Iberian Odyssey Tapas, History, and Culture
Begin in Madrid and end back in Madrid on an 11 day journey through Spain and Portugal – a blend of headline cities, whitewashed towns and coast to countryside scenery. You’ll explore Madrid’s boulevards and Retiro, visit a Don Quixote village, and head into Andalusia for Granada’s legacy, Nerja’s cliffs, Málaga and Ronda. Seville delivers its cathedral, the Giralda and a cruise on the Guadalquivir – flamenco is a tempting extra. Cross to Portugal for UNESCO treasures in Évora and Lisbon’s Belém, then Porto with a Douro cruise. Expect Braga’s Bom Jesus, Galician seafood, Santiago’s splendour and León’s stained glass.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
11 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
$3,213.00
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
Fátima
Porto
Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary
Cambados
Santiago de Compostela
Lugo
O Cebreiro
León
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Madrid
Welcome to Madrid. Upon 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 time and details of the welcome meeting with your guide and fellow travellers. In the evening, we’ll provide a transfer to Plaza Mayor and the La Latina neighbourhood – a lively area known for its tapas bars. You can choose where to dine, with plenty of options including Spanish, Indian, Chinese and Middle Eastern cuisine.
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 comprehensive tour of central Madrid, taking in Paseo del Prado, the Cibeles and Neptuno fountains, Puerta de Alcalá, Plaza de Colón and Plaza Mayor. We then visit Retiro Park – a green oasis in the heart of the city – to see the lake and the Palacio de Cristal. We include admission to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home of Real Madrid. You have the afternoon free to explore at your own pace. In the evening, we provide a return transfer to the hotel.
Day 3 - Madrid - Granada
We depart Madrid early, travelling south through La Mancha for a stop in Puerto Lápice, a traditional Manchego village linked to Don Quixote. We then continue into Andalusia via Despeñaperros, reaching Granada – lunch is included. In the afternoon, if you have pre-booked the Alhambra option, you will visit the Alhambra Palace and the Generalife Gardens with a local guide.Important to know: admission to the Alhambra is strictly regulated by law. To secure entry, tickets are issued when your tour reservation is confirmed – you must provide your full name and passport/ID number at the time of booking. Ticket costs are non-refundable in the event of cancellation. In the rare case the Alhambra visit cannot be operated, we will instead arrange a visit to the Royal Alcázar of Seville, which offers comparable historical and architectural interest.
Day 4 - Granada - Nerja - Malaga - Ronda - Seville
We leave Granada, leaving the Sierra Nevada behind as we follow the Mediterranean along the Tropical Coast – a region with a mild year round climate that supports guava, mango and avocado cultivation, and once sugar cane. We stop in Nerja to admire its coastal cliffs before continuing to Málaga, capital of the Costa del Sol, with a lively historic centre. You’ll have time for lunch and a stroll through the city centre. In the afternoon we head into the Andalusian sierras to reach Ronda, a striking white town famed for the dramatic gorge that splits the city in two. We continue to Seville, arriving in the late afternoon, with dinner included at the hotel.
Day 5 - Seville
This morning we take a guided tour of Seville, visiting the cathedral and its Giralda, the banks of the Guadalquivir, and the neighbourhoods of Santa Cruz and Triana. After the tour, we enjoy an included boat cruise on the Guadalquivir – a relaxed way to take in panoramic views of the city. In the evening, you can choose to attend a flamenco tablao.
Day 6 - Seville - Merida - Evora - Lisbon
We leave Seville and travel through rolling hills and wide pasturelands towards Extremadura. In Mérida, we include admission to the Archaeological Ensemble, where the Roman theatre and amphitheatre are impressively preserved – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll have time for lunch and to wander the pedestrian historic centre. We then continue into Portugal, stopping in Évora – also UNESCO-listed – known for its whitewashed streets, Renaissance palaces and cathedral. We arrive in Lisbon in the evening.
Day 7 - Lisbon
This morning we set out on a panoramic tour of Lisbon – the city of seven hills – taking in its narrow lanes, traditional tiles, Atlantic light and the local sense of saudade. We also visit Belém, the riverside district from which Portuguese navigators set sail in the 15th century.The afternoon is free – you can explore Bairro Alto and its viewpoint at your own pace, or choose an optional excursion to Sintra, Cascais and Estoril. In the evening we provide a return transfer to the hotel from lively Restauradores Square – please make your own way there at the time advised by your guide.
Day 8 - Lisbon - Fatima - Porto
We travel north from Lisbon to Fátima, an important pilgrimage site, before continuing to Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city. After lunch, we take a 50‑minute cruise on the Douro aboard a traditional Rabelo boat for a fresh perspective on the city’s riverside.After the cruise, you have free time to wander the medieval Ribeira district at your own pace – its narrow lanes, historic merchant houses and welcoming cafés make it ideal for a relaxed stroll – before we head to the hotel.
Day 9 - Porto - Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary - Cambados - Santiago de Compostela
Leaving Porto, we travel through striking scenery to Braga, where we ride the world’s oldest water operated funicular up to the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte for panoramic views. After time to explore the sanctuary, you can descend via its picturesque staircase. We then continue into Galicia to visit Cambados or O Grove in the Rías Baixas, where we board a glass bottom boat on the Ría de Arousa to learn about local mussel and oyster cultivation – with wine and mussel tasting on board. Around lunchtime we arrive in Santiago de Compostela for a city tour with a local guide, exploring its medieval streets and renowned pilgrimage sites dating back to the Middle Ages.
Day 10 - Santiago de Compostela - Lugo - O Cebreiro - Leon - Madrid
We leave Santiago de Compostela and follow the Way of St James to Lugo, where we explore the historic centre and the UNESCO–listed Roman Walls. We then continue to O Cebreiro, a traditional Galician stone village, before reaching León around lunchtime. Here we visit the Gothic cathedral – renowned for its stained–glass windows – and take a leisurely stroll through the historic centre. We depart around 5 pm and expect to arrive in Madrid at approximately 9 pm – depending on group size, the journey from León to Madrid may be by train or regular transport.
Day 11 - Madrid
After breakfast, we conclude our journey in Madrid – we hope you leave with wonderful 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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