Grand Spain & Portugal

(20 reviews)

From:

CAD $9,125

18 Days

Best Rate: Guarantee

Trip Type: Group Tour

Activity Level: Easy

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Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 27 Sep 2025

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Experience Overview

This 18-day guided tour adds a personal touch as you travel from Portugal to Spain. In Lisbon, traverse the avenues of the Lower Town and learn about the city's finest square with a knowledgeable Local Expert. At Madrid's Prado Museum, an art historian will guide you through rooms of Spain's most impressive Renaissance art. Sample Spain’s most delicious wines and learn about the Verdejo grape at an exclusive wine tasting in in Rueda. Then in Barcelona, walk through the ancient Roman Gate with a Local Expert before stopping to visit the city's most breathtaking basilica, Sagrada Familia. Later, join a Gijon local for an intimate and freshly prepared lunch made from locally-sourced produce.

Highlights

Dining Summary

17 Breakfast (B)
1 Dinner (D)
4 Dinner with Wine (DW)
1 Lunch with Wine (LW)

Choice Highlights

Choose between two carefully selected activities

Seville: Stroll through Barrio de Santa Cruz with a Local Expert and hear how the Jewish community has shaped the city's history.
Seville: See the city's top sights on a panoramic tour with your Local Expert.

Choose between two carefully selected activities

Santiago de Compostela: Join a city tour with a Local Expert and visit Praza do Obradoiro to admire the cathedral facade festooned with architectural frills.
Santiago de Compostela: Embark on a scenic walk on part of the Way of St. James with a Local Expert, through parks and gardens that transform with the seasons.

Additional Included Highlights

Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.

Authentic Dining

Madrid: Join your Travel Director at 18:30 for a Welcome Dinner in a local restaurant and get to know your fellow travelers over a beautiful evening of delicious food and wine.
Lisbon: Delight in a taste of the famous Portuguese custard tart, Pastéis de Belém, made in a 19th century bakery with the original secret recipe.
Madrid: Honest culinary traditions and a fiesta of fresh ingredients are the hallmarks of your Spanish dinner. The perfect accompaniment to good conversation and a chilled glass of beer or wine.
Barcelona: At a typical Catalan restaurant, savor a delicious Celebration Dinner that incorporates classic cooking with the freshest produce.

Insight Choice

Seville: Stroll through Barrio de Santa Cruz with a Local Expert and hear how the Jewish community has shaped the city's history.
Seville: See the city's top sights on a panoramic tour with your Local Expert.
Santiago de Compostela: Join a city tour with a Local Expert and visit Praza do Obradoiro to admire the cathedral facade festooned with architectural frills.
Santiago de Compostela: Embark on a scenic walk on part of the Way of St. James with a Local Expert, through parks and gardens that transform with the seasons.

Insight Experiences

Toledo: At a Damascene workshop, meet a master artisan for a personal insight into this ancient craft. Witness firsthand their precision as they inlay gold and silver into iron, using a chisel and a hammer.
Granada: Visit the famous Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens. While others wait in line, you'll be exploring accompanied by a Local Expert, keen to share insights into this Moorish landmark.
Madrid: Witness the world's finest collection of Spanish paintings, plus an impressive international collection, as you tour the Prado Museum with an art historian.

Make Travel Matter

Seville: The Cristina Heeren Foundation aims to promote the teaching and conservation of flamenco and is a beneficiary of a TreadRight Foundation grant. Meet the students of the foundation, learn some basic flamenco steps, and then feel the passion as they perform an emotional show. The school enables students access to cultural education that otherwise may not have occurred. TreadRights sponsorship has helped students to complete their studies in advanced guitar, singing and dance. As students complete their training, they will carry on and safeguard the traditional flamenco dance, contributing to the protection of Andalusia and Spain’s cultural heritage. The Cristina Heeren Foundation advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education and UN Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Gijón: Meet locals for a delicious farm to table meal of locally sourced produce that has been prepared just for you. This experience supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
Pamplona: In Barcelona, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience during a visit to a biodynamic farm whose secrets have been handed down through four generations. Take in the views of Catalunya and taste the flavor of the valley 'Terroir' in the form of a sparkling wine. Sample this light refreshment and follow the process from the vine to your glass, learning about the unique sustainable methods employed. Sparkling wine is essential to Catalan culture, flowing freely during celebrations it is the perfect way to start your adventure into Catalunya. This experience contributes to UN Global Goal 12: Responsible Production and Consumption.

