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Spain and Portugal
Tauck Partners' Savings – Deduct $260 per person April – June and $190 per person July – October. Certain restrictions apply; ask at booking for details. A comprehensive Spain and Portugal tour reveals the differing cultures and scenic contrasts of these two fascinating countries that share the Iberian Peninsula. While in Portugal tour two UNESCO World Heritage sites, Sintra and Evora, as you discover the strong traditions and lovely scenery of this small country. Savor the best of Spain as you journey through distinctively different regions to visit cities as Seville, Toledo, Córdoba and Madrid. Special Tauck experiences include lunch at a sherry bodega in Jerez de la Frontera, a taste of authentic Andalucían cuisine during a family style lunch at a traditional inn, and a visit to the renowned Royal Andalucían School of Equestrian Art. Tauck's Spain and Portugal tour offers you a delightful and culturally enriching vacation experience!
Day-by-Day Itinerary
2009 Itinerary
Day 1 –Your Portugal tour begins in Lisbon
Tour begins: 2:00 pm, Tivoli Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
A transfer is included from Lisboa Airport to your hotel, the Tivoli Lisboa. The afternoon’s guided sightseeing tour in Lisbon provides an introduction to this intriguing city and its most famous landmarks; visit Mosterio du Jeronimos and see the Discoveries Monument and the Tower of Belém. Meet your traveling companions this evening at a welcome reception and dinner.
Meals: Dinner
Lodging: Tivoli Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
Day 2 – Along the Portuguese Riviera to Sintra and Cascais
An excursion from Lisbon today takes you to Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage site, for a visit to the 14th-century Royal Palace of Sintra, a highlight of every Portugal tour. Travel through the fishing village of Cascais, its bay dotted with brightly colored boats, and the well-known resort town of Estoril on the Portuguese Riviera before arriving back in Lisbon.
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Tivoli Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
Day 3 – Spend the day in medieval Evora
Cross Europe's longest suspension bridge – the Vasco da Gama Bridge over the Tagus River – en route to the medieval, walled city of Evora, also a UNESCO World Heritage site and another highlight of any Portugal tour. A guided tour reveals its Roman ruins, Moorish arcades, churches and monasteries create a fascinating cultural tapestry. Spend the night at a luxury hotel in a picturesque locale that was once a 15th-century convent.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Convento do Espinheiro, Evora, Portugal
Day 4 – On to Andalucía, home to Seville and the flamenco
As your Portugal tour concludes, your exploration of Spain heats up! Spain's famous southern province of Andalucía is as famous for gypsies and flamenco dancing as it is for its seaside resorts and small, whitewashed villages; see the Roman ruins of Mérida. The provincial capital of Seville blends the vibrant Spain of today with centuries of history and old-world charm. Spend the next two nights at one of Europe's most luxurious hotels, commissioned by the King of Spain for the famous Exposition of 1929; a private performance of flamenco dancing awaits this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Hotel Alfonso XIII, Seville, Spain
Day 5 – A carriage ride and more in historic Seville
A sightseeing tour takes in many of Seville’s historic and cultural attractions. See Carmen’s famous Tobacco Factory, the Parque de María Luisa, the Macarena district, Murillo Gardens, and the site of the 1929 Expo. Enjoy a carriage ride to Seville's impressive Gothic cathedral, the final resting place of Christopher Columbus, and take a walking tour of fascinating Barrio de Santa Cruz, the city's Jewish Quarter. The remainder of the day is yours to explore Seville as you please.
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Hotel Alfonso XIII, Seville, Spain
Day 6 – Jerez de la Frontera, Gibraltar, and coastal Marbella
Depart Seville for Jerez de la Frontera, known for its sweet wines, sherry, fine horses and flamenco dancers; visit the palatial Real Escuela Andaluza de Arte Equestre (Royal Andalucían School of Equestrian Art) where the famous Andalucían horses are bred and perform their amazing equestrian "ballet." Enjoy a true taste of the region during lunch at a sherry bodega, then it's on to Gibraltar. Weather permitting, you'll see the silhouette of the fabled Rock of Gibraltar, then travel to the glamorous coastal resort town of Marbella for a two-night stay at a beachfront resort and spa.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Hotel Fuerte Miramar-Spa, Marbella, Spain
Day 7 – By the sea, by the sea, by the beautiful sea in Marbella
A day of delight by the sea begins with a morning tour that provides an introduction to Marbella's Old Town (Casco Antigua). Afterwards, the entire day is yours to enjoy the seaside pleasures of Marbella, Spain's marvelous resort.
