Spain and Portugal Guided Tours

05/08/2024

Traveling to Spain is not a full trip until you have experienced the city of Barcelona, a cosmopolitan city with immense charm

If you have been to Barcelona, share with your fellow group members places you enjoyed seeing while in Barcelona.

18/07/2024

𝔸𝕖𝕣𝕚𝕒𝕝 𝕗𝕝𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥 𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣 𝕤𝕠𝕞𝕖 𝕠𝕗 𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕗𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕡𝕝𝕒𝕔𝕖𝕤 𝕚𝕟 𝕊𝕡𝕒𝕚𝕟. 𝕄𝕠𝕤𝕥 𝕥𝕣𝕒𝕧𝕖𝕝𝕖𝕣𝕤 𝕠𝕟𝕝𝕪 𝕤𝕖𝕖 𝕡𝕝𝕒𝕔𝕖𝕤 𝕗𝕣𝕠𝕞 𝕤𝕥𝕣𝕖𝕖𝕥 𝕝𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕝 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕠𝕗𝕥𝕖𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕪 𝕨𝕠𝕟𝕕𝕖𝕣 𝕨𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕒𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕤 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕪 𝕧𝕚𝕤𝕚𝕥 𝕝𝕠𝕠𝕜 𝕝𝕚𝕜𝕖 𝕗𝕣𝕠𝕞 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕒𝕚𝕣.

𝔻𝕠 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕜𝕟𝕠𝕨 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕤𝕖 𝕡𝕝𝕒𝕔𝕖𝕤?

𝕃𝕖𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕒 𝕔𝕠𝕞𝕞𝕖𝕟𝕥 !

16/07/2024

𝔸𝕝𝕝𝕠𝕨 𝕦𝕤 𝕥𝕠 𝕚𝕟𝕥𝕣𝕠𝕕𝕦𝕔𝕖 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕥𝕠 𝕒 𝕝𝕦𝕩𝕦𝕣𝕚𝕠𝕦𝕤 𝕖𝕩𝕡𝕝𝕠𝕣𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟 𝕠𝕗 𝔹𝕚𝕝𝕓𝕒𝕠 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕔𝕣𝕠𝕨𝕟 𝕛𝕖𝕨𝕖𝕝 𝕠𝕗 𝕊𝕡𝕒𝕚𝕟𝕤 𝔹𝕒𝕤𝕢𝕦𝕖 ℂ𝕠𝕦𝕟𝕥𝕣𝕪

Nestled on Spain's northern coast, Bilbao has emerged as a must-visit destination, drawing discerning travelers from around the globe. This once-industrial city has undergone a remarkable metamorphosis, shedding its former reputation as a gritty, economically depressed urban center.

In a surprisingly short span, Bilbao has reinvented itself as a beacon of contemporary design and culture, all while maintaining its rich heritage and unique Basque identity. The city's transformation is so profound that it defies easy description - one must experience it firsthand to truly appreciate the scale of change.
Art aficionados will delight in Bilbao's world-class museums; the Guggenheim houses an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art, including pieces by international luminaries. Meanwhile, the Fine Arts Museum offers a comprehensive look at Basque and Spanish artistic traditions, featuring works from medieval times to the present day.
The city's vibrant culinary scene is a testament to the region's gastronomic heritage, with Michelin-starred restaurants sitting alongside traditional pintxos bars. Oenophiles can sample exceptional local wines, from the renowned Rioja Alavesa to the crisp Txakoli. Music, dance, and traditional Basque sports also play a vital role in the city's cultural tapestry.

Whether you're drawn by the allure of cutting-edge design, the depth of artistic offerings, or the richness of Basque culture, our Bilbao tour promises an unforgettable journey of discovery.
🌟 Discover Bilbao: The Hidden Gem of Spain's Basque Country! 🌟
Embark on a luxurious journey through Bilbao with our exclusive VIP tours! 🏙️✨

