The Best of Spain & Portugal (6820)

13 Day Tour from Madrid to Madrid

2025 Tour Details View 2026 Tour Details »

Spain and Portugal—two countries with rich histories and distinct cultures. Your affordable tour of Spain and Portugal reveals their fascinating highlights. In Spain, you’ll overnight in Madrid, Granada, Cordoba, Seville, and Salamanca. In Portugal, you’ll stay in Lisbon and Porto. Tour highlights include a guided visit to Toledo, a treasure chest of art and historical architecture. In Granada, enjoy an included visit to the fascinating Alhambra complex*, built in the 13th century by Moorish kings. In Avila—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and fascinating walled city founded in the 11th century, you’ll visit St. Theresa's Convent, the birthplace of St. Teresa. Admire the Moorish architecture in the historical city centers of Cordoba and Seville, both gems of Andalusia, and get to know Madrid, the elegant capital city of Spain, built on a plateau in the heart of the country. In Portugal, visit Lisbon with a Local Guide and see the Belem Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built to commemorate the expedition of Vasco de Gama, and Porto's cathedral, built on a panoramic terrace overlooking the port wine cellars on the banks of the Douro River. Enjoy guided sightseeing in the cities of Toledo, Granada, Seville, Madrid, Cordoba, Lisbon, and Porto. Local Guides - experts in the cities' histories and cultures - will highlight the unique sights and tell you about local culture and history. All of this and more—including an olive oil farm visit with tastings—await you on this fabulous and affordable Spain and Portugal tour designed for value-minded travel lovers.
NOTE:
*Alhambra complex: Entrance to Nasrid Palace is not guaranteed.

The world is within reach with everything you need for perfectly affordable touring. Cosmos includes hand-selected accommodations, guided sightseeing, and seamless transportation between destinations—with value-minded travel lovers in mind. Explore with expert Cosmos Tour Directors and Local Guides, complimentary headsets, private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi. Enhance your free time to explore like a local with your CosmosGO mobile app!

Special departures:
Departure April 15 2025: Easter

Dates & Prices Book Online
800.646.5374
Save 50% on the Single Supplement on select 2025 Cosmos Europe & North America Tours*
Multiple Vacation Discount: Save up to an additional $100 per person when you book more than one Globus, Cosmos or Avalon Vacation for the same travel year
Save up to $200 per couple on select 2025 Cosmos Tours Worldwide*
Save up to $300 per couple on select 2025 Cosmos Tours Worldwide*
The Best of Spain & Portugal map

 Photo Highlights

 Meals

 Meals & Itinerary

Buffet breakfasts daily; 4 dinners, including a dinner at a local restaurant in Porto


Notes:

Entrance to the Nasrid Palace of the Alhambra Complex is not guaranteed.

The Alhambra complex is wheelchair accessible, but the entrance and route differ from those of the included guided visit.

 Itinerary

Day 1 ARRIVE IN MADRID, SPAIN

Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is for you to relax or start exploring Madrid, taking advantage of the CosmosGO app. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and travel companions.

MADRID-FOUNTAIN.jpg

DinnerDinner

Day 2 MADRID–TOLEDO–GRANADA

Drive south to Toledo. Spectacularly situated on a granite hill surrounded by a loop of the Tagus River, the ancient Castilian capital is a treasure-chest of masterpieces. Visit the walled Old Town with a Local Guide and marvel at the 12th-century Church of St. Tomé, known for its large painting by El Greco of The Burial of the Count of Orgaz. Later, cross the Guadalquivir River and head for the olive and orange groves that dot the rolling Andalusian hills. Overnight in history-steeped Granada at the foot of the Sierra Nevada.
Today’s Distance: 298 mi/ 480 km

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Breakfast Breakfast
DinnerDinner

Day 3 GRANADA–CORDOBA

Granada was the Moors’ most treasured city, and they still mourn its loss in their prayers. With a Local Guide, visit the Alhambra Complex*, built by Moorish kings. On the way to Cordoba, enjoy more idyllic scenery as we reach an olive farm, to learn about olives and enjoy a local olive oil tasting.
Today’s Distance: 143 mi/ 230 km

NOTE:
*Alhambra complex: Entrance to Nasrid Palace is not guaranteed.

