spain and portugal self drive tours

Best of Spain & Portugal Road Trip Itinerary

This tour takes you to Moorish palaces, medieval cities, and Gothic churches. See the architectural wonders of Gaudi`s Barcelona and Granada`s Alhambra and the great city of Lisbon as well as most highlights of both countries.

Located north of Portugal and with the Atlantic Ocean bordering the north lies Spain's most historic area which boasts an amazing Spanish history that is split into three independent regions Cantabria, Asturias, and Galicia. Situated north of Portugal the Galicia province consists of panoramic mountains, gushing valleys and rivers running to the Atlantic Ocean. Located between Galicia and Cantabria is Asturias, the ideal location for tourists on self-drive tours, is blessed with forested areas, spectacular vistas, and unspoiled coastal areas.

Santiago De Compostela, a Universal Holy City was declared a World Heritage City by UNESCO in 1985. It is, above all, an extraordinary ensemble of monuments centered on the tomb of St. James the Greater, and the destination of all routes included in Christendom’s greatest pilgrimage since the 10th century and Spain's most famous pilgrimage center, and the cathedral is the town's crowning glory. It was built between 1060 and 1211, and is considered to be one of the finest achievements of Romanesque architecture. The Way of St. James was declared World Heritage in 1993.

Walk with peacocks on the ramparts of Lisbon's Moorish fortress , explore the maze-like streets of the Alfama district, and join the nightly throngs passing between the marinas and restaurants of the rescued waterfront and watch from many overlooks as sunset turns the ancient city pink. In appearance, the city bears a resemblance to San Francisco, for Lisbon is at the edge of an ocean, was built on seven hills traversed by antique trams, and boasts a dramatic red-orange suspension bridge spanning the harbor.

Granada's Alhambra, after all, ranks with the Acropolis in visual and cultural impact. Floating above the city like a dream of palaces, its keeps and spires are sharp against the backdrop curtain folds of the Sierra Nevada, whose peaks are snowcapped into June. Unlike the Mezquita of Cordoba, the Alhambra isn't a single structure but a regal compound of interlocking gardens, royal residences, pools, citrus groves, waterworks, fortifications, and places to worship deities, complete with a supporting cast of hotels and restaurants.

Catalonia's capital Barcelona is Spain's second largest city with only Madrid being larger. Barcelona has numerous festivals year round and has an architecture that is gothic and modern as well as trendy bars, restaurants, and clubs. The city is cradled in a great half bowl, open to the Mediterranean on one side, but contained by a brooding hill called Montjuic at the harbor's southwest edge and backed up to the north by a massif dominated by Tibidabo's peak. Apart from church steeples and a few misguided efforts at skyscraper modernity, most of man-made Barcelona tops out at under eight stories. It rises gently from

the sea and climbs it slopes and elevations with an admirable respect for the land.

Please see all tours as a base tour information which we can amend to your special needs without any problem. 

Best of Spain & Portugal Tour Package Rate & Tour Inclusions

Day 01   Madrid arrival

Day 02 - 03  Madrid, local sightseeing

Day 04  Madrid - Burgos - Santander

Day 05  Santander - Santillana De Mar - Comillas - Gijon - Oviedo

Day 06  Oviedo - Lugo - Santiago de Compostela

Day 07  Santiago de Compostela, local sightseeing

Day 08  Santiago de Compostela - Pontevedra - Vigo - Porto

Day 09  Porto - Santa Maria Da Feira - Mealhada / Luso

Day 10  Mealhada / Luso - Coimbra - Fatima - Lisbon

Day 11  Lisbon, local sightseeing

Day 12  Lisbon - Beja - Sevilla

Day 13  Sevilla, local sightseeing

Day 14  Sevilla - White Villages - Ronda - Marbella area

Day 15  Marbella area, local sightseeing

Day 16  Marbella area - Malaga - Nerja - Almunecar - Granada

Day 17  Granada, local sightseeing

Day 18  Granada - Guadix - Murcia - Elche - Valencia

Day 19  Valencia - Tortosa - Tarragona - Barcelona

Day 20 - 21  Barcelona, local sightseeing

Day 22  Barcelona Airport - flight back home

  ✅   21 Hotel nights in rooms as per itinerary including hotel service charges

  ✅   21 x full breakfast buffet

 ✅   Private transfer from Madrid airport to your hotel

 ✅  Two Full Day Ticket Hop-On / Hop-Off City Sightseeing Tour Madrid

 ✅   Full Day Ticket Hop-On / Hop-Off City Sightseeing Tour Lisbon

 ✅   Palacio Andaluz Flamenco Show Including One Drink

 ✅  Alhambra And Generalife Tour Granada

 ✅  3 Days Barcelona Card

 ✅  Private transfer from your hotel to Madrid airport 

  ✅   16 full car rental days with unlimited mileage

  ✅   CDW Insurance with no deductible

  ✅   Theft Protection with no deductible

  ✅   Third Party Insurance

  ✅   Airport Service or Premium Location Fee

  ✅   Vehicle Licensee Fee

  ✅   All applicable VAT tax

  ✅   PDF Tour information which you can download also on to your iPad or tablet, send by email along with all voucher and tickets

ESTIMATED TOUR RATE starts from Euro 1.980,- per person

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Global Gallivanting

Our epic spain and portugal road trip route & itinerary.

In September 2021 we drove an epic 3,500 km in 1 month visiting 12 destinations on an amazing whirlwind Spain and Portugal road trip.

We had the time of our life exploring the beautiful cities, landscapes and historical sights, eating as many tapas and pasteis de nata as possible, visiting offbeat communities and catching up with friends who have moved out there.

We didn’t find many articles online about driving around both Spain and Portugal in one trip and I didn’t find any Spain and Portugal itinerary that started from the ferry ports in Northern Spain.

So in this blog post I’ll share our route, itinerary and tips for an epic Spain and Portugal road trip – what we loved and what we would have done differently another time.

Our 1 Month Spain and Portugal Road Trip Route

We got the ferry from the UK to Spain and this was our 1 month Spain and Portugal road trip route:

Portsmouth (UK) – ferry to – Bilbao (Spain) – San Sebastian – Madrid – Granada – Orgiva – Seville – Algarve – Lisbon – Fundao – Porto – Braga – Oviedo – Bilbao – ferry to – Portsmouth.

We had wanted to do this in 2020, but it looked too difficult with the constantly changing Covid restrictions, but in 2021 the dream finally came a reality and Covid really didn’t affect our trip too much. I’ll explain more about what it’s like traveling nowadays later on in this post.

My Top Tips for Driving in Spain and Portugal

The best time to travel around Spain and Portugal is during the shoulder seasons like May – June and September – October. During this time the weather is the most pleasant and the crowds are less than during the summer holidays.

To see all of Spain and Portugal you need at least 1 month, but you could see the highlights like Barcelona, Madrid, Granada, Seville, Lisbon and Porto in 2 weeks.

We spent 1 month in Spain and Portugal, 3 weeks traveling and 10 days visiting a friend’s farm in Portugal towards the end of our trip. 3 weeks allowed us to have a few days to relax and really explore each place.

If you have time, I would recommend spending 1 month as there is plenty to see and do in both beautiful countries. If you have 1 week then just do a road trip around Andalusia or travel from Lagos to Porto or you’ll be spending more time driving than enjoying!

Car or Camper?

Whether I travel by car or campervan, my favourite way travel experiences are always road trips. Nothing can beat the freedom of exploring with your own set of wheels.

We took our own car over on the ferry from the UK, but when we’ve rented cars on previous trips to Europe we used Discover Cars because they compare all the major car hire companies and got us the best price with and no hidden fees.

A campervan or motorhome is even better for this route as your transport, accommodation and kitchen are all on wheels for the ultimate freedom! Check out Motorhome Republic to compare and find the best deals for campervans, motorhomes and RVs.

The free roads in Spain were great, but in Portugal we had to take some toll roads if we didn’t want to spend double the time driving.

Pin me for later! 🙂

To Book or Not To Book?

Europe is very popular in the summer so, especially if you are traveling in the peak season of July and August, you should book your accommodation and tickets for popular sights and attractions to avoid disappointment.

I usually prefer Booking.com to book accommodation, but for a road trip I like how Agoda has a handy filter to find hotels with car parks. The downside of taking a road trip is navigating confusing city center one way systems and finding affordable places to park.

To avoid this we stayed at hotels a little outside the city center with parking and took public transport to save us the hassle of driving in. I’ll mention the car friendly hotels with parking and easy access from the motorways that we stayed at in each destination in this post.

Be aware that tickets for some of the most famous attractions do sell out and some, like the Alhambra (a highlight of my trip) have to be arranged at least 3 days before visiting. I use Viator and Get Your Guide , to find skip the line tickets to make the most of your time and avoid queues.

There’s more practical Spain and Portugal itinerary and road trip tips at the end of the post but lets get on with my Spain and Portugal road trip route!

Our Spain Road Trip

We began our Spain and Portugal road trip taking the 24 hour ferry with Brittany Ferries from Portsmouth (UK) to Bilbao (Spain). Bilbao is a buzzing port city in the Basque region of Northern Spain and home to the Guggenheim Museum.

From Bilbao we drove through the mountainous landscape to San Sebastian. Driving a British right hand drive car on the right side of the road and figuring out the different road signs, in Spanish and Basque, was a bit confusing at first!

But Spanish roads are great and we soon got the hang of driving in Europe. It was useful to have someone in the passenger seat when merging into motorways or overtaking but over all it was fine once we got used to it.

Still, I would recommend allowing time in your Spain and Portugal itinerary so that you don’t have to rush on the first day and can acclimatize to the different driving conditions.

Bilbao to San Sebastian: 127km –  2 hours

San sebastian.

Donostia San Sebastian was a perfect start to our Spain and Portugal road trip adventure!

Only 2 hours driving (avoiding tolls) from the ferry port at Bilbao is this pretty seaside town with lovely beaches, stunning views and a fab foodie scene.

San Sebastian’s Old Town is lovely to wander while sampling the delicious Pintxos (tasty tapas-like bar snacks) in the bars and the harbour treated us to a spectacular sunset.

Our highlight was taking the historic funicular railway up to Monte Igueldo to see the quirky amusement park and incredible views from there.

Best Things to Do in San Sebastian

• Wander through the Old Town or take a walking tour
• Go up to Monte Igueldo for the views and amusement park
• Taste the best pintxos in the city – we took this food tour
• Laze on La Concha Beach or stroll along the Paseo De La Concha.

Check out more things to do in San Sebastian and  book tours here.

Where to Stay in San Sebastian –  Mercure Monte Igueldo Hotel 

The Mercure Monte Igueldo Hotel has the best views over San Sebastian, a lovely outdoor swimming pool, great breakfasts and free parking.

