Our website features only a tiny taster of what Discover Travel can help with!

 

Enquire now for customized help to explore this destination – we’ll make recommendations according to your specific wish-list, timeframe and budget.

Let the journey begin, call or e-mail us today…

Tel: 03 364 3400
Freephone: 0800 747 737
Email: [email protected]

'Magnifico' Spain and Portugal

18 fascinating days

See Segovia’s dramatic Alcázar and relax beside the massive stone aqueduct!

The charm and beauty of Spain and Portugal will leave you wanting more. From the seductive gardens of Granada’s Alhambra Palace, the heart
stopping chasm at Ronda, your private cruise on the Alto Douro, then waking up in a renovated 16th century citadel in a delightful Portuguese
shing village… just Magnifico!

Your tour highlights

  • Porto
  • Salamanca
  • Segovia
  • Alto Douro
  • Toledo
  • Madrid
  • Granada
  • Seville
  • Andalusia
  • Cascais
  • Nazare
  • El Valle de los Caidos
  • Braga
  • Lisbon

Tour itinerary

Day
1
Madrid

Your tour commences this evening in Spain’s cosmopolitan capital city, Madrid. Join us tonight for a welcome drink before dinner in your hotel. This is an ideal chance to meet, and get to know, your Tour Manager and fellow travellers.

Day
2
Cordoba's Mesquita and Granada

Travelling by AVE express train we enter Andalusia and reach Córdoba late morning. Here we are joined by a local guide who will show us the major sights and take us through the famous 8th century, UNESCO World Heritage Listed Mesquita – the Cathedral and former Great
Mosque of Córdoba. Later we join our touring coach and drive through to the famous city of Granada where we stay two nights. Dinner tonight is in your wonderful hotel.

Day
3
Alhambra Palace & Granada

This morning we are joined by a local guide who will take us through the incredible Alhambra and Generalife Gardens. With origins dating back to the 9th century and named for its reddish walls, this fortress complex looms high over the city. In the 13th and 14th century the Moorish Emirates built the famous Nasrid Palaces surrounded by lavish gardens and courtyards. Moorish poets once described the Alhambra as “a pearl set in emeralds”. This is one of the great sights of the world. This afternoon will be free in Granada’s old town which boasts a mixture of original Arab and Christian architecture, the Cathedral and Royal Chapel.

Day
4
Stunning Ronda and Seville

Cutting through the mountains we reach Ronda. Retaining much of its historic charm, Ronda is famous for being divided by the deep El Tajo gorge which carries the Rio Guadalevín through its centre. The 18th century Puente Nuevo ‘new bridge’, which spans the 100m chasm below, has stunning views out over the Serranía de Ronda Mountains. Take time to walk over the bridge and explore the old
quarter before enjoying lunch featuring specialties of the Andalusian area, accompanied by local wines. Later we continue to Seville where we stay the next three nights.

Day
5
Seville

Welcome to the home of Carmen, Don Juan and Figaro. This morning we are joined by a local guide who will take us through the enormous cathedral and bring to life this wonderful capital of Andalusia. Your afternoon is at leisure. The Santa Cruz quarter is famous for its narrow streets, flowered balconies and hidden patios. Nearby are the Giralda Tower and the royal palace, the Alcazars of Seville. This evening we have included a special evening out to enjoy dinner and a traditional Flamenco show.

Day
6
Atlantic port of Cadiz, Seville and Flamenco lesson

A leisurely start today as we enjoy an excursion to the Atlantic port of Cadiz. Situated on a peninsula, the seafront is lined with centuries old houses and behind this you will find the grand cathedral surrounded by a historic centre of honey- combed narrow streets. Returning to Seville, the rest of your afternoon is free. How would you like to learn how to dance the Flamenco? For those of you who are interested
we have included a special treat as we visit a Flamenco Dancing School to try our hand at this flamboyant folk dance. Don’t wish to dance? Then come along and just sit and enjoy the spectacle, as it is so much fun! Your evening is free and the old town near the flamenco school
is bursting with tapas bars, lively cafés and restaurants, perfect for ‘tapas hopping’.