Why Bilbao?
🎨 Home to the iconic Guggenheim Museum
🍷 World-class cuisine and wine
🏛️ Stunning blend of modern and historic architecture
🏞️ Gateway to the breathtaking Basque countryside
Our private tours offer:
🔑 Personalized experiences
👑 VIP access to top attractions
🍽️ Reservations at Michelin-starred restaurants
🎭 Immersion in rich Basque culture
From art lovers to foodies, Bilbao has something for everyone. Let us craft your perfect Spanish getaway!
👉
𝖢𝗈𝗇𝗍𝖺𝖼𝗍 www.spainandportugalvacations.com 𝗍𝗈 𝗂𝗇𝖼𝗈𝗋𝗉𝗈𝗋𝖺𝗍𝖾 𝖡𝗂𝗅𝖻𝖺𝗈 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗇𝗈𝗋𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗋𝗇 𝖲𝗉𝖺𝗂𝗇 𝗂𝗇𝗍𝗈 𝗒𝗈𝗎𝗋 𝗇𝖾𝗑𝗍 𝖾𝗑𝖼𝗅𝗎𝗌𝗂𝗏𝖾 𝗉𝗋𝗂𝗏𝖺𝗍𝖾 𝗍𝗋𝖺𝗏𝖾𝗅 𝖾𝗑𝗉𝖾𝗋𝗂𝖾𝗇𝖼𝖾.

10/07/2024

𝔻𝕚𝕤𝕔𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝔼𝕟𝕔𝕙𝕒𝕟𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕍𝕚𝕥𝕠𝕣𝕚𝕒-𝔾𝕒𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕚𝕫:

𝕋𝕨𝕠 𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕣𝕤 𝕗𝕣𝕠𝕞 𝕊𝕒𝕟 𝕊𝕖𝕓𝕒𝕤𝕥𝕚á𝕟, 𝕍𝕚𝕥𝕠𝕣𝕚𝕒-𝔾𝕒𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕚𝕫 𝕚𝕤 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕔𝕒𝕡𝕚𝕥𝕒𝕝 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝔹𝕒𝕤𝕢𝕦𝕖 ℂ𝕠𝕦𝕟𝕥𝕣𝕪 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕊𝕡𝕒𝕚𝕟'𝕤 𝕠𝕟𝕝𝕪 “𝔾𝕝𝕠𝕓𝕒𝕝 𝔾𝕣𝕖𝕖𝕟 ℂ𝕚𝕥𝕪”.

This hidden gem offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and sustainable living that will captivate the discerning traveler.

Whether you're drawn to history, art, music, or sustainable living, Vitoria-Gasteiz provides a serene yet stimulating environment to satisfy your curiosity and rejuvenate your senses.

Places we can include in your private tour:

- The Medieval: Step back in time as you wander through the beautifully preserved old town, with its ancient layout and remnants of defensive walls, the stunning Cathedral of Santa Maria and churches that have inspired literary giants like Ken Follett.

- Cultural: including the world-renowned Playing Cards Museum and the fascinating Natural Sciences Museum housed in the 15th-century Tower of Doña Otxanda.

- Green Spaces: Stroll through meticulously maintained parks and the innovative Green Ring, showcasing the city's commitment to sustainability and urban planning.

- Gastronomic: Indulge in the special cuisine of the region, savoring local delicacies in the vibrant Plaza de la Virgen Blanca.

- Jewish Heritage: Explore the fascinating history of Basque Jews along Judería street and in the historic Casa del Cordón.

𝕆𝕦𝕣 𝕥𝕠𝕦𝕣𝕤 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕕𝕖𝕤𝕚𝕘𝕟𝕖𝕕 𝕥𝕠 𝕡𝕣𝕠𝕧𝕚𝕕𝕖 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕨𝕚𝕥𝕙 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕦𝕥𝕞𝕠𝕤𝕥 𝕡𝕣𝕚𝕧𝕒𝕔𝕪 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕡𝕖𝕣𝕤𝕠𝕟𝕒𝕝𝕚𝕫𝕖𝕕 𝕒𝕥𝕥𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟. 𝔼𝕒𝕔𝕙 𝕥𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕚𝕤 𝕖𝕩𝕔𝕝𝕦𝕤𝕚𝕧𝕖 𝕥𝕠 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕡𝕒𝕣𝕥𝕪, 𝕖𝕟𝕤𝕦𝕣𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕒𝕟 𝕚𝕟𝕥𝕚𝕞𝕒𝕥𝕖 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕥𝕒𝕚𝕝𝕠𝕣𝕖𝕕 𝕖𝕩𝕡𝕖𝕣𝕚𝕖𝕟𝕔𝕖 𝕒𝕨𝕒𝕪 𝕗𝕣𝕠𝕞 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕔𝕣𝕠𝕨𝕕𝕤.

