kensington tours spain and portugal

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Portugal and Spain Tours & Trips

Find the right adventure for you through Portugal and Spain. We've got 455 tours going to Portugal and Spain, starting from just 4 days in length, and the longest tour is 32 days. The most popular month to go is June, which has the highest number of tour departures.

250+ Iberian Peninsula (Spain, Portugal & Gibraltar) tour packages with 4,000 reviews

• In-depth Cultural
• Coach / Bus
• Christmas & New Year

Iberian Explorer (13 Days)

Good value for money. Tour director and bus driver were excellent Optional tapas dinner was not good nor was sea bass cooked in salt dinner but most other options were worthwhile

Spanish Ring with Lisbon

It was a fun and exciting trip for our family. Enjoyed the sightseeing, foods. Tour guides were very helpful ( Julia and Frey plus local guides). We took lots of pictures and had a blast. Suggest that you buy Vodaphone mobile plan at the airport, no WIFi in the bus, which would have been helpful in city tours. Hotels were decent, lots of travelling + bus changes as expected.

Best of Spain & Portugal

Overall experience was great! Good pace, great cities and great hotels overall. However the hotel in Coimbra (Hotel Astoria) was disgusting. It should absolutely NOT be used by Tour Radar any longer.

France, Spain and Portugal

Great see it all kind of tour. Albeit, demanding at times with its rigid schedule for departures and short turnarounds at some very interesting places. But we knew ahead of time what to expect considering all we saw and had to see. The best tour guide we had during all 17 days on this circuit was Luis Cebollada. He consistently went out of his way to accommodate requests and improve upon the cultural experience in each country. His knowledge of the sights and the people was insightful and very helpful during our tour. All and all...a memorable and unforgettable experience.

Spain, Portugal & Morocco

Our tour guide, Francisco, was first rate and the tour itself was great until we had to leave early because of the coronavirus outbreak. Also, our driver, Juan was amazing. While he was taking us down some very small streets, we burst into applause.

Portugal, Andalucia and Morocco from Madrid

We were on a ENGLISH SPEAKING TOUR but we're placed on a SPANISH SPEAKING TOUR. Our guide with LIMITED ENGLISH would forget us 4 Canadians on tour, many details missed unfortunately for first 7 days.

• €50 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Highlights of Spain and Portugal

The overall expirience was awesome. I already recommended your company to many of my people for I worked 25 years in the turism industry and was a President Sales Executive for the Marriott Vacation Club Int. andnow I'm a policy Advisor for the Government of my country.By the way Thomas was A#1. The only thing that I was very disappointed in was the internet on the bus was to cry for . No internet 90% of the time. I hope you will have this in consideration for I'm planning a trip for next year and expect some kind of consideration. Thanking you in advance . I remain. Thanya Croes +2975932999

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Andalucia & Morocco

I signed up for 3 days in Portugal 3 days in Spain and 3 days in Morocco. Without knowing it was 6 day in Spain and three in Morocco. Very disappointed ! It was very difficult with tipping as we had three tour leaders and many locals I’ve never had this happen in my 20 years of world wide travels . Never again

Discovery of Spain & Portugal - 15 days

I highly recommend TourRadar for your next vacation. I have used TR twice and am very satisfied with their services.

Spain and Portugal Explorer

Very good value for money and good coverage of the countries visited.

Spain and Portugal Highlights (Small Group)

We enjoyed each and every city and location, rich with history and culture, and learned so much about them, thanks to the great guides. We could not have possibly seen and learnt as much as we did, had we traveled on our own. We recommend.

Spain & Portugal: Flamenco & Tapas

Guide was great, most hostels were nice. Would like to have known in advance I was joining a group tour that had already started in another city.

Charming Spain & Portugal - 10 Days

Oh my, where to begin! Bus driver, itinerary, hotels and meals were excellent as were city tour guides. The negative: we were the only English speaking tourists on 3 different buses with 3 different guides. The tour was run by VPT. We switched bus and guide in Caceres and again in Granada. Each of the three guides spent 90% of the time speaking Spanish. Two of the guides did not speak English well. We had difficulty understanding directions and the 2nd guide was annoyed every time we asked for further explanation. 3 buses and 3 guides were not what we signed up for and we felt we were just being shuffled from place to place.

Delve Deep: Spain & Portugal

Perfect trip with perfect guide

• €75 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Sightseeing

Portugal and Andalucia from Madrid

The itinerary was very good. Thanks to Ismael for his patience, keen interest of the safety of the group. Always checking the needs of every individual member of the group. An ideal coach tour guide.

What people love about Portugal And Spain Tours

I really loved our tour guide Ana Rita Lima. She helped us through a couple rough patches and I appreciate that. Very energetic and delightful!! I loved every bit of the tour except the hotel quality on the first night of the tour. It needed a vending machine that worked and more opportunity to get snacks upon arrival. It was just very basic. Also the hotel in ( I can't remember which city) we didn't have air conditioning. Our tour guide told us of where to be cautious (pick pockets) and some things we should be aware of. I appreciate that they stopped regularly for food and bathrooms breaks. Our driver, Rui, ( proved to have great skill, navigating in traffic, fog, rain and parking!! Overall, a great tour, with important history and valuable information!! With the exception of two poor quality hotels it was a memory that will last a life time. By the way, the Best Western in Barcelona is much better than the one we stayed in on the tour.

It was an incredible experience to see all of the different places in Spain! It felt like we were stepping into a movie with every new place we visited. Which made sense because a lot of those places actually were movie locations. Our tour guide, Emmanuel, was a funny and awesome guy. He was very patient, very accommodating, and informative; and he made sure that nobody was left behind.

Well organised and good pace. All went smoothly Thankyou!

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Kensington Tours   Reviews

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John Dawson

The agent assigned to my vacation was friendly, helpful, and efficient. There were no package tours that travelled to the various spots where I wanted to go in South America. He put together a wonderful custom itinerary, and took into consideration all my preferences along the way. This was truly a job well done! Thank you, John, and thank you Kensington!

Date of experience : February 24, 2024

A Trip of a Lifetime

My wife and 3 of my adult children just got back from a 12 day tour through Japan. Our travel agent recommended Kensington and that was the best recommendation she could ever have given us. Loann was fantastic and she organized a trip itinerary that we fell in love with. It gave us a true taste of Japan without running us into the ground. All of the guides on the ground in Japan were fantastic. They were enthusiastic and very knowledgeable. All the sites and excursions were that we saw were simply breathtaking. We wouldn’t have changed one thing that Kensington provided for us. Thank you so much for making this trip an unforgettable experience of a lifetime!

Date of experience : April 16, 2024

This is the 4th time we have used the…

This is the 4th time we have used the services of Kensington Tours. They have very knowledgeable people with any country you may be interested in visiting and will then customize an experience for you based on your interests and budget. Also you have a 24 hour contact wherever you are if you encounter any issues or have any questions. All tour guides were very professional and personable which created a very memorable and enjoyable experience.

Date of experience : February 19, 2024

We have used Kensington Tours twice…

We have used Kensington Tours twice now, once for Iceland and more recently Paris. I can’t say enough good things about both experiences. Each trip was expertly catered to our interests and they do an amazing job vetting the private guides…above and beyond expectations both times and we will be sure to use Kensington Tours again !

Date of experience : March 23, 2024

Costa Rica - Great trip and Kensington great tour

Camila Rico did a great job in planning our trip to Costa Rica. She listened to what we wanted and planned the trip around our interests and lifestyle. We spent 4 nights at The Springs Resort in Arenal. The staff at the hotel were outstanding, remembering our names, and always friendly. Our guide for 3 days was Diego Ramirez. He was knowledgeable, prompt and took us to some out of the way places. Guillermo Vargas was our guide and Waddy was our driver in Monteverde. We stayed at the Senda Monteverde. The rooms are comfortable and updated. Here too the staff were great, helpful, and friendly. Our last 3 nights were at the Arenas del Mar. This is a must visit hotel. The rooms overlook the ocean, the staff, like at all the other hotels, was outstanding. Very friendly and caring. We had a guide to Manuel Antonio Park one day. Camila booked us a catamaran ride with Planet Dolphin cruises. This was a fun morning relaxing, eating, and drinking on the catamaran. I would recommend Kensington Tours and Camila Rico for Costa Rica

Date of experience : April 05, 2024

Vietnam and China Two Week Trip

Vietnam and China Two Week Trip: Kevin Smith of Kensington Travel did an excellent job of setting up a fantastic itinerary and making sure we were supported every step of the way. Trip of a lifetime.

Date of experience : April 06, 2024

Kensington & Aileen always do an amazing job!

Kensington always does an amazing job! They are so specialized in the destination, you always feel in great hands. Aileen was a miracle worker, and we managed to put together a wonderful, last-minute trip to Norway, for my clients. I know they'll have the best time, and there will be lots of personal Kensington touches, they can look forward to! Thank you!!

Date of experience : April 17, 2024

Personal Heritage Journey to Okinawa

This was a joint venture between Kensington Tours and Ancestry.com, and the main purpose was to visit my grandparents' ancestral villages in Okinawa and potentially meet distant relatives. I had high expectations going into the trip, and my expectations were exceeded. Everyone involved, from Jeremy (Kensington), Kyle (Ancestry), Yuzo (genealogist), Suiko (guide), the drivers, etc., all worked to ensure this was a trip of a lifetime. The hotel (Double Tree by Hilton, Naha) was also in a great location. I give the Personal Heritage Journeys program my highest recommendation.

Date of experience : April 07, 2024

Anit Singh and Kensington do an…

Anit Singh and Kensington do an outstanding job! This was our second trip with Kensington, and if you wish to travel in comfort and security and have a great adventure, this is the best company to use. Many thanks for all your effort Anit!

Date of experience : January 17, 2024

Working with Caroline Flarty is a Joy

Working with Caroline Flarty is a Joy Caroline helped me with a family trip to Paris, Annecy & Chamonix and it was amazing. She was very knowledgeable and redirected this family to alternative areas when their desired locations were not seasonal. They LOVED their trip and their daughter got to celebrate her sweet 16 in the most magical way. I can't say enough about her thorough communication style and look forward to working with her again. She is the best.

