At the time of booking, you will be asked what type of room you would like.

A double room has either one large bed or two smaller ones. Double rooms are perfect for couples or if you’re travelling with a companion and wish to share a room. There are plenty of double rooms available on our tours.

A single or solo room has only one bed and may be smaller in size. These rooms are first come, first-served, as most properties have only a certain amount of these available.

A triple room usually consists of a standard double room with two beds. A cot or fold-up bed may be added, but it depends on the room size and local fire codes. Triples are first come, first-served, as they are also very limited. If you booked a triple and only a double and single room is available at a hotel, appropriate charges for the single and double accommodations will be assessed.

We will forward your request to the hotel and do our best to accommodate your needs; however, please know that we cannot make any guarantees.

All of the hotels we use are equipped with air conditioning and heat. However, in an effort to be more energy efficient, the Spanish and Portuguese government regulates the specific time of year when hotels can turn on their air conditioning and heating systems. This means that during the spring and fall, hotels will not always have their air conditioners and heaters turned on.

Hotel rooms in Spain and Portugal are generally smaller than average, as most Spanish and Portuguese hotels are renovated historic buildings which don’t offer a lot of space.

Please also be aware that many standard rooms in hotels in Europe do not have walk in showers, as the rooms will often have a combination bathtub/shower. Please also note that bathtubs in Europe tend to have much taller sides requiring agility to climb in and out. Usually bathtubs are equipped with safety handles.

On every tour, we look to provide the highest quality accommodations in the best location. If you’re visiting a city, we want you in the heart of it. In certain countries, the hotel rooms may not be as large as standard hotel rooms in North America.

Here are a few details to keep in mind:

Check-in times are set by individual hotels and can vary, but most hotels offer afternoon check-ins. Depending on your arrival time, you may have to wait before you can get into your room. Some hotels may be willing to store your luggage in a secure location until your room is ready. In these instances, the hotel will not be responsible for lost or stolen items and there may be a charge for this service.

Please observe check out times at all properties. Hotels designate these as well.

Some hotels require a credit card imprint or your passport information upon check in in order to activate telephones in the rooms and for potential incidental charges. Most hotels charge an access fee for using phones in hotel rooms. Please check with the front desk personnel at each hotel for specific policies. You will be responsible for all incidental fees occurred during your stay, and these must be paid at time of check out.

Hotel membership programs are not applicable.

The Americans with Disabilities Act does not apply outside of the United States.

We will make reasonable efforts to accommodate the special needs of our guests. However, if you require individual assistance you must be accompanied by a companion who is capable of, and totally responsible for, providing the necessary assistance. Neither our personnel nor the personnel of our destination partners may physically lift or assist clients onto transportation vehicles at any time while on tour. We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance to a guest who has special mobility or other like needs.

Due to varied flight schedules and arrival times of our tour guests, there are no scheduled activities prior to dinner on arrival day. Should your flight schedule allow for an early arrival, enjoy this opportunity for some independent exploration.

If you are staying post tour, your Tour Manager will be available to offer suggestions for your additional time in the area.

Should you have some extra time before your tour begins, you’ll find plenty to do in lovely Madrid, the capital of Spain and its largest city!

Perhaps visit the popular Plaza de Oriente, known as the front square to the Royal Palace — the largest palace in all of Western Europe.

Madrid Cathedral, the only Spanish cathedral to have been consecrated by a Pope, is another noteworthy stop to experience Madrid’s stunning architecture.

Take in the culture of Madrid at the Plaza Mayor, Madrid’s main square located in the center of the city. There, dine at a quaint cafe or window shop in the nearby boutiques.

Important historic and contemporary collections can be found at the world-famous Prado Museum.*

The Reina Sophia Museum highlights the famous “Guernica” and “Woman in Blue” by Picasso as well as works by such artists as Miró and Dali.

Visit Caixa Forum, Madrid’s latest cultural and architectural gem. The lively exterior of this remarkable building features a vertical garden by the French botanist Patrick Blanc.

El Parque de Retiro, the main park in Madrid is not far from the Prado Museum, and is a popular place to stroll, enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride, or paddle boat in the pond.

