Globus
OFFER ID 1566428
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. Continue your tour with a trip to Santa Cruz on the magical Island of Madeira, complete with crystalline waters and centuries of tradition and culinary treats. Explore "Little Lisbon" in Funchal, with its creative atmosphere that inspires the imagination. From the quaint charms of fishing villages to the quiet reflections from luminous pools and lofty plateaus, your vacation in Portugal is a feast for the senses and an unforgettable adventure for the soul.
12 nights from $4,549 per person
Highlights Of Spain And Portugal With Madeira
Day 1 ARRIVE IN BARCELONA, SPAINWelcome to Barcelona! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
BARCELONA-OLD-TOWN.jpg
Day 2 BARCELONAGaudi’s Masterpiece BARCELONA Guided sightseeing includes the Palau de La Musica and panoramic views of the city and harbor from Montjuïc 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.
BARCELONA-SAGRADA-FAMILIA-BASILICA.jpg
Day 3 BARCELONA–MADRIDSplendid 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. See the Statue of the Fallen Angel, depicting Lucifer’s expulsion from Heaven.
MADRID-FOUNTAIN.jpg
Day 4 MADRIDMasterpieces 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.
MADRID-PRADO.jpg
Day 5 MADRID–CORDOBA–SEVILLETreasures 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 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.
CORDOBA-MOSQUE.jpg
Day 6 SEVILLEDance Steps in Seville SEVILLE Visit Plaza de España. 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 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!
SEVILLE-PLAZA-DE-ESPANA.jpg
Day 7 SEVILLE–SETUBAL–AZEITÃO, PORTUGAL–LISBONPainting the Town in Portugal SETUBAL Free time for lunch in the vibrant food market.
AZEITÃO [LF] Visit a traditional tile workshop.
LISBON Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening. (B)
273 mi / 440 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.
AZEITAO-PORTUGESE-TILE.jpg
Day 8 LISBON Spend your day your way in Lisbon LISBON Guided sightseeing includes a photo stop at Belem Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries. Explore more of Lisbon with your choice of included Globus Choice excursions. Join a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
TAKE YOUR PICK
LEGENDARY LISBON: Travel back in time to experience the sights and sounds that make Lisbon stand out. Hop on one of Lisbon’s legendary trams to soak in the lively rhythm of the city and walk the narrow streets, alleyways, and cobblestones to discover old taverns in centuries-old squares. Find a fascinating world full of stories and bookmarks in history!
OR:
PORTUGUESE RIVIERA: CASCAIS, CAPE ROCA & QUELUZ
Leave Lisbon from your hotel and drive along the coast to Cascais. After the city tour drive along the coast to Cascais where you will have time to enjoy your lunch (not included). In the afternoon continue along the scenic road to Guincho a beautiful coast beach area, where the waves are spectacular and is worldwide known among professional windsurfers and kite surfers. The excursion continues up the mountain of Sintra to Cabo da Roca. Cabo da Roca is considered as one of the most, if not the best, scenic coastal walks in Europe. Located on the westernmost point of mainland Portugal, it therefore acts as continental Europe and the Eurasian landmass’ westernmost point as well. Across the mountain of Sintra, we will finish with the visit of the Palace of Queluz.
LISBON-JERONIMOS-MONASTERY.jpg
Day 9 LISBON–SANTA CRUZ Seasons in the Sun LISBON Fly to Funchal.
SANTA CRUZ Orientation walk. Free time (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS The Island of Madeira boasts some of Europe’s most impressive landscapes. Soak in the breathtaking natural scenery that merges with crystal- clear waters, centuries-old traditions, and authentic flavors. Experience a unique island where the clock does not set the time and the calendar does not dictate the season.
MADEIRA-VIEW.jpg
Day 10 SANTA CRUZ–EXCURSION TO FUNCHAL Little Lisbon FUNCHAL Visit Mercado dos Lavoratores and the “open-air-museum” of the Santa Maria. Take the cable car to Monte and take in views of the city. Dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ART & NATURE Funchal used to be called “Little Lisbon,” and that is no coincidence. There are plenty of historical buildings to discover in the narrow streets, while the traditional white houses are nestled on the steep slopes.You won’t believe your eyes at the heart of the Zona Velha (Old Town), a swirl of public creativity, which has seen the entrances to buildings along the Rua de Santa Maria adorned with bright paintings and imaginative scenes. Images include everything from a fisherman sitting by his boat in the moonlight to a dislocated eye peering from behind a cracked “window” of yellow glass.
