The Best of Spain & Portugal
The Best of Spain & Portugal
The Best of Spain & Portugal
13 Days Starting and ending in Madrid, Spain
Visiting: Madrid, Toledo, Granada, Córdoba, Seville, Evora, Lisbon, Fátima, Coimbra, Porto, Salamanca, Ávila, Segovia
Tour operator:
Tour code:
6820-2024
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 43
Physical rating:
Low
Age range:
5-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Activities:
From:
$2380
$2142 (USD)
Operator discount: -$238
Tour Overview
Spain and Portugal—two countries with rich histories and distinct cultures. Your affordable tour of Spain and Portugal reveals their fascinating highlights. In Spain, you’ll overnight in Madrid, Granada, Cordoba, Seville, and Salamanca. In Portugal, you’ll stay in Lisbon and Porto. Tour highlights include a guided visit to Toledo, a treasure chest of art and historical architecture. In Granada, enjoy an included visit to the fascinating Alhambra complex*, built in the 13th century by Moorish kings. In Avila—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and fascinating walled city founded in the 11th century, you’ll visit St. Theresa's Convent, the birthplace of St. Teresa. Admire the Moorish architecture in the historical city centres of Cordoba and Seville, both gems of Andalusia, and get to know Madrid, the elegant capital city of Spain, built on a plateau in the heart of the country. In Portugal, visit Lisbon with a Local Guide and see the Belem Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built to commemorate the expedition of Vasco de Gama, and Porto's cathedral, built on a panoramic terrace overlooking the port wine cellars on the banks of the Douro River. Enjoy guided sightseeing in the cities of Toledo, Granada, Seville, Madrid, Cordoba, Lisbon, and Porto. Our Local Guides - experts in the cities' histories and cultures - will highlight the unique sights and tell you about local culture and history. All of this and more—including an olive oil farm visit with tastings—await you on this fabulous and affordable Spain and Portugal tour designed for value-minded travel lovers.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive In Madrid,Spain
Location: Madrid
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Praga
Meals Included: Dinner
Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is for you to relax or start exploring Madrid, taking advantage of the CosmosGO app. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and travel companions.
Day 2 : Madrid,Toledo,Granada
Location: Madrid, Toledo, Granada
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Gran Hotel Luna De Granada
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Drive south to Toledo. Spectacularly situated on a granite hill surrounded by a loop of the Tagus River, the ancient Castilian capital is a treasure-chest of masterpieces. Visit the walled Old Town with a Local Guide and marvel at the 12th-century Church of St. Tomé, known for its large painting by El Greco of The Burial of the Count of Orgaz. Later, cross the Guadalquivir River and head for the olive and orange groves that dot the rolling Andalusian hills. Overnight in history-steeped Granada at the foot of the Sierra Nevada. Today’s Distance: 298 mi/ 480 km
Day 3 : Granada,Cordoba
Location: Granada, Córdoba
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: NH Cordoba Califa
Meals Included: Breakfast
Granada was the Moors’ most treasured city, and they still mourn its loss in their prayers. With a Local Guide, visit the Alhambra Complex*, built by Moorish kings. On the way to Cordoba, enjoy more idyllic scenery as we reach an olive farm, to learn about olives and enjoy a local olive oil tasting. Today’s Distance: 143 mi/ 230 km NOTE:*Alhambra complex: Entrance to Nasrid Palace is not guaranteed.
Day 4 : Cordoba,Seville
Location: Córdoba, Seville
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Don Paco
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
With a Local Guide visit the magnificent Mezquita, famous for its 850 pillars of porphyry, marble, and jasper. The Mosque-Cathedral (UNESCO World Heritage site since 1984), is arguably the most significant monument in the western Muslim world and an amazing building in its own right. The complete evolution of the Omeyan style in Spain can be seen in different sections, alongside the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles of the Christian part. On to vibrant, festive Seville. Today’s Distance: 93 mi/ 150 km
Day 5 : Seville
Location: Seville
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Don Paco
Meals Included: Breakfast
Get to know Seville on the included city tour. The capital of Andalusia, vibrant Seville has much to offer: the cathedral, the beautiful La Giralda minaret tower, a symbol of Seville; and the Real Alcázar palace, with its extravagant Moorish architecture and opulent gardens. Fun fact: the Palace of the Kingdom of Naboo, from Star Wars, and the Palace of the Kingdom of Dorne, from Game of Thrones, were filmed in Plaza de España and the Royal Alcazar of Seville.
Day 6 : Seville-Evora,Portugal,Lisbon
Location: Seville, Evora, Lisbon
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Roma
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy the scenery of the Sierra de Aracena before crossing into Portugal and the fertile plains of the Alentejo. Admire the forest of cork trees and make a stop to visit Evora, a delightfully attractive city. Among the highlights are the architecture of the white houses, the tiles and the balconies. The city, designated UNESCO World Heritage site, inspired the style in which some Brazilian cities, such as Salvador de Bahia, were built. Continue to Lisbon. Today’s Distance: 267 mi/ 430 km
Day 7 : Lisbon
Location: Lisbon
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Roma
Meals Included: Breakfast
Henry the Navigator made Lisbon the 15th-century “Mistress of the Seas.” You’ll see his monument, the Belem Tower, the Moorish Citadel, the impressive Black Horse Square, and other highlights on the guided sightseeing tour. Spend the afternoon at leisure in the Alfama’s tile-decorated streets or take an optional excursion to the scenic Portuguese Riviera.