Top Rated Highlights

Toledo: Explore this magnificent ancient city with your Local Expert and visit the Church of Santo Tomé to see an El Greco masterpiece.
Seville: Visit the Seville Cathedral with your Local Expert. Pass the altarpiece dripping with gold and see the Tomb of Columbus, held aloft by four kings.
Évora: With your Travel Director explore the ancient city of Évora and visit the fascinating Capela dos Ossos, meaning the Chapel of Bones, a chapel decorated with human remains.
Lisbon: Journey through Lisbon with your Local Expert, from the Lower Town to the Belém Quarter. See the Belém Tower and Monument to the Discoveries, built to honor explorers who set sail during Portugal’s Golden Age of Discovery.
Fátima: Join the faithful at one of the world's holiest sites and pay homage at the Chapel of the Apparitions and see the basilica.
Salamanca: See the golden stone and arcades of Plaza Mayor, and learn about the unique traditions of this historic university city.
Avila: Explore within the ancient walls of this unique town.
Madrid: See the highlights of the city with your Local Expert. Visit the Old Town, traveling along the elegant Paseo de la Castellana, past the fountain in the Plaza de Cibeles, the Cervantes Monument and Royal Palace, before crossing the Puerta del Sol.
Oviedo: Led by your Local Expert, see 1,000-year-old wall paintings in some of Europe's oldest churches. Admire the incredible altarpiece, one of the finest in Europe, when you visit the Cathedral of the Holy Savior.
Picos de Europa: Visit the holy cave of Covadonga and see the tomb of Pelayo who is celebrated for winning the Battle of Covadonga against the Muslim Moors in 722 and later became the first King of Asturias.
Picos de Europa: Venture into this magnificent national park to admire the stunning picturesque scenery and rocky trails.
Santillana del Mar: Step back in time when you visit this perfectly preserved and 'most beautiful village in Spain.'
Bilbao: See the spectacular modern Guggenheim Museum designed by Frank Gehry and sites of this Basque region gem during your orientation with your Travel Director.
Getaria: See the rock known as El Ratón or the mouse.
San Sebastián: Led by your Local Expert, enjoy a guided walking tour of the Old Quarter including Plaza de la Constitucion.
Pamplona: The city is home to Café Iruña, a favorite of Ernest Hemingway.
Barcelona: With your Local Expert, drive along the elegant Passeig de Gràcia to witness some of the finest Modernist architecture as you journey through the Eixample district to see Gaudi's extraordinary masterpiece, the mesmerizing Sagrada Família.

Well-being

Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

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Trip Details

Product Code: 19657

Tour Type: Group Tour

Accommodation: Deluxe

Transport: Private

Guide Language: English

Travel Styles: Family, 55+, Luxury

Tour Operator: Insight Vacations (CA)

Supplier Code: 190.700A

Starts: Madrid, Spain

Finishes: Madrid, Spain

Duration: 18 days

Departures: Guaranteed

Physical Rating: Easy

Includes

Price

Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $9,125 ($507 /day)

Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Madrid

While in Madrid, explore the elegant boulevards, expansive parks and varied architectural styles. Join your Travel Director for dinner at a local restaurant and enjoy the opportunity to get to know your fellow travelers over a delightful evening of good food and wine.

