| Countries Visited:
Portugal Spain |
Tour Type: Gold
Tour Duration: 11 Days (10 Nights)
From: Lisbon to Barcelona
Tour Code: G300
Operator: Insight Vacations |
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Tour Description
Come away a changed person. A devotee not only of the delicious food, but the gregarious nature of Tapas. Smitten by the ground breaking art and architecture, which ranges from Arabic to avant-garde. Like fiery Flamenco itself, you'll be forever inspired by the Iberian appetite for life. Perfect. This tour expertly blends just the right amount of touring with in-depth sightseeing and free time for personal exploration. Tucked in behind sandy burnt orange walls in the back streets of an Andalucían hilltop town, enjoy the opulent luxury of the Casa de Carmona. The Westin Palace in Madrid was commissioned by King Alfonso XIII in 1912 and has been a centre of Spanish society for almost 100 years. The upscale, heritage, luxury El Palace in Barcelona is newly renovated in exquisite taste, with gorgeous rooms, stunning lobby, excellent personalised service and convenient, central location. What's Included
Your Delicious Dining Experiences
- Get to know your Tour Director and fellow guests over a Welcome Reception including a light buffet meal (WR)
- End-of-tour Celebration Dinner with wine in Barcelona (CD)
- 10 Buffet Breakfasts (BB), 4 three course dinners with choice (D)
Your Inclusive Gold Services
- Escorted by your `Personal Concierge´, an Insight professional Tour Director; and accompanied by expert local guides where appropriate.
- Enjoy the unique comfort of Insight´s luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with extended leg room and on-board restroom
- Insight Traveller Welcome pack
- Airport arrival and departure transfers at scheduled times on Day 1 and Day 11.
Highlights
Your Exclusive Collection Of Highlights
- Lisbon: See St George´s Castle; wander the Alfama district; see the Monument of the Discoveries; see the lavish Belem Tower; visit Jeronimo´s Monastery, with its famous cloisters; Stroll through the Terreiro do Paco; Cross the Vasco da Gama Bridge.
- Evora: Spend some time in one of Portugal´s most delightful towns, with a large number of wonderfully preserved buildings and monuments - listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Seville: Visit the Plaza de España in Maria Loiusa Park; stroll through the pretty Santa Cruz quarter to visit the Cathedral and climb the Giralda tower if you wish; horse and carriage-ride
- Granada: Visit the amazing Alhambra Palace and walk through the rich scented Gardens of the Generalife.
- Baeza: See the Fountain of the Lions in the Plaza del Populo.
- Consuegra: Drive up to the crest of windmills overlooking the plains of La Mancha.
- Madrid: A guided tour of the magnificent Prado museum. See the monument to Cervantes in the Plaza de España; drive along the Gran Via and the Puerto del Sol; See the Cibeles Fountain.
- Toledo: Enjoy a guided visit to the Cathedral.
- Valencia: Enjoy a guided tour to witness both the old and new parts of the city.
- Peñíscola: Explore the cobbled lanes, shops, restaurants and white walled cottages around the base of the castle.
- Barcelona: Enjoy a walking tour through the old lanes of the Gothic Quarter. Drive down the elegant Passeig de Gracia to take in the some of the city´s daring Modernist architecture Visit Antoni Gaudi´s amazing Sagrada Familia church.
