12-Nights The Best Of Spain & Portugal from $2,499

Cosmos

OFFER ID 1515179

Spain and Portugal-two countries with rich histories and distinct cultures. Your affordable tour of Spain and Portugal reveals their fascinating highlights. In Spain, you’ll overnight in Madrid, Granada, Cordoba, Seville, and Salamanca. In Portugal, you’ll stay in Lisbon and Porto. Tour highlights include a guided visit to Toledo, a treasure chest of art and historical architecture. In Granada, enjoy an included visit to the fascinating Alhambra complex*, built in the 13th century by Moorish kings. In Avila-a UNESCO World Heritage Site and fascinating walled city founded in the 11th century, you’ll visit St. Theresa's Convent, the birthplace of St. Teresa. Admire the Moorish architecture in the historical city centers of Cordoba and Seville, both gems of Andalusia, and get to know Madrid, the elegant capital city of Spain, built on a plateau in the heart of the country. In Portugal, visit Lisbon with a Local Guide and see the Belem Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built to commemorate the expedition of Vasco de Gama, and Porto's cathedral, built on a panoramic terrace overlooking the port wine cellars on the banks of the Douro River. Enjoy guided sightseeing in the cities of Toledo, Granada, Seville, Madrid, Cordoba, Lisbon, and Porto. Local Guides - experts in the cities' histories and cultures - will highlight the unique sights and tell you about local culture and history. All of this and more-including an olive oil farm visit with tastings-await you on this fabulous and affordable Spain and Portugal tour designed for value-minded travel lovers.
NOTE:
*Alhambra complex: Entrance to Nasrid Palace is not guaranteed.

12 nights from $2,499 per person

Itinerary

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Itinerary Details

The Best Of Spain & Portugal

Day 1 ARRIVE IN MADRID, SPAIN Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is for you to relax or start exploring Madrid, taking advantage of the CosmosGO app. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and travel companions. (D)

Day 2 MADRID–TOLEDO–GRANADA Drive south to Toledo. Spectacularly situated on a granite hill surrounded by a loop of the Tagus River, the ancient Castilian capital is a treasure-chest of masterpieces. Visit the walled Old Town with a Local Guide and marvel at the 12th-century Church of St. Tomé, known for its large painting by El Greco of The Burial of the Count of Orgaz. Later, cross the Guadalquivir River and head for the olive and orange groves that dot the rolling Andalusian hills. Overnight in history-steeped Granada at the foot of the Sierra Nevada.
Today’s Distance: 298 mi/ 480 km (B,D)

Day 3 GRANADA–CORDOBA Granada was the Moors’ most treasured city, and they still mourn its loss in their prayers. With a Local Guide, visit the Alhambra Complex*, built by Moorish kings. On the way to Cordoba, enjoy more idyllic scenery as we reach an olive farm, to learn about olives and enjoy a local olive oil tasting.
Today’s Distance: 143 mi/ 230 km (B)

NOTE:
*Alhambra complex: Entrance to Nasrid Palace is not guaranteed.

Day 4 CORDOBA–SEVILLE With a Local Guide visit the magnificent Mezquita, famous for its 850 pillars of porphyry, marble, and jasper. The Mosque-Cathedral (UNESCO World Heritage site since 1984), is arguably the most significant monument in the western Muslim world and an amazing building in its own right. The complete evolution of the Omeyan style in Spain can be seen in different sections, alongside the Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles of the Christian part. On to vibrant, festive Seville. During an optional outing to a fascinating Flamenco Show, feel the passion and pride of Seville with every click of the heels and castanets.
Today’s Distance: 93 mi/ 150 km (B,D)

Day 5 SEVILLE Get to know Seville on the included city tour. The sunny capital of Andalusia has much to offer: the cathedral, the beautiful La Giralda minaret tower, a symbol of Seville; and the Real Alcázar palace, with its extravagant Moorish architecture and opulent gardens. Fun fact: the Palace of the Kingdom of Naboo, from Star Wars, and the Palace of the Kingdom of Dorne, from Game of Thrones, were filmed in Plaza de España and the Royal Alcazar of Seville. (B)