Accommodation: Riu Plaza España, Madrid, Canopy by Hilton Madrid Castellana
Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Toledo and on to Granada

Venture south to meet a master artisan in a Damascene workshop for a personal insight into this ancient craft handed down by the Moors centuries ago. Continue to the fascinating city of Toledo, situated high above the River Tagus. This was Spain's capital during the golden era, where Arab, Jewish and Christian cultures flourished side-by-side through the Middle Ages. Walk within the city walls, through the narrow cobbled streets, led by your Local Expert. Visit the Church of Santo Tomé, housing El Greco's famous painting, ‘The Burial of the Count of Orgaz.' Your journey continues to Granada.

Accommodation: Vincci Albayzín, Granada
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 3: The Alhambra Palace

'Give him alms, woman, as there is nothing in life as the sadness of being blind in Granada', cries the inscription on the walls of the Alhambra. Bathed in morning light, the Alhambra Palace awaits - a fantasy of arabesque gardens, fountains and stone cut like lace. Explore with your Local Expert and also visit the exotic water gardens of the Generalife, the royal summer residence. Take a moment to relax in the sunshine as you enjoy the fine views over the town and its three verdant hills. Embark on a scenic drive to Seville and visit the Seville Cathedral, the burial place of Christopher Columbus.Explore Seville with Insight Choice. Choose to embark on a walk through the old Jewish quarter. Alternatively, join a scenic drive around the city and enjoy panoramic views.

Accommodation: Meliá Sevilla
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4: Free Time in Seville and Flamenco Relaxed Start

This is a free day, so take your time to bask in the city’s romantic aura and explore as you wish. Our suggestion is to join an Optional Experience to the ancient city of Córdoba, where you will visit the magnificent Mezquita, see the old Jewish Quarter, and enjoy some free time to shop or explore as you wish. Visit Cristina Heeren Foundation, a beneficiary of a TreadRight Foundation grant, for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. This private dance school is dedicated to promoting the conservation of flamenco and supports young enthusiasts from all over the world with a special focus on new talent from the Andalusian region. Feel the passion behind the choreography as you put your rhythm to the test during a dance lesson before witnessing emotions come to life in a flamenco performance.

Accommodation: Meliá Sevilla
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5: Évora and on to Lisbon Relaxed Start

Continue to the lively university town of Évora, one of the best preserved medieval towns in Portugal, with architectural styles dating back to Roman Times. Visit the fascinating Capela dos Ossos, a chapel decorated with 5000 bones, before making your way to Lisbon.

Accommodation: Turim Saldanha
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6: Lisbon Relaxed Start

During your stay, a guided orientation of the city with your Local Expert takes you along the avenues of the Lower Town and beneath the hilltop Bairro Alto to the Terreiro do Paco, the finest square in the city. Visit the Belém Quarter and enjoy a taste of Pastéis de Belém from the patisserie that has been using the same, secret recipe for almost 200 years. View the Monument to the Discoveries and the more ancient Belém Tower. This fortress was originally set in the middle of the river, but is now left high and dry on the riverbank. Visit the National Coach Museum, featuring one of the most prominent horse-drawn carriage collections in the world. With the afternoon at your leisure, perhaps join an Optional Experience to the beautiful Portuguese Riviera?

Accommodation: Turim Saldanha
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7: Holy Fátima and Salamanca

Travel into the green hills north of Lisbon to visit Fátima, the most celebrated place of pilgrimage in Portugal. Visit the chapel commemorating the appearance of the Virgin Mary to three children in 1917. Cross the border, returning to Spain and continue to Salamanca, famous for its golden stone buildings and the handsome arcades of the Plaza Mayor. Across the River Tormes, see the Puente Romano with 15 of its 26 arches dating from the time of the ancient Romans.

Accommodation: Alameda Palace, Salamanca
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8: Ávila and Madrid

Cross the rock-strewn hills of the Castile, to arrive at Ávila. Admire the impressive city still entirely enclosed within its 11th-century walls, a unique occurrence in Europe. Return to Madrid to explore more of the capital with your Local Expert. At a local restaurant, join your Travel Director and newfound friends for a lively dinner.

