Iberian Odyssey Serene Coasts, Historic Cities
Begin and end in Lisbon on this 19 day sweep through Portugal and northern Spain. You’ll explore Belém’s riverside sights and the Algarve’s golden coves, then head to whitewashed Évora and hilltop villages. In Porto, enjoy a Douro cruise before crossing into Galicia for seafood tasting on the Ría de Arousa and a guided wander in Santiago de Compostela. Expect Roman walls in Lugo, medieval Santillana del Mar, the Guggenheim in Bilbao and Rioja wine heritage. Continue to Barcelona’s modernist icons and Madrid’s grand boulevards, then into Andalusia – Granada’s Moorish palaces, dramatic Ronda and vibrant Seville with a leisurely river cruise – before looping back to Lisbon.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
19 daysHotel Rating
3-5 star hotelsStarts
LisbonEnds
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 Portugal 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
Portugal, SpainPassengers
€3,204.50
€450.00
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
Lisbon
Lagos
Cape St. Vincent
Albufeira
Mértola
Évora
Marvão
Castelo de Vide
Tomar
Fátima
Porto
Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary
Cambados
Santiago de Compostela
Lugo
O Cebreiro
León
Oviedo
Covadonga
Santillana del Mar
Santander
Bilbao
Foronda Service Area
La Rioja
Zaragoza
Poblet
Barcelona
Peniscola
Valencia
Madrid
Granada
Malaga
Marbella
Ronda
Seville
Mérida
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Lisbon
Welcome to Lisbon. We’ll meet you on arrival and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free – you can settle in, relax, or take a short walk nearby. In the afternoon, please check the information boards at reception for details about the start of your tour.
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 - Lisbon
This morning we set out on a panoramic tour of Lisbon – the city of seven hills – taking in its steep lanes, tiled façades and bright Atlantic light. We also visit Belem, the riverside district from which Portuguese navigators departed to cross the oceans in the 15th century.The afternoon is yours – you can stroll through the city or head up to Bairro Alto and its viewpoint. If you wish, you can join an optional excursion to Sintra, Cascais and Estoril.In the evening, we return to the hotel from lively Restauradores Square, an area filled with bars and cafés.
Day 3 - Lisbon - Lagos - Cape St. Vincent - Albufeira
We leave Lisbon early, crossing the long bridge over the Tagus as we head south to the Algarve. In Lagos we explore the historic centre – once a strategic port for voyages to Africa – still enclosed by its old walls. You’ll have free time for lunch.In the afternoon we continue to the dramatic cliffs of Cape St. Vincent, with a stop nearby to photograph the historic Sagres fortress. Later we spend time in Albufeira, a lively coastal town – you can relax on the beach or wander its old centre. Overnight in Albufeira or in a neighbouring town in the Algarve.
Day 4 - Albufeira - Mértola - Evora
From Albufeira, we travel to Faro, a peaceful Algarve city, for a leisurely stroll. We then continue into the Alentejo to Mértola on the banks of the Guadiana River – a walled town-museum that was an important centre in the Muslim era, dominated by its hilltop castle and inviting whitewashed streets. Our journey ends in Évora, where we include entry to the Chapel of Bones – a unique chapel built with more than 5,000 skeletons. Afterwards, we explore this UNESCO-listed walled city, noted for its medieval palaces, Gothic religious buildings and ancient Roman temple.
Day 5 - Evora - Marvão - Castelo de Vide - Tomar - Fatima
From Évora, we travel through the Alentejo’s gentle landscapes to Marvão – a hilltop walled town with wide views across the region. We then continue to Castelo de Vide to see its striking castle. You’ll have time to wander the old Jewish quarter – you can visit the medieval synagogue, now a museum, or simply explore the winding lanes.After lunch, we continue to Tomar for the Convent of Christ – once a castle‑convent of the Order of the Templars – with admission included. Before reaching Fátima, we stop in Aljustrel, birthplace of the three shepherd children linked to the apparitions, where we’ll see Lucia’s house. On arrival in Fátima, you’ll have free time at the Sanctuary – you may join the candlelight procession if you wish (not held in winter). Dinner is included.
Day 6 - Fatima - Porto
We travel north to Porto, arriving around 11:00 a.m. On arrival, we take a 50–minute cruise on the Douro aboard a traditional Portuguese rabelo boat – a great way to view the city’s riverside from the water. 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 7 - Porto - Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary - Cambados - Santiago de Compostela
Leaving Porto, we travel north to Braga and ride the world’s oldest water powered funicular up to the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus for wide views. After time to explore, you can choose to descend via its picturesque staircase. We then cross 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 mussel and oyster cultivation – with wine and mussel tasting on board. By lunchtime we arrive in Santiago de Compostela for a guided city tour with a local expert, exploring its medieval streets and renowned pilgrimage sites dating back to the Middle Ages.
Day 8 - Santiago de Compostela - Lugo - O Cebreiro - Leon - Oviedo
We travel along the Way of St James to Lugo, with time to explore the historic centre and its Roman walls – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We then visit O Cebreiro, a traditional Galician stone village, before continuing to León for lunchtime. In León, we visit the magnificent Gothic cathedral, renowned for its stained glass, and enjoy a stroll through the historic centre. Crossing the Cantabrian Range, we arrive in Oviedo by evening. A guided city tour is included – either on arrival or the following morning – lasting about an hour and a half and taking in the cathedral dating from the 9th century, the Calatrava Congressional Palace, Campoamor Theatre and Calle de la Rúa. Dinner is included in a traditional Asturian cider house.
