Introduction to Spain and Portugal tour companies
Spain and Portugal are two of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, known for their rich history, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant cultures. With so much to explore, planning a trip to these countries can be overwhelming, especially if you are unfamiliar with the local language and customs. That’s where tour companies come in handy. They take care of all the arrangements and provide guides who are knowledgeable about the area. In this section, we’ll introduce you to some of the best tour companies for Spain and Portugal, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your travels with peace of mind.
First on our list is Intrepid Travel, which offers a range of small group tours in Spain and Portugal. Their tours focus on local experiences, such as exploring the narrow streets of Lisbon’s Alfama neighborhood or tasting regional wines in the Douro Valley. Intrepid also makes an effort to support local communities by using locally-owned accommodations and restaurants, so you can feel good about your travels having a positive impact.
Another great option is Trafalgar, a company that has been in business for over 70 years and has developed a reputation for high-quality tours. Their Spain and Portugal tours include experiences such as flamenco shows in Seville and a private boat cruise along the Algarve coast. Trafalgar also offers a range of trip styles, from relaxed leisurely-paced tours to more active adventures.
For those interested in luxury tours, Insight Vacations is a great choice. Their Spain and Portugal tours are designed with comfort in mind, staying in five-star hotels and focusing on gourmet dining experiences. Their itineraries include visits to iconic sights like Granada’s Alhambra Palace and the Gothic Quarter in Barcelona.
Last but not least, we have G Adventures, a tour company that specializes in sustainable tourism. Their tours offer unique experiences, such as hiking along the Rota Vicentina trail in Portugal or staying in a traditional Spanish farmhouse. G Adventures also partners with local organizations to give back to the communities they visit, making them a great option for socially-conscious travelers.
No matter which tour company you choose, you can rest assured that you will have a memorable and enjoyable trip to Spain and Portugal. With expert guides, comfortable accommodations, and carefully crafted itineraries, these tour companies will take care of all the logistics so you can focus on soaking up the local culture and scenery.
Factors to consider when choosing a tour company
When it comes to choosing a tour company for your trip to Spain and Portugal, there are several factors to consider. You want to make sure you are getting the most value for your money and that the tour company provides the type of experience you are looking for.
Firstly, consider the tour company’s itinerary. Make sure it includes the places you want to visit and the activities you want to do. Look for a company that has a good balance of cultural experiences and leisure activities. This ensures that you get a well-rounded tour that includes both the historical and modern aspects of Spain and Portugal.
Another important consideration is the size of the tour group. A smaller group size allows for a more personalized experience and the opportunity to ask questions and interact with your guide. On the other hand, a larger group can offer a more social experience and may be more budget-friendly.
It’s also important to consider the tour company’s reputation. Look for reviews from previous customers to see how they rated their experience. A good tour company will have positive reviews and a high rating on travel websites.
Lastly, consider the cost of the tour. Make sure you are getting good value for your money and that the tour includes all of the activities and accommodations you need. Keep in mind that the cheapest tour is not always the best option, as it may lack some important experiences or have hidden fees.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best tour company for your trip to Spain and Portugal. Remember to choose a company that fits your preferences and provides a memorable experience.
Top Tour Companies in Spain and Portugal
If you’re planning a trip to Spain and Portugal and would like to maximize your time and experience, tour companies are an excellent option. Not only do they handle all the necessary logistical planning, but they can also provide insider knowledge and unique, curated experiences. Here are some of the top tour companies to consider for your trip:
1. Intrepid Travel: Known for their adventurous and immersive experiences, Intrepid Travel offers small-group tours throughout Spain and Portugal. From food tours to active adventures, their itineraries focus on local experiences and cultural immersion.
2. G Adventures: With a focus on sustainable and responsible tourism, G Adventures offers a wide variety of tours throughout both countries. Their itineraries range from relaxed cultural tours to active adventures, and they offer plenty of free time for travelers to explore on their own.
3. Trafalgar: For those who prefer a more traditional tour experience, Trafalgar offers guided tours with a focus on comfort and convenience. Their expert guides provide insightful knowledge, and their itineraries include must-see sights as well as unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences.
4. Context Travel: If you’re looking for a more personalized and customizable experience, Context Travel offers private tours led by experts in art, history, and culture. They tailor their itineraries to your interests and provide deep insights into the destinations you visit.
5. Portugal Green Walks: As the name suggests, Portugal Green Walks offers walking tours throughout Portugal, focusing on slow travel and sustainable tourism. Their expert guides provide insight into local culture and history, and their itineraries allow travelers to discover lesser-known regions and hidden gems.
