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Cosmos The Best of Spain & Portugal (6820)

13 Day Tour from Madrid to Madrid 
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 centres 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. Our 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.

Itinerary (2024)

Day 1ARRIVE 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 2MADRID–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 3GRANADA–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 4CORDOBA–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.
Today’s Distance: 93 mi/ 150 km (B,D)
Day 5SEVILLE
 Get to know Seville on the included city tour. The capital of Andalusia, vibrant Seville 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 6SEVILLE–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, the tiles and the 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 7LISBON
 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. (B)
Day 8LISBON–FÁTIMA–COIMBRA–PORTO
 Stop in Fátima to visit its 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, why not join an optional Douro River cruise and dinner?
Today’s Distance: 224 mi/ 360 km (B)
Day 9PORTO
 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, consider 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 10PORTO–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 11SALAMANCA–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 12MADRID
 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 13MADRID
 Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

Included Cosmos Meals

Buffet breakfasts daily; 4 dinners, including a dinner at a local restaurant in Porto

Cosmos Notes

*Entrance to the Nasrid Palace is not guaranteed

Click Quote for a Cosmos Tour Date for our low price tour quote


Cosmos Tour Dates


Guaranteed Departure  indicates Guaranteed Departure
*Tour Land StartCosmos RetailRequest Quote
Guaranteed Departure 06/25/2024 $2,399.00
Guaranteed Departure 08/20/2024 $2,199.00
Guaranteed Departure 09/03/2024 $2,429.00
Guaranteed Departure 09/17/2024 $2,429.00
Guaranteed Departure 10/01/2024 $2,429.00
Guaranteed Departure 10/15/2024 $2,379.00
03/25/2025 $2,819.00
04/15/2025 $2,789.00
04/29/2025 $2,819.00
05/13/2025 $2,679.00
05/27/2025 $2,679.00
06/24/2025 $2,639.00
07/08/2025 $2,579.00
07/22/2025 $2,599.00
08/05/2025 $2,639.00
08/19/2025 $2,419.00
09/02/2025 $2,679.00
09/16/2025 $2,679.00
09/30/2025 $2,679.00
10/14/2025 $2,619.00
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