Also Visit: Barcelona is one of my all time favourite cities in the world for it’s combination of beautiful and unique art and architecture, beaches, food and all round amazing vibes.

Barcelona shouldn’t be missed off any Spain and Portugal itinerary but as I’ve been to Barcelona many times before we skipped it on this trip, but if you haven’t been you could skip Madrid and visit Barcelona instead and then head down the coast visiting Valencia and then heading to Granada.

San Sebastian to Madrid: 471km – 4.75 hours

From San Sebastian we drove almost 5 hours through the country to Madrid, the Spanish Capital, to break up the journey south to Andalusia.

Madrid is a beautiful, classy city with grand architecture, amazing parks, some of the most impressive art galleries and museums in the world and the largest Royal Palace in Western Europe.

Our highlight was visiting the Prado and exploring the Parque de El Retiro. This huge city center park, originally a pleasure grounds for King Felipe IV in the 17th century, is one of Madrid’s most well loved hang outs. It’s full of interesting statues, monuments, palaces, gardens, museums, galleries and activities. You can even row a boat on the lake.

Best Things to do in Madrid

• Explore Madrid’s Art Triangle; the Prado Museum , the Reina Sofía and the Thyssen-Bornemisza are considered the best art galleries. The Art Walk Pass gives you entrance and queue jump at all three.
• Marvel at Madrid’s Royal Palace – the largest in Western Europe.
• Stroll around the Gran Vía, Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor
• Relax and explore Parque El Retiro and row a boat on the lake
• Visit IKONO and the Museum of Illusions
• Sample Madrid’s best wine and tapas – we took this fun tapas crawl tour.

Check out more things to do in Madrid and  book your tickets and tours here.

Where to Stay in Madrid – Barcelo Imagine

Not wanting to drive right into Madrid we stayed at the Barcelo Imagine. It’s close to the motorways and Chamartin metro station with parking available onsite. The stylish rooftop pool, gardens and interiors also made this hotel a winner.

Madrid to Granada: 420 km – 4 hours

After a 4 hour drive from Madrid we reached Andalusia – Spain’s most flamboyant region and somewhere not to be missed of any Spain and Portugal itinerary. If you didn’t have time to travel around the whole of Spain, Andalusia is my top choice for a short Spain road trip.

From the Sierra Nevada mountains to the Mediterranean Coast, the beautiful landscapes, sun soaked white-washed villages, Moorish forts and palaces make Andalusia one of the most bewitching regions of Spain and my personal favourite.

Granada is home to  The Alhambra , a vast palace and fortress perched imposingly on a rocky outcrop against the backdrop of the mountains.

The Alhambra’s long and storied history dates back to 899 AD. It was once home to Granada’s Nasrid rulers in the 14th century and contains some amazingly intricate architecture and palaces inside.

As one of the finest and largest Moorish Islamic buildings in Europe it’s almost overwhelming how much there is to see here. The Nasrid Palaces, Alcazaba, Carlos V Palace and the gardens at Generalife are all must sees.

When planning your Spain and Portugal itinerary take into account that you must book at least a few days in advance to get a time slot for the Nasrid Palaces and have your passport with you when you visit.The audio guide isn’t the best so I recommend taking a guided tour so you know more about what you are looking at!

This Alhambra guided tour has great reviews and includes the admission ticket and allows you to skip the line. I’d definitely do that next time.

Best Things to do in Granada

• Explore the magnificent Alhambra – book your fast track tickets here.
• Take a photo from the Plaza Mirador de San Nicolas for the best viewpoint of the Alhambra
• Join a sunset walking tour or a fun Segway tour of Albaicín & Sacromonte – Granada’s medieval neighbourhoods
• Visit the Sacromonte Cave Museum and see how people used to live in cave houses.
• Visit Granada Cathedral – Spain’s 2 nd largest cathedral
• Relax in a traditional Arabic Hammam

Check out more things to do in Granada and  book your tickets and tours here.

Where to Stay in Granada –  Hotel Andalusia Center 

Parking is difficult in Granada so we stayed at this comfortable, modern, good value hotel on the outskirts with a rooftop pool and on site parking only 15 minutes walk into town.

One of our reasons for taking a road trip through Spain and Portugal is because we wanted to visit some alternative communities, friends and more remote regions that would have been difficult to access by bus.

Orgiva is a small town tucked away in a beautiful valley between the Sierra Nevada mountains about 1 hour from Granada.

I’d heard about the alternative communities around Orgiva from friends in Goa and wanted to check it out for myself.

I loved how people were able to build their own unique homes and form a community in this beautiful valley. It was really inspiring for me but if you’re not into this kind of stuff and just want to focus on seeing the sights then you can skip this part for your own Spain and Portugal itinerary.

The town, and it’s interesting mixture of inhabitants, is also brought to life in the book – Driving Over Lemons by Chris Stewart which is now being made into a TV series.

Where to Stay in Orgiva –  Casa Jazmin

A lovely traditional Spanish house with beautiful swimming pool and gardens. Situated close to town with free street parking and friendly hosts

Granada to Seville: 250 km – 2.5 hours

Andalusia, and especially Seville , really captures the essence of Spain. As both the Moorish capital and later a 16th-century metropolis rich on the back of trade with the New World, flamboyant Seville has no shortage of sights and was one of the highlights of our trip.

You can see Seville’s sights on a horse and carriage ride or simply wander in the sunshine, admiring the incredible architecture and beautiful parks like Parque de María Luisa.

Don’t miss the Plaza de Espana, the Royal Alcazar and the massive Seville Cathedral – it’s the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and was even built to ‘make something so beautiful and so magnificent that those who see it will think we are mad!’

Soaking up Spanish culture, eating tapas washed down with sangria and watching flamenco is the perfect way to spend an evening in Seville.

I really fell in love with Seville, it’s became my favourite place on this trip and I already can’t wait to return. Definitely allow at least 3 days to explore Seville into your Spain and Portugal itinerary.

Best Things to do in Seville

• Marvel at The Royal Alcázar of Seville – Europe’s oldest royal palace still in continual use
• See Seville’s sights on a romantic horse drawn carriage ride
• Explore the Plaza de Espana and the beautiful Parque de Maria Luisa
• Visit Seville Cathedral and climb the La Giralda Tower
• Watch a traditional Flamenco performance in the home of Flamenco
• Visit the futuristic Metropol Parasol , also known as Setas de Sevilla, at night.

Check out more things to do in Seville and  book your skip the queue tickets and tours here.

Read More: My Perfect 3 Day Seville Itinerary and Tips

Where to Stay in Seville – Exe Isla Cartuja

The historic centre of Seville is another place where it’s hard to find hotels with parking. Exe Isla Cartuja is a good value modern hotel located near the stadium with plenty of free parking. It also offers easy access from the motorway and a quick bus into town

Seville to Carvoeiro, Algarve: 250km – 3.5 hours (avoiding tolls)

We just drove straight over the bridge and crossed the border from Spain into Portugal – there were no checks or Covid documentation required.

Our Portugal Road Trip

The Algarve

We started the Portugal part of our road trip with a much needed beach day in the Algarve! If you’re following a packed Spain and Portugal itinerary like us you’ll probably want to factor in some rest days too!

Even though it was warm in the September sun, the sea was really quite cold already so it was a super refreshing swim. The turquoise water and golden cliffs, a quintessential Algarve beach scene, made a stunning backdrop.

We only had a couple of days to spend in the Algarve to we stayed in the center of the region near the fishing village of Carvoeiro.

There is still no shortage of beautiful beaches in the Algarve , but sadly a lot of this region has been blighted with developments of towering white concrete apartment blocks (which looked empty)

But Carvoeiro retains it’s charm and made a good base to explore the nearby beaches like Praia da Marinha, kayak to Benagil Caves and to walk the Seven Hanging Valleys hiking trail to soak up the stunning views and rock formations that the Algarve is known for.

Best Things to do in the Algarve

• Relax on the beaches
• Take a boat tour  or kayak to visit Benagil Caves
• Take your Benagil Cave tour to the next level by travelling on a pirate ship!
• Walk the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail
• Learn to surf by taking a surf lesson or joining a surf camp

Check out more things to do in the Algarve and find the best deals for activities and day tours here .

Where to Stay in Carvoerio –  Castelo Guest House

A unique castle themed hotel in a central location with free street parking. Soak up the stunning views over the beach from the rooms and terraces and enjoy the wonderful breakfast and hosts.

Carvoeiro, Algarve to Lisbon: 307km – 2.75 hours

(4.25 hours avoiding tolls).

Taking the toll road from the Algarve to Lisbon will cut your journey time in half.

Or, if you have more time for your Spain and Portugal itinerary and want to take the scenic route you could visit the historic town of Evora on the way from the Algarve to Lisbon.

It’s one of the most picturesque and best preserved medieval walled towns in Portugal and a UNESCO world heritage site.

One of Europe’s most distinctive, colourful and picturesque cities. Old yellow trams rattle and screech up and down along Lisbon’s cobbled streets, terracotta rooftops sprawl across the hillsides, while tile covered, pastel coloured buildings part to reveal glimpses of the shimmering Tagus river.

It’s hard not to fall in love with Lisbon. Plan to spend at least 3 days here in your Spain and Portugal itinerary.

Best Things to do in Lisbon

• Wander and explore or join a walking tour through Lisbon’s most historic and storied districts – this is the tour we took
• Ride the historic Route 28 tram through Lisbon’s most iconic districts. Or, if you’d rather avoid cramming in with the crowds take a tram tour or follow the route in Tuk Tuk!
• See the Belem Tower and marvel at the 16th-century Manueline architecture of the Jerónimos Monastery
• Take in the beautiful, heart-felt sounds of a traditional acoustic Fado show.
• Explore Lisbon from land and water in adventurous style on an amphibious vehicle
• Take a day trip to Sintra to explore the colourful fairytale castles and palaces.

Check out more things to do in Lisbon and book your skip the queue tickets and tours here.

After spending so long in Goa , and falling in love with the unique blend of Indian and Portuguese influences there, it was interesting to learn about the history and culture of Portugal on a guided walking tour of Lisbon and to explore the narrow streets of Alfama (the only part of the Old city to survive the devastating 1755 earthquake)

The waterside district of Belem is definitely worth the short tram ride out of Lisbon’s city center. This was the place where many of the Portuguese maritime explorers left from to explore the world and is a lot more spacious and relaxing than the city center.

Don’t miss the marvelling at the Belem Tower and walking along the Tagus River to the Discoveries Monument. There’s also a huge world map in mosaics on the floor behind showing all the places the Portuguese explored which was eye opening to see.

The Jeronimos Monastery , also in Belem, has beautiful nautical themed details and you can try the original recipe pasteis de natas at Pasteis de Belem nearby.

