Tours Spain & Portugal Tours Highlights of Spain & Portugal

Highlights of Spain & Portugal

Countries: 2 Days: 9 Per Day: US$ 148
Start Point:Madrid
End Point:Madrid
Transport:Private coach
Accommodation:Hotel
Ages:10 - 75+
WasUS$ 2,040
From US$ 1,335
check-greenFlexible booking: 30-day money-back guarantee

Price per person in twin share room

2025 dates for this tour are now available to book online! Scroll down to view and pay just a 10% deposit to secure the lowest price

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  • Flexible bookings: 30-day money-back guarantee & free date changes
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  • Services of your Expat Explore tour leader
  • Pay the remaining balance off in instalments
  • FREE Wi-Fi in hotels

Summary

Satisfy your wanderlust with a 9-day trip to Spain and Portugal! Start in Madrid and learn about amazing architecture, inspiring culture and the Spanish lifestyle! Discover Toledo, Granada and Seville. Visit Ronda and see the famous Puente Nuevo. Cross into Portugal and admire the incredible Algarve views. Experience lively Lisbon, taste port in Porto and explore historic Garda. Finish off this Spain and Portugal tour with stops in Salamanca and Avila. Embrace the local way of life complete with tapas, flamenco and bullfighting on our unforgettable Portugal and Spain tours!

You can combine this itinerary with a tour of eastern Spain and Andorra - click here for more information. 

Highlights

  • Visit the medieval town of Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Ronda, famous for its ‘Puente Nuevo’ (New Bridge)
  • Free days in Seville and Lisbon
  • Taste the fortified wine Port in Porto
  • Experience the Old Town of Salamanca and tapas in Seville 

Start Point

Hotel in Madrid | 10:00 AM

End Point

Hotel in Madrid | 02:30 PM
DAY 1: Start of tour in Madrid

Welcome to the start of this 9-day tour of Spain and Portugal! On arrival in Madrid, make your way to the hotel to meet up with your tour leader and fellow travellers this morning. After everyone is gathered, it’s time to explore the beautiful capital of Spain on an orientation tour. Look forward to seeing Madrid’s top sights! Afterwards, enjoy free time to discover more of the city. This evening, get to know more about the rest of the tour group and celebrate the first night of the tour at an included welcome dinner.

Meals: Dinner

DAY 1: Start of tour in Madrid

Welcome to the start of this 9-day tour of Spain and Portugal! On arrival in Madrid, make your way to the hotel to meet up with your tour leader and fellow travellers this morning. After everyone is gathered, it’s time to explore the beautiful capital of Spain on an orientation tour. Look forward to seeing Madrid’s top sights! Afterwards, enjoy free time to discover more of the city. This evening, get to know more about the rest of the tour group and celebrate the first night of the tour at an included welcome dinner.

Experiences

Orientation tour of Madrid: Explore Spain’s vibrant capital city with your tour leader. Wander the streets of Madrid and see top sights such as Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace, Mercado de San Miguel and more!

Traditional dinner in Madrid: Get a taste of Spanish cuisine and get to know your fellow travellers and tour leader over dinner at a local Madrid restaurant.

Meals

Dinner

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 2: Toledo - Granada

This morning, leave Madrid behind and head to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Toledo. This charming, ancient walled town, complete with Gothic architecture and an impressive Cathedral, is sure to have travellers falling in love with it! The tour continues south to the Moorish city of Granada. Arrive this afternoon and join your tour leader on an orientation tour of this historic city. Listen in for great insight into this beautiful region of Spain as well as the history, culture and highlights of Granada. Tonight, join the Granada Local Food & Wine Evening for delicious tapas and wine in a local gastrobar. This optional excursion must be booked prior to the start of the tour - click here for more information!

Experiences

Visit Toledo: Experience the Gothic architecture found throughout this UNESCO World Heritage Site city. The history of this region goes all the way back to the Bronze Age!