FUNCHAL.jpg
Day 11 SANTA CRUZ Fishing Lore & Luminescent Pools SANTA CRUZ Day at leisure. (B)
ENHANCED FREE TIME
NATURAL WONDERS Head West and stop in Camara de Lobos, a small fishing village that Winston Churchill chose to paint in 1949. Continue towards Cabo Girai, the world's second highest sea cliff (and Europe’s highest) and the Paul de Serra, Madeira’s biggest and highest plateau. Visit Porto Moniz, the most north-western valley. Here visit its beautiful natural pools which are the village’s main attractions and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
SANTA-CRUZ-PORTO-MONIZ.jpg
Day 12 SANTA CRUZ–LISBON Sights of Santa Cruz SANTA CRUZ Fly to Lisbon
LISBON Free time. (B)
ENHANCED FREE TIME
TOUR HIGHLIGHT Time to pack your bags and say goodbye to the magical Island of Madeira with a flight to Lisbon to relax and reminisce over your stunning adventure.
PORTO-DA-CRUZ.jpg
Day 13 LISBONSafe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
LISBON-DESERT.jpg
This attractive large city is Bolivia's richest—you'll see expensive cars and luxury merchandise for sale (and plenty of affordable arts and crafts as well). The people of the city and the department (Santa Cruz), known as Cambas, are very proud of their success. By any measure, the Santa Cruz region is the country's wealthiest, and the city is considered the country's most progressive. It is also among the fastest growing, with a population roughly equal to La Paz. There are many Mennonites and Japanese immigrants to the east who have been credited with teaching the local farmers more productive techniques.
This rich agricultural area once benefited those engaged in illegal activities: Santa Cruz was a banking center for the Colombian-Bolivian cocaine trade in the late 1970s and early 1980s, although the region no longer produces cocaine.
See the Basilica Menor de San Lorenzo (visited by the late Pope John Paul in 1988) and its museum (rare ecclesiastical garments and colonial-era silver vessels), the zoo and the Casa de la Cultura Museum (native crafts and art). Relax in Arenal Park (which has an interesting Ethno-Folkloric Museum) or the central plaza (Plaza 24 de Septiembre). Until very recently, three-toed sloths could be seen in the eucalyptus trees that shade the plaza.
Day trips can be made to the pre-Incan ruins at Samaipata. A wonderful five-day excursion to the region east of Santa Cruz called the Chiquitania is also a highlight. There the gorgeous colonial lost-in-time towns of San Xavier, Concepcion, and San Jose de Chiquitos and others have restored churches that date from the Jesuit missions of the late 1600s. There is also the aquatic wonderland of the Pantanal to explore, and the border with Brazil is nearby.
For local entertainment, the Rio Pirai and its adjacent recreation area 10 minutes from the city center is the place to go on weekends. The atmosphere along this shallow river is that of a beach party. Buying food from kiosks, cruising the beach and racing dune buggies are all part of the fun. To really be included, however, you absolutely need to go with a native of Santa Cruz. Santa Cruz is 350 mi/550 km southeast of La Paz.
Historic Influences of Seville (8 hours)
Highlights:
Explore the vibrant heart of Andalucía during your full day shore excursion today. You receive a warm greeting by your driver at the port in Cádiz prior to your private transfer to Seville (a 2-hour journey approximately). Upon arrival, you will be met by your expert guide who will take you on an absorbing walking tour.
Visit the 15th-century Cathedral, one of the most breath-taking in all of Christendom. Your guide also shows you Seville's most famous monument, the Moorish tower of La Giralda. Other highlights of your tour include the Alcazar, a magnificent 14th-century Mudejar palace and the labyrinth of streets and squares of the Barrio de Santa Cruz which are delicately perfumed with orange blossom. This area is the old Jewish Quarter and every street and courtyard offers a new story that your guide will bring to life for you. After your tour, your driver transfers you back to your ship in Cádiz.
An Immersion into the World of Olive Oil
Overview: Enjoy a private guided visit to an Olive oil producer led by a family member. Learn the olive oil production process from the olive fields to the final product. Pamper your taste buds with a comparative tasting of extra virgin olive oils. Witness a passionate family tradition and the careful process of olive oil extraction, the “Liquid Gold” of Andalusia. Delight with a gourmet tasting and lunch served in one of the oil mill's private rooms.
