INCLUDES FLIGHTS
Escorted tour of Spain & Portugal
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What's included
- Accommodation based on twin share room
- Airport transfers
- Daily breakfast
- Escorted tour
- Hotel taxes and service charges
- International flights from Australia
- Meals as per the itinerary
- Professionally guided local tours
- Transport in air conditioned vehicles
- Any items or services not specified in the itinerary
- Gratuities for guides and drivers
- Medical and emergency insurance
- Optional tours and activities
- Personal expenses
Tour overview
Take to the streets of fascinating cities like Madrid, Barcelona and Seville to feel the rhythmic vibe of the Iberian Route. Discover UNESCO sites in the Old City of Salamanca, Toledo and Segovia. Stroll along cobbled streets of Grenada and Zaragoza. Stop for tastings at tapas bars, seafood tavernas and local port wine cellars. Even make your way to Andorra, a small principality that straddles France and Spain.
This escorted tour is your chance to follow the sun to Spain and Portugal and have a taste of the serene European lifestyle!
SEE THE BROCHURE
Inclusions at a glance
Flights
- Return economy airfares to Madrid
- Fly from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide or Perth
Accommodation
- 14 nights in twin share hotel rooms with private en-suite facilities
- Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room
Meals
- 14 breakfasts, 7 dinners
Vegetarian options available for all meals on request
Transport
- Complimentary airport shuttles at start and end of the tour
- Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard
- Any public transport used as part of the tour days (excludes free days)
Included extras
- Services of your English-speaking tour leader, who will be on hand with advice and tips to ensure that you get the most from your trip
- All taxes and fees included
Special features
- Welcome dinner in Madrid
- See the historic town of Segovia
- Enjoy a free time for a night out in San Sebastian
- Explore Pamplona; made famous by “the running of the bulls”
- Sample local Spanish wines
- Wander through the streets of Zaragoza on a walking tour
- Visit Andorra and Andorra la Vella; Europe’s highest capital city
- See Barcelona’s spectacular architecture on a city driving tour
- Enjoy lunch in picturesque Peniscola
- Embark on a driving tour of Valencia
- Enjoy a paella dinner in Valencia
- Wonder the medieval halls of Castillo de Belmonte
- Visit Toledo; a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Tour Granada and learn about the legacy of the Spanish Moors
- Admire the views from Puente Nuevo in Ronda
- Explore Seville on a guided walking tour
- Relax on the beaches of the Algarve
- Enjoy a driving tour of Lisbon; Portugal’s vibrant capital city
- Visit Obidos, a charming medieval town
- Explore picturesque Porto on a driving and walking tour
- Sample Port wine; one of Portugal’s most famous exports
- Visit Guarda; Portugal’s highest city and home to a medieval castle
- Enjoy a farewell dinner in Salamanca
- Visit Avila; famous for its medieval walls
- DAY 1
- DAY 2
- DAY 3
- DAY 4
- DAY 5
- DAY 6
- DAY 7
- DAY 8
- DAY 9
- DAY 10
- DAY 11
- DAY 12
- DAY 13
- DAY 14
- DAY 15
- DAY 16
Depart Australia
Board your overnight flight to Europe!
Arrive - Madrid
Welcome to Madrid and the start of this exciting tour of Spain and Portugal! Depending on when you arrive, there may be time to see some of the city. Explore the streets or simply relax at the hotel. This evening, meet up with your tour leader as well as the rest of the group in the hotel lobby. Tonight, there will be an included dinner with the tour group. Enjoy the delicious tastes of Spain and get to know the rest of the travellers on this group tour.
Depending on arrival times, a complimentary airport shuttle will be available to transport travellers to the hotel.
Segovia - San Sebastian
Depart Madrid this morning and travel to San Sebastian on Spain’s northern coast. Along the way, stop off in Segovia, a picturesque UNESCO World Heritage Site which offers the highest concentration of Romanesque churches in Europe, as well as an incredibly well-preserved Roman aqueduct that runs into the heart of the city. Arrive in San Sebastian in the late afternoon. San Sebastian is a charming city with a beautiful beach and vibrant nightlife. A foodie’s paradise, San Sebastian is known for its Basque gastronomy, so this evening is best spent exploring the beachfront bars and indulging in pintxo, northern Spain's version of tapas!
