Majestic Journey Through Iberian Treasures
Starting in Lisbon and wrapping up back in Lisbon 19 days later, this easy–going circuit blends Atlantic light, coastal drama and characterful cities. You’ll explore the Algarve’s sea cliffs, UNESCO–listed Évora and Tomar’s Templar legacy, Fátima’s sanctuary and Porto’s Ribeira with a Douro cruise. Expect to see Braga’s Bom Jesus, a glass–bottom cruise with mussel tasting in the Rías Baixas, Santiago de Compostela, Bilbao’s Guggenheim, La Rioja’s wine heritage and Barcelona’s modernism. Then it’s Valencia and Madrid before Andalusia – Granada, Nerja, Málaga, Ronda and sun–drenched Seville with a river cruise. Scenic drives, insightful guides and generous free time keep the pace nicely balanced.
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
$6,625.75
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 transfer you to your hotel – afterwards you have free time to settle in or explore nearby at your own pace. In the afternoon, please check the information boards at hotel 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
In the morning, we embark on a sightseeing tour of Lisbon – the city of seven hills – exploring its historic streets, tiled facades and bright Atlantic light. We then visit the Belém neighbourhood, departure point for the great Portuguese navigators of the 15th century. The afternoon is free – you can stroll through the city and head to Bairro Alto for its viewpoint, or join an optional excursion to Sintra, Cascais and Estoril. In the evening, we return to the hotel from lively Restauradores Square, lined with bars and cafes.
Day 3 - Lisbon - Lagos - Cape St. Vincent - Albufeira
We depart Lisbon early, crossing the long bridge over the Tagus as we travel south to the Algarve. In Lagos we explore the historic centre – enclosed by ancient walls – and note its strategic role as a port for voyages to Africa, with time for lunch. In the afternoon we continue to Cape St Vincent to take in its dramatic, windswept cliffs; nearby we pause to photograph the historic Sagres fortress. Later we spend time in Albufeira – you can relax on its beaches or wander the lively historic centre – before staying overnight in Albufeira or a neighbouring Algarve town.
Day 4 - Albufeira - Mértola - Evora
We leave Albufeira for Faro – a peaceful Algarve city – for a relaxed stroll. From here we continue into the Alentejo to Mértola, on the banks of the Guadiana River. This walled town‑museum was an important centre during the Muslim era and is dominated by a large castle; we’ll wander its whitewashed lanes and historic corners. We then continue to Évora, where admission is included to the Chapel of Bones – a unique chapel built with more than 5,000 skeletons. Afterwards, we explore this walled UNESCO World Heritage city, known for its medieval palaces, Gothic religious buildings and ancient Roman temple.
Day 5 - Evora - Marvão - Castelo de Vide - Tomar - Fatima
We travel through the Alentejo’s beautiful landscapes, stopping first in hilltop Marvão – a picture‑perfect walled town with far‑reaching views – before continuing to Castelo de Vide to see its castle. There will be free time to wander the old Jewish quarter, where you can visit the medieval synagogue museum or explore the narrow streets. After lunch, we continue to Tomar to visit the Convent of Christ – a former castle and convent of the Order of the Templars – with admission included. Before reaching Fátima, we stop in Aljustrel, birthplace of the three shepherd children, with the chance to see Lucia’s house. On arrival in Fátima, you’ll have free time at the Sanctuary – you can join the candlelight procession if you wish – and dinner is included. Note that the procession is not held in winter.
Day 6 - Fatima - Porto
We travel north from Fátima to Porto, Portugal’s second largest city, arriving at about 11:00. On arrival, we board a traditional Rabelo boat for a 50 minute cruise along the Douro – an easy way to take in the city’s riverside views. Afterwards, you have free time to explore the lively Ribeira district, with its narrow streets lined by historic merchant houses and cafés, before we head to the hotel.
Day 7 - Porto - Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary - Cambados - Santiago de Compostela
We leave Porto and travel north to Braga, where we ride the world’s oldest water–powered funicular up to the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte for far–reaching views. After time to explore, you can descend via its 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 included on board. Around lunchtime we arrive in Santiago de Compostela for a guided city tour with a local expert, exploring its medieval streets and major pilgrimage landmarks dating from the Middle Ages.
Day 8 - Santiago de Compostela - Lugo - O Cebreiro - Leon - Oviedo
We travel along the Way of St James, starting in Lugo, where you’ll have time to explore the historic centre and its Roman walls – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We then continue to O Cebreiro, a traditional Galician stone village, before arriving in León around lunchtime. In León, we visit the magnificent Gothic cathedral – famed for its stained-glass windows – and enjoy a stroll through the historic centre. We then cross the Cantabrian Range into Asturias, reaching Oviedo by evening. A guided city tour with a local expert is included – either on arrival or the following morning – covering the 9th-century cathedral, the Calatrava Congressional Palace, the Campoamor Theatre and Calle de la Rúa. Dinner is included in a traditional Asturian cider house.
