Itinerary
- Day 1
Madrid to Toledo to Granada
Meet your tour leader and fellow travelers in Madrid this morning before heading south to Toledo. You'll get an orientation tour of this UNESCO World Heritage town and see the fairytale architecture that makes it so distinctive. After that, continue on to Granada, a city with deep Moorish roots and plenty of history. This evening, there's an optional food and wine pairing experience if you've arranged it in advance.
Included Activities
- Orientation tour of Toledo
- Visit the ancient city of Toledo
- Discover the delights of Granada
Optional Activities
- Granada Local Food & Wine Pairing (must be booked prior to tour start)
Landmarks/POIs Toledo - Day 2
Granada to Costa del Sol to Malaga
You can start with an optional visit to Alhambra Palace (pre-book this if you want to go), or just explore Granada on your own. Later in the day, head toward Costa del Sol and pass by the Aqueduct Eagle along the way. Stop in Nerja for an orientation tour, then continue to Malaga where your leader shows you around the city. You'll have some free time to wander before dinner is included for the group.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Orientation tour of Nerja
- City tour of Malaga
- Soak up the sun in Costa del Sol
Optional Activities
- Alhambra Palace excursion (must be booked in advance)
Landmarks/POIs Alhambra Palace Aqueduct Eagle Nerja - Day 3
Malaga to Ronda to Seville
After breakfast, travel to Ronda, which sits dramatically on a mountaintop overlooking the Tajo Gorge. The Puente Nuevo bridge is the iconic sight here and you'll see it during the orientation tour. Then head to Seville and get a locally guided tour that covers Torre del Oro, Metropol Parasol, Calle Sierpes, and Plaza de Espana. Dinner is included at a local restaurant this evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Local dinner in Seville)
Included Activities
- Orientation tour of Ronda
- Locally guided tour of Seville
- Visit Torre del Oro
- Visit Metropol Parasol
- Visit Plaza de Espana
- Visit Ronda; home to the famous Puente Nuevo
- See Seville on a driving tour
- Enjoy a local dinner in Seville
Landmarks/POIs Puente Nuevo Torre del Oro Metropol Parasol Plaza de Espana Calle Sierpes - Day 4
Seville
This day is completely yours in Seville. You could join the optional excursion to see the Seville Alcazar and Seville Cathedral, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, or just wander the city however you like. The Museum of Flamenco is worth checking out if you're interested in the history of Spanish dance. Tonight, there's an optional Flamenco show with dinner if you want an authentic cultural experience.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Seville Alcázar excursion
- Seville Cathedral excursion
- Visit Museum of Flamenco
- Flamenco show and dinner
Landmarks/POIs Seville Alcázar Seville Cathedral Museum of Flamenco - Day 5
Seville to Algarve to Faro
Head into Portugal today toward the Algarve, a coastal region in the south known for its destinations and landscapes. Stop in Tavira for an orientation tour to see the Old Bridge and castle. Then visit a local cork factory where you'll learn about the area's biodiversity and get to taste some traditional liquor. Finish up in Faro, the Algarve's capital, with a tour of the historic center and the cathedral.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Orientation tour of Tavira
- Visit Old Bridge in Tavira
- Visit Tavira Castle
- Cork factory tour and traditional liquor tasting
- Orientation tour of Faro
- Visit the Algarve; Portugal's stunning southern coast
- Enjoy a tour of a cork factory and a traditional liquor tasting
Landmarks/POIs Tavira Castle Faro Cathedral - Day 6
Faro to Lisbon
Travel from the Algarve to Lisbon, Portugal's capital. When you arrive, take a guided driving tour along the Tagus River to see the Monument to the Discoveries, Jeronimos Monastery, and Belem Tower. After checking into your hotel, you'll have free time to rest or explore on your own. An included three-course dinner with local specialties happens later with the group.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Three-course meal consisting of delectable local foods)
Included Activities
- Guided driving tour of Lisbon
- Discover Lisbon on a driving tour
Landmarks/POIs Monument to the Discoveries Jeronimos Monastery Belem Tower - Day 7