Day 6 SEVILLE–EVORA, PORTUGAL–LISBON Enjoy the scenery of the Sierra de Aracena before crossing into Portugal and the fertile plains of the Alentejo. Admire the forest of cork trees and make a stop to visit Evora, a delightfully attractive city. Among the highlights are the architecture of the white houses, tiles, and balconies. The city, designated UNESCO World Heritage site, inspired the style in which some Brazilian cities, such as Salvador de Bahia, were built. Continue to Lisbon.
Today’s Distance: 267 mi/ 430 km (B)

Day 7 LISBON Henry the Navigator made Lisbon the 15th-century “Mistress of the Seas.” You’ll see his monument, the Belem Tower, the Moorish Citadel, the impressive Black Horse Square, and other highlights on the guided sightseeing tour. Spend the afternoon at leisure in the Alfama’s tile-decorated streets or take an optional excursion to the scenic Portuguese Riviera, head to the coast to immerse yourself in the picturesque countryside and coastline outside Lisbon. You’ll be all the richer with sights of elegant villas, palaces, and manor houses. (B)

Day 8 LISBON–FÁTIMA–COIMBRA–PORTO Stop in Fátima to visit the world-famous Sanctuary, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Continue to Coimbra, known for its university, one of the oldest in Europe, and to Porto on the northern bank of the Douro River. For the perfect way to round out your day, join an optional evening excursion, with a leisurely cruise on the Douro River, followed by a hearty traditional Portuguese dinner.
Today’s Distance: 224 mi/ 360 km (B)

Day 9 PORTO Discover Porto’s highlights on the guided city tour. See its historical cathedral and visit a Port wine cellar along the banks of the Douro River. This afternoon, go medieval on an optional excursion to Guimarães, called the “cradle” of Portugal and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tonight, enjoy an included dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 10 PORTO–SALAMANCA, SPAIN Enjoy the plentiful woodlands and mountains on your return to Spain via the scenic Douro Valley. Reach the ancient and beautiful university town of Salamanca in the early evening, the best time to take a stroll in the Plaza Mayor.
Today’s Distance: 267 mi/ 430 km (B)

Day 11 SALAMANCA–ÁVILA–SEGOVIA–MADRID Journey to fortified Ávila with its many towers and visit St. Theresa’s Convent before continuing to Segovia, a medieval town picturesquely set on a rocky hill. Some say that the beautiful castle inspired Disney’s “Cinderella.” Spend some time in Segovia before crossing the boundary between new and old Castile to arrive in Madrid.
Today’s Distance: 168 mi/ 270 km (B)

Day 12 MADRID Built 2180 feet above sea level, Madrid, capital of Spain, is the nearest thing to Heaven, according to Spaniards. Discover the main highlights of this aristocratic city on the included guided tour. (B)

Day 13 MADRID Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

Featured Destinations

Cordoba

Today's Cordoba is as impressive and surprising as its past. In the 11th century it was one of the most important capitals in Europe. People of the most different cultures and religions - Jews, Muslims and Christians - have lived peacefully together, and important philosophers, scientists and artists emerged from here. Cordoba has interesting aspects, including its great monuments - the world-famous Mezquita, the Moorish mosque - and museums. Cordoba is as a lively town in the best Andalusian tradition, a town of Flamenco and bullfighting, and one of the most attractive destinations in southern Spain. The Great Mosque, which took up Roman architectural traditions, made use of columns from older buildings around, and added the Muslim sentiment of the abstract and the limitless room. The double arches are representative for the architecture dominating North Africa. Another splendid example of Muslim inheritance in Spain is the old Ummawiyy castle, Alcázar. The main attraction here are the gardens, lavish, extensive, and with water in a central role.

Excursions

Highlights of Cordoba (8 hours)

Royal Stables Equestrian Show

Granada

Seville

Seville is one place most beloved by visitors to Spain. Although today Moorish influence is architectonically most evident - Andalusia was occupied by Moors for about 800 years - it has been a cultural center long before. Seville was home of famous and infamous figures of history, the legendary "Don Juan" started from here to conquer the hearts of women across all Europe, while Columbus started from a port close to Seville to discover a new world. Prosper Merimée's "Carmen", who couldn't make her decision between the officer Don José and the bullfighter Escamillo, can still be watched today in opera houses. Seville is the very heart of Andalusian culture and the center of bullfighting and Flamenco music. Take it easy and interrupt sightseeing from time to time to have a few "tapas", those typical "small spanish dishes", and a glass of Sherry wine in one of the many bars in this city.

