Ultimate Spain & Portugal
21 days
From
$ 4499
Duration21 days
As former imperial superpowers, Spain and Portugal have centuries of history and captivating culture to draw upon. You, on the other hand, have only 21 days. Make ‘em count! 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, Porto, 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!
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 21 daysService level: Standard
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Physical Grading: Light
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Ends in: MadridAges: 12+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Lisbon
If visiting the historic district of Belém is on your bucket list, we recommend arriving early on this day to explore its major sites like the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower. Most attractions in Belém are closed on Mondays.
Arrive at any time.
If you'd like to independently 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.
Day 2: Lisbon
Opt to take a day trip into the foothills of the surrounding mountains to Sintra. Get lost in the city's winding streets lined with pastel coloured houses, palaces, majestic gardens and lush forests. It doesn't get more postcard-worthy than this.
Enjoy a CEO-led orientation walk of Lisbon. The rest of the day is free for exploration. In the evening enjoy a Fado night and traditional Portuguese dinner in one of Lisbon's oldest neighbourhoods.
Meals: B, D
Day 3: Lisbon/Coimbra
Leave Lisbon behind and head north to the small hill town of Batalha, best known for its ornate gothic monastery built to commemorate Portugal's victory in the infamous battle of Aljubarrota. Visit the historic Batalha Monastery with free time to wander the grounds. Continue to the medieval capital of Portugal, Coimbra.
Meals: B
Day 4: Coimbra
Enjoy a free day to explore Coimbra. Opt to visit the famous Coimbra University, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2013 (and also the inspiration for Harry Potter's Hogwarts). Explore the winding streets and the riverfront filled with restaurants and bars, or opt for a day trip to the nearby coastal town of Aveiro or the pilgrimage sites of Fátima.
Meals: B
Day 5: Coimbra/Porto
Continue to the historic and vibrant coastal town of Porto in the afternoon, and take an orientation walk upon arrival.
Meals: B
Day 6: Porto
Head down Allies Avenue to see the French-inspired buildings. Bargain at the Bolhão Market. Wander the city's World Heritage-listed Ribeira district, visit São Francisco church, the palatial former 19th-century stock market Palácio de Bolsa or head to the Clerigos Tower for a panoramic view of the city.
In the evening, become an Port wine connoisseur with a visit to the cellars and a port wine tasting.
In the evening, become an Port wine connoisseur with a visit to the cellars and a port wine tasting.
Free day to explore Porto. Opt take a cruise down the Douro Valley, or explore the city which gained UNESCO World Heritage designation in 1996. In the evening enjoy a visit to the port wine cellars and tasting.
Meals: B
Day 7: Porto/Madrid
Catch an early morning flight to Madrid. Arrive mid morning with the rest of the day to explore Madrid at your own pace.
Kindly note there is a 20kg luggage weight restriction on this internal flight. Please make sure to plan your packing with this in mind.
End place: Madrid
Day 8: Madrid/Granada
Start place: Madrid
Journey south to Granada. Upon arrival enjoy an orientation walk. Wander through the whitewashed historic quarter of the Albaicin; with its narrow lanes and fantastic views, it's a great place to watch the sunset.
End place: Granada
Meals: B
Day 9: Granada
Start place: Granada
After visiting the Alhambra, opt to take a wander through this historic city. In the evening, opt for a night on the town. Granada is filled with trendy tapas bars and has a lively music scene.
Opt to pre-book the "Granada City Center and Tapas Gourmet Tour" on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your trip.
Opt to pre-book the "Granada City Center and Tapas Gourmet Tour" on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your trip.
Enjoy a guided visit to the architectural masterpiece, the Alhambra. In the evening, opt to go for a stroll and check out the local tapas and wine bars.
End place: Granada
Meals: B
Day 10: Granada/Cordoba/Seville
Start place: Granada
Travel to Seville via picturesque Cordoba. Go for a stroll through the historic Jewish quarter and visit the iconic Mezquita de Cordoba (mosque). In the early evening, continue towards Seville and end your day with a dramatic flamenco performance.
End place: Sevilla
Meals: B
Day 11: Seville
Start place: Sevilla
Take the time to see all this great city has to offer. Opt to explore the interiors and gardens of the Alcázar, a magnificent palace dating from Moorish times, or the true heart of Seville, the Santa Cruz quarter— a charming area with winding alleys, picturesque lime-washed houses, flowery patios, and small squares.
Seville is home to the world’s largest gothic cathedral — climb the adjoining tower for great views of the city. Other attractions include the Museo Arqueológico, the Casa de Pilates and the Parque de María Luisa, which has a maze of paths, garden beds, pretty little patios, fountains, and shaded lawns.
Seville is home to the world’s largest gothic cathedral — climb the adjoining tower for great views of the city. Other attractions include the Museo Arqueológico, the Casa de Pilates and the Parque de María Luisa, which has a maze of paths, garden beds, pretty little patios, fountains, and shaded lawns.
Spend a day enjoying this city and its Moorish influence. Opt to explore the district of Santa Cruz, the Alcázar palace or the world's largest Gothic cathedral.
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 12: Seville/Barcelona
Start place: Sevilla
Hop on the train and get comfortable on the journey north to Barcelona. Take an orientation walk, including visits to the Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas. In the evening participate in a G Adventures supported tapas cooking class served and prepared by migrant students followed by a group dinner to round out the day.