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Day
1 |
Lisbon At Leisure
Welcome to Portugal! After being greeted by your Tour Director, transfers depart Lisbon Portela Airport at 09:30 12:30 and 15:30 hours. Arrive at your elegant modern hotel, one of the most recognized icons of Lisbon. Tonight, join your Tour Director for a Welcome Reception with drink and a light meal, followed by time to relax and explore. Stay: Sheraton (RW)
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Day
2 |
City Of The Explorers
Join an expert guide who introduces you to all of Lisbon´s must-see sights. See St George´s Castle, stroll the medieval maze of the Alfama district, see the Monument of the Discoveries, the lavish Belem Tower and visit the interior of Jeronimo´s Monastery, built during the city´s Age of Discovery. Finish at the vast Terreiro do Paco, the finest square in the city. This is a great spot to begin your afternoon of leisure time and personal exploration. (BB)
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Day
3 |
Lisbon - Evora - Carmona
Cross Europe´s longest suspension bridge and head for the medieval, walled city of Evora. See its famous Roman Temple and spend some time in the Praça do Giraldo surrounded by attractive townhouses with wrought-iron balconies. Then traverse the wide Alentejo plateau to the Spanish border and continue to Carmona a bustling Roman town, with lively bars, restaurants, magnificent gates, and the largest necropolis outside Rome. Stay: Casa De Carmona (BB/D)
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Day
4 |
Seville The City Of Carmen
Drive to Seville, exquisite capital of Andalusia for a pleasant horse and carriage ride. Meet your guide at the leafy Maria Louisa Park to see the iconic Plaza de España. Then explore the narrow lanes and pretty squares of the old Santa Cruz quarter. Emerge by the walls of the 14th-century Alcazar palace. In front of you stands the massive Cathedral and Moorish Giralda Tower and inside you´ll visit the tomb of Columbus. The afternoon is entirely free for you to bask in the romantic aura and enjoy the flavours of Andalucía. (BB) |
Day
5 |
Carmona - Granada
A beautiful drive through gleaming white villages and a sea of olive groves brings you to Granada. Here the Alhambra awaits: a fantasy of stone-cut lace, arabesque gardens and fountains, built as a citadel by the Moors in the 13th century. You also visit the exotic water-gardens of the Generalife, the royal summer residence. Relax here in the sunshine and enjoy the fine views over the town and its three verdant hills. Right next door, your exquisite hotel reflects the Moorish splendour, enchantment and beauty of the palace.
Stay: Alhambra Palace (BB/D)
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Day
6 |
Granada - Baeza - Madrid
Make a morning stop in the beautiful town of Baeza, acknowledged by UNESCO for its Renaissance architecture. After some free time in the historic centre, continue through the mountains to climb the Pass of Despenaperros. Descend to the flat plains of La Mancha, where Don Quixote tilted at windmills as his faithful Sancho Panza looked on. Eleven of these windmills crown the ridge above Consuegra and the sweeping views over the plains are superb. Move on to the Spanish capital and your elegant hotel located near the Prado Museum - ranked as one of the world´s best hotels by Condé Nast Traveler´s 2010 Gold List. Stay: Westin Palace (BB/D)
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Day
7 |
Madrid Sightseeing
Your Madrid guide provides the perfect introduction to the city! Drive along the elegant tree lined avenues to the grandiose Cibeles Fountain. Turn down the Gran Via to see the monument to Cervantes in the Plaza de España and Royal Palace then continue through the Puerto del Sol. Highlight is a guided tour of the magnificent Prado museum housing works by Titian, Botticelli, Rubens and many others. This afternoon you are at leisure to explore, relax and enjoy the rest of your stay to the full. (BB)
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Day
8 |
Madrid - Toledo - Valencia
Drive out to Toledo, situated high above the River Tagus. Your guide leads you through the narrow cobbled streets where Arab, Jewish and Christian cultures flourished side-by-side during the Middle Ages. Visit the historic cathedral housing works by the artist El Greco. Continue on through the weathered landscape towards the Orange Blossom Coast and the delightful city of Valencia.
Stay: Westin (BB/D)
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Day
9 |
Valencia - Barcelona
Your hotel is not far from the ultra-modern Centre for Arts and Sciences, an amazing contrast to the old town which you see next. A local guide shows you the Cathedral, Bull Ring, La Lonja and medieval towers of Serrano and Quart. Now through the famous orange groves before stopping in Peniscola - its sea-lapped castle was used in the film El Cid. Follow the sunny Costa Dorada past the rice fields of the Ebro Delta to the vibrant port and Catalonian capital of Barcelona. Check-in to your sumptuous hotel which evokes the majesty of the 1920´s. Stay: El Palace (BB)
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Day
10 |
Barcelona At Leisure
This morning, meet your local guide who shows you the narrow lanes of the Gothic Quarter, centred around the old Cathedral. Then pass the leafy Rambla to see some of the finest Modernist buildings on the gracious Passeig de Gracia. The highlight is entrance into Gaudi´s extraordinary Sagrada Familia Cathedral. The cuisine of Catalonia is justifiably famous so please join us for a celebration finalé dinner with wine tonight. (BB/HD)
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Day
11 |
Depart Barcelona
Departure transfers arrive at Barcelona Airport at 07:00, 09:00 & 11:00. (BB)
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Click on the icon if you would like to view an electronic version of the brochure online. |
Tour Prices
Tour prices are per person. Please request a quote for tour availability. |
EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL OFFER*
2012 Season Sale! Save up to $250 per couple. Exclusive to Global Journeys. Deposit this month only to qualify!
Subject to availability at the time of booking.