Accommodation: Canopy by Hilton Madrid Castellana, Barceló Torre de Madrid
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 9: Madrid of the Bourbons

Enjoy sightseeing with your Local Expert as they take you along the main historical areas in the Capital of Spain known as Madrid of the Bourbons. Your drive continues through the Old Quarter discovering the origins of the city. A highlight of your escorted journey will be a visit to the Prado Museum. Discover countless works by Velázquez, Goya, Titian, Rubens and others as you are guided by a local art historian. The afternoon is free for you to relax at a cafe or shop in the boutiques.

Accommodation: Canopy by Hilton Madrid Castellana, Barceló Torre de Madrid
Meals: Breakfast

Day 10: Through Guadarrama Mountains to Santiago de Compostela

Journey through the Guadarrama Mountains to the infinite horizons of Old Castile and continue past the impressive Castillo de la Mota, conquered by Queen Isabella. Travel on to Santiago de Compostela, where the tomb of the Apostle St. James was miraculously discovered in the Middle Ages.

Accommodation: NH Collection Santiago de Compostela
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 11: Santiago de Compostela Relaxed Start

Explore Santiago de Compostela with Insight Choice. Choose to join a city tour with a Local Expert and visit Praza do Obradoiro to admire the cathedral facade festooned with architectural frills. Alternatively, embark on a scenic walk on part of the Way of St James, through parks and gardens that transform with the seasons. Relax during your free time or explore the narrow streets and old squares of this city.

Accommodation: NH Collection Santiago de Compostela
Meals: Breakfast

Day 12: The Costa Verde to Oviedo Relaxed Start

Pass through the ancient forests of Galicia and cross to the Green Coast of Asturias - one of Spain's most beautiful, named after the color of the sea and the pine and eucalyptus trees that line the shore. Enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience for lunch. Very popular with locals, enjoy a homemade farm to table meal and learn about traditional cider product, including a tasting. Your route reveals glorious coastal vistas before turning inland to travel through old villages and deep valleys en route to Oviedo. Continue on to Oviedo where a Local Expert will show you the 9th century churches built when the city was the capital of Christian Spain. Visit the Cathedral of the Holy Savior in the stately square of Plaza Alfonso II. Admire the incredible altarpiece, one of the finest in Europe.

Accommodation: Barceló Oviedo Cervantes
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch with Wine

Day 13: Picturesque Santillana del Mar and on to Santander

Visit the Holy Cave of Covadonga, a shrine to Pelayo, who achieved the first Christian victory over the Moors in 722. See the unique Roman bridge in Cangas de Onís as you head into the foothills of the Picos de Europa, a national park boasting spectacular mountain and gorge scenery. Enjoy views of the Costa de Cantabria while traveling to Santillana del Mar, arguably the most beautiful village in Spain. Stroll through the rustic cobblestone streets, admiring stone houses decorated with carved, heraldic symbols and reach the delightful church square. Continue on to the sophisticated beach resort of Santander where you have free time in the evening to enjoy this luxurious hotel.

Accommodation: Eurostars Real, Santander
Meals: Breakfast

Day 14: Bilbao and San Sebastián Relaxed Start

In nearby Bilbao, admire the striking modern architecture of the Guggenheim Museum, one of the world's most spectacular buildings. Enjoy the views as you are driven along part of the Costa Vasca, dotted with small coastal fishing villages and pause in the seaside city of Getaria to see 'El Ratón', the mouse-shaped rock. Continue to San Sebastián and admire its beauty during a city tour with a Local Expert. Explore the secrets of the harbor area and uncover the forgotten Basque maritime cultural heritage.

