• > Why travel with Djoser to Spain and Portugal?
• > What type of accommodations does Djoser make use of in Spain and Portugal?
• > Do we always have our own bus in Spain and Portugal?
• > Is it easy to use a bankcard with PIN-number?
• > Will I be on my own to find places to eat?
• > Will I be on my own to find activities?
• > What is the best time for travel?
• > What is the proportioning of nature versus culture on the tour through Southern Spain?
• > Are there opportunities for hiking on the tour through Spain and Portugal?
• > I will be joining a Dutch (International) group. Will I have problems with language?
• > Is it possible to extend this tour?

Why travel with Djoser to Spain and Portugal?

Within the countries we travel with our own bus and a Dutch-speaking tour guide will accompany you. Besides visiting all the important buildings you will also have ample opportunities to venture out on your own. Our groups have a maximum size of 22 participants.
On the 16-day tour through Southern Spain we will visit all the highlights of the impressive province Andalusia, like the old city center and the royal Alcazar in Seville, the small city of Ronda situated at high altitude, the Mesquite of Cordoba and of course the impressive Alhambra in Granada. Besides this you will have the opportunity to go hiking in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, the Alpujarras. In general this tour offers a good variety of culture and nature.
The 17-day tour to Northern Spain and Portugal offers a unique combination of the fascinating culture and nature of northern Spain with the picturesque landscape and charming people of Portugal. We will drive along part of the famous pilgrim’s route to Santiago de Compostela and in Portugal we will take plenty of time to get acquainted with this country.

What type of accommodations does Djoser make use of in Spain and Portugal?

In Portugal we will spend the nights in centrally located middle class hotels. Djoser usually makes use of typical Spanish family hotels, situated within walking distance of the various town centers. These small hotels often have a limited amount of rooms, which means we cannot accommodate everyone that wants a single room. All rooms have a private shower and toilet and usually air-conditioning

Click on the following link to view some of our lodgings: http://www.djoserusa.com/hotels

Do we always have our own bus in Spain and Portugal?

We indeed always make use of our own buses with chauffeur. These buses are comfortable and there is plenty of space. The buses are equipped with air-conditioning year-round. The advantage of having our own bus is that we can stop wherever we want to.

Click on the following link to view slides of the transportation we use: http://www.djoserusa.com/transportation

Is it easy to use a bankcard with PIN-number?

At the airport and in almost all towns there are ATM machines at where you can take out cash with your ATM card and PIN-number. In shops and restaurants it is usually not possible to pay with your debit card, but often credit cards are accepted. Spain and Portugal are part of the European Union, so bring euros, preferably in small denominations.

Will I be on my own to find places to eat?

No. The group will usually have breakfast together at the hotels. The guide will suggest safe places to eat for other meals. You are free to join the guide and other group members at meals or you can explore on your own. He/she will give you safe recommendations. You will only pay for the meals that you eat so you have ultimate flexibility.

Will I be on my own to find activities?

The same applies as for meals. The guide will discuss suggested plans for the day with the group, first thing in the morning. Group members can either join the guide and other travelers for an activity, or they can explore on their own. Again, the guide will give fun suggestions for places to go on your own. Unless otherwise noted in the program, you will pay for your own entry fees for museums or sites, as you go. So you only pay for the things that you choose to do.

What is the best time for travel?

For the tour to southern Spain the entire period from March to October is appropriate for travel. We only offer the tours in this period. Spring is ideal for traveling because of the temperatures, the colorful nature is then also at its prettiest. In summer the days are long and the evenings very pleasant. Fall is the most temperate period of the year.
For the combination tour to northern Spain/ Portugal the entire period from March to October is appropriate for travel. We only offer the tours in this period. Spring is ideal for traveling because of the temperatures, the colorful nature is then also at its prettiest. In summer the days are long and the evenings very pleasant. Fall is the most temperate period of the year.

What is the proportioning of nature versus culture on the tour through Southern Spain?

The tour through Spain offers a good mix of culture -like the Alhambra in Granada, Mesquite in Cordoba- and nature, during the many hikes you can make around Lanjaron. The entire tour leads through beautiful nature areas where we can make regular stops to take beautiful pictures.

Are there opportunities for hiking on the tour through Spain and Portugal?

In the vicinity of Oviedo we will stay in the village of Cangas de Onis. The nearby-situated Picos de Europa form one of the most beautiful hiking regions of Spain. Besides this it is possible to walk part of the famous pilgrim’s route near Santiago de Compostela.

I will be joining a Dutch (International) group. Will I have problems with language?

It is possible that you could be one of a maximum of four North American travelers on this trip, made up of Dutch travelers from Djoser, Netherlands. Almost all travelers from the Netherlands have a wonderful command of English and are willing to socialize. Many fellow travelers are willing to help with translations. The Dutch tour leader (who is a trip coordinator, not a lecturer) will address the group, first in Dutch. He/she will then repeat the important information to you in English. There is a breakfast meeting with the group and tour leader each day, which is a good time to review materials and to go over plans for the day. At some stops we may also have the assistance of a local country guide will address the group in English. While the tour leader will help you to assimilate, you will not get a word-for-word repeat of all that is said or written in Dutch.

The overwhelming majority of people who book these trips enjoy the international blend but frankly, it is not for everyone. It is inevitable that there will be times when your fellow travelers are speaking Dutch. If you have a travel partner, it is much easier to blend in to conversation, or at least to have a buffer for an English conversation. A flexible and easy-going nature are essential when joining an international group. Single travelers may feel a little isolated at such times, particularly at the beginning of the trip. But as the group gets to know each other, socializing gets easier. Before booking, you can check with us to see if another North American traveler has booked. Singles who adapt well on these trips are typically experienced travelers, more independent type travelers or those who are comfortable with English being the second language on the trip.

Is it possible to extend this tour?

When you book your trip you can request a layover. The layover cost is $150 for the flight deviation. If you would like an extension you can request an extension when you book for $100 per extension (for flight deviation). Djoser will book these flights subject to availability. Please let us know when you book how many nights and where you wish to extend or layover. Neither hotels nor airport transfers are provided for layovers and extensions.