Orientation tour of Granada: Learn more about the Moorish influence in southern Spain. Granada is often called the "Damascus of the West." First an Iberian settlement, it came under the influence of the Moors in the 8th century. The neighbourhood of Albaicin offers original narrow winding streets and many fine examples of Moorish and Morisco architecture. Granada is also home to the famous Alhambra.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 3: Granada - Ronda - Seville

Spend the morning exploring Granada, or join our optional excursion to the Alhambra Palace. As one of the most beautiful sights to see in all of Spain, this optional excursion must be booked prior to the start of the tour - click here to book now! Next, travel to Ronda, a town located on both sides of the Tajo Gorge. The most iconic site here is the ‘Puente Nuevo’ (New Bridge). Take in the spectacular views from the bridge before enjoying a leisurely lunch stop. Finally, travel to Seville. Arrive and enjoy a driving tour of this enchanting city before enjoying free time at the beautiful Plaza de Espana. Enjoy an included dinner before checking into the hotel for tonight.

Experiences

Visit Ronda: Stop over in Ronda and see the towering ‘Puente Nuevo’ (New Bridge). Found on top of the El Tajo gorge, Ronda is a unique little town. Here, catch a glimpse of some truly breathtaking views!

Driving tour of Seville: Learn more about Seville’s history, culture and architecture on a driving tour. Seville is where some famous scenes for TV series and films were shot. These include Game of Thrones, Star Wars and Lawrence of Arabia.

Dinner in Seville: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Seville.

Meals

BreakfastDinner

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 4: Seville

Discover the history and charm of Seville today! Begin with a guided tour of the city, accompanied by an expert local guide. The rest of the day is free to spend as you wish! Choose to tour the Alcázar of Seville on an optional excursion, visit the Metropol Parasol for amazing views or visit the Museum of Flamenco. Alternatively, simply wander the historic city and see where your feet take you! Legend has it that Seville was founded by Hercules, and it certainly boasts a colourful history, from the Romans to the Moors! Seville is famous for its flamenco and tapas bars and tonight is your chance to experience this dance of passion at the lively optional Flamenco dinner show!

Experiences

Guided tour of Seville: Explore Seville on a tour with a local guide. Learn more about its history, culture and architecture. Seville is where some famous scenes for TV series and films were shot. These include Game of Thrones, Star Wars and Lawrence of Arabia. This is the ideal way to take to the streets of Seville to soak up the culture, tastes, sights and sounds of the city!

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 5: Algarve - Lisbon

Today it’s time to travel to Lisbon, Portugal! Along the way, visit the Algarve. This stunning southern coastal region of Portugal features golden beaches and limestone cliffs. Look forward to a comfort stop at one of these beautiful beaches so you can top up your tan or take a dip in the cool, blue ocean. Arrive in Lisbon, set off on an orientation tour of the capital and see Lisbon’s highlights. From the imposing Sao Jorge Castle to the pastel colours of the old town, Lisbon has it all! Enjoy an included dinner in Lisbon tonight.

Experiences

Visit the Algarve: Enjoy a scenic drive through the Algarve. This is definitely one of Portugal's most spectacular regions - complete with rugged cliffs, golden beaches and crashing waves! Spend some time on one of the stunning Algarve beaches, enjoy lunch here or explore the local town.

Lisbon driving tour: Drive alongside the Tagus River and along some of Lisbon's most famous streets and learn about the history, culture and Portuguese lifestyle. Sights like the Sao Jorge Castle and the colours of the Old Town are not to be missed. There are seven miradouros (viewpoints) dotted around the city - all offering glorious views of the city and its surrounds!

Meals

BreakfastDinner

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 6: Lisbon: Free Day

Today is your free day to explore Lisbon at your own pace. You could visit Lisbon's landmarks, including the Monument to the Discoveries and the Belém Tower or discover the hilltop district of Bairro Alto. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to Sintra, a charming UNESCO World Heritage Site village and the capital of Romanticism in Portugal, known for its striking monuments. While there, visit Pena Palace and enjoy lunch. Or, join an excursion to Portugal’s most famous pilgrimage site, Fátima. This evening is your chance to enjoy one of Portugal's cultural highlights; Fado music. Unique to Portugal, it is arguably the oldest urban folk music in the world - you are sure to discover many bars nearby playing Fado!

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 7: Obidos - Porto

On the way to Porto this morning, enjoy a stop in Obidos. This classic fortified town is home to narrow cobbled streets, picturesque houses and an imposing hilltop castle. We continue our tour of Portugal and enter Porto - Portugal’s second-largest city and home of one of the country’s most famous exports - port wine! Enjoy a walking tour of Porto, where you will see Ponte Dom Luis - a stunning bridge that crosses the River Douro, the Clerigos Tower and many other famous landmarks. Enjoy the opportunity to sample a glass of port wine this afternoon at the included Port tasting. Tonight, join the Evening on the Douro optional with a cruise along the picturesque Douro River and an unforgettable gastronomical experience.

