Highlights of Spain & Portugal

Spain Portugal

Satisfy your wanderlust with a 9-day trip to Spain and Portugal! Start in Madrid and learn about amazing architecture, inspiring culture and the Spanish lifestyle! Discover Toledo, Granada and Seville. Visit Ronda and see the famous Puente Nuevo. Cross into Portugal and admire the incredible Algarve views. Experience lively Lisbon, taste port in Porto and explore historic Garda. Finish off this Spain and Portugal tour with stops in Salamanca and Avila. Embrace the local way of life complete with tapas, flamenco and bullfighting on our unforgettable Portugal and Spain tours!

You can combine this itinerary with a tour of eastern Spain and Andorra - click here for more information. 

  • Visit the medieval town of Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Ronda, famous for its ‘Puente Nuevo’ (New Bridge)
  • Free days in Seville and Lisbon
  • Taste the fortified wine Port in Porto
  • Experience the Old Town of Salamanca and tapas in Seville 
Highlights of Spain & Portugal (ESP)

Accommodation

  • 8 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms
  • Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability)

Experiences

  • Explore Madrid; Spain’s capital city
  • Welcome dinner in Madrid
  • Visit the ancient city of Toledo
  • Discover the delights of Granada
  • Visit Ronda; home to the famous Puente Nuevo
  • See Seville on a driving tour
  • Enjoy a local dinner in Seville
  • Explore the streets of Seville on a guided tour
  • Visit the Algarve; Portugal's stunning southern coast
  • Enjoy a driving tour of Lisbon
  • Visit Obidos; a medieval fortified town
  • Enjoy a driving and walking tour of Porto
  • Taste Portugal’s most famous drink - Port!
  • Visit Ciudad Rodrigo, a 12th-century fortified town
  • Explore the streets of Salamanca
  • Farewell dinner in Salamanca
  • Visit Avila; home to incredible Romanesque architecture

Extras

  • Fully guided tour with experienced tour leader
  • Tour leader will accompany group throughout and manage all logistical details

Transport

  • Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard
  • Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)

Not Included

International flights
Travel to the start point and from the endpoint is not included. We recommend using Skyscanner to find the best deals on international flights.

Travel insurance
For a relatively small price, travel insurance provides you with the peace of mind so that you can enjoy your tour without any worries. 

All passengers travelling on an Expat Explore tour are required to have valid travel insurance cover and you are responsible for arranging your own insurance. Click here for more information.

DAY 1: Start of tour in Madrid

Welcome to the start of this 9-day tour of Spain and Portugal! On arrival in Madrid, make your way to the hotel to meet up with your tour leader and fellow travellers this morning. After everyone is gathered, it’s time to explore the beautiful capital of Spain on an orientation tour. Look forward to seeing Madrid’s top sights! Afterwards, enjoy free time to discover more of the city. This evening, get to know more about the rest of the tour group and celebrate the first night of the tour at an included welcome dinner.

DAY 2: Toledo - Granada

This morning, leave Madrid behind and head to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Toledo. This charming, ancient walled town, complete with Gothic architecture and an impressive Cathedral, is sure to have travellers falling in love with it! The tour continues south to the Moorish city of Granada. Arrive this afternoon and join your tour leader on an orientation tour of this historic city. Listen in for great insight into this beautiful region of Spain as well as the history, culture and highlights of Granada. Tonight, join the Granada Local Food & Wine Evening for delicious tapas and wine in a local gastrobar. This optional excursion must be booked prior to the start of the tour - click here for more information!

DAY 3: Granada - Ronda - Seville

Spend the morning exploring Granada, or join our optional excursion to the Alhambra Palace. As one of the most beautiful sights to see in all of Spain, this optional excursion must be booked prior to the start of the tour - click here to book now! Next, travel to Ronda, a town located on both sides of the Tajo Gorge. The most iconic site here is the ‘Puente Nuevo’ (New Bridge). Take in the spectacular views from the bridge before enjoying a leisurely lunch stop. Finally, travel to Seville. Arrive and enjoy a driving tour of this enchanting city before enjoying free time at the beautiful Plaza de Espana. Enjoy an included dinner before checking into the hotel for tonight.

DAY 4: Seville

Discover the history and charm of Seville today! Begin with a guided tour of the city, accompanied by an expert local guide. The rest of the day is free to spend as you wish! Choose to tour the Alcázar of Seville on an optional excursion, visit the Metropol Parasol for amazing views or visit the Museum of Flamenco. Alternatively, simply wander the historic city and see where your feet take you! Legend has it that Seville was founded by Hercules, and it certainly boasts a colourful history, from the Romans to the Moors! Seville is famous for its flamenco and tapas bars and tonight is your chance to experience this dance of passion at the lively optional Flamenco dinner show!

DAY 5: Algarve - Lisbon

Today it’s time to travel to Lisbon, Portugal! Along the way, visit the Algarve. This stunning southern coastal region of Portugal features golden beaches and limestone cliffs. Look forward to a comfort stop at one of these beautiful beaches so you can top up your tan or take a dip in the cool, blue ocean. Arrive in Lisbon, set off on an orientation tour of the capital and see Lisbon’s highlights. From the imposing Sao Jorge Castle to the pastel colours of the old town, Lisbon has it all! Enjoy an included dinner in Lisbon tonight.

DAY 6: Lisbon: Free Day

Today is your free day to explore Lisbon at your own pace. You could visit Lisbon's landmarks, including the Monument to the Discoveries and the Belém Tower or discover the hilltop district of Bairro Alto. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to Sintra, a charming UNESCO World Heritage Site village and the capital of Romanticism in Portugal, known for its striking monuments. While there, visit Pena Palace and enjoy lunch. Or, join an excursion to Portugal’s most famous pilgrimage site, Fátima. This evening is your chance to enjoy one of Portugal's cultural highlights; Fado music. Unique to Portugal, it is arguably the oldest urban folk music in the world - you are sure to discover many bars nearby playing Fado!

