Duration: 13 Days
Like the blue Azulejo-tiled walls on Portugal’s beautiful buildings, homes, and churches, we’ve pieced together the best experiences of two sun-washed countries for those looking for an enlightening getaway. On this 9-day tour of Spain and Portugal, you’ll spend two nights each in four legendary cities spanning from the sparkling blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea to the golden coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Barcelona’s distinctive architecture, Madrid’s artistic energy, Seville’s medieval past, and Lisbon’s tiled and cobbled charm await your arrival and exploration. With immersive sightseeing, you’ll dive into the history, culture, and cuisine of each city during the must-see, must-taste, and must-hear experiences, from Portugal’s sweet red port and mournful fado music to Spain’s dry Rioja wine and lively flamenco performances. The adventure continues with a flight to Lisbon to Ponta Delgada—to soak in some of Mother Nature’s finest work on the Atlantic Ocean. Take in the views of volcanic masterpieces from the top of Pico da Barrosa Mountain and visit Europe’s only tea plantation on the massive Maia farm. Visit Furnas’ geothermal wonders and marvel at the volcanic crater, cradling the luminous Sete Cidades Lake—one of Portugal’s Seven Natural Wonders.
Traveller Notes
We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect holiday—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides (with headsets to hear every word), to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites! Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi. Return flight from Lisbon to Azores.
Welcome to Barcelona!
At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
Gaudi's Masterpiece
BARCELONA Guided sightseeing includes the Palau de La Musica and panoramic views of the city and harbour from Montjuic Hill. Stop at Sagrada Familia Basilica, Columbus Monument, Plaza de Cataluna, and Paseo de Gracia. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURAL GEM The Basilica of the Sagrada Familia stands in Barcelona as a monument to the Holy Family and a testament to the masterwork of Antoni Gaudi. Built on the reliance of donations since the first stone was laid more than 130 years ago, the iconic church remains an unfinished masterpiece and the world's longest-running construction project - slated for completion in 2026 on the 100th anniversary of the architect's death.
Splendid Spain
Scenic drive through the Catalonian and Aragonian countryside en route to Madrid. (B) 385 mi / 620 km
FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE MORE The city of Madrid is filled with intriguing stories and hidden secrets. Stroll around the streets and take pictures of "El Osoy el Madrono"(The bear and the strawberry tree), the biggest symbol of the city. Don't forget to note the statues of the Fallen Angel, representing Lucifer, the Angel who was expelled from Heaven for rebelling against God.
Masterpieces in Madrid
MADRID Guided sightseeing includes the Prado Museum and sights of the Cibeles Fountain and Calle Alcala. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ART & ARCHITECTURE The Prado Museum houses one of the world's largest art collections, including its amazing assortment of masterpieces by historic artists like Velasquez, Goya, and El Greco. The famous museum also displays the works of renowned European masters, including Rubens and Rembrandt, along with a stunning collection of Greco-Roman statues.
Treasures of Cordoba
CORDOBA Guided walking tour includes the Mosque of the Caliphs. Free time to browse before departing for Seville. (B) 354 mi / 570 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ANCIENT ARCHITECTURE The Mosque of Cordoba (Mezquita-Catedral de Cordoba in Spanish) today is a Catholic cathedral but was originally a mosque built for Muslim prayer by Abd ar-Rahman I in the 8th century. The mosque's architecture is rich in dazzling detail, with over 800 granite and marble pillars supporting its beautiful brick and stone arches - a major focal point in the mosque along with the soaring bell tower - the tallest structure in the city.
Dance Steps in Seville
SEVILLE Visit Plaza de Espana. Guided sightseeing includes the Casa de Pilatos and a walk through the Santa Cruz quarter. Enjoy [LF] dinner with local specialties at El Palacio Andaluz restaurant with Flamenco entertainment. (B,D)
LOCAL FAVOURITE
CULTURE & TRADITION Feed the gypsy within you with the soulful sounds and steps of the Flamenco. You'll see the very best display of this passionate Flemish dance performed by award-winning dancers who'll add some spice to your dinner at El Palacio Andaluz restaurant in Seville. Ole!
Painting the Town in Portugal
SETUBAL Free time for lunch in the vibrant food market.
AZEITAO [LF] Visit a traditional tile workshop. LISBON Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening. (B) 273 mi / 440 km
LOCAL FAVOURITE
ART & ARTISTRY Enter a world of authentically handmade Portuguese tiles at the Sao Simao Arte workshop and gallery in Azeitao. It is here that distinguished antique collector Antonio Soares Franco creates his ceramic masterpieces by hand in the style of his ancestors.
Lovely Lisbon
LISBON Guided sightseeing includes Jeronimos Monastery and cloister with a photo stop at Belem Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries. Join a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOTS The stunning capital city of Portugal is a treasure trove of historic and architectural masterpieces. Lisbon is home to the 16th-century Monastery of Jeronimos, adorned with its 100-foot facade featuring images of St. Michael the Archangel and Our Lady of Belem. See the 16th-century Belem Tower, which served as a fortress but also as an embarkation point for sailors and was their last sight of land before the start of their journey. Lisbon's Monument to the Discoveries pays homage to great Portuguese explorers with a spectacular carved prow of an ancient ship.
The European Hawaii
LISBON Fly to Ponta Delgada.
PONTA DELGADA Orientation walk. Free time. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PURE & NATURAL Mother Nature has created a land full of natural beauty, ready to be explored, in the blue immensity of the Atlantic. Waterfalls tumble down basalt cliffs, rainforest-covered hills are topped by spectacular crater lakes and pale-green pastures are hedged by a kaleidoscope of hydrangeas. Dive into the rich cultural heritage as well with warm welcomes by local residents who graciously share stories of proud history and traditions.
Volcanic Craters & Cups of Tea
RIBEIRA GRANDE Stop at the top of Pico da Barrosa mountain and take in views of the volcano's crater and the ocean.
MAIA Visit the oldest and only tea plantation in Europe.
FURNAS See geothermal activity in the area. Free time for lunch. Visit the botanical gardens.
PONTA DEL GADA Dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
EUROPE'S CUP OF TEA Visit the oldest (and currently the only) tea plantation in Europe. Today the Tea Factory produces 40 tons of tea every year from 37 hectares of plantations without the use of chemicals products. One lump or two?
Forbidden Fruit & Fruitful Landscapes
PONTA DELGADA Enjoy the morning at leisure before an afternoon drive to visit a pineapple plantation. Continue then drive to Pico do Carvao viewpoint and take in the region's belvedere houses. Next drive to the bridge of Sete Cidades. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS Sete Cidades Lake is located in a volcanic crater about 4 kilometres long by 2 kilometres wide with a depth of 30 metres. The lake is one of the seven Natural Wonders of Portugal and the largest natural freshwater reservoir in the Azores. The lake is actually two lagoons, called Green Lake (Lagoa Verde) and Blue Lake (Lagoa Azul), linked by a shallow channel. The differing hues of each lake are the natural result of varying reflected light, or it could be the legend of a blue-eyed shepherd and a green-eyed princess whose tears filled each lake with tears of forbidden love. You decide!
Leisure Time in Lisbon
PONTA DELGADA Fly to Lisbon.
LISBON Free time. (B)
ENHANCED FREE TIME Time to pack your bags and say goodbye to the magical of San Miguel with a flight to Lisbon to relax and reminisce over your stunning adventure.
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
