7 Day Guided Tour Castilla and Portugal From Madrid

Set out on a captivating 7-day guided tour that delves into the rich cultural tapestry of Castilla and Portugal. This immersive journey through the Iberian Peninsula promises to leave you in awe of the stunning architecture, enchanting landscapes, and mouthwatering local cuisines. From the historic walled city of Ávila to the renowned port wine cellars of Porto, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the region’s vibrant heritage with the guidance of knowledgeable professionals. With comfortable transportation and a small group size, this tour offers an intimate and enriching experience you won’t soon forget. What secrets and surprises await you on this unforgettable adventure?

Key Points

• This 6-day guided tour from Madrid covers destinations in Spain’s Castilla region and Portugal, including Ávila, Salamanca, Porto, Coimbra, Fátima, Lisbon, and Cáceres.

• The tour includes transportation in an air-conditioned coach, multilingual tour escorts and local guides, travel insurance, daily breakfast, and two dinners.

• Key highlights of the tour include visits to the historic city walls of Ávila, the Port wine cellars in Porto, the University of Coimbra, the Fátima shrines, and the Belém Tower in Lisbon.

• Travelers will have the opportunity to enjoy the local cuisines of Spain and Portugal and explore the unique architectural and historical experiences in each city.

• The tour starts and ends in central Madrid, with a maximum group size of 55 for an intimate experience, and is not wheelchair accessible.

Tour Overview

This 6-day guided tour from Madrid takes travelers on an enriching exploration of the Castilla region of Spain and the captivating country of Portugal.

Visitors will discover the historic cities of Ávila, Salamanca, Porto, Coimbra, Fátima, Lisbon, and Cáceres, each offering a unique cultural and architectural experience.

Highlights include iconic landmarks like the Plaza Mayor, the port wine cellars of Porto, the prestigious University of Coimbra, the religious shrines of Fátima, and the majestic Belém Tower in Lisbon.

Throughout the week, travelers will savor the local cuisine, seeing the flavors of these two remarkable destinations.

Tour Inclusions

The tour package includes a variety of amenities to ensure a comfortable and seamless travel experience.

Travelers will be transported by an air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi, accompanied by a multilingual tour escort and local guides in Porto and Lisbon.

The tour also includes travel insurance and municipal taxes in Porto and Lisbon, as well as accommodation, daily breakfast, and two dinners.

Highlights include:

• A visit to a wine cellar with a Porto wine tasting
• Gratuities included (food and drinks not specified)
• Convenient meeting and departure location in central Madrid
• Insurance and taxes covered for a worry-free journey

Meeting and Departure

Travelers set off on their exciting journey from the convenient meeting point of C. de Ferraz, 3, in Madrid’s Moncloa – Aravaca district.

With a prompt 7:45 AM departure, it’s crucial to arrive 15 minutes early to ensure a smooth start. The tour returns to the same location, providing a seamless end to the adventure.

The air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi ensures a comfortable ride, while the multi-lingual tour escort and local guides in Porto and Lisbon offer expert insights throughout the trip.

Whether you’re exploring historic landmarks, sampling local cuisine, or enjoying the scenic landscapes, this guided tour provides a well-organized and enriching experience.

Additional Details

Confirmation is promptly received upon booking, ensuring travelers can focus on the excitement ahead.

This tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though children are welcome when accompanied by an adult – infants may even sit on laps. Groups are capped at 55 travelers, providing an intimate experience to explore the region.

• The tour is conveniently located near public transportation, allowing for easy access to meeting and departure points.

• Travel insurance and municipal taxes in Porto and Lisbon are included, providing peace of mind.

• Gratuities are pre-paid, eliminating the need to worry about tipping throughout the week.

• While lunch arrangements in Coimbra received some negative feedback, the overall tour maintains a strong 3.0 rating based on one review.

Pricing and Reviews

Priced from $987.36 per person, this guided tour offers incredible value, delivering a comprehensive exploration of Castilla and Portugal from Madrid.

While the tour is non-refundable upon cancellation, the inclusions are extensive, from transportation and multilingual guides to travel insurance and even gratuities.

Though the overall rating is 3.0 based on a single review, the feedback indicates dissatisfaction primarily with the lunch arrangements in Coimbra, which can likely be addressed.

With a maximum group size of 55 travelers, this tour provides an intimate and immersive experience, allowing guests to fully appreciate the history, culture, and cuisine of this captivating region.

Highlights in Avila

The winding medieval streets of Avila beckon visitors to step back in time and marvel at the remarkably well-preserved city walls that have stood guard for over 800 years.

Among the highlights of this historic city are:

• Exploring the imposing Gothic-style Avila Cathedral, with its stunning architecture and intricate stonework.

• Climbing the ramparts of the city walls for panoramic views over the rooftops and surrounding countryside.

• Visiting the Convent of Saint Teresa, the birthplace of the renowned Spanish mystic and reformer, Saint Teresa of Ávila.

• Strolling through the charming Plaza Mayor, surrounded by picturesque Romanesque and Gothic buildings.

Highlights in Porto

As visitors stroll along the winding streets of Porto, they are captivated by the city’s rich history and stunning architecture. The highlight of the tour is a visit to the port wine cellars, where travelers can enjoy the storied tradition of this iconic Portuguese beverage. They’ll sample a variety of port wines, learning about the unique flavors and production methods that have made this region famous worldwide.

Landmark	Description
Ribeira District	A UNESCO World Heritage site, this picturesque riverfront neighborhood boasts colorful buildings, lively cafes, and stunning views of the Douro River.
Dom Luis I Bridge	This impressive double-decker metal bridge, designed by a student of Gustave Eiffel, offers breathtaking vistas of the city.
Clérigos Church	The city’s iconic baroque-style church, with its towering bell tower, is a must-see landmark and provides panoramic views from the top.
Livraria Lello	This stunning neo-Gothic bookshop, with its intricate wooden staircase, is said to have inspired J.K. Rowling’s vision of Hogwarts.

Recap

Enjoy the captivating landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Castilla and Portugal on this 7-day guided tour from Madrid. From the historic cities of Ávila and Salamanca to the renowned port wine cellars of Porto, this journey promises an intimate and enriching experience that’ll leave you with lifelong memories. Don’t miss the chance to explore the Iberian Peninsula’s stunning architecture, indulge in local cuisines, and discover the essence of these enchanting regions.