Date of experience : March 30, 2024

Reply from Kensington Tours

Dear Laura, Thank you for your kind words for Caroline. We are so happy to read about how integral she was to your family's experience in France. We hope to host you for other memorable family trips in the future! Sincerely, -The Team at Kensington Tours

Terrible Kensington Attitude

Almost a year ago I contacted AmEx Centurion travel to discuss a trip to Japan. We normally just need air fare and hotels. But in 2020 for a trip to Peru, there were a lot of logistics involved so they suggested we let Kensington plan the trip. The team in Peru was easy to work with and what would have been a great experience did not occur due to the pandemic. We are very experienced travelers, and have traveled in Asia on our own, but friends had told us that due to extreme language barriers, and rigid customs, Japan was a difficult country to travel without a guide. AmEx suggested a private escorted tour. They mentioned several companies but since we knew of Kensington from Peru, we decided to go with them. My husband still works full time, so though we travel overseas several times a year, we keep the trips down to under two weeks at a time. Kensington offered us their stock tour. I explained the following and was assured that once we paid the deposit the tour would be customized to meet our needs. I wrote to Kasia Kapuscinka, via Centurion, the following and much more: We would like to go on a food tour (they never included that) spend a night in a Ryokan, see a tea ceremony. I gather that the bullet train is the best way to travel from city to city. I know that there is so much more that would be of interest to us but do not want fluff to fill in the hours. -We are NOT interested in Sake, Sumo wrestling, Samurai, Anime or electronics. I do not like crowds so rush hour trains or activities would not work. Some of the changes were made immediately when I insisted on cutting down the number of guided hours for each day. For example I knew that we did not want to see 5 temples in a row, and despite being a member at 8 NYC museums, our time limit per museum is no more than 2 hours. I am a very good cook and enjoy food markets but an hour or two at a market is more than enough. We cut down the number of hours Kensington had to provide guides by at least 20 hours, but never asked them to reduce the cost of the tour. We were told that it was too far in advance to make more changes. But over and over again I emphasized that I do not ride the subway in NYC and would only do so in Japan at non rush hours. I also explained that we were on vacation, did not want to start early in the mornings, wanted time for lunch and expected to be back at the hotels an hour before our dinner reservations so we had time to change our clothes. Fast forward to March when we asked to finalize the trip. The team in Japan insisted it was too early to do so and then kept saying the same thing until 3 weeks before the start date. At that time they acceded to some, but not all, of our requests. And after that, when we pointed out errors, they said it was now too late to make changes. When I pointed out that they still had us on the train at rush hour, they had the nerve to say that if we wanted to use a taxi instead, we would have to pay for it ourselves. They also had early morning start times, another of our requests that they ignored. This was reasonable on travel days, but not reasonable at other times. Next problem was Sunday, May 12. We had cut back drastically on the number of hours in Hiroshima. We did not want photo ops or castles. We had only one destination in mind- the Peace Museum. The very first itinerary had a 12 hour day in Hiroshima with a scheduled start time of 8:00. We cut it down to a total 5 hour day. But team Japan ignored us and booked the original 8:00 start, gave us too many hours in the city, and refused to change the tickets. The people at Kensington in Japan are arrogant, self-serving employees who do not understand that they are in the service business. I am the client. I paid for the trip and their job is to make every aspect work for me. If they do not understand how to do so, or just do not care to do so, they should find employment elsewhere. The differences in attitude between Peru and Japan was glaring. If Kensington cannot provide stellar service in Japan, then they should not offer trips in that country.

Date of experience : April 04, 2024

Dear Nadine, Thank you for raising your concerns of your current booking experience. We are disappointed to hear that the trip planning process with Kensington Tours through your Travel Agent has been aggravating. Our sales team who has been working with your Travel Agent has informed her of your disappointments. Sincerely, -The Team at Kensington Tours

The easiest way to travel!

We have used Kensington Tours in Morocco, Portugal and Angkor Wat/Bangkok. We cannot praise our experience with Kensington enough. They are thorough in the planning, keep you informed during the planning process and the experience is flawless. We have enjoyed each experience thoroughly.

Date of experience : March 22, 2024

Customized & Help for Us

Really enjoyed how the experience was customized for our needs and wish list. Securing the right show tickets, helping with city/museum tours, and restaurant experiences. The price was competitive with a large high end group tour but just for us. Every trip there will be an issue. What was impressive was the help on the other end of the phone to make sure we had the right flight, insurance or last minute tour change. Our family was a teen (new to overseas travel) with 2 adults (its been 20+ years)

Date of experience : March 20, 2024

Dear Sandra, Thank you so much for taking the time to post your review. We are elated to read how you found our services to be customizable to what you and your family needed. It is also great to hear you received assistance smoothly through our 24/7 phone line. We hope to work with you again one day on another special family vacation! Sincerely, -The Team at Kensington Tours

Amazing but leaving was like leaving family!

Just got back from Egypt and Jordan a week ago. Kensington Tours was awesome. The drivers and guides were friendly and knowledgeable. In my heart they are family! The Tour Directors were helpful and so nice! Again, like family! The airport assistance was was spot on. I felt safe The entire trip. The itinerary was good. I caught a cold and had the flexibility to scale back a little so I could rest a little. The guide and driver made sure I got the proper cold medicine and plenty of tea and food to soothe the throat. Like I said, it was like family! I can't thank Kensington enough for making my trip so wonderful!

Dear Donna, Thank you so much for your great review! We are very pleased that your trip. Drivers and guides with local knowledge and culture are a huge part of your travel experience. We love to read about your personalized experience and how you were well taken care of. We hope to be able to assist you for more travel in the future. Sincerely, -The Team at Kensington Tours

Egyptian Tour

I would like to thank Kensington for organising one of the very top trips of my life. I've been to over forty countries and I am so pleased with your service. I particularly I have to single out two people, my guides Marwa and Hassan. Marwa and Hassan alike were incredibly knowledgeable, professional, courteous and helpful. They bought the trip to life and they both exceeded expectations in every regard, they were truly excellent. The drivers were also very professional and safe and I would like to mention Ibrahim particularly. The boat was very comfortable and the staff exceptionally professional. My only comment to help would be the lack of WiFi on the boat because it was only available in the reception area and I still had some work to do and make calls, so that was the only gripe on the entire trip but I understand all of the boats are the same in that respect. The set up, and follow up led by Moe and Mohammed was excellent. Thanks Kensington team!!

Dear Philip, Thank you so much for your review. We are ecstatic to read that it was a top trip for you. We are delighted to pass on your praises for Marwa and Hassan to our local partners. We know how quality guides can really make your whole trip! Thank you for the feedback for your drivers, like Ibrahim. As well as your kind words for Moe and Mohammed. We are sorry to hear about the poor wi-fi. We are so glad you still had the trip of a lifetime. We look forward to working for you again in the future. Sincerely, -The Team at Kensington Tours

Great trip to Port Douglas thanks to Emma with Kensington Tours

Emma our tour planner was able to quickly put together a package trip to Cairns / Port Douglas which worked perfectly for our last week in Australia. We stayed in a darling boutique hotel, had prompt/fun drivers and knowledgeable tour guides who made our trip a success. Thank you Emma and Kensington Tours!

Date of experience : March 11, 2024

Hello Corina, Thank you for your fantastic review! We're delighted you had a great trip to Port Douglas with Kensington Tours and Emma as your Destination Expert. Your kind words mean a lot to us, we'll be sure to share this Emma and the rest of the team. We look forward to welcoming you on another adventure with us in the future! - The Team at Kensington Tours

Sunita Singh covered all our points of…

Sunita Singh covered all our points of interest and then some we didn't know we needed to see. It had some relaxing days and some hefty go/see/do days, a great balance.

Date of experience : April 11, 2024

Dear Kathleen, Thank you very much for taking the time to write your review. We are so glad to read about Sunita's great expertise. We hope to serve you once again in the future. Sincerely, - The Team at Kensington Tours

If I could give a zero I would

If I could give a zero I would. Very over priced, ( $500 more for airline tickets) no communication,( takes days to get an answer) no confirmation of tours. Nothing is ever their fault. We have answers back from the hotel immediately. They claim no one answers The calls. I finally had to forget Kensington and book it all myself.

Dear Claudia, Thank you for expressing your concerns in your review. Our sincere apologies go out to you for the mistakes you have found during your experience. Our sales directors are in touch with you and your Travel Agent to hopefully assist however we can. We look forward to being in touch with you when you return home, to hear more about your experience and hopefully come to a fair resolution for you. We take your feedback very seriously. Sincerely, -The Team at Kensington Tours

Kensington is the only way to go!

Angelique is the consummate professional. She is thorough, patient, amicable and flexible. She spent a lot of time with us to ensure a fabulous experience. So there were no surprises. We loved our hotels, the tours and tour guides, and the ease of our traveling from city to city in Portugal and Southern France. We were singing Angelique's praises throughout our wonderful trip. Because Angelique took the time to know us and learn about our interests, the selections she made for us were just perfect. It's like she was with us the whole time we were away. Can't say enough about Angelique and Kensington. Thanks so much.

Date of experience : February 21, 2024

Dear Dee, We are so thankful for your review, and happy to hear your praises of Angelique and your trip to Portugal and France! Personalization is a major part of luxury, and very important in our services. Thank you again for taking the time to share your wonderful experience. Sincerely, -The Team at Kensington Tours

It was a great experience

It was a great experience. Everything was planned really well. My guides were always punctual and friendly

Date of experience : March 16, 2024

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Spain's Classics & Portugal

About this tour.

Embark on an Iberian adventure as you take in medieval architecture, idyllic landscapes and delectable cuisine. Explore Lisbon, Europe’s second oldest capital city. View Antoni Gaudí’s architectural masterpieces, including La Sagrada Familia. Become part of an authentic “paella experience.” Enjoy the fascinating art form that is Flamenco. Visit the exotic and expansive Alhambra Palace. Marvel at the timeless masterpieces at the Prado Museum. Visit the Jeronimos Monastery in Belém. Visit the medieval walled town of Obidos. Explore Spain and Portugal’s culture and history set against a backdrop of sunny Mediterranean shores and grand mountain ranges.

Your Tour Includes

• 7 Handpicked Accommodations
• 2 Choice on Tour Options

Included Highlights

• La Sagrada Familia
• Paella Experience

Your Tour at a Glance

13 Breakfasts

Travel Style

Customize your tour.

$1,299.00 pp

Optional Excursions

Starting at $80.00

Activity Level

• Level This Tour

For specific details about this tour's activity level and other info to know before you book your trip, click here.

Extension Style

Travel styles, highlights and inclusions.

Must-See Inclusions:

• Experience Lisbon’s many UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Jeronimos Monastery in Belém.

Step back in time in Toledo, the former capital of the Spanish Empire.

Visit Antoni Gaudi’s final masterpiece, the awe-inspiring La Sagrada Familia.

Cultural Experiences:

Stop in the little known town of Peniscola, the “City in the Sea.”

Feel the energy of Spain at a flamenco performance in Seville.

In Cordoba, take a walking tour of La Mezquita, an architectural marvel.

Culinary Inclusions:

• Savor a "paella experience" including a paella-making demonstration and lunch.

Take a bite of the local culture at a tapas lunch.

• The Alhambra
• Choice on Tour
• Flamenco Show
• The Prado Museum
• Jeronimo’s Monastery

Book with Confidence

* With Insurance Purchased

• *No Hassle Refunds
• Traveling Well Safety
• No booking fee, *no change fees
• Top Rated Travel Protection

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Getting Prepared

Know before you go, travel tips, enhance your tour.

Pre and Post Tour Extensions

• Choice On Tour

Pre and Post Night Stay

Unique Experience

Cultural Experiences

Enhance Your Trip

• Tour Extensions

While in Seville you have the choice between two activities. First, you can choose to walk along the cobblestone streets of the Santa Cruz Quarter with an expert guide, admiring the white washed houses and aromatic orange trees before continuing to the stunning Plaza de España in Maria Luisa Park. Or, if you prefer, you can get a glimpse of the city from a different perspective with a boat ride on the Guadalquivir River, gently drifting by timeworn bridges and gaining insight into the city’s historical connection to New World discoveries.