DAY 7: Obidos - Porto

On the way to Porto this morning, enjoy a stop in Obidos. This classic fortified town is home to narrow cobbled streets, picturesque houses and an imposing hilltop castle. We continue our tour of Portugal and enter Porto - Portugal’s second-largest city and home of one of the country’s most famous exports - port wine! Enjoy a walking tour of Porto, where you will see Ponte Dom Luis - a stunning bridge that crosses the River Douro, the Clerigos Tower and many other famous landmarks. Enjoy the opportunity to sample a glass of port wine this afternoon at the included Port tasting. Tonight, join the Evening on the Douro optional with a cruise along the picturesque Douro River and an unforgettable gastronomical experience.

DAY 8: Ciudad Rodrigo - Salamanca

It is time to depart Portugal and travel back to Spain through beautiful stretches of countryside. Make a stop in Ciudad Rodrigo, a historic, fortified Spanish city full of architectural delights. Explore the Old Town on an orientation tour before enjoying free time for lunch. After arriving in Salamanca, embark on a locally guided city tour. Salamanca is a stunning city home to incredible Baroque, Gothic and Renaissance buildings. See top sights including the old and new cathedrals, the University and Casa Lis (an Art Deco museum) before ending in the Plaza Mayor with some free time. The day ends with an included dinner before the tour concludes tomorrow. Enjoy three courses of delicious traditional meals from the Salamanca region.

DAY 9: Avila - Madrid

After nine fun-filled days on the road, today is the last day of this Spain and Portugal tour. This morning, depart Salamanca and travel to the stunning city of Avila, which is notable for its many Romanesque and Gothic churches, and the famous and incredibly well preserved medieval walls. Then, continue on to the capital Madrid. Arrive in Madrid and the tour concludes this afternoon. Make sure to swap contact details with your newly-made travel friends! Adios!

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12/04/2025 20/04/2025 £1,125 Book
26/04/2025 04/05/2025 £1,125 Book
10/05/2025 18/05/2025 £1,125 Book
24/05/2025 01/06/2025 £1,095 Book
07/06/2025 15/06/2025 £1,125 Book
21/06/2025 29/06/2025 £1,125 Book
05/07/2025 13/07/2025 £1,125 Book
19/07/2025 27/07/2025 £1,095 Book
02/08/2025 10/08/2025 £1,035 Book
16/08/2025 24/08/2025 £1,075 Book
30/08/2025 07/09/2025 £1,125 Book
27/09/2025 05/10/2025 £1,125 Book
04/10/2025 12/10/2025 £983 Book
11/10/2025 19/10/2025 £1,125 Book
18/10/2025 26/10/2025 £926 Book
22/12/2025 30/12/2025 £915 Book
14/03/2026 22/03/2026 £1,005 Book
28/03/2026 05/04/2026 £1,005 Book
11/04/2026 19/04/2026 £1,045 Book
25/04/2026 03/05/2026 £1,045 Book
02/05/2026 10/05/2026 £1,005 Book
09/05/2026 17/05/2026 £1,005 Book
16/05/2026 24/05/2026 £965 Book
23/05/2026 31/05/2026 £965 Book
06/06/2026 14/06/2026 £1,005 Book
06/06/2026 14/06/2026 £1,005 Book
20/06/2026 28/06/2026 £965 Book
27/06/2026 05/07/2026 £965 Book
04/07/2026 12/07/2026 £965 Book
11/07/2026 19/07/2026 £965 Book
18/07/2026 26/07/2026 £965 Book
01/08/2026 09/08/2026 £965 Book
15/08/2026 23/08/2026 £965 Book
22/08/2026 30/08/2026 £965 Book
29/08/2026 06/09/2026 £965 Book
05/09/2026 13/09/2026 £965 Book
12/09/2026 20/09/2026 £965 Book
19/09/2026 27/09/2026 £965 Book
26/09/2026 04/10/2026 £965 Book
03/10/2026 11/10/2026 £975 Book
10/10/2026 18/10/2026 £1,005 Book
24/10/2026 01/11/2026 £1,005 Book

Please contact Global Coach Tours for a list of the latest optional activities available.

Granada - €50

Enjoy a four-course wine and food pairing experience at a premier Granada gastro bar! Learn about the history of the local cuisine and wine production.

Granada - €80

Explore the Alhambra, a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site which includes a palace, fortress and beautiful gardens. 

Seville - €85

Enjoy a live flamenco show along with a four-course Spanish dinner in Seville, the birthplace of flamenco!

Seville - €70

Visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Alcázar of Seville and the Seville Cathedral! Explore these sites in depth with a guided tour. 

Lisbon - €100

Take a half-day trip to Sintra, a gorgeous UNESCO World Heritage village! This optional excursion includes entrance to Pena Palace and lunch.

Lisbon - €55

Explore the Fátima, the most famous religious pilgrimage site in Portugal! Tour the Coin Caves, the Sanctuary of Fátima and more.

Porto - €60

Cruise along the picturesque Douro River and enjoy an unforgettable gastronomical experience at a local restaurant with stunning Douro views!

10 freshly pressed packing tips for your coach touring holiday!

10 freshly pressed packing tips for your coach touring holiday!

Luggage: Each person may bring one suitcase (max 76cm x 46cm x 25cm, 23kg) and a small hand luggage item without telescoping handles. Packing Tips: Watch a video for fast, efficient packing.
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