Experiences

Visit Obidos: Enjoy some free time to explore the picturesque medieval streets of this charming town. The main gate into Obidos, Porta de Vila, contains a beautiful tiled chapel depicting the passion of Christ, and the walls of the town can be walked in around one hour.

Porto driving and walking tour: See picturesque Porto from the coach and on foot. Learn about the history of the architecture, sights and the culture of this city and its UNESCO World Heritage Site historical centre.

Port tasting: Try Portugal's most famous drink - Port! It's a sweet, fortified red wine, often served as a dessert wine in dry, semi-dry and white varieties.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 8: Ciudad Rodrigo - Salamanca

It is time to depart Portugal and travel back to Spain through beautiful stretches of countryside. Make a stop in Ciudad Rodrigo, a historic, fortified Spanish city full of architectural delights. Explore the Old Town on an orientation tour before enjoying free time for lunch. After arriving in Salamanca, embark on a locally guided city tour. Salamanca is a stunning city home to incredible Baroque, Gothic and Renaissance buildings. See top sights including the old and new cathedrals, the University and Casa Lis (an Art Deco museum) before ending in the Plaza Mayor with some free time. The day ends with an included dinner before the tour concludes tomorrow. Enjoy three courses of delicious traditional meals from the Salamanca region.

Experiences

Visit Ciudad Rodrigo: Join your tour leader on an orientation tour of this historic Spanish city near the Portugal border. Explore the many architectural hidden gems located within the Old Town which is protected by well-preserved 12th-century walls. The Romanesque Cathedral de Santa Maria is the city’s most important landmark while the Plaza Mayor reveals a number of striking buildings.

Guided tour of Salamanca: Discover the many beautiful sights of Salamanca on a city tour with a local guide! Start at the Casa Lis museum and marvel at its spectacular Art Deco windows. Make your way to the 12th-century Old Cathedral and the “new”, 16th-century Salamanca Cathedral. Visit the city’s famous University, the oldest university in the Hispanic world, and try to spot the frog in the reliefs! Other top sights include Casa de las Conchas, La Clerecía, la Plaza Mayor and more.

Meals

BreakfastDinner

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 9: Avila - Madrid

After nine fun-filled days on the road, today is the last day of this Spain and Portugal tour. This morning, depart Salamanca and travel to the stunning city of Avila, which is notable for its many Romanesque and Gothic churches, and the famous and incredibly well preserved medieval walls. Then, continue on to the capital Madrid. Arrive in Madrid and the tour concludes this afternoon. Make sure to swap contact details with your newly-made travel friends! Adios!

Experiences

Visit Avila: Visit this beautiful medieval city en route to Madrid. This walled city and its Cathedral are a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy some free time to explore the main sights in the historic centre, such as San Vicente de Ávila, a church that is one of the best examples of Romanesque architecture in the whole of Spain.

Meals

Breakfast

What's Included

Accommodation

  • 8 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms
  • Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability)

Meals

  • 8 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners
    *Vegetarian options available for all meals on request

Transport

  • Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard
  • Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)

Tour Leader

  • Fully guided tour with experienced tour leader
  • Tour leader will accompany group throughout and manage all logistical details

17 Experiences!

  • Explore Madrid; Spain’s capital city
  • Welcome dinner in Madrid
  • Visit the ancient city of Toledo
  • Discover the delights of Granada
  • Visit Ronda; home to the famous Puente Nuevo
  • See Seville on a driving tour
  • Enjoy a local dinner in Seville
  • Explore the streets of Seville on a guided tour
  • Visit the Algarve; Portugal's stunning southern coast
  • Enjoy a driving tour of Lisbon
  • Visit Obidos; a medieval fortified town
  • Enjoy a driving and walking tour of Porto
  • Taste Portugal’s most famous drink - Port!
  • Visit Ciudad Rodrigo, a 12th-century fortified town
  • Explore the streets of Salamanca
  • Farewell dinner in Salamanca
  • Visit Avila; home to incredible Romanesque architecture

Accommodation

We partner with a range of hand-picked hotels in each destination. The hotels listed below are those we stay at most frequently. However, you may stay at different hotels of a similar standard. 

