Highlights of Spain and Portugal with Azores
Overview
The adventure continues with a flight from 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 one of Europe’s only tea plantations on the massive Maia farm. Visit Furnas’ geothermal wonders and marvel at the volcanic crater, cradling the luminous Sete Cidades Lake—one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Portugal.
PLUS, your tour includes your choice of an excursion in Lisbon so you can plan your day your way.
Itinerary
Welcome to Barcelona!
At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel.
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.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - 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 Antoni 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 Gràcia, and the jaw-dropping Sagrada Familia - the iconic unfinished church which has become the world's longest-running construction site!
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.
ENHANCED FREE TIME - The captivating city of Madrid is filled with intriguing stories and hidden secrets. Stroll around the streets and take pictures of “El Oso y 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.
Masterpieces in Madrid
Discover the city's historic grandeur as you travel 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.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - The Prado Museum houses one of the world's largest art collections, including its amazing assortment of masterpieces by historic artists like Velásquez, 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.
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 to 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.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - 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 al-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.
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 enjoy dinner with local specialties at El Palacio Andaluz restaurant accompanied by authentic Flamenco entertainment.
LOCAL FAVORITE - Be moved by the soulful sounds and steps of the Flamenco. You'll see the very best display of this passionate Andalusian dance performed by award-winning dancers who'll add some spice to your dinner at El Palacio Andaluz restaurant in Seville. Ole!
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 visit a traditional tile workshop and see how the traditional azulejos (tiles) are created. Reach Lisbon and enjoy free time late afternoon and evening to start exploring Portugal's capital.
LOCAL FAVORITE - 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.
Spend Your Day Your Way in Lisbon.
Explore more of Lisbon with your choice of an included Globus Choice Excursion.
- Going Medieval - Experience the sights and sounds of Lisbon. Hop on one of Lisbon's trams for a short ride in the center. Walk the narrow streets, alleyways, and cobblestones to soak in the city like a true local. Taste traditional ginjinha (berry liqueur) in this medieval world of stories and historical legends.
- Legends of Lisbon - Discover the historic grandeur of Lisbon on an orientation drive through the city, complete with photo stops at Belem Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries. Visit the stunning and historically significant Jeronimos Monastery and marvel at its intricately carved cloisters.
Enjoy free time this afternoon. Later, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
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.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - 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 from local residents who graciously share stories of their proud history and traditions.
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 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 to the botanical gardens. Drive back to Ponta Delgada for a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - Visit the oldest 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?
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.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - 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!
At Leisure in Lisbon
Pack your bags and depart the magical Island of São Miguel with a flight to Lisbon. Enjoy leisure time to explore more of the city.
ENHANCED FREE TIME - 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.
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Trip Inclusions
- 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 renowned 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, discovering one of Portugal's enduring artistic traditions
- Globus Choice Excursion in Lisbon − included in your tour with your choice of 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 ginjinha tasting
- Orientation walk in Ponta Delgada, the historic capital of São Miguel in Portugal's Azores
- Visit to one of the only tea plantations in Europe in São Miguel, discovering one of the Azores' most distinctive traditions
- Visit to a pineapple plantation in São Miguel, learning about one of the Azores' signature agricultural products
- Visit to Setúbal, the picturesque Portuguese port city on the Setúbal Peninsula
- Scenic drives to Ribeira Grande, Pico do Carvao viewpoint, and Sete Cidades, showcasing the spectacular volcanic landscapes of São Miguel in the Azores
- Return flight between Lisbon and St. Michael, Azores, providing convenient travel between mainland Portugal and the islands
- 12 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 4 Dinner
- Barcelona: NH Sants Barcelona (First-Class):
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. - Madrid: Novotel Madrid Center (First-Class):
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. - Seville: Sevilla Center (Superior First-Class):
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. - Seville: Macia Sevilla Kubb (First-Class):
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. - Lisbon: Holiday Inn Lisbon Continental (First-Class):
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. - Ponta Delgada: Azoris Royal Garden (Superior First-Class):
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. - Lisbon: Mercure Lisboa (First-Class):
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.
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
- The services of the Tour Director end on day 9. The island portion includes services of a Local Expert.
Don't waste your precious time qeuing up, skip the lines with special VIP access at the must-see sites. Read more
Travel with expert Tour Directors and Local Guides who share their vast knowledge of the destination. Read more
Globus has the recipe for a great holiday. Savour the flavours of Europe through its regional cuisine. Read more
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Do as the locals do and enjoy unique experiences that you wouldn't find touring on your own. Read more
Dates & Pricing
Welcome Back Credit
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A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Globus. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