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| START DATE |
END DATE |
BROCHURE
(Twin Share) |
BROCHURE
(Single) |
OUR
SAVINGS |
OUR
PRICE |
| 24 May 2012 |
03 Jun 2012 |
AU $4,125 |
AU $5,555 |
Save $125 |
AU $4,000 |
| 07 Jun 2012 |
17 Jun 2012 |
AU $4,125 |
AU $5,545 |
Save $125 |
AU $4,000 |
| 21 Jun 2012 |
01 Jul 2012 |
AU $4,050 |
AU $5,470 |
Save $120 |
AU $3,930 |
| 05 Jul 2012 |
15 Jul 2012 |
AU $3,550 |
AU $4,655 |
Save $105 |
AU $3,445 |
| 19 Jul 2012 |
29 Jul 2012 |
AU $3,550 |
AU $4,655 |
Save $105 |
AU $3,445 |
| 02 Aug 2012 |
12 Aug 2012 |
AU $3,550 |
AU $4,655 |
Save $105 |
AU $3,445 |
| 16 Aug 2012 |
26 Aug 2012 |
AU $3,550 |
AU $4,655 |
Save $105 |
AU $3,445 |
| 30 Aug 2012 |
09 Sep 2012 |
AU $4,035 |
AU $5,425 |
Save $120 |
AU $3,915 |
| 13 Sep 2012 |
23 Sep 2012 |
AU $4,175 |
AU $5,605 |
Save $125 |
AU $4,050 |
| 27 Sep 2012 |
07 Oct 2012 |
AU $4,175 |
AU $5,605 |
Save $125 |
AU $4,050 |
| 11 Oct 2012 |
21 Oct 2012 |
AU $4,175 |
AU $5,605 |
Save $125 |
AU $4,050 |
| 18 Oct 2012 |
28 Oct 2012 |
AU $4,175 |
AU $5,605 |
Save $125 |
AU $4,050 |
Note: The majority of departures above will proceed or are guaranteed to depart. We will outline the status of your departure date in your quote along with all applicable discounts and specials. |
Tour Discounts & Options:
Tour options, extras, upgrades and discounts! |
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Click on the descriptions below for more detail. We will apply all valid discounts automatically to your quote to provide you with the best possible price. Terms & Conditions apply to the discounts below.
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Flights:
Book your tour and flights together to SAVE! |
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The prices on our site are land only prices. If you would like to include flights with your quote, then we have some amazing specials for you to take advantage of!
Flight specials only apply for clients booking this tour from Global Journeys. Terms & Conditions apply and full details will be provided in your quote.
   
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General Information
The information below relates to this itinerary only. |
Tour Operator: Insight Vacations
Insight Vacations, Europe's premier escorted tour operator, provides premium escorted motorcoach vacations throughout Britain, Ireland, Europe, Scandinavia the Eastern Mediterranean and North America. 'The Art of Touring in Style' lies at the very heart of Insight philosophy. Our carefully chosen unique features and impeccable service standards enable us to deliver exceptional quality, unequalled value, unforgettable memories and personal freedom at levels currently unrivalled elsewhere in the industry.
Tour Type: Gold
With Insight Gold deluxe escorted tours, you'll appreciate luxury hotels, dine in authentic restaurants and enjoy leisurely days with premium included sightseeing. These itineraries are an entirely new perspective on classical journeys. Insight Gold has more leisurely itineraries than other deluxe tours. We feature relaxed stays in the best locations in the most sought-after towns, cities and scenic areas. In each destination you will enjoy plenty of free time for personal exploration and individual activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Insight is completely unique. Simply, we are the only tour operator to give you more legroom on every tour at no extra cost: you'll consistently stay in quality hotels in desirable locations; you'll enjoy more included sightseeing; and because you'll travel in smaller groups (max 40 people), you'll receive better personal service from your experienced Tour Director and Tour Driver.
Documents will normally be mailed 21 days prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
Insight Vacations plays host to over 100,000 guests every year and has offices in the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Singapore and the UK . The company has also appointed specialist agents in Argentina, Brazil, Mauritius, India, Ireland, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, Korea, Taiwan and China. It is therefore quite typical to find many different nationalities on any one tour.
