From Madrid's Charm to Lisbon's Light
– Start location: Madrid – End location: Madrid – Total number of days: 13 – Key experiences or destinations: Madrid, Zaragoza, Poblet Abbey, Barcelona, Peñíscola, Valencia, Alicante, Guadix cave houses, Granada and the Alhambra, Nerja, Málaga, Ronda, Seville with Guadalquivir cruise, Mérida’s Roman theatre, Évora, Lisbon and Belém, Estremoz, Cáceres. Begin in Madrid and finish back in Madrid after 13 days discovering Spain and Portugal. You’ll explore grand plazas, Retiro and the Bernabéu in Madrid, then drift via Zaragoza and Poblet to Barcelona’s Gaudí icons and waterfront. Follow the coast to Peñíscola and Valencia – where old quarters meet the City of Arts and Sciences – then dive into Andalusia for Guadix cave houses, Granada’s Alhambra, seaside Nerja, Málaga, Ronda and vibrant Seville with a Guadalquivir cruise. Portugal brings Évora and Lisbon – Belém, tiles and tram–lined streets. Return through Estremoz and UNESCO–rich Cáceres. A well balanced mix of guided visits and free time throughout.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
13 daysHotel Rating
3-4 star hotelsStarts
MadridEnds
MadridMinimum 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
R 41 735,00
R 5 000,00
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
Zaragoza
Poblet
Barcelona
Peniscola
Valencia
Alicante
Caravaca de la Cruz
Granada
Malaga
Marbella
Ronda
Seville
Mérida
Évora
Lisbon
Cáceres
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Madrid
Welcome to Madrid. On arrival at the airport, we transfer you to your hotel, after which you have free time until the tour begins. Please check the noticeboard at reception for details of the welcome meeting with your guide and fellow travellers. In the evening, we include a transfer to Plaza Mayor and La Latina – Madrid’s classic area for nightlife and tapas – where you can choose where to dine, with options including Spanish, 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
Morning begins 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 visit Retiro Park to see the lake and the Palacio de Cristal. Admission is included to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home of Real Madrid. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure – you can explore independently. In the evening, we provide a return transfer to the hotel.
Day 3 - Madrid - Zaragoza - Poblet - Barcelona
We depart Madrid in the morning and travel through Castile towards Aragon. 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. Afterwards, we head on to Barcelona, arriving in the evening.
Day 4 - Barcelona
In the morning, we take a panoramic tour of Barcelona – a Mediterranean city renowned for Gaudí and Modernist architecture, its lively Ramblas, and the legacy of its World Expositions and Olympic Games. We end at Maremagnum, the modern waterfront complex by the sea next to Columbus Square, where you can stroll through this vibrant area. The afternoon is at leisure – you can continue exploring at your own pace. We provide a return transfer to the hotel in the evening.
Day 5 - Barcelona - Peniscola - Valencia
We’ll travel south along the Mediterranean and stop in Peñíscola – a medieval walled town surrounded by beaches – where you can take a stroll. We’ll then continue to Valencia, arriving around lunchtime. In the afternoon we tour with a local guide, exploring this port city on the Levantine coast with over 2,000 years of history, where monuments from different eras contrast with the modern architecture of the City of Arts and Sciences. After the tour, you’ll have free time to explore at your own pace. We include a traditional local dinner.
Day 6 - Valencia - Alicante - Guadix - Granada
We continue through the Valencian Community to Alicante – a Mediterranean city of golden beaches and a charming historic quarter, where the imposing Castle of Santa Bárbara stands out. You’ll have free time here for a relaxed stroll. We then cross the arid landscapes of the Region of Murcia, with a stop en route for lunch. Entering Andalusia, our first stop is Guadix, famous for its inhabited cave houses; its historic centre blends a Renaissance cathedral with traditional neighbourhoods and unique views of the Sierra Nevada. We continue to Granada, arriving in the late afternoon – dinner is included.
Day 7 - Granada
We spend a full day in Granada. If your tour includes tickets, we visit the Alhambra Palace and the Generalife Gardens – masterpieces from the city’s Arab era. In the afternoon, you have free time to explore – the cathedral, which houses the tombs of the Catholic Monarchs, is a highlight.Important note – Entry to the Alhambra is strictly regulated by law. To secure admission, tickets are issued once your tour booking is confirmed, and you must provide accurate personal details (full name and passport/ID number) at the time of booking. Ticket costs are non-refundable in case of cancellation. In the rare event that the Alhambra visit is not possible, we will instead tour the Royal Alcázar of Seville, which offers similar historical and architectural significance.
Day 8 - Granada - Nerja - Malaga - Ronda - Seville
We depart Granada and take in changing scenery as we leave the Sierra Nevada behind, then follow the Mediterranean along the area known as the Tropical Coast, where a mild climate supports crops such as guavas, mangoes and avocados – and formerly sugar cane. We stop in Nerja, a seaside town set by impressive cliffs, before continuing to Málaga, capital of the Costa del Sol. Here you’ll have time for lunch and a stroll through the historic centre. Afterwards we head into the Andalusian sierras to reach Ronda, a white town famous for the dramatic gorge that divides it in two. We then continue to Seville, arriving in the late afternoon – dinner is included at the hotel.
Day 9 - Seville
This 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 relaxing cruise on the Guadalquivir – a chance to enjoy panoramic views of the city from the water. In the evening, you can choose to attend a flamenco tablao.
Day 10 - Seville - Merida - Evora - Lisbon
Leaving Seville, we travel through rolling hills and open pastureland towards Extremadura. In Mérida we include entry to the Archaeological Ensemble – a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring the remarkably preserved Roman theatre and amphitheatre. You’ll have free time for lunch and a stroll through the pedestrianised historic centre with its restaurants and local character. We then continue into Portugal, stopping in Évora – also a UNESCO World Heritage Site – known for its whitewashed streets, Renaissance palaces and cathedral. We arrive in Lisbon in the evening.
Day 11 - Lisbon
This morning we set out on a sightseeing tour of Lisbon – the Portuguese capital of seven hills – taking in its narrow lanes, iconic tiles, a distinctive sense of saudade and the Atlantic light. We also visit the Belém neighbourhood, departure point for the great Portuguese navigators in the 15th century. The afternoon is free – you can wander at your own pace, perhaps heading to Bairro Alto and its viewpoint – or you may choose to join an optional excursion to Sintra, Cascais and Estoril. In the evening we provide a transfer back to the hotel from lively Restauradores Square, known for its bars and cafés.
Day 12 - Lisbon - Caceres - Madrid
We depart Portugal early, crossing the picturesque Alentejo. We pause for a coffee stop in Estremoz – a charming town known for its medieval castle, cobbled streets and elegant architecture that reflect authentic Portuguese character. We then cross into Spain and reach Cáceres, where you can enjoy lunch and explore the historic centre – renowned as one of the best-preserved medieval and Renaissance urban complexes in the world. We continue to Madrid, arriving in the evening.
Day 13 - Madrid
After breakfast, we conclude the tour in Madrid – our services end here. Thank you for travelling with us, and we hope the memories of your journey stay with you long after you return home.
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 - Madrid
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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