Search for dragons, explore royal palaces, and then indulge in the sweet flavors of freshly made chocolate during your customizable family friendly tour to Spain and Portugal. Play amongst the life-sized gingerbread architecture of Park Guell and then explore the inspiring ambiance of a bookstore that inspired Harry Potter. Dramatic cathedrals will capture the attention of all ages as the captivating artwork found on a scavenger hunt through a museum will bring an atmosphere of fun to...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Barcelona – Arrive in Barcelona for a Fabulous Introductory Tour
Barcelona is a city of history and scenery, lively plazas and colorful markets. Trees shade the walkways of Las Ramblas as the Mediterranean Sea splashes at the golden shoreline. The architecture of Antonin Gaudi resembles the buildings of a storybook while the Gothic Quarter captivates visitors, young and old, with radiant images of history that bring the past to life. Your flight will land at Barcelona-El Prat Airport, and your private transfer will greet you upon your arrival and escort you to your luxurious hotel at the heart of the city. Your guide will meet you in your lobby, eager to lead you on an introductory tour of the city focused on the tree-lined pedestrian boulevard of Las Ramblas.
The street performers will delight your kids as they pose as life-like statues while fire-eaters puff out their cheeks and breathe out smoke. You will enter into the aisles of La Boqueria, a market first established in the 13th century and located beneath the metal rafters. Vendors will wave to your family as you pass the vibrant strawberries and oranges as cheese mongers offer free samples for the kids to taste the variety of cheeses found in Spain and popular in Catalonia. The aroma of baked goods emanates from a pastry shop inside the market that offers displays of the traditional xuixo, a deep-fried pastry coated with granulated sugar and stuffed with custard.
What's Included:
Day 2
Barcelona – Discover Gaudi Architecture and the Gothic Quarter
Day 3
Madrid – Enjoy a High-Speed Train to Madrid and a Tour of the Capital
Day 4
Madrid – Explore the Royal Palace and a Scavenger Hunt in the Prado
Day 5
Madrid – Stroll along the Medieval Streets of Toledo that Bring History to Life
Day 6
Porto – Visit Salamanca and the Douro Valley en route to Porto
Day 7
Porto – Relish a Chocolate Tour, Bike Ride, and a Majestic Bookstore
Day 8
Porto – Traverse Historical Guimaraes before Visiting Braga
Day 9
Porto – Depart for Home
Trip Highlights
- Enjoy a scavenger hunt through the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona in search of the dragons that adorn the medieval architecture
- Savor the distinct and varied flavors of chocolate crafted inside a celebrated confectionary in Porto, Portugal during a private tasting
- Share in the grandeur and prestige of Spain’s Royal Palace in Madrid, encapsulated by the stunning marble staircase at the entrance
- Ascend the lavish stairwell of Bom Jesus do Monte, known for the stunning décor that frames the ascending steps that lead to the plateaued church
- Relish your time spent wandering the medieval streets of Toledo to find a forger that will craft handmade medieval swords before your eyes
- View a live student performance of 16th-century minstrels inside the Plaza Mayor of Salamanca
- Traverse the arcades to find mosaic statues and witness the storybook architecture of Antonin Gaudi’s masterwork in Park Guell, Barcelona
- Visit the bookstore that inspired the library of Hogwarts in JK Rowling’s Harry Potter, located in the city of Porto, Portugal
Detailed Description
Your 9-day tour of Spain and Portugal will please your entire family with creative tours, captivating flavors, remarkable history found in the enchanting cities that span the Iberian Peninsula. This family-friendly adventure will begin with your arrival in Barcelona, Spain. Your private transfer will greet you at El-Prat Airport and escort you to your stunning hotel in the heart of the city. Enjoy an introductory tour of Barcelona with a visit to Las Ramblas, a pedestrian-friendly boulevard lined with shopping, culture, and the amazing aromas of La Boqueria Market. Wake the next morning, and your guide will escort you all on an engaging tour of the surreal aesthetic of Antonin Gaudi’s architecture at Park Guell and the Sagrada Familia. Continue into the Gothic Quarter on a search for dragons hidden amongst the medieval architecture.
The next day, you will take the high-speed train to Madrid, and your private transfer will escort you to your hotel in the center of the capital city. The remainder of the day will introduce you all to El Retiro Park and the ancient Egyptian Temple of Debod. Meet your guide in the hotel after breakfast the following morning for a private tour of Madrid beginning with the Royal Palace. Your family can embrace the prestigious architecture before continuing into the Prado Museum for a scavenger hunt that will include the 100 rooms with more than 2,300 pieces of artwork.
Venture next to Toledo where the medieval streets bring history to life. Wander along the old architecture and then visit a master forger to watch a sword being made. Return to Madrid with the remainder of the evening at your leisure, and then get up the next day to travel by private transfer to Porto, Portugal. Stop in Salamanca en route for a chance to view students of the university performing as minstrels in period costume and explore the city streets before taking some time to enjoy the beauty of the Douro Valley. Indulge in the beauty of Porto and the city’s lively atmosphere the next day with a cycling tour.
Take to the cobbled lanes along the riverbank, and your family will delight in a private chocolate sampling at a celebrated confectionary. Your tour will end with your arrival at the majestic bookstore that inspired the library of Hogwarts in Harry Potter. The next day, move out of Porto for a day tour spent visiting Guimaraes and Braga. Traverse the walls of medieval castles and wander along the opulent stairs of Baroque churches. Conclude the following day as your private transfer will meet your family at your hotel in Porto and escort you to Porto Airport for your flight home.
Starting Price
$3,300 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
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