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Spain & Portugal

A vibrant tapestry of sun, flavour, and historic splendor


Hola! And Ola!

These two euro neighbours will captivate your heart with the romance of the Spanish and Portuguese languages, the friendly, passionate people, the Mediterranean climate, culinary delights, unique history, architecture and landscapes. Stay in a Paradore in Spain and explore the Mediterranean coastline, then head over the Spanish plains to the mountain chains. Discover wonderful Moorish palaces, castles, heritage sites, Roman ruins and national parks. Join one of their many crazy festivals and learn the flamenco. From Spain, travel through Portugal’s charming medieval towns, past too many castles to count, devouring port wine and Pastel de natas on the way to the Atlantic Ocean. Take your pick of sandy beaches, where the sun shines 300 days a year as you wind on down to the exquisite Algarve.

Planning a Spain & Portugal holiday? Connect with one of our Spain & Portugal travel specialists to create your dream holiday today!

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Meet our Spain & Portugal specialists

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David Williams

David Williams

House of Travel Christchurch City

In the 28 years of owning House of Travel Christchurch City, I have successfully developed a passionate and award-winning team of travel specialists. Our holiday specialists can take you to the destinations that you have dreamed of and let you know inside information that will enrich your travel experience.  The highly experienced business travel division will exceed your expectations leaving no stone unturned to ensure a seamless travel experience every time. We also have a fantastic HOT Events team that can take care of your conference, team building or any event requirement you might have from a planned dinner event to incentive or recognition programme.

From my beginnings in customer sales and service, travelling to over 60 countries, my primary focus is overseeing all divisions, and growing our every popular Sporting Events Programmes.  A highlight is delivering a highly successful games campaigns with our New Zealand Olympic Travel team.  This includes all New Zealand Team Athlete Travel to providing a family and friends programme as well as a world class corporate offering for sponsors.

I am however most proud of the team for us being awarded three top awards at the National Travel Industry Awards - Best Retail Travel Agency in New Zealand, Best Travel Consultant in New Zealand, Best Groups Team in New Zealand.

Great holidays are made better together with the House of Travel Christchurch City team.

David
Brydie Forsyth

Brydie Forsyth

House of Travel Westport


Nicky de Clifford

Nicky de Clifford

House of Travel Merivale

Having spent the last 30 years in the Travel Industry I can safely say "I love my job" !!

Getting to put together dream holidays is very rewarding and it's great to see so many more Kiwis getting out to see this amazing world of ours...

I love to tailor holidays that are uniquely personal to you. Every person has different needs, wants and "must do's" for their holiday. Nothing is cookie cutter in the world of travel so being able to put together an itinerary that is bespoke and personal is rewarding for myself and for you, the traveller.

My favourite destinations would be Europe (especially France and Italy), South East Asia (especially Vietnam and Thailand) and of course our Island neighbours. I have been to Fiji numerous times and every time I just love it.
But there are so many places I have yet to travel to and I look forward to sharing my travel stories along the way.

I look forward to working with you..

Nicky

Kyla Strahl

Kyla Strahl

House of Travel Christchurch City

Kyla spent over 6 years crewing on luxury super yachts throughout the Mediterranean, Baltic, Adriatic, Caribbean, Pacific and North Seas; along with several Atlantic Ocean crossings. Moving to more adventure land travel Kyla has experienced India, South America and South Africa as a part of the whopping 57 countries she has explored!

"Whether it be cruising, OE's or travelling with a young family my first-hand knowledge will certainly be an asset when planning your winter break, European adventure, or once in a life time dream holiday!" 

Years in the industry:
No. of countries visited: 57 
Favourite place to visit: Italy
Next place on the list to visit: Plantation Island

"Life is short and the world is wide, the sooner you start exploring it, the better." - Simon Raven


Why I love travel: 

Travelling takes us out of our comfort zone and inspires us to experience new things that we otherwise wouldn't in our normal day to day lives. It enriches your life from meeting new people from all walks of life, trying new food from different corners of the world, and humbles you to appreciate the small things in life. 


My travel tips: 

  • Always have travel insurance
  • Wake up early - whether it be to see the sunrise, or to skip a queue, or get a coffee at the local café. 
  • Make a list of the things you want to experience and pre book as much as you can. 
  • Stay local with everything easily accessible on foot. 


My top 5 favourite destinations: 

  • Italy - rolling hills and crystal blue waters, stunning villages and cathedrals, amazing food and wine. 
  • South Africa - rich cultural experiences, amazing wildlife on safari, breath-taking landscapes. 
  • Croatia - stunning beaches and unbelievable landscapes from the islands in the Adriatic to the Krka National Park. 
  • Mexico - amazing food, fascinating Mayan culture, stunning beaches, and fabulous architecture from ancient temples to the colonial cathedrals. 
  • Canada - my birth land! The people, the rich forests, lakes, mountains and wildlife. 


What's in my suitcase: 

  • First Aid kit as you can never be too prepared. 
  • Travel Diary - make an effort to write down the highlights of your day, you will look back in appreciation. 
  • Sarong or thin, long scarf - will come in handy as a towel or to cover your shoulders when need be. 
  • Small change of local currency - whether it be to buy a bottle of water or a quick snack or to leave a tip. 

Kyla

DID YOU KNOW?

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Flight time.

Traveling from Auckland to Spain or Portugal takes around 24 hours, typically with a stopover. The journey is long, but the vibrant cultures and stunning landscapes make it worth the effort.

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Best time to go.

The best times to visit Spain and Portugal are during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). These seasons provide mild weather, perfect for exploring the cities and countryside.

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Time difference.

Spain and Portugal are 10 hours behind New Zealand, so plan for a noticeable time difference.

Our favourite things to do in Spain & Portugal

Barcelona city view

Step into Gaudi’s world in Barcelona

Wander through the narrow lanes of the Gothic Quarter early morning before the crowds.

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Paella

Paella cooking class

Return from Spain with the know-how to whip up a mean Paella.

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Tapas like a local

We recommend doing a tapas/pintxos tour as soon as you get to Spain, this will teach you how to eat tapas like a local.

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Douro River Portugal

Sail through Portugal’s hidden gem

For a distinctly unique experience cruise the Douro Valley in Portugal.

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Pena Palace

Take a day trip from Lisbon

Visit the whimsical Pena Palace in Sintra ,Portugal.

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Flamenco dancer

Flamenco in Spain or Fado in Portugal

Experience local music and dance!

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Walk the Camino

A bucket-list adventure!

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Castle in Spain

Stay in Castles and Palaces

Imagine sleeping in a palace, castle, or a historical monument – that’s what staying at a Parador in Spain or a Pousada in Portugal feels like!

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93% of customers who book with House of Travel rate us 5/5

"We have used Courtney before and she always looks after us really well . Very helpful"

Gwen

"Very efficient got the job done as wanted and as quick as possible"

Ray & Joyce

"from the moment I walked through the door Tracy made me feel my enquiry was important to her. She has continued to be kind, helpful and patient. As someone who until the last couple of years has always done my own travel arrangements, this has been without doubt the best service I have received."

Sue

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