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Hotel Fuerte Miramar-Spa, Marbella, Spain
Day 8 – Moorish influences in Ronda and Granada
Journey from the coast into the mountains to visit scenic, cliff-top Ronda, synonymous with the evolution of the art of bullfighting. A walking tour in Ronda reveals the town’s Moorish heritage and includes a visit to one of Spain's oldest bullrings. Continue on to Granada, situated in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, boasting extraordinary Moorish architecture; your hotel is steps away from the city's celebrated Moorish palace.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Hotel Alhambra Palace, Granada, Spain
Day 9 – The Alhambra and Córdoba
A highlight of your Spain and Portugal tour is today's guided visit to Granada's famed Moorish Alhambra; tour the Palace, considered to be one of the world’s most beautiful, and stroll the Generalife, grounds of the summer palace of former sultans. Enjoy some of Spain’s most beautiful landscapes en route to Córdoba, another city heavily influenced by the ancient Moors.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Lodging: AC Córdoba Palacio, Córdoba, Spain
Day 10 – From Córdoba to the Sierra Morena Mountains
Córdoba’s candy-striped La Mezquita is a masterpiece of architecture and art. View the cathedral's walls and decorative details from the alleyways of the Judería during a walking tour through this historic Jewish quarter. Journey into the Sierra Morena Mountains and view the whitewashed houses clinging to the high hillside. Continue on via these scenic back roads through the mountains to Almagro to enjoy a stay at Parador de Almagro, once a Franciscan monastery.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Parador de Almagro, Almagro, Spain
Day 11 – In the land of Don Quixote, from Toledo and on to Madrid
It was in the Consuegra region that Don Quixote de la Mancha fearlessly tilted at windmills. A walking tour in Toledo, considered by many to be the heart and soul of Spain, includes visits to the Church of Santo Tomé to see The Burial of the Count of Orgaz, thought to be the artist El Greco’s finest painting, and a synagogue in the historic Jewish quarter. Arrive in Madrid for three nights at The Westin Palace in the heart of the city, a short walk from the tapas bars that novelist Ernest Hemingway made famous.
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: The Westin Palace, Madrid, Spain
Day 12 – Olé Madrid
Located at the geographic center of the Iberian Peninsula, cosmopolitan Madrid has many charms. A sightseeing tour of the city's must-see sites this morning includes a visit to the Royal Palace, along views of Madrid's famed squares, Neptuno and Cibeles fountains, Grand Via and Paseo de la Castellana. The afternoon is free to spend as you please in one of the world's most popular cities.
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: The Westin Palace, Madrid, Spain
Day 13 – An art lover’s Paradise
Survey the Spanish School of artists during a guided tour of Museo del Prado, housing works by Murillo, Goya, El Greco, and Velázques. Art lovers may enjoy exploring other notable museums, such as the private collection of Baron von Thyssen-Bornemisza, during a free afternoon in this remarkable city. Relive the experiences you’ve shared on your Spain and Portugal tour with your new friends at a farewell cocktail reception and dinner tonight.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: The Westin Palace, Madrid, Spain
Day 14 – Journey home
Tauck's Spain and Portugal tour ends: Madrid, Spain. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from The Westin Palace, Madrid to Madrid Barajas Airport. Allow a minimum of 2 ½ hours for flight check-in at the airport.
Meals: Breakfast
This very popular Spain and Portugal tour sells out
quickly so don’t delay in making your reservations!
Prices
14 Days from $4,590 plus airfare
| 2009 Price Per Person | Double | Single | Triple |
| $4590 |
$5997 | $4330 |
26 meals included.
Tauck Partners' Savings – Deduct $260 per person April – June and $190 per person July – October. Certain restrictions apply; ask at booking for details.
International Airfare is additional. Call Tauck for special rates on international air for travel originating in the U.S. (subject to availability).
Please ask at time of booking about additional hotel nights before your tour begins and about our comprehensive Guest Protection Plan.
Note – Please note that dinner in Spain is usually after 10:00 PM. We’ve arranged for special availability as early as 8:30 PM in most restaurants.
Need to Know
Inclusive Prices
Tour prices are per person in U.S. dollars. All hotel accommodations, motor coach transportation, sightseeing, admissions, luggage handling and the services of the Tauck Director, local guides and drivers are included. A representative of Tauck will meet you at Lisbon’s Lisboa Airport and provide transportation to the Hotel Tivoli Lisboa, regardless of the day and time of your arrival, provided you have furnished us with accurate flight information at least two weeks prior to the start of your tour. Tauck will also provide transportation from the Westin Palace Hotel to Madrid Barajas International Airport on the day of your departure. Please allow at least 2½ hours for flight check-in.