Our Highlight: Lisbon’s old yellow trams have become an icon of the city and quite the tourist attraction. Riding the scenic tram route 28 as it twists like a rollercoaster through the historic neighbourhoods like Alfama, Baixa and Chiado was one of the highlights of my time in Lisbon.

You can buy a Viva Viagem 24 hour unlimited ticket for only €6.40 which includes all trams, metros, buses and elevadors in Lisbon. But you can only buy it at a metro station not on the tram. Or you could get a Lisbon Card which gives you free access to Lisbon’s top attractions as well as free public transport.

It’s so popular its actually difficult to get on! Board at Martim Moniz, where the metro meets the tram terminus, for a good chance of getting a seat. Standing is quite the experience as the tram lurches, screeches and rattles around.

Or, to be guaranteed a seat and learn something about the streets you travel though, I recommend taking the  tram tour for a better experience.

Day Trips from Lisbon

Lisbon is also a great base to explore the many beautiful places nearby. Most of these are easily accessible with a day trip tour.

Don’t miss Sintra , a town and former royal retreat in the Sintra Mountains just 30 minutes from Lisbon. The colourful, fairy-tale like castles and mansions at Sintra are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most enchanting places in Portugal. This is the Sintra day trip we took.

You could also combine Sintra with a stop at Cabo da Rocha and the seaside town of Cascais or the picturesque Azenhas do Mar.  Find more Sintra day trips here.

Visit the surfing capital of Europe – the surf reserve of Ericeria only 45 minutes away. It’s a charming historic blue and white fishing town with beautiful beaches and one of the best places to learn to surf in Portugal – more about surf camps in Portugal here.

Where to Stay in Lisbon –  Inspira Liberdade Boutique Hotel

An elegant hotel with free parking located near Marques de Pombal so it’s easy to drive to and also close to the metro station. Some balconies have hot tubs.

For more on the different areas of Lisbon and the best hotels check out my post on Where to Stay in Lisbon.

Lisbon to Porto: 317km – 3 hours (5.5 hours avoiding tolls)

After Lisbon we headed inland to the region of Castelo Branco to visit friends on their farm near Fundao.

If you didn’t want to go into the countryside the route up the coast from Lisbon to Porto is only about 320 km which takes 3 hours driving on toll roads, or 5.5 hours without tolls.

There’s plenty of stunning beaches, legendary surf spots like Peniche and Nazare and historic towns to visit on the way including picture perfect Obidos , the historic university city of Coimbra and Aveiro , the Venice of Portugal.

A Lisbon to Porto road trip is one of the highlights of many people’s Spain and Portugal itineraries, but this time we went inland to see what life was like on the farm so check out this blog for more about the Lisbon – Porto route.

Lisbon to Fundao: 260 km – 2.5 hours (4.5 hrs avoiding tolls)

Portuguese farm life, castelo branco.

One of our main reasons for taking this Portugal road trip was to visit friends who bought an old farm near Fundao in Castelo Branco, Central Portugal and to check out what the lifestyle is like there.

This area is pretty remote with just a few small villages and plenty of nature backed by the mountains of the Serra da Estrela . There’s alot of ruins and cheap land in this area of Portugal (find them on Pure Portugal ) and its inspiring to hear and see how people have moved out here to renovate the ruins and farms to build self sufficient homesteads and live off grid.

Some are also building eco villages, communities and yoga retreats and it’s been a dream of mine for a long time to come and see what farm life in Portugal is like for myself.

Our home for the week was this self contained cabin on our friend’s farm. It’s a beautiful area and it’s really inspiring to see what’s going on here but it’s also a reality check of how much money, time and hard work it takes to make it happen.

If you aren’t lucky enough to have a friend with a farm in Portugal but still want to have this experience you can find hosts on Worldpackers looking for volunteers and you’ll receive free food and accommodation in return for your help.

(Use the code ‘GLOBALGALLIVANTING’ to get $20 off membership with Worldpackers.) 

Where to Stay in Castelo Branco –  Natura Glamping

Natura Glamping is an amazing example of a new eco resort with white geometric domes, spa baths, infinity pool, amazing views and free onsite parking.

Monsanto, Castelo Branco

While staying on the farm we took a day trip to the historic village of Monsanto – a village in Central Portugal that won the award of ‘ the most Portuguese village in Portugal ‘ and was one of the coolest places we’ve seen in the country.

Yes, the Portuguese seem to like building settlements on steep hills, but Monsanto isn’t really your typical Portuguese village. Actually it’s quite unique and even the Game of Thrones are filming the ‘House of The Dragon’ here!

I loved exploring the historic village of cobble stoned pathways and houses built around the boulders. The ruins of Monsanto castle perch high above the village with amazing views and an old church with spooky graves cut out from the rock.

Best of all it just felt like we were exploring, it doesn’t feel like a tourist attraction. Monsanto is definitely worth a visit if you’re in the Castelo Branco region.

Due to the steep, narrow, historic lanes you can’t drive into Monsanto village. There is car parking and a shuttle bus slightly down the hill.

Where to Stay in Monsanto –  Casa Mont’Santo

A cute historic fully equipped 3 bedroom cottage, accessible by car with parking, large terraces and great views

Fundao to Porto: 259 km – 2.5 hrs (4.5 hrs without tolls)

Portugal’s 2 nd city is worth visiting just as much as Lisbon and mustn’t be missed from your Spain and Portugal itinerary!

Explore the grand cathedrals, blue mosaic covered churches and the colourful buildings of the historic Ribeira district that tumble down to the Douro River where port barges would have awaited their cargo.

Nowadays you can take a cruise along the river , ride the old trams, funiculars and the modern Gaia Cable Car to explore Porto and stop in at cellar doors to taste Port wine in the city that it was invented.

Did you also know that author JK Rowling taught English and lived in Porto for a while and found inspiration for the Harry Potter series in the enchanting bookstores here like the Livraria Lello and in the uniforms of the university students.

Best Things to do in Porto

• Cross over the river on the Ponte de Dom Luis I Bridge for magnificent views
• Take the 6 bridges cruise down the Douro River
• Visit the port wine cellars and taste the best wines of Portugal on a wine tour
• Explore the historic Ribeira district or join a walking tour.
• Enjoy panoramic views of Porto from the top of the Torre dos Clérigos
• Watch the sunset from the Jardim do Morro.
• See the places that inspired JK Rowling on a Harry Potter tour
• Visit the World of Discoveries museum 

Check out more things to do in Porto and find the best deals on tours and attraction tickets here.

Our Highlight: The iconic Ponte de Dom Luis I Bridge is rated on Trip Advisor as the best thing to do in Porto and I can see why. Whether admiring it from below or walking along the top soaking up the sweeping views of this beautiful and unique city and watching the sunset from Jardim do Morro.

Soaking up the picturesque views and riverside vibes while tasting port wine in Vila Nova de Gaia and riding the cable car up to the bridge was another highlight.

Where to Stay in Porto –  Vincci Porto 

Amazing art deco style hotel in a stylishly renovated landmark building with easy access from motorway, onsite parking and opposite a tram stop. The panoramic river views from the terrace were a highlight.

Porto to Braga: 54 km – 1 hour without tolls

We made a short stop in Braga to meet a friend’s 2 week old baby! Braga looked like a lovely, historic city but it was raining most of the time we were there so we spent most of the time inside catching up and playing with the little ones.

One thing I couldn’t miss when in Braga is the UNESCO listed Bom Jesus do Monte! The wedding cake like layered steps remind me of the Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church – the famous church in Panjim, Goa.

If you’re not keen on walking up the 577 steps you can take the historic wooden funicular railway up to the top. Dating back to 1882 it’s the oldest in the world that moves using water counter balancing.

Where to Stay in Braga –  Vila Gale Collection Braga

Located in an amazing heritage building that used to be a church! With a beautiful swimming pool and gardens, fantastic central location and free onsite parking

Braga to Oviedo: 479 km – 4.5 hours (6 hours without tolls)

As we hadn’t planned enough time for our epic Spain and Portugal itinerary, after Braga we only had a few days to drive the 700km back to Bilbao for the ferry so we had to put our foot down if we were going to make it back to the ferry on time and sadly has to skip Santiago de Compostela.

We wound our way over the mountains of Northern Portugal and crossed over the border into Spain without any border checks or paperwork.

Oviedo, Spain

Northern Spain and the regions of Galicia, Asturias and Cantabria are beautiful, green and alpine-like – very different from the rest of the Spain.

We stayed 1 night in Oviedo , the unpretentious capital of the Asturias region, and had a bit of time to look around the compact and characterful old town, wander the Campo de San Francisco park and try the local food and cider.

There’s plenty to keep you occupied for a few days in Oviedo. It’s also part of the pilgrims route – the camino (way) to Santiago de Compostela and the cathedral at sunset was a mesmerising sight.

Where to Stay in Oviedo –  Exe Oviedo Centro

Great value modern hotel with spacious, comfortable rooms and free onsite parking, close to train station and 15 mins walk to the cathedral

Oviedo to Bilbao: 280 km – 3 hours

I would have loved to spend more time in Northern Spain but sadly we had our return ferry booked. The ferry departed at 8pm so the next day we drove the 3 hours along the coast from Oviedo to Bilbao.

We stopped for lunch at the pretty seaside town of San Vicente de la Barquera . The harbour, beaches, old village and castle amongst the backdrop of the mountains of the Picos de Europa make it one of the most picturesque sights on the Cantabrian coast.

Other places to visit

If we had planned our Spain and Portugal itinerary better we would have loved to visit Santiago de Compostela and spend some time walking the Camino , the historic pilgrimage route, but we didn’t have time. Plus, it feels a bit like cheating to drive there instead of walk! I’ll save it for another trip when I have enough time to walk the camino properly!

We also wished we’d had more time to explore the coastline of Northern Spain and Picos de Europa – we didn’t know the region would be so beautiful so I recommend that you leave more time in your Spain and Portugal road trip itinerary for Northern Spain than we did.

FAQs and Tips for Planning a Spain and Portugal Road Trip

Why take a road trip around spain and portugal.

There are many ways to travel around Europe – flights are cheap, an interrail pass is fun and convenient and buses are affordable.

But for this trip as we wanted to visit a lot of places in a small amount of time, including some communities and friends off the beaten track. Doing this would be difficult, time consuming and expensive without our own transport.

Nothing beats the freedom of having your own set of wheels and being able to go wherever you want, whenever you want.

Plus, there was less chance of catching Covid or dealing with Covid related paperwork when traveling in the safety of our own vehicle. When we crossed the borders between Spain and Portugal there were no checks or controls at all – we just flew straight through.

Where’s the best place to rent a car or campervan in Spain and Portugal?

We took our own car from the UK on the ferry from Portsmouth to Spain but it’s sometimes cheaper and more convenient to take a cheap flight and then rent a car when you get there.

