This comprehensive adventure across the Iberian Peninsula presents travellers with the chance to explore these two nations through their cuisine, architecture and idyllic countryside. Here, you’ll wander the wondrous streets of Lisbon, Barcelona and Madrid, step up into the Pyrenees, relax in glorious San Sebastián and live the local culture alongside the locals themselves. Spain and Portugal: Europe’s greatest two-for-one deal!

 

Itinerary

Day 1 Lisbon
Arrive at any time. We recommend arriving a day or two early to fully explore this vibrant city.

Day 2 Lisbon
Orientation walk of Lisbon. Wander through the distinct city quarters and the historical area of Belém.

Days 3-4 Evora/Algarve
Orientation walk of Evora including a visit to the Church of Bones before continuing to Lagos located on the Algarve coast. Included hike along the Algarve coast, stop to swim in secluded coves and beaches. Afternoon at leisure to enjoy the region.

Days 5-6 Seville
Orientation walk of Seville and a dramatic evening flamenco performance. Opt to indulge in the local cuisine, tasting a variety of tapas.

Day 7 Cordoba/Granada
Visit to the Cordoba Mezquita (mosque) and the medieval Jewish Quarter. Experience the sunset along the banks of the Guadalquivir River.

Day 8 Granada
Orientation walk of Granada and guided visit of the architectural masterpiece, the Alhambra. 

Days 9-10 Madrid
Orientation walk of Madrid. Opt for an evening tapas and wine bar walk. Option to visit the Museo del Prado, a must-see for any art enthusiast.

Days 11-12 Valencia
Orientation walk of Valencia's Old Quarter. Opt to visit the Valencia City of Arts and Sciences or relax at one of the city beaches.

Days 13-15 Barcelona
Orientation walk of Barcelona including the Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas. Opt to visit Gaudí’s Parc Güell and enjoy an evening of tapas and wine to round out the day. Opt to visit the Sagrada Familia and other Gaudí masterpieces or the museums of Montjuïc and Barceloneta.

Days 16-17 Pyrenees
For two nights, stay in a 'casa rural', or converted farmhouse, in the Pyrenees. Enjoy home-cooked meals and some optional hiking in the area.

Days 18-19 Bilbao/San Sebastián
Take a public bus to San Sebastián, the first stop in the unique Basque region of Spain. Opt to take a Pintxos (tapas) tour and learn about the different food, dialect and culture of the area. On Day 19, take a day trip to Bilbao, known for the stunning Guggenheim Museum.

Day 20 Logroño
Travel to Logroño and enjoy an included wine tasting in the Rioja region.

Day 21 Madrid
Travel back to Madrid by bus and enjoy some free time in the capital.

Day 22 Madrid
Depart at any time.

 

What's Included

  • Lisbon orientation walk
  • Evora orientation walk
  • Church of Bones visit
  • Algarve hike
  • Seville orientation walk
  • Flamenco performance
  • Cordoba Mezquita (mosque) and Jewish Quarter visits
  • Granada orientation walk
  • Alhambra guided visit
  • Madrid orientation walk
  • Valencia's Old Quarter orientation walk
  • Barcelona orientation walk including Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas
  • 'Casa rural' stay with traditional meals (Pyrenees)
  • Bilbao day trip
  • Wine tasting in the Rioja region
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
  • 11 breakfasts, 2 dinners. (Allow EUR550-650 for meals not included.)
  • Public bus, train, walking
  • Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides.
  • Small group experience; Max 16, avg 12
  • Hotels (19 nts), casa rural (2 nts).

 

Trip Specifics

  • Duration: 22 days
  • Start / Finish: Lisbon to Madrid
  • Price: £3199
  • Code: ESLM