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Overview Itinerary Reviews Hotels, flights & FAQ

Lisbon, Seville & Madrid

with Barcelona extension

Duration: 11 or 13 days
Group size: 15-38
Reviews: 73

Tucked into the corner of the continent, these cities have their own spice.

Relive the Age of Discovery, when explorers brought treasures from around the world—which are now on display in Portuguese palaces and Spanish cathedrals. Uncover Roman ruins throughout the region, as well as the Moorish influences in exotic Andalusia. When your hands-on history lesson is complete, fast-forward to the present day to feast on tapas, drink sangria, and join the street life in Madrid.

Your tour package includes

9 nights in handpicked hotels
9 breakfasts
3 dinners with beer or wine
5 guided sightseeing tours
Expert Tour Director & local guides

Included highlights

Monument to the Discoveries
Tower of Belém
Évora
Plaza de España
Royal Alcázar

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Day-by-day itinerary

Overnight Flight1 night

Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Lisbon today.

Lisbon3 nights

Day 2: Arrival in Lisbon

Included meal: Dinner

Welcome to Portugal! Meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Lisbon

Included meal: Breakfast

Get to know the Portuguese capital on a tour with a local guide.

• Admire views of the city from Eduardo VII Park, then pass the Plaza del Marqués de Pombal and the Mouraria District

• Discover the city’s maritime heritage at the Monument to the Discoveries and Tower of Belém

• Enter Palace of Ajuda and learn about Portugal's former royal family

• Walk from Mercado da Ribeira through Chiado square to the Baixa district in the heart of the city

Enjoy a free afternoon in Lisbon or add an excursion.

Fado Dinner & Show

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 4: Free day in Lisbon

Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a free day in Lisbon or add an excursion.

Sintra & the Portuguese Riviera

Excursion (additional cost)

Seville3 nights

Day 5: Seville via Évora

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Travel through the unspoiled countryside of Portugal en route to Spain. Before crossing the border, stop in Évora to follow a local guide through the Church of St. Francis, known as the “Chapel of Bones.”

Later, arrive in Seville, a city brimming with traditional Spanish charm, and sit down for an included dinner.

Day 6: Sightseeing tour of Seville

Included meal: Breakfast

Uncover the beauty of Seville, the historic Andalusian capital, on a guided sightseeing tour.

• View the tiled pavilion of the Plaza de España

• Pass the whitewashed homes of Barrio de Santa Cruz

• See the Gothic Seville Cathedral, the third largest church in the world

• Enter the Royal Alcázar, a palace that was once home to King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella

Enjoy free time in Seville or add an excursion.

Traditional Seville Flamenco Show

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 7: Free day in Seville

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a free day in Seville or add an excursion.

Jerez Region: Yeguada Farm Visit, Sherry Tasting & Lunch

Excursion (additional cost)

Madrid3 nights

Day 8: Madrid via Córdoba

Included meal: Breakfast

Leave Seville and make your way to Madrid, stopping en route to discover some of the flavors and history of Andalusia.

• Visit an olive farm to tour the grove, mill, and cellar with a guide before tasting the flavorful olive oil

• Stop in the town of Córdoba to discover its rich history—at one time, the city was home to 700 mosques, 900 public baths, and 70 libraries

• Enter the Mezquita, a UNESCO World Heritage site built in the eighth century as a mosque and then converted into a cathedral during the Reconquista

Later, board a high-speed train and arrive in Madrid this afternoon.

Day 9: Sightseeing tour of Madrid

Included meal: Breakfast

Explore the Spanish capital’s beautiful architecture, lively squares, and grand boulevards on today’s guided sightseeing tour.

• View the Royal Palace, Spain’s largest royal residence

• Pass by the Temple of Debod, a reassembled temple from ancient Egypt

• View the city’s many squares, including Plaza de España, Plaza Mayor, and the bustling Puerta del Sol

• Explore the Prado, a world-class art museum that began as the private collection of the Spanish monarchy and is home to the works of Goya, Velásquez, and more

Enjoy free time in Madrid or add an excursion.

Traditional Spanish Evening

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 10: Free day in Madrid

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy a free day in Madrid or add an excursion.

Later, join your group at a farewell dinner.

Toledo

Excursion (additional cost)

Flight Home

Day 11: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home or continue on to Barcelona.

Extension to Barcelona

From the twisting Gothic quarter to the whimsical creations of Antoni Gaudí and the visionary beauty of the Eixample district, Barcelona's architectural eye candy has no equal. Its music, theater, art, gastronomy, fashion, and architecture set the pace for European chic, and its nightlife will have you dancing until dawn.

Barcelona2 nights

Day 11: Train to Barcelona

Included meal: Breakfast

Board a high-speed train from Madrid to beautiful Barcelona.

Then, enjoy free time to explore the cultural capital of Catalonia or add an excursion.

Barcelona Home-Hosted Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 12: Sightseeing tour of Barcelona

Included meal: Breakfast

Discover why the Catalan capital is touted for its unparalleled architectural landmarks, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites.

• Step inside La Sagrada Família, Gaudí’s famous masterwork-in-progress

• Drive along Passeig de Gràcia, past Gaudí’s “house of bones”

• Stop at Montjuïc, where the 1992 Olympic Games took place, and stroll through Mirador de l’Alcalde Park

• Pass Plaça d’Espanya and the soaring monument to Christopher Columbus

Spend a free afternoon in Barcelona or add an excursion.