Hotel Accommodations – The tour price includes all hotel accommodations with private baths. The Tauck standard is to provide the best available hotels without sacrificing value. Although the quality may differ slightly from place to place, Tauck's commitment to your comfort is unwavering. Two-bedded rooms are reserved in most hotels. Triples are two-bedded rooms with a rollaway cot where available and are not recommended for comfort.
Meals – Most meals are included as specified in the itinerary. Dinner in Spain is customarily served after 10:00 PM. We have arranged for our guests to dine as early as 8:30 PM in most restaurants.
Tauck Director – Spain and Portugal is conducted by a Tauck Director who remains with the group throughout the duration of the tour. Your Tauck Director is a professional, fully trained employee of Tauck.
Gratuities Included – All gratuities for restaurant and hotel staff, and local guides are included.
No Options Sold – Your Tauck Director will assist you with information on free-time activities based on honest opinion and guidance but will not sell you anything. This means better value and a more relaxed and pleasant experience for you.
Hotel Accommodations – The tour price includes all hotel accommodations with private baths. The Tauck standard is to provide the best available hotels without sacrificing value. Although the quality may differ slightly from place to place, Tauck's commitment to your comfort is unwavering. Two-bedded rooms are reserved in most hotels. Triples are two-bedded rooms with a rollaway cot where available and are not recommended for comfort.
Meals – Most meals are included as specified in the itinerary. Dinner in Spain is customarily served after 10:00 PM. We have arranged for our guests to dine as early as 8:30 PM in most restaurants.
Tauck Director – Spain and Portugal is conducted by a Tauck Director who remains with the group throughout the duration of the tour. Your Tauck Director is a professional, fully trained employee of Tauck.
Gratuities Included – All gratuities for restaurant and hotel staff, and local guides are included.
No Options Sold – Your Tauck Director will assist you with information on free-time activities based on honest opinion and guidance but will not sell you anything. This means better value and a more relaxed and pleasant experience for you.
Not Included
Airfare to the tour departure point and from the tour ending point is not included. Airfare may be purchased from Tauck for travel originating in the United States.
Hotel Rooms Before and After Tours – To avoid jet lag and possible flight delays, you may wish to make hotel arrangements for the nights preceding or following your tour. As a service, Tauck will book additional nights for you on a space-available basis using special rates only available through Tauck. Hotel room charges will be added to the tour cost. If you wish to spend additional nights, please consult the Extend This Journey section on this website and discuss it with the reservations agent when you book your tour.
Luggage Responsibility – Although every effort is made to handle your luggage carefully, we cannot be responsible, assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft, or fair wear and tear through hotel, airline and group carrier handling. It is important for your own self-interest and protection that you make certain you have adequate insurance to cover these eventualities. Please refer to the Tauck Protection Plan for more information.
Personal Expenses - Phone calls, room service, alcoholic and bar beverages, laundry, airline excess luggage charges, vaccinations, visa fees and services, and other optional or incidental extras are not included and may be significant.
Tauck Director Gratuities - The customary gratuities for the Tauck Director and driver are not included. Gratuities should be extended on a voluntary, individual basis and not as a group.
Additional Information
Airline Security Measures - In the U.S., you must provide identification in the form of a passport at the time of airport check-in for travel to international destinations. Your passport name must match the name on your tour reservation and airline ticket or you may be denied boarding.
If you are traveling from an airport outside the jurisdiction of the U.S, you will need to determine what travel documentation and identification is required for that particular airport.
Due to heightened security regulations, certain items such as a metal nail file, pocketknife, cigarette lighter, or tweezers, and some liquid, gel, and aerosol items may not be permitted in your carry-on luggage. Please call your airline prior to departure to obtain current information on non-permissible carry-on items and recommended airport check-in times.
You may also visit the U.S. Transportation Security Administration Internet website to obtain more information on acceptable identity documentation and prohibited luggage items by clicking here.