Day 9 - Oviedo - Covadonga - Santillana del Mar - Santander
We travel into the Picos de Europa to visit the Basílica de Covadonga, surrounded by beautiful scenery. We then follow the coastline to Santillana del Mar, one of Spain’s most beautiful towns, where we visit its well preserved medieval quarter. We continue to the National Museum and Research Centre of Altamira – admission included. Later we travel on to Santander, the regional capital, for an included panoramic tour of this elegant coastal city and its beautiful bay. Note: On some high demand summer dates – especially from July to mid September – some groups may be accommodated in Bilbao.
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 urban centre. We’ll take in the striking exterior of the Guggenheim Museum. You then have free time – you can visit the museum or explore the surrounding area. In the afternoon, we continue into La Rioja to visit the Wine Culture Museum in Briones for an insight into winemaking traditions. We travel via the Foronda service area and arrive in Zaragoza in the evening.
Day 11 - Zaragoza - Poblet - Barcelona
This morning we take a panoramic tour of Zaragoza with a local guide – we begin at the Cathedral‑Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, then explore highlights related to Goya to view some of his works. We continue to the Roman theatre and a Renaissance palace, before a stroll by the Aljafería Palace. After lunch, we travel into Catalonia to visit Poblet Abbey – a remarkable walled monastery in scenic surroundings and one of the best‑preserved medieval monasteries in the world – with admission included. We then continue to Barcelona, arriving in the evening.
Day 12 - Barcelona
This morning we take a panoramic tour of Barcelona – a Mediterranean city widely considered one of Europe’s most captivating capitals. Renowned for Gaudí and its modernist architecture, its lively Ramblas, and the legacy of past World Expositions and the Olympic Games, the city reveals its highlights as we explore. The tour ends at Maremagnum, a modern leisure and dining complex by the sea next to Columbus Square, where you can stroll through this lively area. You have the afternoon at leisure. We return to the hotel at the end of the day.
Day 13 - Barcelona - Peniscola - Valencia - Madrid
We travel south along the Mediterranean to Peniscola for a stroll through its walled seaside old town. We then continue to Valencia, arriving around lunchtime – an ideal moment if you want to try the city’s famous paella. At about 16:30 we depart for Madrid, making a brief stop to see Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences. Arrival in Madrid is expected between 20:30 and 21:00, and we include an evening transfer to Plaza Mayor – a great place for you to enjoy pinchos or a glass of wine. Note – depending on passenger numbers, the Valencia to Madrid section may be operated by high speed train.
Day 14 - Madrid
This morning we take a comprehensive city 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 continue to Retiro Park – a green oasis in the city centre – to see the lake and the Palacio de Cristal. We include admission to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home of Real Madrid. You’ll have the rest of the afternoon free to explore at your own pace. In the evening, we provide a transfer back to the hotel.
Day 15 - Madrid - Granada
We depart Madrid early and head south across La Mancha, pausing in Puerto Lápice – a Manchegan village evocative of Don Quixote. We continue into Andalusia via Despeñaperros and arrive in Granada, where lunch is included. The afternoon is free – you could visit the Cathedral, which holds the tombs of the Catholic Monarchs, or wander the Albaicín and enjoy views of the Alhambra from the Mirador de San Nicolás.Please note that Alhambra admission is not included. If you wish to visit, we recommend securing tickets in advance via the official website https://tickets.alhambra-patronato.es or through companies that organise city visits.
Day 16 - Granada - Nerja - Malaga - Ronda - Seville
We enjoy spectacular landscapes as we leave Granada, crossing the foothills of the Sierra Nevada and following the Mediterranean along the Tropical Coast – a region with a mild climate that supports guavas, mangoes and avocados, and once, sugar cane. We pause in Nerja, a seaside town framed by striking cliffs, before continuing to Málaga, capital of the Costa del Sol. You’ll have time here for lunch and a stroll through the historic centre.In the afternoon we head into the Andalusian sierras to reach Ronda, a white town renowned for the dramatic gorge that divides it. We then continue to Seville, arriving in the late afternoon – dinner is included at the hotel.
Day 17 - Seville
In the morning, we take a guided tour of Seville, taking in the cathedral and its Giralda, the banks of the Guadalquivir, and the characterful neighbourhoods of Santa Cruz and Triana. After the tour, we include a leisurely boat cruise on the Guadalquivir – a relaxed way to enjoy panoramic city views from the water. In the evening, you can choose to experience a flamenco tablao.
Day 18 - Seville - Merida - Evora - Lisbon
Leaving Seville, we travel through rolling hills and wide pasturelands towards Extremadura. In Mérida, we include admission to the Archaeological Ensemble – exceptionally preserved Roman remains featuring the Theatre and Amphitheatre and recognised as a World Heritage Site. After the visit, you’ll have free time for lunch and to wander the pedestrian historic centre. We then cross into Portugal and stop in Évora – also World Heritage listed – known for its whitewashed streets, Renaissance palaces and cathedral. We continue to Lisbon, arriving in the evening.
Day 19 - Lisbon
After breakfast, our journey concludes in Lisbon – we’ll bid farewell and hope you leave with lasting memories of your time across Portugal and Spain.
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.
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