Meals: B, D
Day 13: Valencia/Barcelona
Start place: Valencia
Enjoy the morning in Valencia before travelling to Barcelona. Take an orientation walk, including visits to the Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas. In the evening participate in a G Adventures supported tapas cooking class served and prepared by migrant youth followed by a group dinner to round out the day.
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 La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Casa Batlló, and Casa Milà.
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 La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Casa Batlló, and Casa Milà.
End place: Barcelona
Meals: B
Day 14: Barcelona
Start place: Barcelona
Make the most of your visit with a guided walk around the city centre. Opt to pre-book the "Highlights of Barcelona Walking Tour" on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.
Get out and explore all that Barcelona has to offer, or choose to journey further afield to the surrounding beaches and countryside to get a true taste of Catalan life.
Today, new travellers may join you for the rest of the adventure. You are welcome to join them at a group meeting this evening, followed by an optional dinner.
End place: Barcelona
Day 15: Barcelona/Pyrenees
Start place: Barcelona
Explore a bit of Barcelona before an afternoon departure north. Opt to pre-book the "Highlights of Barcelona Walking Tour" on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your trip.
Travel to the Pyrenees by local bus and van to reach a 'casa rural', or converted farmhouse, near the town of Ainsa. Indulge in delicious local meals and time to explore the beautiful landscape.
Travel to the Pyrenees by local bus and van to reach a 'casa rural', or converted farmhouse, near the town of Ainsa. Indulge in delicious local meals and time to explore the beautiful landscape.
Take the morning to explore beautiful Barcelona. Head to the Pyrenees region for 2 nights in a 'casa rural'. Enjoy home-cooked meals and hiking.
Enjoy traditional meals at the casa rural.
Meals: B, D
Day 16: Pyrenees
Enjoy the day in the scenic Pyrenees. Opt for some hikes in the area or head to Ainsa to explore. Spend another night in the 'casa rural'.
Meals: B, D
Day 17: Pyrenees/Bilbao
Travel to Bilbao, the first stop in the unique Basque region of Spain. Arrive in the early afternoon. Opt to visit the stunning Guggenheim Museum, or climb the Mallona Stairs to Parque Etxebarria for beautiful views over the city.
End place: Bilbao
Meals: B
Day 18: Bilbao/San Sebastian/Bilbao
Start place: Bilbao
The real treat in this part of the country is the eating. Basque cuisine is famous in Spain and around the world, with many believing this is the best food in the country. While San Sebastián didn't invent tapas, they are well-acknowledged to have perfected them. Wander through the streets before lunchtime or in the evening and check out what each bar has on offer.
Stop in each place for some wine or beer and sample their tapas (pintxos in Basque) selection. Move on to the next bar and repeat!
Delicious seafood abounds here as well. Looking for more than just pintxos? Head to the harbour and hole up in a traditional simple tavern. Don't leave San Sebastián without trying the famous jamon iberico.
The specialty drink in this area is called the Kalimotxo — half wine (usually red table wine) and half Coca Cola.Take some time to wander through the plazas, marvel at the buildings, and spot the art sprinkled throughout the city. And, as always, try the pintxos.
Stop in each place for some wine or beer and sample their tapas (pintxos in Basque) selection. Move on to the next bar and repeat!
Delicious seafood abounds here as well. Looking for more than just pintxos? Head to the harbour and hole up in a traditional simple tavern. Don't leave San Sebastián without trying the famous jamon iberico.
The specialty drink in this area is called the Kalimotxo — half wine (usually red table wine) and half Coca Cola.Take some time to wander through the plazas, marvel at the buildings, and spot the art sprinkled throughout the city. And, as always, try the pintxos.
Take a day trip to San Sebastian. Opt to take a pintxos (tapas) tour and learn about the fascinating culture of the area. Return to Bilbao for the night.
End place: Bilbao
Meals: B
Day 19: Bilbao/Logroño
Start place: Bilbao
With tons of churches, roman bridges, parks, plazas, and ancient buildings, there's no shortage of sights to be seen when wandering around this city.
Travel to Logroño and enjoy an included wine tasting in the Rioja region.
Meals: B
Day 20: Logroño/Madrid
Travel to Madrid and enjoy free time in this capital city.
End place: Madrid
Day 21: Madrid
Start place: Madrid
We recommend staying an extra day or two to fully experience all this lively city has to offer.
Depart at any time.
End place: Madrid
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- Your G for Good Moment: Mescladis Tapas Cooking Class and Dinner, Barcelona Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Foodie Moment: Fado Night with Traditional Portuguese Meal, Lisbon Culture & History: Port Wine Cellar Visit, Porto Your Discover Moment: Barcelona Your Foodie Moment: Rioja Region Wine Tasting, Logroño
- Lisbon orientation walk
- Fado performance with traditional Portuguese dinner
- Batalha gothic monastery entrance and visit
- Porto orientation walk
- Port wine cellars visit and tasting
- Granada orientation walk
- Albaicin quarter visit
- Alhambra guided tour
- Seville orientation walk
- Flamenco show performance
- Mezquita Mosque and Jewish quarter visit in Cordoba
- Barcelona orientation walk
- "Casa rural" stay with traditional meals (Pyrenees)
- San Sebastian day trip
- Wine tasting in the Rioja region
- Internal flight (Porto to Madrid)
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
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Transport
Public bus, Train, Plane, Walking -
Accommodation
Hotels (18 nts), Casa rural (2 nts)