Spain & Portugal for Second Timers: Aveiro Madeira Nerja

Enjoy the medieval charm of Salamanca, Spain

What to expect on this itinerary

During this 10-day off-the-beaten-path tour of Spain and Portugal, glide along the picturesque canals of the small Portuguese town of Aveiro as the sweet sounds of Fado music drift through the air. Delight in the natural beauty of Nerja as magnificent cliff faces rise from the sea, uncover these countries’ hidden treasures, and venture to locales that are rarely frequented, even by the locals. From the indulgent flavors of Madeira wine to the medieval charm of Salamanca, this journey will offer you a unique experience in two of Western Europe’s most spectacular countries.

Countries Visited

Portugal, Spain

Places Visited

Aveiro, Madeira, Funchal, Porto Santo Island, Nerja, Frigiliana, Madrid, Salamanca, Segovia

Suggested Duration

10 Days

Customizable Itinerary

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Day 1

Aveiro – Explore the Picturesque Canals

A country with much to discover, Portugal will delight you with its forgotten towns, hidden beaches, and splendid wine country. You will arrive in the city of Aveiro, which is Portugal’s charming version of Venice and where you will be met by your private driver at the airport’s baggage claim. You will be transferred to your luxurious accommodation that was formerly an intricate palace. Today, you will have the wonderful opportunity to glide through the charming canals that crisscross through the city in a private Moliceiro. These are long, narrow, and colorful boats that were traditionally rowed along Aveiro’s canals. On your leisurely ride, you will float through the entire city, finding yourself entirely enchanted by the colorful buildings and charming streets.

What's Included:

Transfer
Tour
Accommodation
Day 2

Aveiro – Tour the City and Visit Costa Nova

Day 3

Madeira – Enjoy Breathtaking Views of Funchal

Day 4

Madeira – Uncover the Magic of Fado

Day 5

Madeira – Discover the Birthplace of Madeira Wine

Day 6

Nerja – Relax at the Beach

Day 7

Nerja – Luxuriate with a Day on the Mediterranean Coast

Day 8

Madrid – Discover the Old-World Charm of Salamanca

Day 9

Madrid – Private Tour of Segovia

Day 10

Madrid – Visit Temple of Debod

Trip Highlights

  • Discover the charming canals of Aveiro and be amazed by this hidden gem of a city, which is Portugal’s version of Venice
  • Enjoy a private tour of Aveiro and visit the colorful, seaside neighborhood of Costa Nova
  • Be delighted by breathtaking views of Aveiro when you ride the magnificent Funchal Cable Car in Madeira
  • Marvel at the sounds of Fado as you watch a private show that is accompanied by a gourmet meal
  • Discover the lesser-known, Spanish beach town of Nerja, where you will be absolutely stunned by the area’s serene beauty
  • Luxuriate on a cruise around the shores of Nerja on a private yacht
  • Delight in an excursion to the age-old town of Salamanca
  • Immerse yourself in the town of Segovia and learn of the town’s rich history that dates back to ancient times

Detailed Description

From the gorgeous town of Frigiliana on Spain’s southern coast to the tropical vineyards of the Portuguese island of Madeira, Spain and Portugal are home to some of Europe’s most unique treasures. You will uncover the ancient secrets of Salamanca and Segovia, which are located only a short distance outside the Spanish capital of Madrid. Prepare to be captivated by the allure of Aveiro’s charming canals and winding streets, which are lined with colorful homes and cafes. On this luxurious, 10-day adventure of Spain and Portugal, you will venture off the beaten path to discover the very best of the hidden treasures that lie within these splendid countries.

Your tour will begin in Aveiro, which is Portugal’s version of Venice and where you will be enchanted by the lovely canals that wind through the city. You will enjoy exploring the town and learning about history on a private tour. Afterward, you will continue to the Portuguese island of Madeira, which is the birthplace of world-famous Madeira wine. You will indulge in a private excursion to the tropical vineyards of the island and experience a specially curated wine tasting. You will find yourself completely captivated by the melancholy sounds of Portuguese Fado music when you attend a private show. Your show will be accompanied by a gourmet dinner with wine pairing.