Day 9 - Oviedo - Covadonga - Santillana del Mar - Santander
From Oviedo we travel into the Picos de Europa to visit the Basilica of Covadonga. Continuing along the coast, we arrive in Santillana del Mar – one of Spain’s most beautiful towns, renowned for its well‑preserved medieval quarter – and visit the nearby Altamira Cave Museum, with entry included. Later we head to Santander, the regional capital, for a panoramic tour with a local guide to explore this elegant coastal city and its beautiful bay.
Day 10 - Santander - Bilbao - Foronda Service Area - La Rioja - Zaragoza
After breakfast in Santander, we travel to Bilbao for a guided tour of the Basque Country’s largest city. We see the Guggenheim Museum from the outside – a landmark of contemporary architecture – and afterwards you have free time to stroll the area or visit the museum if you wish. We then continue into La Rioja, renowned for its wines, to visit the Wine Culture Museum in Briones. Arrival in Zaragoza is in the evening.
Day 11 - Zaragoza - Poblet - Barcelona
We begin with a morning panoramic tour of Zaragoza with a local guide – starting at the Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, an important pilgrimage site. We then explore works by Francisco de Goya and continue to the Roman Theatre and a Renaissance palace, before a leisurely stroll by the Aljafería Palace. After lunch we travel into Catalonia to visit Poblet Abbey – a walled monastery in beautiful surroundings and one of the best-preserved medieval monasteries in the world – with admission included. We continue to Barcelona, arriving in the evening.
Day 12 - Barcelona
In the morning, we take a panoramic tour of Barcelona, a Mediterranean city known for Gaudí’s modernist architecture, the lively Ramblas and the legacy of its World Expositions and Olympic Games. The tour ends at Maremagnum – a modern leisure and dining complex by the sea next to Columbus Square – where you can stroll through the area. The afternoon is at leisure for your own plans. We return to the hotel at the end of the day.
Day 13 - Barcelona - Peniscola - Valencia - Madrid
We travel south along the Mediterranean, pausing in Peniscola – a walled seaside town – for a relaxed stroll. We then continue to Valencia, arriving around lunchtime – you could try the city’s famous paella. At about 4.30 pm we set off for Madrid, making a brief stop at the City of Arts and Sciences before continuing. We arrive between 8.30 and 9 pm, and we include a transfer to Plaza Mayor – a popular spot where you can enjoy pinchos or a glass of wine at one of its many restaurants. Note: depending on passenger numbers, the Valencia to Madrid sector may be by high speed train.
Day 14 - Madrid
This morning we take a comprehensive tour of central Madrid, passing the Paseo del Prado, Cibeles, Neptuno, Puerta de Alcalá, Plaza de Colón and Plaza Mayor. We then visit Retiro Park to see the lake and the Palacio de Cristal. Admission to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium – home of Real Madrid – is included. You’ll have the afternoon at leisure. In the evening, we’ll provide a transfer back to the hotel.
Day 15 - Madrid - Granada
We depart Madrid early, travelling south through La Mancha with a stop in Puerto Lápice – a traditional Manchego village linked to Don Quixote. We continue via Despeñaperros into Andalusia and arrive in Granada, where lunch is included. In the afternoon, if you have booked the Alhambra option, you will visit the Alhambra and its Generalife Gardens with a local guide.Important note: visitor numbers at the Alhambra are strictly regulated by law. To secure entry, tickets are issued when your tour booking is confirmed – you must provide your full name and passport or ID number at the time of reservation. Ticket costs are nonrefundable if you cancel. In the rare event the Alhambra visit cannot be arranged, we will instead visit Seville’s Royal Alcázar – a site of comparable historical and architectural significance.
Day 16 - Granada - Nerja - Malaga - Ronda - Seville
Leaving Granada, we travel past the Sierra Nevada and follow the Mediterranean along the Tropical Coast – a region with a mild year round climate that supports guava, mango and avocado cultivation, and formerly sugar cane. We stop in Nerja, a seaside town set against striking cliffs, then continue to Málaga, capital of the Costa del Sol, with its lively historic centre. You’ll have free time here for lunch and a stroll. In the afternoon we head into the Andalusian sierras to Ronda, a celebrated white town dramatically split by a deep gorge, before continuing to Seville for a late afternoon arrival. Dinner is included at the hotel.
Day 17 - Seville
We spend the morning discovering Seville on a guided city tour – taking in the cathedral with its famous Giralda, the banks of the Guadalquivir River, and the atmospheric neighbourhoods of Santa Cruz and Triana. After the tour, we include a relaxing boat ride on the Guadalquivir for panoramic views of the city. In the evening, you can choose to attend a flamenco tablao.
Day 18 - Seville - Merida - Evora - Lisbon
Leaving Seville, we travel through the rolling hills and pasturelands of Extremadura en route to Mérida. Admission is included to the Archaeological Ensemble of Mérida – its Roman theatre and amphitheatre are exceptionally well preserved and part of a World Heritage Site. You’ll then have free time for lunch and to explore the pedestrian historic centre. We continue across the border into Portugal, stopping in Évora – also a World Heritage city – known for its whitewashed streets, Renaissance palaces and cathedral. We arrive in Lisbon in the evening.
Day 19 - Lisbon
After breakfast, our journey concludes in Lisbon – we’ll end the tour here. You can use any remaining time before hotel check-out for a final stroll or a quick souvenir stop, then make your own onward travel arrangements. Safe travels and thank you for joining us.
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
Pre-Tour Accommodation - Lisbon
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.
Can't find a date that works for you?
Looking for a date not yet released?
Similar Tours
Explore more exciting tours in Portugal to discover even more unforgettable adventures!
On The Go Tours
Our agents are waiting to chat to you...
Are you a Travel Agent or Customer?
Do you have an booking reference?