Lisbon
You have complete freedom to explore Lisbon today. Wander through Bairro Alto if you want a bohemian neighborhood vibe, or head to Castelo de Sao Jorge on a hilltop for city views. If you're interested, there's an optional trip to Fatima, Portugal's major pilgrimage site with Coin Caves nearby. There's also a highly recommended half-day optional excursion to Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which includes Pena Palace and dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Trip to Fátima including Coin Caves and Sanctuary of Fátima
- Half-day trip to Sintra with Pena Palace tour and dinner
Landmarks/POIs Bairro Alto Castelo de São Jorge Sanctuary of Fátima Coin Caves Pena Palace - Day 8
Lisbon to Obidos to Nazare to Porto
Leave Lisbon and head to Porto, Portugal's second-largest city. First, stop in Obidos, a medieval town with picturesque houses, a castle, and charming cobbled streets for an orientation tour. Pass through Nazare, which is famous for some of the world's biggest waves. Arrive in Porto for a guided walking and driving tour to see Ponte Dom Luis bridge and other top spots. You'll do a Port wine tasting and then have an included dinner before checking into your hotel.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Orientation tour of Obidos
- Guided walking and driving tour of Porto
- Port wine tasting
- Visit Obidos; a medieval fortified town
- Watch the waves in Nazaré
- Enjoy a driving and walking tour of Porto
- Taste Portugal's most famous drink - Port!
Landmarks/POIs Obidos Castle Nazaré Ponte Dom Luis I - Day 9
Porto
You've got the full day to yourself in Porto, so you can move at your own pace. The Ribeira district is right there along the Douro River with all its narrow streets and local character, or if you're feeling adventurous, head out to the Douro Valley or Guimarães for something different. Later in the evening, there's an option to catch a live Fado show followed by a three-course dinner with views overlooking the Douro River if you want to make the night special.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Douro Valley & Guimarães optional excursion with wine tastings
- Live Fado show in the evening
- Three-course dinner at a local restaurant with Douro River views
Landmarks/POIs Ribeira Douro River Douro Valley Guimarães - Day 10
Porto to Ciudad Rodrigo to Salamanca
Leave Portugal and cross back into Spain today. Stop in Ciudad Rodrigo for an orientation tour of this fortified city with its well-preserved 12th-century walls surrounding the Old Town. Continue to Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you'll get a guided tour. See one of Europe's oldest universities and some stunning cathedrals from the 12th and 16th centuries. End the day with a three-course local dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Three-course local dinner)
Included Activities
- Orientation tour of Ciudad Rodrigo
- Guided tour of Salamanca
- Visit Ciudad Rodrigo, a 12th-century fortified town
- Explore the streets of Salamanca with a local guide
- Enjoy a local dinner in Salamanca
Landmarks/POIs University of Salamanca - Day 11
Salamanca to Avila to Madrid
Depart Salamanca and drive to Avila, Spain's highest provincial capital at 1,130 meters elevation. You'll get countryside views and explore the medieval city walls plus the Romanesque and Gothic churches Avila is known for. Then head back to Madrid for a city tour with a local guide covering Plaza Mayor, Mercado de San Miguel, and the Royal Palace. Sit down for a farewell dinner with the group to close out your 12-day trip.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Farewell dinner with the group)
Included Activities
- Explore medieval city walls of Avila
- City tour of Madrid with local guide
- Visit Plaza Mayor
- Visit Mercado de San Miguel
- Visit Royal Palace
- Visit Avila; home to incredible Romanesque architecture
- Explore Madrid, Spain's capital, with a local guide
- Enjoy a farewell dinner in Madrid
Landmarks/POIs Avila City Walls Plaza Mayor Mercado de San Miguel Royal Palace - Day 12
Madrid
Your 12-day Spain and Portugal adventure wraps up this morning with a final breakfast. Exchange contact information with the travel companions you've met along the way and get ready for whatever comes next in your journey.
- Meals
- Breakfast
