9 days · Spain, Portugal
Spain & Portugal Christmas
From AED 6,666per person, twin share
Celebrate the festive season in Spain & Portugal! Enjoy Christmas in Seville and explore Porto, Lisbon, Salamanca and Granada!
- Duration
- 9 Days / 8 Nights
- Route
- Starts and ends in Madrid
- Countries
- Spain and Portugal
- Activity level
- Moderate (3 of 5)
- A fast-moving coach tour with a hotel change most nights across two countries, guided walking tours and a few hours on your feet most days, but no real hikes
- Accommodation
- 8 nights in 3- and 4-star hotels across Spain and Portugal
- Meals
- 8 breakfasts and 4 dinners
- Group
- Group tour, up to 53
- Guide
- English-speaking tour leader throughout, plus local guides in several cities
- Transport
- Air-conditioned coach
- Best time to go
- Runs in December over Christmas: cool, sometimes wet weather in Madrid and Granada, milder in Andalusia, Lisbon and the Algarve
Tour overview
Celebrate a Spanish Christmas in Seville! Explore the colourful towns of Toledo, Granada, Salamanca, Avila and Ronda. Walk the streets of the capitals, Madrid and Lisbon. Taste delicious tapas and authentic Port in Porto. This 9-day Spain & Portugal Christmas tour will leave you with a lifetime of festive memories!
Highlights
- Explore Madrid; Spain’s capital city
- Welcome dinner in Madrid
- Visit the ancient city of Toledo
- Discover the delights of Granada
- Visit Ronda; home to the famous Puente Nuevo
- See Seville on a driving tour
- Enjoy a local dinner in Seville
- Visit the Algarve; Portugal's stunning southern coast
Show all 16 highlightsShow fewer highlights
- Enjoy a driving tour of Lisbon
- Visit Obidos; a medieval fortified town
- Enjoy a driving and walking tour of Porto
- Taste Portugal’s most famous drink - Port!
- Visit Ciudad Rodrigo, a 12th-century fortified town
- Explore Salamanca at your leisure
- Traditional dinner in Salamanca
- Visit Avila; home to incredible Romanesque architecture
Route and hotels
Where the tour goes and where you sleep, night by night.
Madrid
1 night · Day 1
Sercotel Madrid
Toledo
Day 2 · on the way
Granada
1 night · Day 2
Abades Nevada Palace
Ronda
Day 3 · on the way
Seville
2 nights · Days 3–4
Hotel Porcel Torneo
Algarve
Day 5 · on the way
Lisbon
2 nights · Days 5–6
VIP Executive Art’s Hotel
Obidos
Day 7 · on the way
Show all 13 stopsShow fewer stops
Porto
1 night · Day 7
Park Hotel Porto Gaia
Ciudad Rodrigo
Day 8 · on the way
Salamanca
1 night · Day 8
Zenit Hall 88 Studios
Avila
Day 9 · on the way
Madrid
Day 9 · end
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Start of tour in Madrid
Meals included: Dinner
The Spain and Portugal Christmas tour begins in Madrid, where your tour leader meets the group at the hotel this morning. A local guide then leads a tour of the city in its festive dress. In the evening, the group sits down for a welcome dinner and a first taste of Spain.
Included
- Festive guided tour of Madrid: Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor and Mercado de San Miguel
- Welcome dinner in Madrid
- Overnight
- Madrid
- Hotel
- Sercotel Madrid
- Meals
- Dinner
Day 2
Toledo – Granada
Meals included: Breakfast
The route south leads to the UNESCO listed town of Toledo, known for its Gothic architecture and cathedral. From there, the drive continues to the Moorish city of Granada for an orientation tour, with a view of the Alhambra among the famous sites it covers. The optional Granada Local Food & Wine Pairing excursion this evening must be booked before the tour begins.
Included
- Stop in Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its Gothic architecture
- Orientation tour of Granada’s Moorish quarter, the Albaicín
Optional extras
- Granada Local Food & Wine Pairing · AED 255 per person
- Travel
- Madrid → Toledo → Granada by coach
- Overnight
- Granada
- Hotel
- Abades Nevada Palace
- Meals
- Breakfast
Day 3
Granada – Ronda – Seville (Christmas Eve)
Meals included: BreakfastDinnerThe morning gives the option to visit the Alhambra Palace & Gardens, which must be booked before the tour sets out. The route then crosses Andalusia to Ronda, with views of the Puente Nuevo bridge and the countryside around it. The day ends in Seville with a driving tour and a local dinner.