Pamplona - Zaragoza
Today’s first stop is Pamplona - the historic city made famous by “the running of the bulls” during the San Fermin festival. Pamplona is packed with history! Enjoy free time to explore the beautiful medieval city centre and see the city walls and citadel. After seeing Pamplona, travel to Zaragoza and enjoy a wine tasting along the way. Arrive in Zaragoza and take a walking tour of the city. The city has experienced a long and varied history, with Roman, Moorish, Jewish and Christian communities leaving their marks over the centuries. This storied history can be seen in the architecture of the Basílica del Pilar cathedral, Aljafería Islamic palace, the Roman theatre and more.
Andorra - Barcelona
It’s time to hit the road to Barcelona! Today’s first stop is the tiny principality of Andorra. Enjoy free time to explore Andorra la Vella, the highest capital city in Europe and a popular ski resort. Arrive in Barcelona in the late afternoon. The cosmopolitan capital of the Catalonia region is bursting full of beautiful sights and great things to see and do. Embark on a driving tour with your tour leader and become acquainted with the city’s vibrant energy. Look out for famous La Sagrada Familia and other examples of eclectic art and architecture.
The hotel for the next two nights is located in Sant Cugat, just outside the city. Enjoy an included dinner with the group tonight.
Barcelona: Free Day
Enjoy a free day in Barcelona today! See more of the city’s incredible architecture, visit the Old Town, stroll along Las Ramblas, enjoy authentic tapas or simply relax in one of the city’s parks. The best panoramic city views can be found in Park Guell, another creation by Antoni Gaudí. Barcelona is home to many of Gaudi’s designs and you could spend the whole day simply locating each one! Las Ramblas is a street lined with shops, restaurants, market stalls, museums, theatres, art galleries, street performers and more! For an unforgettable evening, join the optional Flamenco show and dinner excursion tonight. The dance of passion is performed with style, flair and energy, and is a real experience not to be missed.
Peniscola - Valencia
Leaving Barcelona behind, travel along the south coast towards Valencia. En route, stop for lunch in Peniscola. Home to a historic old town, a beautiful promenade and sandy beaches watched over by an imposing castle built by the Knights Templar - this is surely one of the most picturesque spots in Europe to enjoy a lunch stop! Arrive in Valencia and enjoy a driving tour of this thriving port city. Discover Valencia’s uniqueness in how it retains plenty of historic charm despite the decades of development that have given it a distinct space-age feel. Enjoy dinner in the city tonight Look forward to tasting paella - one of the dishes Valencia is famous for!
Valencia - Madrid
Today, it’s time to travel onwards to Madrid. Journey through the historic La Mancha region, made famous by the legend of Don Quixote - an ageing knight who, inspired by his literary heroes, sets off with his squire in search of chivalrous adventure. Next up, explore Castillo de Belmonte. Located on the hill of San Cristobal, tour the medieval castle and discover grandly furnished rooms and dungeons, and learn more about the intriguing history. Arrive in Madrid later in the afternoon. This evening, enjoy an included dinner where travellers from the Highlights of Spain & Portugal tour will join the group.
Toledo - Granada
This morning, say farewell to Madrid and head to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Toledo, an ancient city in central Spain. Fall in love with this charming medieval town, complete with Gothic architecture and an impressive Cathedral. The tour continues south to the Moorish city of Granada, which was the last stronghold of the Spanish Moors, and the legacy is evident all around! Arrive in the afternoon and set off on an orientation tour of the city. Your tour leader will point out top attractions including the famous Alhambra and share great insight into this beautiful region of Spain.
Ronda - Seville
The journey through Andalusia continues! Spend the morning exploring the city of Granada, or join our optional excursion to the Alhambra Palace (please note: this excursion must be pre-booked). In addition to a rich Moorish and Medieval history, Granada is a fascinating city that is packed with street art, culture and the best restaurants. This afternoon, travel to Ronda and take in the spectacular views from the ‘Puente Nuevo’ (New Bridge) before enjoying free time for lunch. Later in the afternoon, arrive in the enchanting city of Seville. Sit down for a traditional tapas dinner followed by a tour accompanied by a local guide. Soak up the culture, sights and sounds of the city as you walk through the streets!