The following day, you will arrive on Spain’s southern coast, where you will have the unique opportunity to explore the stunning beach town of Nerja. Here, you will discover the unparalleled town of Frigiliana, which has often been renowned as the most beautiful town in Spain. Soon after, you will arrive in the Spanish capital of Madrid, where you will delight in excursions to the nearby towns of Segovia and Salamanca. On this off-the-beaten-track, 10-day adventure of Spain and Portugal, you will traverse these magnificent regions in utter luxury as you uncover the abundant hidden gems that exist within them.

Starting Price

$3,900 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

The starting price is based on travel during the low season for a minimum of two travelers staying in shared 3-star accommodations. Please inquire for a custom trip quote based on your travel preferences and travel dates.

4.9

Verified Traveler Reviews

Based on 3096 reviews

Spain Tour Review: Caminito del Rey, Cooking Class, Tapas Tour, 8 Nights

We had an amazing trip to southern Spain, planned by Zicasso’s travel specialists!

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Spain, Portugal Vacation Review: Penedes, Sagrada Familia, Wine Tour, Mosaic Experience, 5 Nights

Zicasso’s travel specialist was great, with great communication skills and great ideas. I recommend her highly to anyone going to Spain or Portugal. We had some really unique experiences with real expert guides, including a wine tour in Penedès, a tapas and history tour, a visit to Sagrada Família, and a lovely evening with a local artist making mosaics.

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Portugal Trip Review: Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra, Guimaraes, Sintra, Monserrate Palace, Joanina Library, Fado Museum, Archaeological Museum, Filigree Workshop, Cathedrals, 9 Days

There was a front of bad weather for more than four weeks in Portugal before we arrived. As a result, some of our plans had to be changed. Zicasso’s travel specialists were in communication with us the whole trip, letting us know about new possibilities. All worked like clockwork. The drivers arrived on time and the cars were in mint condition. The half-day guides in Lisbon and Porto were fantastic. The travel specialists were available for our suggestions and changes. The hotels they chose for us were what we wanted, boutique luxury, in good locations, near all the sites and restaurants. The rooms were small, but that comes with the choice.

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Spain Tour Review: Madrid, Seville, 12 Nights

We had a great trip, with knowledgeable guides who were very well organized. The one hiccup we encountered, the cancellation of all train service to the south due to a horrific train accident, was proactively and smoothly handled. A car service was arranged for us, as no flights were available. The hotels selected were well located in the historic areas, so we could explore some hidden gems on our own. The Madrid and Seville hotels were both historic and so fun to stay at. Overall, an excellent trip.

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Portugal Trip Review: 1 Week

I couldn’t say enough positive things about Zicasso's travel specialists, from top to bottom. Airport service was excellent, daily guides were excellent, and management was excellent, a rare combination.

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Spain Tour Review: 1 Week

Zicasso’s travel specialist is absolutely A+—BEST IN CLASS!!!

Planning the trip with him was delightful. He listened carefully during our initial call and we had several conversations and emails to design the itinerary. His recommendations were spot-on and he was very flexible and supportive of our requested modifications, and incredibly responsive. It was an excellent experience planning the trip!

We LOVED the travel app he uses—it was truly helpful during the time we were in Spain. Everyone in our family really appreciated it!

When on the ground in Spain, we were in texting contact with him throughout the trip, including requesting additional add-on experiences the day before, which he made happen, and other small and meaningful adjustments! All of the drivers and guides selected were on time, professional, with deep knowledge, and delightful and fun to be with.

We absolutely loved our trip and it was just fabulous to work with a travel partner as excellent as him!

We highly recommend!!

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Customizable Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist.

30,000+ Verified Traveler Reviews