Accommodation: Barceló Costa Vasca, San Sebastián
Meals: Breakfast

Day 15: The Cantabrian Coast Relaxed Start

Enjoy a day at leisure to stroll along San Sebastián's boardwalk and with the city harbor filled with fishing boats and pleasure crafts, you can enjoy a number of sporting activities on its large sandy beach. Perhaps you'll want to explore the nearby French village of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, also known as Little Paris? Maybe stroll the promenade of the famous La Concha bay or enjoy the boutiques of the Old Town?

Accommodation: Barceló Costa Vasca, San Sebastián
Meals: Breakfast

Day 16: Pamplona and on to Barcelona

Journey to the famed town of Pamplona, known for its Running of the Bulls festival. With time free for you to explore, perhaps take a stroll to the famous Estafeta Street or visit Café Iruña, immortalized by Ernest Hemingway in his novel 'The Sun Also Rises.' Your travels continue to Barcelona, the vibrant capital of Catalonia, a land that retains its own distinctive language, culture and traditions.

Accommodation: Hilton, Barcelona
Meals: Breakfast

Day 17: Barcelona, City of Gaudí

Wake up ready to embrace the city’s artistic heritage. Join a Local Expert for a drive along the Passeig de Gràcia, adorned with elegant wrought-iron street lamps and some of the most flamboyant Modernist buildings. Continue through the Eixample district to visit Gaudi’s extraordinary masterpiece, the Sagrada Família*. With the afternoon at leisure, you are free to relax or continue your exploration on your own. In the evening, join your Travel Director and newfound friends at a local restaurant. Raise your glass and toast your travels during your delightful Celebration Dinner. *Please note that with the construction of the Sagrada Família nearing completion, access to the basilica may be restricted for special masses, pilgrim visits or official ceremonies, and we are unable to secure tickets to visit. Should this occur during your tour, you will visit the Hospital de Sant Pau instead, a striking example of Catalan Art Nouveau designed by Gaudí’s contemporary, Domènech i Montaner. Afterwards, join your Local Expert in the gardens surrounding the Sagrada Família and take in the extraordinary exterior of Gaudí’s iconic masterpiece.

Accommodation: Hilton, Barcelona
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 18: Depart for Madrid

Today, bid farewell to your journey across Spain and Portugal as you transfer from Barcelona to Madrid.

Meals: Breakfast

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Tour Operator

Insight Vacations (CA)

Part of The Travel Company (TTC) family of brands, Insight Vacations began operations in 1978 and is based in Cypress, CA. Journeys are featured to destinations, such as the U.S. and Canada, Europe, Latin America, North Africa, Asia, the UK and Ireland. The company offers are a variety of tours under the classifications of Regional Journeys, Country Roads, Discovery Journeys, Easy Pace trips, and Special Interest tours. Insight is the ideal name for the tour operator, as the journeys provided by Insight Vacations allow travelers to gain further insight into whatever destination they wish to explore. For example, Discovery Journeys are the ideal choice for first-time visitors to Europe. Itineraries include Dine-at-Home or Farm-to-Table experiences so travelers can learn more about how locals live and dine. Regional Journeys allow trip-goers to see a specific location in Europe that they have always wanted to see – Poland, Switzerland, Italy, etc. The carefully planned trips enable customers to immerse themselves in one specific region or country and to become acquainted with its culture, traditions, and people. For anyone seeking travel off the beaten track, Insight Vacations offers Country Roads – trips that lead travelers off the well-tread tourist trail to explore hidden gems where visitors can savor the local produce with Farm-to-Table dining. Some trips are offered under the Easy Pace travel style – the ideal trip choice for trip-goers who wish to slow their pace during their vacation. During these tours, vacationers stay at least 3 nights at each destination, giving them some additional time to explore a place and enjoy it. Regardless of the travel style, many of the vacations offered by Insight Vacations begin with Relaxed Starts – giving travelers time to sleep in a little, spend more time at breakfast, or explore an area on their own. The tour company prides itself on providing business class tours that features luxury coaches with 40 seats. While most coach touring operators provide vehicles with 53 seats, Insight Vacations has re-configured its motor coaches to hold up to 40 guests. This gives passengers extra leg room while traveling and offers them more space and privacy.

