Operated by Collette

Spain's Classics & Portugal

From

CAD 5,999

Duration

15 days

Countries

Spain

Activity

active

Rating

4.0 · 155 reviewsvia Collette

The adventure

Experience Spain’s colorful pageant of art, history and culture. Set against a backdrop that spans sunny Mediterranean shores and grand mountain ranges, this stunning destination is dotted with white pueblos, groves of oranges and olives. Explore the priceless treasures of the Royal Palace, Europe’s 2nd largest palace. Visit the exotic and expansive Alhambra palace, resplendent with Moorish regal flair. Enjoy reserved seating at a flamenco show and feel the passion of this famous dance. Explore Madrid, Valencia, Barcelona, Granada, Cordoba and Toledo. Become part of an authentic “paella experience,” and learn how this rice dish is made and where it originated. Marvel at Valencia’s “City of Arts & Sciences.” See how precious lladro figurines are made by hand. View Antonio Gaudi’s architectural masterpieces, including La Sagrada Famila. Spain beckons.

At a glance

Duration

15 days

Route

→

Countries

Spain

Activity level

active

Style

Culture & History

Group size

Ask

Flights

Not included

Solo travellers

Ask an agent

Day by day

Your journey through

Spain

Day 1Overnight FlightYou're on your way to a colourful cultural adventure featuring the best of Spain and Portugal.

Capture of cityscape from airplane with FlySafair wing visible.

Overnight Flight

You're on your way to a colourful cultural adventure featuring the best of Spain and Portugal.

Day 2Barcelona, SpainWelcome to Spain! Today, arrive in the vibrant city of Barcelona. With no scheduled sightseeing today, spend the day as you wish, exploring the city independently. Tonight, meet your fellow travellers and enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Welcome to Spain! Today, arrive in the vibrant city of Barcelona. With no scheduled sightseeing today, spend the day as you wish, exploring the city independently. Tonight, meet your fellow travellers and enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 3BarcelonaStart the morning by joining a local expert and exploring this amazing city as it was meant to be explored — on foot. Begin in the heart of Barcelona's Las Ramblas, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the city's most famous boulevard, which stretches from Plaça de Catalunya. Walk through the Gothic Quarter, a labyrinth of narrow, winding streets that date back to Roman times. Your local expert will guide you through this enchanting neighbourhood, highlighting its hidden gems and sharing stories of its past. After some free time for lunch on your own, step inside the awe-inspiring La Sagrada Familia* (UNESCO) for a guided tour of the world-famous church designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí.

Barcelona

Start the morning by joining a local expert and exploring this amazing city as it was meant to be explored — on foot. Begin in the heart of Barcelona's Las Ramblas, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the city's most famous boulevard, which stretches from Plaça de Catalunya. Walk through the Gothic Quarter, a labyrinth of narrow, winding streets that date back to Roman times. Your local expert will guide you through this enchanting neighbourhood, highlighting its hidden gems and sharing stories of its past. After some free time for lunch on your own, step inside the awe-inspiring La Sagrada Familia* (UNESCO) for a guided tour of the world-famous church designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí.

Day 4Barcelona - Peniscola - ValenciaToday, say goodbye to Barcelona! On your way to Valencia, stop in beautiful Peniscola and enjoy free time to explore on your own. Known as the “City in the Sea,” this fortified city and its Knights Templar Castle, dating back to the 13th century, are hidden gems. On a panoramic tour of Valencia, see the City of Arts and Sciences – an ultramodern educational institution. A treasure trove of Roman and Arabic architecture, Valencia is Spain’s third largest city, melding historic and modern culture.

Barcelona

Today, say goodbye to Barcelona! On your way to Valencia, stop in beautiful Peniscola and enjoy free time to explore on your own. Known as the “City in the Sea,” this fortified city and its Knights Templar Castle, dating back to the 13th century, are hidden gems. On a panoramic tour of Valencia, see the City of Arts and Sciences – an ultramodern educational institution. A treasure trove of Roman and Arabic architecture, Valencia is Spain’s third largest city, melding historic and modern culture.

Day 5Valencia - Albufera - ValenciaValencia is a city full of contrasts, where a charming old town lives next to futuristic buildings. Explore the city’s old quarter on foot, discovering its history with a local expert. View the ornate Serranos Towers before wandering through the bustling central market, where you can shop side-by-side with the locals. Travel to Albufera, which with its freshwater lake that evolved from an ancient marine gulf, is one of the most important wetlands in Spain. This is the area where paella originated – and the best place to experience it for lunch today. Enjoy time on your own to explore as you wish back in Valencia.

