'Magnifico' Spain & Portugal
![Magnifico Spain & Portugal Image](/file/resize/c920x485-cc/25371_magnifico_spain_and_portugal.jpg)
Snapshot
- 17 nights
- Land Package
- Madrid return
- Departs 27 April 2025
From
$11,999*
per person, twin share*
Overview
About Albatross
Operating tours in Europe since 1995, Albatross Tours offers the widest range of European Christmas, New Year and Winter small group tours, plus a distinctive European Summer tour program, all designed specifically for Australian and New Zealand travellers. With tour itineraries created exclusively to be enjoyed at a leisurely pace with two to five nights stays, Albatross offers small group tours with a maximum group size of 28. Fully inclusive sightseeing, with no optional costs, you’ll stay in authentic style accommodation in superb locations and centrally located city hotels. See more and experience more with our longer stays, quality leisure time and hand-selected experiences. When you travel on an Albatross European tour, you will receive better value for money, genuine inclusions, and unique itineraries, designed for a true holiday experience.
Highlights
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Flamenco dance class in Seville
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Port Warehouse Visit & Tasting
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AVE train from Madrid to CórdobaRiver Douro lunch cruise
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Granada, the incredible Alhambra
Inclusions
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First-class coach transport
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17 nights accommodation
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28 meals; breakfast daily and 9 dinners
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Hotel porterage & WIFI (where available)
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All Tips
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ALL excursions, scenic drives, sightseeing and entrances as described
Itinerary
Day 1: Madrid.
Welcome drink and dinner.
1-night stay at Meliá Madrid Princesa, Madrid. D.
Day 2: Cordoba's Mesquita and Granada
Travelling by AVE express train we enter Andalusia and reach Córdoba late morning. Here we are joined by a local guide who will show usthe major sights and take us through the famous 8th century, UNESCO World Heritage Listed Mesquita – the Cathedral and former GreatMosque of Córdoba. Later we join our touring coach and drive through to the famous city of Granada where we stay two nights. Dinnertonight is in your wonderful hotel.
2-night stay at Hotel Alhambra Palace, Granada. B, D.
Day 3 Alhambra Palace and 'My Time' in Granada
This morning we are joined by a local guide who will take us through the incredible Alhambra and Generalife Gardens. With origins datingback to the 9th century and named for its reddish walls, this fortress complex looms high over the city. In the 13th and 14th century theMoorish Emirates built the famous Nasrid Palaces surrounded by lavish gardens and courtyards. Moorish poets once described theAlhambra as “a pearl set in emeralds”. This is one of the great sights of the world. This afternoon will be free in Granada’s old town whichboasts a mixture of original Arab and Christian architecture, the Cathedral and Royal Chapel.
Day 4 Stunning Ronda and Seville
Cutting through the mountains we reach Ronda. Retaining much of its historic charm, Ronda is famous for being divided by the deep ElTajo gorge which carries the Rio Guadalevín through its centre. The 18th century Puente Nuevo ‘new bridge’, which spans the 100mchasm below, has stunning views out over the Serranía de Ronda Mountains. Take time to walk over the bridge and explore the oldquarter before enjoying lunch featuring specialties of the Andalusian area, accompanied by local wines. Later we continue to Sevillewhere we stay the next three nights.
3-night stay at NH Sevilla Plaza de Armas, Seville. B, L.
Day 5 Seville sightseeing and 'My Time'
Welcome to the home of Carmen, Don Juan and Figaro. This morning we are joined by a local guide who will take us through theenormous cathedral and bring to life this wonderful capital of Andalusia. Your afternoon is at leisure. The Santa Cruz quarter is famousfor its narrow streets, flowered balconies and hidden patios. Nearby are the Giralda Tower and the royal palace, the Alcazars of Seville.This evening we have included a special evening out to enjoy dinner and a traditional Flamenco show.
