Journey Through Vibrant Iberian Capitals
Start location – Lisbon End location – Lisbon Total number of days – 13 Key experiences or destinations – Lisbon and Belém; Cáceres; Madrid’s icons, Retiro and the Santiago Bernabéu; Zaragoza; Poblet Abbey; Barcelona; Peñíscola; Valencia and the City of Arts and Sciences; Alicante; Guadix cave houses; Granada’s Alhambra and Generalife; Nerja; Málaga; Ronda; Seville with Guadalquivir cruise; Mérida’s Roman Theatre; Évora Set off from Lisbon on a 13–day loop that swings through Portugal and Spain before ending back in the capital. You’ll explore Lisbon’s Belém and lively bairros, then cross to Cáceres and onward to Madrid for grand boulevards, Retiro and the Santiago Bernabéu. Continue via Zaragoza and serene Poblet Abbey to Barcelona’s seafront streets, before tracing the coast to Peñíscola and Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences – dinner included. Expect to see Alicante, Guadix’s cave homes and Granada’s sublime Alhambra, then the Tropical Coast, Málaga and clifftop Ronda. Wrap up in Seville with a Guadalquivir boat ride, plus Mérida and whitewashed Évora.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
13 daysHotel Rating
3-4 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
$5,023.50
$2,511.75
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
Cáceres
Madrid
Zaragoza
Poblet
Barcelona
Peniscola
Valencia
Alicante
Caravaca de la Cruz
Granada
Malaga
Marbella
Ronda
Seville
Mérida
Évora
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Lisbon
Welcome to Lisbon. On arrival, we arrange your transfer to the hotel, after which you’ll have free time to relax or explore 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 set out on a panoramic tour of Lisbon – the city of seven hills – taking in its narrow lanes, distinctive azulejo tiles and Atlantic light. We also visit the Belém neighbourhood, from where Portuguese navigators departed to cross the oceans in the 15th century. The afternoon is free – you can stroll to Bairro Alto and its viewpoint, or join an optional excursion to Sintra, Cascais and Estoril. In the evening, we provide a return transfer to the hotel from lively Restauradores Square, lined with bars and cafes.
Day 3 - Lisbon - Caceres - Madrid
We depart Portugal early, travelling across the Alentejo. We stop for a coffee in Estremoz, a characterful town with a medieval castle, cobbled streets and traditional architecture. Crossing into Spain, we arrive in Cáceres, where you’ll have time for lunch and a stroll through its historic centre, noted for its exceptionally well-preserved medieval and Renaissance buildings. We then continue to Madrid, arriving in the evening with a transfer to Plaza Mayor – a vibrant square filled with restaurants.
Day 4 - Madrid
We begin with a panoramic 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 – an oasis in the city centre – to see the lake and the Palacio de Cristal. Admission is included to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home of Real Madrid. You have the afternoon free to explore at your own pace, and in the evening we provide a return transfer to the hotel.
Day 5 - Madrid - Zaragoza - Poblet - Barcelona
In the morning, we leave Madrid for Aragon, travelling through the lands of Castile. Our first stop is Zaragoza to see the Cathedral–Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar. We then continue to the serene Poblet Abbey – one of the best‑preserved medieval monasteries – with admission included for our visit. By evening, we arrive in Barcelona.
Day 6 - Barcelona
In the morning, we take a panoramic tour of Barcelona – a Mediterranean city renowned for Gaudí’s modernist architecture, the lively Ramblas and the legacy of its World Expositions and Olympic Games. We finish at Maremagnum, the seafront leisure and dining complex by Columbus Square, where you can enjoy a relaxed waterfront stroll. The afternoon is at leisure for you to explore as you wish, and we provide the return transfer to the hotel at the end of the day.
Day 7 - Barcelona - Peniscola - Valencia
We travel south along the Mediterranean coast, stopping in Peñíscola – a medieval walled town fringed by beaches – where you have time for a stroll. We continue to Valencia, arriving around lunchtime. In the afternoon we join a local guide for a tour of this port city on the Levantine coast, with more than 2,000 years of history, where monuments from different eras sit alongside the modern City of Arts and Sciences. After the visit, you have free time to explore as you wish. A traditional local dinner is included.
Day 8 - Valencia - Alicante - Guadix - Granada
We continue through the Valencian Community to Alicante – a Mediterranean city of golden sandy beaches and a charming historic quarter dominated by the Castle of Santa Bárbara. You’ll have free time for a stroll. We then cross the arid landscapes of Murcia and stop en route for lunch. In Andalusia, we make our first stop in Guadix, known for its inhabited cave houses and a historic centre that brings together a Renaissance cathedral, traditional neighbourhoods and views of the Sierra Nevada. We continue to Granada, arriving in the late afternoon – dinner included.
Day 9 - Granada
We spend a full day in Granada. If your tour includes tickets, we visit the Alhambra and its Generalife Gardens in the morning – masterpieces from the Arab era. The afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace – you might visit the cathedral, which houses the tombs of the Catholic Monarchs.Important note: Entry to the Alhambra is strictly regulated by law. To secure admission, tickets are issued once your booking is confirmed and require accurate personal details at the time of reservation – full name and passport or ID number. Ticket costs are non refundable in case of cancellation. In the rare event the Alhambra visit is not possible, we will instead tour the Royal Alcázar of Seville, which offers similar historical and architectural significance.
Day 10 - Granada - Nerja - Malaga - Ronda - Seville
Leaving the Sierra Nevada behind, we follow a scenic route along the Mediterranean’s Tropical Coast – known for its mild year round microclimate and the cultivation of guavas, mangoes and avocados, with sugar cane grown here in the past. We stop in Nerja to take in its seaside setting and striking cliffs, then continue to Málaga, capital of the Costa del Sol, with time for lunch and for you to wander the historic centre at your own pace. In the afternoon we head into the Andalusian sierras to reach Ronda – a remarkable white town divided by a dramatic gorge. We then continue to Seville, arriving in the late afternoon, with dinner included at the hotel.
Day 11 - Seville
In the morning, we explore Seville on a guided tour, taking in the cathedral with its Giralda, the banks of the Guadalquivir and the characterful neighbourhoods of Santa Cruz and Triana. After the tour, we take an included boat ride on the Guadalquivir – a relaxed cruise with panoramic views of the city. In the evening, you can choose to attend a flamenco tablao.
Day 12 - Seville - Merida - Evora - Lisbon
We leave Seville and travel through rolling hills and wide pasturelands into Extremadura. In Mérida, we include admission to the Archaeological Ensemble – home to the Roman Theatre and Amphitheatre – a World Heritage Site noted for its excellent preservation. You will have time for lunch and to wander the pedestrianised historic centre with its many restaurants. We then continue across the border into Portugal to pause in Évora – also a World Heritage Site – known for its whitewashed streets, Renaissance palaces and cathedral. We arrive in Lisbon in the evening.
Day 13 - Lisbon
After breakfast, we conclude our journey in Lisbon – our services end here. You can make your onward travel arrangements or spend additional time in the city at your own pace.
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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