IberianXperiences wants you to travel confidently and comfortably. Below you’ll find essential information, practical tips, and answers to common questions for your IberianXperience adventure.

Travel Tips

Safety & Emergencies

Passport, Visa & Entry Requirements

• U.S. and Canadian citizens do not require a visa to enter Spain or Portugal.
• A valid passport is required to travel overseas.  The passport’s expiration date needs to extend at least six months beyond your return date (Nov 3, 2026, if returning on May 3, 2026).

• Before your trip, make two copies (or photos) of your passport—keep one in your luggage and one digitally stored in your email or phone.

Tour Pacing & Mobility

• Expect to walk at least 2 hours daily across uneven terrain—think cobblestones, small hills, and historic streets.  12,000 steps/day is typical for a Spaniard. Have comfortable shoes.  Stay hydrated
• Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Optional excursions may increase walking time.
• Be prepared to handle your own luggage at times (in and out of our coach, hotel, etc.) and to comfortably move with your bags a few minutes if needed.  
• IberianXperiences LLC and the Tour Director cannot provide ongoing individual mobility assistance. Their role is to ensure the group’s overall safety and enjoyment.
• If you have mobility concerns or physical restrictions, contact IberianXperiences LLC before registration so accommodations can be discussed.

Transportation & Arrival Information

• An IberianXperiences LLC representative will greet you at the Madrid airport and escort you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge if we are assisting other travelers.
• All included transportation during the tour is by private, air-conditioned motor coach.
• Airport transfers are included for group flight arrivals and departures early morning.  Independent travelers may arrange transfers for an additional fee.

Baggage Allowance

• Due to space limitations on motor coaches, each traveler may bring one checked bag and one carry-on.
• Verify your airline’s size and weight limits, as domestic European flights may have stricter rules.   You are responsible for all baggage fees on flights.
• Clearly label all your luggage, and keep valuables, travel documents, and medication in your carry-on.
• Travelers will have an opportunity to do laundry in Madrid and/or Lisbon – Pack lightly and remember you will have to move your bags multiple times throughout the tour.

Clothing & Packing Tips

• Pack lightweight, breathable layers suitable for varying climates. A light jacket or rain shell is essential.
• Comfortable walking shoes are a must for cobblestone streets and walking tours.
• Bring dressier attire for evening dinners or performances.
• Dress respectfully when visiting religious sites—shoulders and knees should be covered.
• Bring a small daypack for daily essentials: water bottle, sunscreen, hat, and your phone/camera.

Health & Wellness

• Check with your doctor or the CDC (cdc.gov) at least 60 days before departure for travel health guidance.
• Bring enough prescription medication for your trip plus a few extra days. Keep all medication in original containers.
• Notify IberianXperiences LLC at least 30 days before departure of any food allergies or dietary restrictions.
• Stay hydrated—Spain and Portugal can be warm, especially midday.
• Consider purchasing travel medical and trip insurance for peace of mind.

Cuisine

• Breakfast: Our hotels will offer a wide variety of breakfast food to keep you comfortable until lunch time.
• Lunch: The main meal of the day, often a three-course menu
• Dinner: Served later (between 9:00 PM and midnight), and often lighter.
• Tapas: Small shared plates are a Spanish must-try! Perfect for an evening snack with wine, beer or cider.  Tapas are automatically included with alcoholic drink orders in many bars and restaurants
• Regional specialties:
  • Spain: Rioja wines, Bean stews, suckling pig, roasted lamb, queso manchego, gazpacho, salmorejo
  • Portugal: Salted cod (bacalhau), custard tarts (pastéis de nata), and port wine.

Electricity & Air Conditioning

• Electricity in Spain & Portugal is 220V (the U.S. is 110V) so be sure that anything you bring to plug into the power can accommodate the higher voltage or it will be damaged.
• They use plug Types C, E, or F (two round pins).
• Air conditioning in European hotels is often seasonal and centrally controlled, so don’t expect U.S.-style cooling power.
• Some hotels provide hairdryers or irons, but this cannot be guaranteed. If you bring a blow dryer, make sure it is dual voltage 110v/220v and bring an adapter rated for these stronger appliances.
• Consider bringing a small power strip that has room for powering multiple devices.  You may consider purchasing a set of European plug adaptors to help plug your devices (this one is not designed for a hair dryer/flat iron/curling iron) but will work for most electronic devices.

Connectivity

• Wi-Fi will be available at the hotels, though speeds and reliability may vary.
• There will be no Wi-Fi on our coaches.
• Check with your mobile carrier about international data plans or roaming fees. Consider using Airplane Mode + Wi-Fi calling to avoid high costs.
• WhatsApp is the preferred application used for text, voice and video communications across Spain and Portugal – make sure to download the app and test it before departure.  IberianX will create a WhatsApp group before our departure, to communicate with travelers and keep them informed throughout the tour.  

Time Zones

• Spain is 6 hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET); Portugal is 5 hours ahead.
• When it’s noon in Cincinnati/New York, it’s 6 PM in Madrid and 5 PM in Lisbon.

