- Overview
- Trip Outline and Itinerary
- Trip Includes
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Experience Portugal and Spain in a unique light as you travel over Christmas! Celebrate a Spanish Christmas in Seville, one of Spain’s most charming towns. Explore the colourful towns of Toledo, Granada, Salamanca, Avila and Ronda. Walk the streets of the capitals, Madrid and Lisbon. Taste delicious tapas in Spain, fresh pastéis de nata in Lisbon and real Port in Porto. Spending the festive season on the Iberian route feels surreal as you celebrate with blue skies and warm winter sun. This is a truly eclectic and electric travel experience!
- Explore Madrid with a local guide
- Welcome dinner in Madrid
- Visit the ancient city of Toledo
- Discover the delights of Granada
- Visit Ronda; home to the famous Puente Nuevo
- See Seville on a driving tour
- Enjoy a local dinner in Seville
- Visit the Algarve; Portugal's stunning southern coast
- Enjoy a driving tour of Lisbon
- Visit Obidos; a medieval fortified town
- Enjoy a driving and walking tour of Porto
- Taste Portugal’s most famous drink - Port!
- Visit Avila; home to incredible Romanesque architecture
- Spend free time in Guarda
- Explore Salamanca at your leisure
- Traditional dinner in Salamanca
Itineraries
Day 1
Start of tour in Madrid
Welcome to Madrid and the start of your Spain and Portugal Christmas tour! Arrive this morning and meet up with your tour leader and fellow travellers at the hotel. Once the group is gathered, it’s time to explore Madrid in all its festive glory with a local guide! This evening, sit down for an included welcome dinner. Enjoy your first taste of Spain and get to know your fellow explorers! Today marks the official start of Christmas celebrations in Spain. Today is the day that the Spanish Christmas Lottery, ‘El Gordo’ or the ‘Fat One’, takes place. It’s the biggest lottery draw in the world!
Meals: Dinner
Day 2
Toledo - Granada
Travel south to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Toledo. Known to be Spain's spiritual capital, the Gothic architecture and beautiful cathedral will leave you speechless! Next, drive on to the Moorish city of Granada. Here, enjoy an orientation tour of the city with your tour leader. See the most famous sites and learn more about its Moorish influences, including a view across the valley of the iconic Alhambra citadel. The historic palace and fortress is magnificent to behold and the site dates back to the 8th century! Enjoy free time this evening.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3
Granada - Ronda - Seville
This morning offers the incredible opportunity to visit the majestic Alhambra Palace & Gardens. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Granada’s top attractions. Later, travel through Andalusia which is famous for Flamenco, matadors and bullfighting - quintessential Spanish experiences! First, stop in Ronda, one of the oldest cities in Spain! Take in views of the famous ‘Puente Nuevo’ bridge and the stunning scenery of the surrounding countryside. Then, head to Seville - the city of siestas, tapas and some of Europe's most amazing fiestas. End the day by exploring the old town accompanied by an expert local guide. This evening, look forward to an included dinner at a local restaurant.
Meals: BreakfastDinner
Day 4
Seville (Christmas Day): Free Day
Merry Christmas or “Feliz Navidad” as the locals say! You have a free day to explore Seville in all its festive glory. Wander the streets and the Plaza de Esppaña and admire the stunning historical architecture throughout the city! As it’s Christmas Day, look out for Spanish Christmas bread, Roscón de Reyes. It's topped with crushed almonds and candied fruit! You’re also bound to also see Tió de Nadal, a jolly Christmas log decorated with a smiley face and stick legs. Get your fill of festive Spanish cuisine and enjoy the cheerful Christmas atmosphere!
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5
Algarve - Lisbon
It’s Boxing Day! Cross the border into Portugal and head for Lisbon, the vibrant capital city! En route, admire the incredible landscapes of southern Portugal. Enjoy a stop along the Algarve, Portugal’s picturesque southern coastal region, with some free time to grab lunch, explore the local town or relax on the beach. On arrival in Lisbon, join your tour leader on a driving tour of the city. See the Tagus River and some of the most famous attractions in the city, such as the Belém Tower and the Padrão dos Descobrimentos monument! Take note of spots to revisit or explore further tomorrow on your free day.
Meals: BreakfastDinner
Day 6
Lisbon: Free Day
Discover Lisbon at your leisure today! Highlights include the Monument to the Discoveries, Belém Tower and the hilltop district of Bairro Alto. The streets are colourful and lined with dozens of restaurants and bars! Listen out for Fado music streaming from open windows - the region’s most beloved music is known for its lyrics of longing. And, if you want to do some Christmas souvenir shopping for your friends and family back home, head to A Vida Portuguesa. Definitely try some Pasteis de nata, delicious Portuguese egg tarts, as you go. Alternatively, consider the optional day trip to Sintra, the town of mountains, palaces, parks and medieval residences, or a visit to the Fatima Sanctuary and Coin Caves.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7
Obidos - Porto
On the way to Porto this morning, stop off in Obidos, a classic fortified town with narrow cobbled streets, picturesque houses and an imposing hilltop castle. Then, continue onwards to Portugal's second-biggest city, Porto. Arrive and embark on a driving and walking tour with an expert local guide to see top sights including the Cathedral, Sao Bento train station, Clerigos Tower, the Luis I bridge and much more. Later this afternoon, sit down for a quintessential Portuguese experience! Enjoy a tasting of authentic Port wine and sample one of the country's most famous exports. Felicidades!
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8
Guarda - Salamanca
This morning, make one more stop in Portugal before travelling back to Spain. Guarda was founded in the 12th century by King Sancho I, and much of the fortified towers and defensive walls he built survive to this day. This afternoon, arrive in Salamanca. After some time to freshen up at the hotel, join your tour leader on an orientation tour of Spain’s Golden City. Enjoy some free time to explore the historic city centre before meeting up again later for a farewell dinner on the last night of the tour. Look forward to three courses of delicious food from around the province of Salamanca!
Meals: BreakfastDinner
Day 9
Avila - Madrid
It’s the last day of this unforgettable Spain & Portugal Christmas holiday! The final stretch of the tour travels from Salamanca to Avila and then to Madrid. The ancient town of Avila is well-known for its century-old city walls which have been remarkably well-preserved. It's also home to some spectacular Romanesque churches, monasteries and palaces. After admiring this medieval city’s architecture, continue to Madrid where the tour concludes this afternoon. Arrive in Madrid and say farewell to the group as the tour officially comes to an end. Be sure to swap contact details and memories with your newly-made travel friends before saying goodbye!
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation
- 8 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms
- Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability)
Meals
- 8 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners
*Vegetarian options available for all meals on request
Transport
- Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard
- Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)
Tour Leader
- Fully guided tour with experienced tour leader
- Tour leader will accompany group throughout and manage all logistical details
- Visa to any Country (tourists must obtain before travelling to Europe), We will help with VISA Assistance only.
- International flights to and from Europe.
- Airport departure tax if required.
- Travel insurance (trip, medical and personal).
- Daily personal expenses.
- Early check-in or late check-out at hotels.
- Tip and gratuity for local tour guides and drivers.
- Please read terms and conditions at https://letstraveleuro.com/terms-and-conditions/
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