Best of Spain and Portugal vs. Italian Elegance – Pick Your Perfect Tour

Spain, Portugal and Italy: the power trio of Europe’s holiday destinations, and ever-popular with our guests thanks to our Best of Spain and Portugal and Italian Elegance tours. But how do you choose between the citrus-lined streets of Seville, the sunshine yellow houses in Lisbon or the ancient cobblestones of Rome?

Discover the difference between two of our most popular trips to find out which one will suit you best – we’ve covered the basics like price, key stops and tour length, as well as deeper features such as sites you’ll explore, who you’ll meet, and where you’ll dine for the more detail-oriented travelers. Wherever you choose, you’ll see each destination in premium style with Insight Vacations thanks to Local Experts, 4- and 5-star hotels, and top-rated restaurants.

Before you continue reading: Both of these tours are currently available in our incredible Buy One Get One 50% Off Black Friday Sale offer. Discover more here.

Tour length

Best of Spain and Portugal 

• 15 days 

• 17 cities 

• 3 countries (Spain, Portugal, Gibraltar) 

Italian Elegance 

• 12 days 

• 12 cities 

• 2 countries (Italy & Vatican City) 

Colosseum, Rome 

Daily distance

Both tours are ‘Balanced’, which means each day will typically feature up to 1.6-4.8 km of walking. This might involve some uneven surfaces, such as cobblestones and stairs – but that’s just part of the charm of beautiful, historic Europe.  

Tour style 

Best of Spain and Portugal 

This tour is one of our ‘Regional’ trips, which gives you the chance to home in on one region in depth. This way of travel means you really get to know its culture, traditions and people, seeing all the major sights along the way. With a diverse range of experiences available, you’ll be immersed in each destination and get to know its true character behind the postcards.  

Italian Elegance 

This is one of our ‘Country Roads’ trips, taking you off the beaten track to explore your destination from the perspective of a local. Hidden retreats and unexpected adventures are on the lineup, and you’ll eat like a local with the chance to enjoy farm-to-table dining. 

Key stops 

Best of Spain and Portugal 

• Barcelona 

• Porto 

• Lisbon 

• Seville 

• Valencia 

• Prado Museum, Madrid 

Italian Elegance 

• Rome 

• Florence 

• Pisa 

• Cinque Terre 

• Venice 

• Vatican Museums 

Valencia, Spain

Price 

Best of Spain and Portugal 

From £3,850 (Reserve with a deposit starting from £100) 

Italian Elegance 

From £3,975 (Reserve with a deposit starting from £100) 

A closer look at the itineraries 

Best of Spain and Portugal

As well as city tours in Madrid, Porto, Lisbon, Granada and Barcelona, there are plenty of unforgettable experiences on your journey across Spain and Portugal, from 18th century hotels to flamenco shows and world-famous museums. 

NH Collection Porto Batalha

Where you’ll stay:

NH Collection Porto Batalha 

One of our more traditional hotels, in Porto you’ll stay in a 300-year-old palace that once hosted 18th century balls for local dignitaries. Now it’s been converted into a comfortable, modern hotel, keeping its original spirit alive with some of the palaces original stonework. Relax in your tastefully decorated room with retro-inspired, contemporary furnishings. 

What you’ll see:

Flamenco at the Cristina Heeren Foundation, Seville 

Your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience takes you to the Cristina Heeren Foundation, a flamenco dance school with a mission to promote the teaching and conservation of flamenco. The school enables students access to cultural education that otherwise may not have occurred – you’ll meet students of the foundation, learn some basic flamenco steps, and then feel the passion as they perform an emotional show. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 4 and 11: Quality Education & Sustainable Cities and Communities. 

Seville Cathedral  

Discover the majesty of Seville Cathedral (officially called Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See) with a Local Expert. The world’s largest Gothic cathedral, it was built between 1434 and 1517 and then registered in 1987 by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Your Local Expert will take you past the altarpiece dripping with gold to see the Tomb of Columbus, held aloft by four kings. 

Seville Cathedral

Alhambra Palace 

One of Spain’s most visited monuments, luckily you won’t be waiting in line when you go to visit Alhambra Palace – instead, head straight in with your Local Expert to uncover more about the last Moorish stronghold in the country. They’ll give you fascinating insights into its Moorish architecture, Islamic gardens and fortified towers. 

Lisbon’s National Coach Museum 

Leave your premium coach to discover the National Coach Museum of Lisbon. From one coach to another, you’ll explore one of the world’s finest collections of traditional horse-drawn carriages. Learn how these vehicles were used by kings, queens and nobility not just as modes of transport, but as symbols of power – and artistry. Each carriage has a unique story to tell, offering a glimpse into a bygone era of elegance and grandeur. 

