Tour starts on every single MONDAY between March 22rd and October 18th.
Tour code: C-1142
Tour starts on every single MONDAY between March 22rd and October 18th.
Tour code: C-1142
- accommodation in **** hotels
- 13 breakfasts, 8 dinners
- modern and air-conditioned bus
- multi-lingual tour escort
- sightseeing tours with local guides in Cordoba, Sevilla, Granada, Barcelona, Santiago and Porto
- tickets to Cordoba's Mosque
- tickets to Alhambra in Granada
- tickets to Santiago's Cathedral
- visit to a wine cellar with a tasting of Porto wine
- travel insurance
- free Wi- Fi on board
- tips
Join us for the two-weeks Spain & Northern Portugal tour - 14 days to explore the incredible natural and cultural diversity of both countries. You will see the hot and passionate Andalusia, the beautiful cities of the Mediterranean coast, and the green and windy regions of northern Spain, as well as upper parts of Portugal.
From Madrid you'll be taken to the very heart of Andalusia, to the cities that form the ''golden triangle'' of Southern Spain and truly encompasses the spirit of the Spanish culture - Seville, Cordoba and Granada. Guitars, flamenco, wine, tapas, and passionate people – characteristics that are essentially Spanish and all this you will definitely find on this part of the trip. With its curious mishmash of Moorish majesty and Roman relics, rustic charm and indelibly beautiful backcountry, where mountains tower above gushing rivers and canyons carve through the ground - it's hardly surprising that Andalusia remains one of the most visited regions in Spain.
Later we'll get transferred to the east of Spain, towards a 1000-mile stretch of Mediterranean coast, that boasts some truly stunning views, where we'll be exploring its main cities of Valencia and Barcelona. Enjoy the sandy beaches, marvel at the unusual architecture and taste delicious local seafood.
Heading from Barcelona to the Atlantic coast, we will stop in Zaragoza - the capital of Aragon region to see its gorgeous Cathedral of Nuestra Señora del Pilar and the surroundings.
Next stage - the tour along northern provinces of Spain. North not only has a unique landscape and raw beauty, but the area also houses amazing cities with lots of hotspots: charming San Sebastian and its long sandy beaches; Bilbao with its world-famous Guggenheim Museum; enchanting villages that are typical for this area, like Santillana de Mar, Covadonga, as well as the National Park Picos de Europa.
Then we'll continue even more to the west - to Galicia. With its spectacular rugged coastline, rolling green hills and soaring mountains, it's no wonder that this part of Spain's is home to many beautiful towns and villages. Galicia is also famous as a home to some of the Spain's most gorgeous beaches (however, water is colder comparing to Mediterranean beaches or Costa del Sol - since these are the beaches of Atlantic ocean), and some of the best seafood in the country (especially the octopus and the shellfish). This part of tour through north-west of Spain, with picturesque landscape, includes the cities of La Coruña, Santiago de Compostela and Vigo.
Later we'll continue towards Portugal - a country with a rich history and gorgeous landscapes, with the main city to visit - beautiful Oporto - the old fisherman’s town, nowadays the second largest city in the country. Slightly timeworn and weathered, the gray skies and dated buildings add character, while the twinkling lights along the Douro River reflect off the water and illuminate a central part of the city. Pair these features with the reserved yet friendly locals, the charming trams, beautifully adorned architecture, and the wine - and Porto’s charm may put anyone under its spell.
The beautiful city of Salamanca is not to be missed on our way back to Madrid on the very last day of the tour.
Please click here to see the route on a map.
Day 1. Madrid - Cordoba - Seville (530 km ~ 329 miles)
Starting at 08.00am from Madrid towards southern city of Cordoba, passing thru the region of Castilla La Mancha, known for being the setting of Miguel de Cervantes’ 17th century novel Don Quixote de la Mancha – probably, one of the most famous books ever to have come out of Spain.
Arriving at Cordoba - one of the most beautiful old towns in Andalusia as well as one of Spain's most famous historical monuments. You will take a proper tour through its historic center - a very charming place, with its patios and courtyards, decorated with pots of aromatic jasmine and geraniums and walk narrow, winding streets, lined with what must be some of the prettiest and most colorful houses in southern Spain. Of course, you will enter the Mosque-Cathedral - the greatest dual-identity monument in Spain.
Extending in a tangle of cobbled streets and squares to the north of the Mosque-Cathedral is Juderia - the city’s former Jewish quarter. This is a great area to stop for lunch, packed as it is with smart restaurants as well as superb no-frills tapas bars. Free time to have lunch and buy some souvenirs.