In Business Since 1978

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Reviews

Anonymous - Traveled, October 2024

Service from was a 5 the first week in Southern Spain and Portugal. Service from was a 1 for northern Spain. It was sold as one trip but actually was two separate trips (first was southern Spain and Portugal, and second was northern Spain) with two different guides. Some confusion and down time due to the changeover from one guide to the next. A couple stops on the second trip (northern Spain) were poorly planned (one stop was during the 2 1/2 hours the town was closed for lunch. At a stop in a coastal town all the better restaurants claimed they were fully reserved (although most were half empty) so we had to eat what little tapas was left over at the less desirable restaurants. When we complained to guide she said we should have eaten at the previous stop.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/06/2024

Anonymous - Traveled, October 2024

Dear Insight Tours Customer Service, I am writing to provide feedback on my recent experience with your Grand Spain and Portugal Tour, and to express some significant concerns regarding how the tour was conducted, which unfortunately did not align with my expectations or the description provided at the time of booking. 1. Group Size Misrepresentation When I booked the tour, I was led to believe that it was a single tour with no more than 24 people. However, I was surprised to find that the tour group actually comprised 41 individuals. The large group size detracted from the more personalized experience that was advertised and expected, which was a key reason I chose this tour in the first place. 2. Miscommunication Regarding Two Tours It was only on day six, through an email, that I learned I was actually part of two separate tours. The email included detailed information for those starting the tour and merely a brief note for those, like myself, joining the second tour, stating that further instructions would be given later. When I sought clarification from the tour guide of the first leg, I was informed that I was expected to join a second tour after arriving in Madrid, and that I would need to transfer myself to another hotel at my own expense. This was a completely unexpected change to the tour arrangement, and I was given no prior notice. 3. Concerns About the Second Tour The second tour experience was disappointing in several ways: Guide Quality: The second tour guide did not meet the standard I had come to expect from Insight Tours. The arrangements often felt disorganized and ad hoc. The guide frequently changed plans without clear communication, and when asked for clarification, she appeared agitated. Unclear Instructions: When we arrived in new towns without a pre-arranged guide, the directions given were often vague. The tour guide mentioned that she could not accompany us as she was not a registered guide, which led to confusion and frustration. Pamplona Incident: Upon arrival in Pamplona at 08:30, only a coffee shop was open. The guide briefly showed us where the bulls run and then left to have coffee with her cousin, while the group waited for over an hour for the bus to return. Barcelona Accommodation: I was also under the impression that we would be staying in central Barcelona for the final two days of the tour. However, we were located an hour outside the city, which significantly increased travel time and altered my plans. I had also booked my post-tour stay in the center, believing that the tour would conclude there. This led to further confusion and discussion about where I would be dropped off. Ultimately, instead of being dropped off at my hotel as originally agreed, I was left at the railway station, which was inconvenient. 4. Positive Aspects Despite these issues, I want to acknowledge the excellent work of the first tour guide, the drivers, and the local experts. They were all professional, knowledgeable, and contributed positively to my experience. Conclusion Overall, I am deeply disappointed that the tour I booked was not the tour I experienced. The misrepresentation of group size, the lack of clarity around the two-tour structure, and the issues with the second tour guide left me feeling misled and frustrated. Based on this experience, I am uncertain whether I would recommend Insight Tours to others or consider booking with your company again in the future. I hope you will take this feedback seriously and work to improve the clarity of your communications and the consistency of your guides. I look forward to hearing how Insight Tours intends to address these concerns. Kind regards.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/06/2024