Start your tour early with 1 night in Barcelona and 3 nights in Costa Brava. Start in the vibrant and beautiful capital of the Catalonian region of Spain, home to artistic architecture and that unmistakable Spanish “spark” of culture. Then, set out for Costa Brava, a Catalonian cliffside paradise where azure waters meet golden beaches. With Costa Brava as your home for 3 nights, you’ll set out for trips to Girona and the Dali Museum, and the villages of Calella de Palafrugell, Llafranc, and Besalu. You’ll also be able to make use of your hotel’s incredible seaside views and private beach. You’ll be immersed in the charm and culture of coastal Spanish life, and you might never want to leave. Your other option is to book a pre night at the H10 Hotel?

• Overnight Flight
• You are on your way to the start of your adventure with some extra time in Barcelona and the Costa Brava! Start in the vibrant and beautiful capital of the Catalonian region of Spain, home to artistic architecture and that unmistakable Spanish “spark” of culture. Then, set out for Costa Brava, a Catalonian cliffside paradise where azure waters meet golden beaches. With Costa Brava as your home for 3 nights, you’ll set out for trips to Girona and the Dali Museum, and the villages of Calella de Palafrugell, Llafranc, and Besalu. Get ready to learn about a destination less visited with so much to offer!
• Barcelona, Spain - Extension Begins
• Arrive today in the capital city of Catalonia, Barcelona. Depending on your flight arrival time, you may choose to enjoy this beautiful city with a walk to the historic Gothic Quarter at your own pace. Quaint shops and eateries, all built into the narrow medieval alleyways make this one of the most interesting neighborhoods in Barcelona. The day is yours to enjoy Barcelona any way you choose.
• Barcelona - Girona - Costa Brava
• Set out for Girona in the morning, a beautiful medieval city known for its Old Quarter. You’ll meet with a local guide and take a tour of the city before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant. Then, head for the Catalonian coast, where you’ll arrive at your seaside hotel and settle in for the next 3 nights. Costa Brava is an incredibly alluring place, and the perfect region to spend your days relaxing and exploring.
• Costa Brava
• Today is yours to enjoy Costa Brava how you’d like. Take advantage of this day at leisure – maybe heading down to the private beach or venturing into the local towns for some souvenir shopping.
• Costa Brava - Calella de Palafrugell - Llafranc - Besalu - Costa Brava
• Today, your local guide will meet you at your hotel for an incredible walking tour. You’ll head first to the beautiful village of Calella de Palafrugell for a coastal walk towards the quaint village of Llafranc. Then, you’ll drive to the Dalí Theatre-Museum, where the surreal outside architecture matches the legendary work inside. After taking in the mind-boggling art of Salvador Dalí, you’ll continue on to the medieval village of Besalu for free time and lunch. Arrive back at your hotel with enough time to relax before your dinner this evening.
• Costa Brava - Barcelona
• Say farewell to the Catalonian coast and join your fellow travelers back in fascinating Barcelona for the start of your Spain’s Classics & Portugal tour.

Extend your stay in Portugal with 3 nights on the island paradise of Madeira and 1 night in Lisbon, Portugal’s vibrant capital city. Considered to be the “Pearl of the Atlantic,” Madeira combines stunning nature and culture. Enjoy a full day at leisure to soak up the island’s charms however you please. Spend time in traditional villages, venture along winding mountain roads, and splash in natural volcanic swimming pools. Your mini-tour ends with a night in Lisbon, whose captivating energy and mouth-watering culinary scene will capture your heart (and stomach!).

• Lisbon - Funchal, Madeira
• Fly to Madeira Island, the “pearl of the Atlantic.” Madeira boasts a subtropical climate, majestic mountain ranges and volcanic caves. After some free time for lunch on your own upon arrival, discover Funchal’s downtown area with a local expert during a walking tour. Then, visit the Botanical Garden of Madeira with its collection of more than 2,500 plants from all continents.
• The day is yours. No matter how you spend the day, gather in the evening for a traditional dinner known as an espetada. Folk dancers and lively music entertain you as you feast on a favorite local dish cooked over an open fire.
• Funchal - Câmara de Lobos - Porto Moniz - Funchal
• Begin your day in Câmara de Lobos, a traditional village with a picture-perfect bay which served as a special retreat for Sir Winston Churchill. It is here where he admired Madeira’s natural beauty and became captivated by the region, painting various images of the village. Drive along mountain roads, pass banana plantations and vineyards while en route to the world’s second-highest cliff, Cabo Girão where you may choose to walk on the highest glass skywalk in Europe. Continue to a sugar mill and learn about the importance of sugar cane production to the island in the early 15th century. End your day at the lively fishing village of Porto Moniz, enjoy free time for a swim* (weather permitting) in the natural volcanic pools before returning to Funchal.
• Funchal - Lisbon
• Board your flight and return to the metropolitan energy of Lisbon. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
• Lisbon - Tour Ends
• Depart for home with Portugal in your heart as your tour draws to a close today.

Hotel-H10 Casanova

Uncover the mysteries of Valencia on a nighttime walk, delving into the area’s mystical tales. Partake in a tapas dinner paired with regional wines while enjoying the traditional sounds of local music. After dinner, join a local expert and hear stories of local ghosts and legends as you walk along old town Valencia and get to experience Valencia in a new way.

Portugal’s Riviera is known as the "playground of kings." Many historical and world leaders have chosen this resort area as their home, creating a sophisticated atmosphere. On this fascinating tour you will visit the charming village of Sintra, a UNESCO site, with its fairy-tale palaces and visit its National Palace. Later, a drive through Sintra’s mountain range brings you to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point in continental Europe. Travel along the rugged coastline, passing Guincho beach, a favorite spot for wind surfers, to cosmopolitan Cascais and its captivating bay, beautifully situated overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

Fado: the perfect blend of voice and guitar. A shawl, a guitar, a voice and heartfelt emotion – these are the ingredients of Fado, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Patrimony, as a celebrated form of world music that captures what it is to be Portuguese. No one knows quite how Fado first came into being, but to this day Portugal's traditional music remains at the very heart of the country's culture. In one of Lisbon’s most popular Fado restaurants, professional performers entertain you while you enjoy a three course, candlelit dinner of regional Portuguese cuisine and wine. A Fado dinner and show is an experience that you simply have to include when visiting Portugal.

Experience Lisbon’s many UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Jeronimos Monastery in Belém.

Savor a "paella experience" including a paella-making demonstration and lunch.

Accommodations

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Pre Night: H10 Casanova From $140 per night

H10 Casanova

Sh valencia palace, catalonia granada, barcelo seville renacimiento, h10 puerta de alcala, vila gale collection elvas, altis grand hotel.

Nights 11-13

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8 Day Spain & Portugal… (trip)

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"Just wanted to thank you. We are back from Costa Rica and had a wonderful trip. Everything worked really well, on time and we had really good time. Also, I wanted to comment on your contacts in Costa Rica- they were very responsive, helped solve problems on the spot and it was very reassuring to have them there."

"For any single traveling woman - no fear! I, a single 61 year old female, traveled through Egypt & Jordan with absolutely no fear or concern for my safety. Not because I am brave but because there was no external cause for fear. The representatives who met me at the airports, the guides (especially Sam), and the drivers were all wonderful and very informative. The tour was first class and I would love to take another with Kinsington Tours and will recommend them to all my friends."

"We are back and we had a wonderful trip. Everything was perfectly organized, with the right balance between time with a guide and free time. We were very lucky with the weather, no rain at all except for a 20 minutes thunderstorm in Dalat. Halong Bay was very clear all the time although it is supposed to be foggy during the day. The Metropole was perfect, the best breakfasts ever, the boat, Jasmine, wonderful and we were only 14 people instead of 44…,the Palm Garden in Hoi An very nice, the Ana Mandara in Nha Trang, pure Heaven, the Sofitel in Dalat beautiful, almost empty and a very friendly staff."

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Spain and Portugal Tours

Explore Spain and Portugal and experience the vibrant cities, sites, and culture of the Iberian Peninsula. If you're looking for a vacation with some flair, you'll be sure to find one in our collection of 7-18 day Spain and Portugal tours.

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In Spain, visit vibrant cities such as Madrid , Valencia, Barcelona, Cordoba, Seville, and Granada. Visit Prado Museum to see the masterpieces of Botticelli, Velázquez, and Goya. Tour the Royal Palace of Madrid, and see the City of Arts and Sciences and Mercado Central. Wander through the Gothic Quarter, climb the Giralda Tower , enjoy a flamenco show, or admire the Alhambra Palace . Take a tour of Northern Spain and enjoy the boardwalk and harbor in San Sebastian , and explore Pamplona, known for its Running of the Bulls festival. A trip to Portugal features Port wine from the Douro River Valley and Porto as well as Lisbon 's Monument to the Discoveries, the Jerónimos Monastery , and the Moorish São Jorge Castle. You will also visit the pilgrimage site of Fátima and the Convent of Christ. Find time to relax on the sunny beaches of Algarve in south Portugal.

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Email Sign-up Travel Credit: Receive a $150 per person ($300 per couple) discount toward your first tour (operated by Trafalgar or Insight Vacations) when you sign up for GET emails; valid for each full-paying adult who signs up with a unique email address. Valid for new bookings only made from 01 January to December 31 2024 for travel from 01 January 2024 to 31 December 2025. Discount is not combinable with any other discount or offer, including GETAWAY Deals, Limited Time Offers, AARP member discount, Past Traveler Global Tour Rewards discount, Groups or Multiple Trip discounts. Offer cannot be booked online. GET reserves the right to validate bookings and will remove any additional offers added online that are not combinable. Other conditions may apply.

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Spain and Portugal

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Select small group departures (averaging 24 Tauck guests), or classic departures, and the year you would like to travel.

• 2024 Classic
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Uniquely Tauck

EXPERIENCE WITH TAUCK

Enjoy breathtaking vistas as you climb from seaside Marbella to cliff-top Ronda, and into the Sierra Nevada mountains to Moorish Granada for a visit to the Alhambra – one of the world's finest examples of Moorish architecture – accompanied by a local guide

Take in the days of wine and rabelo boats in Porto, when you board a private boat for a Douro River cruise, followed by a tasting lunch in a historic port house

Visit one of the world's most beautiful art museums on a guided tour of Museo Nacional del Prado, steps from your hotel in the Art Triangle of Madrid

TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES

A horse-and-carriage ride presents a different view of romantic Seville, and a walking tour with a local guide shares insights about daily life

Feel the passion of flamenco when dancers perform their version of Andalucían folkloric traditions during a private performance in Granada

Experience a taste of royal life in Sintra when you visit the former hilltop summer palace of Portugal's monarchs

SEE WHAT YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES

Active components such as hiking, bicycling and walking longer distances may be included, and hills and/or uneven terrain may be encountered on several days. Guests should be able to walk two to three miles and stand for long periods of time with no difficulty.

Often robust – may include long days, active sightseeing, early starts, evening activities, significant travel times.

Along Europe's Scenic "Yellow Roads"

Iberia... rediscovered, on a journey unlike any other that explores scenic and cultural contrasts of Spain and Portugal, sharing the Iberian Peninsula for centuries.

Seville by horse-drawn carriage, explore seville by horse-drawn carriage....

