Embark on a remarkable journey through Spain and Portugal, where culture, history, and architectural wonders await. Your adventure begins in Barcelona, a city pulsating with vibrant culture. Explore iconic landmarks like the Gothic Quarter, La Rambla, and the awe-inspiring Sagrada Familia, a masterpiece by Antoni Gaudi. Savour tapas during a delightful lunch. In Valencia, discover ancient city walls, historic neighborhoods, and the cathedral, home to the Holy Grail. Visit La Lonja de la Seda, a UNESCO masterpiece. Travel to Granada, explore the Albaicín, and marvel at the Alhambra’s beauty. Savour dinner and rest.
Next, head to Seville, a city of history and grandeur. Visit the Seville Cathedral, Giralda Tower, and choose to explore the city or visit the Alcazar. Continue your journey to Cordoba, famed for its UNESCO-listed historic centre and the Mosque-Cathedral. Delight in local specialties and move on to Seville. In the Algarve, Portugal, wander through the charming town of Tavira and explore Ria Formosa Natural Park, a haven for wildlife. Conclude the day in Albufeira, a coastal town with a vibrant atmosphere.
Journey to Lisbon, Portugal’s capital, and enjoy a lunch at a local restaurant. Visit Belém Tower, the Monument to the Discoveries, and the Jeronimos Monastery. Experience Fado music with a sumptuous meal at a Lisbon Fado venue. Discover Baixa in Lisbon and explore the Alfama neighborhood, including the São Jorge Castle. Head to Coimbra, a city steeped in history, and visit the university, the Joanina Library, and the Royal Palace.
Your adventure continues to Oporto, Portugal’s second-largest city. Explore Clérigos Tower, São Bento Railway Station, and the Ribeira Quarter. Visit the Stock Exchange Palace and enjoy a boat tour on the Douro River. Explore the Douro Valley’s terraced vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and enjoy lunch with regional products. Arrive in Viseu, where you can stroll through the cozy town centre. The journey leads back to Spain, visiting Salamanca and Ávila with its medieval city walls. Finally, arrive in Madrid, where you’ll embark on a panoramic tour, explore Toledo, and enjoy a farewell dinner. What an incredible two weeks.
Will you join us?
TOUR PRICING: A$10,996
TOUR DATES: 28TH SEPTEMBER – 12TH OCTOBER 2024
Hotel Best 4 in Barcelona
This modern hotel is a 6-minute walk from Llacuna subway stop and 11 minutes from the beach. It’s also 3 km from Sagrada Família. Offering free Wi-Fi, the stylish rooms also have flat-screen TVs, as well as desks and sitting areas. Upgraded rooms add tea and coffeemaking equipment, minibars and views of the city or the Mediterranean sea. There’s a modern restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine and a casual bar with snacks. There’s also a fitness room with a sauna, a hot tub and a steam room. Massages are available with surcharges.
Hotel Eurostars Acteon in Valencia
An 8-minute walk from Ayora metro station, this modern hotel is 1 km from the City of Arts and Sciences complex, and 3 km from La Malvarrosa Beach. The casual rooms are warmly decorated, featuring free Wi-Fi, satellite TV, minibars and desks. Suites add sitting areas; some have 2nd bedrooms. Room service is available. A breakfast buffet is offered (fee). There’s a bright Mediterranean restaurant and a contemporary bar. There’s also an exercise room, a squash court and a sauna, as well as a business center and bike rentals.
Hotel Tent Granada
In a modern building along a tree-lined, 2-way street, this laid-back hotel is a 4-minute walk from Granada train station, 2 km from the Royal Chapel of Granada and 13 km from the medieval Alhambra fortress complex. The unassuming, air-conditioned rooms have Wi-Fi, TVs and minibars. Suites add living areas and whirlpool tubs. Amenities include a restaurant, a bar, and a compact outdoor pool with a sun terrace, plus a spa and a gym.
Novotel Sevilla
Across the street from Ramon Sanchez–Pizjuan Stadium, this modern hotel is 2 km from Catedral de Sevilla and 4 km from Alcázar of Seville, the royal palace. Airy rooms with contemporary furnishings have Wi-Fi access, flat-screen TVs, and tea and coffee making equipment. Suites add Nespresso machines. A casual restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine. A bar offers light fare, and live entertainment on some nights. Other amenities include a gym, and seasonal outdoor pool with city views, as well as an indoor playground and video game center.