No matter which tour company you choose, be sure to research their itineraries and read reviews from previous customers to ensure you choose the best option for your needs and preferences. With the right tour company, you can make the most out of your trip to Spain and Portugal and leave with unforgettable memories.
1. Trafalgar Tours
If you are planning a trip to Spain and Portugal and want a tour company that can provide you with the ultimate experience, then Trafalgar Tours is your best bet. Here’s why:
Firstly, Trafalgar Tours has a wide range of tours that cater to different travel interests, from food and wine tours to history and culture tours. You can choose a tour that best suits your preferences or mix and match itineraries to create a customized tour that meets all your travel needs.
Secondly, Trafalgar Tours employs knowledgeable and experienced guides who will take you through the history, culture and local way of life. They will make your travel experience more informative and give you a deeper understanding of the cultures you are visiting.
Thirdly, Trafalgar Tours uses centrally located hotels, so you can conveniently explore the cities on your own once the tour is over. They also provide transportation to and from the airport, so you don’t have to worry about dealing with public transportation or expensive taxi rides.
Fourthly, Trafalgar Tours provides you with an immersive experience that enables you to fully immerse yourself in the local culture. You can spend time with locals, taste local cuisine and learn about local history and customs. This ensures that you leave Spain and Portugal with a deep understanding of the local culture and way of life.
Finally, Trafalgar Tours offers great value for money. Their tours come with all the essentials, including accommodations, transportation, entrance fees, and some meals. This means you don’t have to worry about any surprise expenses during your trip.
If you want to make your trip to Spain and Portugal unforgettable, then Trafalgar Tours is the tour company for you. With their wide range of tours, knowledgeable guides, central accommodations, immersive experience, and great value, you won’t be disappointed.
2. Globus
Globus is one of the best tour companies for Spain and Portugal. Whether you’re planning a trip to these countries for the first time or you’re a seasoned traveler, you’ll find a tour package that suits your needs and interests with Globus.
Globus offers a variety of tours to Spain and Portugal that focus on different aspects of each country’s culture, history, and natural beauty. For example, the “Spain, Portugal & Morocco” tour takes you through the major cities of each country, including Madrid, Lisbon, and Marrakesh, and introduces you to the unique flavors, architecture, and people of each place.
If you’re interested in the art and architecture of Spain and Portugal, the “Spanish Fiesta” and “Lisbon & Northern Spain” tours are both excellent choices. These tours take you to some of the most famous museums, galleries, and landmarks in each country, including the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, the Alhambra Palace in Granada, and Park Guell in Barcelona.
Globus also offers tours that focus on specific regions within Spain and Portugal. The “Portugal in Depth” tour, for example, takes you on a deep dive into Portugal, visiting its most important cities, as well as its small villages and countryside. The “Iberian Vacation” tour is another great choice, as it takes you through the wine country of Spain and Portugal, where you’ll get a chance to sample some of the best wines in the world.
Overall, Globus is a great choice for anyone looking to explore the culture, history, and natural beauty of Spain and Portugal. With a variety of tour packages to choose from, you’re sure to find one that suits your style and interests.
3. Insight Vacations
If you’re looking for a luxury tour experience through Spain and Portugal, look no further than Insight Vacations. Known for their exceptional service and attention to detail, Insight Vacations offers a number of tour options to explore these beautiful countries.
One of the top tours offered by Insight Vacations is the “Best of Spain and Portugal” tour, which spans 15 days and takes you through the most iconic cities and destinations in both countries. You’ll start in Madrid, where you’ll explore the city’s famous Prado Museum and enjoy a Flamenco performance. From there, you’ll travel through Toledo, Cordoba, Granada, and Seville, seeing sights like the Alhambra Palace and the beautiful Mezquita along the way.
After exploring Spain, you’ll head over to Portugal, where you’ll visit Lisbon, the capital city, and see the famous Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery. You’ll also get to explore the beautiful coastline and visit the charming town of Sintra.
What sets Insight Vacations apart from other tour companies is their commitment to providing unique and authentic experiences on their tours. For example, on this particular tour, you’ll get to enjoy a traditional Portuguese dinner with a local family and learn about their culture and traditions firsthand.
Insight Vacations also offers smaller group tours, which allow for a more intimate and personalized experience. With an average of just 33 guests per tour, you’ll be able to get to know your fellow travelers and your tour director more easily.
The company is also committed to sustainability and responsible travel practices, so you can feel good about choosing them for your tour. They’ve partnered with the TreadRight Foundation to support various projects around the world that focus on sustainability, wildlife conservation, and cultural preservation.