Day 8 : Lisbon-Fátima-Coimbra-Porto
Location: Lisbon, Fátima, Coimbra, Porto
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Portus Cale
Meals Included: Breakfast
Stop in Fátima to visit its world-famous Sanctuary, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Continue to Coimbra, known for its university, one of the oldest in Europe, and to Porto on the northern bank of the Douro River. For the perfect way to round out your day, why not join an optional Douro River cruise and dinner? Today’s Distance: 224 mi/ 360 km
Day 9 : Porto
Location: Porto
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Portus Cale
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Discover Porto’s highlights on the guided city tour. See its historical cathedral and visit a Port wine cellar along the banks of the Douro River. This afternoon, consider an optional excursion to Guimarães, called the “cradle” of Portugal and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tonight, enjoy an included dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 10 : Porto,Salamanca,Spain
Location: Porto, Salamanca
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Sercotel Artheus Carmelitas Salamanca
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy the plentiful woodlands and mountains on your return to Spain via the scenic Douro Valley. Reach the ancient and beautiful university town of Salamanca in the early evening, the best time to take a stroll in the Plaza Mayor. Today’s Distance: 267 mi/ 430 km
Day 11 : Salamanca,Ávila,Segovia,Madrid
Location: Salamanca, Ávila, Segovia, Madrid
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Praga
Meals Included: Breakfast
Journey to fortified Ávila with its many towers and visit St. Theresa’s Convent before continuing to Segovia, a medieval town picturesquely set on a rocky hill. Some say that the beautiful castle inspired Disney’s “Cinderella.” Spend some time in Segovia before crossing the boundary between new and old Castile to arrive in Madrid. Today’s Distance: 168 mi/ 270 km
Day 12 : Madrid
Location: Madrid
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Praga
Meals Included: Breakfast
Built 2180 feet above sea level, Madrid, capital of Spain, is the nearest thing to Heaven, according to Spaniards. Discover the main highlights of this aristocratic city on the included guided tour.
Day 13 : Madrid
Location: Madrid
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
What's Included
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Meals
As detailed in the itinerary
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Fully Guided
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Transport
Private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi
What's Not Included
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Airport Transfers at Destination
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Insurance
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International Travel
UNESCO Sites
Alhambra and Generalife Granada|Belem Tower in Lisbon|Cathedral in Seville|Historic Centre of Cordoba|Historic centre of Evora|Historic Centre of Porto|Historic City of Toledo|Old City of Salamanca|Old Town of Avila with its Extra muros Churches|Old Town of Segovia and its Aqueduct|Paseo del Prado and Buen Retiro, a landscape of Arts and Sciences
Meals
Buffet breakfasts daily; 4 dinners, including a dinner at a local restaurant in Porto
Notes
*Entrance to the Nasrid Palace is not guaranteed
Accommodation
Praga
The Hotel Praga, situated in Madrid was the first hotel of the Santos Hotels chain. It has a total of 420 rooms and is equipped with the best facilities to make your stay unforgettable.
Gran Hotel Luna de Granada
This Contemporary 367-room hotel features a soaring atrium lobby with a fountain and palm trees and offers extensive leisure facilities including an indoor and an outdoor seasonal swimming pool,a spa, paddle tennis courts and sundeck. The restaurant serves traditional Granadan and Andalusian cuisine with modern influences and there is a stylish cafeteria and bar.
Exe Las Adelfas
This Hotel is an authentic oasis. located in the residential district of Brillante, just 5 minutes drive from Cordoba city center. The property offers a paradisiacal environment in an upscale area with shady gardens, palm trees, seasonal outdoor swimming pool and fully equipped lounges and rooms. Cordoba's old town with its wide rage of cafés and traditional tapas bars is easily reachable. The Exe Las Adelfas restaurant serves a daily buffet breakfast and dinner. The rooms are bright and air conditioned, and all feature satellite TV and a minibar.
Don Paco
Hotel Don Paco 200 rooms, is set in central Seville, 10 minutes' walk from the cathedral and Giralda Tower. It features a rooftop swimming pool and sun terrace with excellent city views. Convenient Hotel located 1/2 km from train station & 12 km from San Pablo Airport.
Roma
Located on one of Lisbon's main avenues, Avenida de Roma, which is an important residential and shopping area, Hotel Roma provides a range of exclusive, high-quality services that are unique in a unit of this category.
Portus Cale
Located on Avenida da Boavista, just a 5-minute walk away from the famous Casa da Música, and very close to the Serralves Museum. This modern hotel has 73 spacious air-conditioned rooms which feature large windows, wooden flooring, coffee-tea making facilities and in-room safety deposit box. The chic lobby lounge area offers cozy seating with a bar and there is also a contemporary style breakfast room where a buffet breakfast is served daily. The property is conveniently situated with several means of public transport nearby and has Free Wi-Fi internet access throughout.
Sercotel Artheus Carmelitas Salamanca
The Artheus Carmelitas Salamanca Hotel is excellently located in the city centre, within four minutes walking distance to Plaza Mayor and the main monuments of Salamanca. In an elegant and distinguished atmosphere, the hotel offers its guests a wide range of high quality services with different options, adapted to the needs of each client, and that will make your stay a unique experience.
Check out our Q&As
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Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?
Yes
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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What is the maximum group size?
Usually max 43 people
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes, 5 years or above
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1961
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.
Reviews of this Operator
Dates & Availability
Tuesday - Sunday
May 14, 2024 - May 26, 2024Tuesday - Sunday
May 28, 2024 - Jun 09, 2024Tuesday - Sunday
Jun 25, 2024 - Jul 07, 2024Tuesday - Sunday
Sep 03, 2024 - Sep 15, 2024Tuesday - Sunday
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Sep 30, 2025 - Oct 12, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Oct 14, 2025 - Oct 26, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cosmos charges.
Up to 65 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 64 days before tour starts: Forfeit 20% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.