Included
- Stop at the Puente Nuevo in Ronda, above the El Tajo gorge
- Driving tour of Seville’s history, culture and architecture
- Christmas Eve dinner at a local restaurant in Seville
Optional extras
- Alhambra Palace & Gardens · AED 365 per person
- Travel
- Granada → Ronda → Seville by coach
- Overnight
- Seville
- Hotel
- Hotel Porcel Torneo
- Meals
- Breakfast and dinner
Day 4
Seville (Christmas Day): Free Day
Meals included: Breakfast
Feliz Navidad: the day opens with a local guide leading a tour of the old town. The optional excursion, which must be booked before the tour starts, visits the Gothic Mudejar Casa de Pilatos, includes a three course lunch, and takes in Las Setas, a striking architectural complex. In the evening, there is the option of a Flamenco Show & Dinner.
Included
- Guided walking tour of Seville’s old town with a local guide, on Christmas morning
Optional extras
- Christmas in Seville: Heritage & Modernity · AED 595 per person
- Seville Flamenco Show & Dinner · AED 365 per person
- Overnight
- Seville
- Hotel
- Hotel Porcel Torneo
- Meals
- Breakfast
Day 5
Algarve – Lisbon
Meals included: BreakfastDinnerThe border crossing into Portugal brings a stop along the Algarve, the country’s southern coastal region. A driving tour on arrival in Lisbon covers the capital, including the Tagus River, the Belém Tower and the Padrão dos Descobrimentos monument. Some spots are worth noting for the free day to follow tomorrow.
Included
- Scenic stop along the Algarve, Portugal’s southern coast
- Driving tour of Lisbon: the Tagus riverfront, Belém Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries
- Dinner in Lisbon
- Travel
- Seville → Algarve → Lisbon by coach
- Overnight
- Lisbon
- Hotel
- VIP Executive Art’s Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast and dinner
Day 6
Lisbon: Free Day
Meals included: Breakfast
Lisbon is free to explore at your leisure today. An optional excursion visits Sintra, Portugal’s capital of Romanticism, taking in mountains, palaces, parks and the Pena Palace, explored at your own pace, or there is the option of the Fatima Sanctuary and Coin Caves instead. Local dishes worth trying include Pasteis de nata and a Bifana, a pork or beef sandwich.
Included
- Free day in Lisbon to explore at your own pace
Optional extras
- Colours of Sintra: The Essence of Pena Palace · AED 250 per person
- Fátima Sanctuary & Coin Caves · AED 235 per person
- Overnight
- Lisbon
- Hotel
- VIP Executive Art’s Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
Day 7
Obidos – Porto
Meals included: Breakfast
On the way to Porto, Obidos offers a stop at a fortified town of cobbled streets, houses and a hilltop castle. A locally guided tour in Porto covers top sights including the Cathedral, the Clerigos Tower and the Luis I bridge, followed by a Port wine tasting. In the evening, the optional Fado show comes with dinner along the Douro River.
Included
- Stop in Óbidos, a fortified medieval town
- Guided tour of Porto: the cathedral, Clérigos Tower and Ponte Dom Luís
- Port wine tasting in Porto
Optional extras
- Fado & Feast by the Douro · AED 300 per person
- Travel
- Lisbon → Óbidos → Porto by coach
- Overnight
- Porto
- Hotel
- Park Hotel Porto Gaia
- Meals
- Breakfast
Day 8
Ciudad Rodrigo – Salamanca
Meals included: BreakfastDinner
Crossing back into Spain, the route stops in Ciudad Rodrigo, a fortified cathedral city dating from the 12th century. The afternoon brings arrival in Salamanca, and after a chance to settle in at the hotel, a locally guided tour of Spain’s “Golden City” follows. In the evening, a three course farewell dinner features dishes from the province of Salamanca.
Included
- Stop in Ciudad Rodrigo, within its 12th-century walls
- Guided tour of Salamanca: Casa Lis, the two cathedrals and the historic university
- Farewell dinner of Salamanca specialities
- Travel
- Porto → Ciudad Rodrigo → Salamanca by coach
- Overnight
- Salamanca
- Hotel
- Zenit Hall 88 Studios
- Meals
- Breakfast and dinner
Day 9
Avila – Madrid
Meals included: BreakfastOn the last day of the Spain & Portugal Christmas tour, the route travels from Salamanca to Avila, an ancient town known for its centuries-old, well preserved city walls. The tour continues to Madrid, where it concludes in the afternoon.
Included
- Free time in Ávila among its medieval walls and Romanesque churches
- Travel
- Salamanca → Ávila → Madrid by coach
- Meals
- Breakfast
Dates & prices
Prices per person, sharing a double or twin room. A single room costs the supplement shown.
