Overview
Highlights of Spain and Portugal with Madeira
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.
Highlights of Highlights of Spain and Portugal with Madeira
Private Touring
6 guests in a party: $3,225*18 guests in a party: $743*
Small Group
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select Europe dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus Europe escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized European tour—without the crowds.
Product Group
Highlights of Spain and Portugal
UNESCO Sites
Historic Centre of Cordoba|Works of Antoni Gaudi: Sagrada Familia
Inclusions
We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect vacation—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides (with headsets to hear every word), to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites! Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi. Return flight from Lisbon to Madeira.
Travelers Notes
We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect tour—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides (with headsets to hear every word), to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites! Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi. Complimentary choice of excursion in Lisbon. Return flight from Lisbon to Madeira. Enhance your free time with your GlobusGO mobile app!
Notes
Services of the Tour Director end on day 9. Island portion includes services of a local expert.
Meals
Full buffet breakfast daily, 4 Dinners
Itineraries
Day 1
ARRIVE IN BARCELONA, SPAIN Welcome to Barcelona! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
Day 2
BARCELONA Gaudi’s Showcase BARCELONA Guided sightseeing includes sights of the Columbus Monument, Plaza de Cataluña, Passeig de Gràcia and 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 realise 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!
Day 3
BARCELONA–MADRID Splendid Spain Scenic drive through the Catalonian and Aragonian countryside en route to Madrid. (B)385 mi / 620 kmFREE 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.
Day 4
MADRID Masterpieces in Madrid MADRID Guided sightseeing includes the Prado Museum and sights of the Cibeles Fountain and Calle Alcala. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTART & 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.
Day 5
MADRID–CORDOBA–SEVILLE Treasures of Cordoba CORDOBA Guided walking tour includes the Mosque of the Caliphs. Free time to browse before departing for Seville. (B) 354 mi / 570 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTANCIENT 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.
Day 6
SEVILLE Dance 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 FAVORITECULTURE & 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!
Day 7
SEVILLE–SETUBAL–AZEITÃO, PORTUGAL–LISBON Painting the Town in Portugal SETUBAL Free time for lunch.AZEITÃO [LF] Visit a traditional tile workshop.LISBON Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening. (B) 273 mi / 440 kmLOCAL 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.
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 PICKLEGENDARY 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.
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.
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. Taste the local Madeira wine and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTART & 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.
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.
Day 12
SANTA CRUZ–LISBON Sights of Santa Cruz SANTA CRUZ Fly to LisbonLISBON Free time. (B)ENHANCED FREE TIMETOUR 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.
Day 13
LISBON Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Departures
Hotels
| # | Name | Description | City | Address | Rating |
| 1 | NH Sants Barcelona | 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. | Barcelona | Numancia, 74 | First-Class |
| 2 | Novotel Madrid Center | 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. | Madrid | C/ O'donnell 53 | First-Class |
| 3 | Sevilla Center | 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 | Avda De Buhaira S/N | Superior First-Class |
| 4 | Holiday Inn Lisbon Continental | 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. | Lisbon | Rua Laura Alves 9 | First-Class |
| 5 | The Editory Riverside De Santa Apolonia | Lisbon | Av. Infante Dom Henrique 1 Piso | Superior First-Class | |
| 6 | Vila Galé Santa Cruz | The Vila Galé Santa Cruz in Madeira, offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and is just a stone's throw away from a pebble beach. Facilities include two restaurants, two bars, a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a heated indoor pool, Turkish bath, gym and massage rooms. All of the 262 sophisticated guest rooms come with a satellite TV, a private balcony and a private bathroom. Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the property. | Santa Cruz | Rua de Sao Fernando 5 | First-Class |
| 7 | Mercure Lisboa | 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. | Lisbon | Avda Jose Malhoa, 23 | First-Class |
