! Tour the Coin Caves, the Sanctuary of Fátima and more.
€ 55
DAY 7: Obidos – Porto
On the way to Porto this morning, stop off in Obidos, a classic fortified town with narrow cobbled streets, picturesque houses and an imposing hilltop castle. Then, continue onwards to Portugal’s second-biggest city, Porto. Arrive and embark on a driving and walking tour with an expert local guide to see top sights including the Cathedral, Sao Bento train station, Clerigos Tower, the Luis I bridge and much more. Later this afternoon, sit down for a quintessential Portuguese experience! Enjoy a tasting of authentic Port wine and sample one of the country’s most famous exports. Felicidades!
Experiences
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
Accommodation
Hotel
On Tour Excursions
Douro River Cruise
Cruise along the picturesque Douro River and discover some of the most spectacular scenery in the Portuguese countryside!
€ 17
DAY 8: Ciudad Rodrigo – Salamanca
This morning, travel back to Spain. Crossing the border, stop in Ciudad Rodrigo, a 12th-century fortified cathedral city which boasts a variety of architectural and artistic marvels. Enjoy an orientation tour before taking some free time to grab lunch. This afternoon, arrive in Salamanca. After some time to freshen up at the hotel, join your tour leader on an orientation tour of Spain’s Golden City. Enjoy some free time to explore the historic city centre before meeting up again later for a farewell dinner on the last night of the tour. Look forward to three courses of delicious food from around the province of Salamanca!
Experiences
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.
Dinner in Salamanca: Celebrate a fantastic Christmas tour with your fellow travellers! Have free time to explore Salamanca before we end the day with traditional food from the province of Salamanca at the included dinner this evening.
Meals
BreakfastDinner
Accommodation
Hotel
DAY 9: Avila – Madrid
It’s the last day of this unforgettable Spain & Portugal Christmas holiday! The final stretch of the tour travels from Salamanca to Avila and then to Madrid. The ancient town of Avila is well-known for its century-old city walls which have been remarkably well-preserved. It’s also home to some spectacular Romanesque churches, monasteries and palaces. After admiring this medieval city’s architecture, continue to Madrid where the tour concludes this afternoon. Arrive in Madrid and say farewell to the group as the tour officially comes to an end. Be sure to swap contact details and memories with your newly-made travel friends before saying goodbye!
Experiences
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
What’s Included
Accommodation
- 8 nights in 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)
Meals
- 8 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners
*Vegetarian options available for all meals on request
Transport
- Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard
- Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)
Tour Leader
- Fully guided tour with experienced tour leader
- Tour leader will accompany group throughout and manage all logistical details
16 Experiences!
- 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
- 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 Salamanca at your leisure
- Traditional dinner in Salamanca
- Visit Avila; home to incredible Romanesque architecture
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