The benefit of this is that you can drop it off in a different location from where you picked it up saving time and money on fuel (you may have to pay a one way hire charge though)

To find the best deals on rental cars I recommend Discover Cars. They compare all the best deals from the best companies which can save you alot of money – sometimes even 70%, Best of all there are no hidden fees so you can easily see the total price you’ll pay.

Traveling in a campervan, RV or motorhome is also an amazing way to explore and road trip in Europe. You can save money on accommodation and eating out when staying in a campervan or motorhome.

I use Motorhome Republic to find the best deals for motorhome and RV rental. As one of the largest motorhome rental agencies they have a price beat guarantee and the biggest choice from reputable and trusted companies.

You can find places to camp on the Park 4 Night app .  It’s easy to find places to camp for free in Spain but Portugal made wild camping illegal in 2021. There’s plenty of campsites which are still a fun, friendly and affordable option. Many have swimming pools, bars and restaurants and feel more like a resort.

How much does the fuel for a Spain and Portugal road trip cost?

We spent €300 on fuel for this 3,500 km trip.

When’s the best time for a Spain and Portugal road trip?

The Summer months of July and August are the peak season for traveling in Spain and Portugal but I think the best time for a Spain and Portugal road trip is the Spring or Autumn as it won’t be so hot and the sights will be less crowded, plus you’ll get cheaper rates on accommodation.

How to plan a Spain and Portugal itinerary? How long should we spend in each destination?

When planning an itinerary you’ll need to research what you want to see and do so you know how many days to spend in each destination.

As a general rule of thumb I usually recommend spending at least 2 nights/ 3 days  in each destination so that you have enough time to explore and relax and don’t feel like you’re spending most of your time driving.

We took 1 month for this trip but we spent 10 days with friends on their Portuguese farm, so we only had 3 weeks to travel. Although we tried to fit as much in as possible, there are still places we sadly had to skip because, to be honest, we didn’t plan our Spain and Portugal itinerary very well! So I would recommend spending at least 1 month to see the highlights of both Spain and Portugal.

If you have less time maybe just concentrate on one region like Northern Spain, Andalusia or Lisbon to Porto.

Did you use toll roads in Spain and Portugal?

To keep costs down and to see more of the countryside we tried to avoid toll roads on our Spain and Portugal road trip. This was easy to do in Spain because the free roads were so good and, on the motorways, there were petrol stations literally every 10 kms.

Portugal was a different story though and by avoiding toll roads in Portugal we would have ended spending double the time driving.

The Portuguese toll system is a bit tricky, especially if you are driving an non-Portuguese registered vehicle and don’t have an electronic transponder in your car, so it’s worth getting acquainted with it before you go for a hassle free trip . Read this article for tips.

If you rent a car in Portugal you can rent a transponder from the car hire company.

Is it more expensive to take your car on the ferry straight to Spain or to drive through France?

This is a question we spent alot of time deliberating on. Driving all the way through France looked fun with plenty to stop and see but would ultimately end up being exhausting and costly so we decided to take the car on the ferry from Portsmouth, UK to Bilbao in Northern Spain.

We estimated how much we would have spent in 5 or so days traveling through France in fuel, tolls, eating and accommodation (not to mention attractions and sightseeing) and it made more sense to take the ferry instead.

We paid £780 for return ferry tickets for 2 people, 1 car and cabins on each crossing. We found it useful to compare the routes available and get the best deal on Ferry Savers.

This 24 hour crossing is known for being rough at times but it was nice and calm and I didn’t feel sea sick at all. We had a comfortable en-suite cabin and enjoyed exploring the ferry. It felt like a mini cruise with the bars, restaurants, sun decks and even a small swimming pool.

Taking the ferry made it feel like much more of an adventure than flying!

What was it like traveling in Spain and Portugal during Covid in 2021?

The Covid situation and rules are always changing and you should always check the most up to date news before traveling.

But in our experience, in September and October 2021, Covid didn’t adversely affect our Spain and Portugal road trip too much,

We had to present either a negative test, proof of vaccination or proof of recovery and fill out a health form to enter Spain. The process of checking in and disembarking from the ferry was quick and simple. You don’t even need to get out of your car to go through immigration.

Our passports did get stamped at the Spanish border (due to Brexit UK citizens are only allowed 90 days out of 180 in the Shengen zone now.)

Apart from people wearing masks both inside and outside on the street (even though it was not a legal requirement to wear them outside) we didn’t notice many differences from traveling Europe before Covid.

Everything was open, people were friendly and happy to see tourists and, apart from wearing face masks in supermarkets and on public transport, Covid didn’t restrict or impact on our trip too much.

The restrictions had recently been relaxed in Portugal so we no longer need any tests or proof of vaccination to stay in a hotel or eat in a restaurant. There was no Covid pass in Spain.

When returning to the UK we had to fill out a passenger locator form and book a test to do on day 2 after we arrived back. We didn’t need to isolate or quarantine.

Covid doesn’t have to ruin your travels, but it’s really important these days to always check the most up to date rules before traveling!

Do you have any more tips or questions about our Spain and Portugal road trip?

I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

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[…] Also Read: Our 2021 Epic Spain and Portugal Road Trip – Route, Itinerary and Tips! […]

Always beautiful article.

Thanks for your really interesting blog on Spain and Portugal road trip. We are travelling over from Australia in September/October for a 6 week road trip and your blog was very insightful and informative. It will help us immensely. Thanks for making our travel plans a bit easier. Nicky

Hey Nicky! So nice to hear that my blogs been useful for you! Thank you! 🙂 Hope you have a great trip 🙂

Great blog post. Really informative. Keep up the good work.

Thanks so much for this write up. My partner and I have just decided (literally today) to do a 25 day or so road trip through Portugal and Spain and your article is really helping us plan. We fly to Seville in a week and have absolutely zero plan. Luckily car rentals are very very cheap. I was initially feeling motivated to do Southern Spain, Andalusia, Algarve, up through Lisbon and Porto and then NW Spain to San Sebastian/Bilbao/etc. But in reading your article I’m starting to think the smart thing to do is cut out NW Spain. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this. It sounds like you really enjoyed Seville. My girlfriend loves beaches, and I know that NW Spain has fantastic ones, but I also imagine that late September might be too cold. Anyways, thanks again for sharing your story!

Hi Peter Thanks so much – it’s great to hear that my blog has helped you plan what sounds like an epic trip. Andalusia and Southern Portugal were my highlights of this trip and unfortunately we stayed longer than planned and ran out of time to stop at some of the beautiful places we drove through in Northern Spain when we drove back to the ferry. If you have time I think the north is a bit of a hidden gem but you can’t miss places like Seville and Lisbon – I never wanted to leave. Hope you have an amazing trip 🙂

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Spain and Portugal Cross-Border Touring Holidays

Spain & Portugal, with their richly intertwined histories and cultures, each make wonderful touring destinations – but why choose? With our specially designed cross-border touring holidays you can visit both countries in one tour and get the best of both worlds!

Follow the Camino de Santiago or retrace Wellington’s footsteps; discover the Roman province of Lusitania or marvel at the mighty fortresses thrown up on either side of the border by centuries of conflict – the border-lands of Spain & Portugal are a treasure-trove of rich experiences.

Duero or Douro, Albariño or Albarinho, Extremadura or Estremadura… as you cross from one country to the other you’ll find fascinating similarities and delightful differences at which to marvel. And wherever you go you’ll find world-class wines and gastronomy as well as a warm welcome from the local people.

Cross-border travel made easy

Numerous flights from the UK and worldwide direct to Spain & Portugal mean that the Iberian Peninsula has never been easier to get to.

Our fly-drive tours are designed to start and finish in the same country, avoiding the problem of cross-border rentals, whilst our ‘Porto Run’ ferry-drive tour ties in with the direct ferry crossings to Santander or Bilbao.

Take one of our cross-border tours and enjoy two fascinating countries in one wonderful trip!

Independent self-drive touring with all the info and support you need Bespoke itineraries – designed and organised by our experts Fly to Spain or Portugal and we’ll include a hire car Stay in delightful, independent small hotels

Choose from our Cross-Border touring holidays

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The Porto Run – Santander to Porto PO7

Santander to porto & back in two weeks.

Based on 14 nights self-drive independent tour in Portugal and Spain

Camino Portugues, Porto to Santiago Tour PO3

Porto to santiago by the coastal route.

Based on 10 nights self-drive independent tour in Portugal

Madrid – Porto – Santiago PO5

From madrid via north portugal to santiago.

Lusitania Romana – Cross-border Tour PO17

Central portugal and spanish extremadura in one trip.

A Taste of Two Countries PO6

North portugal and north-west spain.

Based on 12 nights self-drive independent tour in Portugal and Spain

Camino Portugues – Lisboa to Santiago PO8

The portuguese way, lisboa to santiago.

Based on 14 nights self-drive independent tour in Spain & Portugal

Bespoke Portuguese Touring Holidays

Our expert team will help you plan your trip – adapting the route to fit with your flights, taking into account your personal needs and interests be it gastronomy, bird watching, wine tasting, Baroque architecture, trekking in the mountains… you name it!

Our northern Portuguese tours cover Porto, the  Douro Valley wine region , the Peneda-Geres National Park, historic towns and cities including Braga and Guimaraes and the Costa Verde – Minho coast with Viana do Castelo at its heart. To really get to grips with the north of Portugal the  Caminando North Portugal  combining city stops & natural highlights, is the one for you.

South of the Douro we have several tours to discover the  Centro de Portugal , a lesser-known but fascinating region including the country’s highest mountains, its oldest University and no less than five World Heritage sites! And further south still we have wonderful tours to discover Portugal’s vibrant capital  Lisboa and the Alto Alentejo  including the amazing city of Évora

For a short tour focusing on cities and culture, we’d recommend our  Cities of Portugal  tour which takes in Lisboa, Coimbra and Porto. To focus on the north the  Taste of north Portugal  tour is ideal or in the south the  Lisboa, Alentejo, Estremadura  tour.

Some tours loosely follow the Camino de Santiago. A shorter tour from  Porto to Santiago takes 10 days whilst the full tour from  Lisboa to Santiago  takes a fortnight.

For wine lovers our independent  tour of the Douro Valley  which takes in Porto as well as the Douro and Alto Douro valleys is a must. To get a little off the beaten track we also offer a tour of  Porto, Douro and Dão  which takes in the charming city of Viseu at the heart of the Dão wine region. And our  tours into the Alentejo  offer the chance to sample some of the country’s finest wines

To combine the charms of Portugal with those of Spain we have devised a ‘dash’ from Santander to Porto and back via the coast- ideally suited for those coming by ferry. Alternatively you might want to try the  Best of the North-West  tour or  North-west Iberia with Madrid  – or, of course the Camino Portugues to Santiago.

Find out  about our tours , the different regions, our interests and our  one week tours  or l onger holidays .