Experience a panorama of sights in Seville in a manner befitting the city's historic ambiance – via horse-drawn carriage – as you ride through Maria Luisa Park, the city's largest, which was created for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929. Converted from what were once the gardens of the Palace of San Telmo, the park is essentially a botanical garden crisscrossed by grand boulevards and accented with Moorish-styled pavilions, tiled fountains, ponds, several museums and many monuments and sculptures. You're in for a delightful carriage ride through a truly beautiful place.

Gran Melía Don Pepe

Five-star luxury on the marbella beachfront.

Located in the heart of the Costa del Sol, at the foot of the privileged natural enclave of Sierra Blanca, the Gran Meliá Don Pepe combines timeless luxury with an avant-garde flair. With its excellent access to the city center, its fabulous views on the Paseo Marítimo seafront promenade, its luxurious and comfortable facilities and the quality of its service, it's the very best option for discovering all that Marbella has to offer.

Foods of the Iberian Peninsula

Every city was a little jewel on our itinerary of culture, history, food, music, geography and inspiration..

Randy Morin

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Where you stay is an important part of your journey – with Tauck, accommodations have been handpicked and carefully selected for their location and ambiance, enhancing the destinations you explore. Download accommodation details and your travel plans begin!

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Overnight Accommodations

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Arrive Early

Intercontinental porto – palacio das cardosas.

Porto, Portugal

Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon

Lisbon, Portugal

Hotel Alfonso XIII

Seville, Spain

Gran Meliá Don Pepe

Marbella, Spain

Nights 9-10

Hotel Alhambra Palace

Granada, Spain

Nights 11-13

The Westin Palace, Madrid

Madrid, Spain

Your Journey

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About Booking This Tour

Travel Documents

If you are a U.S. citizen traveling internationally, you will need a passport valid for six months beyond the completion of your Tauck journey to enter Spain, Portugal and Gibraltar (a territory of the United Kingdom). You are not required to obtain a visa to enter either country for the short duration of this tour. Please note that longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation.

If you are a citizen of another country traveling internationally, you should contact an embassy or consulate of Spain, Portugal and the United Kingdom (for Gibraltar) to determine what travel documentation is required.

We recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.

To facilitate Travel Requirements, destinations are increasingly utilizing online forms that require digital proof that you've successfully completed your submission (via an email, QR code, etc.) To ensure smooth travels and peace of mind, we strongly recommend all guests carry a personal smart phone and sign up for international data plans before traveling overseas.

TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN AS A GUARDIAN: If you are traveling as the guardian of a child/children, we strongly suggest that you carry a letter from both parents of the child authorizing emergency treatment in the event of illness or accident. For travel abroad, many foreign countries have specific entry requirements for children under 21 who are traveling internationally without BOTH parents. (These requirements are in response to the increased incidence of children being abducted and taken abroad.) PLEASE NOTE THAT TAUCK IS NOT RESPONSIBLE for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for children traveling without both parents.

How to Book a Tour

See your travel advisor, or call Tauck at 800-468-2825 to make a reservation.

At the time of booking, please have the following information ready for all members of your party:

• Tour Name and Departure Date
• Traveler's Name: First and last names as they appear on your passport or driver's license
• Traveler's Address(es)
• Email Address*
• Traveler's Phone Number(s)*
• Emergency Contact Information: Please provide the name and phone number  of a relative or friend (not travelling with you) whom we could contact during the tour in the unlikely event of an emergency
• Interest in purchasing a travel protection plan (US and Canada)
• Interest in extending your trip by staying in a Tauck recommended hotel before your trip begins or after it ends
• Interest in our specially negotiated airfares

* Required Fields

Deposits & Final Payment

Deposits and fees for the optional Protection Plan or Cancel Fee Waiver [CFW] coverage are due at time of booking.

The deposit amount is $600 per person

Final Payments:

Final Payment is due to Tauck  60  days before departure for lands trips, and  120  days before departure for cruises and rail journeys. If your deposit was made by credit card, final payment will be automatic unless you opted out at time of booking. Bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice. Failure to make payment will be a considered a cancellation by the guest and all applicable cancellation fees will apply.

Travel Protection Plan

Effective for plans purchased as of July 1, 2021:

Tauck's Guest Protection

Tauck's Guest Protection provides you with cancellation protection before your journey begins as well as insurance benefits while you are traveling. Guest Protection includes the following:

Cancellation Waiver – Provided by Tauck:

Under Tauck's Cancellation Fee Waiver you can cancel your tour for ANY REASON up to the day before departure and receive a money-back refund (except in Extreme Circumstances*) on the land tour cost, based on your original method of payment.

*Extreme Circumstances:  In the event of an act of God, war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, accident, natural disaster, outbreak of disease, or other event or circumstance beyond our control that contributes to or results in cancellation rates above our historical cancellation rates in the absence of such event or occurrence, Tauck reserves the right to issue a credit to you in lieu of a money-back refund, applicable to a future Tauck journey.

Travel Insurance Benefits – Underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company.

• Trip Cancellation –  If you must cancel your tour due to a covered reason, the plan provides coverage for the amount you paid for your travel arrangements. Since the non-insurance cancellation waiver takes care of the land package cancellation fees already, this benefit reimburses the airfare cancellation charges up to the value of your original airfare purchase.
• Trip Interruption –  If you have to interrupt your tour for covered reasons, the plan provides reimbursement to catch up to your tour or return home.
• Travel Delay –  Provides reimbursement for missed, prepaid travel arrangements if you are delayed by a common carrier, natural disaster, unannounced strike, or other reasons as cited in the plan.
• Medical Expense –  Reimburses covered medical expenses incurred in the event you become injured or sick during your trip. 
• Baggage / Personal Effects Protection –  Provides reimbursement in the event your luggage or personal effects are, lost, stolen, damaged or delayed during your trip.
• Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services –  Provided by Carefree Travel Assistance; 24-hour emergency telephone assistance hotline for medical and travel related problems.

The cost of Tauck's Guest Protection is: $559  per person

This protection provides insurance coverage that applies only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker.

This optional Guest Protection must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included with initial payment. Fees are based on costs as of July 1, 2021, and are subject to change. Details will be provided with written confirmation of your tour reservation. Guest Protection does not protect travel agent commissions. Reimbursements will be made according to original method of payment. The amount of any refund shall be reduced by any recoveries obtained by you from any third parties.

The Guest Protection plan waives cancellation fees outlined below, provided we are notified of cancellation before your tour departs. Tour cancellation fees are waived regardless of reason, without written notice, and Tauck will refund land tour cost.

To obtain your state-specific Certificate of Insurance that contains the complete terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the certificate, visit  affinitytravelcert.com/docs/TACGPPINTL .

If You Have To Cancel

If you cancel within 10 days of initial deposit Within the first 10 days after you place your initial deposit, you may cancel your reservation for any reason with no cancellation fees. If you cancel more than 10 days after initial deposit Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed bookings. These fees vary from tour to tour. Therefore, the following fees apply.

Cancellation Fees with Tauck's Guest Protection Plan:

Loss of Guest Protection fee, per person 

Cancellation Fees without Tauck's Guest Protection Plan :

60 days or more before departure = $600 per person

59-8 days before departure = $900 per person

7-1 days before departure = $1500 per person

Time of cancellation will be when notice is received in our Wilton Woods, CT office.

In the event of an unforeseen circumstance beyond our control, Tauck reserves the right to amend the cancellation terms outlined herein.

Note:  All Guests, regardless of residency, who book a Tauck journey have the option of purchasing the Cancellation Waiver provided by Tauck in the event they need to cancel their trip after making their reservations. Tauck's Guest Protection, which includes both the Cancellation Fee Waiver and the Travel Insurance Benefits and Assistance Services described above, is not available to residents of Puerto Rico.

Travel Terms and Conditions

Click here  to find Tauck's Travel Terms & Conditions.

Travel Requirements For This Tour

Air Information and Luggage Restrictions

AIRFARE: Airfare to and from this destination is not included in the journey cost. If purchasing your air elsewhere, it is very important to provide us with your confirmed arriving and departing flight information no later than 3 weeks before your arrival date. Flight information can be submitted to Tauck (or verified, if you've already provided it) in the My Account section of Tauck.com.

TAUCK AIRPORT TRANSFERS are included at the start and end of the journey between the airport and the Tauck hotel. Airport transfers are available for any pre tour or post tour hotel stays immediately consecutive to the tour, providing flight information is received in the Tauck office no later than three weeks in advance. Details on locating your transfer upon arrival to the tour start city will be included in your final documents.

AIRLINES and CHECKED LUGGAGE: Due to space limitations during your Tauck journey, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one average-size suitcase per person. Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and are free to revise luggage policies without notice. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies. PLEASE NOTE that if you are booked on a tour that includes on-tour flights, the checked luggage weight restrictions for these flights may be lower than the weight restrictions for your international flights.

Checked Luggage – General

Due to space restrictions, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one suitcase per person weighing no more than 50 pounds (23 kg) and with overall dimensions (length + width + height) not exceeding 62 inches (158 cm).

Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and luggage exceeding airline standards for size or weight may result in expensive overage fees or other consequences.

Airlines are free to revise luggage policies without notice, and certain airlines have different baggage allowances for different classes of service. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies.

Tauck luggage tags will be provided by your Tauck Director on Day 1 of your itinerary. Please do not attach a Tauck luggage tag to any carry-on items, as the Tauck tags designate luggage that is to be handled and transferred by ground operators and hotel staff during your journey.

Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.

For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and that you bring only those items you need handy during the day such as make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or on the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may be inaccessible during daytime travel.

Health, Safety and Mobility

HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

While drinking water is generally safe at all our hotels, bottled water will be available wherever the local water is not fit to drink. We also provide bottled water on the motor coaches.

Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour.

If you have a medical condition which might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify us as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.

VACCINATIONS  

If you are a resident of the U.S. , no vaccinations are currently required for travel to Spain, Portugal or Gibraltar (a territory of the United Kingdom). For complete vaccination and inoculation information, please contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to obtain information regarding vaccinations that may be required for your journey. The Travelers' Health Section of the CDC operates a 24-hour "Travelers' Health Hotline" at 800-232-4636 (toll-free in the U.S.). You may also log on to the CDC website by clicking here .

If you are a resident of another country, please contact an embassy or consulate of each of the countries visited on this tour to determine what vaccination(s) may be required for your travel.

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUESTS

The restaurants, hotels, caterers and numerous other partners we work with all do their best to accommodate special dietary requests from Tauck guests. However, given the diverse nature of those food providers (from small wineries to grand hotels to world-famous restaurants in more than 70 countries worldwide), some of our partners are better able than others to accommodate such requests. We therefore cannot guarantee that all dietary requests can be accommodated at every meal. Also, please note that where dietary requests can be accommodated, choices will frequently be limited.

The tour is fast paced. To enjoy this tour, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven surfaces. Some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. The amount of walking you do, however, is at your discretion. Spain and Portugal are home to innumerable historic buildings and sites, many dating from ancient or medieval times. Therefore, roads, walkways and architecture may present difficulties for some guests with physical disabilities. We conduct walking tours in most of the cities visited.

Many of the hotels do not provide for disabled access. Although all the hotels on this itinerary have elevators, many of the sites visited do not. Airports and train stations provide limited access to elevators. Many of the museums will have elevators; however, they are not always conveniently located for your use. Further, ramps are not commonly found in public venues.

