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.PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Lisbon so you can plan your day your way.
Guided sightseeing in Barcelona includes a photo stop at Sagrada Familia and Montjuic Hill plus a visit to the Palau de La Musica
Guided sightseeing in Madrid includes a panoramic drive featuring views of main landmarks and a visit to the Prado Museum
Guided walking tour in Cordoba includes a visit to the Mosque of the Caliphs,
Visit to Seville’s Plaza de España plus a guided sightseeing featuring an orientation drive, a visit to Casa de Pilatos, and a walk through the Santa Cruz quarter
Local specialty dinner at [LF] El Palacio Andaluz restaurant with authentic Flamenco entertainment.
Visit to a traditional [LF] tile workshop in Azeitão
Globus Choice excursions in Lisbon − included in your tour with your choice of a a guided orientation drive of the city with photo stops and an included visit to Jerónimos Monastery and cloister, or a guided walking tour in the center, plus tram ride and ginjunha tasting
Orientation walk in Ponte Delgada
Visit to only tea plantation in Europe in São Miguel
Visit to a pineapple plantation in São Miguel
Visit to Setubal
Scenic drives to Ribeira Grande, Pico do Carvao viewpoint, and Sete Cidades
Return flight between Lisbon and St. Michael, Azores
Notes: Services of the Tour Director end on day 9. Island portion includes services of a local expert.We encourage all guests to prebook their preferred included Globus Choice excursions to ensure your selection is available. If your preference is not selected 35 days prior to departure, we will select a Choice excursion on your behalf based on availability.
Welcome to Barcelona! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel Dinner
Day 2 BARCELONA
Gaudí’s Showcase Wake up in Barcelona! The morning is yours to either explore independently or join an optional excursion. This afternoon, discover Barcelona with your Local Guide on a sightseeing tour to see the Columbus Monument, Plaza de Cataluña, and Passeig de Gràcia. Enjoy a photo stop at the Sagrada Familia, visit the historic concert hall Palau de La Musica, and enjoy panoramic views of the city and harbor from Montjuïc Hill. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CITY SIGHTS It won’t take long for you to realize why the motto “Barcelona Inspires” is true. This lively city has so much to offer, from vibrant markets to delicious dishes. This stunning city is a spectacular showcase for Antonio Gaudí’s architectural works of art. Known as “God’s architect,” Gaudí began designing lampposts before designing some of Barcelona’s most famous buildings—the Casa Batló and Casa Milà on the Passeig de Gracia, and the jaw dropping Sagrada Familia - the iconic unfinished church which has become the world’s longest-running construction site! Breakfast
Day 3 BARCELONA–MADRID
Splendid Spain Today, sit back and relax for a scenic drive through the Catalonian and Aragonian countryside en-route to Madrid. Enjoy an evening at leisure to get your first taste of Spain’s capital city. (B)
385 mi / 620 km
ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE The captivating 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. See the Statue of the Fallen Angel, depicting Lucifer’s expulsion from Heaven Breakfast
Day 4 MADRID
Masterpieces in Madrid Discover the city's historic grandeur along the boulevards. Admire elegant buildings and views of legendary landmarks, including the Plaza de España monument to Miguel de Cervantes, author of "Don Quixote." Visit the world-famous Prado Museum for further glimpses into Spanish culture and history through its art collection. Enjoy an afternoon and evening at leisure to explore more of this captivating city. (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 Breakfast
Day 5 MADRID–CORDOBA–SEVILLE
Treasures of Cordoba Enjoy a scenic drive south into the region of Andalusia. This afternoon, visit the magnificent city of Cordoba, follow your Local Guide on a walking tour to see the Jewish Quarter, the Roman Bridge, and the remains of the Alcazar. The tour highlight is a visit of the Mosque of the Caliphs, one of the Twelve Treasures of Spain. Enjoy some free time to browse the narrow streets before continuing to the vibrant city of Seville. (B)
348 mi / 560 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ANCIENT ARCHITECTURE The Mosque of Córdoba (Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba 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 Breakfast
Day 6 SEVILLE
Dance Steps & Castanets This morning, discover what makes Seville so special! Start with a visit to the Plaza de España, one of the city’s most famous landmarks. Then, join your Local Guide for a fascinating sightseeing tour featuring a panoramic drive, a visit to the Casa de Pilatos, and a stroll through the charming Santa Cruz Quarter. This evening, delve deeper into Sevillian culture and [LF] enjoy dinner with local specialties at El Palacio Andaluz restaurant accompanied by authentic Flamenco entertainment. (B,D)
LOCAL FAVORITE
CULTURE & TRADITION Be moved by 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! BreakfastDinner
Day 7 SEVILLE–SETUBAL–AZEITÃO, PORTUGAL–LISBON
Painting the Town in Portugal Bid adios to Spain as you cross over the border to Portugal. Stop in Setúbal for some leisure time to browse this colorful town and try some local specialties for lunch. Continue to Azeitão to [LF] visit a traditional tile workshop and see how the traditional azulejos (tiles) are created. Reach Lisbon, free time late afternoon and evening to start exploring Portugal’s capital. (B)
323 mi / 520 km
LOCAL FAVORITE
ART & ARTISTRY Enter a world of authentically handmade Portuguese tiles at the São Simão Arte workshop and gallery in Azeitão. It is here that distinguished antique collector Antonio Soares Franco creates his ceramic masterpieces by hand in the style of his ancestors Breakfast
Day 8 LISBON
Spend Your Day Your Way in Lisbon. Explore more of Lisbon with your choice of included Globus Choice excursions.
