Iberian Gems Spain and Portugal Explorer
Kick off in Madrid and wrap up in Lisbon – a 12–day adventure mixing iconic cities, coasts and UNESCO gems. You’ll explore Madrid’s elegant boulevards, Retiro and the Bernabéu, then head south for Andalusian flavour – Granada with the Alhambra option, the Costa del Sol, dramatic Ronda and Seville’s cathedral, barrios and a Guadalquivir cruise. Cross into Extremadura and Alentejo for Roman Mérida and whitewashed Évora. In Portugal you’ll visit Tomar’s Convent of Christ, Fátima and Porto with a Douro rabelo cruise, plus Braga’s hilltop Bom Jesus. Expect to see Coimbra, Atlantic views at Nazaré and flower–framed Óbidos before a finale in Lisbon.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
12 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
YesDeparture Transfer
NoTour Guide
Yes - English speaking guides (guiding may be in additional languages to English)Countries
Spain, PortugalPassengers
$4,305.25
$500.00
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
Marvão
Castelo de Vide
Tomar
Fátima
Porto
Braga
Guimarães
Bom Jesus
Pinhão
Coimbra
Batalha
Nazaré
Óbidos
Lisbon
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 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, known for its nightlife and tapas restaurants, where you can choose where to dine – options range from Spanish to 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
This morning we set out on 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 stroll through 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, often regarded as one of the world’s leading football clubs. The afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace or simply relax. In the evening, we provide a return transfer to the hotel.
Day 3 - Madrid - Granada
We leave Madrid early and head south through La Mancha, stopping in Puerto Lápice, a quintessential Manchego village associated with Don Quixote. We then continue into Andalusia via Despeñaperros and arrive in Granada, where lunch is included.In the afternoon, if you selected the Alhambra option, we visit the Alhambra Palace and the Generalife Gardens – both built during the Arab period – with a local guide.Important information: Entry to the Alhambra is strictly regulated by law. To secure admission, tickets are issued when your tour reservation is confirmed – you must provide exact personal details at booking, including full name and passport or ID number. Ticket costs are not refundable in case of cancellation. In the rare event the Alhambra visit cannot be arranged, we will instead tour the Royal Alcázar of Seville, which offers similar historical and architectural significance.
Day 4 - Granada - Nerja - Malaga - Ronda - Seville
We depart Granada this morning, leaving the Sierra Nevada behind as we follow the Mediterranean along the Tropical Coast, where a mild microclimate allows the cultivation of guavas, mangoes and avocados – and in the past, sugar cane. We pause in Nerja to appreciate its seaside setting and cliffs, then continue 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 striking white town renowned for the dramatic gorge that splits it in two. We then continue to Seville, arriving in the late afternoon, with dinner included at the hotel.
Day 5 - Seville
This morning we explore Seville on a guided tour, 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 cruise on the Guadalquivir – a relaxed way to enjoy panoramic views of the city from the water. In the evening you can choose to attend a popular flamenco tablao.
Day 6 - Seville - Merida - Evora
We leave Seville, travelling through gentle hills and wide pastures towards Extremadura. In Mérida, we include admission to the Archaeological Ensemble – home to the remarkably preserved Roman theatre and amphitheatre and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll have time for lunch and to explore the lively pedestrian historic centre. We then continue into Portugal, arriving in Évora – also UNESCO-listed – known for its white streets, Renaissance palaces and cathedral. You’ll have free time to discover the old town at your own pace.
Day 7 - Evora - Marvão - Castelo de Vide - Tomar - Fatima
We travel through Alentejo’s scenic landscapes, stopping first in Marvão – a picturesque walled town with panoramic views – then continue to Castelo de Vide to see its castle. You can explore the old Jewish quarter and, if you wish, visit the medieval synagogue, now a museum, or simply wander the winding streets. After time for lunch, we head to Tomar to visit the Convent of Christ – admission included – a former castle and convent of the Order of the Templars. Before reaching Fátima, we pause in Aljustrel, birthplace of the three shepherd children, to see Lucia’s house. On arrival in Fátima, you’ll have free time at the Sanctuary, and in the evening you can attend the candlelight procession if you wish – not held in winter. Dinner is included.
Day 8 - Fatima - Porto
From Fátima we travel north to Porto, Portugal’s second largest city, arriving around 11:00 am. On arrival we take a 50 minute cruise on the Douro aboard a traditional Portuguese rabelo boat for a fresh perspective of the riverside. Afterwards you’ll have free time to explore the lively Ribeira district – its narrow streets, historic merchant houses and cafés – before we transfer to the hotel.
Day 9 - Porto - Braga - Bom Jesus - Guimarães - Aveiro - Coimbra
We explore northern Portugal’s landscapes today, beginning with a stroll in Braga – the country’s religious capital with its ancient cathedral – before taking the world’s oldest funicular up to the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus for fine views. You can choose to walk down the baroque stairway. We then continue to Guimarães, Portugal’s first capital, where the Palace of the Dukes reflects its historic importance, and you’ll have free time for lunch. In the afternoon we head to the Atlantic coast and Aveiro, often called the “Venice of Portugal”, for an included ride on a traditional moliceiro boat through its 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 10 - Coimbra - Batalha - Nazare - Obidos - Lisbon
We spend the morning in Coimbra – Portugal’s third largest city – exploring its historic university quarter and steep, characterful streets. Continuing south, we stop at the Batalha Monastery, an impressive medieval royal mausoleum, with entrance included. In Nazaré, a traditional fishing town and seaside resort, you’ll have free time for lunch and a stroll along the waterfront. We then take the elevator up to the old city – tickets included – for sweeping views of the Atlantic. Travelling on towards Lisbon, we pause in Óbidos to wander its pretty whitewashed streets adorned with flowers. We arrive in Lisbon at approximately 7:30 pm.
Day 11 - Lisbon
This morning we take a guided tour of Lisbon, capturing the city’s seven hills, narrow alleys, iconic tiles and Atlantic light. We continue to Belém – the neighbourhood from which Portuguese navigators set sail in the 15th century. You’ll have the afternoon free to explore, with time to head up to Bairro Alto and its viewpoint, or you can join an optional excursion to Sintra, Cascais and Estoril. In the evening, we provide a return transfer to the hotel from lively Restauradores Square – a hub of bars and cafés.
Day 12 - Lisbon
After breakfast, we conclude the tour in Lisbon – our services end here. We hope you leave with lasting memories of your 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
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.
Can't find a date that works for you?
Looking for a date not yet released?
Similar Tours
Explore more exciting tours in Spain 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?