Hotel Vila Galé Cerro Alagoa in Albufeira
This airy, relaxed hotel near Fisherman Beach is 2 km from Praia da Oura and 13 km from golfing at Vilamoura Old Course. Warmly furnished rooms feature complimentary Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, as well as minibars and tea and coffee making facilities. Suites add living areas. Room service is available. Other amenities include 2 bars and a restaurant, as well as a spa, a fitness centre, and indoor and outdoor pools. There’s also a playground, a game room and gardens.
Hotel Smy in Lisbon
Reflective glass exteriors marks this modern hotel. It’s an 11-minute walk from a metro stop (with direct service to the airport) and 3 km from Rossio Square. Featuring contemporary design in warm earth tones, the rooms come with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minibars and desks. Upgraded units add balconies, tea and coffeemakers, and terraces. Suites include lounges with sofas. Room service is offered. The a la carte restaurant serves regional fare and has themed dinners. There are 2 bars, including a 6th-floor cocktail lounge with a terrace offering city/river views. Other amenities include an exercise room and a business center.
Hotel Coimbra Aeminium
Hotel Coimbra Aeminium enjoys a hill-top location in Coimbra. The hotel bar features live music once a week. The air-conditioned guest rooms are decorated in a modern style with pastel colors. They include a cable TV, mini-bar and work desk. Each has a private bathroom with a hairdryer. Guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner at Baga restaurant, which serves a selection of Portuguese, international and vegetarian cuisine.
Holiday Inn Porto Gaia in Oporto
An 8-minute walk from Vila Nova de Gaia train station, this modern high-rise hotel is 2 km from the Dom Luis Bridge over the Douro River. Relaxed rooms feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screens and minibars, along with tea and coffeemakers; upgraded rooms have river views. Suites add kitchenettes, and living areas with sofabeds. Room service is offered. Kids age 19 and under stay at no cost with parents. There’s a casual restaurant, an atrium bar and a 24-hour lounge. Breakfast is offered for a fee. Other amenities include an indoor pool and a hot tub, plus a gym and a spa.
Hotel Grao Vasco in Viseu
This relaxed hotel surrounded by greenery is a 3-minute walk from Parque Aquilino Ribeiro, a 6-minute walk from Viseu Cathedral and a 7-minute walk from the Sé de Viseu funicular railway. Warmly decorated rooms offer free Wi-Fi and satellite TV. Upgraded rooms add balconies and/or mini fridges. Breakfast and parking are free. There’s an airy restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows, plus a mature garden and an outdoor pool.
Novotel Madrid Centre
Occupying a modern brick building in the city centre, this expansive hotel is 7 km from the Teatro Real opera house and 10 km from Zoo Aquarium de Madrid. Featuring hardwood floors, the slick rooms include flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi and desks, as well as minibars, and tea and coffeemakers. Some have pull-out sofas. Upgraded rooms add sitting areas, Nespresso machines and terraces. There’s a casual regional eatery and a bar showing big-screen sports; a breakfast buffet is offered for a fee. Other amenities include a fitness room, a business centre and stylish lounge areas.
PORTUGAL
Language
The official language is Portuguese.
Currency
Portugal has the euro (EUR) as its currency. Most hotels, restaurants and shops accept debit and credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express). Automated Teller Machines (ATM) can be found all over Portugal, including small villages. Banks are open from 8.30am to 3pm, Monday to Friday.
Electricity | Plug System
Electrical supply: 230 V | Frequency: 50 Hz
Passports & Visas
Citizens of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein need only a valid ID card or passport. Citizens from Canada, US, South America, Australia, New Zealand and from most Asian countries traveling to Portugal do not need a visa for stays under 90 days; only a valid passport is required. Citizens from other countries should see here to find out if they are required to have a valid visa.
SPAIN
Language
The official language in Spain is Spanish or Castilian Spanish, which is spoken by all citizens. However, certain Autonomous Communities have their own official language in addition to Spanish. Catalan is spoken in Catalonia, Galician in Galicia, and Basque in the Basque Country and part of Navarre.
Currency
Spain has the euro (EUR) as its currency. One Euro is made up of 100 cents, and there are eight different coins (1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, and 1 and 2 Euros), and seven notes (5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 Euros). Most hotels, restaurants and shops accept debit and credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express).
Electricity | Plug System
Electrical supply: 230 V | Frequency: 50 Hz
Passports & Visas
Spain has visa-free travel agreements with a number of non-Schengen and non-EU countries including Australia, the USA, New Zealand, Brazil, Japan and the United Kingdom.