Day
7
Evora sightseeing and delightful Cascais

Driving into Portugal we stop at the UNESCO World Heritage Listed town of Évora where a local guide joins us for a walking tour to discover the town’s rich history which spans 2000 years. The compact centre of town is easily explored on foot and boasts a Roman temple, Moorish buildings, Christian monasteries and convents. Later we continue to the charming Portuguese shing village of Cascais, situated on the Lisbon coastline, where we stay the next three nights.

Day
8
Lisbon

Today is spent exploring Lisbon. We meet our local guide for a tour to see the major sights of this wonderful, historical city – from the Belem Tower, to the fairytale palaces and the Discoveries Monument, built on the north bank of the Tagus River. The highlight will be a guided tour through the Jeronimos Monastery, and of course the chance to try Portuguese Pastel de Nata (small, soft custard pies – served hot). Your afternoon is at leisure amongst Lisbon’s grand sights, paved avenues, shops, cafés and colourful trams. Returning to Cascais, your evening is at leisure to explore the delightful town centre, a short stroll from the hotel, with an array of cafés and
restaurants. Alternatively, you might like to spend the evening in Lisbon and make your own way back to Cascais later.

Day
9
Palace de Pena, Sintra, Cabo da Roca and Cascais

Today we visit the Palace de Pena and explore the old town of Sintra. Dating back 500 years the Palace de Pena was originally a peaceful monastery until destroyed by an earthquake. Due to its fantastic hill top location, Ferdinand II rebuilt it to be the luxurious summer palace of the royal family. With stupendous views – on a clear day you can easily see Lisbon – the palace is one of the greatest expressions of 19th century architectural romanticism in the world. We have included a guided visit through this UNESCO World Heritage site which is also classified as one of the ‘Seven Wonders of Portugal’. We enjoy lunchtime in the delightful town of Sintra. Its noble villas and palaces prompted Lord Byron to say the town was “perhaps in every respect the most delightful in Europe”. We return to Cascais via the dramatic cliffs at Cabo da Roca – the westernmost point in Europe which, until the 14th century, was believed to be the ‘edge of the world’. This afternoon and evening, you have ‘My Time’ to explore Cascais. Historically, Cascais was the summer retreat of the Portuguese nobility. Today, it boasts an elegant fusion of decorative 19th century architecture and modern facilities. Within the cobblestoned streets of the historic centre are lavish mansions, an imposing fort and fascinating museums.

Day
10
Obidos, Nazaré and Porto

Travelling north we enjoy a morning stop in medieval Obidos. Known as one of Europe’s most romantic medieval villages, you will nd
picturesque cobblestone streets lined with colourful houses adorned with geraniums and bougainvillea and whitewashed churches – all of which is encircled by the walls of a 12th century castle. Lunchtime will be spent in the traditional shing village of Nazaré. Here we have
also included a funicular ride up to the overhanging village of Sitio, to take in the breathtaking views of the coastline. We continue to Porto where we stay three nights.

Day
11
Porto

After a city tour with a local guide, we cross the River Douro to Cais de Gaia. The city’s stunning skyline is enhanced by the picturesque boats and the soaring Dom Luis Bridge. Here we visit one of the port wine warehouses to sample this famous brew. The rest of the day is completely free. Visit the Avenida dos Aliados – a sloping boulevard lined with grand buildings, and the medieval streets and dark alleyways of the Ribeira which meander down to the riverfront square (“Praça da Ribeira”), the most picturesque spot in the city. Here you will find traditional boats moored by the quayside, overlooked by colourful trader’s houses.

Day
12
Bom Jesus Sanctuary, Guimarães and Wine Tasting

First stop on our full day excursion is at Braga where we take a funicular train up to the famous Bom Jesus Sanctuary. Built in 1784, this twin towered neoclassical church sits on top of a hill, above an enormous baroque staircase lined with chapels. Lunchtime will be spent amongst the medieval streets and historic monuments in the birthplace of Portugal – Guimarães. Later in the afternoon we sample Vinho
Verde at the Aveleda Wine Estate with its magnicent gardens. This evening we have included a special treat! Tonight, we enjoy dinner
and a traditional Portuguese Fado show.

Day
13
Scenic lunch cruise on River Douro

Crossing the country we join the River Douro at Régua where we board a vessel to cruise up the most scenic stretch of the Alto Douro River. Exclusively chartered for our use, your cruise includes a port aperitif and tapas lunch with wine and tea or coffee. Relax as we
cruise past vineyards and riverside wine estates. Later we continue into Spain and arrive in Salamanca where we stay two nights.