PLEASE NOTE: We regret that this Tauck itinerary cannot accommodate wheelchairs or motorized scooters. Likewise, we regret that we're unable to provide individual assistance to guests with walking difficulties or other personal needs. The responsibility of the Tauck Director who accompanies your trip is to ensure that the larger group enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing individual assistance to any one guest. Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it.

Reading List

We have compiled a reading list of recommended books to give you more information about the destinations you will be traveling to on your upcoming journey!

You can view the reading list  here.

The climate of Porto in spring and summer temperatures range from 50-80° F (10-25° C) and above, and most days are sunny. The climate of Southern Spain & Madrid is sunny and dry, and warm for much of the year. Summer days can be extremely hot, often reaching 85ºF (30ºC) and above, but evenings and nights cool down considerably.

To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website by clicking here .

What To Pack

Bringing the right clothing for your trip is important – we've partnered with Necessary Gear who provide an "easy-to-use, one-stop shop" for your Tauck travel needs, specifically selected for this trip. Click here to visit their site .

Spain and Portugal are generally warm and dry from April through September. Your journey is designed with leisure in mind. Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is adaptable and allows for layering. Generally, during the day, casual, comfortable, cotton clothing is recommended. Cool weather at higher elevations or at night will require warmer, layered clothing.

In Europe, especially in finer restaurants, it is generally customary to dress somewhat formally. Slacks or a dress for women and a jacket for men are acceptable dining attire. It is advisable to avoid wearing jeans, sneakers or shorts for dinner. You may also wish to dress up a bit for the welcome reception and the farewell dinner, but by all means be comfortable.

You will find a hair dryer located in your hotel guest room. Irons and ironing boards are not usually available, so guests may have to give their garment to the hotel to be ironed for a fee. Valet laundry and dry cleaning services are also available for a fee.

We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor's prescription or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you, a list of the generic names of your medication, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed.

Following is a list of recommended items to pack for your trip to Spain and Portugal:

• Casual daytime wear – shorts, slacks, long and short-sleeved shirts
• An optional jacket and tie for men
• Casually elegant evening wear for ladies
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat
• A light sweater or jacket for higher elevations or a breezy night
• Binoculars (7x50 preferably)
• Insect repellent
• Camera, lenses, batteries, memory cards and chargers
• Lightweight, comfortable, sturdy walking shoes that have already been broken-in
• Travel alarm clock/cell phone with alarm function (many hotels do not have clocks in the rooms)
• Rain poncho and collapsible umbrella
• Reusable zipper-lock bags or other waterproof bags
• Daypack for camera equipment
• Sundries and toiletries that may be difficult to find en route
• Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in the safe in your hotel room while traveling

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Spain and Portugal Reviews & Ratings

I enjoy intrepid but the style of.

I enjoy intrepid but the style of travel doesn't suit everyone.

Good size group, great tour leader (on

Good size group, great tour leader (on this occasion), pretty good value for money on the whole.

good balance of guidance and free time

Inexperienced leadership resulting in some wasted time.

Inexperienced leadership resulting in some wasted time. Too much time traveling in buses and small vans. Our leader was not confident in communicating information to...

Very knowledgeable, competent, personable guide. Fun and

Very knowledgeable, competent, personable guide. Fun a...

See all Spain and Portugal reviews

Trip planning

Experience custom private guided shore excursions

Leave the crowds and coach line-ups far behind with tailor-made private-guided shore excursions from Voyages by Kensington Tours. From historic tours and cultural encounters to active adventures and culinary escapades, we offer enriching experiences with a private guide and driver in over 165 ports around the world.

Transform your trip into a unique, once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Discover travel excellence with a shore excursion made just for you.

• Your own private guide & vehicle
• An itinerary tailor-made for you by Destination Experts
• Extraordinary experiences and hidden gems
• 24/7 in-country support
• Great option for private groups - the bigger your party, the better the value.

Over 165 ports available across over 40 countries

Shore excursions in Alaska & the Caribbean are not currently offered

Just a few of our favorite private-guided shore experiences include:

Explore the historical wonders along the italian riviera.

Walking Tour of the Historical Center of Rome

Civitavecchia, Italy

1/2 Day Classic Venice Walking Tour & Gondola Ride

Venice, Italy

1/2 Day Pompeii

Naples, Italy

Limoncello Tasting

Positano, Italy

1/2 Day Pisa

Livorno, Italy

Discover antiquities & treasures as you sail the Greek Islands

1/2 Day Cape Sounion & Temple of Poseidon

Athens, Greece

Afternoon Santorini Villages & Oia Sunset

Santorini, Greece

1/2 Day Mykonos Walking Tour (with Wine Tasting & Mezes)

Mykonos, Greece

Mamma Mia! Magic on Skopelos

Skopelos, Greece

1/2 Day Lindos Discovery

Rhodes, Greece

Explore our expert’s personal favorites throughout Europe

1/2 Day Barcelona Highlights with Sagrada Familia

Barcelona, Spain

1/2 Day Fatima

Lisbon, Portugal

1/2 Day Cannes, Antibes and Mougins

Cannes, France

City Highlights with Tower of London & Westminster

London, England

1/2 Day City Tour with National & Sculpture Museums, Hallgrímskirkja Church

Reykjavik, Iceland

Breathtaking landscapes await as you delight in the wonders of Asia & the South Pacific

Essential Sydney (with Lunch)

Sydney, Australia

1/2 Day Auckland City Revealed

Auckland, New Zealand

Thai Rum & Cocktails

Phuket, Thailand

My Son Archaeological Expedition (with Lunch)

Danang, Vietnam

Japanese Tea Culture: Tea Shop and Ceremony (with Tastings)

Tokyo, Japan

Immerse yourself in the local culture of Central & South America

Exploring San Telmo & La Boca (with Lunch)

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Sugarloaf & Corcovado (with Lunch)

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Cartagena Walking Tour (with Rum & Chocolate Tasting)

Cartagena, Colombia

Backstage at the Miraflores Locks

Panama City, Panama

History of Valparaiso in the Age of Sail & Celestial Navigation (with Lunch)

Valparaiso, Chile

What you'll receive

Personalized journeys

Traveling with a private guide and driver you’ll do what you want, when you want with the freedom to change your plans on the fly.

Expert planning

With deep in-country knowledge, our Destination Experts tailor each experience to your preferences, ensuring you can make the most of your time away.

Local guides

Unlock details you may have overlooked with insider information only a local, private guide can offer.

Unbeatable support

Each booking includes 24/7 support, in case anything comes up and if changes to your itinerary occur, you’ll receive live updates via the Kensington Tours app.

Our Destination Expert will plan a trip for you

Call 1 888 903 2001 Request a quote

location_on Civitavecchia, Italy  |  schedule 8 hours

Experience the freedom to explore at your own pace, with the ability to adapt your itinerary on the go to suit your evolving preferences. Speak to a Destination Expert at 1 888 903 2001

Meet your private driver at the port for a transfer into Rome, passing by iconic monuments like the UNESCO-listed Colosseum, a 2,000 year old relic from Ancient Rome. On arrival into Rome, you'll be greeted by a private local guide who will lead you on a detailed and up-close walking tour of the city's historic center. Immerse yourself in Rome's past within this breath-taking area, filled with fascinating archaeological sites and monuments. Visit the 2,000-year-old Pantheon, one of the most influential and well-preserved buildings of ancient Rome, best recognized for its massive dome and center oculus. Head to the famous 18th-century Trevi Fountain, considered the most beautiful Baroque fountain in the world, where you can follow the legend and toss in a coin to ensure your return to Rome. Although many people are familiar with the legend of the coin toss, not many know the stories and secrets behind its construction and fascinating sculptures. At Piazza Navona, you'll find the central Four Rivers Fountain by Bernini, a 17th-century masterpiece with its giant statues of sea gods. Finally, wander through Piazza Di Spagna, known as the heart of Rome and one of the most exciting town squares in city. The Piazza is famous for its Spanish Steps and different, decorated with colorful flowers to create an impressive sight. Enjoy the "dolce far niente" or "the sweetness of doing nothing" by taking a break with your guide to enjoy a beverage and decadent gelato, discussing the majestic sights seen or simple unwinding. Some free time to discover the city will be provided before a private transfer returns you to Civitavecchia port.

location_on Venice, Italy  |  schedule 4 hours

Embark on a captivating private tour of Venice, where you'll experience the city's enchanting highlights through a seamless blend of a classic walking tour and a romantic gondola ride. Begin your adventure with a warm welcome from your private driver at the port, followed by a swift transfer to Piazzale Roma and a private water taxi ride to Venice. Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, embark on a 2-hour walking tour through the winding streets, starting at the iconic St. Mark's Square. Here, you'll marvel at the opulent 11th century church of St Mark’s Basilica, the towering St. Mark’s Campanile, and the grand Procuratie Vecchie buildings that have witnessed centuries of history. Admire the majestic exterior of the 13th century Doge’s Palace and learn about its enigmatic Bridge of Sighs, which holds the secrets of Venice's transformation from swamplands to a beacon of enlightenment. As you journey through the city, you'll hear fascinating stories of legendary Venetian figures, including Marco Polo and Casanova, and visit Campo Santa Maria Formosa and the awe-inspiring Church of San Giovanni e Paolo. Continue your adventure with a serene gondola ride along Venice's picturesque canals, guided by a licensed gondolier. Pass under stone bridges and admire iconic landmarks like the Rialto Bridge and the Ca' d'Oro mansion with its Gothic charm, savoring the essence of this quintessential Venetian experience. Conclude your tour with a transfer to the port to reboard your ship.

location_on Naples, Italy  |  schedule 4 hours

Embark on a captivating shore excursion to the ancient city of Pompeii, a place frozen in time for nearly 2,000 years. As you disembark your cruise ship, meet your private driver and English-speaking guide for the short 30 minute drive to the ancient site. This remarkable city was tragically buried by the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, only to be rediscovered in the 18th century. As you explore the well-preserved streets and buildings of Pompeii, you'll be transported back in time, feeling the weight of history in every step. The ruins, frozen in their last moments, evoke a deep sense of awe and reflection. Don't miss the opportunity to capture stunning views of the still-active Mount Vesuvius from within the ancient city. After this unforgettable journey into the past, your tour concludes with a seamless transfer back to the port.

location_on Positano, Italy  |  schedule 4.5 hours

Set out on a captivating private shore excursion along the Amalfi Coast, to celebrate its iconic "Yellow Gold" – lemons. Accompanied by your dedicated driver and a knowledgeable private local guide, you'll immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Limoncello production. Wander through a fragrant lemon garden, where the vibrant yellow fruits and lush green foliage pop against the azure sky and sea. Learn the ancient techniques of lemon cultivation, harvesting, and processing, culminating in a visit to a Limoncello workshop. Sip on this regional delicacy during an exclusive tasting session. This half-day experience promises picturesque beauty and a deep dive into the Amalfi Coast's citrusy heritage. Conclude your tour with a return transfer to your cruise ship.