The Paseo de la Castellana and Gran Via, Madrid’s most famous streets, features hundreds of stores, restaurants, banks, bars, cinemas and theaters that will allow you to experience what Madrid has to offer. Perhaps try the famous churros dipped in chocolate or the quintessential Spanish tapas.

Maybe embark on a day trip to Avila – a medieval wall city or El Escoril, the historical residence of the king of Spain.

When you’re deciding what to bring on your trip, we have a few suggestions for you.

In regards to clothing, think layers. It’s much easier to maintain a level of comfort if you can add or remove a layer at a time, especially if you’re travelling to a destination where the temperature can vary widely. So always, bring a light jacket or sweater. Fleece or wool is best. We recommend staying away from cotton sweaters or jackets as they won’t keep you warm if they get wet.

Comfortable footwear is crucial. Make sure you bring a pair of shoes that fit well and give you the necessary support. If you decide to purchase new shoes for your trip, we suggest you wear them a number of times before you leave to break them in. Your feet will thank you.

Be prepared for all types of weather. For warm, sunny weather, pack sunscreen, a hat or a bandana/scarf to protect your neck from sunburn. For cool, rainy weather, pack a light raincoat, travel umbrella, waterproof shoes and a thin pair of gloves.

For your toiletries, pack anything that could leak in plastic bags or a waterproof case. In addition, you might want to bring a washcloth or two. Not all hotels provide them.

If you take prescription medication, make sure to bring enough for your entire tour plus a few additional days in the original prescription containers.

Medication should be packed in your carry-on bag, never your checked luggage; this is in case your luggage is delayed. You don’t want to be without your medication. You could also bring extra medication in a separate bag in case any gets lost.

In general, we recommend not packing anything of value in your checked bag.

You’ll want to take pictures of everything, so make sure to bring a camera as well as extra memory cards and batteries for your entire trip. If you decide to bring a video camera, don’t forget an extra battery for it plus a charger. Be sure to pack chargers and cords for all your electronic equipment.

It’s also a good idea to bring a travel alarm clock, a travel sewing kit, a portable scale to weigh luggage, and some hand sanitizer for when soap and water aren’t readily available.

If you are travelling with a companion, we suggest dividing the contents of your suitcase with them, that way if one bag is delayed, some of your belongings are still available to you both.

If that is not an option for you, you could put a change of clothing in your carry-on if there’s room. That will give you something to wear if your checked luggage is delayed as well.

Last but certainly not least, leave room! You’ll need it to fit all the souvenirs you want to bring home.

It used to be when traveling abroad, you had to go to a bank to exchange your home currency for that of the country you were visiting. Thanks to technology, those days are gone. Now you can use your bank card at any ATM in almost any city around the world just like you would at home. There may be a fee for this convenience, but it makes getting local currency quick and easy.

You can find ATMs in airports, hotels, and banks. Fees tend to be lower at hotels or within cities than they are at the airport. Many exchange bureaus in Europe will not accept 50 or 100 US dollar bills. While most vendors accept credit cards, you may need local currency for lunch, gratuities or for smaller purchases.

You can also pay with a credit card when travelling. The price will automatically be converted to your home currency by the system. Some merchants charge a fee for this service, but it adds an extra guarantee on your purchase, so it’s a nice option.

If you have a credit or debit card with a chip in it, it is recommended you use it rather than a card with a magnetic strip. The chip adds an extra layer of protection against fraud.

Many of our tours include optional excursions that are available for purchase. If you decide to go on one of these during your trip, please note, the credit card you use for payment must have an expiration date greater than 30 days from the start of the tour.

If you choose to review exchange rates or exchange currency before you depart for your trip, the currency in this region is the Euro.

If you plan to enter or leave the EU carrying the equivalent of €10,000 or more in cash, you must declare it at customs. Cash includes currency notes, coins, bankers’ drafts, checks, and travelers’ checks. If you do not declare the cash, customs authorities could take away your money, and you may receive a fine of as much as €8,000.