Air Services – Airfare may be purchased through Tauck for travel originating in the United States. By using Tauck's air services, you agree that Tauck, in purchasing, selling or otherwise arranging air transportation, is acting only as your agent and is not liable or responsible for any accident, death, personal injury, illness, property damage, delay or other loss or expense of any nature whatsoever arising directly or indirectly out of any act of God, or any actions or omissions (including any failure to provide services) or default of, any carrier. All carriers are independent contractors and are not owned, managed, controlled or operated by Tauck. Your airline ticket constitutes a contract between yourself and the airline (and not Tauck), even if purchased through Tauck. Tauck is not liable for, and does not assume responsibility or accept claims with regard to, seat assignments, schedule changes, flight changes, cancellations, claims for a refund or reimbursement of airline ticket fees, or any other loss incurred by you for any reason whatsoever (including, without limitation to, bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar relief from creditors). Tauck must handle ticketing for Tauck's special fares, which are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed until reserved. Special fares cannot be combined with any other promotional offer. Tauck's air services can only be purchased in conjunction with a Tauck tour. Tickets or e-ticket numbers will be mailed with final documents. If you cancel or change your air before or after departure, all airline cancellation and change fees will apply.
Holiday and Museum Closures – Museum visits and personal shopping time may be disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances or the many religious, state and local holidays locally observed.
Itinerary Changes and Price Flexibility – Tauck pledges to make every effort to operate your tour as advertised. Tauck reserves the right to alter or curtail the itinerary, or substitute sightseeing, hotels, and/or conveyances as deemed necessary. Any savings realized by these changes will be refunded to you. Any resultant added expense will be covered by Tauck. Although not expected, prices on this website may be modified due to unexpected significant external factors not forecast at the time of publication.
Journey Start and End Times are provided at the time of booking. The tour begins at 2:00 PM at the Tivoli Lisboa on the first day of the tour. You or your booking agent will be advised of any change to this schedule. The tour ends at check-out time at the Westin Palace Madrid Hotel on the last day of the tour. Please allow at least 2½ hours for flight check-in.
Membership will be granted to all persons. Tauck reserves the right to terminate the tour of any person who is abusive of others or whose behavior disrupts the tour.
Photography on Tour – Occasionally, Tauck will use photographs taken by fellow guests or your Tauck Director on your tour for promotional purposes. If you prefer that your photo not be used in any marketing activities, please notify your Tauck Director at the start of your tour.
Preparing To Go
Air Conditioning – All the hotels and motor coaches used on this tour are air-conditioned for your comfort. European air conditioning in hotels should be considered as a climate-control system; most have three settings for the fan, plus a "cool" setting. Very few of the European systems actually have a temperature setting. In general, the amount of cool air that is produced from a European air-conditioning system may be less than what you may have in your own home.
ATM and Credit Cards - We recommend that you contact your bank in advance of departing on this tour to determine whether you will be able to use your ATM and credit cards while traveling. When contacting your bank, notify them of your travel dates so that they will anticipate charges being made outside of your hometown and do not suspend your cards for what may appear to them to be “suspicious” charges. We also recommend that you make a photocopy of the front and back sides of your ATM and credit cards to leave behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your cards are misplaced, lost or stolen.
Clothing and Packing – Spain and Portugal are generally warm and dry from April through September. Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is flexible and allows for layering. Casual, cotton clothing is recommended. A light sweater or jacket will provide warmth on a chilly early morning walk or a late night stroll.
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 with the exception of the Hotel Alhambra Palace. 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:
- Sports jacket for men
- Casually-elegant outfits for ladies
- Short and long-sleeved cotton shirts
- Shorts, slacks and jeans
- Tee shirts
- Socks
- Light-weight sweater
- Light-weight jacket
- Comfortable yet sturdy walking shoes that have already been broken-in
- Raincoat and rain hat
- Collapsible umbrella
- Swimwear
- Gym wear
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat
- Insect repellent
- Camera, lenses, batteries, memory cards and plenty of film
- Travel alarm clock
- Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in the safe in your hotel room while traveling
Elevation - The maximum elevation on this tour is approximately 3,200 ft (975 m).
Health - The tour is fast paced. You should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances over uneven terrain, as some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. 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. However, the amount of walking you do at the various sites and towns is at your discretion.
Health - The tour is fast paced. You should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances over uneven terrain, as some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. 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. However, the amount of walking you do at the various sites and towns is at your discretion.
The visit to Alhambra Palace in Granada requires two hours of walking. During the first hour you will visit the palace and during the second hour, the gardens.
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.
We regret that we cannot provide you with individual assistance for walking, dining or other personal needs. If you need such assistance, you must be accompanied by an able companion who will help you.
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.