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Spain and Portugal Reviews & Ratings

Good size group, great tour leader (on.

Good size group, great tour leader (on this occasion), pretty good value for money on the whole.

I enjoy intrepid but the style of

I enjoy intrepid but the style of travel doesn't suit everyone.

good balance of guidance and free time

Inexperienced leadership resulting in some wasted time.

Inexperienced leadership resulting in some wasted time. Too much time traveling in buses and small vans. Our leader was not confident in communicating information to...

Very knowledgeable, competent, personable guide. Fun and

Very knowledgeable, competent, personable guide. Fun a...

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Trip planning

Lost in the Right Direction

Spain and Portugal in Two Weeks

Portugal | Spain

Welcome to Spain and Portugal! Spain, protected by the Pyrenees, developed differently from the rest of Europe, embracing a unique history and culture. Spain was a Muslim country for more than 700 years and the Moorish influence lends a unique character to the country. Spain offers bright sunshine and beaches, whitewashed villages, massive cathedrals, rich culture, and great food.

With extra time add on our Barcelona itinerary.

Length: 16 days

Transportation: Rental Car

Best Guide Book: Rick Steves Spain

Day 1 – Madrid

• Fly into Madrid and take a cab or the  Expres Aeropuerto bus to your lodging
• Tour the Plaza Mayor
• Grab lunch at the  San Miguel Market and visit the nearby  Corpus Christi convent
• Tour the Royal Palace 
• Consider a late afternoon “free”  walking tour to orient yourself
• Grab some tapas for dinner
• Lodging – Hotel Europa (night 1/2)

Day 2 – Madrid

• Tour the Prado Museum
• Tour the Reina Sofia Museum
• Wander through the Botanical gardens/El Retiro park
• Lodging— same place, (night 2/2)

Day 3 – Holy Toledo!

• Cab to the airport and pick up rental car
• Drive Toledo (1 hour drive)
• Toledo cathedral (the one must-see on this list)
• San Juan de los Reyes Monasterio (a Franciscan monastery and church)
• Santo Tome (chapel with El Greco’s most famous paining, The Burial of the Count of Orgaz )
• Sinagoga del Transito (Spain’s National Jewish museum)
• El Greco Museum
• Santa Cruz museum
• Plaza de Zocodover
• Find yourself a place for a drink/tapas while waiting for dinner….
• Lodging – Hacienda de Cardenal    (night 1/1)

Day 4 – Granada

• Drive to Granada (3h38 drive)
• Albaicin (Arab Quarter)
• Capilla Real
• Catedral Santa Maria de la Encarnacion
• Albayzin neighborhood
• Granada Cathedral
• Royal Chapel
• Lodging – Mirador del Jazmin  or Hotel Santa Isabella Real (night 1/2)

Day 5 – The Alhambra

• Make sure to get tickets in advance and pick up in the morning 
• See any site you did not see the previous day in Granada

Day 6 – Marbella and Ronda

• Drive to Marbella and have lunch on beach and poke around the town  (2h drive) 
• Drive to Ronda (1h drive) 
• historic Bullring
• church of Santa Maria la Mayor
• Lodging – Hotel San Gabriel (night 1/1)

Day 7 – The White Hill Towns

• Zahara, stop for a snack or lunch
• Arcos de la Fronterra
• Arrive Sevilla
• Lodging – Hotel Alimar   (night 1/3)

Day 8 – Sevilla

• Sevilla walking tour
• Visit the Cathedral de Sevilla
• Tour the Palace (Real Alcazar)
• Wander through the Parque de Maria Luisa
• Explore the neighborhood of Bario Santa Cruz (old Jewish Quarter)
• Hospital de la Caridad
• Basilica de la Macarena
• Bullfight Museum
• Flamenco museum
• After dinner, take in a Flamenco performance
• Lodging— same place, (night 2/3)

Day 9 – Cordoba

• Day trip to Cordoba  (1h38m drive each way or take the train)
• Visit the mosque/church (Mezquita)
• Explore the town and grab lunch
• Return to Sevilla and explore whatever you didn’t have time for the day before
• Lodging— same place, (night 3/3)

Day 10 – Evora

• Drive to Evora (3h 26m drive)
• Roman temple, aqueduct, ruins
• Chapel of Bones
• Have lunch in Evora
• Drive to St Jerome Monastery/Belem  and tour the monastery  (1h28m drive)
• Drive to Cascais  (26m drive)
• Wander around Cascais and enjoy the beach
• Lodging –  Pergola House   (night 1/3)

Day 11 – Sintra

• Day trip Sintra (19m drive each way or train)
• Visit National Palace, Pena Palace, Moorish Castle

Day 12 – Lisbon

• Day trip to Lisbon (33m drive, or consider easy train connection and avoid the hassle of parking) 
• Bario alto neighborhood
• Alfama neighborhood
• Baixa neighborhood
• Gulbenkian Museum

Day 13 – Salamanca via Obidos and Coimbra

• Drive to and explore Obidos  (1h12m drive)
• Drive to Coimbra (1h23m drive)
• Visit the Coimbra University and King John library
• Drive to Salamanca (3h16m drive)
• Lodging – Exe Plaza Mercado  (night 1/1)

Day 14 – Salamanca and Avila

• Town square
• University and Library
• Salamanca Cathedral
• Have lunch on the Plaza Mayor
• Convent of St. Teresa
• Drive to Segovia  (1h54m drive)
• Check into lodging, Parador de la Granja   (night 1/2)
• Visit the palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso

  Day 15 – Segovia and El Esorial

• Drive to Segovia (22m drive)
• Explore Segovia: Roman Aqueduct, cathedral, castle
• Drive to El Escorial (42m drive)
• Explore El Escorial, a monastery and palace
• Return to Parador de la Granja (49m drive)

Day 16 – Fly Home

• Drive to Madrid airport (1h14m drive)
• Drop off rental car

Detailed Itinerary

Days 1 and 2 – madrid.

Welcome to Madrid, Spain’s vibrant capitol. Madrid is a large city (home to 3 million) but has a relatively easy to navigate center. If you arrive via the airport, make your way to your hotel. Cab costs a fixed 30 euro and expect to be stuck in traffic. The Expres Aeropuerto bus (5 euro) runs from all terminals to Atocha station – from there you can grab a taxi or metro to your hotel. If you will be renting a car in Spain (recommended), DO NOT pick it up yet – get it when you leave on the way out of town. You do not want a car in Madrid.

The center of action in Madrid is the Puerto del Sol. Consider staying at the lovely Hotel Europa right on the Plaza.

Key sights to see (beyond wandering around) include the Plaza Mayor, Royal Palace , Prado , and Reina Sofia (for Picasso’s Guernica).

If you arrived from the western hemisphere you may be a bit jet lagged and I’d put off the art museums until tomorrow and head down Calle mayor, detour down Calle de Postas to Plaza Mayor . If it’s around lunch time, grab a bite at the San Miguel Market .  Explore the Corpus Christi convent and town hall right nearby. Then continue on to the Royal Palace . Return via Carlos II then Calle de Arenal. You might consider a “free”  walking tour to orient yourself.

Since this is your first day you may be jet lagged so don’t overdo it. Dinner in Spain does not start till 21:00 at the earliest. Either nap and get up for dinner (which will seriously screw up your time zone acclimation) or find tapas and turn in early.

The next day, wander down to the Prado (13 minute walk from Puerto del Sol). and see this world class museum. After you have satiated yourself with El Greco and Velasquez wander 10 minutes to the Reina Sofia Museum and see Picasso’s amazing Guernica. Between museums or after take a break in the Botanical gardens/El Retiro park.

Day 3 – Holy Toledo!

Cab to the airport (or take the metro) and find your way to your rental car. Set your GPS for your lodging (we suggest Hacienda del Cardenal ) – where you can park and leave your car. From here head up into town. Toledo sits atop a hill in a bend of the Tajo River. It has a fantastic medieval atmosphere, the best cathedral in Spain (not the largest – that’s in Sevilla) – and is custom made for walking around. If tourist crowds get to you – just wait, they clear out at night and you’ll feel you have the city to yourself. Pull out a map and start your rambles. We’d suggest starting on the west end and seeing San Juan de los Reyes Monasterio (a Franciscan monastery and church), Sinagoga del Transito (Spain’s National Jewish museum), El Greco Museum , Santo Tome (chapel with El Greco’s most famous paining, The Burial of the Count of Orgaz ), then back to the most famous Toledo site, Toledo Cathedral .

After that see the Alcazar (military Museum), then Plaza de Zocodover, then Santa Cruz museum.  Find yourself a place for a drink/tapas while waiting for dinner….

Unfortunately this is not a super interesting drive. The train trip takes forever and we are suggesting a car for flexibility and to be able to see the hill towns so you are stuck with a 3h38 drive from Toledo to Granada. We don’t recommend that you do the Alhambra today – save it for tomorrow. Instead visit sights of the lower town. At one time this was the grandest city in Spain. Take a stroll through the old town past the Alcaiceria market, Granada Cathedral, Royal Chapel, and up along the river. Either today or tomorrow wander up into the old moorish quarter, the Albayzin neighborhood.

We didn’t love where we stayed in Granada, but for our next visit we would try  Mirador del Jazmin  or Hotel Santa Isabella Real both of which get great ratings and in are ideal locations.

I’d allow a half day for the Alhambra , the greatest of Spain’s Moorish places and a place steeped in history. If you see nothing else in Spain, see this. The main attraction is the Palacios Nazaries but the gardens and Charles V palace are worthwhile and part of the package.

When done here head back down the hill (the Alhambra is about a 30 minute walk above the main part of town) and see whatever you did not get to yesterday. Enjoy another night in Granada at the same lodging.

Day 6 – Marbella and Ronda

This is when you head to the heart of the white towns of Andalucia. Total drive time will be about 3-4 hours but a fair amount of drive is near the coast and time it to stop for lunch in Marbella. The route from Marbella to Ronda as you ascend up the mountains is quite scenic. Marbella is the classiest of the Costa del Sol beach towns, which can seem otherwise a bit chaotic and overrun by expats. We parked and found a lovely restaurant on the beach and had lunch gazing down towards Gibraltar. After lunch head up to Ronda.

Ronda is in a spectacular setting – all white (as most of the frontera hill towns are), perched precariously on top of steep cliffs and built on both sides of a dramatic gorge, with a bridge between the old and new parts spanning the gorge. Sights include the Bullring and museum, church of Santa Maria la Mayor in the old town, gorge, and new bridge. The delight really exists in wandering through the town and enjoying the views and ambience. We really enjoyed tapas in the new town (on one side of the bridge) but liked staying in the old town (other side of the bridge) at the Hotel San Gabriel

Day 7 – The White Hill Towns

This is a day to visit some beautiful villages and countryside. The hill towns of the frontera are so called because they were the front line between moorish and catholic Spain during the reconquista (the time that the Christian Spaniards gradually won land back from the Moorish Spaniards).

