Amazing Spain & Portugal
Snapshot
- 9 days
- Guided Tour
- Madrid return
- Multiple departures
From
$3,635*
per person twin share
BOOK NOW
Overview
Departs from March 2024 - March 2025
From walking the cobblestone streets of a former Roman colony to tasting a decadent 'Pastel de Nata' tart made from a 200-year-old secret recipe, this 9-day guided tour allows you to embrace the best of old-world Spain and Portugal. Listen as metal sizzles in a master artisan’s hands as he teaches you the craft of Damascene. In Granada, wander the fragrant and arabesque gardens of the Alhambra Palace. Learn the art of flamenco dancing, stomping your feet to the sounds of an acoustic guitar, in a private lesson with professionals in Seville. Then, cross the Portuguese border to scale a 16th-century fortress in Lisbon and visit Fátima, Portugal's most holy site. Finally, raise a glass and say ¡salud! to these ancient wonders during a celebration feast in Madrid.
The Insight Difference
With Insight, you'll enjoy the best experiences your destination has to offer – all included within one price. You'll travel in business class elegance to quality, handpicked hotels in the best locations on our luxury coaches. They're specially configured with fewer seats to offer 100% more legroom than standard touring coaches.
You'll meet new people, too. Whether you join us on your own, as a couple, or with friends and family, the small group that you travel with will share your passion for travel, culture and discovery. Many of our guests form lifelong friendships on Insight tours!
*Pricing based on per person twin share on 2 March 2024 departure, correct as of 11 December 2023.
Inclusions
UNIQUE INSIGHT EXPERIENCES
- TOLEDO: At a Damascene workshop, meet a master artisan for a personal insight into this ancient craft. Witness firsthand their precision as they inlay gold and silver into iron, using a chisel and a hammer.
- GRANADA: Visit the famous Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens. While others wait in line, you'll be exploring accompanied by a Local Expert, keen to share insights into this Moorish landmark.
TOP RATED HIGHLIGHTS
- Toledo: Explore this magnificent ancient city with your Local Expert and visit the Church of Santo Tomé to see an El Greco masterpiece
- Seville: Visit the Seville Cathedral with your Local Expert. Pass the altarpiece dripping with gold and see the Tomb of Columbus, held aloft by four kings.
- Granada: Explore 'The City of the Pomegranate' with a Local Expert. During sightseeing you'll see the icons dedicated to this fruit throughout the city.
- Évora: With your Travel Director explore the ancient city of Évora and visit the fascinating Capela dos Ossos, meaning the Chapel of Bones, a chapel decorated with human remains.
- Lisbon: Explore with your Local Expert, from the Lower Town, beneath the hilltop Bairro Alto to the Terreiro do Paco. Visit the Belém Quarter to see the modern Monument to the Discoveries and the medieval Belém Tower.
- Lisbon: Visit Jerónimos Monastery with its beautiful Manueline architecture, reflecting Portugal's trade over the centuries and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Lisbon: Delight in a taste of the famous Portuguese delicacy, Pastéis de Belém.
- Fatima: Join the faithful at one of the world's holiest sites and pay homage at the Chapel of the Apparitions or see the basilica.
- Salamanca: See the golden stone buildings and handsome arcades of Plaza Mayor for which this city is famous for.
- Avila: Walk within the ancient walls of this unique town.
- Madrid: See the highlights of the city with your Local Expert. Visit the Old Town, travelling along the elegant Paseo de la Castellana, past the fountain in the Plaza de Cibeles, the Cervantes Monument and Royal Palace, before crossing the Puerta del Sol.
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCE
- Andalusian Evening & The Atmosphere Of Old Seville: Enjoy a delicious array of alluring Andalusian specialities in a local restaurant with wine included. Perhaps round off the evening with a stroll through the atmospheric squares and lanes of Seville's old quarter, which has a magical charm by night.
- Cordoba & the Mezquita: Join your Local Expert for a walking tour of the perfectly preserved Moorish city of Cordoba. The highlight is undoubtedly the magnificent Mezquita, an 8th-century mosque with a Cathedral built inside. Walk through the forest of horseshoe shaped arches to the Baroque choir stalls of the Cathedral and the richly ornamented Mihrab prayer niche, with free time to enjoy this amazing city.