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Breakfast Breakfast

Day 4 CORDOBA–SEVILLE

With a Local Guide visit the magnificent Mezquita, famous for its 850 pillars of porphyry, marble, and jasper. The Mosque-Cathedral (UNESCO World Heritage site since 1984), is arguably the most significant monument in the western Muslim world and an amazing building in its own right. The complete evolution of the Omeyan style in Spain can be seen in different sections, alongside the Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles of the Christian part. On to vibrant, festive Seville.
Today’s Distance: 93 mi/ 150 km

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Breakfast Breakfast
DinnerDinner

Day 5 SEVILLE

Get to know Seville on the included city tour. The sunny capital of Andalusia has much to offer: the cathedral, the beautiful La Giralda minaret tower, a symbol of Seville; and the Real Alcázar palace, with its extravagant Moorish architecture and opulent gardens. Fun fact: the Palace of the Kingdom of Naboo, from Star Wars, and the Palace of the Kingdom of Dorne, from Game of Thrones, were filmed in Plaza de España and the Royal Alcazar of Seville. What is Seville without Flamenco? What is Flamenco without passion? Find out tonight on an optional outing to experience the click of heels and castanets in a fascinating performance.

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Breakfast Breakfast

Day 6 SEVILLE–EVORA, PORTUGAL–LISBON

Enjoy the scenery of the Sierra de Aracena before crossing into Portugal and the fertile plains of the Alentejo. Admire the forest of cork trees and make a stop to visit Evora, a delightfully attractive city. Among the highlights are the architecture of the white houses, tiles, and balconies. The city, designated UNESCO World Heritage site, inspired the style in which some Brazilian cities, such as Salvador de Bahia, were built. Continue to Lisbon.
Today’s Distance: 267 mi/ 430 km

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Breakfast Breakfast

Day 7 LISBON

Henry the Navigator made Lisbon the 15th-century “Mistress of the Seas.” You’ll see his monument, the Belem Tower, the Moorish Citadel, the impressive Black Horse Square, and other highlights on the guided sightseeing tour. Spend the afternoon at leisure in the Alfama’s tile-decorated streets or take an optional excursion to the scenic Portuguese Riviera, head to the coast to immerse yourself in the picturesque countryside and coastline outside Lisbon. You’ll be all the richer with sights of elegant villas, palaces, and manor houses.

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Breakfast Breakfast

Day 8 LISBON–FÁTIMA–COIMBRA–PORTO

Stop in Fátima to visit the world-famous Sanctuary, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Continue to Coimbra, known for its university, one of the oldest in Europe, and to Porto on the northern bank of the Douro River. For the perfect way to round out your day, join an optional evening excursion, with a leisurely cruise on the Douro River, followed by a hearty traditional Portuguese dinner.
Today’s Distance: 224 mi/ 360 km

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Breakfast Breakfast

Day 9 PORTO

Discover Porto’s highlights on the guided city tour. See its historical cathedral and visit a Port wine cellar along the banks of the Douro River. This afternoon, go medieval on an optional excursion to Guimarães, called the “cradle” of Portugal and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tonight, enjoy an included dinner at a local restaurant.

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Breakfast Breakfast
DinnerDinner

Day 10 PORTO–SALAMANCA, SPAIN

Enjoy the plentiful woodlands and mountains on your return to Spain via the scenic Douro Valley. Reach the ancient and beautiful university town of Salamanca in the early evening, the best time to take a stroll in the Plaza Mayor.
Today’s Distance: 267 mi/ 430 km

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Breakfast Breakfast

Day 11 SALAMANCA–ÁVILA–SEGOVIA–MADRID

Journey to fortified Ávila with its many towers and visit St. Theresa’s Convent before continuing to Segovia, a medieval town picturesquely set on a rocky hill. Some say that the beautiful castle inspired Disney’s “Cinderella.” Spend some time in Segovia before crossing the boundary between new and old Castile to arrive in Madrid.
Today’s Distance: 168 mi/ 270 km

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Breakfast Breakfast

Day 12 MADRID

Built 2180 feet above sea level, Madrid, capital of Spain, is the nearest thing to Heaven, according to Spaniards. Discover the main highlights of this aristocratic city on the included guided tour.

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Breakfast Breakfast

Day 13 MADRID

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

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Breakfast Breakfast

 Tour Director

With COSMOS, there’s no better way to get to know your destination than through the eyes of a Tour Director. We’d like you to meet one of our Tour Directors, who average over a decade of experience and are representative of the type of expert that will be with you on your vacation.

ROXANA VELASCO

Escorting tours for more than 10 years

“Being a Tour Director isn't just about traveling; it's about sharing memories, forging unbreakable bonds, and helping dreams come true... it's the most rewarding job in the world! Touring Spain and Portugal is a privilege; each day offers a fresh chance to enrich your life. As I always say, 'To travel is to live.' Are you ready?”

