Madrid to Lisbon Iberian Adventure Trail
Begin in Madrid and end back in Madrid on this 9–day sweep through Spain and Portugal. Tour Madrid’s elegant avenues and Retiro Park, with entry to the Santiago Bernabéu, then roll south past Don Quixote country to Granada’s Moorish lanes and Alhambra views. Trace the Tropical Coast to Nerja and Málaga, drop by dramatic Ronda, and explore Seville’s cathedral quarter before a gentle cruise on the Guadalquivir. Cross into Extremadura for UNESCO–listed Mérida, then into Portugal for Évora and Lisbon’s Baixa and Belém. Return via medieval Cáceres and Estremoz. Expect varied scenery, great food, and a well–paced blend of guided visits and free time.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
9 daysHotel Rating
3-4 star hotelsStarts
MadridEnds
MadridMinimum Age
No minimum ageMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in Spain that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
NoTour Guide
Yes - English speaking guides (guiding may be in additional languages to English)Countries
Spain, PortugalPassengers
$2,278.00
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 2 / Max 65
Trip Type
Large Coach Tours
Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Yes - English speaking guides (guiding may be in additional languages to English)Group Size
Min 2 / Max 65Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Large Coach ToursPlaces You'll See
Madrid
Granada
Malaga
Marbella
Ronda
Seville
Mérida
Évora
Lisbon
Cáceres
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Madrid
Welcome to Madrid. On arrival at the airport, we’ll transfer you to your hotel. You’ll have free time until the tour begins – please check the information board at reception for the welcome meeting details with your guide and fellow travellers. In the evening, we’ll provide a transfer to Plaza Mayor and nearby La Latina – known for its lively atmosphere and tapas spots. You can choose where to dine, with plenty of options including Spanish, Indian, Chinese and Middle Eastern cuisines.
Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.
Day 2 - Madrid
The morning begins with a guided tour of central Madrid – Paseo del Prado, Cibeles, Neptuno, Puerta de Alcalá, Plaza de Colón and Plaza Mayor. We then head to Retiro Park in the city centre to see the lake and the Palacio de Cristal. Admission is included to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium – home of Real Madrid. You’ll have the afternoon at leisure to explore as you wish, and in the evening we’ll provide a return transfer to the hotel.
Day 3 - Madrid - Granada
We depart Madrid early, heading south through La Mancha with a stop in Puerto Lápice, a traditional Manchego village linked to Don Quixote. We then continue into Andalusia via Despeñaperros and arrive in Granada, where lunch is included. The afternoon is free – you could visit the Cathedral, which houses the tomb of the Catholic Monarchs, or wander the Albaicín and take in views of the Alhambra from the Mirador de San Nicolás. Note: this tour does not include admission to the Alhambra – if you wish to visit, please purchase tickets in advance via the official website https://tickets.alhambra-patronato.es or through companies that organise city visits.
Day 4 - Granada - Nerja - Malaga - Ronda - Seville
We leave Granada and enjoy changing landscapes as the Sierra Nevada fades behind us, then follow the Mediterranean along the Tropical Coast – its mild microclimate nurtures guavas, mangoes and avocados, and historically, sugar cane. We stop in Nerja to admire its dramatic cliffs before continuing to Málaga, capital of the Costa del Sol, with a vibrant historic centre. There’s time for lunch and a stroll. In the afternoon we head into the Andalusian sierras to reach Ronda – a striking white town split by a deep gorge – then continue to Seville, arriving in the late afternoon. Dinner is included at the hotel.
Day 5 - Seville
In the morning, we explore Seville on a guided city tour, taking in the cathedral and its Giralda, the banks of the Guadalquivir, and the atmospheric neighbourhoods of Santa Cruz and Triana. After the tour, we relax on an included boat ride along the Guadalquivir – a straightforward way to enjoy panoramic views of the city from the water. In the evening, you can choose to attend a flamenco tablao.
Day 6 - Seville - Merida - Evora - Lisbon
Leaving Seville, we travel through rolling hills and broad pasturelands towards Extremadura. In Mérida, we include admission to the Archaeological Ensemble – home to the Roman Theatre and Amphitheatre and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll have time for lunch and a stroll through the pedestrian historic centre, lined with restaurants. We then continue into Portugal, pausing in Évora – also a UNESCO World Heritage Site – noted for its whitewashed streets, Renaissance palaces and cathedral. We reach Lisbon in the evening.
Day 7 - Lisbon
This morning we take a sightseeing tour of Lisbon, the city of seven hills, with its narrow lanes and iconic tiles. We then visit the Belém neighbourhood, from where Portuguese navigators set sail across the oceans in the 15th century. The afternoon is free – you can explore on foot and head up to Bairro Alto and its viewpoint, or join an optional excursion to Sintra, Cascais and Estoril. In the evening, we provide a return transfer to the hotel from lively Restauradores Square, with its bars and cafes.
Day 8 - Lisbon - Caceres - Madrid
We depart Portugal early, crossing the open landscapes of the Alentejo. We pause in Estremoz for a coffee break – a historic town with a medieval castle and cobbled streets. We then cross into Spain and continue to Cáceres, where you’ll have time for lunch and to explore the atmospheric historic centre, noted for its exceptionally well preserved medieval and Renaissance architecture. We continue to Madrid, arriving in the evening.
Day 9 - Madrid
After breakfast, we conclude our journey in Madrid – our services end here and we hope you leave with lasting memories.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Pre and Post Tour Accommodation
Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.
Post-Tour Accommodation - Madrid
Pre-Tour Accommodation - Madrid
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Confirmation of the hotels used may not be available until 48 hours before the tour departs.
If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with 2 travellers. 'Double/Twin' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. 'Triple' prices are per person when there are 3 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Shared' prices are for solo travellers who are happy to share with another solo traveller of the same sex in a twin room - a single room will be provided at no additional cost if there are no suitable travellers to share with.
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