Mitch L. - Traveled, May 2024

This tour is marketed as one tour “Grand Spain and Portugal” but was in fact the joining of 2 tours “Amazing Highlights of Spain and Portugal” with “Northern Spain”. We were never informed of this until the tour actually started and feel Insight should be far more transparent as it caused confusion to those of us on the “Grand” tour. The coaches, bus drivers, and tour directors were excellent. Shout out to our tour director (TD) Brad on the Northern Spain portion of the trip - 7 Insight Vacations and he was one of the best. Another couple were on their 12th Insight Vacation and stated Brad was one of the best as well. Due to the Madrid Tennis Open being played at the time of our tour hotels were problematic in Madrid. This meant even though we had 2 nights in Madrid we had to spent the, in different hotels (part of changing over from one tour to another). To Insight’s credit they did reimburse the tour some money for this unfortunate incident. As stated in other reviews, this tour typically consists of 2 other tours joined together. In our case it was Amazing Highlights of Spain and Portugal with Northern Spain. This meant 2 different tour directors and bus drivers. Not that it is a problem, just a surprise as none of this was disclosed until we started the tour and we were being welcomed to the Amazing Highlights tour. I feel Insight should be upfront with that. The Southern portion of the tour is hectic but for good reason. Many amazing things to see best done as soon as they open. We weren’t sure if our stamina would last for the northern portion but thankfully that was far more relaxed so that at the end of this tour we didn’t need a “vacation from our vacation”. It is definitely worth doing the North as there is a great contrast to the south. We have done 7 Insight Vacations and our Northern Spain Tour Director (TD) Brad was one of the best and loved by all on this tour. In our opinion has the perfect balance of information, humor and excellent organizational skills, exemplified by the passion he still shows for travel after 20 years of being a TD. We are so glad we did the grand tour to give us a taste of some of the different regions of Spain and Portugal and would highly recommend it.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/06/2024

Anonymous - Traveled, May 2024

That it is 2 combined tours.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/06/2024

Anonymous - Traveled, May 2024

After visiting Lisbon, we made a long trip back to Madrid and then back across, 400 miles to Santiago de Campostella. This is an unnecessary waste of time and three days as I would have rather gone on to Porto from Fatima and then to Santiago de Campostella. The visit to the Royal Palace and The Prado should have been at the front of the tour with more time allowed in the museum. We also had two different tour directors with three blended tour groups for the northern Spain leg that disturbed continuity.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/06/2024

Anonymous - Traveled, May 2024

I didn’t find using What’sapp only very good for me personally. I didn’t appreciate the fact that we had to return to Madrid in the middle of the tour to add people from different tours and be given another tour guide. To have the same group and tour director the whole way would have made the tour fantastic! We would have seen more of Spain and Portugal and the group would have been cohesive. No one that I spoke to was aware of other people joining halfway through.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/06/2024

Anonymous - Traveled, May 2024

We started the tour as a group and Tour director after a few days some people left the tour then a new group of people joined and a new tour director and then we now need to get to know the new people which makes it harder as now we have 2groups clicking should have 1 tour director for the whole tour and the same people People become like a small family and look after each other but when you split the group it changes , also by going back to Madrid mid tour is crazy should of went to Porto and up north , it was only to pick up the other people that we travelled back to Madrid.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/06/2024

Anonymous - Traveled, May 2024

This itinerary does not reflect a tour for grand spain. A tour should be one group throughout the whole tour. This tour was actually a combination of two tours. Therefore it should not have been labelled grand Spain but should be amazing tour and northern spain. I would probably be acceptable if we signed up for amazing spain and signed up for a second tour for northern Spain. Then we knew it’s actually two tours. Having it labeled grand Spain but we wasted days heading back to Madrid to collect people and drop off people. Grand Spain could have gone from Lisbon to porto to Santiago de compostela.

Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/06/2024

Ryszard B. - Traveled, April 2024

Patrick was tireless guiding us and inform about sites we visited. His knowledge coupled with unique humour was essential for us to endure three weeks of travel. He always was at the right place at the right time. His daily e-mails with information what we are going to see was very good and allow us to mentally prepare for what we are about to see. Essential things to see in that short period of time.