Tour Director - ROXANA VELASCO

 Accommodations

 Optional Excursions

No matter what you’re into: food, wine, history, art, music or anything else, we give you the freedom to personalize your vacation with optional excursions that speak to your interests.

When you book your excursions with us, you can be assured that every optional excursion that we offer coordinates with the free time that you'll have in your destination, so you'll never have conflicts between included and optional activities. Our team of travel experts carefully selects each optional excursion that we offer to ensure that you receive the highest quality at a great value. Our tried-and-true partners have a finger on the pulse of the city in which they operate so they deliver the very best experiences. We offer experiences you cannot create on your own and because you’re booking with us, we coordinate all your transportation and timing needs.

The following optional excursions are examples only for this vacation. These may or may not be offered, and availability is subject to days of operation and seasonality. Please select a departure date to view optional excursions and pricing for a specific date (due to currency fluctuation, pricing shown is subject to change until purchased). Optional excursions are available for purchase on our MyCosmos site 90 days prior to the tour start date.

Price Ranges

$ ($50 USD and under)
$$ ($51 - $100 USD)
$$$ ($101 - $150 USD)
$$$$ (Over $150)


Seville
Lisbon
Porto
Madrid

Seville

Classic Flamenco Show

Classic Flamenco Show

Experience the passion and spirit of Seville on this incredible outing to a classic flamenco show!

Price Range: $

Master the Art of Spanish Cuisine: Exclusive Cooking Class

Master the Art of Spanish Cuisine: Exclusive Cooking Class

Discover the secrets of Spanish Cuisine with our upcoming cooking class!

Price Range: $$

Lisbon

Unforgettable Evening in Lisbon: Fado Music and Dinner

Unforgettable Evening in Lisbon: Fado Music and Dinner

Treat yourself to an unforgettable evening of classic Fado music and a delectable 3-course dinner with drinks at a local Casa de Fado (Fado restaurant).

Price Range: $$

The Portuguese Riviera with Cascais & Sintra

The Portuguese Riviera with Cascais & Sintra

Enjoy a captivating half-day discovery of the luxurious Portuguese Riviera--home of Europe's rich, famous, and royal--with stops in the royal retreats of Cascais and Sintra!

Price Range: $$

Porto

Douro River Cruise and Dinner

Douro River Cruise and Dinner

Get a unique view of Porto on this evening excursion featuring a sightseeing cruise along the Douro River, followed by an authentic Portuguese dinner with drinks at a local restaurant.

Price Range: $$

Guimarães, Cradle of Portugal

Guimarães, Cradle of Portugal

Discover the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site of Guimarães, Cradle of Portuguese Nationality and home to "Bacon from Heaven", on this enriching half-day guided excursion!

Price Range: $

Madrid

Panoramic Drive & Dinner

Panoramic Drive & Dinner

Drive through the capital's boulevards, passing beautiful buildings and fountains and dine Spanish style!

Price Range: $$

 Private Touring

Private Touring: Cosmos European Private Touring enables you to experience all of the attractions, sights and highlights of your selected Cosmos tour as a private experience - delivered just for you and your traveling party. With Private Touring, you'll have your own dedicated Tour Director, your own private transportation and driver, and your own professional local guides. All with greater flexibility in pace and your experience. For your selected tour, there will be additional per-person cost for the size of your party - from 1 to 24. This additional supplement is reduced with each traveler you add to your party. Here's a sample of the additional cost:

6 guests in a party: $2,559*
18 guests in a party: $613*

Contact Cosmos or your preferred travel agent for pricing for your specific party size as well as any other information on Cosmos Private Touring.

*Supplement pricing is per person (USD) and will be added to the standard published price for your given departure date and is based on availability. Supplement price is valid for 2021 travel year. Occasionally some included and optional activities & excursions may be operated with other guests. Additional restrictions may apply. Not applicable for custom groups. No Group allowances or promotions are available on Private Touring. Published itineraries only. Note that blackout dates may exist where the Private Touring option is not available.


The "Starting at" or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per passenger based on double occupancy and does not include International airfare; additional fees/charges are not included. If a price is crossed out, the new price includes a limited time promotional offer(s) – please review current promotions or deals for additional information. Some tours require intra-vacation flights (and in some cases intra-vacation segments must be purchased from Cosmos).