Heritage Highlights of Iberian Peninsula
From Madrid to Lisbon over seven days, this journey sweeps through Roman Mérida and whitewashed Évora, then rolls across the Alentejo to storybook hill towns and Templar Tomar. You’ll pause in Fátima’s sanctuary, cruise the Douro in Porto aboard a traditional rabelo, and dip into the north with Braga’s cathedral, the Bom Jesus funicular and medieval Guimarães. Expect canals and Art Nouveau in Aveiro, scholarly Coimbra, the soaring Monastery of Batalha, ocean views above Nazaré and flower framed Óbidos. Lisbon rounds things off – Belém’s Age of Discovery, viewpoints and tiles – with free time and optional jaunts to Sintra, Cascais and Estoril.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
7 daysHotel Rating
3-4 star hotelsStarts
MadridEnds
LisbonMinimum 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
NoDeparture Transfer
NoTour Guide
Yes - English speaking guides (guiding may be in additional languages to English)Countries
Spain, PortugalPassengers
$1,808.00
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
Mérida
Évora
Marvão
Castelo de Vide
Tomar
Fátima
Porto
Braga
Guimarães
Bom Jesus
Pinhão
Coimbra
Batalha
Nazaré
Óbidos
Lisbon
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Madrid - Merida - Evora
We leave Madrid and travel west to Mérida, capital of Extremadura. Entrance is included to the Archaeological Ensemble of Mérida – home to the remarkably preserved Roman Theatre and Amphitheatre – recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. We then enjoy lunch in the lively, pedestrian historic centre before crossing into Portugal. Our day continues in Évora, another UNESCO-listed city known for its whitewashed streets, Renaissance palaces and impressive cathedral. You’ll have free time to explore at your own pace – we recommend the Chapel of Bones, constructed with around 5,000 skeletons.
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 - Evora - Marvão - Castelo de Vide - Tomar - Fatima
We travel through the Alentejo’s rolling landscapes, pausing in Marvão – a hilltop walled town with far-reaching views – before continuing to Castelo de Vide to see its castle and stroll the old Jewish quarter. Here, you can visit the medieval synagogue, now a small museum, or simply explore the winding lanes. After lunch we continue to Tomar, where we include admission to the Convent of Christ, the former castle–convent of the Order of the Templars. Before reaching Fátima, we stop in Aljustrel, birthplace of the three shepherd children linked to the apparitions of the Virgin Mary, with the chance to see Lucia’s house. On arrival in Fátima, you’ll have free time at the Sanctuary – you may wish to join the candlelight procession if it is taking place, as this is not held in winter. Dinner is included.
Day 3 - Fatima - Porto
We travel north from Fátima and arrive in Porto – Portugal’s second largest city – at around 11:00. On arrival we take a 50 minute cruise on the Douro River aboard a traditional Portuguese rabelo boat, giving a different perspective of the city’s riverside. Afterwards you have free time to explore the lively Ribeira district, with its narrow streets, historic merchant houses and cafés, before we head to the hotel.
Day 4 - Porto - Braga - Bom Jesus - Guimarães - Aveiro - Coimbra
Today we take in northern Portugal’s landscapes. We start in Braga – the country’s religious capital – with a stroll around its historic centre and ancient cathedral. We then ride the world’s oldest funicular up to the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus for sweeping views; you can walk back down to admire the baroque stairway.Next, we continue to Guimarães – Portugal’s first capital – where the Palace of the Dukes reflects its historic importance. You’ll have free time for lunch.In the afternoon we head to the Atlantic coast and Aveiro, the Venice of Portugal, known for its colourful houses. We include a Moliceiro boat ride through the canals and salt flats, with a tasting of a typical local sweet on board.We arrive in Coimbra in the late afternoon – dinner is included at the hotel.
Day 5 - Coimbra - Batalha - Nazare - Obidos - Lisbon
We spend the morning in Coimbra, Portugal’s third largest city, known for its historic university and steep lanes. Heading south, we stop at the Monastery of Batalha – admission included – an impressive medieval royal mausoleum. There is then free time for lunch and a stroll in Nazaré, a traditional fishing town and seaside resort – and we include tickets for the lift up to the old town for sweeping ocean views. Continuing towards Lisbon, we pause in Óbidos, one of Portugal’s most picturesque towns, with whitewashed streets bright with flowers. We arrive in Lisbon at around 7.30 pm.
Day 6 - Lisbon
In the morning, we set out on a sightseeing tour of Lisbon – the city of seven hills, characterful alleys, iconic tiles and Atlantic light. We then visit Belém, the neighbourhood from which Portuguese navigators departed in the 15th century. The afternoon is free for you to explore – you can make your way to Bairro Alto and its viewpoint, or join an optional excursion to Sintra, Cascais and Estoril. In the evening, we return to the hotel from Restauradores Square – a lively area with bars and cafés.
Day 7 - Lisbon
After breakfast in Lisbon, our journey concludes – we hope you leave with lasting memories and wish you a smooth onward journey.
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 - Lisbon
Triple
Double
Twin
Single
Pre-Tour Accommodation - Madrid
Triple
Double
Twin
Single
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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