Spain and Portugal

Iberian Romance

For honeymooners seeking a true escape into the most sultry, exotic, and lyrical aspects of Europe's past and present, Spain is the perfect destination. The Iberian peninsula's widely varied terrain offers deserts, expansive highlands, plains, and mountains with rain-forested roots and snow-capped summits. At its edges, cliffs plunge into ocean water, their convergence gilded by fine sandy beaches or pebbly strands. Ways of life have been carved into every niche, and the music of fado and Celta and flamenco and the scent of sherry and olives welcomes the roads to lush Portugal, rocky Gibraltar, and sun-drenched Seville and Malaga.

Days spent here on your honeymoon feature mountain biking or horseback riding, walking through vineyards, orchards or olive groves, traversing hillside towns, exploring the cosmopolitan labyrinths of Madrid and Barcelona, or simply relaxing at the beachside resorts of the southern coast or in the trendy Balearic Islands. At various points around the peninsula, sparkling resorts, nightclubs and restaurants blend into a background of ocean, mountains, ancient ruins and traditional villages.

While many travelers expect to find welcoming smiles, luxurious resorts, grand city hotels and attractions such as bullfights, castles, opera, and vibrant nightlife, most are surprised to discover how charming and inexpensive Spain and Portugal can be. This is especially true when including idyllic backcountry experiences such as staying in ancient inns, converted monasteries, or clifftop retreats, many lovingly restored and modernized while retaining their historical significance.

Just the Facts

Best suited for:

Lovers of world culture and sun. Adventurers looking for wonderful ruins and historic sites. Bon vivants seeking a perfect mix of nightlife, delicious food, and time on the beach.

When to go:

Iberia features diverse geography and accordingly diverse climates, and warmth, luxury, and natural beauty can be found year-round. For optimal sun and maximum value, Andalucia is best visited in July and August, although this is when the southern Costa del Sol and Algarve Coast of Portugal are at their high season. April-June and September-October are the most popular times of year to visit, with temperatures averaging in the 70s and low 80s on the southern and northern coasts and 80s inland.

Accommodations:

Historic inns, castles, rustic bed and breakfasts, luxury hotels, royal palaces, and world-class resorts are all easily found.

Dining:

Tapas and sangria in the shade; steaks and fresh game on the grill; seafood fresh from the net served lightly with citrus and new wine. Options for local and international cuisine abound in this wonderful country for gourmets.

Special Activities:

In Northern Portugal and Spain, pilgrimage routes, spelunking, and even hunting! In Southern and Central Iberia, days of mountain biking, canoeing, and horseback riding, followed by shaded afternoons of wine tastings, orchard walks, and cooking classes. On the coasts, wonderful watersports and deep sea fishing.

Regions - Spain and Portugal

spain regions map

Click on each region in the left menu to learn more about that region.

Why Spain and Portugal

Reasons to choose Spain:

Easy access from southern beaches to interior cultural areas. Centuries of history, castles and ancient palaces. Foodies will love the wine, local cuisine and the up and coming restaurant scene. If you like art and architecture (both old and new) there are many places to explore. For a diverse trip including fabulous nightlife in the cities and quaint getaways in the countryside.

Reasons to choose someplace else over Spain:

If you prefer white sand beaches, boutique beach resorts, and seclusion. Those who expect clear blue water on the coast, note that the Mediterranean is darker and wavier. Long distances between locations in Spain can require flights, so if you prefer not to move around much, other places would be easier. While Spain does have some luxury accommodations, it's not as high-end as other locations in Europe.

Reasons to choose Portugal:

For exceptional value in a European destination without foregoing culture and natural beauty. Excellent local seafood, Port wine, and developing wine regions. A vibrant local folk music scene. Unique small hotels and inns. Several medieval towns and lots of outdoor pursuits. As a small country, it's ideal for a shorter trip as it has a variety of experiences within easy reach of one another.

Reasons to choose someplace else over Portugal:

If you need people to speak English everywhere you travel. If you are seeking luxury (in general) or long stretches of white sand in a beach setting. Portugal's economy is not as prosperous as other European countries, hence investment in upkeep is not always up to scratch.

Signature Itineraries - Spain and Portugal

All of our signature itineraries are fully custom tailored according to your interests and budget. The following sample itineraries are intended to provide a feel for what's possible.
Length: 12 days / 11 nights

Castles in the Sun

Andalucia & Costa del Sol

Castles in the Sun
Locations:
  • Costa del Sol
  • Granada
  • Seville
  • Madrid
Special features, activities and inclusions:
  • Breakfast for two daily
  • Spa treatments at Kempinski
  • Guided tour of the Alhambra Palace in Granada
  • Flamenco dance performance in Seville

Learn more about this Itinerary...

Length: 11 Days / 10 nights

Art and Romance in Eastern Spain

Art and Romance in Eastern Spain
Locations:
  • Mallorca (Balearic Islands)
  • Barcelona
  • Laguardia (La Rioja)
  • Bilbao
Special features, activities and inclusions:
  • Breakfast for two daily
  • Spa treatments at the St. Regis Mardavall
  • Private vineyard tour and wine tastings (with car and driver) in La Rioja region
  • Guggenheim museum admission, Bilbao

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Length: 10 days / 9 nights

Canaries in Context

Breezes of Tenerife

Canaries in Context
Locations:
  • Tenerife, The Canary Islands
  • Optional daytrips to other islands
Special features, activities and inclusions:
  • Breakfast for two daily
  • Loro Parque (eco-zoo) admission for two
  • Stress-relief massage for two, Oriental Spa Garden, Hotel Botánico
  • Opera and dinner in Santa Cruz for two

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Length: 14 days / 13 nights

Portugal

A Europe Less Traveled

Portugal
Locations:
  • Madeira Island
  • Obidos
  • Sintra
  • Lisbon
Special features, activities and inclusions:
  • Breakfast for two daily
  • Guided levada walk on Madeira Island
  • Horseback riding near Obidos or Sintra

Learn more about this Itinerary...

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