From Ronda head to Zahara, a cute town tucked under a castle on a hill above the town overlooking a reservoir. Stop for a snack or lunch then head on To Grazalema. This is another picturesque town in the heart of the Sierra de Grazalema national park – with trails, rugged limestone, caves, and gorges. The area is surprisingly green countryside and the mountain roads offer a very scenic drive. Continue onto Arcos de la Fronterra, the largest (yet equally picturesque) of the hilltowns. Wander through it’s windy streets on foot. Continue onto Sevilla. Park as directed by your hotel (we had a heck of a time finding the designated lot – ask for a detailed map). Stay at Hotel Alimar (night 1/3). Grab a late dinner.

Sevilla may be my favorite city in Spain. It’s an easy walking city full of attractions. In fact strolling here has been elevated to an activity (the Paseo) where every evening starting around 18:00 locals are out strolling various neighborhoods.

Take a walking tour with Connie  seeing Sevilla and then the cathedral . Then if you have the time and energy see the Alcazar (otherwise find another day to see it) and the Bario Santa Cruz neighborhood, Sevilla’s old Jewish Quarter. Sevilla is a charming, walkable city so enjoy exploring. Tonight or tomorrow arrange to see some Flamenco.  Stay at Hotel Alimar (2/3)

Day 9 – Córdoba

For an easy and delightful day trip today you can train (high speed rail goes straight there from Sevilla) or drive to Córdoba and tour the Mezquita and town, then return to Sevilla for the night. Stay at Hotel Alimar (3/3)

Day 10 – Off to Portugal

Drive to Evora (3h 26m), a Unesco world heritage site. Enjoy an hour or so exploring the city surrounded by cork trees. Enjoy the Roman remnants, aquaduct, and temple before making your way to the impressive 12th century Romanesque and Gothic cathedral, perched upon mosque ruins. Finally make your way to the Church of St. Francis and the Chapel of Bones (yup, walls lined with bones and skulls). Grab lunch in the town.

From here head off (1h 28m) to the St Jerome Monastery

It’s a short drive from here to the lovely beach town of Cascais (26m).  We suggest staying here as a beachy low key (and less expensive) alternative to Lisbon. Stay at Pergola house (1/3)

Make your way up to Sintra . It is only a 19 minute drive from Cascais. Parking can be a problem so leave early – or consider public transportation (easy train connections for Lisbon if you stay there instead of Cascais). Park where you can – you can take a bus up to the castles. It’s a delightful place to spend the day. Stay at Pergola house  (2/3)

Today you’ll spend the day exploring Lisbon – a hilly town famous for trolleys, hills, and picturesque neighborhoods. It’s a 33 minute drive from Cascais or a 40 minute train (might be easier given traffic and parking in Lisbon). The best thing to do is just explore the town – consider a walking tour with  Lisbon Waker or Inside Lisbon  or manage your own walking tour through the Bario Alto, Alfama, and Baixa neighborhoods. Use the elevators, escalators, and trolleys to get around. If you have the energy and interest see the Gulbenkian museum . Stay at  Pergola House   (3/3 night) in Cascais

Day 13 – Salamanca via Obidos and Coimbra

Head back to Spain by way of a couple of delightful stops. First head to Obidos (1h 12m), a charming walled town. The town was a traditional wedding gift from the king of Portugal to his queen since 1282. The town is small and does not take long to explore but it is delightfully cute.

From here head to Coimbra (1h 23m),  a university town since 1308. It’s on top of a hill and the old town makes for a delightful ramble. At the top of the town visit the old University and in particular the King John library (possible the most spectacular library in the world). You will need a ticket to get in the library with timed entry for 10 minutes (to keep humidity levels down)

Leaving Coimbra head to Salamanca (3h16m drive) and stay at Room Mate Vega (night 1/1).

Day 14 – Salamanca and Ávila

Start your day by heading to Salamanca. Salamanca boasts Spain’s grandest plaza, oldest university, and funkiest carved facade on its cathedral. First, stroll the Plaza Mayor and stop for a cup of coffee. Then head up to the university for a tour – be sure and see the University library . Afterwards head over to the cathedral (find the astronaut on the facade before heading inside). Grab lunch at a spot on the Plaza Mayor (try the local specialty of sopa de ajo) or make a picnic with food from the mercado on Plaza Mercado.

Next stop is Ávila. Ávila is famous for its preserved medieval wall and being the birthplace of St Teresa; plus, it has a charming old town. Stroll the wall from 1100 and visit the town. There’s a cathedral if you haven’t seen enough of them already, and at the Convent of St. Teresa you can visit her finger (no kidding).

Then continue on to the delightful   Parador de la Granja  (1/2 nights). Right next door is the “mini Versailles” palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso. Stop by to see an 18th century palace and beautiful gardens.

Day 15 – Segovia and El Esorial

Today is your day for exploring Segovia. Segovia is famous for its Roman Aqueduct (the best roman structure in Spain), cathedral, and castle. It’s also a delightful town for a stroll.

After a tour of Segovia head over the mountains to El Escorial , Phillip II’s Monastery/palace. Phillip II was not exactly a fun fellow and he basically at huge cost built a giant monastery that became the seat of power. It is impressive, austere, and imposing.

Return to  Parador de la Granja  (2/2 nights).

Day 16 – Home

All good things must come to an end. Bid farewell to the Parador, drive to the Madrid airport, drop the car and board your flight home.

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Home > Itineraries > 21 Day Iberia Tour

21 Day Best of Spain & Portugal itinerary

Expert guides, luxury vehicles, your 3 week tour of spain & portugal.

Welcome to our 21-day Best of Spain and Portugal itinerary, a journey through two of Europe’s most fascinating and diverse countries. From the vibrant cities of Madrid and Lisbon to the charming villages of the Spanish and Portuguese countryside, this tour offers an immersive and authentic experience that will take you to the heart of these incredible destinations.

Over the course of three weeks, you will have the opportunity to see some of the most iconic sights and hidden gems of Spain and Portugal. You will visit world-renowned landmarks, such as the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona and the Alhambra in Granada, as well as lesser-known treasures like the medieval town of Obidos.

Our experienced and knowledgeable guides will take you on a journey through the history, culture, and traditions of Spain and Portugal, sharing their passion and expertise with you every step of the way. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, we believe that this tour will offer something for everyone.

So come and join us on the Best of Spain and Portugal tour, and discover the magic of these two incredible countries for yourself. We can’t wait to show you everything that Spain and Portugal have to offer.

Highlights Include:

What’s included.

• Exclusive skip-the-line access to all major sites
• English-Speaking Expert Local Guides
• Private tours and luxury vehicles for transfers
• Select Central Luxury Accommodations
• 24-7 Emergency Help

Day 1: Welcome To Barcelona

Upon arrival at Barcelona airport, your private local driver will pick you up and drive you to your hotel to check in and drop your baggage off.

You will have had a long flight, so for your first evening in Barcelona, we suggest taking a relaxed approach. Our team of tour planners could reserve tickets for a live music or dance performance, or we could provide our suggestions on how to best spend the evening sampling the local cuisine at one of Barcelona’s many excellent restaurants.

Stay overnight in Barcelona.

Day 2: Explore Barcelona

Start your day with a visit to the iconic Sagrada Familia, one of Barcelona’s most famous landmarks. Gaudi’s masterpiece features a unique and striking design that combines elements of Gothic, Art Nouveau, and Spanish Catalan styles. The basilica is also famous for its intricate and detailed ornamentation, which includes sculptures, mosaics, and stained glass windows depicting religious scenes and symbols.

In addition to its architectural and artistic merits, the Sagrada Familia is also famous for its history and significance to the city of Barcelona. Construction of the basilica began in 1882, and it has been an ongoing project for over 130 years. It is a symbol of the city and a major tourist attraction that attracts millions of visitors each year.

With your private guide, you will enjoy skip-the-line access to the Cathedral to learn about the history and architecture of this incredible basilica and climb to the top of one of the towers for panoramic views of the city.

After the Sagrada Familia, head to the Gothic Quarter to explore the narrow streets and hidden squares of this historic neighborhood. Visit the Cathedral of Barcelona and the Plaça del Rei, and stop for a coffee and a pastry at a local café.

Afternoon Touring Barcelona

In the afternoon, make your way to the Picasso Museum to see the largest collection of works by the famous Spanish artist. Spend some time admiring the paintings, drawings, and sculptures on display, and learn about the different periods of Picasso’s career.

After the museum, take a break for lunch at a local restaurant and try some traditional Catalan dishes, such as paella or calçots.

In the evening, head to the vibrant neighborhood of Gracia to experience the lively atmosphere and local culture. Stroll through the streets, check out the independent shops and boutiques, and grab a drink or a bite to eat at one of the many bars and restaurants.

To end your day, catch a performance at the Palau de la Música Catalana, a beautiful modernist concert hall with a rich history and impressive acoustics. You can choose from a variety of music and dance performances, ranging from classical to contemporary.

Stay overnight in Barcelona. 

Day 3: Excursion To Montserrat

Your private chauffeur will collect you from your hotel in the morning as you make the short 45-minute scenic drive to the Montserrat mountain range.

Montserrat’s ancient history dates back to Roman times when a temple was built to worship Venus. In 1987, the mountain was declared a Nature Park due to its unique geological characteristics. There are many hiking trails to explore, and the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey is located at the top of the mountain. The abbey is home to 80 Benedictine monks and is an important religious retreat in Catalonia. It contains one of the few Black Madonna statues in Europe. If the timing is just right then your visit will coincide with a performance by The Escolania boys’ choir who often perform at the abbey. The Montserrat Museum offers a range of exhibits, from archaeology to paintings by Old Masters to modern art. 

On your day trip, we recommend that you:

Visit the Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey

The abbey is an important cultural and spiritual site, and a must-see destination in Montserrat. It houses the Black Madonna, a famous statue of the Virgin Mary, and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. You can attend a religious service, learn about the history of the abbey, or simply admire the architecture and art.

Hike to the top of the mountain or take the cable car

Montserrat is a popular destination for hikers, due to its beautiful landscapes and challenging trails. The views from the top of the mountain are breathtaking, and there are several routes to choose from depending on your fitness level and experience. Hiking to the top of Montserrat is a rewarding and unforgettable experience.

Visit the Montserrat Museum

The Montserrat Museum is located in the abbey and offers a fascinating look at the history, art, and culture of the region. The museum houses a collection of religious artifacts, sculptures, and paintings, and provides valuable insight into the cultural heritage of Montserrat. It is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history and culture of the area.

Your private driver will return you to Barcelona for the evening.

Day 4: Barcelona To Valencia

The rail link between Barcelona to Valencia will take approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes.