Enjoy free time this afternoon. Later, enjoy a farewell dinner at your hotel BreakfastDinner
Day 9 LISBON–PONTA DELGADA
The European Hawaii Today, leave the Portuguese mainland and fly to Ponta Delgada, capital of the Azores archipelago, located on the island of São Miguel. Meet your Local Expert for an orientation walk to admire the historic landmarks and attractive waterfront. Enjoy free time to explore more. (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 Breakfast
Day 10 PONTA DELGADA. EXCURSION TO THE CENTER OF THE ISLAND
Volcanic Craters & Cups of Tea A fascinating day awaits! Drive to Ribeira Grande and stop at the top of Pico da Barrosa mountain to take in views of the volcano’s crater and the ocean. At Maia visit the oldest and only tea plantation in Europe, then continue to Furnas to see the area’s geothermal activity before enjoying an included lunch at a local restaurant, followed by a visit of the botanical gardens. Drive back to Ponta Delgada for a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. (B,L)
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 chemical products. One lump or two? BreakfastLunch
Day 11 PONTA DELGADA
Forbidden Fruit & Fruitful Landscapes Enjoy a morning at leisure before an afternoon drive to visit a pineapple plantation. Continue to Pico do Carvao viewpoint and take in the region’s stunning beauty. Drive to the bridge of Sete Cidades which separates two small, ecologically different lakes located in the crater of a dormant volcano. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS Sete Cidades 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! BreakfastDinner
Day 12 PONTA DELGADA–LISBON
At Leisure in Lisbon Pack your bags and depart the magical Island of San Miguel with a flight to Lisbon. Enjoy leisure time to explore more of the city. (B)
ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE Enjoy free time in Lisbon to absorb more art and culture in one of the museums, stroll along the classic streets, browse the stores, or try local specialties, like the delicious pastel de nata Breakfast
Day 13 LISBON
Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Accommodations
Barcelona
Madrid
Seville
Seville
Lisbon
Ponta Delgada
Lisbon
NH Sants Barcelona First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
Numancia, 74 Barcelona Spain
This large modern property is located in the heart of the financial district, within walking distance of the Sants train station, which connects to the city center in 15 minutes. The well-known soccer stadium Camp Nou is only 20 minutes away on foot. The property offers 203 soundproof, bright and spacious guestrooms decorated in a classic style with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi. The hotel has a fitness room, a nice restaurant serving Catalan cuisine, and a relaxing bar serving refreshing drinks.
Novotel Madrid Center First-Class
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C/ O'donnell 53 Madrid Spain
A stylish 790 room hotel located in Madrid's elegant Salamanca District with Free Wi-Fi internet access available throughout. Amenities include a gourmet restaurant, a chic bar featuring a large video wall, a fitness room and relaxing lounge areas.
Sevilla Center Superior First-Class
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Avda De Buhaira S/N Seville Spain
The hotel enjoys a central location and is within walking distance to the historical Old Town and cathedral.
Warmly decorated air-conditioned guest rooms include a minibar and free Wi-Fi.
Amenities include a refined restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows, plus a hot tub and a seasonal outdoor pool with loungers. There's also a fitness room.
Macia Sevilla Kubb First-Class
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Plaza Carmen Benitez, 3 Seville Spain
This 134-room contemporary hotel offers a fitness center, a rooftop terrace with seasonal outdoor pool, a restaurant and a lounge. All rooms are equipped with flat-screen TV, air conditioning, private bathroom with hairdryer and complimentary toiletries. The property is situated 1.5 km from Plaza de España, 1 km from the Alcazar and a 12-minute walk from La Giralda and Sevilla Cathedral.
Holiday Inn Lisbon Continental First-Class
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Rua Laura Alves 9 Lisbon Portugal
Centrally located between Avenida Republica and Avenida Berna. The hotel has 220 air-conditioned rooms, fully furnished with a flat-screen TV, in-room safety deposit box, minibar, tea/coffee maker facilities. Enjoy the taste of the real Portuguese cuisine in the restaurant and excellent cocktails prepared at the bar. Free Wi-Fi internet is available throughout the property.
Azoris Royal Garden Superior First-Class
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Rua de Lisboa Ponta Delgada Portugal
This welcoming modern hotel has a seasonal outdoor swimming pool with a terrace and Zen-style gardens. All of the elegant 193 guest rooms are air-conditioned, decorated with neutral tones and come with a private bathroom, hairdryer, minibar, cable-TV, in-room safe and Free Wi-Fi access. A tennis court, a wellness center and a heated indoor pool are also available. The on-site restaurant serves local and international cuisine, there is also a piano bar for drinks and a cafe that overlooks the landscaped gardens.
Mercure Lisboa First-Class
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Avda Jose Malhoa, 23 Lisbon Portugal
A 104-room modern hotel offering Free Wi-Fi Internet access and year-round heated rooftop swimming pool, with panoramic views over the Águas Livres Aqueduct. International cuisine and Regional wines can be enjoyed in the main restaurant and there is a lobby bar serving a wide range of drinks & cocktails.