- Lisbon by Night: Drive to the Bairro Alto, the old quarter of Lisbon, to admire the beautiful views over the city. Then take a funicular ride to the downtown Baixa area where cobblestones sparkle in the light of the shops, bars and cafes. Returning to your hotel, you'll pass monuments and buildings, lit up in all their glory.
- Seafood Dinner By The Tagus River: Across the mighty Tagus River await Lisbon's famous traditional restaurants and wonderful views of the city. Board your ferry to cross the wide blue waters for a delightful evening of Portuguese seafood and fish specialities. After dinner, encounter more sweeping views over the Portuguese capital, as you return to your hotel via the impressive suspension bridge.
- Excursion to the Royal Portuguese Riviera: Like the Kings of Portugal before you, travel along the Portuguese Riviera. With your Local Expert, see the glamorous resort of Cascais and the wealthy playground of Estoril, with its famous Casino and learn of the inspiring people who frequented Portugal's Golden Triangle. Finally, a visit to Queluz Palace – all veritable jewels in the crown of Portugal.
- Fado Evening: Known as ''the soul of the Portuguese identity'', Fado is the emotive national song. Take in an unmissable performance of this UNESCO-recognised art in one of the country's famed fado houses. To complete the experience, savour a typical Portuguese dinner with drinks included.
- Madrid Royal Palace: The Royal Palace of Madrid is Spain's most sumptuous and impressive royal residence, jam packed with the riches and glory of Spanish history. Join a Local Expert to explore the extensive collection of armoury, porcelain, tapestries, gilt mirrors, works of art and period furniture. Highlights include the gold and scarlet Throne Room and magnificent State Apartments. A rare and enlightening look into the history and lifestyle of the Spanish monarchy
HAND PICKED HOTELS
Hotel Riu Plaza España
- Madrid, Spain: Exciting, new hotel located on Madrid’s Gran Vía, Hotel Riu Plaza De Espana is the perfect modern base to explore the Spanish capital. Relax with breathtaking views of the city skyline from the Sky Bar, a snapshot of the elegant boulevards that await
Vincci Albayzín
- Granada, Spain: The 4-star Vincci Albayzín is located in the centre of Granada and is typically Andalusian in style. It boasts a magnificent enclosed patio that bathes its rooms in natural light.
Catalonia Giralda Hotel Seville
- Seville, Spain: Take in the essence of Seville's charming historic center at the Catalonia Giralda Hotel. Modern refurbishments with traditional motifs adorn the common areas, and ample natural light brightens the contemporary rooms.
Ayre Hotel Sevilla
- Seville, Spain: A modern hotel which is fantastically-located in the centre of Seville.
Turim Saldanha Hotel
- Lisbon, Portugal: The Turim Saldanha Hotel is located in the heart of the historic part of Lisbon, next to the Terreiro do Paco Square. The spacious guest rooms are designed in modern, neutral tones ensuring a comfortable stay in this vibrant city.
Hotel Alameda Palace
- Salamanca, Spain: The centrally located Hotel Alameda Palace is close to a range of restaurants and shops and only a short walk to the Plaza Mayor. The spacious rooms all have marble bathrooms and antique-style furniture.
Itinerary
DAY 1 | Welcome to Madrid
Your airport transfer departs Madrid airport for your hotel at 09:00, 11:30, 13:30 or 16:00. The rest of the day is at leisure to begin to get to know this stylish city. While in Madrid, explore the elegant boulevards, expansive parks and varied architectural styles. At 18:30, join your Travel Director for your Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant and enjoy the opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers over a delightful evening of good food and wine.
Included Meals- Dinner with Wine
DAY 2 | The old capital of Toledo and on to Granada
Visit the fascinating city of Toledo, situated high above the River Tagus. This was Spain's capital during the golden era, where Arab, Jewish and Christian cultures flourished side-by-side through the Middle Ages. From here you will venture south to meet a master artisan in a Damascene workshop for a personal insight into this ancient craft, handed down by the Moors centuries ago. Then enjoy a walk within the city walls of Toledo, through the narrow cobbled streets, led by your Local Expert. Visit the Church of Santo Tomé, housing El Greco's famous painting, ‘The Burial of the Count of Orgaz.'
Your journey continues to Granada.
Included Meals- Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
DAY 3 | The Alhambra Palace and Seville, City of Carmen
'Give him alms, woman, because there is nothing sadder in life than being blind in Granada', proclaims the inscription on the walls of the Alhambra. Bathed in the morning light, the Alhambra Palace awaits—a fantasy of arabesque gardens, fountains and stone cut like lace. Explore with your Local Expert before visiting the exotic water gardens of the Generalife, the summer residence of the Spanish royals. Take a moment to relax in the sunshine as you enjoy the fine views over the town and its three verdant hills before continuing on to Seville.