𝕀𝕟𝕔𝕝𝕦𝕕𝕖𝕕 𝕚𝕟 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕡𝕣𝕚𝕧𝕒𝕥𝕖 𝕥𝕠𝕦𝕣:

ℙ𝕣𝕚𝕧𝕒𝕥𝕖 𝕥𝕣𝕒𝕟𝕤𝕡𝕠𝕣𝕥𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟𝔼𝕩𝕡𝕖𝕣𝕥 𝕡𝕖𝕣𝕤𝕠𝕟𝕒𝕝 𝕘𝕦𝕚𝕕𝕖 𝕕𝕖𝕕𝕚𝕔𝕒𝕥𝕖𝕕 𝕥𝕠 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕘𝕣𝕠𝕦𝕡ℙ𝕣𝕚𝕠𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕪 𝕒𝕔𝕔𝕖𝕤𝕤 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕥𝕚𝕔𝕜𝕖𝕥𝕤 𝕥𝕠 𝕞𝕒𝕚𝕟 𝕞𝕠𝕟𝕦𝕞𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕤 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕒𝕥𝕥𝕣𝕒𝕔𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟𝕤𝔽𝕝𝕖𝕩𝕚𝕓𝕚𝕝𝕚𝕥𝕪 𝕥𝕠 𝕔𝕦𝕤𝕥𝕠𝕞𝕚𝕫𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕚𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕖𝕣𝕒𝕣𝕪 𝕥𝕠 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕚𝕟𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕖𝕤𝕥𝕤

06/07/2024

Dreaming of the beautiful blue ocean, the waves crashing on to the beach and the sounds of the seagulls flying over our heads.

01/07/2024

ℍ𝕚𝕤𝕥𝕠𝕣𝕪 𝕠𝕗 𝕃𝕚𝕤𝕓𝕠𝕟 ℙ𝕣𝕚𝕧𝕒𝕥𝕖 𝕋𝕠𝕦𝕣𝕤, 𝕨𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕨𝕖 𝕥𝕒𝕜𝕖 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕥𝕠 𝕤𝕠𝕞𝕖 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕞𝕠𝕤𝕥 𝕚𝕔𝕠𝕟𝕚𝕔 𝕒𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕤 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕤𝕙𝕠𝕨 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕙𝕠𝕨 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕔𝕚𝕥𝕪 𝕙𝕒𝕤 𝕘𝕣𝕠𝕨𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕣𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕝𝕒𝕤𝕥 𝕤𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕒𝕝 𝕔𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕦𝕣𝕚𝕖𝕤 𝕥𝕠 𝟚𝟘𝟚𝟜.

𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚏𝚊𝚛𝚒𝚣 𝚍𝚘 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚘

This fountain with baroque lines was built in 1794 by architect Carlos Mandel and located in Praça do Rato, next to Palácio Palmela. Made of lioz stone, it has sinuous lines, and is composed of a tank and frame that surrounds the fountain.

Lioz stone is a Portuguese limestone from the Lisbon region which is usually a beige-colored stone with irregular background and thin grain, often featuring clear signs of fossils throughout its surface.

The fountain no longer carries water and sadly has been in a state of disrepair for many years. However, when built and for many decades it was the main source of water for this part of Lisbon, which did not have it's own source of water supply until the advent of modern drilling techniques and pipelines.

The source of water to this fountain was the impressive Mae da Aqua reservoir; designed in 1746 by the Hungarian architect Carlos Mardel. The reservoir was built to receive and distribute the water carried by the Águas Livres Aqueduct.

The photo with two children collecting water was taken by the Portuguese photographer Joshua Benoliel (b. 1873 – d. 1932).

He is considered the creator of photographic reporting in Portugal who was born into a Jewish family and became the official photographer of King Dom Carlos I and accompanied Kings Dom Carlos and Dom Manuel II on their official visits abroad.

The colored photo is the same fountain from 2022 taken by Portuguese photographer named Joao Carvalho.

The photo showing horses with water barrels and people milling around is by another Portuguese photographer; José Artur Leitão Bárcia, (b. 1871- d. 1945). The date of this photo is unknown.

23/06/2024

We're starting some great new tours in Lisbon and throughout Portugal Unveiled: Lisbon and Beyond Portugal.

If you're not following our other Facebook Groups you'll be missing out. Please take a minute to join with these links.

