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Spain, Portugal & Morocco
Regional JourneyDelve beneath the surface of these two amazing countries. Sample their signature dishes, share in their culture and marvel at the legacy of their rich sea-faring history.
Take a look at your day-by-day itinerary to find out more.
Your Journey Begins
Board your overnight flight to Europe (please ask about our great deals).
Welcome to Madrid.
Your airport transfer departs Madrid airport for your hotel at 09:00, 11:00, 13:30 or 16:00. The rest of the day is at leisure to begin to get to know this stylish city. During your time in Madrid you will travel along the Gran Vía and through the Puerta del Sol, seeing the Royal Palace and famous Cibeles Fountain. At 18:00, 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.
The old Capital of Toledo and on to Granada.
Venture south to meet a master craftsperson in a Damascene workshop for a personal insight into this ancient craft handed down by the Moors centuries ago. Continue to 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. Walk within the city walls, 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.
The Alhambra Palace and Seville, City of Carmen.
'There is no pain in life so cruel as to be blind in Granada', cries the inscription on the walls of the Alhambra. Bathed in morning light, the Alhambra Palace awaits - a fantasy of arabesque gardens, fountains and stone cut like lace. Explore with your Local Expert and also visit the exotic water gardens of the Generalife, the royal summer residence. Take a moment to relax in the sunshine as you enjoy the fine views over the town and its three verdant hills. Embark on a scenic drive to Seville where a Local Expert will guide you through the maze of narrow lanes and shady squares of the Santa Cruz Quarter. Emerge by the huge walls of the fabulous Alcazar to see La Giralda, the former minaret of the Great Mosque, but now the cathedral bell tower. Enter the immense 15th century cathedral, the final resting place of Christopher Columbus and see his tomb enriched with the spoils of the New World. During a highlight evening enjoy the flavours of Andalucía and share the passion of Spain's most fiery region as you experience a flamenco show.
Free Time in Seville.
(Relaxed Start) This is a free day, so take your time to bask in the city's romantic aura and explore as you wish. You may like to join an Optional Experience to Cordoba and visit the magnificent Mezquita, an 8th century mosque with a Christian cathedral built inside it.
The plains of the Alentejo to Lisbon.
(Relaxed Start) Pass through the oak forests where black Iberian pigs are bred for the famous Spanish hams. Stop in Jabugo for an insight into the history and curing process of Jamón Ibérico. The subtle differences will be revealed with a delicious tasting. Then venture across the wide Alentejo Plateau to Lisbon.
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 from where sailing ships one set forth to discover unknown lands. See the traditional patisserie that has managed to hold on to the secret recipe of Portugal's finest pastry for almost 200 years and enjoy a taste of the famous Pastéis de Belém. View the Monument to the Discoveries and the more ancient 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 Monastery with its beautiful Manueline architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With the afternoon at your leisure, perhaps join an Optional Experience to the beautiful town of Sintra which was the summer residence of the Kings of Portugal?
Holy Fátima and Golden Salamanca.
Travel into the green hills north of Lisbon to visit Fátima, the most celebrated place of pilgrimage in Portugal. Visit the Basilica 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.
Old Castile, to St. Teresa of Ávila and on to Madrid.
Cross the rock-strewn hills of the Castile, to arrive at Ávila. Walk within the ancient city that is still entirely enclosed within 11th century walls, a unique occurrence in Europe. Return to Madrid to explore the old town with your Local Expert. At a local restaurant, join your Travel Director and newfound friends for a a lively Celebration Dinner.
Depart Madrid.
After breakfast, your transfer to Madrid airport arrives at 07:00, 09:00 or 11:00.
Most Insight trips already include a host of bonus highlights and comprehensive sightseeing. There may also be an exciting array of Optional Experiences which will turn an already amazing experience into the trip of a lifetime! These are entirely optional and can be booked through your Travel Director/Local Representative at the commencement of your trip. Please note, many Optional Experiences are operated by independent third party suppliers, not Insight Vacations.
Prices and availability of Optional Experiences are subject to change.
Seville is Spain's most majestic city and an evening out is a must! Tonight we'll enjoy a lovely array of traditional Andalusian specialities, served in a local restaurant with wine, beer & soft drinks included. After a wonderful meal we'll then finish with a magnificent horse & carriage ride through the old town of Seville which is especially magical in the evening.
Adult Price: EUR 66.00
Code: SEV0003
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 with your guide through the forest of horseshoe shaped arches to the Baroque choir stalls of the Cathedral and the richly ornamented Mihrab prayer niche.
Adult Price: EUR 45.00
Code: SEV0002
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.
Adult Price: EUR 19.00
Code: LIS0003
Across the mighty Tagus River await Lisbon's famous seafood 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.
Adult Price: EUR 53.00
Code: LIS0004
Known as ''the soul of the Portuguese identity'', Fado is the emotive folk music for which Lisbon is famous. Take in an unmissable performance of this UNESCO-recognised art form in one of the country's most prestigious Fado houses. To complete the experience, savour a typical Portuguese dinner, with wine included.