location_on Livorno, Italy  |  schedule 4 hours

Witness Pisa, an Italian city with a rich heritage, renowned for its iconic Leaning Tower and many other architectural treasures, on a private guided shore excursion that will unveil cultural wonders and hidden delights. Your exploration begins as you meet your driver at Livorno Port, embarking on a scenic 40-minute journey to Pisa, a city steeped in history and significance. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by your knowledgeable English-speaking local guide who will introduce you to the secrets of Pisa during a private two-hour city tour. This Tuscan city with Roman and Etruscan roots, of Galileo Galilei, Napoleon, the Knights of Saint Stephan and the Medici, once flourished as one of Italy's four Maritime Republics. Its rich history comes to life as you explore the treasures in Piazza dei Miracoli, including the awe-inspiring Duomo, the enchanting Baptistery, and, of course, the iconic Leaning Tower. The monumental cemetery provides a glimpse into the city's artistic and architectural heritage. But the journey doesn't end there. Your driver will reveal hidden gems beyond the famed Miracle Square, allowing you to discover the lesser-known, yet equally enchanting aspects of this beautiful town before you are transported back to the port.

location_on Athens, Greece  |  schedule 4.5 hours

Join your private driver and English-speaking guide for a privately guided tour of Cape Sounion, home to the Temple of Poseidon. Drive along the scenic coastal road overlooking the Saronic Gulf, passing through some of Athens' most picturesque suburbs, including Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, and Varkiza. Visit the remains of the ancient Greek Temple of Poseidon, one of the major archeological monuments of the Golden Age, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the sea and surrounding islands. The temple dates to the same period as the Acropolis in nearby Athens and features a portico with Doric columns set on a cliff overlooking the sea. After soaking up the historic splendors of Cape Sounion, conclude your experience with a pleasant return journey back to your cruise ship.

location_on Santorini, Greece  |  schedule 4.5 hours

Santorini’s picturesque countryside is best experienced in the late afternoon and early evening, as the waning daylight gives way to the “golden hour” and offers a striking visual contrast against the iconic whitewashed backdrop of Oia. Meet with your private guide and driver and head into the Santorini countryside to discover the island’s picturesque villages. Start with a visit to Mesa Gonia, a village of rolling vineyards and a major wine producing region. The village is home to some majestic Byzantine churches. Continue to Pyrgos, a hilltop town that served as the island’s capital until the early 19th century. The village offers panoramic views of the island in every direction and has charming medieval architecture. Continue your evening with a visit to the village of Oia, set upon the caldera’s cliffs. Oia marks the dramatic backdrop to a world-famous sunset. Its narrow passageways throng with people each evening to catch a glimpse of the sun going down. The most popular spot to watch the sunset is by the Kastro walls. At the end of your visit, return to your cruise ship by private vehicle.

location_on Mykonos, Greece  |  schedule 4 hours

This afternoon, meet your private driver for a transfer to the starting point of your walking tour of Mykonos. With a private guide, stroll along the seafront, past the local fish and vegetable market. Keep your eyes peeled for the island’s cheerful avian mascot, Peter the Pelican. Visit the antique-filled Folklore Museum, situated in a charming 11th-century house on your way to Papaportiani Church. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the Church is a famous example of Cycladic architecture and is one of the most photographed spots in the Mediterranean. From here, continue onwards to the picturesque area of Alefkandra, known as the “Little Venice” of Mykonos. The gorgeous old houses are perched precariously on the edge of the sea, and the neighborhood is a popular area for local artists to set up their workshops. By the harbor, the iconic windmills stand guard facing the north, and offer a strikingly beautiful photographic opportunity. The windmills were used in the past to grind wheat, and provide a scenic vista overlooking Little Venice and the sea below. From here, continue to the House of Lena Museum, a great example of 19th century middle-class Mykonian life. End the afternoon with a stop at a local tavern for a sampling of Greek “meze”, including various traditional Greek dips and olives, feta cheese, and tomatoes. Enjoy a wine tasting with your guide, and learn about the history and terroir of Greek wines. Conclude this awe-inspiring tour with a return transfer to your cruise ship.

location_on Skopelos, Greece  |  schedule 4-5 hours

Meet your private vehicle accompanied by your English-speaking guide at the cruise port and set off on an unforgettable journey to the iconic filming locations of the beloved Mamma Mia! movie. Allow yourself to immerse in the world of the main characters with a leisurely 40-minute drive from the cruise ship dock. Discover various captivating spots, including the picturesque St. John's chapel, which requires climbing 200 steps and where the protagonists exchanged their vows. Your adventure continues with a visit to Kastani Beach, the movie's primary filming location, and Agnondas, offering breathtaking views of the Amarantou peninsula. Following this cinematic experience, take a leisurely stroll through the charming town of Glossa and enjoy the opportunity to explore a local olive oil factory. If you desire, savor a delectable lunch at the highly recommended Koralires restaurant (please note that the meal cost is not included). As your memorable tour concludes, your comfortable transportation will ensure a seamless return to your cruise ship.

location_on Rhodes, Greece  |  schedule 4 hours

Accompanied by your dedicated private driver and guide, leave the cruise port behind and set out on a half-day tour to Lindos, a village with 5,000 years of settlement. Leaving the city of Rhodes behind, you'll head south along the coastal road, passing several small villages before arriving to Lindos, the most important settlement on the island in antiquity, and where Apostle Paul stopped after he left Jerusalem to preach in Europe. Set out on foot for a walking tour through the labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets, and past the colorful courtyards and mosaics for which Lindos is famous. Visit the the Acropolis of Lindos, an ancient citadel overlooking the coast, perched at an impressive 535 feet above sea level. Here you'll have a stunning view over the island, and up-close encounters with the ruins of ancient temples and structures, including that of the Temple of Athena Lindia, dating back to 300 BC. Inside the temple you can see the table of offerings and the base of the cult statue of Athena. After making your way through the archaeological site, you'll conclude your tour with a transfer back to the port in Rhodes.

location_on Barcelona, Spain  |  schedule 5 hours

Set out with your private guide and driver from port to enjoy the highlights of Barcelona, one of the most dynamic cities on the Mediterranean. Explore the city's essential sights and learn of its fascinating history and culture. You'll begin with a visit to the iconic Sagrada Familia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Gaudi's monumental masterpiece. One of Barcelona's must-see sites, Sagrada Familia is the largest unfinished Roman Catholic church in the entire world. Walk along the elegant avenue of Paseo de Gracia where you can see four jewels of modernist architecture: Casa Lleo Morera, Casa Amatller, and the two stylized works by Gaudi known as Casa Batllo and the Casa Mila (La Pedrera). You'll then admire the sights of the 4th-century Roman Walls and 13th-century Cathedral in the Gothic Quarter, where narrow medieval streets lead you to the world famous Las Ramblas, a tree-lined pedestrian avenue that separates the Gothic Quarter from El Raval to the west. Pass by the Columbus Monument at the old port before heading to the top of Montjuic Hill for spectacular views over the city. Your tour concludes with a private transfer back to port.

location_on Lisbon, Portugal  |  schedule 5 hours

Visit Fátima and its Sanctuary, the site where Our Lady of Fátima appeared in 1917 with your private vehicle, guide and driver. Since then, millions of pilgrims go there to pay their promises, to pray or just to feel its mystical strength. The Sanctuary Square is so big that it can only be described by numbers: it can receive simultaneously 300,000 visitors and it's twice the size of St. Peter Square in the Vatican.

location_on Cannes, France  |  schedule 4 hours

Enjoy a private half-day shore excursion to the Provencal towns of Cannes, Antibes and Mougins. After being picked up at the port by your private driver-guide, you'll set out into Cannes, city of festivals, fireworks and film stars, where you'll stop at the famous Film Festival Palace where you can see the hand prints of immortalized stars. Discover the chic shops, the sandy beaches and enjoy the famous Croisette Boulevard, stretching the full coastline of Cannes. Continue to the beautiful resort town of Antibes, recognized for its impressive medieval ramparts and cobblestone historic core. Explore the picturesque town within the 16th century walls in the company of your guide before continuing inland up to the hilltop village of Mougins. Built in the shape of a snail, the small forest-encircled village is pedestrianized for the most part, and you'll meander narrow alleyways, stumbling upon local artist studios peppered across the historic buildings dating back to the 11th-15th century period when the town was controlled by Genoa. Conclude with a return transfer back to the port of Cannes.

location_on London, England  |  schedule 8 hours

Meet your private driver and guide at the cruise port and set out on a full day tour to familiarize yourself with London’s signature sights. In order to avoid the crowds later in the day, you’ll first make your way to the majestic Tower of London, heading through London’s historic center, passing Pudding Lane where the Great Fire of London started in 1666. Upon arrival, you’ll visit the Tower, an 11th century castle initiated by William the Conqueror, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home of the priceless Crown Jewels. From there, head through the City of London, home to the Bank of London and the London Stock Exchange. Continue to Westminster, renowned home of Hyde Park, the Houses of Parliament with Big Ben, Piccadilly Circus, Bond Street, and more. Here you'll visit the iconic Westminster Abbey, coronation and burial site for English monarchs dating back to 1066. Immerse yourself in this landmark of English history, rich in celebration and ceremony. At the end of the day, return to the cruise port.

location_on Reykjavik, Iceland  |  schedule 2.5 hours

Departing from port with your private guide and vehicle, embark on a tour of Reykjavik, the vibrant and culturally rich capital of Iceland, to uncover the city's most iconic sights. Catch beautiful views of Reykjavik's landmark mountain, Mt. Esja, most visible from the northern waterfront. Admire the stark and modern City Hall, standing proudly on the shore of Reykjavik's small central lake, Lake Tjornin. Spot the 19th century Althingi, home to the world's oldest parliament, and see the stark white Hofdi House, built in 1909, location for the historic 1986 summit which effectively marked the end of the Cold War. You'll visit the iconic Hallgrimskirkja Church - the largest in all of Iceland. This mid-20th century cathedral is Reykjavik's main landmark structure, its peak visible from almost everywhere in the city. Out front you can spot an impressively intimidating sculpture of Leif Erikson, donated by the United States in recognition of the discovery of the New World by Norse explorers from Iceland. Your tour will also include a visit to one of Reykjavik's celebrated museums: the National Museum, displaying objects that provide insight into Icelandic cultural history. Time permitting, you'll have the option of visiting the Asmundarsafn Sculpture Museum, featuring works by celebrated artist Asmundur Sveinsson. Conclude your tour with private transfer back to port.

location_on Sydney, Australia  |  schedule 5 hours

Embark on a private shore excursion to experience the essential highlights of Sydney, one of the most vibrant and visually striking cities in the world. Meet your private driver-guide at the port and set out to visit the historic Rocks precinct - birthplace of Sydney - where you’ll explore convict built cottages, pubs and the first church in Australia. Heading east, make your way to the gorgeous Botanical Gardens situated in the heart of the city. En route, pass through Macquarie Street – named after the fifth Governor of New South Wales, Lachlan Macquarie – where you’ll also see Australia’s first Parliament House, the Hyde Park Barracks and St Mary’s Cathedral. The tour continues onward to Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair – carved in sandstone and situated steps from the water – where you’ll begin a walking tour of the harbor’s edge, taking in magnificent views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House before rejoining your vehicle. Continue through Woolloomooloo, Kings Cross and into Rushcutters Bay. Stop for lunch at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, Australia’s premier yacht club and home to what is considered yachting’s ‘Everest’ – the Rolex Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race. Continue on through Darling Point, one of Sydney’s most affluent suburbs and see some of Sydney’s most sought after addresses. Pass by Double Bay, Rose Bay, Vaucluse and Watsons Bay, before traversing along the coastline to Sydney’s most famous beach, Bondi. Here you will have some time to soak up the atmosphere of this beachside Mecca before strolling down the esplanade. Returning to Sydney via vibrant Oxford Street and the suburb of Paddington, you’ll have time to admire this boutique shopping precinct and its charming Georgian and Victorian architecture before being transferred back to your cruise ship.