Who you’ll meet: 

An Art Historian at the Prado Museum 

Madrid’s Prado Museum hold the world’s finest collection of Spanish paintings, with over 2,300 pieces of art including paintings, sculptures, prints and drawings. Where to begin? Luckily you’ll have an art historian to take you through its halls, delving into the history behind works from Spanish masters like Velázquez, Goya and El Greco. 

Prado Museum

A Local Chef for a Paella Demonstration  

Meet a local chef in Valencia to learn the authentic recipe of paella – how the Spaniards do it. Make notes during your cooking demonstration and work up an appetite, as you’ll then be treated to this wonderful classic dish for dinner. Washed down with a glass of authentic sangria, of course. 

A Local Family in Andalucia 

A local family will welcome you into their home for your Dine-at-Home experience in Almazara, a lunch in the oldest olive grove in the region where you’ll enjoy fresh produce and lively conversation. On the way, you’ll stop at a rural mill-factory to taste a selection of different oils paired with locally-made farmer bread.

Where you’ll dine: 

Cava Vineyard Tasting & Lunch 

Learn all about Spain’s delicious bubbly with a wine expert when you visit Cava Dorada in Sant Sadurní d’Anoia, the center of cava wine production. A tasting at the vineyards is followed by a delicious lunch, where you’ll discover the secrets of Spanish sparkling wine, and why it’s a worthy rival to its Italian counterpart. 

Porto Wine Tasting 

No trip to Porto would be complete without sampling its homegrown fortified wine. Descend into the city’s historic wine cellars for an insightful tour, followed by a tasting of world-renowned Port wines.  

Pastéis de Belém in Lisbon 

Discover why the hype round Lisbon’s pastel de nata – originally known as Pastéis de Belém – is very much deserved. You’ll tuck into this sweet, creamy custard tart at a 19th century bakery, which uses its own original secret recipe. 

Italian Elegance 

You’ll see the sights of Italian cities including Rome, Florence and Pisa plus smaller towns like Baveno and Cortina, there are also Insightful experiences, memorable hotels and delicious local dinners to dig into. 

Villasanpaolo Hotel, Tuscany

Where you’ll stay:

Villasanpaolo, San Gimignano, Italy  

Relax in the tranquility of the Tuscan countryside at Villasanpaolo Spa Hotel, a 19th century villa set among centuries-old Italian olive groves. With heated outdoor pools you’ll be able to enjoy its facilities year-round, and get the most out of this historic hotel. 

What you’ll see: 

Venice Artisan Glassblowing Demonstration 

This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience enlightens you in the ancient art of glassblowing, now practised by precious few masters. Among Venice’s waterways, you’ll watch up close as these artisans create works of art, leaning about this traditional craft which dates back to the 15th century. This workshop directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. 

Vatican Visit with Fast-Track Entry 

The Vatican is yours to explore as you skip the lines with fast-track entry, giving you more time to appreciate its art, architecture and history. A Local Expert will take you through the papal art in the Vatican Museums, to the Sistine Chapel to lay eyes on the artistry of Michelangelo, and the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica.  

Florence Accademia Museum Visit 

Known as Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze, this museum is one of the most popular attractions in Florence – not least because it holds Michelangelo’s monumental statue, ‘David’. You’ll be able to stand next to this famous work of art and admire his masterpiece up close, as well as lay eyes on works from other artists like Da Vinci and Botticelli. 

Venice Gondola Ride 

There’s no better way to see Venice than by boat, so of course there’s time for an iconic gondola ride on your trip. Glide through the Floating City’s canals as you pass underneath historic bridges and past regal palaces. You’ll understand why this romantic city inspired creatives like Titian and Shakespeare, while your skilled gondolier navigates the waterways with ease. 

Who you’ll meet: 

Cinque Terre Visit 

Your Local Expert will take you deep into the history a Cinque Terre, a unique UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll explore two of its harming fishing villages tucked away on the mountainous Italian Riviera coastline, known for their colorful cliffside houses and fresh seafood.  

Monterosso, Cinque Terre

Where you’ll dine: 

Veneto Prosecco Tasting 

Prosecco is specific to the Veneto region in northern Italy, and you’ll taste the delights of Italian fizz at a local winery. You’ll even meet the vignerons (winegrowers) with the chance to ask any questions. We’re sure you’ll understand how this delicious wine is a worthy challenger to its well-known counterpart in France. 

Monterosso Sea-to-Table Lunch 

One of the five villages in Cinque Terre, Monterosso al Mare is a beautiful hillside town where lemons, vines and olives grow in abundance. You’ll arrive by boat, and enjoy the fruits of the region in a freshly prepared Sea-To-Table lunch. Learn about the region’s historic fishing communities, and savor the day’s local catch.   

San Gimignano Gelato Tasting 

There’s ice cream, and then there’s gelato – and when in Italy, you’ve got to have gelato. In the hilltop Tuscan town of San Gimignano, you’ll ascend serpentine alleyways to find the finest frozen treats, served by world champion gelato maestro, Sergio Dondoli.