Duration: 1H30
Quintessential Brave Bull Breeding Journey
Overview: Embark on an exclusive journey and explore one of Spain's most prestigious bull-breeding ranches. Discover the vital role bull farming plays in Spain's ecological and cultural heritage. Experience the life and care of the noblest and majestic toro bravos. Unveil the ranch's facilities, from the pasture where the animals graze, breed, and rear their offspring to the bullring, where young bulls are assessed for fighting potential.
Duration: 1H30
Overview: Discover Seville from another point of view. Indulge in a private Guadalquivir river cruise while glimpsing Seville's most beautiful panoramas, including the historical center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Observe Triana's picturesque 19th-century famous houses and enchanting bridges. Delight your senses with a premium selection of local tapas.
Duration: 1H30
Flamenco Gastronomic Experience
Overview: Step beyond the ordinary on your Madrid journey and experience the world's most famous and only Flamenco tablao in a Michelin-starred gourmet restaurant. Featuring award-winning artists recognized in Spain and at the top flamenco festivals, immerse yourself in an exclusive and extraordinary Flamenco gastronomic Journey.
Duration: 1 Hour
Overview: Feel at home in Madrid, hosted by a local Madrilene who will introduce you to authentic Spanish culture. With a background in haute cuisine, your Chef invites you for an intimate meal at her splendid elegant flat in the Salamanca district, one of Madrid's most elegant and glamorous neighborhoods. Relax and unwind as you savor a mouthwatering meal prepared with dedication, and love, feeling as if you were in the comfort of your own home.
Duration: 2 Hours
An Exploration of Lisbon (8 hours)
Highlights:
Lying north of the River Tagus estuary and stretching over seven hills, Portugal's capital city has much to offer. Receive a warm welcome at the port by your private guide and driver and from here commence your engaging tour of Lisbon.
Explore the Belem district with its magnificent Jerónimos Monastery, an extraordinary example of Portugal's 'Manueline' style of architecture. Once populated by monks, the UNESCO-listed monastery was commissioned by King Manuel I to celebrate Vasco da Gama's discovery of a sea route to India in 1498. Time permitting, visit Torre de Belém (Belém Tower), one of Lisbon's most iconic buildings and symbolic of Portugal's great Age of Expansion.
Next, it's time for a refreshment stop, where you may wish to sample the famous and scrumptious Pastéis de Belém (Portuguese custard tarts). From here you return to your cruise ship.
Queluz, Sintra and Estoril (8 hours)
Highlights:
Venture outside of Lisbon to explore Queluz, Sintra and Estoril during your private shore excursion. Take the short driver to the sumptuous 18th-century Queluz Palace, where you can admire the magnificent formal gardens and azulejo-lined canals.
Afterwards visit Sintra, the summer retreat of Portuguese monarchs and Moorish emirs before them. Today, this town, nestling on the north side of the Sintra Mountain, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Stroll through the town where charming streets are filled with fine handicraft shops. You then descend to Guincho beach for a fabulous view of Cape Rock, the westernmost point of the European continent and continuing to the resort town of Estoril on the scenic coastal road with fantastic views, en route back to your cruise ship.
Highlights of Lisbon (4 hours)
Highlights:
See Belem Tower, one of Lisbon's iconic buildings and symbolic of the nation's Age of Expansion. Admire the impressive collection of painted and gilded Baroque coaches at the National Coach Museum.
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Tour can operate: Morning/Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
Art and Architecture in Barcelona (8 hours)
Highlights:
An architectural delight awaits you today in Barcelona, one of the most exciting cities in Europe. Receive a warm greeting at the port by your private guide and driver and commence your full-day tour with a visit to Gaudi's masterpiece, the impressive, but unfinished Sagrada Familia. Although work started on this project in 1882, this iconic church is not expected to be complete until 2028!
Next, visit Parc Guell, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi's most colourful creations. Continue along Passeig de Gracia, to view Gaudi's Casa Batlló and Casa Mila from the outside, with its brilliant wave-like façade.
After lunch, lose yourself in the narrow streets of the true heart of the city - the medieval Gothic Quarter. Here you will visit the magnificent 13th-century Cathedral, and the Picasso Museum, where some of the painter's earliest works are housed. At the end of your tour you are transferred back to the port.
Highlights:
Receive a warm greeting at the port from your private guide and driver and commence your half-day tour with a visit to Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi’s masterpiece; the impressive, but unfinished Sagrada Familia. Although work started on this project in 1882, this iconic church is not expected to be completed until 2028!
