Compare Iconic Portugal & Spain by G Adventures vs 5-Day Spain Tour Package from Barcelona to Madrid by Tours4Fun

Day 1 Lisbon

Arrive at any time. This evening, savour a traditional Portuguese dinner and performance of fado, a local folk singing tradition, in one of Lisbon's oldest neighbourhoods.

To ensure you are able to join the group for dinner, please arrive in Lisbon by 6pm at the latest.

For trips departing April 2020 onwards: If you wish to explore Lisbon before your tour begins, consider booking pre-tour accommodation with us. Please speak to a G Adventures representative about booking accommodations in Lisbon before Day 1 of this itinerary.

Day 2 Lisbon

Travel back in time to the fairytale castles and hills of Sintra, a 19th-century resort town and UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the colourful manors, medieval palaces, and lush gardens that enchanted English Romantic poet Lord Byron as well as Portuguese royalty. Enjoy a short orientation walk followed be a free afternoon to discover Lisbon’s pastel-hued architecture and lively plazas. Opt to soar over Lisbon on the historic Santa Justa lift, an engineering marvel that ascends 147 feet to an epic viewing platform.

Day 3 Lisbon/Évora

Head to medieval Évora, in the heart of the bucolic Alentejo region, for a fascinating foray into the past. Be mesmerized by the haunting Chapel of Bones, erected by 16th-century Franciscan monks. Then pay a visit to one of the best preserved Roman temples on the Iberian Peninsula, known as Diana’s Temple.

Day 4 Évora

Venture into the Alentejo countryside, home to centuries-old cork forests. Join a local expert at a traditional farm, and learn about cork harvesting and production. Then sit down to a traditional cork stripper’s lunch at the cork farm. This afternoon, return to Évora and explore its UNESCO World Heritage–designated city centre on your own, walking past whitewashed houses decorated with azulejos and wrought-iron balconies.

Day 5 Évora/Coimbra

Spend the day in Tomar and delve into the Crusades era in Portugal. Go on a guided walk with a local expert around the vast medieval complex of the Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Templar Castle, founded in 1160 by Gualdim Pais—grand master of the Knights Templar. Continue on to Coimbra for the evening.

Day 6 Coimbra/Porto

This morning, enjoy a tour around the centuries-old University of Coimbra, Portugal's most prestigious university and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enter through the 10th-century Porta Férra, the old entrance to the citadel of Coimbra. Following mosaic cobblestone paths around campus, stopping to see the baroque stylings of the Joanina Library, elaborate azulejo wall tiles adorning the Chapel of São Miguel, and the 18th-century Botanical Garden. Later, catch the train to Porto on the coast.

Day 7 Porto

Board a boat down Portugal's Douro River, or "river of gold". Float on the typical Rabelo Boat along the riverbanks of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia and marvel at the historical bridges connecting the two cities. Famous for centuries as a port wine shipper's centre, discover the rich tradition of port making at a local wine cellar, then cap off the day with a tasting of this distinct regional specialty. In your free time, explore the cobblestone streets of Porto’s medieval Ribeira district, marvel at the baroque São Francisco Church, and admire the palatial Palácio de Bolsa, a one time stock market.

Day 8 Porto/Madrid

Transfer to the airport and catch a short flight to Madrid. Set out on your own to take in the elegant squares and leafy boulevards of Spain’s bustling capital. Amble around the baroque Plaza Mayor, a 17th-century square lined with shopping arcades, and soak up the scene over a coffee at one of its outdoor cafés.

Today, new travellers may join you for the rest of your adventure. You are welcome to join them at a group meeting this evening, followed by an optional dinner.

Day 9 Madrid

Drive south to the ancient walled city of Toledo, perched on a rocky headland overlooking the Tagus River. Join a local historian on a guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage site filled with churches, synagogues, mosques, and plazas. Explore the old quarter and glimpse the soaring tower of the city’s 13th-century cathedral, a masterpiece of high Gothic architecture. Return to Madrid and enjoy free time to admire the world-renowned artworks at the Museo del Prado, relax at a café, or experience the city’s legendary nightlife.

Other options for exploring the city include the Palacio Real, Real Jardin Botánico or Escorial. Experience more nightlife at the Plaza del Dos de Mayo, in the area known as Malasaña. Taste some sangria and dance to the latest music.

Please note that if you wish to visit popular sites and want to avoid waiting in line, it is advisable to reserve tickets in advance. We recommend pre-arranging your visit to the Prado Museum.

Day 10 Madrid/Córdoba

Take the high-speed train to Córdoba, a beguiling Andalusian town steeped in history. As the capital of Al-Andalus (Muslim Spain) until its fall in 1236, Córdoba was once the largest city in Europe, known for its mosques, palaces, and libraries. Discover the medieval centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and visit the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, or Mezquita, where a 13th-century Catholic cathedral stands in the center of a former Moorish mosque that dates to the 8th century. Afterwards, stroll the historic Jewish quarter’s maze of winding lanes and traditional whitewashed houses. This evening, opt to savour the city’s distinctive gastronomy—a mélange of Roman, Moorish, Christian, and Jewish traditions.

Córdoba’s gastronomy features cuisine steeped in Roman, Moorish, Christian, and Jewish traditions. Head out tonight to sample some local food. Try the thick, hearty stew called "caldereta de cordero" or cool off with "ajo blanco," a hearty white gazpacho soup.

