13-Day 3 Countries Iberian Explorer Tour from Barcelona: Valencia, Granada, Costa Del Sol, Seville, Lisbon and Madrid

What you'll experience

Highlights

13 days

Day-by-day itinerary

1. 1

   Day 1 — Barcelona

   Bienvenido a España! The golden shores of Barcelona kickstart your exhilarating visit to Spain and Portugal. Check in to your hotel, then take some time to recharge siesta-style before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travelers this evening for a glimpse of what lies ahead. There's boundless energy to Barcelona and you'll want to soak it all up on your first evening in the capital of Catalonia.

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: ibis Styles Barcelona Sant Joan Despi
2. 2

   Day 2 — Barcelona

   Gear up for an exciting morning of sightseeing in Barcelona, joining your Local Specialist who knows all the best spots in town. Capture the sights and sounds of Las Ramblas, Passeig de Gràcia and façade of the ornate La Sagrada Família as you tour the city. Spend the rest of your day exploring on your own. Head to the Gothic Quarter or seek out the fanciful façades of Spanish Art Nouveau architect Antoni Gaudí, whose plentiful works of art and architecture lend a fairy-tale feel to Barcelona's skyline. Consider joining a Choice Experience to Montserrat with its hidden monastery, home to the revered La Moreneta, and later opt into a scenic drive of Montjuïc, host to the 1992 summer Olympics, before indulging in a delightful Catalonian feast with drinks.

   

   Passeig de Gracia

   

   La Sagrada Familia

   

   Barcelona Gothic Quarter

   

   Montserrat

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: ibis Styles Barcelona Sant Joan Despi
3. 3

   Day 3 — Barcelona - Peñíscola- Valencia

   Today we'll skirt along the Costa Dorada, a gleaming strip of the Mediterranean coastline, traveling past expansive orange groves to Peñíscola. You'll see its imposing 13th-century Templar Castle, famed as the dramatic backdrop for the Hollywood classic El Cid. Then continue to Valencia, catching a glimpse of the iconic highlights of this bustling modern metropolis on your orientation tour with your Travel Director. View the Art Nouveau, Train Station Estación del Norte, the Towers of Serrano and Quart. Next, leave the present behind and admire the futuristic 'City of Arts and Sciences', a cultural complex built into the Turia riverbed.

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: NH Valencia Las Ciencias
4. 4

   Day 4 — Valencia - Guadix - Granada

   Today we journey to the foothills of the Sierra Nevada and pass by a hidden underground world of cave houses. You'll have the chance to capture this curiosity on camera, then continue your scenic travels to Granada, the last stronghold of the Moors in Spain.

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Hotel Maciá Condor Granada
5. 5

   Day 5 — Granada - Costa del Sol

   Embrace the laid-back spirit of your Spanish hosts and enjoy a slow start to the day on your Mediterranean tour. Spend your free morning exploring Granada and its Moorish influences on your own. There's even time for a quick tea break at a traditional tetería or you may choose to join an Optional Experience to the Albaicín Quarter, one of the oldest centers of Islamic culture in the city. Later, we head to the golden beaches of the Costa del Sol. Set your watch to siesta time or don your sandals and sunglasses for a leisurely stroll to soak up the fresh sea air.

   

   Albaicin Quarter

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Sol Principe Hotel, Torremolinos
6. 6

   Day 6 — Costa del Sol - Gibraltar - Seville

   Explore a slice of Britain when you cross the border into Gibraltar, the much-contested gateway to the Mediterranean Sea. Maybe join a Choice Experience to get up close to the Barbary apes and visit the cave of St. Michael at the Rock of Gibraltar, the Roman and Greeks' former pillar of the "known world". Next, we return to Spain, traveling north through the Andalusian countryside to sizzling Seville.

   

   Gibraltar

   

   St. Michael's Cave

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Hotel M.A. Sevilla Congresos Seville
7. 7

   Day 7 — Seville

   A Local Guide is on hand today to reveal Seville's special allure and, standing amidst the pavilions and fountains of Maria Luisa Park, you'll hear all about the elaborate Ibero-American Exposition of 1929 which put this sleepy Spanish city on the global map. See the world's largest Gothic Cathedral and its Giralda Bell Tower, then consider joining a Choice Experience to the Alcázar, built by a Christian king who loved Mudéjar architecture. This lavish palace complex has witnessed key moments in Spanish history and welcomed great Spanish kings and queens over the centuries. Tonight, you might consider a Choice Experience to see the whirling skirts and fiery passion of a flamenco show. This foot-tapping extravaganza is not to be missed.

   

   Alcazar of Seville

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Hotel M.A. Sevilla Congresos Seville
8. 8

   Day 8 — Seville - Lisbon

   The highlights of your Spain and Portugal value tour just keep on rolling and for now it's adiós Sevilla and a warm olá to Portugal, as we journey through the golden and green plains of the Alentejo to Lisbon. Pastel and azulejo-clad façades line the Portuguese capital's narrow streets which ramble across and over its seven hills from St. George Castle to the Tagus River. You'll be drawn to the city's vibrant nightlife in the Bairro Alto and beyond, so head out with new friends for a night on the town or join your Travel Director for a poignant Choice Experience including a traditional meal accompanied by the authentic sounds of Fado.