Day 6 Atlantic port of Cadiz, Seville and Flamenco lesson
A leisurely start today as we enjoy an excursion to the Atlantic port of Cadiz. Situated on a peninsula, the seafront is lined with centuries-old houses and behind this you will find the grand cathedral surrounded by a historic centre of honeycombed narrow streets. Returningto Seville, the rest of your afternoon is free. How would you like to learn how to dance the Flamenco? For those of you who are interestedwe have included a special treat as we visit a Flamenco Dancing School to try our hand at this flamboyant folk dance. Don’t wish to dance?Then come along and just sit and enjoy the spectacle, as it is so much fun! Your evening is free and the old town near the flamenco schoolis bursting with tapas bars, lively cafés and restaurants, perfect for ‘tapas hopping’.
Day 7 Evora sightseeing and delightful Cascais
Driving into Portugal we stop at the UNESCO World Heritage Listed town of Évora where a local guide joins us for a walking tour todiscover the town’s rich history which spans 2000 years. The compact centre of town is easily explored on foot and boasts a Romantemple, Moorish buildings, Christian monasteries and convents. Later we continue to the charming Portuguese fishing village of Cascais,situated on the Lisbon coastline, where we stay the next three nights
3-night stay at Pestana Cidadela Cascais, Portugal. B, D.
Day 8 Lisbon sightseeing and 'My Time'
Today is spent exploring Lisbon. We meet our local guide for a tour to see the major sights of this wonderful, historical city – from theBelem Tower, to the fairytale palaces and the Discoveries Monument, built on the north bank of the Tagus River. The highlight will be aguided tour through the Jeronimos Monastery, and of course the chance to try Portuguese Pastel de Nata (small, soft custard pies –served hot). Your afternoon is at leisure amongst Lisbon’s grand sights, paved avenues, shops, cafés and colourful trams. Returning toCascais, your evening is at leisure to explore the delightful town centre, a short stroll from the hotel, with an array of cafés andrestaurants. Alternatively, you might like to spend the evening in Lisbon and make your own way back to Cascais later.
Day 9 ‘My Time’ in Zermatt.
Today we visit the Palace de Pena and explore the old town of Sintra. Dating back 500 years the Palace de Pena was originally a peacefulmonastery until destroyed by an earthquake. Due to its fantastic hill top location, Ferdinand II rebuilt it to be the luxurious summerpalace of the royal family. With stupendous views – on a clear day you can easily see Lisbon – the palace is one of the greatestexpressions of 19th century architectural romanticism in the world. We have included a guided visit through this UNESCO World Heritagesite which is also classified as one of the ‘Seven Wonders of Portugal’. We enjoy lunchtime in the delightful town of Sintra. Its noble villasand palaces prompted Lord Byron to say the town was “perhaps in every respect the most delightful in Europe”. We return to Cascais viathe dramatic cliffs at Cabo da Roca - the westernmost point in Europe which, until the 14th century, was believed to be the ‘edge of theworld’. This afternoon and evening, you have ‘My Time’ to explore Cascais. Historically, Cascais was the summer retreat of the Portuguesenobility. Today, it boasts an elegant fusion of decorative 19th century architecture and modern facilities. Within the cobblestoned streetsof the historic centre are lavish mansions, an imposing fort and fascinating museums. B.
Day 10 Obidos, Nazaré and Porto
Travelling north we enjoy a morning stop in medieval Obidos. Known as one of Europe’s most romantic medieval villages, you will findpicturesque cobblestone streets lined with colourful houses adorned with geraniums and bougainvillea and whitewashed churches – allof which is encircled by the walls of a 12th century castle. Lunchtime will be spent in the traditional fishing village of Nazaré. Here we havealso included a funicular ride up to the overhanging village of Sitio, to take in the breathtaking views of the coastline. We continue toPorto where we stay three nights.
3-night stay at Pestana Porto Vintage, Porto, Portugal. B, D.
Day 11 Porto sightseeing and 'My Time'
After a city tour with a local guide, we cross the River Douro to Cais de Gaia. The city’s stunning skyline is enhanced by the picturesqueboats and the soaring Dom Luis Bridge. Here we visit one of the port wine warehouses to sample this famous brew. The rest of the dayis completely free. Visit the Avenida dos Aliados – a sloping boulevard lined with grand buildings, and the medieval streets and darkalleyways of the Ribeira which meander down to the riverfront square (“Praça da Ribeira”), the most picturesque spot in the city. Here youwill find traditional boats moored by the quayside, overlooked by colourful trader’s houses.