Stunning aerial shot of modern architectural landmark surrounded by urban cityscape.

Valencia

Valencia is a city full of contrasts, where a charming old town lives next to futuristic buildings. Explore the city’s old quarter on foot, discovering its history with a local expert. View the ornate Serranos Towers before wandering through the bustling central market, where you can shop side-by-side with the locals. Travel to Albufera, which with its freshwater lake that evolved from an ancient marine gulf, is one of the most important wetlands in Spain. This is the area where paella originated – and the best place to experience it for lunch today. Enjoy time on your own to explore as you wish back in Valencia.

Day 6Valencia - GranadaToday, make your way to Granada, the last great capital of the Moors in Spain before it fell to the Catholic monarchs in 1492. As the sun sets, the city bathes in a warm, golden light, highlighting the stunning architecture and historic landmarks. As the streets come alive for the evening, you may enjoy a leisurely stroll before dinner at a nearby restaurant.

Valencia

Today, make your way to Granada, the last great capital of the Moors in Spain before it fell to the Catholic monarchs in 1492. As the sun sets, the city bathes in a warm, golden light, highlighting the stunning architecture and historic landmarks. As the streets come alive for the evening, you may enjoy a leisurely stroll before dinner at a nearby restaurant.

Day 7Granada - SevilleThis morning, join a local expert for a tour of the world-famous Alhambra** (UNESCO), a stone fortress overlooking the entire city and serving as a mesmerizing example of Islamic architecture. As you enter this historical marvel, feel transported to a different era. Wander through the intricate Nasrid Palaces, the heart of the Alhambra, and lose yourself in the serene beauty of the Generalife Gardens and stunning views from the Alcazaba, the oldest part of the complex. After this captivating visit, continue to Seville, where you'll end the day in southern Spain’s cultural capital enjoying a delightful dinner.

Granada

This morning, join a local expert for a tour of the world-famous Alhambra** (UNESCO), a stone fortress overlooking the entire city and serving as a mesmerizing example of Islamic architecture. As you enter this historical marvel, feel transported to a different era. Wander through the intricate Nasrid Palaces, the heart of the Alhambra, and lose yourself in the serene beauty of the Generalife Gardens and stunning views from the Alcazaba, the oldest part of the complex. After this captivating visit, continue to Seville, where you'll end the day in southern Spain’s cultural capital enjoying a delightful dinner.

Day 8SevilleEmbark on a panoramic tour before arriving at the iconic Plaza de España. Next, visit the Seville Cathedral*** (UNESCO) — the largest Gothic church in the world — and see Columbus’ tomb and the Giralda Bell Tower. Then decide how you want to continue because it’s your choice! Walk the Santa Cruz quarter with an expert guide, admiring the orange trees and white-washed houses -OR- get to know an example of the characteristic noble architecture at Palacio de Las Duenas. Then, enjoy some free time this afternoon. This evening, enjoy an authentic flamenco show (UNESCO) showcasing Seville's famous traditions.

Seville

Embark on a panoramic tour before arriving at the iconic Plaza de España. Next, visit the Seville Cathedral*** (UNESCO) — the largest Gothic church in the world — and see Columbus’ tomb and the Giralda Bell Tower. Then decide how you want to continue because it’s your choice! Walk the Santa Cruz quarter with an expert guide, admiring the orange trees and white-washed houses -OR- get to know an example of the characteristic noble architecture at Palacio de Las Duenas. Then, enjoy some free time this afternoon. This evening, enjoy an authentic flamenco show (UNESCO) showcasing Seville's famous traditions.

Day 9Seville - Córdoba - MadridTravel to the extraordinary Moorish city of Córdoba. Upon arrival, embark on a walking tour of La Mezquita (UNESCO), an 8th-century mosque that was converted into the city’s cathedral in the 16th century. As you continue your exploration of Córdoba's historical centre, encounter a mix of Roman, Islamic, and Christian influences. The UNESCO World Heritage Site showcases a rich and diverse history, offering a fascinating journey through time with its unique blend of cultures and architectural styles. Then, board the two-hour AVE high-speed train to Spain’s capital city, Madrid! Arrive in the late afternoon with time to freshen up before gathering again for dinner.

Seville

Travel to the extraordinary Moorish city of Córdoba. Upon arrival, embark on a walking tour of La Mezquita (UNESCO), an 8th-century mosque that was converted into the city’s cathedral in the 16th century. As you continue your exploration of Córdoba's historical centre, encounter a mix of Roman, Islamic, and Christian influences. The UNESCO World Heritage Site showcases a rich and diverse history, offering a fascinating journey through time with its unique blend of cultures and architectural styles. Then, board the two-hour AVE high-speed train to Spain’s capital city, Madrid! Arrive in the late afternoon with time to freshen up before gathering again for dinner.

