Iconic Portugal & Spain
15 days
from Lisbon to Sevilla
From
$ 3999
Duration15 days
Historic cities, colourful culture, and architectural landmarks come together on this 15-day itinerary of Spain and Portugal. Your trusted CEO will lead you through medieval complexes, local farms, and the Moorish masterpiece that is the Alhambra, enlisting knowledgeable local guides and hosts along the way. Immersive and informative, this itinerary through Western Europe satisfies the intellectual curiosities of those that wish to do more than simply cross a destination off their list.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 15 daysService level: Upgraded
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Starts in: LisbonPhysical Grading: Light
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Ends in: SevillaAges: 12+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Lisbon
To ensure you are able to join the group for dinner, please arrive in Lisbon by 4pm.
Arrive in time for a traditional Portuguese dinner and Fado music performance in one of Lisbon's oldest neighbourhoods.
For trips departing April 2020 onwards: If you wish to explore Lisbon before your tour begins, consider booking pre-tour accommodation with us. Please speak to a G Adventures representative about booking accommodations in Lisbon before Day 1 of this itinerary.
Traditional Portuguese dinner and Fado performance.
Meals: D
Day 2: Lisbon
Escape reality during a visit the fairytale town of Sintra and lose yourself exploring the colourful manors, medieval palaces, and lush gardens of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The afternoon is free to discover Lisbon.
Meals: B
Day 3: Lisbon/Évora
Travel to Évora in the heart of the Alentejo region, enjoying a tour to the haunting, but mesmerizing Chapel of Bones and visit Diana's Temple, one of the best preserved Roman temples on the Iberian Peninsula.
Meals: B
Day 4: Évora
Visit a cork farm and learn about the cork production, as well as other activities particular to the Alentejo region like honey production and olive harvesting. Enjoy a traditional cork stripper's meal before returning back to Évora for free time.
Meals: B, L
Day 5: Évora/Coimbra
Continue to Tomar, where we visit the Templar Castle. Founded in 1160 by Gualdim Pais, grand master of the Knights Templar, the vast complex of the Convent of Christ is an incredible feat of medieval architecture. Continue on to Coimbra for the evening.
Meals: B
Day 6: Coimbra/Porto
Start place: Coimbra
This morning, enjoy a tour around the University of Coimbra, Portugal's most prestigious university and a World Heritage Site. Enter through the 10th-century Porta Férra, the old entrance to the citadel of Coimbra. Walk through the campus along mosaic cobblestone paths and visit the ornate Joanina Library, Chapel of São Miguel and the botanical gardens. Late, catch the train to Porto.
Meals: B
Day 7: Porto
Board a boat down Portugal's "river of gold", floating along the route that port shippers took to age their fortified wines. Take in the sites of the rolling green, terraced hills of the Porto region. The remainder of the day is free to explore.
Meals: B
Day 8: Porto/Madrid
Today, new travellers may join you for the rest of your adventure. You are welcome to join them at a group meeting this evening, followed by an optional dinner.
Hop on a quick flight from Porto to Madrid. Enjoy free time to explore the city.
End place: Madrid
Day 9: Madrid
Start place: Madrid
Other options for exploring the city include the Palacio Real, Real Jardin Botánico or Escorial. Experience more nightlife at the Plaza del Dos de Mayo, in the area known as Malasaña. Taste some sangria and dance to the latest music.
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Toledo with a local historian. Explore the old quarter, which is considered an open-air museum. Return to Madrid and opt to visit museums or just relax at a local café.
Please note that if you wish to visit popular sites and want to avoid waiting in line, it is advisable to reserve tickets in advance. We recommend pre-arranging your visit to the Prado Museum.
End place: Madrid
Meals: B
Day 10: Madrid/Córdoba
Start place: Madrid
Córdoba’s gastronomy features cuisine steeped in Roman, Moorish, Christian, and Jewish traditions. Head out tonight to sample some local food. Try the thick, hearty stew called "caldereta de cordero" or cool off with "ajo blanco," a hearty white gazpacho soup.
Travel by high-speed train to Córdoba and visit the Mezquita (mosque). Afterwards, stroll the historic medieval Jewish quarter, full of narrow winding lanes and traditional houses.
Meals: B
Day 11: Córdoba/Granada
Opt to visit the Granada Cathedral of the Incarnation or the Royal Chapel before your Flamenco class.
Travel to the Andalusian city of Granada and take an orientation walk with the CEO. Learn the art of flamenco from a professional teacher during a private class.
End place: Granada
Meals: B
Day 12: Granada
Start place: Granada
After visiting the Alhambra, opt to wander through the whitewashed historic quarter of the Albaicin, with its narrow lanes and fantastic views. This is a great place to go to catch the sunset.
In the evening, opt for a night on the town. The city is filled with trendy tapas bars and has a lively music scene.
In the evening, opt for a night on the town. The city is filled with trendy tapas bars and has a lively music scene.
Enjoy a guided visit to an architectural masterpiece — the Alhambra. It's one of the greatest accomplishments of Islamic art and architecture, and the highlight of our trip for most visitors. After, enjoy free time to explore Granada.
End place: Granada
Meals: B
Day 13: Granada/Seville
Start place: Granada
This morning, journey to Seville, one of the most colourful and exciting cities in Spain. Take an orientation walk with the CEO and opt to visit the cathedral Giralda or Casa Pilatos, or enjoy a traditional flamenco show.
Please note that if you wish to visit popular sites and want to avoid waiting in line, it is advisable to reserve tickets in advance. We recommend pre-arranging your visit to the Alcázar of Seville.
End place: Sevilla
Meals: B
Day 14: Seville
Start place: Sevilla
Have a chance to savour some tapas at the city's many bars and cafés.
Get a taste of Seville's energetic pulse with a full free day in the city. Spend the day at leisure exploring its Muslim monuments, parks, and gardens or sit back and relax at a local café.
Please note that if you wish to visit popular sites and want to avoid waiting in line, it is advisable to reserve tickets in advance. We recommend pre-arranging your visit to the Alcázar of Seville.
End place: Sevilla
Meals: B
Day 15: Seville
Start place: Sevilla
Depart at any time.
We recommend staying a few extra nights to better explore Seville at your leisure.
End place: Sevilla
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Cork Farm Experience, Évora Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Knights Templar Historic Tour, Tomar Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Historic City of Toledo visit, Toledo Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Flamenco Dancing Experience, Granada Your Foodie Moment: Fado Night with Traditional Portuguese Meal, Lisbon Culture & History: Port Wine Cellar Visit, Porto
- Lisbon orientation walk
- Guided tour of Palace of Pena in Sintra
- Chapel of Bones tour in Evora
- Diana's Temple visit in Evora
- Guided tour of Coimbra University
- Porto orientation walk
- Douro River boat cruise
- Explore Cordoba including the Mezquita (mosque) and the medieval Jewish quarter
- Granada orientation walk including a guided visit of the Alhambra
- Internal flight
- Transport to/from all included activities and between all destinations
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Transport
Public bus, Train, Walking -
Accommodation
Hotels (14 nts)