location_on Auckland, New Zealand  |  schedule 3-4 hours

Embark on a captivating private guided shore excursion to New Zealand’s largest and bustling metropolis, the city of Auckland. As you meet your dedicated driver and guide at the port, set out for an immersive city tour which unveils the vibrant essence of the "City of Sails”. Nestled upon 48 dormant volcanic cones Auckland brims with history, culture, and scenic wonders. Your morning expedition is a blend of exploration and insight, designed to not only reveal the city's rich heritage and iconic landmarks but also offer a glimpse into the local way of life. The tour encompasses key sites like Auckland University, the lush Domain, the iconic Harbour Bridge, and the bustling Queen Street. Mesmerizing vistas of the Hauraki Gulf and the city skyline await at Mount Victoria on the North Shore. Your journey also includes a visit to Auckland's Westhaven Marina, a testament to the city's deep-rooted passion for sailing. Following this personalized excursion, you'll be seamlessly transferred back to the port, ready to continue your cruise adventure.

location_on Phuket, Thailand  |  schedule 3 hours

Escape to a realm of tantalizing flavors and tropical elegance on this private guided shore excursion to the Phuket Chalong Bay Rum Distillery. As you step off your cruise ship, you will receive a warm welcome from your personal driver and guide, who will accompany you to the Distillery which is nestled amidst a peaceful and verdant setting. During the tour of the facilities, you will discover the process of making award-winning rum with a traditional French still from local sugar cane, grown in a sustainable manner, to bottling. You will also get to try your hand at mixing and drink your delicious concoction in the cocktail workshop, letting your creative juices flow by blending tantalizing cocktails while learning the story behind the rum in your glass. Unwind, indulge, and leave with memories as rich as the rum you'll savor. Your tour concludes with a return transfer to the port.

location_on Danang, Vietnam  |  schedule 6 hours

Meet your driver and guide at the port for a journey back in time on a captivating private shore excursion to My Son, the remarkable Cham archaeological site nestled 1.5 hours southwest of Hoi An in central Vietnam. Delve into the ancient history of the Cham civilization as you explore the well-preserved 70 building complex dating from the 4th to the 13th century. These impressive ancient temples stand as poignant reminders of the Cham people's artistic and cultural prowess, an intricate tapestry woven with skill and dedication. The intricacies of My Son are more than just a testament to architectural brilliance; they are a portal into the intricate web of cultural interplay. The connection between the Cham and Khmer civilizations becomes evident as you unravel the historical threads woven into the very fabric of this remarkable site. My Son's significance transcends its physical presence, resonating with the grandeur akin to renowned heritage sites like Angkor in Cambodia, Borobudur in Indonesia, and Bagan in Burma. You will be treated to lunch at a local restaurant before your return transfer to the port to reboard your ship.

location_on Tokyo, Japan  |  schedule 4 hours

Today, enjoy a deep dive into all things 'Japanese Tea Culture.' After meeting up with your private guide, visit a family-run tea shop located close to central Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, where you will have the opportunity to participate in a Japanese tea ceremony. Observe the graceful movements of tea preparation up close and learn the ceremonial way of drinking tea. Come to understand its tradition as a gesture of welcoming guests - whether into your home or your country. Afterward, you will have the chance to taste various grades of tea, ranging from ordinary green tea purchasable at the supermarket right up to the finest green tea used by reputable tea masters in a fine tea shop. At the end of the tea-rific experience, you will be transferred back to your port of call for embarkation.

location_on Buenos Aires, Argentina  |  schedule 5 hours

Meet your private driver and guide at the port and embark on an shore excursion to explore the magnificent San Telmo and La Boca, two of Buenos Aires' most beloved neighborhoods. San Telmo is without question one of the trendiest quarters of the city thanks to its cool, bohemian atmosphere and famed antique shops. Plaza Dorrego is the place to be on Sundays to find anything from antiques, memorabilia, second-hand clothes to dusty magazines during its traditional Antiques Fair. Next, set out to experience La Boca, arguably one of the city's most authentic neighborhoods. La Boca's history was largely shaped by immigrants who established themselves within this gritty port-side barrio. A working-class district, La Boca has jealously guarded its identity, of which soccer and tango are major ingredients. What will strike you immediately is the peculiar architecture, especially along Caminito Street, which in 1959 was declared an outdoor museum. It is the work of one of Argentina’s most famous painters and neighborhood philanthropists, Quinquela Martín. He gathered neighbors to paint the houses, made out of tin and scrap metal, in bright colors, emulating the early immigrants. The most recognizable icon, though, is La Bombonera (the Chocolate Box), right in the heart of the area and home of the Boca Juniors, the country’s largest soccer club. During the course of your tour you will be treated to a delectable lunch at a local restaurant. Conclude your tour with a transfer to the port.

location_on Rio de Janeiro, Brazil  |  schedule 6 hours

Enjoy a full day private excursion alongside a private vehicle, professional driver and English-speaking tour guide to visit Corcovado and Sugarloaf. After being picked up from the port, the morning starts with a panoramic tour of the Rio beaches, including Copacabana and Ipanema, and the famous Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon as you head to the Cosme Velho district. Board the traditional cog-wheel train and enjoy the ride through the Tijuca rainforest up to the iconic Christ the Redeemer Statue. Continue through the city to see the Metropolitan Cathedral and the traditional Cinelandia Square. Enjoy lunch (included) at a traditional Brazilian barbecue restaurant. After lunch, head towards the Urca neighborhood, to visit one of Rio's most iconic symbols, Sugar Loaf Mountain. Traveling on a cable car, stop on Urca Hill and then ascend on a second cable car to reach the Sugarloaf summit for breathtaking views of Copacabana Beach, the Santa Cruz Fortress and the beaches of Niteroi. At the end of the tour, you will be dropped back off at the port. Please note: The sites visited may change depending on current traffic conditions, weather, street closures or other factors that may impact the tour.

location_on Cartagena, Colombia  |  schedule 3 hours

Meet your driver at the port for a private shore excursion, experiencing the vibrant city of Cartagena on foot with a private guide. Carved from a colorful history rife of piracy, sultry Caribbean heat, with fusions of African, indigenous and European culture, Cartagena is Colombia’s living, breathing and pulsating museum. Your tour will take you through the old town where you will visit the 17th century clock tower, a symbol of Cartagena, then into the historic market square, Plaza de los Coches. Your guide will divulge the myths and legends, histories and stories of Cartagena from ancient times right up to the present. From the Plaza San Pedro Claver with its stunning Church, on through to the Plaza Bolivar; with its shady areas, where a fresh lemon juice can be enjoyed whilst watching the world go by. Make a stop at restaurant 1621 where you'll sample some of the finest Colombian rums paired with local chocolate, a delightful duo. Conclude your tour with a transfer to the port.

location_on Panama City, Panama  |  schedule 3 hours

Meet your private driver and guide at the port for a shore excursion to the world-famous Panama Canal, where you will be joined by a professional representative from the Panama Canal Authority to embark on an exclusive tour through the four exhibition rooms of the Miraflores Visitor Center. Discover operational details up-close, with detailed explanations on how this engineering marvel functions, enjoy a private visit to the movie theater to learn the history of the Panama Canal from its beginnings to the present, and cap off the experience with access to areas typically restricted to guests, such as canal platforms and control cabins where you are invited to snap a memorable photo. After an exclusive backstage experience at the Miraflores Locks, you will be transferred to the port to reboard your ship.

location_on Valparaiso, Chile  |  schedule 6 hours

Today, explore the coastal city of Valparaiso on a privately guided shore excursion, digging deep below the surface as you learn about celestial navigation in both Polynesian and European seafaring history. There is no better place to take in the vastness of the mighty Pacific Ocean than from the western shores of South America. This seemingly endless body of water holds stories of sailors and explorers who were brave enough to venture out into the sea in search of new territories. Along with your private guide and driver, gain insight into the role that Valparaiso played in the commerce and control of the Americas by foreign nations. The city’s strategic location made it the last port on this side of the Pacific before reaching the treacherous waters of the Magellan Straight. Often the target of pirates and privateers such as Sir Francis Drake, Valparaiso reveals its true face and proves that there is more to it than meets the eye. As you make your way through the city, your knowledgeable guide will unearth Valparaiso's fascinating history. Along the way you will be treated to lunch and at the end of your tour you will be transferred to the port to reboard your ship.

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Hello forum,

I am an experienced traveler who has visited over 104 countries and dealt with many tour operators, good and bad, and Kensington Tours was by far my worst experience with any of them. I’m sharing my recent experience below in the sole hope that others considering this company will have some indication of what they are getting into.

-From the outset Kensington refused to provide names or contact information for any drivers or guides meeting us at during any phase of our trip.

-During one leg a driver almost failed to show up entirely, arriving over half an hour late as we were prepared to give up waiting and board a taxi.

-Kensington’s agents in Santiago had no knowledge of two meals confirmed on our itinerary.

-Kensington insisted we would be flying to Lima, Peru when our itinerary had us confirmed for Punta Arenas, Chile.

-Kensington scheduled a 5:20am car for a 6:00am flight , knowing that the airport was 35 minutes away.

-During a six hour drive from Torres Del Paine to El Calafate for which we had confirmed a box lunch, the lunch was forgotten by the guide, and no water was available for the entire journey.

-When inquiring about adding Machu Picchu to our schedule Kensington made no attempt to warn us that on February 13th the U.S. Embassy in Lima issued a security message for US citizens indicating a specific threat to kidnap U.S. citizens in the Cusco and Machu Picchu area.

-Kensington went ahead and charged $11,000 for the Machu Picchu trip to my credit card without my consent and with full knowledge that we were no longer interested. They reversed the charge only after being warned by the President of American Express Platinum that this was unacceptable behavior from a merchant affiliate.

I am not seeking any form of compensation from Kensington, but I hope that others will heed the above and spare themselves a similar experience.

Andy from Amagansett

World Traveller Since 1967

Hello AndyFromAmagansett

Welcome to Tripadvisor and sorry to have of your experience.

Interestingly there are already quite a few threads on Kensington Tours so it might have been better to just have posted your experience to an existing thread instead of create a new one. Anyway, you might want to post your experience to a thread for them in Peru. Here is a link to the search I just did for 'kensington tours' on the main Tripadvisor homepage.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Search?q=Kensington+Tours&sub-search=SEARCH&geo=&pid=3826&returnTo=__2F__#ssrc=f,o=0,c=global

Hope this is helpful and trust your future travel experiences will be better. Importantly, keep traveling. We have to take the good with the bad!!!