All in all, if you’re looking for a luxurious and unique tour experience in Spain and Portugal, Insight Vacations is definitely worth considering.
4. Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is another great option for travelers who want to explore Spain and Portugal. This company offers a range of tours that cater to different tastes and budgets. From relaxing beach holidays to adventurous mountain treks, Intrepid Travel has something for everyone.
One of the great things about Intrepid Travel is the small group size. This means that you’ll be traveling with a maximum of 12 people, which allows for a more personalized experience. You’ll also be accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide who can give you insider tips and insights into the local culture and history.
Intrepid Travel believes in responsible travel, and as such, all their tours are designed to have a positive impact on the local communities and environments they visit. They partner with local businesses and accommodations to ensure that the local economies benefit from tourism.
Some of the most popular tours offered by Intrepid Travel in Spain and Portugal include the “Best of Spain” tour, which takes you to Madrid, Seville, Granada, and the Costa del Sol, as well as the “Portugal Real Food Adventure,” which is a foodie’s paradise tour through Lisbon, Porto, and the Douro Valley.
Intrepid Travel’s tours are generally more budget-friendly than some of the other companies on this list. However, this doesn’t mean that they compromise on quality. The accommodations and transport are still of a high standard, and the itineraries are thoughtfully planned out to allow for plenty of free time to explore on your own.
If you’re looking for an adventure-filled yet responsible way to explore Spain and Portugal, then Intrepid Travel is definitely a company to consider.
5. Exodus Travels
Exodus Travels is an award-winning tour operator that specializes in adventure and activity holidays. They offer a wide variety of tours all over the world, including some great options for Spain and Portugal.
One of their most popular tours is the “Walks and Treks in the Picos de Europa” trip in northern Spain. This 8-day tour takes you through stunning mountain landscapes, charming villages, and ancient forests. It’s a challenging hike, but the views make it all worth it.
If you’re interested in cycling, Exodus Travels has a “Cycle Catalonia” tour that explores the stunning countryside of northeastern Spain. You’ll cycle through medieval villages, visit ancient monasteries, and sample delicious local food and wine.
If you want to see multiple countries in one trip, consider the “Highlights of Andalusia and Morocco” tour. This 15-day adventure takes you through southern Spain and across the Strait of Gibraltar to Morocco. You’ll visit historic cities like Seville and Granada, explore the Moroccan souks, and hike in the stunning Atlas Mountains.
Exodus Travels also offers a “Portugal Biking Tour” that takes you through Portugal’s beautiful Douro Valley. You’ll cycle through vineyards, along the Douro River, and explore historic villages and towns. Plus, there’s plenty of wine tasting along the way.
No matter which Exodus Travels tour you choose, you’ll have expert guides, comfortable accommodations, and unforgettable experiences. They also offer flexible booking policies and sustainable travel practices, so you can feel good about your trip.
6. G Adventures
G Adventures is an adventure tour agency that offers a wide range of tours to Spain and Portugal, including hiking, cycling, and cultural experiences. Their tours are designed to provide an authentic travel experience with a focus on sustainability and responsible tourism.
One of the unique features of G Adventures is their small group tours, which typically consist of 12 people or less. This allows for a more intimate and personalized experience. Additionally, their tours often include local homestays and meals, which allow travelers to immerse themselves in the local culture.
G Adventures also has a strong commitment to sustainable tourism, and their tours are designed to have a positive impact on the local communities and environment. They work with local partners to minimize their ecological footprint and support local businesses.
Some of their most popular tours in Spain and Portugal include the Northern Spain & Portugal Adventure, which takes travelers off the beaten path to explore the rugged coastline and quaint towns of the region. For those interested in food and wine, the Taste of Spain tour takes travelers to some of the best culinary destinations in the country, including San Sebastian and the Rioja wine region.
Overall, G Adventures is a great option for those looking for an adventure tour with a focus on sustainability and responsible tourism. Their small group tours and immersive cultural experiences make them a popular choice among travelers to Spain and Portugal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Spain and Portugal are two of the most sought-after tourist destinations in Europe, boasting rich history, vibrant cultures, and picturesque landscapes. When planning a trip to these countries, tour companies can be a great option as they take care of all logistical arrangements and provide expert guides who are knowledgeable about the areas visited. Some of the best tour companies for Spain and Portugal include Trafalgar Tours, Insight Vacations, Intrepid Travel, Globus and Exodus Travel, and G Adventures. However, it is essential to consider factors such as itinerary, group size, reputation, and cost when choosing the right tour company to ensure the best value for money and experience. By doing proper research and selecting the right tour company that satisfies individual preferences, travelers can achieve a more enjoyable and unforgettable experience.