If you are a U.S. citizen, no vaccinations are currently required for travel to Spain, Portugal or Gibraltar (a territory of the United Kingdom). For complete vaccination and inoculation information, contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A. The Travelers' Health Section of the CDC operates a 24-hour, prerecorded "Travelers' Health Hotline" at 877-394-8747 (toll-free in the U.S.). You may also log on to the CDC Internet website at www.cdc.gov.
If you are a citizen 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.
Luggage Restrictions
Checked Luggage – General
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.
We regret that we cannot provide you with individual assistance for walking, dining or other personal needs. If you need such assistance, you must be accompanied by an able companion who will help you.
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.
If you are a U.S. citizen, no vaccinations are currently required for travel to Spain, Portugal or Gibraltar (a territory of the United Kingdom). For complete vaccination and inoculation information, contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A. The Travelers' Health Section of the CDC operates a 24-hour, prerecorded "Travelers' Health Hotline" at 877-394-8747 (toll-free in the U.S.). You may also log on to the CDC Internet website at www.cdc.gov.
If you are a citizen 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.
Luggage Restrictions
Checked Luggage – General
While it is common that airlines allow passengers to check more than one piece of luggage per person, space constraints during your Tauck journey make it difficult to accommodate extra luggage. We ask that you limit your checked luggage to one average size suitcase per person.
In addition, airlines have adopted more strict policies in enforcing size and weight limits. Luggage exceeding maximum restrictions may require expensive overage fees, frustrating and hurried re-packing at the ticket counter, or even risk being left behind.
Many carriers require checked luggage not exceed a weight of 50 lbs (22.7 kg) per piece. Airlines revise luggage policies frequently and often without notice; therefore, Tauck cannot be held liable to the weight limit listed above. We urge you to check with your airline before traveling to determine current weight and size restrictions. It is also important to note that restrictions for luggage size and weight may vary with the same airline based on the class of service you select. First and Business Class ticket holders may have different restrictions than Coach Class travelers.
Tauck World Discovery cannot be held liable for additional fees or inconveniences imposed by the airline due to luggage size, piece or weight policies.
Please be sure to attach your Tauck luggage tag to your suitcase before leaving home.
Carry-on Luggage - General
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 only those items you need handy during the day such as purses, make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or in the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may not be accessible during daytime travel.
Travel Document Requirements – You will need a valid passport or similar acceptable travel document to enter Spain, Portugal and Gibraltar (a territory of the United Kingdom).
In addition, airlines have adopted more strict policies in enforcing size and weight limits. Luggage exceeding maximum restrictions may require expensive overage fees, frustrating and hurried re-packing at the ticket counter, or even risk being left behind.
Many carriers require checked luggage not exceed a weight of 50 lbs (22.7 kg) per piece. Airlines revise luggage policies frequently and often without notice; therefore, Tauck cannot be held liable to the weight limit listed above. We urge you to check with your airline before traveling to determine current weight and size restrictions. It is also important to note that restrictions for luggage size and weight may vary with the same airline based on the class of service you select. First and Business Class ticket holders may have different restrictions than Coach Class travelers.
Tauck World Discovery cannot be held liable for additional fees or inconveniences imposed by the airline due to luggage size, piece or weight policies.
Please be sure to attach your Tauck luggage tag to your suitcase before leaving home.
Carry-on Luggage - General
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 only those items you need handy during the day such as purses, make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or in the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may not be accessible during daytime travel.
Travel Document Requirements – You will need a valid passport or similar acceptable travel document to enter Spain, Portugal and Gibraltar (a territory of the United Kingdom).
If you are a U.S. citizen, 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, you should contact an embassy or consulate of Spain and Portugal to determine what travel documentation is required.
Tauck strongly recommends that your passport be valid for six months beyond the completion of your tour. Also, Tauck recommends 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, as well as both sides of your driver’s license. 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.
Tauck strongly recommends that your passport be valid for six months beyond the completion of your tour. Also, Tauck recommends 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, as well as both sides of your driver’s license. 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.
Travel with Children -
Age Recommendations – Children 5 years of age or older at the time of travel are welcome on this Tauck journey. Based upon our experience with family travelers, for each itinerary we have a minimum recommended age to encourage comfort and enjoyment for all of our guests. All children must be accompanied on activities by a parent or guardian. At least one guest in the traveling party must be 21 years of age or older in order to make a reservation.