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Ramada by Wyndham Lisbon
9. 9

   Day 9 — Lisbon

   Visit the banks of the Tagus River this morning, joining a Local Specialist for a guided sightseeing tour that will take you past the iconic Hieronymite Monastery and Belém Tower, built in the 16th century to defend the city. Later, you'll want to hop on one of the signature trams to explore the city's hilly bairros or find a corner café to sample some of the local pastries - pasteis de nata anyone? You could choose to leave the city limits behind this afternoon and visit the beach playgrounds of Estoril and Cascais, as well as Sintra, on a Choice Experience of the iconic Golden Triangle - the choice is yours.

   

   Belem Tower

   

   Tagus River Bridge

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Ramada by Wyndham Lisbon
10. 10

    Day 10 — Lisbon - Fátima - Salamanca

    Rub shoulders with visiting travelers who have made the journey to the Catholic pilgrimage center of Fátima. It was here in 1917 that the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to three shepherd children. Today this humble village has been transformed into a place celebrating a religious miracle. There's time to explore the Basilica and Sanctuary before venturing east and crossing the Spanish border bound for Salamanca where your Travel Director will take you to one of Spain's most beautiful plazas - Plaza Mayor with its golden baroque facades. Spend the evening your way amidst the historic monuments and honey-hued façades for which this ancient university town is famous.

    

    Salamanca Plaza Mayor

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Hotel Bardo Recoletos Coco Salamanca
11. 11

    Day 11 — Salamanca - Madrid

    We leave Salamanca behind, with Madrid firmly in our sights. Our scenic drive takes us through the Sierra de Guadarrama Mountains before arriving in the Spanish capital. With a Local Specialist at your side, you'll embark on a sightseeing tour to view the Cibeles Fountain, Gran Vía and Paseo de la Castellana. Admire views of the Royal Palace and El Retiro Park, originally created as a retreat for the Royal Family. The evening is yours to discover why the Madrileños adore their nightlife, so resist the urge to set an early curfew and perhaps join an optional dinner and discovery in downtown Madrid.

    

    Cibeles Fountain

    

    Gran Via

    

    Royal Palace of Madrid

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Luze Castellana
12. 12

    Day 12 — Madrid

    There's every excuse to rise with the Madrileños and enjoy a leisurely start to your morning. You'll have a full free day to explore the city your way and discover the legacy of 'Madrid's Best Mayor', who helps the city become one of the most gracious capitals across Europe. King Charles III's desire to 'beautify' Madrid can be seen around every turn. Alternatively, you could take an opportunity to join a Choice Experience to the medieval city of Toledo, the country's famous sword-making center. 

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Luze Castellana
13. 13

    Day 13 — Madrid

    Keep that Spanish gusto in your step as you prepare to close the curtain on your epic Mediterranean journey through Spain and Portugal. It's time to say a final hasta la vista to your fellow travelers and your Travel Director. 

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: Excluded

What's included

Cancellation policy

Important info

Special notes

• Travel insurance:
  - We highly recommend guests purchase travel insurance prior to your trip.
  - Your insurance should cover trip interruption, personal injury, medical expenses, and evacuation and repatriation cover including during pandemic events.
• Luggage:
  - Travelling with the local operator entitles each guest to travel with one suitcase not exceeding 23kg (50lbs) in weight, with the dimensions of 76cm x 46cm x 25cm (30” x 18” x 10”). Carry-on/hand luggage is restricted to one piece per person, not exceeding 12”x11”x6” (30x28x14 cm) to fit under your coach seat or in the small overhead compartment.
  - We strongly recommend that you test the weight of your baggage prior to travel. You should be able to lift and comfortably transport it for short distances.
  - Baggage allowances vary from airline to airline and you should check with your chosen carrier for details prior to travel.
• Border crossings and visa requirements:
  - Each guest must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of their trip and that they have acquired all necessary visas and permits. Multiple-entry visas may be required if you are entering a country more than once on your holiday.
  - Guests are advised that only the countries you plan to visit can provide up-to-date information about their specific visa requirements. Guests should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the countries they plan to visit well in advance of travel. Please check your itinerary carefully. Remember that requirements vary based on a passport's place of issue and that the process can take time.
  - Check that multi-entry visas have the correct entry dates and destinations before you travel. Please be aware that with some itineraries, you may travel through a country without making an overnight stop. If this happens on your itinerary, you will still need a visa to enter/exit the country.
  - Please ensure that you carry proper identification with you at all times, as border crossings will need to see your entry documents and passports. Usually crossing borders is a very straightforward process that is managed by your Travel Director. However, be advised that you may be required to open your luggage and answer simple questions about the length of your stay, purpose of travel, etc.
• Transfers: Both complimentary and chargeable transfers are not offered through the local operator. Guests should make their own way from/to the airport at their own expense.
• To give ample time for check-in and security, we recommend arriving at the airport 3 hours prior to your flight departure.

Pricing notes (children, single supplement)

* Price for Single Occupancy applies when one person stays in one standard hotel room.
* Price for Double/Triple Occupancy applies when two/three people stay in one standard hotel room respectively.
* Maximum room capacity: 3 people including adult and child.
* Triple room bookings are available, suitable for 2 adults and 1 child. When booking your trip, we define a child as somebody aged 17 or under. A triple room is not recommended for 3 adults, as the third bed is often a rollaway, which may not be comfortable for an adult. 
* If you're on a trip as a family of 5 (2 adults and 3 children), then you would require 1 triple room (for 1 adult and 2 children), and 1 double room (1 adult and 1 child).
* Child: 5-17, child under the age of 5 is not allowed.

Travel tips

Tour operator