Later the bus departures to Seville. Two-hour drive, arrival, dinner and accommodation.
Hotel: AC Seville Torneo.
Day 2. Seville
Breakfast in the hotel, followed by a proper city tour throughout Seville with a local guide, to admire this beautiful and also the largest city of Southern Spain. With numerous sights and attractions, this city will never leave visitors stuck for choice. Main highlights of the tour:
After the city tour you will have the afternoon off to rest or explore more on your own.
Dinner and a night in Seville.
Day 3. Seville - Granada (250 km ~ 155 miles)
Breakfast, then transfer to Granada - a beautiful city that sits right at the foot of the spectacular Sierra Nevada mountains. The popular favorite of the region of Andalusia, Granada has a rich history, fantastic range of sites to see, and a bustling nightlife. With Arab influences and Spanish charm, there is plenty of culture and history to explore here. Upon arrival you'll have a guided tour to see the famous complex of La Alhambra, its Arabian palaces Nazaries, and its green and picturesque Generalife Gardens.
The tour to Alhambra is already quite extensive and includes a good part of walking, so it's your choice the rest of the day - to relax in the hotel or continue to explore the city of Granada on your own. Suggested places to visit on the second half of the day:
Dinner and night in Granada.
Hotel: Abades Nevada Palace.
Day 4. Granada - Valencia (498 km ~ 309 miles)
Breakfast. Departure towards Valencia. On the way you will pass by the beautiful, small towns of Guadix, Baza and Puerto Lumbreras. Arrival in Valencia in the early evening. Accommodation in the hotel.
Valencia is a third-largest city in Spain, and has a lot to offer: from world-class restaurants to stunning beaches, and from museums to buzzing nightlife. Here's our list of suggestions for your free time:
Day 5. Valencia - Barcelona (355 km ~ 220 miles)
After breakfast you'll have some hours to scroll thru Valencia on your own. List of our recommendations:
On the second half of the day we'll continue to the main city on the Mediterreanean coast of Spain - magnificent Barcelona.
Arrival, accommodation and overnight.
Hotel: Catalonia Barcelona 505.
Day 6. Barcelona
Breakfast in the hotel, as usual. With fantastic art and architecture, a rich Medieval history, as well as innovative modern additions, Barcelona is certainly not short of things to do and see. Few highlights that you will see during you morning city tour with a local guide:
Feel free to explore Barcelona on your own in the second half of the day. Suggestions:
Another night in Barcelona.
Day 7. Barcelona - Zaragoza - San Sebastian (575 km ~ 357 miles)
Breakfast, then departure towards Zaragoza. Stop in the city and some free time. Spain’s fifth largest city, Zaragoza is the capital of the Aragón region. Located south of the Pyrenees, it sits roughly halfway between Barcelona and San Sebastian, and is home to a range of fascinating sights, from Roman ruins to magnificent Islamic architecture and a striking Baroque cathedral. We will stop in the city center so you can have a time to explore the most notorious sights of Zaragoza: Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar and Puente de Piedra (the Stone Bridge).
After exploring the most notorious sights of Zaragoza, we'll continue to San Sebastian. Arrival, checkin, dinner and overnight.
Hotel: Silken Amara Plaza.
Day 8. San Sebastian - Bilbao - Santander (205km ~ 127 miles)
Breakfast and transfer to Bilbao. The Basque city of Bilbao is particularly well known for its avant-garde contemporary designs and fascinating architecture, especially as it is home to the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, where we will make a stop to walk around and make pictures of this gorgeous and wicked structure.
Later we'll move further to Santander. Santander is the capital of Spain's Cantabria region and offers a whole host of attractions for visitors, from history museums to art centers and beaches. Spend your time shopping in the Mercado de la Esperanza, visiting the Palacio de la Magdalena or browsing the works in the new Centro Botín. Some highlights not to miss in your free time in the city:
Dinner and a night in Santander.
Hotel: Santemar.
Day 9. Santander - Santillana - Covadonga - Oviedo (320km ~ 199 miles)
Breakfast. This day you'll be travelling throughout one of the most beautiful Spanish National Parks - Picos de Europa, which is characterized by high massifs, deep ravines, lush mountain meadows and vast glassy lakes.
First our stop for today is in Santillana de Mar.