Continue on to Parc Guell, a beautiful municipal garden with a superb panoramic view over the city; the focal point is a colourful sea-serpent-shaped central terrace. Visit the gatehouse where Gaudi lived during his later years which is now a museum dedicated to him. Transfer back to the port at the end of your tour.
Overview: Uncover the most authentic side of Barcelona riding the world's best folding bike, a Brompton. Be led by an expert bike guide and venture into a unique and exclusive experience. Connect with your local guide by sharing and listening to trivia stories about Barcelona. Embark on a ride to explore the least touristy Eixample and Gracia districts. Glimpse the Plaça d'Espanya, the Hospital de la Santa Creu, Sant Pau, and modernist estates.
Duration: 3 Hours
Overview: Experience the thrill of sailing the Barcelona Coastline. Glimpse the Barcelona skyline from a different perspective and spot some landmarks, including Frank Gehry Golf Fish Sculpture and the Twin Towers", Torres Venecianas. Immerse yourself in the serene deep blue while seeping your glass of wine. Weather permitting, anchor and venture in a short swim.
Duration: 4 Hours
Overview: Uncover the dedication of a biodynamic winegrowers family committed to excellence in long-aged wines. Venture on a stroll around the winery's iconic vineyards to discover the distinctive features of a unique spot in the Penedès region. Sheltered by the woods, taste a base wine paired with a light snack. Elevate your experience by savoring three long-aged sparkling wines, a limited-edition white wine, and an extra-virgin olive oil.
Duration: 4 Hours
From Market to Home with a Top Chef
Overview: Led by a top Chef who graduated from the prestigious Cordon Bleu School in Paris, embark on an exclusive gourmet journey at her private penthouse. Head to a 19th-century local market and thoroughly select the finest ingredients for your recipe. Dare to partake in the cooking process while you uncover some secrets of high-end cuisine. Savor the combination of flavors paired with a premium selection of Spanish Wines.
Duration: 4 Hours
Hike a World of Nature (7,5 miles)
Overview: Step away from the bustling Barcelona and embrace Catalonia's unique landscape with La Garrotxa and Fageda d'en jordà. Venture into an exciting 7,5 miles hike through the Natural Park of the Volcanic Zone of La Garrotxa. Engage in a circular route through La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park. Ascend to the inside of Santa Margarita volcano and discover a chapel lying on its crater. Dive into Fageda d'en Jordà, a unique beech forest that grows on the lava flow of Croscat Volcano. Finalize your trail with a stop at the Croscat Volcano grederes.
Duration: 4 Hours
Montserrat Discovery Hike (5 miles)
Overview: Ancient Wonders and hidden gems await you on the famous needles of Montserrat Mountain. Venture into an exciting and intimate hike connecting you to Montserrat's outlandish and most authentic elements. Uncover the region of Agulles and the north face of Montserrat, passing between the needles, having to take some steps climbing ropes, and ending up visiting emblematic places such as Cadireta or Foradada.
Duration: 4 Hours
Overview: Marvel at Montserrat Mountain's impressive scenic views. With a bird' s-eye view, witness these massive conglomerates, which form unexpectedly imposing sculptures due to their geological evolution. They all have names related to their shapes, and we find caves, chasms, and torrents in their shelter.
Flying over the Montserrat mountain, the spiritual Center of Catalonia is undoubtedly one of the most surprising and impressive experiences.
Duration: 1 Hour
Barcelona: A Walk Through Barcelona and The Sagrada Familia Park Guell for Families- 6 Hours
Your chauffeur and your guide will
be waiting for you at the port. They will be at disposal for 8 hours. Your chauffeur will drive you to the city center of Barcelona.
A Walk Through Barcelona
You will start your day by an exciting 2-hour walking tour of the oldest parts of Barcelona: the Barri Gothic and Born neighborhoods. You will follow your guide as he/she leads you into the small, narrow streets to discover the vibrant, trendy ambiance of Born and the historical atmosphere of the Gothic Quarter. You will see the Santa Maria Del Mar church, the Royal Palace and the world famous “Las Ramblas” avenue. The fun facts and stories
told by our guide will keep your children highly engaged. The children will each get a game booklet to keep them engaged and entertained. After this tour, you will enjoy a
lunch break. Your guide will be there to give recommendations depending on your taste.
Included:
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.