This evening, enjoy a farewell drink as you celebrate your trip with your fellow group members.

Park Güell & La Pedrera

Excursion (additional cost)

Flight Home

Day 13: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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Reviews

4.7 average

06/10/2019 by 7th time traveler Brenna K.

Such an amazing tour!!! And Sabrina was such an AMAZING tour guide! One of my favorite parts was going on the optional to the horse farm (and the sherry tasting, but I was mainly in it to pet some horses), and seeing how they care for such an important breed. Pretty much all the hotels were within a...

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FADO, FLAMENCO AND SO MUCH FUN!

09/24/2018 by 7th time traveler Fanny M.

Amazing Tour Guide- Roberta Gonzalez, amazing group of fellow travelers, an amazing tour of Lisbon, Sevilla, Madrid and Barcelona!!!!! Fado, Flamenco and so much fun are the souvenirs of memories I brought back...

Three nice cities

05/29/2018 by 23rd time traveler Frank B.

I was on the May 12 departure of this tour and we were a group of 15 travelers. This is a nice relaxing tour with plenty of time to explore each city. The hotels were all very nice but the hotel in Seville was recently renovated and was really nice. The hotel in Madrid is not as centrally located b...

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10/13/2017 by 2nd time traveler Geoffrey G.

Overall, this was a great trip and an exceptional value. It would be nearly impossible to arrange all of the transfers, admissions to historic sites and places of interest, and local guides to assist you, if you were to organize a trip like this on your own. My wife, my sister-in-law and I had a fin...

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Surprised in Spain

11/14/2016 by 5th time traveler Judy C.

Touring Spain and Portugal was a delight. Both countries were clean and welcoming. The tours were very diversified and interesting. Our GoAhead guide, Lois, had everything organized and all elements of the tour fell into place perfectly. There was one city guide that was exceptional in the del...

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Our reviews are authentic and unedited.

Hotels, flights, & FAQ

Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

Hotels

We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.

Novotel Madrid Center

This spacious hotel is located in the heart of Madrid. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and a fitness center. Nearby, you'll find the Prado ...

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Hotel Zenit

In the heart of the Triana district, next to Betis street and only 5 minutes away from the Maestranza, the Hotel Zenit Sevilla Hotel combines all the ...

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Flights

Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.

Add our airfare package and you'll get:

Round-trip flight for your tour
Airport transfers at your destination
A great price locked in today
24/7 support from our dedicated service team
Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes

Find out more about flights

FAQ

Passport & visa requirements

In order to enter Portugal and Spain, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps.
There is no visa required for U.S. or Canadian citizens.
If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact your destination country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.

Tour pace

You will walk for about 2 hours daily across mostly flat terrain, including paved roads and cobblestone streets, with few hills or stairs.
Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times, as well as getting in and out of trains.
Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing, individualized assistance to any one traveler.
If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.

Transportation & arrival information

Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Lisbon and depart from Madrid (or from Barcelona on the tour extension). A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
A train ride from Córdoba to Madrid is included in the price of your tour. (The tour extension also includes a train ride from Madrid to Barcelona.)
All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.

Baggage allowance

Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights, which may include on-tour flights in addition to your round-trip flights to and from tour. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.

Clothing & packing tips

We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
It is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).

Health

There are no major health risks associated with traveling to any of the countries on this tour.
At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.

Cuisine

Portuguese food is fresh, hearty, and delicious. Try seafood stew cooked in a cataplana, a shell-shaped copper pan, or the national dish, bacalhau (salted cod). A couvert, or simple plate of bread, butter, and olives, is often served when you sit down to a meal—while it is free in many restaurants, some will add a charge to your bill for it.
In Spain, breakfast like a local with just a pastry and coffee. Then, tuck into a three-course lunch featuring a Spanish staple like savory seafood paella or grilled meat and fried potatoes. Dinner is less hearty than lunch and is served late, between 9pm and midnight. Snack on small plates called tapas any time of day.
Cuisine in Spain’s southern Andalusia region is heavily influenced by surrounding countries, and has many Arabic elements. Kebabs are popular, and desserts are often prepared with almonds, honey, and cinnamon. Be sure to try Serrano ham, which is considered a regional delicacy, as well as the famous chilled soup known as gazpacho.

Electricity & air conditioning

Portugal and Spain operate on the European standard 220-240 volts and use Types C, E, or F plugs with two small, round pins.
We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
The strength of the air conditioning in European hotels is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.

Time zones

Portugal is on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and five hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
Spain is one hour ahead of GMT and six hours ahead of ET.
When it’s noon in New York, it’s 5pm in Portugal and 6pm in Spain.

Currency

You will use the euro in Portugal and Spain.
Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.

Tipping

At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
We recommend tipping the equivalent of $7USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
Tips can only be paid in cash.

Purchasing excursions on tour

Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour.
Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for excursions.
Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information. International travel is, by its very nature, unpredictable. We must therefore reserve the right to change this itinerary, without advance notice, to meet with local conditions at the time of travel. We appreciate your understanding. Please refer to our website for Terms & Conditions, dates, and prices.