When traveling to another country, you may need an adaptor and/or electric converter to plug your electrical devices and appliances into the local power grid. An adaptor changes the plug so it fits into the outlet. A converter changes the voltage coming out of the outlet.

To determine what you need, first verify if the plugs on your devices fit the outlet of your destination.

In Europe, the plug type is C, which has two round pins. If your plugs do not match this description, you will need an adaptor.

Next, verify the voltage of each device you intend to bring. You can find this information on the cord, plug, or on the device itself. Many devices are dual-voltage. For those, you do not need a converter. If your device is not dual-voltage and it differs from the voltage of your destination, you will need a voltage converter.

In Europe, the voltage is 220v-230v. If necessary, make sure to get a converter that converts to this voltage.

If you plan to bring a sleep apnea machine, please remember to bring an extension cord along with the adaptor and voltage converter.

The highest elevation encountered on this tour is 2,200 feet in Madrid.

Tipping is a great way to show your appreciation for the people who help keep your tour running smoothly. But it can be confusing who to tip, when to tip, and how much. For baggage handling and waitstaff gratuities for included meals, the tips are handled by us. For hotel housekeeping staff, local sightseeing guides, transfer drivers, motor coach drivers, and Tour Managers, gratuities are not included in the price of your tour. Here are a few of our suggestions:

Tour Manager: To express appreciation for your Tour Manager’s delivery of excellent service, it is customary to tip 7-10 US dollars (or equivalent in local currency) per person for each travel day. (When to tip: at the end of your tour.)

Local Guide: For the insights, knowledge, and stories they share with you, we suggest a gratuity amount of 2-3 US dollars (or equivalent in local currency) per person. (When to tip: at the end of your day or time with your guide.)

Motor Coach Driver: To express your appreciation for a job well done, it is customary to tip 3-5 US dollars (or equivalent in local currency) per person for each travel day. (When to tip: at the end of your tour or time with your driver.)

Here is a list of entities we recommend you contact before you depart on your tour:

1.) Your cell phone/mobile carrier if you are planning on using your device. You will want to confirm you will have access in the area(s) you will visit and inquire about any charges you may incur.

2.) Your credit card company for any card(s) you plan to use. Make sure the card company knows when and where you will be traveling to avoid any charges being declined.

3.) Your bank, so you can use your ATM/debit card worry-free. If you are travelling to another country, your bank will be able to tell you if your card will work at the ATM machines to dispense local currency, including if your PIN will be accepted. Also, indicate if you plan to use your debit card as a credit card if your card has that option. Your bank will advise you of any charges for each transaction as well.

Leave a copy of your itinerary, hotel list (included in your tour documents bundle) and a contact number with a designated person in case an emergency comes up while you’re away and someone needs to reach you.

We recommend you leave a copy of your passport at home in a secure location and bring an additional copy with you as a precaution.

During your flight, make sure to stand up and walk around as much as possible, and drink plenty of water. These simple suggestions will help you stay comfortable, particularly during long flights.

As an added measure of confidence while traveling internationally, visit www.travel.state.gov. The U.S. State Department offers a “Smart Travelers Enrollment Program” (STEP), which you may individually choose to enroll in. This allows the U.S. to better assist with lost passports or in the event of any emergency abroad.

Thank you for choosing to travel with us and allowing us to guide you along this adventure! From the moment you step out your door, we strive to provide a comprehensive, stress-free, and unforgettable travel experience. To that end, the following features are included with your tour: motor coach transportation, accommodations, hotel luggage handling (porterage), select meals, admission to attractions as outlined in your itinerary, and gratuities for bellmen, door attendants and wait staff.

At the beginning of your tour, your Tour Manager will distribute a personal radio and headset. You should wear them on sightseeing tours to make sure you can hear your guides clearly at all times. Please bring them with you every day. Your Tour Manager will collect them at the very end of your tour, typically on your last evening. You are responsible for returning these devices and will be charged a replacement fee should you fail to do so.

You’re in for a treat as you get a taste of the local flavor in two destinations that are known for unique seasonings and delicious flavors — Spain and Portugal.