A confirmed list of hotels is emailed to all travellers prior to their tour departure. To extend your stay in Madrid, click here to book pre and post-tour accommodation through our partner Booking.com.

Madrid

Photos of the tour

Optional Excursions

Unless marked as “Pre-Book”, all optional excursions can be booked on tour and paid for in cash (in the stated currency) to your tour leader. Prices and availability are subject to change.

Dates & Rates

2025 dates for this tour are now available to book online! Scroll down to view and pay just a 10% deposit to secure the lowest price

Our pricing model: Whether you book early or take advantage of our special promotions, you’ll always get fantastic value when you choose to travel with us.
Years
Start Date / End DateFlexible BookingStatusPrice Per Person
22 Dec 2024 - 30 Dec 2024Flexible booking date for 2024-12-22Specialised Festive version of itineraryUS$1,800 US$1,345
15 Mar 2025 - 23 Mar 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-03-15Book now with low depositUS$2,040 US$1,555
29 Mar 2025 - 06 Apr 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-03-29Book now with low depositUS$2,040 US$1,555
12 Apr 2025 - 20 Apr 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-04-12Book now with low depositUS$2,040 US$1,495
26 Apr 2025 - 04 May 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-04-26Book now with low depositUS$2,040 US$1,495
10 May 2025 - 18 May 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-05-10Book now with low depositUS$2,040 US$1,495
24 May 2025 - 01 Jun 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-05-24Book now with low depositUS$2,040 US$1,645
07 Jun 2025 - 15 Jun 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-06-07Book now with low depositUS$2,040 US$1,645
14 Jun 2025 - 22 Jun 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-06-14SOLD OUT!
21 Jun 2025 - 29 Jun 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-06-21Book now with low depositUS$2,040 US$1,495
05 Jul 2025 - 13 Jul 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-07-05Book now with low depositUS$2,040 US$1,425
19 Jul 2025 - 27 Jul 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-07-19Book now with low depositUS$2,040 US$1,495
02 Aug 2025 - 10 Aug 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-08-02Book now with low depositUS$2,040 US$1,335
16 Aug 2025 - 24 Aug 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-08-16Book now with low depositUS$2,040 US$1,335
30 Aug 2025 - 07 Sep 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-08-30Book now with low depositUS$2,040 US$1,495
13 Sep 2025 - 21 Sep 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-09-13Book now with low depositUS$2,040 US$1,645
27 Sep 2025 - 05 Oct 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-09-27Book now with low depositUS$2,040 US$1,605
04 Oct 2025 - 12 Oct 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-10-04SOLD OUT!
11 Oct 2025 - 19 Oct 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-10-11SOLD OUT!
18 Oct 2025 - 26 Oct 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-10-18SOLD OUT!
25 Oct 2025 - 02 Nov 2025Flexible booking date for 2025-10-25Book now with low depositUS$2,040 US$1,645
14 Mar 2026 - 22 Mar 2026Flexible booking date for 2026-03-14Book now with low depositUS$1,760 US$1,425
28 Mar 2026 - 05 Apr 2026Flexible booking date for 2026-03-28Book now with low depositUS$1,760 US$1,425
11 Apr 2026 - 19 Apr 2026Flexible booking date for 2026-04-11Book now with low depositUS$1,760 US$1,425
25 Apr 2026 - 03 May 2026Flexible booking date for 2026-04-25Book now with low depositUS$1,760 US$1,425

Number of travellers

Payment option

Flexible booking: flexible booking

Additional Information

For pre-departure and visa information, as well as frequently asked questions regarding preparing for and travelling on this tour, please visit our Help Centre.

This tour features optional excursions that must be booked prior to the start of the tour, including the must-see Alhambra Palace! Click here for more information.

Note: As the 22 December 2024 departure date takes place over the festive season, the itinerary will feature special festive experiences! Click here to view.