Day 10MadridDuring a locally guided tour of Madrid’s historic centre, see iconic sites such as Plaza Mayor, where events have been held since the 17th century, and Plaza de Oriente — the square of the Royal Palace. Join a local expert to explore the priceless masterpieces of the Prado Museum, which opened in 1819 and boasts some of the world's finest collections of art by masters such as Velazquez and Goya. Your afternoon is free to further explore this fascinating city on your own or join an optional tour to Toledo to experience its rich cultural highlights, including the stunning cathedral.

Madrid

During a locally guided tour of Madrid’s historic centre, see iconic sites such as Plaza Mayor, where events have been held since the 17th century, and Plaza de Oriente — the square of the Royal Palace. Join a local expert to explore the priceless masterpieces of the Prado Museum, which opened in 1819 and boasts some of the world's finest collections of art by masters such as Velazquez and Goya. Your afternoon is free to further explore this fascinating city on your own or join an optional tour to Toledo to experience its rich cultural highlights, including the stunning cathedral.

Day 11Madrid, Spain - Elvas, PortugalBid Spain adios and cross the border into Portugal, arriving in the off-the-beaten-path town of Elvas, a garrison town recognized as a World Heritage Site. On the way, indulge in full-bodied wines from the Alentejo region during a winery tour, tasting, and some petiscos – Portuguese traditional bites, usually shared with friends.

Bid Spain adios and cross the border into Portugal, arriving in the off-the-beaten-path town of Elvas, a garrison town recognized as a World Heritage Site. On the way, indulge in full-bodied wines from the Alentejo region during a winery tour, tasting, and some petiscos – Portuguese traditional bites, usually shared with friends.

Day 12Elvas - LisbonMake your way to Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. Meander through historic downtown, hearing the kinds of stories that bring the city — and its colourful neighborhoods — to life. Walk Praça do Comercio, one of the biggest squares in Europe. This gorgeous square flaunts colourful artwork and sculptures. Then, travel to Belém where you will visit Jerónimos Monastery**** (UNESCO) a prime example of Portuguese late Gothic architecture. This evening, over Portuguese cuisine and wine, listen to local artists perform the traditional fado (UNESCO).

Ornate historic structure in El Puerto de Santa María, Andalucía, Spain.

Elvas

Make your way to Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. Meander through historic downtown, hearing the kinds of stories that bring the city — and its colourful neighborhoods — to life. Walk Praça do Comercio, one of the biggest squares in Europe. This gorgeous square flaunts colourful artwork and sculptures. Then, travel to Belém where you will visit Jerónimos Monastery**** (UNESCO) a prime example of Portuguese late Gothic architecture. This evening, over Portuguese cuisine and wine, listen to local artists perform the traditional fado (UNESCO).

Day 13LisbonThe day is yours! Discover the capital city on your own. Consider tasting the city’s mouthwatering cuisine or taking the historic tram to the vibrant Alfama district. Perhaps you’ll go on an optional excursion to the Portuguese Riviera, visiting the picturesque towns of Cascais and Sintra.

Lisbon

The day is yours! Discover the capital city on your own. Consider tasting the city’s mouthwatering cuisine or taking the historic tram to the vibrant Alfama district. Perhaps you’ll go on an optional excursion to the Portuguese Riviera, visiting the picturesque towns of Cascais and Sintra.

Day 14Lisbon - Obidos - LisbonToday, visit one of Portugal’s most famed towns – Obidos! With its labyrinth of cobblestoned streets and whitewashed houses, this medieval town beckons you to linger and enjoy its charm. You may choose to try one of the local delicacies – sour cherry liquor served in chocolate cups – or simply enjoy the narrow streets and picture-perfect alleyways. Gather this evening for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of an unforgettable trip to Spain and Portugal.

Lisbon

Today, visit one of Portugal’s most famed towns – Obidos! With its labyrinth of cobblestoned streets and whitewashed houses, this medieval town beckons you to linger and enjoy its charm. You may choose to try one of the local delicacies – sour cherry liquor served in chocolate cups – or simply enjoy the narrow streets and picture-perfect alleyways. Gather this evening for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of an unforgettable trip to Spain and Portugal.

Day 15Lisbon - Tour EndsReturn home with memories of two warm cultures and of a beautiful land.

Lisbon

Return home with memories of two warm cultures and of a beautiful land.