After you have checked into your hotel and recharged sufficiently, your guide will meet you for an evening walking tour.

During this private guided walking tour of Valencia, you will discover the city’s most notable streets, squares, and monuments, including the City Hall square, Central Market, Lonja, Plaza Redonda, Palacio del Marquess de Dos Aguas, Plaza del Patriarca, Cathedral, and Plaza de la Virgen. Your guide will provide interesting information and insights about the history and significance of these places.

The Valencia Cathedral is a highlight of the tour and houses two spectacular treasures: beautiful Renaissance frescoes and the authentic Holy Chalice. Your guide will explain the history and significance of these treasures.

The tour also includes a stop for a sweet break to taste horchata, a typical vegetarian drink made from a local fruit called “chufa,” and fartons, sweet breadsticks. Your guide will explain how to taste these treats and their cultural significance.

Overnight stay in Valencia.

Day 5: Valencia Cooking Experience & Bicycle Tour

Valencia is the birthplace of Paella so what better way to spend the morning than joining a local chef for a private cooking experience where you will learn how to make this famous Spanish dish? 

During the class, you will work with the chef to prepare all the ingredients and cook the paella. You will learn about the history and origins of the dish, as well as the different regional variations and their distinctive flavors and ingredients.

The chef will provide all the necessary ingredients and equipment and will guide you step by step through the process of making the paella. You will have the opportunity to ask questions, learn new cooking techniques, and taste the different ingredients as you go.

Once the paella is ready, you will have the chance to sit down and enjoy the fruit of your labors, along with other traditional Spanish accompaniments such as sangria or wine. The chef will provide information about the different flavors and ingredients.

Afternoon Valencia Bike Tour

A Valencia bike tour is a fun and active way to explore the city and its sights. The tour typically begins at a central location, where you will be provided with a bike and any necessary equipment. The route typically takes you through the Turia Gardens, a lush and beautiful park that was created on the former riverbed of the Turia River. The gardens offer a peaceful and scenic environment for cycling and are a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.

From the gardens, the tour will continue through the historic old quarter of Valencia, where you will have the chance to explore the narrow streets, charming squares, and beautiful buildings that make this area so special. Your guide will provide interesting information and anecdotes about the history and culture of the old quarter and will point out some of the most notable sights and landmarks.

The final destination of the tour is the City of Sciences and Arts, a futuristic complex that houses a range of science, technology, and cultural institutions. The complex is an architectural marvel and offers a fascinating contrast to the historic old quarter. You will have the opportunity to explore the different museums, galleries, and exhibitions on offer, and learn about the latest developments in science and technology.

Spend the night in Valencia.

Day 6: Valencia To Madrid

Relax in the comfort of a first-class carriage as you make the 1hr 45minute train journey from Valencia to Madrid.

After checking into your hotel in Madrid, your guide will meet you to begin an afternoon walking tour of the city to discover the history, culture, and sights of Madrid and gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the capital of Spain.

The Villa and Court of Madrid is a unique and fascinating destination that offers a rich history and cultural heritage. On this private walking tour, you will have the opportunity to explore the oldest districts of the city with a knowledgeable guide. You will discover the legacy of centuries of history, starting from the Arab wall of the tenth century and passing through the monuments left by the Austrians and the Bourbons, including former hospitals, palaces, theaters, and narrow medieval streets.

Along the way, you will visit some of the city’s most famous landmarks and attractions, such as the Puerta del Sol, the Plaza Mayor, and the elegant Plaza de Oriente. You will also have the opportunity to explore traditional shops and sample local delicacies.

In the evening enjoy a Flamenco show & dinner at Corral de la Moreria, one of the oldest and most prestigious Flamenco venues in Madrid.

The show typically begins with a dinner of traditional Spanish cuisine, such as paella, tapas, and sangria. You will have the opportunity to taste some of the local flavors and delicacies and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the venue.

After dinner, the main event begins: a performance by some of the best Flamenco dancers and musicians in Madrid. The show is a showcase of the different styles and forms of Flamenco, from the traditional to the contemporary. You will be able to see and hear the passion and intensity of the dancers and musicians and be swept away by the rhythm and energy of the music.

Overnight stay in Madrid.

Day 7: Prado Museum & Royal Palace Private Tours

With skip-the-line access, you begin your guided tour by visiting the Prado museum’s main collection, which features some of the most famous and important works of art in the world. Some highlights to look out for include The Garden of Earthly Delights by Hieronymus Bosch, The Third of May 1808 by Francisco Goya, and The Annunciation by Leonardo da Vinci.

After exploring the main collection, head to the museum’s special exhibitions, which showcase a range of temporary displays and installations. These exhibitions often focus on specific periods, styles, or themes, and offer a unique perspective on the museum’s collections.

Just a short walk from the Prado, your guide will take you to explore The Royal Palace, still to this day the official residence of the Royal Family in Madrid.

Begin your tour by exploring the palace’s exterior with your guide as they discuss the grand entrance, the beautiful gardens, and the surrounding Plaza de la Armería. Your guide will provide interesting information and anecdotes about the history and architecture of the palace and will point out some of the most notable features.

After the exterior, head inside the palace to explore the grand state rooms and halls. These include the throne room, the banqueting hall, the Hall of Mirrors, and many others. Each room is richly decorated with paintings, sculptures, tapestries, and other works of art, and provides a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Spanish monarchy.

Next, visit the Royal Armory, which is one of the largest and most impressive collections of armor and weapons in the world. The armory includes over 4,000 pieces, ranging from medieval armor to modern weapons, and provides a fascinating look at the history of warfare and military technology.

After the armory, visit the Royal Pharmacy, which is the oldest pharmacy in Spain. The pharmacy contains a collection of over 5,000 objects, including medicinal herbs, spices, and other ingredients used in the preparation of traditional remedies. The pharmacy is a unique and fascinating look at the history of medicine and health care in Spain.

Finally, visit the palace’s shop and café, where you can purchase souvenirs, grab a snack or a drink, and relax after a day of exploring the palace.

Return to your Madrid accommodation in the evening.

Day 8: Day Trip to Toledo

Meet your driver in the morning as you set off for the 1-hour transfer from Madrid to Toledo.

Begin your tour by visiting the Toledo Cathedral, which is one of the most important Gothic buildings in Spain. The cathedral is home to a stunning collection of art and artifacts, including paintings by El Greco, sculptures by Francisco de Pisa, and the famous Transparente altarpiece. The cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a must-see destination in Toledo.

After the cathedral, visit the Toledo Synagogue, which is one of the oldest and most well-preserved synagogues in Europe. The synagogue was built in the 13th century and is an important example of the cultural and religious diversity of Toledo during the Middle Ages. The synagogue is a beautiful and fascinating building and offers a unique glimpse into the history and culture of the city.

Next, visit the San Juan de Los Reyes Monastery, which is a beautiful and serene building that was founded in the 15th century. The monastery is an excellent example of Gothic and Mudéjar architecture and features a beautiful cloister, a museum, and a rich collection of art and artifacts. The monastery is a peaceful and contemplative space and offers a nice contrast to the bustling streets of Toledo.

After the monastery, visit the Museum of Santa Cruz, which is located in the former hospital of Santa Cruz. The museum is home to a collection of paintings and sculptures from the 14th to the 16th centuries, including works by El Greco, Pedro Berruguete, and other famous artists. The museum offers valuable insight into the art and culture of Toledo during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.

Finally, visit the Casa-Museo de El Greco, which is the former home of the famous painter El Greco. The house has been converted into a museum and contains a collection of El Greco’s paintings, sketches, and other personal belongings. The museum offers a fascinating look at the life and work of this important artist and provides a unique glimpse into the history and culture of Toledo.

Return to Madrid for the evening.

Day 9: Madrid - Granada

Today you will make the 3.5-hour train journey from Madrid to the magical city of Granada in Andalucia.

For your evening meal for your first night in Granada, we can organize a tasting menu with local delicacies in the Albaicín quarter. 

The Albaicín is a charming and historic neighborhood and offers stunning views of the city of Granada and the Alhambra Palace. During your meal, you will have the opportunity to taste some of the best local flavors and ingredients and enjoy the magical views of the city.

Day 10: Private Guided Tour of The Alhambra Palace

Begin your private tour of the Alhambra by visiting the Court of Lions, which is one of the most famous and iconic spaces in the Alhambra. The Court of Lions is a large courtyard surrounded by arcades and columns and is named after the 12 marble lions that stand in the center of the courtyard. The courtyard is a beautiful and serene space and offers a glimpse into the elegance and refinement of the Alhambra.

After the Court of Lions, visit the Nasrid Palaces, which are the heart of the Alhambra. The Nasrid Palaces were the residence of the last Muslim rulers of Granada, and are a stunning example of Islamic art and architecture. The palaces are richly decorated with geometric patterns, calligraphy, and intricate details, and offer a unique and fascinating glimpse into the lives of the Nasrid rulers.

Next, visit the Hall of the Abencerrajes, which is one of the most beautiful and ornate rooms in Alhambra. The hall is named after the legendary story of the Abencerrajes, a noble Muslim family who was betrayed and killed by their rivals in the hall. The hall is decorated with intricate carvings, colorful tiles, and beautiful arches, and offers a striking example of the art and craftsmanship of the Nasrid period.

After the Hall of the Abencerrajes, visit the Comares Tower, which is the highest and most impressive tower in Alhambra. The tower offers panoramic views of the city of Granada and the surrounding mountains and is a popular spot for taking pictures and admiring the scenery. The tower is also home to the throne room of the Nasrid rulers, which is decorated with beautiful stucco and tile work.

Finally, visit the Palace of Charles V, which is a Renaissance building that was built within the walls of the Alhambra. The palace is a contrast to the Islamic architecture of the Nasrid palaces and is a beautiful example of Renaissance style and design. The palace is home to a museum, a library, and a collection of sculptures, and offers a unique and interesting perspective on the history and culture of the Alhambra.

Afternoon Ceramics Class

This afternoon activity offers a unique and immersive experience in Granada, with the opportunity to learn about the city’s rich tradition of ceramics. 

The ceramic tile painting class takes place in an artist’s studio on the slopes of the Alhambra and allows you to explore your creativity and learn about the techniques and designs of this art form. Your teacher is a graduate of the Royal College of Art in London and a local artist with many years of experience and will provide guidance and support throughout the class. 

At the end of the class, you will glaze your tiles, which will be fired in a kiln and delivered to your hotel or a forwarding address when ready. The class is suitable for all levels of artistic ability and is a great activity for adults and children alike.

Overnight in Granada.

Day 11: Granada - Cordoba

To reach Cordoba you will take the direct train from Granada which takes approx 1hr and 20 minutes.

Cordoba was the capital of the Roman Empire and the Umayyad Caliphate, and its historic legacy has been recognized by UNESCO, which has designated the Mosque-Cathedral and its surrounding streets and buildings as a World Heritage Site.