FromTue 22 Dec 2026ToWed 30 Dec 2026
Available
AED 6,666
Single room supplement +AED 2,443 single
What’s included
Included
- 8 nights hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms. The majority of our accommodations are of a 3- and 4-star standard, offering excellent value, comfort and convenience
- Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability)
- 8 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners *Vegetarian options available for all meals on request
- Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard
- Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)
- Fully-guided tour
Not included
- Flights: Arrange your own flights for the start and end of the tour
- Travel insurance: Purchase a suitable policy that meets your needs
Optional extras
Excursions and upgrades you can add to the tour. Prices are per person.
Granada Local Food & Wine Pairing
A four-course wine and food pairing at a Granada gastro bar, with tapas and local cheeses matched to wines from Granada and other Spanish regions, hosted by an English-speaking food guide. €60. Book it before the tour: add it to your booking notes.
AED 255 per person
Alhambra Palace & Gardens
A guided visit to the Alhambra, Granada’s Moorish palace and fortress complex, taking in the Nasrid Palaces, the Generalife gardens and the Palace of Charles V. €85. Book it before the tour: add it to your booking notes.
AED 365 per person
Christmas in Seville: Heritage & Modernity
A Christmas Day outing in Seville: Casa de Pilatos, a Gothic-Mudéjar palace from the 15th and 16th centuries, a three-course Christmas lunch at a local restaurant, and a visit to Las Setas, with an audio guide, a film and a light show over the city. €140. Book it before the tour: add it to your booking notes.
AED 595 per person
Seville Flamenco Show & Dinner
A three-course Spanish dinner in Seville paired with a live Flamenco show, covering styles from bulerías to sevillanas. €85, booked with your tour leader on the day.
AED 365 per person
Colours of Sintra: The Essence of Pena Palace
A visit to Sintra’s Pena Palace, a hilltop palace in a UNESCO World Heritage town, with time to explore the palace, its park and the Chalet of the Countess of Edla at your own pace, plus coach transfers and a local sweet treat. €58. Book it before the tour: add it to your booking notes.
AED 250 per person
Fátima Sanctuary & Coin Caves
A visit to Fátima, Portugal’s main religious pilgrimage site: the limestone Coin Caves with a local guide, then free time to explore the Sanctuary of Fátima and its basilicas, with coach transport from Lisbon included. €55, booked with your tour leader on the day.
AED 235 per person
Fado & Feast by the Douro
An evening of Fado, Portugal’s expressive, melancholic style of song, followed by a three-course dinner of regional dishes at a restaurant overlooking the Douro in Porto. €70, booked with your tour leader on the day.
AED 300 per person
To add an extra, mention it in your booking notes, and we confirm it with your seats before you pay. Some are booked with your tour leader on the day instead: their description says so.
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Good to know
Practical details to read before you travel.
Passport & visas
Spain and Portugal are both in the Schengen area, so one Schengen visa covers this entire trip.
UAE passport holders don’t need a visa for stays of up to 90 days in any 180, but will need the EU’s new ETIAS travel authorisation once it starts: we can tell you where it stands when you book. Most other nationalities living in the UAE need a Schengen visa, applied for up to six months before you travel; Dubai appointments fill up quickly before Christmas, so start early.
Your passport must be valid for at least three months after you leave Spain or Portugal and have been issued within the last ten years, with two blank pages, and your UAE residence visa must be valid for at least three months after you return. Our visa team handles Schengen applications: ask us when you book.
Flights and timings
Flights to and from Madrid aren’t included.
Day 1 starts at the hotel in Madrid, with check-in from 10:00 and the tour leaving soon after. The tour ends back in Madrid on day 9, with no onward transport included.
Our team can book your flights from Dubai to match.
Meals and dietary needs
Breakfast is included every day, plus four dinners: the welcome dinner in Madrid on day 1, Christmas Eve dinner in Seville on day 3, dinner in Lisbon on day 5 and the farewell dinner in Salamanca on day 8. Vegetarian options are available for all meals on request. Lunches are not included, so you can choose where to eat.
Tell us about any dietary needs, halal included, when you book, and we pass them on before the tour.
Money
Spain and Portugal both use the euro, so you only need to think about one currency for this whole trip. Cards are widely accepted in cities, though smaller towns can be cash-only, so carry some euros for cafés, tips and small purchases.
Optional experiences booked on tour are paid to your tour leader in cash or by card, in the currency shown.
Weather and packing
The tour runs in December. Expect cool, sometimes wet weather in Madrid, Granada and northern Spain, milder but still variable weather in Andalusia and Lisbon, and the Algarve staying the mildest of all.