Day
14
Salamanca

Salamanca has a largely pedestrian centre and the city brims with striking monuments and buildings such as the ancient university and
cathedral, many of which are constructed out of golden stone. After a fascinating walking tour with a local guide, enjoy the rest of the day
at leisure. Make sure you relax in a café on Plaza Mayor, one of the nest squares in Spain.

Day
15
El Valle de los Caidos and El Escorial

Passing the walled city of Avila we spend the morning in El Valle de los Caidos (The Valley of the Fallen). Set in the woodlands of the Sierra
de Guadarrama hills, the enormous Basílica de la Santa Cruz is remarkable as it is actually underground – hewn out of the centre granite
ridge which is topped by the tallest memorial cross in the world. We spend lunchtime amongst the leafy squares of El Escorial before visiting the massive palace monastery complex of San Lorenzo de El Escorial. Later we continue to a hidden gem of a city – Segovia.

Day
16
Segovia

This morning we have included a guided walking tour to discover this amazing city. Dating back to Celtic times, the beautifully preserved hill top town revolves around the huge main square which is flanked by the massive cathedral, heritage buildings, picturesque
restaurants and al fresco cafés. In one direction a winding street will lead you to the impressive Alcázar – the fortified stone palace that juts out on a rocky crag, surrounded by sheer cliffs. Down another street you will find the astonishing Roman Aqueduct that cuts high
across the base of town. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore this splendid town.

Day
17
Toledo

Arriving into Toledo mid-morning, we are joined by a local guide who will take us on a city walking tour. Toledo has a wealth of monuments. Christians, Arabs and Jews lived together here for centuries hence it is sometimes called the “city of the three cultures”. Here
you will find a city crammed with churches, palaces, fortresses, mosques and synagogues. Highlight of your day will be a visit to Catedral Primada Santa María de Toledo, which many consider to be Spain’s nest cathedral. The shopping is excellent and the rest of your day is free. This evening we enjoy a farewell dinner in your historic hotel.

Day
18
Madrid

After breakfast we will transfer you to Madrid where your tour ends late morning. Drop off points will be the city centre followed by the airport. We recommend you book flights or trains that depart Madrid after 2pm.

Curated journeys to suit every occasion.

Experience your next adventure with the in-depth knowledge and unparalleled expertise of the best travel designers in the New Zealand. We have the world at our fingertips, let’s explore it.
build the trip of a lifetime

Tour pricing:

from $13,637

per person twin/double share*

solo traveller price NZD$17,817

To secure your place now:

Phone: 03 364 3400 or 0800 747 737
Email: [email protected]

Contact Us for details

Tour Inclusions:

  • AVE train journey from Madrid to Córdoba
  • Travel in a first-class air-conditioned touring coach
    Welcome drink on Day 1
  • 28 meals including breakfast daily (B), Andalusian lunch in Ronda, lunch cruise on the River Douro (L), 9 evening meals including a
    Flamenco Dinner show and Fado Dinner show (D)
  • A complimentary glass of wine, beer or soft drink with all included dinners
  • Hotel porterage of 1 bag per person (where available)
  • 17 nights specially selected hotel accommodation
  • Free WiFi at most hotels (where available)
  • Personal audio system whilst on tour (where available)
  • Local guides as described in the itinerary
  • ALL tips for your Tour Manager, Driver and Local Guides
  • Fully escorted by our experienced Tour Manager
  • Hand Selected Albatross Experiences including a Flamenco dance class Seville, port warehouse visit and tasting, River Douro lunch
    cruise
  • ALL excursions, scenic drives, sightseeing and entrances as described

Not included:

Conditions:

In mid-summer, the heat may be energy sapping. The very grandeur of Spain is in their huge main squares and grand cathedrals. You can expect to be on your feet a little longer than usual as walking tours take more time. There are a number of beautiful towns and sites we visit which require exploring on foot. The walk up to Evora centre is uphill and a little harder.
We had a fabulous trip away. Insight and Avalon were just wonderful, couldn’t fault them at all. Thank you so much for all your input and help.
Europe in Winter, Nikki & Steve
Everything you organised worked really well. The timings and explanations on arrival at places was brilliant. The hotels were all handily located to centre of old towns. The 2 Intrepid Trips provided extra understanding of the areas as did the 3 day Hurtigruten cruise.
Scandinavia, Bronwyn & Gordon
The "Sea Cloud" experience was above expectation and more! All your plans worked perfectly and we enjoyed the Somewhere Boutique Hotel at Voulagemeni. Absolutely no problem with the flights. Our accommodation was more than adequate, food excellent and the service 5+ star. We would strongly recommend this 'once in a lifetime' experience.
Adriatic, Paul & Ann
Overall its was an absolutely amazing experience, thank you for all clear information you had given us, really helpful to figure out where is our hotel and how to move from one place to another. Thank you so much for organizing this trip and doing such a good job.
Europe, Ai Ngo and Adrian
We really enjoyed the cruise and this was certainly one of the highlights of the trip. The Azamara cruise was ideal being a smaller boat (and numbers of people) but still provided great service and entertainment. The cruise we did from Athens to Venice was perfect with a destination each day to visit and a great variety of places. I would certainly recommend this cruise company and this particular voyage option.
Europe, Rob & Nikki
We’ve had a fabulous time in Portugal, outstanding guide, great food and wine and the National Geographic tour was superb. What a wonderful country, lovely people and great sights.
Portugal, David & Jill
We had a fantastic day at Plitvice today - very wet and overcast but absolutely stunning and loved every minute of our 12kms walking and photographing!! Loving our hotel here too ... another perfect one thank you!
Croatia, David & Joss
Sandra and I are back at home now after a couple of great months away.  The whole trip was great, so thanks for your help with the bookings etc. No issues at all. We very much enjoyed the Rhine cruise with Viking. We couldn’t fault their service and effort, and are happy to recommend them to others.  
Europe, Murray & Sandra
The trip was fantastic thanks very much for all your input.  Everything worked seamlessly with the flights, accommodation, and car rentals that you booked for us.  The places you booked for us were all in a good location.   The cycle trip through Burgundy was also definitely a highlight. It was truly a trip of a lifetime with everything that we managed to squeeze in, and having a lot of it organised for us was a real treat.
Europe, Mike & Nicky
Our trip went very well. We loved Ireland with Back Roads, excellent guide and good group. We think of three things, its green, narrow roads and old stone fences! Very interesting history. Hurtigruten had ungraded us to Cabin 601, right at the front with three windows, nice and spacious so very enjoyable. We had rougher seas around the Hebredies and Orkneys but all good.
UK & Ireland, Barbara
Back safe and sound after a wonderful cruise and Greek Island stay. Barcelona amazing and our little hotel was perfect. So handy to everything. The Viking cruise was pure luxury . Food, cabin décor entertainment , just perfect. My favourite places visited were Sicily, all the Croatian coast, towns and villages. Our Greek island stay very good with nice family hotel. Not so keen on the ferry. Like being in a plane. Very quick! Business was great and it would be hard to fly any other way now. Anyway Ian thank you so much for organising a great holiday for us. Very much appreciated. I haven’t completely ruled out travelling again!!
Mediterranean, Lois
Thank you Peter for once again, your meticulous planning for us. The trains worked admirably and we had plenty of time for connections. It is sometime since we have travelled in Europe but we have had a fabulous time despite only three sunny days in UK and Europe. Free use of public transport in Basel and Geneva great. Oyster card worked well in London. Lauterbrunnen was Swiss fairytale. A three day pass meant we did heaps and the weather cleared on our last day so we enjoyed Jungfrau plus views of The Eiger. Lots of Indian tourists/ has featured in a Bollywood movie. Weather didn’t clear in Zermatt/ so didn’t see Matterhorn. Left 42 degrees in Dubai. Sunday breakfast up the Burj. Thanks Peter you are an excellent travel agent.
Holland & Switzerland, Alison
A big thank you for organising bookings for us. Everything went according to plan. Managed to catch everything, nothing delayed , except Easyjet which you kind of expect.
Europe, Lesley
We had an absolutely fabulous holiday.  I adored Switzerland, the people, the scenery, just everything.  Every day was better than the day before, couldn't fault anything. The hotels and transport were spot on.  Simon skied 5 days and I found plenty to do.  It was easy meeting people and exploring by myself. Thank you so much for all your organising.  This trip has given me so much confidence to explore other European countries and winter climates.
Switzerland, Lynne