Embark on a remarkable journey through Spain and Portugal, where culture, history, and architectural wonders await. Your adventure begins in Barcelona, a city pulsating with vibrant culture. Explore iconic landmarks like the Gothic Quarter, La Rambla, and the awe-inspiring Sagrada Familia, a masterpiece by Antoni Gaudi. Savour tapas during a delightful lunch. In Valencia, discover ancient city walls, historic neighborhoods, and the cathedral, home to the Holy Grail. Visit La Lonja de la Seda, a UNESCO masterpiece. Travel to Granada, explore the Albaicín, and marvel at the Alhambra’s beauty. Savour dinner and rest.
Next, head to Seville, a city of history and grandeur. Visit the Seville Cathedral, Giralda Tower, and choose to explore the city or visit the Alcazar. Continue your journey to Cordoba, famed for its UNESCO-listed historic centre and the Mosque-Cathedral. Delight in local specialties and move on to Seville. In the Algarve, Portugal, wander through the charming town of Tavira and explore Ria Formosa Natural Park, a haven for wildlife. Conclude the day in Albufeira, a coastal town with a vibrant atmosphere.
Journey to Lisbon, Portugal’s capital, and enjoy a lunch at a local restaurant. Visit Belém Tower, the Monument to the Discoveries, and the Jeronimos Monastery. Experience Fado music with a sumptuous meal at a Lisbon Fado venue. Discover Baixa in Lisbon and explore the Alfama neighborhood, including the São Jorge Castle. Head to Coimbra, a city steeped in history, and visit the university, the Joanina Library, and the Royal Palace.
Your adventure continues to Oporto, Portugal’s second-largest city. Explore Clérigos Tower, São Bento Railway Station, and the Ribeira Quarter. Visit the Stock Exchange Palace and enjoy a boat tour on the Douro River. Explore the Douro Valley’s terraced vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and enjoy lunch with regional products. Arrive in Viseu, where you can stroll through the cozy town centre. The journey leads back to Spain, visiting Salamanca and Ávila with its medieval city walls. Finally, arrive in Madrid, where you’ll embark on a panoramic tour, explore Toledo, and enjoy a farewell dinner. What an incredible two weeks.
Will you join us?
TOUR PRICING: A$10,996
TOUR DATES: 28TH SEPTEMBER – 12TH OCTOBER 2024
Hotel Best 4 in Barcelona
This modern hotel is a 6-minute walk from Llacuna subway stop and 11 minutes from the beach. It’s also 3 km from Sagrada Família. Offering free Wi-Fi, the stylish rooms also have flat-screen TVs, as well as desks and sitting areas. Upgraded rooms add tea and coffeemaking equipment, minibars and views of the city or the Mediterranean sea. There’s a modern restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine and a casual bar with snacks. There’s also a fitness room with a sauna, a hot tub and a steam room. Massages are available with surcharges.
Hotel Eurostars Acteon in Valencia
An 8-minute walk from Ayora metro station, this modern hotel is 1 km from the City of Arts and Sciences complex, and 3 km from La Malvarrosa Beach. The casual rooms are warmly decorated, featuring free Wi-Fi, satellite TV, minibars and desks. Suites add sitting areas; some have 2nd bedrooms. Room service is available. A breakfast buffet is offered (fee). There’s a bright Mediterranean restaurant and a contemporary bar. There’s also an exercise room, a squash court and a sauna, as well as a business center and bike rentals.
Hotel Tent Granada
In a modern building along a tree-lined, 2-way street, this laid-back hotel is a 4-minute walk from Granada train station, 2 km from the Royal Chapel of Granada and 13 km from the medieval Alhambra fortress complex. The unassuming, air-conditioned rooms have Wi-Fi, TVs and minibars. Suites add living areas and whirlpool tubs. Amenities include a restaurant, a bar, and a compact outdoor pool with a sun terrace, plus a spa and a gym.
Novotel Sevilla
Across the street from Ramon Sanchez–Pizjuan Stadium, this modern hotel is 2 km from Catedral de Sevilla and 4 km from Alcázar of Seville, the royal palace. Airy rooms with contemporary furnishings have Wi-Fi access, flat-screen TVs, and tea and coffee making equipment. Suites add Nespresso machines. A casual restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine. A bar offers light fare, and live entertainment on some nights. Other amenities include a gym, and seasonal outdoor pool with city views, as well as an indoor playground and video game center.