Day 11 Córdoba/Granada

Arrive in Granada and set out on a CEO led orientation walk of this alluring Andalusian city. Here, in the birthplace of flamenco, take a private dance class in a professional studio. This evening, put your new moves to practice as you experience the city’s upbeat nightlife on your own.

Opt to visit the Granada Cathedral of the Incarnation or the Royal Chapel before your Flamenco class.

Day 12 Granada

Spend today immersed in the majesty of the Alhambra, a pinnacle of Moorish architecture in Europe. This fortress and palace built by 13th-century Nasrid sultans crowns a hilltop overlooking Granada. On a guided tour of this extraordinary World Heritage site, marvel at the intricate stuccowork, elegant archways, and intimate courtyards bursting with blooms. Later, explore on your own time as you amble through the old Moorish quarter, the Albayzín, and enjoy views of the Alhambra glowing in the twilight.

After visiting the Alhambra, opt to wander through the whitewashed historic quarter of the Albaicin, with its narrow lanes and fantastic views. This is a great place to go to catch the sunset. In the evening, opt for a night on the town. The city is filled with trendy tapas bars and has a lively music scene.

Due to regulations for Alhambra's ticketing system, your passport information must be provided to G Adventures at least 60 days prior to departure in order to guarantee your guided tour of the Alhambra. See "Important notes" under Tour Details for more information.

Day 13 Granada/Seville

Journey to Seville, one of Spain’s most colourful and beautiful cities. Set out on a CEO led orientation walk and choose to climb the cathedral Giralda’s bell tower or visit Casa Pilatos, a prototypical Andalusian palace that combines Italian Renaissance and Spanish Mudéjar architectural styles. Get a glimpse of traditional gypsy culture by opting to witness a soulful performance of flamenco dance.

Please note that if you wish to visit popular sites and want to avoid waiting in line, it is advisable to reserve tickets in advance. We recommend pre-arranging your visit to the Alcázar of Seville.

Day 14 Seville

Enjoy a full day of free time to follow your impulses in Seville. Lose yourself among the winding alleys, flower-draped patios, and picturesque squares of the charming Santa Cruz quarter. Opt to visit the ornate Mudéjar palace and gardens of Real Alcázar de Sevilla, a World Heritage site and former filming location for Game of Thrones.

Have a chance to savour some tapas at the city's many bars and cafés.

Please note that if you wish to visit popular sites and want to avoid waiting in line, it is advisable to reserve tickets in advance. We recommend pre-arranging your visit to the Alcázar of Seville.

Day 15 Seville

Depart at any time.

We recommend staying a few extra nights to better explore Seville at your leisure.

Day 1 Barcelona - Valencia - Alicante

After check in and boarding at Plaza Catalunya, we depart Barcelona and drive to beautiful Valencia, Spain's third largest city. Upon arrival, we'll visit the Modernisme Plaza of the City Hall of Valencia; Valencia's Ancient City Gates; and Valencia Cathedral, where the true Holy Grail is kept. Accommodations for the evening are in or near Alicante.

Day 2 Alicante - Granada - Malaga

This morning we depart for the city of Granada, an historic city once ruled by the Visigoths and the Moors. We'll make a photo stop at the Alhambra, a Moorish citadel and palace, then visit Granada's medieval quarter, Albaicin. Accommodations for the evening are in or near Malaga along the Costa del Sol.

Day 3 Malaga - Granada - Seville

In the morning, we go northbound to the largest city of the autonomous community of Andalusia, Seville. This city was the capital of the Muslim dynasty, considered to be the guardian angel of culture in Andalusia and the birthplace of the flamenco dance. Seville is the primary setting of many operas, the best known of which is Bizet's Carmen. Upon arrival, we visit Seville Cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral and the third-largest church in the world. Its completion was back to the early 16th century and now the cathedral halls are dedicated as Royal Chapel, the burial place of the kings’ mausoleum for over a century, also the tomb of Christopher Columbus who discovered the New World as a credit to the great navigator. From there onwards we see the Alcázar of Seville, used to be a Muslim palace and the Spanish Royal Palace. The upper levels of the Alcázar are still used by the royal family as the official Seville residence, which is the oldest royal palace still in use in Europe and was registered in 1987 by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, along with the Seville Cathedral. Then we walk through the Santa Cruz, Torre del Oro and Maria Luisa Park, here the 1992 World Expo was located. In Plaza de Espana, we can admire a crafted porcelain painting, detailing the history and elegance of old Spain. If possible, tour guide will add the optional excursion to Mijas and/or Ronda.

Day 4 Seville - Lisbon

On Day 4 we'll visit Lisbon, the Portugal's capital and largest city. We'll make a special stop at Cabo da Roca (Cape Roca), then head to Lisbon city center to visit Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery. We'll pass through Marquis of Pombal Square and then stop at Rossio Square for some free time.

Day 5 Lisbon - Toledo - Madrid

We'll drive back to Madrid via Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986. We'll visit the grand structure of Toledo Cathedral overlooking the Alcazar of Toledo. Later, take a well-earned rest. Sit back and take in the breathtaking landscapes of Spain while we make our way back to Madrid.