One of Spain’s most revered dishes is “paella,” a rice dish often cooked with seafood, pork, rabbit or chicken, and seasoned with saffron. Though paella is traditionally a dish of eastern Spain, you can find it in almost all regions.

Sherry, olive oil and seafood flavor much of the dishes found in Spain.

Tapas, or small plates of olives, meats, cheeses, almonds and other specialties, are found all over Spain and are typically served both hot and cold. This allows the opportunity to sample many different elements of the Spanish cuisine.

Portuguese food is simple, based on regional produce, with an emphasis on fish, meat, olive oil, tomato and spices. The Portuguese love hearty soups, sausages, homemade bread and cheeses.

The proximity to the sea makes it possible to combine both diversity and quality, and the main dish of a meal is often based on fish, most notably sardines, tuna and shellfish, clams and cockles.

Meat is also widely available and includes such distinctive local dishes as: sautéed bife à Portuguesa or grilled steak, very often cooked in a Port wine sauce; espetadas (kebab) which is marinated in wine and garlic; and the famous Portuguese specialty, “Piri Piri” chicken in which the chicken is marinated with chilies and barbecued to perfection.

One of Portugal’s best-kept secrets is its vast and unique range of desserts, cakes and pastries. The chocolate mousse tends to be rich, dense and smooth. Another favorite is arroz doce, a lemon and cinnamon flavored rice pudding.

Portugal has a large, flavorful collection of wine. The red wines in particular are quite popular, though Vinho Verde is Portugal’s own delicious white wine which is widely available.

In order to enhance your experience on tour, five local guides will accompany the group in specific locations. These guides come from the region and have a deep understanding of the people and culture. They are joining the tour to share their knowledge with you. Please refer to your Tour Manager for the cities these guides will join your tour and refer to the gratuities section for tipping recommendations.

Guests flying to the United States from all international destinations will require extra screening when carrying powdered products weighing 12 oz./ 350 ml or more in carry-on luggage for security reasons. This added security measure will apply to all powders, with the exception of baby formula and medications. For your convenience, please consider packing any non-essential powders in your checked bag. Items that cannot be verified by a TSA officer risk being confiscated. Please visit www.tsa.gov for more information.

Remember the 3-1-1 rule: Each airline passenger is allowed to bring 1 quart-sized bag containing no more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) of any liquids, gels, and aerosols in their carry-on bag. Any liquids, including water bottles, that don’t fit in the one quart-sized bag or are larger than 3 ounces will be discarded by security. Common items that must comply with this rule include toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, and lotion. For a complete list of what is allowed and not allowed to bring on a plane, visit www.tsa.gov.

Your day of departure is almost here, and it’s time to think about what to pack. We have a few guidelines to help you. But before you pack anything, you must check with your airline for any luggage fees or restrictions. These can vary widely depending on your carrier and destination.

Let’s begin. The first thing to consider is how many bags to bring. We recommend one large bag that will be checked on the plane and onto the touring bus and one carry-on bag. It’s very important you keep this in mind. We have limited space on our buses, so limiting the bags ensures there’s room for everyone’s luggage.

Your larger bag can’t be more than 62 in/157 cm in length, height and width and cannot weigh more than 50lb/23kg. Your carry-on cannot be bigger than 17 x 12 x 10 inches (43 x 30 x 25 centimeters) so it will fit under the seat or in the overhead racks on the buses. Your carry-on should be a size that you can carry comfortably. You will use this bag to hold your personal items during sightseeing trips.

Please note that if you bring more than one checked bag and one carry-on, we cannot guarantee there will be room for them on the bus. You’ll need to store or ship any additional luggage at your own expense. If there is room for your additional luggage, we will charge a fee of 4 USD per bag per hotel. It’s also very important that all your bags be labeled clearly. In your packet you will find a luggage tag. Please attach it to the bag you plan to check.

The name on this tag should match the information on your reservation exactly, so the Tour Manager and all baggage handlers can properly identify the bag as yours. This will ensure the bag is delivered to you quickly and efficiently.

