Spain & Portugal Explorer

Welcome to Madrid, the starting point of our exciting 15-day tour! Meet your tour leader and fellow travelers before embarking on an orientation tour of Spain's beautiful capital city. Wander the streets of Madrid, taking in top sights such as Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace, and Mercado de San Miguel. In the evening, join your tour leader for a welcome dinner, where you'll get to taste the delicious flavors of Spain and get to know the rest of the group.

Depart Madrid and travel to the picturesque UNESCO World Heritage Site of Segovia, home to Europe's highest concentration of Romanesque churches and a well-preserved Roman aqueduct. After exploring Segovia, continue to San Sebastian, a charming city known for its beautiful beach, vibrant nightlife, and delicious Basque gastronomy. Spend the evening exploring the beachfront bars and indulging in pintxo, northern Spain's version of tapas.

Today's journey takes us first to Pamplona, a historic city famous for its 'running of the bulls' during the San Fermin festival. After exploring Pamplona, we'll travel to Zaragoza, stopping along the way for a wine tasting in one of northern Spain's popular wine-growing regions. Upon arrival in Zaragoza, join a locally guided walking tour to discover the city's rich history and diverse architecture.

Today, we'll leave Zaragoza and head to Barcelona, stopping along the way in the tiny principality of Andorra. Explore Andorra la Vella, Europe's highest capital city and a popular ski resort. Upon arrival in Barcelona, the cosmopolitan capital of the Catalonia region, enjoy an included dinner with the group.

Embark on a driving tour of Barcelona, a city renowned for its art and architecture. See incredible sights such as the fantastical Sagrada Família and other spectacular modernist landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí. The rest of the day is yours to explore Barcelona at your leisure. Visit the Old Town, stroll along Las Ramblas, or relax in one of the city's parks. In the evening, consider joining an optional Flamenco show and dinner for a vibrant Spanish music and dance experience.

Leaving Barcelona behind, we'll travel along the south coast towards Valencia, stopping for lunch in Peniscola, a historic town with a beautiful promenade and sandy beaches. Upon arrival in Valencia, embark on a guided tour of this thriving port city, discovering its unique blend of historic charm and modern development. In the evening, enjoy a traditional paella dinner, one of the dishes Valencia is famous for.

Today, we'll travel from Valencia back to Madrid, journeying through the historic La Mancha region, made famous by the legend of Don Quixote. Along the way, we'll explore Castillo de Belmonte, a medieval castle located on the hill of San Cristobal. Arrive in Madrid in the afternoon and enjoy an included dinner where travellers from the Highlights of Spain & Portugal tour will join the group.

Bid farewell to Madrid and head to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Toledo, a charming medieval city known for its Gothic architecture and impressive cathedral. Continue south to Granada, the last stronghold of the Spanish Moors, and embark on an orientation tour of the city. Discover Granada's top attractions and gain great insight into this beautiful region of Spain.

Today, we'll leave Granada and travel to Ronda, a unique town located on both sides of the El Tajo Gorge. Enjoy breathtaking views from the 'Puente Nuevo' (New Bridge) before continuing to Seville. Upon arrival, embark on a short driving tour to get acquainted with the city's top sights. Enjoy free time at the beautiful Plaza de Espana before sitting down for an included dinner.

Spend a full day exploring Seville, starting with a locally guided walking tour. Discover the city's rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure, exploring the city's famous flamenco dance scene, tapas bars, and orange trees. Consider visiting the Metropol Parasol for amazing views, touring the Alcázar of Seville, or visiting the Museum of Flamenco.

Today, we'll cross the border into Portugal and visit the stunning Algarve region, known for its golden beaches and limestone cliffs. After a comfort stop at one of the Algarve's beautiful beaches, we'll continue to Lisbon, Portugal's capital city. Upon arrival, embark on a driving orientation tour to see Lisbon's top sights, including the imposing Sao Jorge Castle and the pastel-colored buildings of the old town.

Enjoy a free day to explore Lisbon at your own pace. Visit iconic landmarks such as the Monument to the Discoveries and the Belém Tower, or discover the hilltop district of Bairro Alto. Don't forget to taste a delicious pasteis de nata (Portuguese custard tart) during your free time! In the evening, immerse yourself in Portuguese culture by enjoying some Fado music, one of the oldest urban folk music genres in the world.

Bid farewell to Lisbon and head to Porto, stopping along the way in Obidos, a classic fortified town with narrow cobbled streets and an imposing hilltop castle. Upon arrival in Porto, embark on a driving and walking tour to see the city's top sights, including Ponte de' Luis and the Clerigos Tower. In the afternoon, enjoy a tasting of Port wine, one of Portugal's famous exports.

Today, we'll leave Portugal and travel back to Spain, stopping along the way in Avila, a city known for its many Romanesque and Gothic churches and well-preserved medieval walls. Continue to Madrid, where our amazing 15-day tour of Spain and Portugal concludes.

On the final day of our tour, we'll depart Salamanca and travel back to Madrid, stopping along the way in Avila, a city nestled amongst rolling hills in Spain's countryside. Avila is notable for its many Romanesque and Gothic churches as well as its famous and incredibly well preserved medieval walls. Upon arrival in Madrid, our unforgettable 15-day journey through Spain and Portugal comes to an end.