Currency & Money

• The official currency in Spain and Portugal is the Euro (€).
• If possible, exchange a small amount before you travel for immediate expenses.
• Debit and credit cards are widely accepted, especially those with EMV chips.  AMEX is not accepted in most places, VISA and MasterCard are the preferred cards in Europe.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel dates to prevent fraud alerts.
• ATMs are plentiful—look for Cirrus or Plus networks to withdraw money in Spain or Portugal.
• Carry a mix of cash and cards, as smaller shops may prefer cash and may not accept credit cards.

Cultural Differences

• Spaniards and Portuguese people are generally more laid back and that’s the way of life they love. They tend to have a more relaxed sense of time—embrace it!
• Everything seems ‘late’.  HOWEVER, please be punctual as we head out from the hotel, meet as a group, etc.
• There are MANY tourists that visit Spain, so having patience throughout the trip is needed.
• If you have questions, younger people tend to be more fluent in English than older people.
• Please be open minded, understanding and flexible so you can make the most out of this amazing trip!

Tipping

• Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory in Spain or Portugal.
• Suggested guidelines (in local currency):
  • Driver: $3 USD per person per day
  • Local Guides: $2 USD per person per service
  • Tips are typically paid in cash.

Optional Excursions & Payments

• Optional excursions will be offered and may be purchased (cash only) during the tour, subject to availability.
• Some optional excursions may require minimum participation to operate.

Additional Travel Tips

• Hydration: Always carry water—especially during walking tours.
• Punctuality: Tours depart on time every time—be punctual to avoid delaying the group.
• Cultural etiquette: Greetings are warm, often with a handshake or light cheek kiss. Locals appreciate polite “Gracias” in Spain and “Obrigado/Obrigada.” in Portugal
• Restrooms: Public toilets may require a small fee (usually €0.50).

MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL: HAVE FUN!!!

• RELAX and go with the flow. Learn to enjoy the present as a true Spaniard.  Learn to decompress and soak in the experience
• This will be an enjoyable trip.  Be brave to wander around on your free time.
• Madrid has tons of tapas bars, which are extensions of people’s living rooms.  Don’t hesitate to try something different!
• Take pictures of people (yourself, your group, other in the group, people having fun, etc.) and share them with the group!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Registration, Payments & Deadlines

• Q: How do I register for the tour?
  You can register online through the official IberianXperiences Registration Form. 
• Q: When does registration open and close?
  Registration opens October 15, 2025 and closes March 10, 2026, or earlier if the tour sells out.
• Q: How many spots are available?
  This tour is targeting 30 travelers. Seats are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Q: What’s the minimum number of travelers required?
  A minimum of 20 travelers is needed for the tour to operate. If the minimum isn’t reached by January 5, 2026, all payments will be fully refunded.
• Q: Is there an early-bird discount?
  Yes! See the Early-Bird section for the different tier pricing based on registration date
• Q: When is the final payment due?
  Once the minimum number of travelers is met, the full balance will be due immediately, but no later than January 19, 2026.
• Q: What is the cancellation policy?
• Please review the Terms & Conditions

Pricing & What’s Included

• Q: What’s included / no included in the tour price?
  • Please see the what’s included / not included section on this page. 
• Q: How much should I budget for meals not included?
  Expect roughly €15–25 for lunch and €25–40 for dinner, depending on the restaurant.
• Q: Are there single-room supplements?
  Yes, a limited number of single rooms are available for an additional cost. Contact IberianXperiences for pricing.

Before You Go

• Q: Do I need a visa?
  • No visa is required for U.S. or Canadian citizens. A valid passport must extend six months beyond your return date.
• Q: Do I need travel insurance?
  Yes — all travelers are strongly encouraged to obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance covering trip cancellation, delays, medical emergencies, and lost luggage.

• Q: When should I book my flight?
  We recommend waiting to book your airfare until the tour is officially confirmed. Once a minimum of 20 travelers have registered, the trip will be considered a “go,” and we’ll notify all participants so they can proceed with purchasing their flights. This will still give you more than three months to secure your airfare before departure.   If you prefer to book earlier, please ensure your ticket allows for changes or cancellations in case the tour does not move forward. Once the tour is confirmed, we’ll also share recommended flight schedules and airport transfer details to make your travel planning easy and stress-free.

• Q: What is the currency used on tour?
  • Both Spain and Portugal use the Euro (€).
• Q: What voltage and plug type do I need?
  Both countries use 220V and Type C/F plugs (two round pins). Bring a universal adapter and a voltage converter for non-dual-voltage devices.
• Q: How much luggage can I bring?
  One checked bag and one carry-on per person. Space on coaches is limited.

• Q: What should I pack?

• • Lightweight, layered clothing
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Dressier outfit for evening dinners
  • Light rain jacket
  • Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Small daypack for daily excursions
• Q: Should I bring cash?
  Bring a small amount of Euros for incidentals, but credit/debit cards are widely accepted. Make sure your card has an EMV chip and notify your bank of travel dates.