Finally, we recommend you purchase travel insurance to ensure peace of mind while you’re on tour. We cannot assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft or normal wear and tear that results from hotel, airline and group carrier handling. But we offer comprehensive “No Worries Travel Protection” for your convenience. With insurance, you’ll be able to focus on creating wonderful memories, not worrying about your luggage.

Please note, some attractions do not allow large backpacks into their sites, so you may need a smaller bag for sightseeing.

The food people eat is a window into their history, traditions, and values, and sharing food brings people together. One of the many wonderful aspects of travel is to experience as much of the regional cuisine as possible. Your tour includes many meals as outlined on your itinerary. Our team has carefully chosen restaurants that feature local ingredients and offer regional flavors.

For meals that are not included in your itinerary, your Tour Manager will be happy to recommend eateries and local businesses that best fit your taste and needs.

The average price for meals in this region ranges from 20 to 30 US Dollars for lunch and 30 to 50 US Dollars for dinner.

The water is safe to drink in both Spain and Portugal. However, people tend to drink bottled water for the taste. You can easily purchase bottled water at hotels and convenience stores if you wish. Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout each day of your tour to stay hydrated.

In Spain and Portugal, breakfast is normally served between 7:30-10:30 a.m. Dinner in Spain is served starting at 8:30 p.m. and can go well into the night. In smaller towns, most establishments are closed from 1:00-4:00 p.m. for “siesta,” or afternoon break. Dinner in Portugal is normally from 7:00 p.m. onwards. People in Portugal do not observe siesta.

Please let your Tour Manager know of any food allergies or dietary needs you may have at the beginning or your tour.

Included in your tour documents bundle is your personalized name tag. We ask that you put this on before your first gathered event and wear it throughout your tour. This helps your fellow travelers get to know you and for your Tour Manager to better identify you in large groups.

For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway

• Ernest Hemingway’s classic 1940 novel following an American demolitions expert fighting fascist forces in the 1937 Spanish Civil War who must decide whether to sacrifice innocent civilians for the greater anti-fascist cause.

Guernica by David Boling

• An extraordinary epic of love, family and war set in the Basque town of Guernica before, during, and after its destruction by the German Luftwaffe during the Spanish Civil War.

Portugal: A Companion History by Jose Hermano Saraiva

• An illustrated brief history of Portugal written for non-specialist foreign readers. Also included in the book is a historical gazetteer, short biographies, chronological tables and maps.

The First Global Village by Martin Page

• Page takes the reader back in time, when Portugal was ‘Rome on the Atlantic,’ and brings us full circle to Portugal’s Carnation Revolution of 1974. A historical account describing the evolution of Portugal, its conquests and the inventiveness of its people.

Unknown Seas: How Vasco da Gama Opened the East by Ronald Watkins

• In the 15th century, the world beyond Europe began to emerge from myth and legend, and it was the Portuguese who led the way. They founded an empire that stretched from China to Brazil, and the peak of their achievement was Vasco da Gama’s discovery of a sea route to India. This novel annotates da Gama’s journey.

Night Train to Lisbon by Pascal Mercier

• The story is about an old-fashioned teacher, Raimund Gregorius, stepping from his comfort zone and going on an adventurous journey from Switzerland to Portugal in search of a mysterious Portuguese author, Amadeu de Prado, and the people who were part of Prado’s life.

In the European Union, the law states all passengers must wear a seat belt in all vehicles whenever one is available. Most of the motor coaches we use will have them, so if you see one, be sure to wear it. Failure to comply could result in a personal fine of up to Euro 750. Please be aware that we will not issue refunds to passengers fined for non-compliance. While on tour, your Tour Manager will remind you to buckle up.

One of the best parts of traveling is coming back home with souvenirs that really reflect the place you’ve just been.

As you explore Spain and Portugal, look for Lladro figurines — a popular, traditional souvenir!

Discover many products made from ceramics and porcelain as well as jewelry made from both silver and gold.

Leather goods, wine and port, shoes, embroidery, lacework, hand-woven clothing and Damascine products are very popular in both Spain and Portugal.