Having said all that, I must also comment that our accommodations were outstanding, and they weren't all five star either. Our agent did a fantastic job in suggesting places that were in great locations, unique, or historic and atmospheric. We were thrilled with each place we stayed for one reason or two others. In several of the places we were upgraded, which I felt was most probably due to Kensington. All in all ours was a great trip, and as a result, I have recommended Kensington to friends. However, I have to say that after reading what Andy went through and the bit of discomfort we experienced due to a lack of preparation and information by Kensington, I would have to attach a disclaimer to any future recommendations that I would give the company.

I wish I had seen this,post before I spent a fortune paying Kensington for a family trip to Budapest, Vienna and Prague. They utterly failed to provide the required services and left us abandoned rather than guided. Their hotel recommendation was poor and they have responded to my inquiries with rudeness and insult. I would never use them again or recommend them.

My Kensington Tours experience could not have been more different. I’ve done two trips (Kenya & Tanzania 2010 and Peru 2013). Their staff were extremely knowledgeable and always quick to answer my frequent emails and questoins. Our guides were always on time, super friendly and really knowledgeable. In Peru and especially Africa they went out of their way to keep us happy and exceed our expectations. Our guide Godfrey knew the craziest details about every animal and bird. On our last day in Maasai Mara my friend who is a photographer was disappointed to not yet have gotten the perfect elephant photo. So Godfrey changed our entire day and we focused on tracking the herds until he got the perfect shot. I’m planning Myanmar next – won’t hesitate to call Kensington.

I agree with this review wholeheartedly. I am also an experienced traveler - more like 45 countries. I agree that I have had good and bad experiences but thought that I knew what to ask for in order to get close to what I wanted. My "expert" at Kensington tours, however, rejected every good idea I had for our trip. This wasn't just incompetence; it was an arrogance.

I decided to take my wife to Iceland for her 55th birthday as she always wanted to see the Northern Lights. This year was the best year in 60 years. There were Northern Lights 27 out of 28 days in February and 4 out of the 5 days we were in Iceland. Although we saw them faintly from the city, we never really saw them. I suggested booking 2 nights to see the Northern Lights, since that was our main reason for going to Iceland, but I was told that it would not be necessary because Kensington Tours would take care of picking the right night. Just before I got to Iceland, the forecast for our first couple of days looked clearer than the rest. I then sent several emails requesting that our Northern Lights tour be moved up from the last night to one of the first nights. Instead of doing as requested, Kensington Tours managed to move our trip to the week after we left Iceland but failed to tell us of this change. As a result, after hearing people talking day after day about the amazing Northern Lights, on the day we expected our tour no one showed up. As a result, we booked a much more expensive tour to chase the Northern lights. Unfortunately, we took this tour on the only day we were in Iceland that the Northern Lights did not appear. The tour companies in Iceland have a policy if you do not see the Northern Lights, they will let you go for free until you do see them. Unfortunately, as Kensington Tours booked us for our last night in Iceland instead of the beginning of the week as I had repeatedly requested, we could not take advantage of this guarantee.

The other thing that we really wanted to do while in Iceland was a 3 hour hike on a glacier. When we arrived at the glacier there were two buses from the same tour company one for a 1 hour tour and one for a 3 hour hike, and total pandaemonium. We got off the bus and were called by a guide from the tour company to get our crampons. It was only after we were on the glacier that we learned that we and 2 other couples from our bus were on the 1 hour instead of the 3 hour hike.

When our concerns were raised with Kensington Tours after the fact, pointing out the dozen or more emails making it clear that the Northern Lights were the primary reason we were going to Iceland, requesting to pay for multiple Northern Lights tours, requesting our Northern Lights tour be moved to the beginning of our trip, and the fact that had any of these requests been honored we would have seen fabulous Northern Lights, Kensington tours initially only would not even refund the costs we incurred for these failed events. They had no understanding of the thousands of dollars we had wasted on a bounced tour. Nor did they appreciate that two professionals have difficulty taking time off from work and use them to arrange a vacation so it will be perfect when they do. Eventually, after multiple emails Kensington tours reimbursed us for the failed trips but totally refused to take responsibility for the failed trip or the cost of going again to see the Northern Lights.

If I have the time, I arrange our own vacations, but when pressed by the demands of my jobs, I rely on tour companies. I will forever regret the Google search that came up with Kensington Tours as experts for Iceland travel. I would not use them to book me a walk across the street and hope that you will read this and avoid the same mistake that I made.

If you want any more details on how unprofessional and unknowledgeable Kensington Tours was during out trip to Iceland, please contact me at [email protected].

ArcticMark - It is not advisable to post your personal email address in a public forum like this, as spammers and other miscreants can harvest it for abuse. I suggest you have the post deleted and then repost your feedback without email addresses included.

We too are very experienced world travelers. We chose Kensington to plan our family vacation to Thailand because we wanted a high quality customized tour that would include small children. Custom tour? No! Every excursion was a hotel lobby pamphlet tour that I could have arranged myself. We did not have one guide accompany us throughout our entire trip as we were led to believe. A guide would pick us up at the airport and deliver us to our hotel. The next day a different guide would show up to take us on our "custom" pamphlet tour.

We were booked in hotels very far from the planned excursions. It took more than an hour in Bangkok to go to our Palace tour. Then an hour back to the hotel. Then another hour to go on our evening "foodie" tour, and an hour back. Don't go for the "foodie" street food tour.

Then in Chang Mai we were booked into a substitute four star hotel (I'm not sure how they got four stars!) instead of the five star hotel on the itinerary. One family of four were split into two separate rooms on two different floors, even though we had requested and paid for connecting rooms for them almost a year in advance!

Then in Phuket we were an hours drive from our beautiful (but remote) hotel to the launch site to visit the Phi Phi Islands. Then more hours in the boat. The entire day was spent traveling in a van or in a boat with very little time to enjoy any sights.

We were scheduled to have a jungle safari walk in the morning (remember the rain), have lunch, drive the three hours to Phuket airport and arrive in Bangkok in the evening for a 6:00 am flight the next morning to go back home. Of course, international flights require you to be there two hours ahead of time, so we had to be at the Bangkok airport by 4:00 am. Terrible scheduling for our last two days. I called a local travel company and begged them to rescue us from Kensington's inept planning. So we got to Bangkok in the late afternoon instead of late at night. That helped even though we had to pay extra to Elephant Hills for the change in plans.

I didn't see any schedules for our in-country flights until we got to Thailand. I had vouchers for all the hotels and the little guided tours. So, I actually was the guide in charge of overseeing the trip, not Kensington!

For the price they charge for their off-the-shelf "custom" tours, you can do a lot better than Kensington. We will definitely never use them again.

Never on any previous trip with Kensington have their representatives failed to accommodate our group with suggestions and or requests for changes in our trips during the planning stages and or during the actual trip. In fact, they have gone out of their way to work with us. They are easy to communicate with while in country--I have emailed our representative before we turn in for the night and by the next morning, our answer to any question and or solution to any problems--potential or actual-- is waiting for us. In Nepal, our rep actually called the corporate offices of the airline we were flying with and made it possible for us to check our bags straight through to NYC instead of having to re check everything onto our connecting flight from Katmandu to Delhi.

I find it regretful that any individual feels "OK" about publishing such a negative review. I guess that one person's idea of adventure travel is not another man's idea of adventure travel. And, perhaps if our previous trips with Kensington had cost even a fraction of the amounts of money that you are mentioning....well, perhaps we would have "sweated the small stuff" more. Wow...an $11,000 charge. Glad you have a platinum card...we travel the world quite nicely with our green one.

I would not hesitate to travel with Kensington again and I highly recommend them to anyone thinking of traveling with them.

PS It is every US citizen's responsibility to be aware of travel warnings. That is not the responsibility of your tour company. I strongly suggest that you register with the US State Department prior to your next trip. The app for you smartphone--US State Department Smart Traveler-- is free and you will receive any warnings regarding in country related warnings to US citizens 24/7 directly to your phone.

I was recently asked for some recommendations on an Africa trip so looked up some old emails and itinerary to send a good friend. I took my mother there for her 60th birthday in 2009 through Kensington Tours. A close friend knew the founder of the company and highly recommended it. I did not expect any special treatment, but was surprised by the level of abhorrent service and after service. I had initially tried to sort out things directly with the company rather than post a negative review as I know how damaging that can be for a company that is dependent on online reviews. However, the only compensation we were offered was a credit to travel again through Kensington Tours, which my mother and I will never do again. Since I was looking up my old itinerary, I was curious to see whether others had experienced the same poor service for such an expensive trip such as a Safari and was relieved to see that others had taken the time to post the reviews.

There appears to be some others in this thread who have had good experiences with the company and I'm sure that some of the dealings must be positive or the company would find themselves out of business. However, I was surprised that there was an accusation that people take lightly posting negative replies. I think it is safe to say that when you consider online reviews, many are hesitant to post negative reviews so those who have taken the time must have truly had horrible experiences. We paid the company nearly $20,000 USD for a trip of a lifetime for my mother - it is not because we have platinum cards or travel that way typically, but my mother had wanted to go to Africa all her life. I wanted the experience to be the best it could be.

The main issue was our driver. He was horrible. He was lazy, rude, unhelpful, unwilling to accommodate and at times, scoffed at us. When we were travelling through an area where tze tze flies are abundant, he refused to close the windows and turn on the a/c in the vehicle despite our being attacked and bitten. We paid to have a private safari and the level of service was insulting. We tried our best efforts to give the driver a chance, but he was completely ruining our trip. It was so bad that by the 4th day, we contacted the company contact (which was very difficult to do) and requested a new driver to be sent. There was a great deal of resistance to this and I had to insist that either the company sent a driver or we would hire one and seek compensation from them even if that required legal proceedings. They did in fact send another driver who was a huge improvement, but by the time he arrived we were half way through the safari portion of our trip.

When we arrived at the Ngorongoro Crater, there was a confusion in our room booking. Apparently, Kensington had only booked us for one night instead of two. I had intentionally booked us for two nights at the accommodation there in order for my mother to have an opportunity to have a little rest before we continued through the safari (there were many nights we only spent one night at an accommodation in order to cover what we wished). Because of the mistake, the hotel manager was only able to offer us sub-par family accommodations in a much lower category room than we paid for. Not only was this a poor substitute for a great deal of planning on my part, but this meant we had to pack up and move again the second night to get the room we had paid for for at least the second night. When this was brought up with Kensington Tours on our return, they blamed the hotel for overbooking. There was no effort by the company to seek any refund for the rate of room we were offered nor was there any compensation offered to us for the money they took in payment from us.

Overall, the company seems to be ok, but is not a high quality product. If you are paying a substantial amount for a special trip, I would suggest considering another company to plan your details.

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This 18-day guided tour adds a personal touch as you travel from Portugal to Spain. In Lisbon, traverse the avenues of the Lower Town and learn about the city's finest square with a knowledgeable Local Expert. At Madrid's Prado Museum, an art historian will guide you through rooms of Spain's most impressive Renaissance art. Sample Spain’s most delicious wines and learn about the Verdejo grape at an exclusive wine tasting in in Rueda. Then in Barcelona, walk through the ancient Roman Gate with a Local Expert before stopping to visit the city's most breathtaking basilica, Sagrada Família. Later, join a Gijon local for an intimate and freshly prepared lunch made from locally-sourced produce.

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