After some free time, we'll continue to Covadonga, - a village, located at the western edge of Picos de Europa, and is visited by thousands of people every year. Stop at Sanctuary of Covadonga.
Some time to pass near and in the Holy Cave.
Later continuation to Oviedo. Arrival, dinner and overnight.
Hotel: Oca Santo Domingo Plaza.
Day 10. Oviedo - La Coruna (347 km ~ 216 miles)
Breakfast and departure to the very northwest corner of Spain - La Coruna (or A Coruna, how locals say). A Coruña sits in the very northwest corner of Spain, in the autonomous community of Galicia. A vibrant coastal city with plenty in the way of culture, history, gastronomy (it's famous for its seafood) and natural sights. Enjoy a panoramic city tour upon arrival and, later - a free time. Sights you'll see during the city tour (and some of them you may want to check later on your own) you can take a closer look later, while exploring city on your own:
Accommodation, dinner and night in La Coruna.
Hotel: Melia Maria Pita.
Day 11. La Coruna - Santiago de Compostela (75 km ~ 47 miles)
Breakfast in a hotel in La Coruna, then transfer to Santiago de Compostela . In Santiago we'll have a proper city tour with the visit to its Cathedral. City is renowned for its shrine of Saint James the Great and was built to accommodate the thousands of pilgrims that would, and still do, gather there every year. The architecture and atmosphere of the city are impregnated with history and visitors may feel like they've taken a step back in time. Some highlights of the tour:
On your free time in the afternoon you can visit:
Dinner and accommodation.
Hotel: Eurostars San Lazaro.
Day 12. Santiago de Compostela - Rias Bajas - Vigo - Porto (90 km ~ 56 miles)
Breakfast, then transfer through the beautiful area of Rias Baixas (''lower rivers'').
First stop - at a small town, called O Grove, in the Isle of Toja (Isla de la Toja - a small peninsula in the area). O Grove is a privileged location in the heart of the Galician Rías Baixas, a place that stands out for its history and traditional fishing. Highlights to see on your free time:
Later we will continue to Vigo and will stop for a free time in the city center, in the Old town.
Later we will cross the beautiful Minho river that also separates Spain and Portugal. Arrival to the second largest Portugese city of Porto (or Oporto, how locals say). Accommodation and overnight stay.
Hotel: AC by Marriott Porto.
Day 13. Porto
Breakfast in the hotel, then we'll head to a proper city tour of Porto. There are plenty of things that this lively and extraordinary city has to offer. Slightly timeworn and weathered, the gray skies and dated buildings add character, while the twinkling lights along the Douro River reflect off the water and illuminate a central part of the city. Pair these features with the reserved yet friendly locals, the charming trams, beautifully adorned architecture, and the wine, and Porto’s charm may put anyone under its spell. Here are some highlights of the tour:
Later we will continue our tour with a visit to an antique wine cellar, experience the wine-making process and definitely taste famous local fortified wine – Port, which in many cases get served straight from the barrel.
On the second half of the day feel free to explore the city on your own. Some suggestions:
Second night in Porto.
Day 14. Porto - Salamanca - Madrid (566 km ~ 352 miles)
Breakfast, and a transfer to Salamanca, Located in the north-western part of Spain, Salamanca is a city of exceptional beauty and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. You'll have a free time to enjoy the beautiful city center of Salamanca on your own. Highlights not to miss:
Later we will continue to Madrid. Arrival and end of the tour.
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Important note:
For departures on April 26, August 30, September 6, September 13 and February 21 and 28 (2022), overnight stay will be in the city of Sabadell, instead of Barcelona (due to very high-volume events in Barcelona). Transportation services will be available 3 times per day.
For departures on April 12, May 10, 17, 31, September 20 overnight stay will be in hotel EXE Coruna (in La Coruna), instead of Santiago de Compostela.
Prices:
Per person in double/twin room: 1849€
Single Supplement: 595€
Supplement July to Oct.: 110€
Supplement for departure on April 5 and 19: 100€ (Easter and Feria).
Discounts:
- Children less than 4 years old: free, without granted seat in the bus
- Children between 4 and 7 years old: 25% discount off adult price, in a room with adults
- Teenagers between 8 and 18 years old: 5% discount off adult price
- Seniors (65+ years old): 5% discount off adult price
- Third person in triple room: 5%
Discounts cannot be combined.
What is the booking process?