Babysitting – Tauck journeys are designed for adults and children to share the wonder of discovery together. However, our guests have occasionally inquired about babysitting services. If you are interested, your Tauck Director will put you in contact with the appropriate hotel staff with whom you may make babysitting arrangements, to ensure your precise needs are met. There is usually an additional fee for these services. Many hotels do offer babysitting services that may be arranged on site; however, babysitting services are not guaranteed at all of our hotels. Please note that our Tauck Directors are not responsible for providing babysitting services.
Safety and Welfare Responsibility – We welcome the participation of child travelers on our exciting excursions. For safety and security purposes, children under 18 years of age must be booked into a room with at least one accompanying adult. If you are traveling with a child on a Tauck journey, you have the sole responsibility for ensuring that that the child with whom you are traveling follows all rules of safety throughout the tour. By traveling with Tauck, you release Tauck, Inc. and our partners of all liability for any risks and/or injuries to the child with whom you are traveling.
Special Travel Documentation for Children
Authorization for Travel
Age Recommendations – Children 5 years of age or older at the time of travel are welcome on this Tauck journey. Based upon our experience with family travelers, for each itinerary we have a minimum recommended age to encourage comfort and enjoyment for all of our guests. All children must be accompanied on activities by a parent or guardian. At least one guest in the traveling party must be 21 years of age or older in order to make a reservation.
Babysitting – Tauck journeys are designed for adults and children to share the wonder of discovery together. However, our guests have occasionally inquired about babysitting services. If you are interested, your Tauck Director will put you in contact with the appropriate hotel staff with whom you may make babysitting arrangements, to ensure your precise needs are met. There is usually an additional fee for these services. Many hotels do offer babysitting services that may be arranged on site; however, babysitting services are not guaranteed at all of our hotels. Please note that our Tauck Directors are not responsible for providing babysitting services.
Safety and Welfare Responsibility – We welcome the participation of child travelers on our exciting excursions. For safety and security purposes, children under 18 years of age must be booked into a room with at least one accompanying adult. If you are traveling with a child on a Tauck journey, you have the sole responsibility for ensuring that that the child with whom you are traveling follows all rules of safety throughout the tour. By traveling with Tauck, you release Tauck, Inc. and our partners of all liability for any risks and/or injuries to the child with whom you are traveling.
Special Travel Documentation for Children
Authorization for Travel
If you travel into or out of the U.S. with children under the age of 18, you should be aware of the following: because of increasing incidents of child abductions in disputed custody cases and because children are at risk as possible victims of child pornography, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) strongly recommends that unless the child is accompanied by both parents, you should have a note from the child's other parent (or, in the case of a child traveling with grandparents, uncles or aunts, sisters or brothers, or friends, a note signed by both parents) stating that the parent(s) not traveling acknowledge that the parent(s), family members, etc. who are traveling into or out of the U.S. with the child have permission to do so.
CBP also suggests that this note be notarized. While CBP may not ask to see this documentation, if they do ask, and you do not have it, you may be detained until the circumstances of the child traveling without both parents can be fully assessed.
If there is no second parent with legal claims to the child (deceased, sole custody, etc.) any other relevant paperwork, such as a court decision, birth certificate naming only one parent, death certificate, etc., would be useful.
All children who are U.S. citizens should also have a certified copy of their birth certificate or baptism record for ID. Children over the age of 14 are also required to have a photo ID.
Many other countries also share this concern for children who travel without both parents. To ensure smooth travel, Tauck requires all guests to comply with the travel regulations of each country visited. This information is available from each country’s consulate.
Authorization for Emergency Medical Treatment
CBP also suggests that this note be notarized. While CBP may not ask to see this documentation, if they do ask, and you do not have it, you may be detained until the circumstances of the child traveling without both parents can be fully assessed.
If there is no second parent with legal claims to the child (deceased, sole custody, etc.) any other relevant paperwork, such as a court decision, birth certificate naming only one parent, death certificate, etc., would be useful.
All children who are U.S. citizens should also have a certified copy of their birth certificate or baptism record for ID. Children over the age of 14 are also required to have a photo ID.
Many other countries also share this concern for children who travel without both parents. To ensure smooth travel, Tauck requires all guests to comply with the travel regulations of each country visited. This information is available from each country’s consulate.
Authorization for Emergency Medical Treatment
In the unlikely event of a medical emergency, a medical facility will require permission from the child’s parents to provide treatment. Therefore, we strongly suggest that you bring along a letter from both parents authorizing emergency medical treatment for their child.