Pack layers, a warm jacket for evenings, a rain jacket and comfortable shoes: the itinerary includes several walking tours and cobbled old towns, and you carry your own bags, including up hotel stairs where needed.
Christmas on this tour
This departure runs over the festive season: day 3 is Christmas Eve in Seville, and day 4 is Christmas Day, which starts with a guided tour of the old town before free time to spend as you choose.
Some shops and smaller restaurants in Spain and Portugal close or reduce their hours on 25 December, so it is worth planning meals with your tour leader on that day. Madrid’s Christmas market, visited on day 1, sets the festive tone at the start of the tour.
Plan your trip
Our Dubai team arranges what goes around the tour, so it is booked in one place.
Visas
One Schengen visa covers the Schengen countries on this route. Our visa team in Dubai applies for UAE residents once the tour is booked.
Flights
Flights are not included. We can book them with the tour: Dubai to Madrid and back. Tick “Flights” when you book and we quote them with your confirmation.
Pay in instalments
Split the cost with Tabby or Tamara, or over 3 to 12 months on a UAE bank credit card for bookings from AED 1,000.
Book this tour
Book online in a few minutes. Your seats are held as soon as you book, and you pay once we have confirmed them.
- Choose your date, travellers and roomsPrices are per person, and the total updates as you choose.
- Name each traveller as in their passportYour seats are held and your booking reference is emailed straight away.
- Pay by secure link once confirmedOur Dubai team confirms the seats with the tour operator, then emails your payment link. Nothing is charged when you book.
Questions before you book? Our support team is on WhatsApp +971 58 582 4488.
Questions about this tour
What will my days actually look like?
Full days, zero filler. Most mornings start with breakfast before heading out to the main sights with your Tour Leader or a local guide. Afternoons often include free time to wander, find a coffee or join an Optional Experience. Expect a good amount of walking too. On some days, you could spend two to three hours on your feet. Comfortable shoes are your best friend.
Who will I be travelling with?
People from all over the world. Different ages, different backgrounds, same instinct to see more. Groups have on average between 35-45 travellers. By day three, you’ll already know everyone's name.
What are the hotels like?
Clean, comfortable and well located. Mostly 3 to 4 star, with private en-suite bathrooms. They're chosen so you can sleep well and feel ready for the next day. They're not the centrepiece. The destinations are. But they're never an afterthought.
How active is this tour?
All travellers carry their own bags, including up hotel stairs where needed. Walking tours can last up to three hours, and some sites involve a fair number of steps. Read through the itinerary to decide if the pace is right for you.
How do Optional Experiences work?
Optional Experiences happen during your tour's free-time slots, and your Tour Leader will tell you about what's on offer during the tour. Most can be booked on the day, but some are pre-sold and must be purchased before your tour begins, so it's worth checking the tour page beforehand to see what's available and get in touch with our team to book anything in advance.
Will I have time to explore on my own?
Yes. Free time is built into the itinerary, giving you space to wander and explore at your own pace. Your Tour Leader can point you towards the places worth your time, so you're never left completely to figure it out yourself.
What support do I have while I'm on tour?
Your Tour Leader is there to look after you during your tour. They know the places most people walk straight past, they'll have a restaurant recommendation ready before you've asked, and they'll sort anything that comes up along the way. All transport and accommodation are arranged for you.
You'll also have a 24-hour emergency contact number and the Holidayys team in Dubai.
How do I book Spain & Portugal Christmas?
Press Book now, choose a date and your rooms, and enter each traveller as their passport shows. We hold your seats and email your booking reference straight away. Our Dubai team confirms the seats with the tour operator, then emails you a secure payment link. Nothing is charged when you book.
When do I pay?
Once the tour operator confirms your seats. We email you a secure payment link for the total in AED, and your booking is complete when it is paid. To pay in instalments, say so in your booking notes.
Is the price per person?
Yes. Prices are per person sharing a double or twin room. Travelling alone? A single room costs the supplement shown next to each date.
Are flights included?
Only when the tour lists them under what is included. We can book flights from the UAE to the start city and home from the end city with your tour.
Do I need a visa?
That depends on your passport and the countries on the route. Our visa team arranges Schengen and other visas for UAE residents, and can apply for yours once the tour is booked.
Payment plans
Pay over time, at 0% interest
Every booking qualifies, from holidays and tours to visas. Pay later with a credit card instalment plan or a buy-now-pay-later account; some banks charge a one-time processing fee.
- Credit card plans from AED 1,000
- Tabby and Tamara, no minimum
- Terms from 3 to 12 months
Find your bank’s plan
Credit cards, from AED 1,000
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