Day 1 : DAY 1: Madrid - Toledo - Granada
Welcome to the start of this 12-day tour of Spain and Portugal! Meet up with your tour leader and fellow travellers in Madrid this morning. Then, it’s time to travel to Toledo. Enjoy an orientation tour of this enchanting UNESCO World Heritage town which is a feast for the eyes with fairytale architecture and scenery all around. Later, travel onwards to Granada located in the south of Spain. Arrive and set off on an orientation tour of this Moorish city full of history, culture and fascinating stories to tell. Tonight, join the Granada Local Food & Wine Evening for a local gastronomy experience. This optional excursion must be booked prior to the start of the tour - click here for more information!
Day 2 : DAY 2: Granada - Nerja - Costa del Sol
This morning, join our optional excursion to the Alhambra Palace. As this is one of Spain’s most extraordinary sights, this optional excursion must be booked prior to the start of the tour - click here to book now! Alternatively, explore Granada at your own pace. Then, head to the sunny Costa del Sol. Stop to admire the impressive Aqueduct Eagle before arriving in the stunning town of Nerja. Here, embark on an orientation tour with your tour leader. Later, travel to Malaga, a coastal city famous for beautiful beaches, amazing architecture and a thriving arts and culture scene. Look forward to an orientation tour and free time to explore before tonight's included dinner.
Day 3 : DAY 3: Malaga - Ronda - Seville
After breakfast, travel to Ronda, a mountaintop city which sits on both sides of the Tajo Gorge. Ronda is best known for its ‘Puente Nuevo’ (New Bridge). Soak up the spectacular scenery while learning all about this beautiful bridge on an orientation tour. Later this afternoon, travel onwards to Seville. Take in the iconic sights of this magical city which is known as the “Pearl of Andalusia” on a locally-guided tour. See the Torre del Oro, Metropol Parasol, Calle Sierpes and the exceptional Plaza de Espana. This vibrant public square is the most imposing in Spain and displays exquisite examples of Baroque Revival, Renaissance Revival and Moorish Revival Spanish architecture styles. Later, enjoy an included dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 4 : DAY 4: Seville: Free Day
Look forward to a full free day to explore the many wonders of Seville! Today’s optional excursion offers the opportunity to visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites - the breathtaking Seville Alcázar and Seville Cathedral. Both of these architectural masterpieces are true Spain travel highlights. Alternatively, choose to wander the city at your own pace. You could visit the Museum of Flamenco, this is where the dance form was born after all! Tonight, why not experience Flamenco firsthand at an optional Flamenco dinner show? This colourful performance is sure to captivate!
Day 5 : DAY 5: Sevilla - Algarve
Leaving Spain behind (for now), set off this morning for a new country; Portugal! The first stop while visiting Portugal is the incredibly scenic Algarve. Experience the beauty of this magnificent southern coastal region with visits to two of the Algarve’s most picture-perfect destinations. First up is a visit to the town of Tavira. An orientation tour will reveal highlights including the Old Bridge and Tavira Castle. After some free time, travel to Faro; the capital of the Algarve! Faro is home to a charming, pedestrian-friendly old town and is surrounded by gorgeous mountainous scenery. Explore the historic centre on an orientation tour and admire architectural marvels like the Faro Cathedral. The evening is free to spend as you wish.
Day 6 : DAY 6: Algarve - Lisbon
Bid farewell to the Algarve after breakfast this morning and travel to Portugal’s captivating capital city, Lisbon! Arrive and discover the many magical sights of this historic city on a driving tour. Uncover Lisbon’s fascinating history while driving along the Tagus River and spotting iconic landmarks like the Monument to the Discoveries, Jeronimos Monastery and Belem Tower. Take note of places to see in Lisbon on your free day tomorrow! Check into the hotel later in the afternoon and enjoy some free time before tonight’s included dinner with the group. Look forward to a three-course meal of delicious local dishes.