Discover Portugal Travel Portugal Unveiled: Lisbon and Beyond

And now onto our new ...

ℍ𝕚𝕤𝕥𝕠𝕣𝕪 𝕠𝕗 𝕃𝕚𝕤𝕓𝕠𝕟 ℙ𝕣𝕚𝕧𝕒𝕥𝕖 𝕋𝕠𝕦𝕣𝕤, 𝕨𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕨𝕖 𝕥𝕒𝕜𝕖 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕥𝕠 𝕤𝕠𝕞𝕖 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕞𝕠𝕤𝕥 𝕚𝕔𝕠𝕟𝕚𝕔 𝕒𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕤 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕤𝕙𝕠𝕨 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕙𝕠𝕨 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕔𝕚𝕥𝕪 𝕙𝕒𝕤 𝕘𝕣𝕠𝕨𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕣𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕝𝕒𝕤𝕥 𝕤𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕒𝕝 𝕔𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕦𝕣𝕚𝕖𝕤 𝕥𝕠 𝟚𝟘𝟚𝟜.

Palace of the Dukes of Lafoes or Grilos, Beato, Lisbon

The 1st Duke of Lafões directed the construction of Grilo Palace after Lisbon's massive earthquake on 1 November 1755.

The palace was the first official headquarters of the Portuguese Academia of Sciences when the 2nd Duke lived here.
- the photo with a pink rectangular framing was taken in that same room which still exists today almost exactly when it was built.

The interiors are characterized by decorative richness of murals and the famous blue and white tiles called Azulejos. The ones you see today are from the period when the palace was constructed. Found inside are mural painting sets by Cirilo Wolkmar Machado, and the tiles from the 18th and 19th centuries, which decorate the palace's themed rooms (Academy Room, Venus Room, Chinese Room) .

In 2011 the palace was classified as a Monument of Public Interest.

In 2018 the palace was purchased from the family of the Dukes of Lafoes. In 2022, the Palais was restructured by architect Julien Labrousse and in 2023 the project was laureate of the Versailles Prize - the UNESCO World Prize for Architecture.

16/06/2024

𝕃𝕚𝕤𝕓𝕠𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕣𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕝𝕒𝕤𝕥 𝕤𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕒𝕝 𝕔𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕦𝕣𝕚𝕖𝕤⨟ 𝕡𝕒𝕣𝕥 𝕠𝕗 𝕠𝕦𝕣 ℍ𝕚𝕤𝕥𝕠𝕣𝕪 𝕠𝕗 𝕃𝕚𝕤𝕓𝕠𝕟 ℙ𝕣𝕚𝕧𝕒𝕥𝕖 𝕋𝕠𝕦𝕣𝕤, 𝕨𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕨𝕖 𝕥𝕒𝕜𝕖 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕥𝕠 𝕤𝕠𝕞𝕖 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕞𝕠𝕤𝕥 𝕚𝕔𝕠𝕟𝕚𝕔 𝕒𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕤 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕤𝕙𝕠𝕨 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕙𝕠𝕨 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕔𝕚𝕥𝕪 𝕙𝕒𝕤 𝕘𝕣𝕠𝕨𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕣𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕝𝕒𝕤𝕥 𝕤𝕖𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕒𝕝 𝕔𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕦𝕣𝕚𝕖𝕤 𝕥𝕠 𝕨𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕚𝕥 𝕚𝕤 𝕥𝕠𝕕𝕒𝕪, 𝕚𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝟚𝟘𝟚𝟜.

The photograph with the sailboats is the location of Park Edward VII sometime around the year 1935. The sailboats are on a lake formed inside of which was once a rock quarry. Today that same area has been filled and made into a grass covered park with incredible views of Lisbon. Where you see people at the forefront of the photo is approximately where you will find today the beautiful Pavilhao Carlos Lopes, worth visiting for the stunning blue and white azulejos (tiles).

The image of a train station is the still standing Estacao de Santa Appolonia ( train station) built in the 1880’s and the first train station into Lisbon. In this image, you see that the Tejo river abuts the to train station. You will not see this today as the land has been filled in and now the Tejo river is several hundred meters from the station.