Seville: Free Day
Enjoy a free day in Seville! This is a town steeped in history, found in the architecture, culture and general atmosphere. Legend has it that Seville was founded by Hercules, many thousands of years ago! With a full free day, you will have time to properly explore this beautiful and pleasingly compact city. Seville is famous for its flamenco dance, tapas bars and orange trees. The cobbled streets of the Old Town make for a pleasing morning stroll, while in the afternoon you may wish to visit the Metropol Parasol for amazing views, the palaces of Alcázar Casa de Pilatos or the Museum of Flamenco. Tonight, opt-in to join the Flamenco dinner show excursion for vibrant Spanish culture and flavours!
Algarve - Lisbon
Today, cross the border and travel to Lisbon in Portugal! En route, visit the Algarve, the stunning southern coastal region of Portugal that features golden beaches and limestone cliffs. Make a comfort stop at one of these beautiful beaches and enjoy the impressive views, golden sand, and azure blue waters. Arrive in Lisbon and it’s time to set out on an orientation tour of Portugal’s capital city. See Lisbon’s top sights and attractions from the imposing Sao Jorge Castle to the pastel colours of the old town - Lisbon has it all! Take note of any spots you would like to explore on the free day tomorrow!
Lisbon: Free Day
Today is a free day to explore Lisbon at your leisure. See Lisbon's iconic landmarks including the Monument to the Discoveries and the Belém Tower, or discover the hilltop district of Bairro Alto which is home to narrow streets filled with dozens of restaurants and bars. Be sure to taste a delicious pasteis de nata (Portuguese custard tart) during your free time! Alternatively, join an optional excursion to Sintra, a charming UNESCO World Heritage Site village and the capital of Romanticism in Portugal, known for its strikingly colourful monuments. It was once the summer retreat for Portugal’s royal families! This evening, find a spot to enjoy one of Portugal's cultural highlights; Fado music - some of the oldest urban folk music in the world!
Obidos - Porto
Say “tchau” to Lisbon this morning, as Porto awaits! First stop of the day is Obidos, a classic fortified town with narrow cobbled streets, picturesque houses and an imposing hilltop castle. Enjoy free time to explore. Continue the tour of Portugal and arrive in Porto - the second largest city in Portugal and one of the oldest European centres. Head out on a driving and walking tour with your tour leader. See sights including Ponte de' Luis - a stunning bridge which crosses the River Douro, the Clerigos Tower and many other famous landmarks. One of Portugal’s famous exports is Port wine, which is named after Porto, and you will have the opportunity to taste it this afternoon at an included Port wine tasting.
Guarda - Salamanca
It’s time to wave goodbye to Portugal and travel back across the border to Spain. Journey through the countryside this morning and make a stop in Guarda, where you can enjoy some free time. Guarda was founded in the 12th Century by King Sancho I, and many of the fortified towers and defensive walls he built survive to this day. Arrive in Salamanca in Spain, and check into the hotel. Enjoy free time this afternoon to see more of the magnificent city. A visit to the Old Town and the Cathedral Bell Tower is highly recommended. To cap off the evening, enjoy an included farewell dinner, offering three courses of delicious food from around the province of Salamanca.
Avila - Madrid - Fly Home
It’s the last day of the tour and time to travel back to Madrid. Depart Salamanca this morning and travel to Avila to enjoy some free time. Nestled amongst rolling hills in Spain’s countryside, Avila is notable for its many Romanesque and Gothic churches as well as its famous and incredibly well-preserved medieval walls. Finally, continue on to Madrid, where this amazing 15-day tour of Spain and Portugal concludes. A complimentary airport shuttle will be available to transport travellers to the airport in Madrid.
More about Europe
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More about Spain
My Travel Experience Review
This escorted group tour covers the essential highlights of Spain and Portugal. Enjoy comfortable hotels, daily breakfast, coach transport, sightseeing and services of licensed tour guides. Plus flights are included from Australia and single travellers have the option to share or pay a supplement to ensure a private room.