- It is very simple. Once you have chosen the tour, there are 6 steps:
a) you confirm the tour by e-mail, indicating starting date, tour code, number of persons travelling and their names, also types of rooms preferred (Single/Double/Triple).
b) we send you an invoice,
c) you pay 10% to book the tour,
d) we issue the confirmation,
e) 2 weeks before the starting date, you pay the rest of the monies due, and
f) you show up for the tour on the appointed date and time.
How much should I pay and when?
- We require a 10% deposit during reservation, and the remaining 90% in no less than 2 weeks before the tour commences.
How would I pay?
- You can pay in one of four ways:
1) Bank wire to our company's bank account. Our banking details are included on the invoice that you receive.
2) We can charge your credit card. Please keep in mind that in this case we charge an additional 2% on top of the amount (our bank charges), and we need you to sign an Authorization form (which we will provide) and you need to send us your passport copy and copy of the credit card (the front) to verify ownership.
3) Western Union (normally for short-notice reservations, and when amount needs to be received urgently).
4) Transferwise.com - an online system, allowing the transfer of different currencies, with a small fees (much smaller than bank charges). Ask us to send you an invitation to join a system if you are not a member - there normally is a bonus for new members.
What is the cancellation and refund policy?
- 10% paid at the time of reservation is non-refundable. The other 90% is fully refundable if cancelled in no less than 2 weeks (e.g., if you paid 100% upfront right away). There are no refunds for cancellations made in less than 2 weeks to go before the trip.
Here you will find commonly asked questions regarding our tours.
1. Are the tours for individuals, families, small groups of friends?
- Yes. Our tours are for single travelers, couples, families, and groups of friends whom we put together with other travelers to form a larger group.
2. How many people are normally included on a tour?
- We cannot guarantee an exact number per tour. Normally it ranges from 10 to 25 people per group, but these numbers can vary greatly depending on the time of the year. In summer, groups tend to be larger as this is a popular time of year, while the winter season usually attracts less people, thus smaller groups are formed. There are certain tours that combine travelers if the destinations follow the same routes, e.g. you may be on a 10-day tour package with companions travelling on a 5-day package. The tour will cover the same areas and the 5-day package guests will break off thereafter. Also, more people may be joining in for the other part of the package.
3. Is there is a guide/tour leader in the bus?
- Yes. An accompanying guide (tour leader) usually travels with the group during the entire tour. An exception may occur when there are minimal numbers signed up for a particular tour. These small groups will travel with an experienced, English-speaking driver/guide. In all major cities, we use local professionals and licensed guides.
4. What languages do the guides use?
- English and Spanish. All our tour guides speak both languages fluently. If a tour group consists of an English-speaking group only, the tour will run in English. But most of the tours will have both English and Spanish (from Latin and Central America) passengers, so the guides will explain in English and then in Spanish.
5. Do your tours run during certain times of the year?
- Most of our tours run all year long. Some tours, e.g., those running to the northern regions of Spain, only run from March till October. Each tour’s description provides all the relevant information needed. For example: ''Sundays all year'' means that a tour will start on every Sunday of the year, regardless of the numbers. Just look up at the Calendar the specific dates Sundays are falling on and make sure you arrive a day before.
6. What cities do the tours start from?
- Tours start from Madrid or Barcelona.
7. Where are the meeting points for the tours?
- In Madrid, it is Calle Ferraz 3 (Ferraz str., 3). This meeting point is in the city center, right off Plaza España.
- In Barcelona, it is in the reception of the Hotel ''Catalunya Barcelona 505'' (Carrer de Muntaner, 505, 08022, Barcelona).
8. Do you pick up from the hotels on the first day of the tour?
- By default, no. We do not pick up from hotels because that would delay the tour launch time. However – if your hotel is enroute, using the same bus route on launch day, we will pick you up. A week before travel, we require the name of your hotel in Madrid, and will inform you if you can be picked up directly from your hotel or need to head over to the meeting point at 7.45am.
In Barcelona, the meeting point is always in the reception of the ''Catalunya Barcelona 505'' hotel.
9. What type of vehicles do you use?
- Buses for larger groups and minibuses for smaller ones. Vehicles are comfortable, modern and with air-conditioning.
10. If there is a Wi-Fi on your buses?
- There is a Wi-Fi on all our buses in Spain. But please keep in mind that sometimes during the transfers between the cities, Wi-Fi signal can be weak or intermitting, due to poor coverage from the main operators. Please do not expect to downoad or to steam movies during the transfers. In Morocco's buses there is no Wi-Fi.