Visit the Seville Cathedral, the burial place of Christopher Columbus.
Explore the city with Insight Choice. Choose to embark on a walk through the old Jewish quarter. Alternatively, enjoy a drive with panoramic views.
Included Meals- Breakfast
DAY 4 | Free Time and Flamenco in Seville
This day is yours to completely relax or continue exploring this fascinating city. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to Córdoba and visit the magnificent Mezquita, an 8th century mosque with a Christian cathedral built inside it? Visit the Cristina Heeren Foundation, a beneficiary of a TreadRight Foundation grant, for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. This private dance school is dedicated to promoting the conservation of flamenco and supports young enthusiasts from all over the world with a special focus on new talent from the Andalusian region. Feel the passion behind the choreography as you put your rhythm to the test during a dance lesson before witnessing emotions come to life in a flamenco performance
Included Meals- Breakfast
DAY 5 | Évora and onto Lisbon
Continue to the lively university town of Évora, one of the best preserved towns in Portugal, with architectural styles dating back to Roman Times.
Visit the fascinating Capela dos Ossos, a chapel decorated with 5000 bones, before making your way to Lisbon.
Included Meals -Breakfast
DAY 6 | Lisbon and the Age of the Discoveries
During your stay, a guided orientation of the city with your Local Expert takes you along the avenues of the Lower Town and beneath the hilltop Bairro Alto to the Terreiro do Paco, the finest square in the city.
Visit the Belém Quarter and enjoy a taste of Pastéis de Belém from the patisserie that has been using the same, secret recipe for almost 200 years.
View the Monument to the Discoveries and the historic Belém Tower. This fortress was originally set in the middle of the river, but is now left high and dry on the riverbank. Visit the 500-year-old Jerónimos Church with its beautiful Manueline architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
With the afternoon at your leisure, perhaps join an Optional Experience to the beautiful Portuguese Riviera?
Included Meals- Breakfast
DAY 7 | Holy Fátima and Salamanca
Travel into the green hills north of Lisbon to visit Fátima, the most celebrated place of pilgrimage in Portugal. Visit the chapel commemorating the appearance of the Virgin Mary to three children in 1917. Cross the border, returning to Spain and continue to Salamanca, famous for its golden stone buildings and the handsome arcades of the Plaza Mayor. Across the River Tormes, see the Puente Romano with 15 of its 26 arches dating from the time of the ancient Romans.
Included Meals- Breakfast
DAY 8 | Ávila and Madrid
Cross the rock-strewn hills of the Castile, to arrive at Ávila. Admire the impressive city still entirely enclosed within its 11th-century walls, a unique occurrence in Europe. Return to Madrid to explore more of the capital with your Local Expert. At a local restaurant, join your Travel Director and newfound friends for a lively Celebration Dinner.
Included Meals- Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
DAY 9 | Farewell Madrid
After breakfast, transfers arrive at Madrid airport at 07:00, 09:00 and 11:00.
Included Meals- Breakfast
Dates/Prices
Depart | Return | Price | WAS |
---|---|---|---|
13 Apr 2024 | 21 Apr 2024 | $3,789pp | $4,575pp |
20 Apr 2024 | 28 Apr 2024 | $3,789pp | $4,575pp |
1 June 2024 | 9 June 2024 | $3,789pp | $4,575pp |
8 June 2024 | 16 June 2024 | $3,635pp | $4,395pp |
*Pricing is per person based on 8 June 2024 departure. Pricing is subject to availability and changes. Pricing is inclusive of savings.
* Term and conditions apply – please speak to your Phil Hoffmann Travel Consultant for more information.
Prices subject to change with availability and prevailing exchange rates.
Advertised prices based on per person twin share unless stated otherwise.
Offers may be withdrawn at any time.
If travelling on a PHT Escorted Journey or Hosted Cruise, included home to airport transfer is for the Adelaide metropolitan area to the value of $50 per person only.
Surcharges may apply if outside this radius.
Interstate travellers are welcome to participate in PHT Escorted Journeys or Hosted Cruises, however any noted pre-departure function is held in Adelaide only.
Internal use code: SM-INSIGHT VACTIONS-24MAR