More about this tour
See the brochure
CLICK HERE to view, download or print a copy of this tour brochure.
The brochure includes details of the inclusions, itinerary (where applicable) and other relevant travel information. Information contained in the brochure is subject to change and at the time of booking you will be provided with an updated copy that includes the current details for your reservation.
Tour departures
This escorted tour includes flights from Australia and departs on select dates:
2022 – 08 April; 20 May; 01, 29 July; 26 August; 09, 23 September, 07 October
2023 – 17, 31 March; 14, 28 April; 12, 26 May; 09, 23 June; 07 July; 04, 18 August; 01 September
Departures are subject to availability and prices may vary at time of booking. Please ask us for your preferred date and we will advise availability and cost. Contact us to find out about departures at other times of the year.
Important to remember...
The day-by-day tour descriptions in the itinerary are intended as an indicative guide only. Travel by nature is unpredictable. Weather patterns, river conditions, road accessibility, public holidays, travel restrictions and a multitude of other factors may necessitate itinerary changes that are ultimately for the client's benefit. It is essential that travellers are flexible and open minded in this regard.
Speak to a travel specialist
The My Travel Experience team are travel experts and we're here to help you enjoy the best holiday - from the time you start to plan your trip until the day you return home. We are only a phone call or email away whenever you need us, so please contact us today with any questions.
Email [email protected]. Phone 1300 168 910 (in Australia) or text +61 437 851 966 (from overseas or via mobile).
Book With Confidence - Early Bird Special
This tour has special Book With Confidence conditions that give you greater flexibility and peace of mind when you book.
When you book early, if you need to change your tour dates due to COVID19 travel restrictions, you will receive travel credits to the same value as your original tour.
Plus, you will have the following options:
1. Book the same tour, different departure date
Receive a full travel credit and to transfer to a new travel date. Check your travel voucher to confirm its validity and if you originally booked with a discount, that same saving will be applied to your new travel date.
2. Book a different tour
If you choose to book a different tour, then the travel credit will be transferred to that new tour booking. Check your travel voucher to confirm its validity and if you originally booked with a discount, that same saving will be applied to the cost of your new tour.
3. Travel credits as a gift
For ultimate flexibility, travel credits can be used for a new booking for other travellers. Thus, credits can be redeemed towards the new booking and that can be for someone other than the original booker(s). The original lead traveller will need to email our customer service team to confirm the transfer. Make sure you check the date on the travel credits voucher to know the redemption deadline.
Important to know:
- Travel credits are non-refundable.
- Date changes must be made 60 days prior to departure or fees will apply as per standard standard Booking Terms & Conditions.
- Airfares are non-refundable once tickets are issued and separate future travel credit conditions apply.
- These conditions only apply to this tour and/or flights if confirmed arrangements are disrupted or cancelled due to COVID19.
New safety measures and greater peace of mind.
The wellbeing and safety of our passengers and staff is always a priority, especially as we adjust to a new world for travellers. My Travel Experience is committed to ensuring your peace of mind with customer-friendly booking practices and enhanced health and safety standards on our trips.
We work closely with tour operators that have received the Safe Travels stamp by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), which enables travellers to recognise companies around the world that have adopted health and hygiene global standardised protocols.
Travel requirements for this tour:
The tour operator is implementing a number of enhanced health and safety protocols on their trips. These additional precautions have been introduced to help prevent the transmission of Covid-19 and to help ensure that travellers and the tour team are as safe and protected as possible while on tour.
Negative PCR or Antigen Tests
All travellers, regardless of their vaccination status, will be asked to produce a negative PCR test or negative Antigen test in order to embark on our escorted tours. This helps to ensure the safety of our travellers and staff.
Self-monitor for Covid-19 symptoms
We request that all travellers self-monitor daily before the tour for any COVID-19 related symptoms. All travellers will be required to complete a Covid-19 Acknowledgement of Risk (sent by our customer service team) before departing for the tour, and each traveller will be required to sign a Responsible Traveller Pledge (committing to the safety and wellbeing of yourself and fellow travellers). We advise all travellers to check their home country's rules and regulations regarding the quarantine period upon return from your tour as well as any requirements they may have before you travel.