Excursions

Historic Influences of Seville (8 hours)

An Immersion into the World of Olive Oil

Quintessential Brave Bull Breeding Journey

Seville From The River

Salamanca

The ancient city of Salamanca, famous for its university founded by Alfonso IX in the early 1200s, is well preserved, with turreted palaces, faded convents, Romanesque churches, and colleges that have attracted scholars from all over Europe. Nearly all the attractions are within walking distance of the Plaza Mayor. In its day, Salamanca was ranked with Oxford, Paris, and Bologna as one of "the four leading lights of the medieval world." The intellectual life continues to this day, and a large invasion of American students brings added life to the town in summer. Still a youthful, spirited place because of the venerable Salamanca University, the city has been named a "World Heritage City" by UNESCO, one of six such cities in Spain.

Excursions

Campo Charro Brave Bull Breeding

Flavors of Iberian Jamon

Lisbon

Portugal’s capital is an 18th-century city - elegant, open to the sea and carefully planned. Most places of interest are within easy walking distance. Rossio Square, the heart of Lisbon since medieval times, is an ideal place to start exploring. Many rebuilt houses with original façades provide stores and restaurants with modern interiors. High above Baixa is Bairro Alto - with its teeming nightlife. There are many monuments and museums, such as San Jeronimos Monastery, Royal Coach Museum and Gulbenkian Museum. Two well-known landmarks are the Monument to the Discoveries and the Tower of Belem. A statue of Christ looms above Europe’s longest suspension bridge. Madragoa, Bica and Bairro Alto, Lisbon’s older sections, offer a variety of sights: the Church of Sao Roque, with its beautiful tiles; St. George Castle, which offers a splendid view from its location above the Alfama quarter; the botanical gardens, featuring an unusual, cold greenhouse; and the cathedral, stunning with its Moorish design. Renowned Gulbenkian Museum is the cultural center of Portugal.

Excursions

An Exploration of Lisbon (8 hours)

Queluz, Sintra and Estoril (8 hours)

Highlights of Lisbon (4 hours)

Madrid

Porto (Oporto)

Porto (Oporto), Portugal's second largest city, is full of interest, and the district it heads offers the visitor plenty to see. Along the coast, there are resorts like the cosmopolitan beach of Espinho, busy ports like Matosinhos, with splendid seafood, or traditional fishing towns like Póvoa de Varzim, and there is also an animated casino. Charming Amarante has 17th century mansions overlooking the river and is famous for a sweet egg pastries called "papos de anjo" (angel bellies). In Vila Nova de Gaia, there are lodges where Port wine is blended and aged and where tasting are offered, or visitors may take a river cruise along the Douro. The whole district is filled with prosperous towns, but there are also many calm roads with wonderful views over the river and a rugged and still unspoilt coastline.

Excursions

Portugal: Porto Wine Excursion - 4 hours

Highlights of Porto (4 hours)

Vacation Details

Valid Date Ranges

04/29/2025 - 05/11/2025

from $2,769 per person

05/13/2025 - 05/25/2025

from $2,699 per person

05/27/2025 - 06/08/2025

from $2,699 per person

06/24/2025 - 07/06/2025

from $2,699 per person *

07/22/2025 - 08/03/2025

from $2,599 per person *

08/05/2025 - 08/17/2025

from $2,499 per person *

* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.

Prices Start At

from $2,499 per person

Length

12 Nights

Air City

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Vacation Rating

Moderate

Remarks

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

OFFER ID

1515179

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12-Nights The Best Of Spain & Portugal from $2,499

Itinerary Details

Excursions

Highlights of Cordoba (8 hours)

Royal Stables Equestrian Show

Excursions

Granada with Flavors of Sturgeon (Optional Dive In)

Excursions

Historic Influences of Seville (8 hours)

An Immersion into the World of Olive Oil

Quintessential Brave Bull Breeding Journey

Seville From The River

Excursions

Campo Charro Brave Bull Breeding

Flavors of Iberian Jamon

Excursions

An Exploration of Lisbon (8 hours)

Queluz, Sintra and Estoril (8 hours)

Highlights of Lisbon (4 hours)

Excursions

Flamenco Gastronomic Experience

Home Away from Home!

Excursions

Portugal: Porto Wine Excursion - 4 hours

Highlights of Porto (4 hours)

Vacation Details