CCB - Centro Cultural de Belem. The Belém Cultural Centre was prepared in a very short period (1989–1992). Completed in 1992, it occupies a total of 100,000 m2 and is the work of architects Vittorio Gregotti and Manuel Salgado; the interior design was planned by Daciano Costa. The Performing Arts Centre, the core of the site's cultural and artistic activities, it includes two auditoriums (the larger holding 1,429 seats and the smaller with 348 seats), rehearsal hall with 72 seats, in order to support film, opera, ballet, theatre and music events, and since June 2007, it has been the venue for the Foundation of Modern and Contemporary Art (the Berardo Museum Collection). https://www.ccb.pt/en/

Monument of the Discoveries. One of my favourite images of this iconic Lisbon landmarks as it becomes visible whilst arising out of the early morning rising steam from the dew covered park. This monument was built for the Portuguese World Exposition in 1940 that marked the 800 year anniversary of the founding of Portugal and 300 years since Independence from Spain. It was located in the Praca Imperio where today are found the CCB (above), Tower of Belem and Monastery of Jerónimos. The monument has colossal figures of people from Portuguese history with Prince Henry the Navigator standing at the bow of the monument shaped to resemble a sailing ship. The monument itself was dismantled in 1958 and rebuilt in 1960 to commemorate the 500 year anniversary of Prince Henry the Navigators death.

When travelling to Lisbon, our guides are able to accommodate a private tour for you and those in your party. We’ll provide all the transportation you need as well as any entry tickets required.

Feel free to contact: [email protected]

07/06/2024

𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐚𝐲 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐓𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐬......... 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐠𝐚𝐥 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐏𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐬

Portuguese gastronomy is one of the greatest treasures Portugal has. In a world where restaurants are becoming fancier and fancier, it is still possible to find traditional snacks in traditional restaurants.


Usually, locals, when meeting friends, for example, may seek out the greatest “Tasca” with the best “petiscos”. The “petiscos”, or snacks, may be different from region to region, but the flavours and the atmosphere around the table with some bifanas and a beer are inexplicable.

Bifanas

Not only found in a Tasca but also in popular parties. Bifanas are probably the most famous Portuguese snacks, being common to see people eating one or two for breakfast, with a beer, or two, of course.

Some believe that this pork sandwich is typically from Alentejo, however, some recipes made in North Portugal are as great as the bifanas made in Alentejo, for example.

Bifana is a sandwich with pork meat, sliced very thinly, cooked in oil, and seasoned with spices and white wine. In Porto, the recipe also includes tomato sauce, adding acid flavour to the dish. It is impossible to eat only one bifana, usually, people ask for, at least, two, so it can be properly enjoyed!

Pipis

Hearing that people eat chicken gizzards, livers, hearts, and necks may seem weird, but if put together by the right cook, people will definitely taste Portuguese culture in a dish.

Properly cooked, the “pipis” are definitely a great snack to have at the table, with friends or family.

Cooked in a sauce with white wine and tomato sauce. Because of this sauce, it is imperative to have loads of bread, pão alentejano would be the greatest.

Combining the bread and the sauce will take people’s palate to heaven, especially with a bit of “piri-piri”, to spice things up.

Peixinhos da horta

Portuguese cuisine is not only about meat. There are also vegetarian snacks, like peixinhos da horta. Literally translated to “farm’s little fishes”, this dish has nothing to do with fish, besides probably its shape.

This recipe is fried green beans that were involved in batter, similar to tempura, which, by the way, has a Portuguese origin. Besides not being the most common snack, it may be found in some specific restaurants.

Chouriço Assado

Chouriço assado is probably the easiest recipe out of all the dishes mentioned before. All it requires is a clay grill and alcohol, to make sure the chouriço is grilled with proper fire.

Some people may cut all the chouriço, without completely slicing it, making the grilling process much easier and quicker.

Similarly to other Portuguese “petiscos”, chouriço assado goes well with bread and cheese.

Read the full article by clicking on this link.

https://www.theportugalnews.com/news/2024-06-01/spain-may-have-tapas-but-portugal-has-petiscos/89399

26/03/2024

This fountain has been furnishing the people where it's located, near Sintra, Portugal, for many generations if not longer. It's pure spring water from the Serra da Sintra mountain range just a about 20 miles from Lisbon, Portugal.

17/11/2023

WE WERE HACKED!! On 11/3/2023 we were accessed from Indonesia (found this after researching). Thet changed the name of this page from https://www.facebook.com/spainandportugaltours

We have appealed to get the name returned without success.

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