Hotel Vila Galé Cerro Alagoa in Albufeira
This airy, relaxed hotel near Fisherman Beach is 2 km from Praia da Oura and 13 km from golfing at Vilamoura Old Course. Warmly furnished rooms feature complimentary Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, as well as minibars and tea and coffee making facilities. Suites add living areas. Room service is available. Other amenities include 2 bars and a restaurant, as well as a spa, a fitness centre, and indoor and outdoor pools. There’s also a playground, a game room and gardens.
Hotel Smy in Lisbon
Reflective glass exteriors marks this modern hotel. It’s an 11-minute walk from a metro stop (with direct service to the airport) and 3 km from Rossio Square. Featuring contemporary design in warm earth tones, the rooms come with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minibars and desks. Upgraded units add balconies, tea and coffeemakers, and terraces. Suites include lounges with sofas. Room service is offered. The a la carte restaurant serves regional fare and has themed dinners. There are 2 bars, including a 6th-floor cocktail lounge with a terrace offering city/river views. Other amenities include an exercise room and a business center.
Hotel Coimbra Aeminium
Hotel Coimbra Aeminium enjoys a hill-top location in Coimbra. The hotel bar features live music once a week. The air-conditioned guest rooms are decorated in a modern style with pastel colors. They include a cable TV, mini-bar and work desk. Each has a private bathroom with a hairdryer. Guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner at Baga restaurant, which serves a selection of Portuguese, international and vegetarian cuisine.
Holiday Inn Porto Gaia in Oporto
An 8-minute walk from Vila Nova de Gaia train station, this modern high-rise hotel is 2 km from the Dom Luis Bridge over the Douro River. Relaxed rooms feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screens and minibars, along with tea and coffeemakers; upgraded rooms have river views. Suites add kitchenettes, and living areas with sofabeds. Room service is offered. Kids age 19 and under stay at no cost with parents. There’s a casual restaurant, an atrium bar and a 24-hour lounge. Breakfast is offered for a fee. Other amenities include an indoor pool and a hot tub, plus a gym and a spa.
Hotel Grao Vasco in Viseu
This relaxed hotel surrounded by greenery is a 3-minute walk from Parque Aquilino Ribeiro, a 6-minute walk from Viseu Cathedral and a 7-minute walk from the Sé de Viseu funicular railway. Warmly decorated rooms offer free Wi-Fi and satellite TV. Upgraded rooms add balconies and/or mini fridges. Breakfast and parking are free. There’s an airy restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows, plus a mature garden and an outdoor pool.
Novotel Madrid Centre
Occupying a modern brick building in the city centre, this expansive hotel is 7 km from the Teatro Real opera house and 10 km from Zoo Aquarium de Madrid. Featuring hardwood floors, the slick rooms include flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi and desks, as well as minibars, and tea and coffeemakers. Some have pull-out sofas. Upgraded rooms add sitting areas, Nespresso machines and terraces. There’s a casual regional eatery and a bar showing big-screen sports; a breakfast buffet is offered for a fee. Other amenities include a fitness room, a business centre and stylish lounge areas.
PORTUGAL
Language
The official language is Portuguese.
Currency
Portugal has the euro (EUR) as its currency. Most hotels, restaurants and shops accept debit and credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express). Automated Teller Machines (ATM) can be found all over Portugal, including small villages. Banks are open from 8.30am to 3pm, Monday to Friday.
Electricity | Plug System
Electrical supply: 230 V | Frequency: 50 Hz
Passports & Visas
Citizens of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein need only a valid ID card or passport. Citizens from Canada, US, South America, Australia, New Zealand and from most Asian countries traveling to Portugal do not need a visa for stays under 90 days; only a valid passport is required. Citizens from other countries should see here to find out if they are required to have a valid visa.
SPAIN
Language
The official language in Spain is Spanish or Castilian Spanish, which is spoken by all citizens. However, certain Autonomous Communities have their own official language in addition to Spanish. Catalan is spoken in Catalonia, Galician in Galicia, and Basque in the Basque Country and part of Navarre.
Currency
Spain has the euro (EUR) as its currency. One Euro is made up of 100 cents, and there are eight different coins (1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, and 1 and 2 Euros), and seven notes (5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 Euros). Most hotels, restaurants and shops accept debit and credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express).
Electricity | Plug System
Electrical supply: 230 V | Frequency: 50 Hz
Passports & Visas
Spain has visa-free travel agreements with a number of non-Schengen and non-EU countries including Australia, the USA, New Zealand, Brazil, Japan and the United Kingdom.