11. Are meals included?
- Buffet breakfasts with all the drinks are included every morning in all hotels our guests occupy during their tour.
Lunches and dinners are included anywhere that's mentioned in the itinerary (sections ''Itinerary'' and ''Included in tour''). Normally dinners held in the hotel's restaurants, many times it will be buffet (''eat as much as you want''), and only drinks will be at an extra cost. Also, sometimes lunches and dinners will be held in the restaurants.
12. I am a vegetarian or allergic to certain products, any problem?
- No problems at all. Inform the tour leader and he will assist you. On a side note, many dinners are of the buffet-type, so you can simply choose what you prefer. For those with allergies, if in doubt, please remind tour leader during mealtimes. Alternatively, ask the restaurant staff about the content of the dishes.
13. What time do you arrive to Madrid on the last day of travel? Can I book a flight on the same day, flying out of Spain?
- Normally we return to Madrid between 17.00 and 19.00 on the last day of the excursion (depending on the specific tour). However, it is not recommended to book the flight out on the same evening/night, as traffic jams in Madrid or other possible events may delay your flight. Fell free to talk to us (before starting the tour!), and we'll organize your overnight stay in Madrid after the tour.
14. I need a night in the hotel or transfer from/to the airport to be booked before or after the tour.
- Sure. Just let us know at the time you organize the whole trip.
15. Can I just show up for the trip without reservation and pay directly in the office, on the spot?
- Unfortunately, not. The tour must be booked in advance, as we need to make all the arrangements beforehand.
16. How long in advance should I book a trip?
- If you book at least 2 weeks in advance, the trip is guaranteed, though we recommend booking even earlier, if possible, as in these cases we have wider range of hotels to accommodate the early reservations - better options.
Requests received with less than 2 weeks to go prior to launch date, usually work out 80% of the time, just contact us.
17. Can I customize one of the tours for myself?
- No, as there are more people travelling with you. However, if you are coming already as a group of 20+ persons, the route can be customized upon your request, as the tour could be run privately for your group. Please contact us for more information.
18. What is the booking process?
- It is very simple. Once you have chosen the tour, there are 6 steps:
a) you confirm the tour by e-mail, indicating starting date, tour code, number of persons travelling and their names, also types of rooms preferred (Single/Double/Triple).
b) we send you an invoice,
c) you pay 10% to book the tour,
d) we issue the confirmation,
e) 2 weeks before the starting date, you pay the rest of the monies due, and
f) you show up for the tour on the appointed date and time.
19. How much should I pay and when?
- We require a 10% deposit during reservation, and the remaining 90% in no less than 2 weeks before the tour commences.
20. How would I pay?
- You can pay in one of four ways:
1) Bank wire to our company’s bank account. Our banking details are included on the invoice that you receive
2) We can charge your credit card. Please keep in mind that in this case we charge an additional 2% on top of the amount (bank charges), we need you to sign an Authorization form and you need to send us your passport copy and copy of the credit card (the front) to verify ownership
3) Western Union (normally for short-notice reservations, and when amount needs to be received urgently)
4) Transferwise.com – an online system allowing the transfer of funds. There is a small commission attached.
21. What is the cancellation and refund policy?
- 10% paid at the time of reservation is non-refundable. The other 90% is fully refundable if cancelled in no less than 2 weeks (e.g., if you paid 100% upfront right away). There are no refunds for cancellations made with less than 2 weeks to go before the trip.
22. Are there any discounts or surcharges?
- Yes. Discounts are listed under the section ''Prices'', under each package.
23. Are taxes included in the tour prices?
- Yes, VAT and Tourist Taxes for different cities are included.
24. How do I know if I need a visa for Spain or Morocco?
- Please check the visa information for Spain here. The visa requirements for Morocco can be found here. Please note that all trips to Morocco will require your Schengen visa to be of an ''multiple entry'', as you will enter Spain for the second time.
25. I am ready to go ahead and book one of your tours, but I need a Visa to enter Spain.
- Yes, we do help our customers to get their Visas, after a trip is confirmed and the deposit of 10% has been paid. As we are a fully licensed tour operator in Spain, after the deposit paid, we can issue the confirmation, which you later bring to Spanish Embassy/Consulate. In this letter we confirm that you booked and partly (or fully) paid for a tour with us. Please note, we do not guarantee the issue of visa and cannot influence the process. The decision is up to the Embassy, as they have their own rules and regulations for each country. At the same time, we do our best to ensure we provide assistance where possible.