With only 40 guests on our premium tours instead of the standard 53, Insight clients enjoy a more personalised service. In a smaller group, you'll be closer to your local guide for a more in-depth experience, you'll spend less time waiting to get into sights and it will be faster checking into hotels with your luggage arriving quicker to your room. Insight groups are smaller, more intimate and more friendly.
Yet another exclusive feature of an Insight premium tour is the incredible space and comfort you'll enjoy when travelling. Our luxury coaches have been specially reconfigured with fewer seats, you'll relax in style whilst enjoying up to twice as much legroom than on a standard touring coach.
Insight hotels are consistently first class standard and higher or in a style appropriate to the destination. They have been selected because they are good private or small collection hotels or from well-known chains such as Marriott, Renaissance and Hilton. Insight also chooses hotels based on their location. We know you'll prefer to stay centrally, convenient to the main historic, shopping or entertainment districts; or scenically in areas of natural beauty.
Time & time again, our guests tell us that it was their Tour Director who really made their trip. Our Tour Directors are amongst the finest in the business and will help steer you through the labyrinth of Europe 's cultures, languages and diversities and bring its magic to life before your eyes.
At Insight, planning the perfect tour is our speciality. Not only to we include the 'must see' sights, we carefully balance our itineraries to give you plenty of free time to relax and immerse yourself in the location.
The prices listed cover all hotel accommodations, all applicable sightseeing and admissions as per the itinerary, motorcoach, cruise or rail transportation, services of a professional Insight Tour Director, all meals as shown in the itinerary and luggage handling. All tips have been included for services on tour by dining-room staff, chambermaids and porters at hotels, airports, docks and train stations.
On an Insight Vacation, some gratuities are included in the price of your trip: baggage handling, meal service for all meals listed in the tour itinerary, and hotel service charge. Room service, however, is not included in the tour price. Tips are customarily given to your Tour Director, Driver and Local Guides at your discretion. The recommended amounts are: Tour Directors EUR4 per day, Drivers EUR2.50 per day and Local Guides EUR1 per day. The option to prepay these tips prior to departure is possible. Please ask your consultant to include this in your quote.
These are activities that we do not automatically include but are offered at the start of your tour designed to enhance your travel experience. Your Tour Director will have a list of available options and the appropriate costs. They are carefully programmed to coincide with the best highlights available at the time of your visit. It could be a seafood lunch in Venice, a concert in Vienna or a Grand Canyon Helicopter ride. A detailed list and costs can be found in your tour documentation.
If you wish to share with another tour member you can advise Global Journeys at the time of booking. Insight believes that traveling solo doesn't have to cost you more. We will try to match you with someone of the same sex in order to avoid having to pay the single supplement. If we are not able to provide a suitable roommate, we will provide a single room at no extra cost. Several tours do not provide this option (generally tours containing a cruise component) and so the Single Supplement applies.
There is a no smoking policy motorcoach touring policy. However, we do make plenty of convenience stops giving you the opportunity to smoke, use local restroom facilities, take a scenic snapshot or just relax and enjoy of cup of coffee.
We have a dedicated section on our website providing more detailed information on Insight including FAQ's on what you need to know before, during and after your travel; as well as information on their 'Touring Styles', and a comprehensive search facility to enable you to easily find more of their tours. Read more> (NB: This link will take you away from this tour itinerary page).
Airport Transfer Information
Airport Transfers in Europe
All Insight passengers receive complimentary arrival and
departure transfers by shuttle bus on the arrival and departure day of their
tour at specified times.
Any passengers whose flight times do not coincide with the shuttle bus transfer timings may choose to book and purchase a transfer. Additionally, passengers arriving before or leaving after the scheduled holiday may also book and buy a transfer through Insight providing they also purchase the additional pre and post holiday hotel night(s) from Insight & Global Journeys.
European Private Transfers
If your flight times or arrival/departure days do not coincide with our shuttle transfers, you may choose to purchase a private shared transfer. Providing you also purchase the additional pre and post-tour hotel night(s) from Insight we can do this for you. Flight timings must be provided to Global Journeys no less than 21 days before the flight departure. Please enquire for pricing.
Terms & Conditions:
Yep, all the boring small print! We still recommend you read it all though, as no one likes surprises. Click here to read them now - they will open in a new window, or print them off to read over later with a cup of coffee!
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