Mediterranean Marvels Spanish Cities to Lisbon
Set off from Madrid and wrap up in Lisbon on this 12–day sweep through Spain and Portugal – a lively mix of big–name cities, coastal views and Moorish romance. You’ll explore Madrid’s grand boulevards with entry to the Bernabéu, then head via Zaragoza and the UNESCO–listed Poblet Abbey to Barcelona’s modernist icons. Drift down the Mediterranean to Peñíscola and Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences, pause in Alicante, and delve into Andalusia – think Granada’s hilltop vistas, whitewashed Ronda, beachy Málaga and elegant Seville with a Guadalquivir boat ride. Cross to Portugal via Roman Mérida and pretty Évora, finishing amid Lisbon’s trams, tiles and Belém monuments.
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
$2,184.50
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
Zaragoza
Poblet
Barcelona
Peniscola
Valencia
Alicante
Caravaca de la Cruz
Granada
Malaga
Marbella
Ronda
Seville
Mérida
Évora
Lisbon
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Madrid
Welcome to Madrid. On arrival at the airport, we arrange your transfer to the hotel. You 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 provide a transfer to Plaza Mayor and the nearby La Latina district, renowned for its lively nightlife and tapas bars. You can choose where to dine – there are plenty of options, 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
We begin with a comprehensive tour of central Madrid, taking in Paseo del Prado, Cibeles, Neptuno, Puerta de Alcalá, Plaza de Colón and Plaza Mayor. We then head to Retiro Park – a green oasis in the city centre – to see the lake and the Palacio de Cristal. Admission to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium – home of Real Madrid and considered by many to be the best football club in the world – is included. You have the rest of the afternoon at leisure to explore as you wish. In the evening, we provide a transfer back to the hotel.
Day 3 - Madrid - Zaragoza - Poblet - Barcelona
We depart Madrid this morning, travelling through the lands of Castile towards Aragon. Our first stop is Zaragoza to admire 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 tickets included. From here we head to Barcelona, arriving in the evening.
Day 4 - Barcelona
This morning we take a panoramic tour of Barcelona – a Mediterranean‑facing capital celebrated for Gaudí and modernist architecture, its lively Ramblas and the legacy of past World Expositions and the Olympic Games. The tour concludes at Maremagnum, the waterfront leisure and dining complex by Columbus Square, where you can take a seaside stroll and explore at your own pace. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. We provide a return transfer to the hotel at the end of the day.
Day 5 - Barcelona - Peniscola - Valencia
We travel south along the Mediterranean, stopping in Peñíscola to stroll its medieval walled centre by the beaches. We continue to Valencia, arriving around lunchtime. In the afternoon, we join a guided tour with a local expert of this port city on Spain’s Levantine coast, noted for more than 2,000 years of history – its older quarters and monuments contrasted with the contemporary City of Arts and Sciences. After the tour, you’ll have free time to explore as you wish. A traditional local dinner is included.
Day 6 - Valencia - Alicante - Guadix - Granada
Leaving Valencia, we travel through the Valencian Community to Alicante, a Mediterranean city of golden sands and a characterful old town – the imposing Castle of Santa Bárbara stands out. You’ll have free time for a stroll. We then continue across the arid landscapes of Murcia, stopping en route for lunch. Crossing into Andalusia, we make our first stop in Guadix, famous for its inhabited cave houses; its historic centre combines a Renaissance cathedral, traditional neighbourhoods and views towards the Sierra Nevada. We continue to Granada, arriving in the late afternoon – dinner is included.
Day 7 - Granada
A full day at leisure to enjoy Granada at your own pace – a historic city crowned by the Alhambra. You could visit the cathedral, which holds the tombs of the Catholic Monarchs, wander the Albaicín neighbourhood and take in the views of the Alhambra from the Mirador de San Nicolás. Admission to the Alhambra is not included – if you wish to visit, please book in advance via the official website (https://tickets.alhambra-patronato.es) or through companies that organise visits to the city.
Day 8 - Granada - Nerja - Malaga - Ronda - Seville
Leaving Granada, we take in striking mountain and coastal scenery as we skirt the Sierra Nevada and follow the Mediterranean along the Tropical Coast – a region with a mild microclimate that supports guava, mango and avocado crops and once grew sugar cane. We pause in Nerja, a seaside town edged by impressive cliffs, before continuing to Málaga, capital of the Costa del Sol. You’ll have time for lunch and a relaxed stroll through the historic centre.In the afternoon we head into the Andalusian sierras to reach Ronda – a white town famed for the dramatic gorge that divides it – then continue to Seville, arriving in the late afternoon. Dinner is included at the hotel.
Day 9 - Seville
In the morning we explore Seville on a guided city tour, taking in the cathedral and the Giralda, the Guadalquivir riverbanks, and the popular neighbourhoods of Santa Cruz and Triana. After the tour we board a boat on the Guadalquivir for a relaxing ride with panoramic views of the city – this is included. In the evening you can choose to attend a flamenco tablao.
Day 10 - Seville - Merida - Evora - Lisbon
We leave Seville and travel through rolling hills and broad pastureland towards Extremadura. In Mérida, we include admission to the Archaeological Ensemble – Roman Theatre and Amphitheatre – celebrated for its excellent preservation and World Heritage status. You’ll have time for lunch and a stroll through the pedestrianised historic centre, lined with restaurants and local shops.We then continue into Portugal, stopping in Évora – another World Heritage city known for its whitewashed lanes, Renaissance palaces and cathedral – before arriving in Lisbon in the evening.
Day 11 - Lisbon
In the morning, we embark on a sightseeing tour of Lisbon – the Portuguese capital of seven hills – taking in its charming alleys, iconic tiles, a sense of saudade and bright Atlantic light. We also visit the Belém neighbourhood, from where the great Portuguese navigators set sail in the 15th century. The afternoon is free – you can stroll at your own pace, head 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, with plenty of bars and cafés.
Day 12 - Lisbon
After breakfast, we conclude our journey in Lisbon. You’re free to make your onward arrangements or spend any remaining time in the city as you wish – thank you for travelling with 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 - 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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