Face masks and sanitising
Each traveller will be required to bring their own mask and wear it at all (required) times. We ask that our travellers familiarise themselves with the best way to use, clean and store face masks (especially if they are reusable). Travellers should bring their own face masks for use throughout the journey as well as spares. Always remember to practice good hygiene and wash or sanitise your hands frequently. Travel tip: Plastic bags are good for storing used face masks.
As per regulation - face masks will be compulsory while on the coach, boat and train. Face masks will be available for purchase from your tour leader for those who do not have supplies. Hand sanitisers with at least 60% alcohol will be available to travellers and staff at all times.
Adequate Travel Insurance
All tour travellers are required to show proof of adequate travel insurance before embarking on tour. Your policy of insurance is required to cover you and your party against the cost of cancellation by you; the cost of assistance (including repatriation - medical and non-medical) in the event of accident or illness; loss of baggage and money; protection against any Covid-related claims and other expenses.
Please Note: If you cannot provide the tour team with proof of adequate travel insurance prior to the start of your tour, you will not be permitted to embark on day one.
Health and Safety on Tour
On the4 coach tours, elevated hygiene and safety procedures will be put into place. The safe and comfortable coaches are cleaned and sanitised before the start of each tour and daily cleaning is maintained throughout the tour.
Safety Measures for Social Distancing on Tour
In line with precautions from various government authorities, such as the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), social distancing and face masks will be necessary on both rail and coach tours.
Carrying out responsible social distancing while on the coach and train, during city tours, on visits to landmarks, museums and more, will be necessary to help ensure the safety of yourself, the other travellers in your group and our travel crew. This extends to the use of face masks on board the coach and train and where necessary when visiting different destinations.
Coach boarding will be adjusted in line with social distancing measures.
What if someone gets sick on tour?
All travellers are required to inform their tour leader if they are feeling unwell. Your tour leader will then direct you to a medical practitioner, it is strongly advised that travellers then take all the reasonable steps to ensure the traveller(s) meet all the requirements as laid out by their travel insurance provider.
Travel Crew are Trained and Here to Help
The travel crew, which includes your tour leaders and drivers, have previously been trained for important health and hygiene needs while on tour. In addition to this, the crew will have received additional, in-depth health and hygiene training prior to embarking on any future tours. This training is in line with guidelines set out by public health authorities.
The team is regularly reviewing government tourism and travel updates and ensuring that tours run in accordance with the prevailing public health advice, and recommendations by the World Health Organisation, the Centres for Disease Control, the European Centre for Disease Control, and the Public Health Agency of Canada. We are hoping to make this adjustment to the "new normal" of travel as stress-free as possible!
These guidelines are subject to change as the global situation evolves. The enforcement of certain measures (i.e. social distancing and mask-wearing) will vary in different regions. We will defer to local health authorities for best practices in their region. Check with your home country's policies on testing and post-trip self-isolation as well as the latest travel advisories.
How to make a booking:
This early bird deal is valid for a limited time and may change without notice.
Price is correct as of 26 October 2021. Please contact us for current rates.
Advertised price is based on lead-price departure(s) and rates will be advised for your preferred travel date prior to any payment being required.
All prices are per person, based on twin share, and listed in Australian dollars (AUD). The package is subject to confirmation at the time of booking and prices may change without notice. Booking conditions and cancellation fees apply.
Please read My Travel Experience Booking Terms & Conditions prior to making a reservation. By booking any travel service with us, you have agreed to be bound by these terms and conditions.
To make a booking please call My Travel Experience on 1300 168 910 or email [email protected].
You can also select a trip and request it via this website - please enter your preferred departure date (if known) and the number of people travelling. If you wish to submit an enquiry, please let us know your travel dates plus any other information that will help us provide a quote, such as departure city and travel preferences.
No payment is required to submit an online booking request - your booking is pending confirmation and no place is being held.
Your reservation status will be advised when you hear from our travel consultants. Bookings are normally actioned within 24 hours - Monday to Friday.
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