Spanish craftsmanship can be found in abundance in the many traditional leather products produced in various regions. Andalucian leatherwork is especially renowned for the excellent quality of its leather and trendy designs. Spanish fashion designers and shoemakers, whose creations are often made by hand using traditional fabrics, are also increasing in popularity.

Spain is well-known for its ceramics. Each region boasts at least one unique type. For example, ceramics made in Talavera de la Reina represent the old tradition, while the Manises school of ceramics in Valencia is famous for the metallic sheen of its crystal glasses.

You will also find traditional wooden furniture in Spain — particularly in the workshops around Valencia.

Spanish wines are always popular and make for a wonderful souvenir.

Portugal is known for its aromatic soaps, Portus Cale fragranced candles, traditional biscuits, olive oils, jams, as well as artwork designed by young Portuguese artists.

Look for antique and contemporary hand-painted tiles as well as distinctive regional ceramics.

Our tours are non-smoking throughout. If you require a smoking room, please let your Client Care agent know when you book your tour. Please note we cannot guarantee your request as many hotels prohibit smoking in rooms and on property.

Please be mindful of other locations where smoking is not allowed. These include the motor coach, at dining venues, and any other restricted areas on tour. Guests are responsible for any fines they incur for failing to comply with smoking regulations.

Portugal is 5 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time and Eastern Daylight Time.

Spain is 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time and Eastern Daylight Time.

Peace of mind for our guests is our number one priority. When you’re on tour with us, your only thoughts should be to immerse yourself in creating lifelong memories. Your Tour Manager is a destination expert on the people, places, history, and culture and ensures that you will have the best experience with us. Please utilize your Tour Manager’s expertise for any concerns or questions you may have while on tour.

If you have chosen our air-inclusive tour package, you have opted that we take care of all your air travels from your home to the destination and back. This also includes any inter-flights from city to city within the tour package if applicable. We ask that you keep the following in mind:

1) In order to comply with Homeland Security’s “Secure Flight” mandate, you must provide full name (including middle name or middle initial, if applicable), as it appears on your valid, non-expired, government issued photo ID that you will show at the airport. The name on your airline ticket must be an exact match to this ID, or you may be prevented from boarding the aircraft.

2) If you are a member of a participating frequent flyer program, make sure to provide the number when you book your trip and retain the copy of your ticket and boarding pass so you will receive proper credit for your mileage. Please note that some air tickets are not eligible for mileage accrual.

3) Whenever possible, we will add charges for air departure taxes to your invoice. Some international arrival and departure fees are not included in your air ticket and must be paid by you during the tour in the local currency.

If you chose to purchase a land-only tour package, you have opted to purchase your own airline tickets to and from home and, if applicable to your tour package, flights from city to city (inter-flights). In this case, we ask that you keep a few important factors in mind when booking your round-trip flights:

1) Please make sure your round-trip flights work with your tour itinerary. There may be scheduled activities on these days.

2) You must provide us with your flight schedules for the entire tour upon final payment. This ensures that we can arrange any other services you may have purchased from us, including hotel transfers, and that your Tour Manager will know when to expect your arrival. This also allows us to maintain contact with you in case of an emergency.

We offer full-service transfers from start to finish. So, when you arrive at the airport of your destination, arrangements will have been made to transfer you to your first hotel on the tour.

If you purchased our air-inclusive tour package, you will enjoy this service free of charge.

If you purchased your air ticket on your own (our land-only tour package), you may purchase a round-trip transfer for a fee.

Meeting locations and times will be set up to accommodate your transfer arrival and departure schedules, which will be provided to you in your documents packet. If you decide to arrange your own transportation to the hotel, please make sure to check in with your Tour Manager once you arrive.

Your comfort is important to us. With that in mind, we charter coaches that are temperature controlled and have toilet facilities on board. However, in certain countries, coaches with toilet facilities may not be available or they are for emergency use only. If this is the case, please be assured that frequent stops will be made along the touring route for your comfort and convenience.

Change your seat, change your view! At least once a day, the Tour Manager will ask all guests to change seats. This ensures that every guest has an opportunity to enjoy a variety of views as they travel and a chance to get to know each other better. In fairness to all, there will be no exceptions to this policy.