Tauck is not responsible for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for any travelers, including children traveling without both parents. While there is no definitive format or standard for these letters, click here to view a sample letter for guardians or one parent traveling with a child.
Destination Information
Cell Phones - We understand and appreciate the value of instant communication when we travel; it keeps us in touch with friends and family, and it's a reassurance in the event of an emergency. However, the use of cell phones can be disruptive to a tour and to other guests who are enjoying their vacation. As a courtesy to others, we ask that you refrain from using your cell phone during motor coach travel, group functions, when sightseeing and when the Tauck Director is addressing the group as a whole. There are usually many opportunities to make or receive calls at times when it does not affect others.
Please contact your cell phone carrier to determine whether your service extends to Spain and Portugal.
Currency and Exchange Rates - The official currency in Spain and Portugal is the Euro (EUR), which is divided into 100 cents.
While it is not necessary to exchange currency prior to joining your tour, we do suggest having a small amount of local currency when traveling in Spain and Portugal. Currency exchange is generally available at most major airports, and all the hotels listed on this itinerary can exchange small amounts. Many foreign banks are able to provide local currency using a credit card, ATM card or travelers’ checks. For the best exchange rate, we suggest using major credit cards for purchases, or ATM cards for cash.
To obtain the up-to-date currency exchange rate, you may want to check your local newspaper or log on to the Internet website www.oanda.com.
Customs and Tax-Free Shopping – You should familiarize yourself with Spain and Portugal's specific required customs declarations before you travel. In general, you are not permitted to bring live plants, fresh fruits and other produce items into most countries.
Portugal – VisaHQ.com
Spain – travel.state.gov/travel
If you are a U.S resident who will be returning to the U.S. at the end of the tour, current regulations permit bringing back $800 worth of items duty-free, as long as you physically bring them with you. There are limits to the amount of alcohol that can be a part of this exemption. Certain restrictions apply to unaccompanied goods mailed from abroad to the United States. Please call your local customs office or consult the government's customs regulations as contained in their publication entitled Know Before You Go.
If you are a resident of another country, please refer to your own country’s rules and regulations regarding customs and duty-free shopping to ensure compliance upon your return.
Currently, Spain levies a 16% Value Added Tax (VAT) on most consumer goods and services: Portugal levies a 21% VAT. (The tax may be higher on luxury items and lower on basic goods.) As a rule, if you are not a resident of the country (or of the country’s intergovernmental economic community, e.g., the European Union) in which the purchase is made, you may be entitled to a VAT refund and should inquire about the refund policy where you shop.
Electrical Current – The electrical current in Spain and Portugal is 220/230 V, 50 Hz, AC. If your electrical appliances do not conform to this standard, you will need to bring the appropriate converters and adapters.
Internet Access is available in the guest rooms for a fee at all of the hotels on this itinerary except for Parador de Almagro.
Time Zones – Portugal is located in the same time zone as Coordinated Universal Time (or Greenwich Mean Time); Spain is 1 hour ahead. From late March through late October, these countries switch to Daylight Savings Time and are 1 and 2 hours ahead, respectively. To determine current time in major cities around the world, we suggest you log on to the Internet website www.timeanddate.com.
Weather – The climate of Lisbon is the warmest of any capital in Europe. In spring and summer temperatures are extremely high, often reaching 85ºF (30ºC) and above, and most days are sunny. The climate of Madrid is sunny and dry, and warm for much of the year. Summer days in Madrid can be extremely hot, but evenings and nights cool down considerably. Throughout this region rainfall is minimal or non-existent during the summer months and very light in late spring and early fall.
Weather – The climate of Lisbon is the warmest of any capital in Europe. In spring and summer temperatures are extremely high, often reaching 85ºF (30ºC) and above, and most days are sunny. The climate of Madrid is sunny and dry, and warm for much of the year. Summer days in Madrid can be extremely hot, but evenings and nights cool down considerably. Throughout this region rainfall is minimal or non-existent during the summer months and very light in late spring and early fall.