Adult Price: EUR 66.00
Code: LIS0002
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 historian 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.
Adult Price: EUR 30.00
Code: MAD0007
Madrid (Traditional) - Spain
Hotel Miguel Angel by BlueBay is centrally located within Madrid's central neighbourhood of Salamanca. Unwind from the hustle and bustle in the hotel's garden or book a treatment at the wellness centre.
LISBON (Contemporary) - PORTUGAL
located in the heart of the historic part of Lisbon, next to the Terreiro do Paco Square.
Salamanca (Traditional) - 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.
Madrid (Contemporary) - Spain
Located on Madrid’s most chic avenue, the Hesperia Madrid is a centrally located, modern hotel offering comfortable and contemporary rooms.
Our guests rate us
11477 independent user reviews received during the past year.
25 January, 2019
12 January, 2019
Trip: We had a great trip! Met great people and learned a lot about the different cities. A dish that was provided by a restaurant lack other seafood , ie. fish, in one of the traditional plate. We had a lot of shrimp for that night!!
Service: Our tour director, driver were very knowledgeable and friendly. Also the local tour guides were very knowledgeable. In addition the hotels needed air conditioning, but due to months of winter they were controlled centrally and was not able to be turned on. Thus, we had to open up the window. One hotel the bathroom specifically was heavily filled with cigarette smell. I had to use my body spray to mask smell of cigarette smoke. Our son went to the restroom initially and he brought it to my attention. Overall we had a great vacation. Learned new things and made new friends.
12 January, 2019
Trip: It really is amazing. The awesome places we visited and times spent were just right for the short duration.
Service: Excellent customer service! The Tour director (Dan Mailhiot) really took care of us and the rest of the group. He’s a very caring and knowledgeable person. Him and the coach driver (Antonio) made a great team. They were very helpful and made us all comfortable and safe during the trip.
11 January, 2019
Trip: Good history that was well presented.
Service: It was well organized. The tour guide knew his material and was consistently helpful in providing background on the various sites. The coach and hotels were of excellent quality. The trip home was aggravating. We had less than two hours to make a connection and missed it resulting in an additional day of travel and some minor added expenses. Less than two hours for a transfer in international situations and large airports is not enough. We also had to wait over four hours for our first flight. We felt like we were living at the airport.
11 January, 2019
Trip: We chose this tour as it was packed into a tight timeframe that suited our needs and it delivered.
Service: Our Insight Tour was outstanding. We paid for a top tour and the tour delivered to our expectations. The key to making the tour is the tour director and in Dan Mailhoit we had a superb tour director. Dan was a pure professional who ensured everything ran smoothly and your personal needs were looked after. We are alteady planning our next Insight tour.
11 January, 2019
Trip: Just too Good, Couldn't be any better !!!
Service: Excellent in every aspect.....Was such an Amazing experience that we can't wait for the NEXT Vacation with InSight.....!!!
11 January, 2019
Trip: I thought some of the optional excursions did not live up to the descriptions. Aside from that the itinerary was good.
Service: I enjoyed visiting La Alhambra in Granada, La Mezquita in Cordoba and Lisbon Portugal. I have never seen such unique architecture. Portugal was warm and filled with seaside sights.
30 December, 2018
Trip: Very enjoyable and informative
Service: Very professional courteous and knowledgeable and very comfortable coaches and Dominic Nemer was exceptional
17 December, 2018
Trip: JUST EXCELLENTGREAT ITINERARY PUT TOGETHER
Service: WONDERFULL EXPERIANCE,THE TRAVEL DIRECTOR HAD A COMPLETE KNOWLEDGE OF ALL THE PLACES VISITED.GREAT HOTELS,JUST A WONDERFULL TRIP.
16 December, 2018
Trip: It was great, but think we need more down time, or time to explore without the group. The tour leader was fantastic!
Service: quick, easy, polite
16 December, 2018
Trip: A wonderful to get a good first impression of Spain and Portugal
Service: Our Tour Director, Mr Dominic Nemer, made all the difference! His inimitable energy, excellent customer relations skills, and fastidiousness made the 9 day program fly by all too quickly! We had an excellent driver as well, Mr Fernando, whose skill, safety-consciousness, and sunny disposition completed the Insight Vacations team for this wonderful excursion. Having a solid team makes up for any mishaps that are a necessary part of any program.
16 December, 2018
Trip: Would like a bit more of Portugal
Service: On time, good hotels, comfortable coach, Amazing cruise director Dominic and wonderful driver, Fernando
Our Travel Directors know your destination, its culture and history inside out.
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Trip: The destinations were all interesting and great places to visit.
Service: The trip was well organised. We went to some great places. Our travel director Daniel Mailhout was fantastic. So knowledgeable about everything. Organised every detail. our driver Antonio was a great driver.