Day 12 Bom Jesus Sanctuary, Guimarães and Wine Tasting
First stop on our full day excursion is at Braga where we take a funicular train up to the famous Bom Jesus Sanctuary. Built in 1784, thistwin towered neoclassical church sits on top of a hill, above an enormous baroque staircase lined with chapels. Lunchtime will be spentamongst the medieval streets and historic monuments in the birthplace of Portugal – Guimarães. Later in the afternoon we sample VinhoVerde at the Aveleda Wine Estate with its magnificent gardens. This evening we have included a special treat! Tonight, we enjoy dinnerand a traditional Portuguese Fado show
Day 13 Scenic lunch cruise on River Douro
Crossing the country we join the River Douro at Régua where we board a vessel to cruise up the most scenic stretch of the Alto DouroRiver. Exclusively chartered for our use, your cruise includes a port aperitif and tapas lunch with wine and tea or coffee. Relax as wecruise past vineyards and riverside wine estates. Later we continue into Spain and arrive in Salamanca where we stay two nights.
2-night stay at Hospes Palacio de San Esteban, Salamanca. B, L, D.
Day 14 Salamanca sightseeing and 'My Time'
Salamanca has a largely pedestrian centre and the city brims with striking monuments and buildings such as the ancient university andcathedral, many of which are constructed out of golden stone. After a fascinating walking tour with a local guide, enjoy the rest of the dayat leisure. Make sure you relax in a café on Plaza Mayor, one of the finest squares in Spain.
Day 15 El Valle de los Caidos and El Escorial
Passing the walled city of Avila we spend the morning in El Valle de los Caidos (The Valley of the Fallen). Set in the woodlands of the Sierrade Guadarrama hills, the enormous Basílica de la Santa Cruz is remarkable as it is actually underground – hewn out of the centre graniteridge which is topped by the tallest memorial cross in the world. We spend lunchtime amongst the leafy squares of El Escorial beforevisiting the massive palace monastery complex of San Lorenzo de El Escorial. Later we continue to a hidden gem of a city – Segovia.
2-night stay at Hotel Real Segovia Centre, Spain
Day 16 Segovia sightseeing and 'My Time'
This morning we have included a guided walking tour to discover this amazing city. Dating back to Celtic times, the beautifully preservedhill top town revolves around the huge main square which is flanked by the massive cathedral, heritage buildings, picturesquerestaurants and al fresco cafés. In one direction a winding street will lead you to the impressive Alcázar – the fortified stone palace thatjuts out on a rocky crag, surrounded by sheer cliffs. Down another street you will find the astonishing Roman Aqueduct that cuts highacross the base of town. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore this splendid town.
Day 17 Toledo sightseeing and 'My Time'
Arriving into Toledo mid-morning, we are joined by a local guide who will take us on a city walking tour. Toledo has a wealth ofmonuments. Christians, Arabs and Jews lived together here for centuries hence it is sometimes called the “city of the three cultures”. Hereyou will find a city crammed with churches, palaces, fortresses, mosques and synagogues. Highlight of your day will be a visit to CatedralPrimada Santa María de Toledo, which many consider to be Spain’s finest cathedral. The shopping is excellent and the rest of your day isfree. This evening we enjoy a farewell dinner in your historic hotel.
1-night stay at Parador de Toledo Hotel, Spain
Day 18 To Madrid
After breakfast we will transfer you to Madrid where your tour ends late morning. Drop offpoints will be the city centre followed by theairport. We recommend you book flights or trains that depart Madrid after 2pm.
Dates/Prices
Depart | Twin share | WAS |
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27 April 2025 | $11,999 pp | $12,349 pp |
*Multiple departures from 27 April to 16 September 2025. Advertised price is based on per person twin share on 27 April 2025 departure and is inclusive of savings amount, correct as of 18 June 2024.
* Term and conditions apply:
All pricing subject to change and availability.
Advertised prices are per person twin share unless stated otherwise.
Offers may be withdrawn at any time. Itineraries are subject to change.
Booking Conditions and Phil Hoffmann Travel Schedule of Professionalism* applies.
Please speak to your Phil Hoffmann Travel Consultant for more information.