While on Tour

• Q: How busy is the itinerary?
  The tour is designed with a balance of guided sightseeing, cultural experiences, and free time. Expect some walking each day, often over cobblestones or slight inclines.
• Q: What’s the average group size?
  Between 20–35 travelers.
• Q: What’s the level of physical activity?
  Moderate. You’ll walk up to 2.5 hours per day, often in historic city centers.
• Q: Who leads the tour?
  An experienced, bilingual Tour Director will accompany the group throughout, with local guides joining in select cities.
• Q: What kind of hotels are included?
  Centrally located 4-star hotels, carefully selected for comfort, cleanliness, and local charm.
• Q: How are meals handled?
  Breakfast is included daily at the hotels. Selected lunches and dinners are part of the itinerary (noted in your schedule).  Remaining lunches and remaining dinners are free for you to explore local restaurants.
• Q: What if I have dietary restrictions?
  Please notify IberianXperiences at least 30 days before departure so we can inform hotels and restaurants.
• Q: Will I have free time?
  Yes — every city includes periods of leisure time to shop, dine, or relax at your own pace.
• Q: What language is spoken in Spain and Portugal?
  Spanish and Portuguese are the main languages, but English is widely understood in hotels, restaurants, and tourist areas.
• Q: Will Wi-Fi be available?
  Hotels offer free Wi-Fi. It’s generally not available on buses.

Destinations & Highlights

• Q: What are the main stops on the tour?
  • Madrid: Spain’s lively capital — Royal Palace, Gran Vía, and world-class museums.
  • Toledo: City of Three Cultures — Santa Maria la Blanca Synagogue, Cathedral, Jewish Quarter, and sword-making forge.
  • Cáceres: UNESCO-listed medieval gem, rich with old-world charm.
  • Lisbon: Portugal’s vibrant capital — Alfama district, Belém, and Fado dinner show.
  • Sintra, Cabo da Roca & Cascais: Fairy-tale palaces and stunning Atlantic coastline.
• Q: Will there be photo stops and free exploration time?
  Absolutely. The itinerary is designed for both guided experiences and independent discovery.
• Q: Are optional excursions available?
  Yes — select excursions may be offered (such as museums, river cruises or culinary experiences). Details and prices will be available closer to departure.

Money, Tipping & Shopping

• Q: Are tips included?
  Tips are not included in the tour price. Suggested amounts:
  • Driver: $3 USD per day
  • Local guides: $2 USD per service
• Q: Can I use my credit card everywhere?
  Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted. American Express is less common. Smaller vendors may prefer cash.
• Q: Will there be time for shopping?
  Yes, particularly in Madrid, Toledo, and Lisbon. Look for authentic items such as Toledo steel, ceramics, Damasquino, wine, olive oil, and Portuguese tiles.

Weather & Comfort

• Q: What kind of weather should I expect?

• • Madrid & Toledo: Mild mornings, warm afternoons (60–75°F in spring).
  • Cáceres: Warm and sunny, cooler at night.
  • Lisbon & Sintra: Coastal breezes, pleasant mid-70s°F temperatures.
• Q: Is air conditioning the same as in the U.S.?
  No. Air conditioning in European hotels tends to be milder and centrally controlled. Open windows and light clothing help stay comfortable.

Health, Safety & Insurance

• Q: Is Spain and Portugal safe for tourists?
  Yes, both are among Europe’s safest countries. Use normal precautions: keep valuables close, especially in crowded areas.
• Q: Do I need vaccines or special health documentation?
  None are currently required for U.S. or Canadian travelers, but check the CDC and your doctor 60 days before departure.
• Q: What happens in a medical emergency?
  Your Tour Director will assist you in finding local care. You are responsible for medical expenses not covered by your insurance, which is why travel insurance is strongly recommended.
• Q: Will there be a first-aid kit available?
  Yes, the Tour Director will carry a basic kit. You should also bring your own personal medication and small medical items.

Connectivity & Communication

• Q: Will my cell phone work abroad?
  Yes, with an international plan or roaming package. Contact your carrier before departure.
• Q: Is Wi-Fi reliable?
  Wi-Fi is available in most hotels but may be slower than in the U.S. Coaches do not have Wi-Fi.  We may also find Wi-Fi at some main sites and restaurants
• Q: What’s the best way to stay in touch with family at home?
  WhatsApp or iMessage (on Wi-Fi) are the easiest, most cost-effective ways to communicate.

Policies & Miscellaneous

• Q: Can IberianXperiences change the itinerary?
  Yes, when necessary due to weather, closures, or other unforeseen factors. Comparable experiences will always be substituted when possible.
• Q: What if the Euro exchange rate changes?
  Prices are based on an exchange rate of $1.20 per €1.00. If the rate rises significantly, a small adjustment fee may apply.
• Q: What if the tour is canceled due to unforeseen events (force majeure)?
  In the unlikely event of cancellation due to events beyond our control, IberianXperiences LLC will make every effort to refund any recoverable funds. Travelers should carry insurance for additional protection.
• Q: How do I reach IberianXperiences if I have questions before the trip? 

You can contact us at info@iberianxperiences.com or by phone at (513) 407-4741.

At IberianXperiences, we’re dedicated to ensuring every moment of your journey is stress-free and inspiring. Relax, explore, and let Spain and Portugal captivate your senses!