Day 7 : DAY 7: Lisbon: Free Day
Experience a full free day in Lisbon! Take this opportunity to explore the sights seen during yesterday's driving tour more in-depth, wander around the bohemian Bairro Alto neighbourhood or visit the hilltop Castelo de São Jorge. Alternatively, explore a little further afield with the optional trip to Sintra. This fairytale village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is renowned as Portugal’s capital of Romanticism. Visit the colourful Pena Palace before enjoying lunch. Another optional excursion available today is a trip to the town of Fátima. This is Portugal’s most celebrated religious pilgrimage site. Here, encounter the limestone Coin Caves and the impressive Sanctuary of Fátima. However you choose to spend this free day, it’s sure to be memorable!
Day 8 : DAY 8: Lisbon - Obidos - Nazaré - Porto
Leaving Lisbon behind, the tour makes its way to Porto. En route, visit Obidos. Discover this dreamy medieval town which is home to picture-perfect houses, a striking castle and winding cobblestone streets on an orientation tour. Next, stop in Nazaré, a gorgeous coastal town which is home to the world’s biggest waves! Arrive in Porto in the afternoon and embark on a guided driving and walking tour. Marvel at Portugal’s second-largest city’s many scenic spots and architectural delights such as the iconic Ponte Dom Luis which crosses the River Douro. Then, look forward to an included tasting of Porto’s most famous export - Port wine! Say “saúde” (cheers)! This evening, sit down for an included dinner before checking into the hotel.
Day 9 : DAY 9: Porto: Free Day
Bom dia Porto! Discover the many wonders of Porto on this free day. As one of Portugal’s oldest cities, there are a range of historic highlights to explore. Wander around the Ribeira which is located on the banks of Douro and is Porto’s liveliest and most scenic area! To soak up Porto’s awe-inspiring views, cross the Ponte de Dom Luís I Bridge or climb the Clérigos Tower. You could also visit the lush Porto Botanical Garden or the mesmerising Parque de São Roque. However you spend your free day in Porto, be sure to save some time for sampling local food and wine! Tuck into a hearty Francesinha sandwich, fresh bacalhau (cod) or a warming bowl of caldo verde soup.
Day 10 : DAY 10: Porto - Ciudad Rodrigo - Salamanca
Say “adeus” to Portugal this morning as the tour makes its way back to Spain. Crossing the border, visit Ciudad Rodrigo, a historic and artistic Spanish city. Join your tour leader for an orientation tour and learn more about this fortified city. Its well-preserved 12th-century city walls surround an Old Town full of fascinating history and striking architecture. Later, head to Salamanca where the group will spend the evening. Uncover myths, legends and spellbinding historical sights on a guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The University of Salamanca is one of the oldest universities in Europe while the city’s 12th and 16th-century cathedrals are a sight to behold. Tonight, tuck into a delicious three-course dinner featuring local dishes.
Day 11 : DAY 11: Salamanca - Avila - Madrid
There’s one more stop on this Spain & Portugal adventure before the tour arrives back in Madrid for the final night of the tour. Leaving Salamanca this morning, head to Avila. At 1,130 m above sea level, Avila is the highest provincial capital in Spain and offers sweeping views of the countryside. This special city is best known for its medieval city walls and its Romanesque and Gothic churches. Arrive back in Madrid this afternoon and experience the allure of Spain’s capital on a locally guided tour. From the bustling Plaza Mayor and Mercado de San Miguel to the grand Royal Palace, Madrid is teeming with things to see and do! This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with the group.
Day 12 : DAY 12: End of tour in Madrid
After 12 days of visiting Portugal and Spain’s stunning top sights and hidden gems, this Spain & Portugal winter tour comes to an end after breakfast this morning. Be sure to swap contact details with your newfound travel buddies before travelling home. Expat Explore wishes you a safe journey onward and can’t wait to have you on the road with us again soon!