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Average Temperature
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Lisbon, Portugal
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Seville, Spain
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Month
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Hi/Lo ºF
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Hi/Lo ºC
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Hi/Lo ºF
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Hi/Lo ºC
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January
|
58 / 47
|
40 / 29
|
59 / 43
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15 / 6
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February
|
60 / 48
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42 / 30
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63 / 45
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17 / 7
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|
March
|
64 / 50
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46 / 32
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63 / 45
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17 / 7
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|
April
|
66 / 52
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48 / 34
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75 / 52
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24 / 11
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May
|
71 / 55
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53 / 37
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81 / 55
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27 / 13
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June
|
77 / 60
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59 / 42
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90 / 63
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32 / 17
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July
|
81 / 63
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63 / 45
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97 / 68
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36 / 20
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August
|
82 / 64
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64 / 46
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97 / 68
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36 / 20
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September
|
79 / 63
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61 / 45
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90 / 64
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32 / 18
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October
|
72 / 58
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54 / 40
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79 / 57
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26 / 14
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November
|
64 / 52
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46 / 34
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68 / 50
|
20 / 10
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December
|
59 / 48
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41 / 30
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61 / 45
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16 / 7
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Marbella, Spain
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Madrid, Spain
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Month
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Hi/Lo ºF
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Hi/Lo ºC
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Hi/Lo ºF
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Hi/Lo ºC
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January
|
62 / 47
|
44 / 29
|
48 / 36
|
9 / 2
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February
|
64 / 47
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46 / 29
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52 / 36
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11 / 2
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March
|
67 / 50
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49 / 32
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59 / 41
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15 / 5
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April
|
70 / 52
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52 / 34
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64 / 45
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18 / 7
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May
|
75 / 57
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57 / 39
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70 / 50
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21 / 10
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June
|
82 / 65
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64 / 47
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81 / 59
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27 / 15
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July
|
86 / 69
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68 / 51
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88 / 63
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31 / 17
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August
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87 / 70
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69 / 52
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86 / 63
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30 / 17
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September
|
83 / 66
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65 / 48
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77 / 57
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25 / 14
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October
|
75 / 59
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57 / 41
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66 / 50
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19 / 10
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November
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68 / 53
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50 / 35
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55 / 41
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13 / 5
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December
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64 / 49
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46 / 31
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48 / 36
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9 / 2
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Average Rainfall
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Lisbon, Portugal
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Seville, Spain
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Month
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Inches
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Millimeters
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Inches
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Millimeters
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January
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3.7
|
94
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2.6
|
66
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February
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3.4
|
86
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2.4
|
61
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March
|
3.3
|
84
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3.5
|
90
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April
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2.3
|
58
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2.2
|
57
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May
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1.7
|
43
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1.6
|
41
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June
|
0.7
|
18
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0.3
|
8
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July
|
0.2
|
5
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0.0
|
1
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August
|
0.2
|
5
|
0.2
|
5
|
|
September
|
1.3
|
33
|
0.7
|
19
|
|
October
|
2.9
|
74
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2.8
|
70
|
|
November
|
3.9
|
99
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2.6
|
79
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|
December
|
3.8
|
97
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3.1
|
79
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|
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Madrid, Spain
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Madrid Spain
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Month
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Inches
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Millimeters
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Inches
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Millimeters
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|
January
|
2.0
|
50
|
1.5
|
39
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|
February
|
1.5
|
38
|
1.3
|
34
|
|
March
|
1.6
|
39
|
1.7
|
43
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|
April
|
1.1
|
27
|
1.9
|
48
|
|
May
|
0.7
|
17
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1.9
|
47
|
|
June
|
0.0
|
1
|
1.1
|
27
|
|
July
|
0.0
|
0
|
0.4
|
11
|
|
August
|
0.1
|
2
|
0.6
|
15
|
|
September
|
0.6
|
16
|
1.3
|
32
|
|
October
|
1.6
|
42
|
2.1
|
53
|
|
November
|
2.4
|
61
|
1.9
|
47
|
|
December
|
3.0
|
76
|
1.9
|
48
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To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, www.weather.com.
If You Have to Cancel
Cancellation Fees – Regardless of reason, cancellations of confirmed bookings result in Tauck incurring costly penalties and cancellation fees from our travel and hotel providers. Therefore, if you have to cancel a confirmed booking, Tauck will charge you a cancellation fee according to when your cancellation notice is received in its Norwalk, CT office. To help limit your liability, Tauck offers a Tauck Protection Plan.
If you choose to purchase Tauck’s Guest Protection or Cancellation Fee Waiver, you will have your cancellation penalties waived. Click here for more details.
If you choose not to purchase Tauck Travel Protection, you will incur cancellation penalties per person as follows:
60 days or more before departure
$600 per person (the amount of the deposit)
59-8 days before departure
$900 per person
7-1 days before departure
$1,500 per person
$600 per person (the amount of the deposit)
59-8 days before departure
$900 per person
7-1 days before departure
$1,500 per person