Additional Information Help Centre

Reviews

Reviews powered by: Power Reviews

194 reviews
M
Miguel Verified Buyer 2024-10-01
Amazing
The best tour guide Emiliano
C
Chubby Verified Buyer 2024-09-30
I love this tour having a fabulous time with a superb leader
I highly recommend this tour for those who want to see the most amazing places in Portugal and Spain. It's well-organized with everything neatly planned from hotel, free hotel breakfasts and included dinners on some days. The tour leader, Emiliano is so amazing. funny, and knowledgeable of the many places we went to. I didn't find the long-drive tiring or boring because of his laughter. This tour is fantastic and deserves an A+ rating. See you again on my 4th one.
G
Gabby Verified Buyer 2024-09-27
Very tiring but we were able to see beautiful places.
Our tour leader Emiliano did a very good job with us, my only complain was our overnight at the Ship hotel. Took a long walk carrying our luggage's and no elevator to bring us up inspite we were already tired. Food for breakfast is good enough and our free dinners may not be the best but it is alright.
C
Charm Verified Buyer 2024-09-26
Awesome
Our tour leader emiliano is very accommodating, kind and fun to be with..wonderful guy..he is a gem to expat
M
Marie Verified Buyer 2024-09-26
Highlights of Spain & Portugal
Very organized & enjoyable!

Why this tour?

This nine-day tour of Spain and Portugal is a convenient, affordable and fun introduction to these two incredible European destinations! During this tour you will get to experience the sites, sounds, cuisine and culture of Portugal and Spain. Our small group tours’ Spain and Portugal itinerary has been designed to show off the highlights of cities and villages, to share the areas’ histories and to give travellers a taste of local life. 

The first tour of Spain begins in Madrid. From there, you’ll travel south through Andalusia and into Portugal. Meander along the Algarve coast, through a number of Portugal’s highlights along the way before heading back to Spain to complete the round trip in Madrid. 

On this trip, you’ll be able to experience a number of Portugal and Spain highlights:

  • Walk the historic streets of Toledo - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit Ronda and see the famous Puente Nuevo that stretched across the El Tajo gorge. Interestingly, American author Ernest Hemingway was a fan of watching the bullfighting in Ronda and lived here for a while! 
  • Visit medieval towns including Granada, Obidos, Garda and Avila. Learn about Spain’s history as well as the Moorish and Roman influences on architecture and culture.
  • See the historic town Salamanca which was founded a whopping 1,000 years ago!  
  • Sip Port in Porto and taste Tapas in Seville. A trip to Spain and Portugal isn’t complete without indulging in great food and wine! 
  • Explore Spanish and Portuguese cities on walking tours. Join a local guide and enjoy a tour of Seville, the capital of Andalusia. Find out more about Lisbon and Porto’s top attractions on walking and driving tours.
  • Grab your chance to visit the famous Alhambra Palace on an optional excursion. This spectacular palace is located in Granada and offers incredible views and history.
  • Make the most of free days in Seville and Lisbon to explore at your leisure. 

In addition to many great included activities, you’ll have the option to add on experiences during your trip. The Sintra half-day trip is a real treat filled with incredible history and enchanting palaces; Sintra was the summer residence for the Portugese royal family for many years! 

Is this tour right for me?

Will I have to share a room? 
The accommodation is included in the price of our tours and will be twin share rooms. All the hotels have been carefully selected by the Expat Explore team. If you are travelling on your own, you will be paired up and share a room with a traveller of the same gender. This can be a great way to get to know a new travel friend! If you would prefer some privacy, an option to pay for a single room supplement is available.

How much walking is involved, do I need to be quite fit? 
As long as you are comfortable enough to complete the walking tours of cities and towns, you should be fine! These are carried out at a comfortable pace and are not too strenuous. Be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes! 

When is the best time to visit? 
Generally, the best time for trips to Spain and Portugal is between May and September. This is when the weather is pleasant and the beaches are great to visit! Keep in mind that summer in this region does become hot so pack sun protection and stay hydrated if you are travelling then.

Is there a range of included activities? Will I get bored while travelling? 
This Spain and Portugal tour includes history, culture, architecture, cuisine, great natural sites and general fun! There is something for a range of interests. The travel times are broken up with stops along the way so there is little chance of becoming bored with long drive times.

Will there be enough free time? 
Yes, you will have two full free days in Seville and Lisbon. Plus free time in the mornings, afternoons and evenings, spread out across the itinerary. 

If you’re looking to experience the true highlights of Spain and Portugal then this tour is for you! It is the perfect balance of included activities and free time over nine days.