Amazing Spain and Portugal (Winter 2018-19)

Delve 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.

1. Day 1

   Your Journey Begins

   Board your overnight flight to Europe (please ask about our great deals).

2. Day 2

   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.

   Hotel: Hotel Miguel Angel by BlueBay, Madrid.

   Meals: Dinner with Wine

3. Day 3

   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.

   Hotel: Vincci Albayzín, Granada.

   Meals: Buffet Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

4. Day 4

   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.

   Hotel: Ayre Hotel Sevilla (Executive Rooms), Seville.

   Meals: Buffet Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

5. Day 5 - Relaxed Start

   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.

   Hotel: Ayre Hotel Sevilla (Executive Rooms), Seville.

   Meals: Buffet Breakfast

6. Day 6 - Relaxed Start

   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.

   Hotel: Turim Saldanha Hotel Lisbon.

   Meals: Buffet Breakfast

7. Day 7 - Relaxed Start

   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?

   Hotel: Turim Saldanha Hotel Lisbon.

   Meals: Buffet Breakfast

8. Day 8

   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.

   Hotel: Hotel Alameda Palace, Salamanca.

   Meals: Buffet Breakfast

9. Day 9

   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.

   Hotel: Hesperia Madrid.

   Meals: Buffet Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

10. Day 10

    Depart Madrid.

    After breakfast, your transfer to Madrid airport arrives at 07:00, 09:00 or 11:00.

    Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Highlights

 

INSIGHT EXPERIENCES

• Toledo: At a Damascene workshop, meet a master craftsman for a personal insight into this ancient craft.
• Toledo: Explore this magnificent ancient city with your Local Expert and visit the Church of Santo Tomé to see an El Greco's masterpiece.
• Granada: Join a Local Expert at the Alhambra Palace, the ultimate in Moorish architecture, an arabesque fantasy in stone, complemented by the glorious Generalife gardens.

TOP RATED HIGHLIGHTS

• Madrid: Travel along the Paseo de la Castellana and see the Cibeles Fountain, down the Gran Vía to see the Royal Palace and the monument to Cervantes in the Plaza de España, before crossing the Puerta del Sol.
• Seville: Your Local Expert guides you through the streets of the Santa Cruz Quarter to the Alcazar. See the Giralda Tower and step inside the cathedral, passing the altarpiece dripping with gold to the Tomb of Columbus, held aloft by four kings.
• Lisbon: Explore with your Local Expert, from the Lower Town, beneath the hilltop Bairro Alto to the Terreiro do Paco. Visit the Belem Quarter to see the Monument to the Discoveries and the ancient Belém Tower.
• Lisbon: Visit Jerónimos Monastery with its beautiful Manueline architecture, reflecting Portugal’s trade over the centuries and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Fátima: Join the faithful at one of the world’s holiest sites and pay homage at the Chapel of the Apparitions.
• Salamanca: See the golden stone buildings and handsome arcades of Plaza Mayor for which this city is famous for.
• Ávila: Walk within the ancient walls of this unique town.
• Madrid: Explore the old town with your Local Expert.
• Scenic Drives: Relax and enjoy the views as you travel along the River Tagus, through the regions of La Mancha and Andalucía, past the River Tormes and through the Castile region.

AUTHENTIC DINING

• Seville: Get ready for colourful dancers and the rhythmic stomp of flamenco as you experience a fiery evening of Spanish dance and cuisine.
• Jabugo: In a small village dotted with chestnut trees and holm oaks, experience the lingering aroma and incomparable taste of pure Jamón Ibérico.
• Lisbon: Delight in a taste of the famous Portuguese delicacy, Pastéis de Belém.
• Madrid: Toast the culmination of your journey with a fabulous Celebration Dinner with wine, at a local restaurant.
• Included Quality Dining: 8 Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 4 Dinners with Wine (DW) all with tea or coffee. Departures travelling over Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve will enjoy a Festive Highlight Dinner which will replace an included meal.

INCLUDED INSIGHT SERVICES

• Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
• Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxury, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.
• Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
• We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
• Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
• Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
• From time to time, your Travel Director will enchant you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
• If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.

Optional experiences

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.

Dinner in Seville With a Horse and Carriage Ride

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. As well as a wonderful meal, we'll experience 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

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 with your local expert 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

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.

Adult Price: EUR 19.00

Code: LIS0003

Seafood Dinner by the Tagus River

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

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 wine included.

Adult Price: EUR 66.00

Code: LIS0002

Excursion to the Royal Portuguese Riviera

Like the Kings of Portugal before you, travel to the glamorous resort of Cascais, a veritable jewel in the crown of Portugal. Via the wealthy playground of Estoril, with its famous Casino, we'll continue with our Local Expert to the Portuguese Riviera and through the forest of Sintra to visit one of the Royal summer palaces before heading back to Lisbon.

Adult Price: EUR 46.00

Code: LIS0005

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 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 31.00

Code: MAD0007

Accommodation

 

Hotel Miguel Angel by BlueBay

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.

Turim Saldanha Hotel Lisbon.

LISBON (Contemporary) - PORTUGAL

located in the heart of the historic part of Lisbon, next to the Terreiro do Paco Square.

Hotel Alameda Palace

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.

Hesperia Madrid

Madrid (Contemporary) - Spain

Located on Madrid’s most chic avenue, the Hesperia Madrid is a centrally located, modern hotel offering comfortable and contemporary rooms.