Start your tour at the Mezquita, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Córdoba’s most famous landmarks. This former mosque is a stunning example of Moorish architecture, with its lush courtyard gardens and impressive arches.

Next, make your way to the Judería, the old Jewish quarter of Córdoba. This charming neighborhood is filled with narrow streets, colorful houses, and beautiful courtyards. Be sure to visit the Synagogue, which dates back to the 14th century.

From the Judería, head to the Roman Bridge, which spans the Guadalquivir River. The bridge has been in use for over two thousand years and offers beautiful views of the city and the river.

After crossing the bridge, make your way to the Alcázar de Los Reyes Cristianos, a 14th-century castle that was once used by the Christian kings of Spain. The castle features beautiful gardens and is a great place to relax and enjoy the view.

Finally, end your tour at the Plaza del Potro, a lively square in the heart of Córdoba. The square is surrounded by restaurants, bars, and shops, and is a great place to grab a bite to eat and people-watch.

In the afternoon we have a horse riding tour planned for you:

Experience the rich history of Andalusia on horseback at La Hacienda la Albaida. Located in a unique setting for special events, this is the perfect destination for equestrian and cultural tourism. La Hacienda la Albaida is well-respected by horse enthusiasts, having hosted the Championships of Spain for Doma Vaquera and the International Horse Show from 2014 to 2016.

In the 16th century, King Philip II ordered the construction of the Royal Stables at La Hacienda la Albaida as a breeding ground for stallions. The horses were allowed to graze in the Royal Meadows, where they were raised and born. The breed of the Andalusian horse, or “Pura Raza Española,” owes much of its success to these ancestors.

Spend the night in Córdoba.

Day 12: Cordoba - Seville

Today you travel from Cordoba to Seville, the capital of Andalucia. We can provide a private vehicle and chauffeur for you which would take 1.5 hrs, or you may wish to travel by high-speed train, which would take 45 mins.

Join your private guide for a monumental walking tour of Seville, where you will visit two of the city’s most important landmarks: the Cathedral and the Alcazar. Your tour begins in the charming Santa Cruz Quarter, Seville’s old Jewish district, with its winding cobblestone streets and whitewashed buildings.

The Alcázar of Seville is a beautiful palace complex in Seville, Spain, that is known for its stunning architecture and rich history. On a tour of the Alcázar, you will have the opportunity to explore the palace’s many rooms and gardens.

As you walk through the palace, you will see a variety of architectural styles, including Gothic, Mudéjar, Renaissance, and Baroque. You will also see beautifully decorated rooms and courtyards, as well as intricate tile work and other decorative details.

In the gardens of the Alcázar, you will find peaceful paths and tranquil pools, as well as fountains, sculptures, and other beautiful features. The gardens are a great place to relax and enjoy the beauty of the palace.

Your next destination is the beautiful Seville Cathedra, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the city’s most famous landmarks. The cathedral is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and is known for its impressive size and intricate details.

On a tour of the cathedral, you will have the opportunity to explore the interior and see its many impressive features. You will explore the cathedral’s towering columns and arches, as well as its beautiful stained glass windows and intricate carvings.

One of the highlights of the cathedral is the main altar, which is made of wood and features intricate sculptures and decorations. The cathedral also has a number of chapels and side altars, each of which has its own unique features and artwork.

In addition to its beautiful interior, the Seville Cathedral is also known for its iconic La Giralda bell tower, which was once the minaret of the mosque that stood on the site before the cathedral was built. You can climb to the top of the tower for panoramic views of the city.

Overnight in Seville.

Day 13: Private Cooking Class with Market Visit

Treat yourself to a culinary experience in Seville with a visit to a local market, a private cooking class, and a delicious lunch with views of the Seville Cathedral.

Your day begins with a visit to the market, where you will see a wide variety of fresh seafood, meat, fruit, and vegetables. Your chef will guide you through the market and help you select the ingredients for your meal.

After the market, you will head to the cooking workshop, where you will learn how to prepare authentic Spanish dishes. Your chef will show you how to make each dish and provide tips and techniques to help you achieve the best results. You will have the chance to cook each dish yourself and enjoy a glass of sherry as you learn.

Once your dishes are ready, you will sit down to enjoy a delicious lunch on the terrace, with views of the Seville Cathedral. You will have the opportunity to share a glass of wine with your chef and discuss the dishes you have prepared.

Overall, this cooking experience in Seville is a great way to learn about Spanish cuisine and enjoy a delicious meal in a beautiful setting.

Day 14: Day Trip to Ronda

Ronda is a beautiful city in Andalusia, Spain, known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and cultural heritage. 

Start your tour at the Puente Nuevo, the iconic bridge that spans the Tajo Gorge and offers breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding landscape. The bridge is a symbol of Ronda and is one of the city’s most famous landmarks.

After crossing the bridge, make your way to the Plaza de Toros, the oldest bullfighting arena in Spain. The arena is an important part of Ronda’s history and culture, and visitors can learn about the history of bullfighting in Ronda and even attend a bullfight if they are interested.

Next, visit the Museo del Bandolero, a museum dedicated to the history of banditry in Ronda. The museum has a collection of artifacts and documents related to the banditry that was once prevalent in the region.

After the museum, make your way to the Arab Baths, a beautiful and well-preserved example of Moorish architecture in Ronda. The baths were once used for public bathing and are now open to the public as a museum.

In the afternoon, visit the Iglesia de Santa María la Mayor, a beautiful Gothic church that dates back to the 14th century. The church has a stunning interior and is a great example of Gothic architecture in Ronda.

Finally, end your day with a visit to the Palacio del Rey Moro, a beautiful palace that was once the home of the Moors who ruled Ronda. The palace has a beautiful courtyard and gardens and offers stunning views of the city.

Return to Seville to stay overnight.

Day 15: Seville - Lisbon

Make the short 1-hour flight from Seville to Lisbon in the morning.

Enjoy a half-day private tour of Lisbon with your driver at your disposal. Discover the city’s most exciting sights, including Liberty Avenue, Restauradores Square, Rossio Square, and the Alfama Quarter. Visit the Lisbon Cathedral and the St. Anthony Church, and walk up to St. Georges Castle, passing by the Roman Theatre Ruins.

Next, continue on to the Belem area, passing by Trade Square, 24 de Julho Avenue, and the river Tagus. Take in the sights of the 25th April Bridge, the Christ King Monument, and Belem, with a stop at the Jeronimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Finally, visit the Belem Tower, another UNESCO site, and the Monument of the Discoveries.

Overnight in Lisbon.

Day 16: Sintra Day Trip

Join your private driver, who is at your disposal during your half-day tour to Sintra.

Enjoy a private guided sightseeing tour of Sintra, a beautiful town at the foot of the mountain range of the same name. Not only have UNESCO classified it as a World Heritage site they even felt it necessary to create a special category for the purpose – that of “cultural landscape” – taking into account its natural riches as well as the historic buildings in the town and mountains.

Pena Palace

Start your tour at the Pena Palace, a stunning 19th-century palace that is one of the most iconic landmarks in Sintra. The palace features a mix of architectural styles, including Gothic, Manueline, and Renaissance, and is surrounded by beautiful gardens.

Quinta da Regaleira

Next, visit the Quinta da Regaleira, a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, architecture, and the occult. The Quinta da Regaleira is a 16th century renovated t in the early 20th century by a wealthy Brazilian businessman named Antonio Carvalho Monteiro, who was influenced by his interest in the occult and Portuguese mysticism.

The Quinta da Regaleira is known for its stunning architecture, which combines Gothic, Renaissance, and Manueline styles. The property is also home to several unique features, including an underground network of tunnels, grottos, and wells, as well as a chapel, an observatory, and a palace.

Sintra National Palace

After exploring the Quinta da Regaleira, head to the Sintra National Palace, a beautiful palace that was once the residence of the Portuguese royal family. The palace was originally built in the middle of the 15th century by King John I of Portugal and has undergone several renovations and additions over the centuries.

The Sintra National Palace is known for its stunning Portuguese Gothic design. The palace is also home to a wealth of art and historical artifacts, including tapestries, paintings, and furniture. In addition, the palace’s gardens are a beautiful and peaceful space and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Castle of the Moors

In the afternoon, visit the Castle of the Moors, an ancient castle that stands on a hilltop overlooking the city and was constructed in the 8th and 9th centuries by the Moors, who ruled much of the Iberian Peninsula at the time.

The Castle of the Moors is known for its well-preserved walls, towers, and gates, which offer a fascinating glimpse into medieval military architecture. The castle is also surrounded by beautiful gardens and forests, making it a peaceful and picturesque destination. In addition, the castle offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including the town of Sintra and the Atlantic Ocean.

Finally, before you return to Lisbon, end your tour of Sintra with a visit to the Convent of the Capuchos, a 16th-century convent that is known for its simple, austere architecture and beautiful gardens. The convent is a peaceful and tranquil place to end your tour of Sintra.

Day 17: Boat Tour & Fado Experience

Discover Lisbon from the Atlantic Ocean and enjoy the wonderful views from the Lisbon coast.

A sailboat tour along the river Tagus is a wonderful way to see some of the most beautiful and historic sights in Lisbon and its surrounding areas. The river flows through the heart of the city, and a sailboat tour allows you to experience the city from a unique perspective, with the wind in your hair and the water at your feet.

One of the top sights to see on a sailboat tour along the river Tagus is the Belem Tower. This iconic fortress was built in the 16th century to defend the city from naval attacks, and today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can also visit the Jeronimos Monastery, which was built in the same period and is known for its beautiful Manueline architecture. Other sights to see along the river include the Monument to the Discoveries, the 25 de Abril Bridge, and the Christ the King statue.

Experience the magic of Portuguese culture with a Fado show & dinner

Fado is a traditional music style that originated in the 1840s around the neighborhoods of Lisbon, mainly from the Alfama and Mouraria districts. It is known for its haunting melodies and emotional lyrics. The origins of Fado are shrouded in mystery, with some attributing its origins to African or Arab influences, while others believe it is a unique product of Lisbon’s rich and diverse cultural heritage.

After the performance, you will also be treated to a delicious dinner of fine Portuguese cuisine, all in the intimate setting of a traditional Fado venue. This is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture and history of Lisbon and to experience the emotional power of Fado music.

Day 18: Transfer from Lisbon to Porto, Including Obidos & Aveiro

After leaving Lisbon, the driver-guided tour would continue to the town of Obidos, where there are several sights to see and activities to enjoy. 

One of the top attractions in Obidos is the medieval castle and walls that surround the town. These well-preserved fortifications were built in the 13th century to defend the town from invaders, and today they offer stunning views over the surrounding countryside.

Inside the castle walls, you can explore the narrow streets and colorful houses of the old town. You can also visit the Gothic Church of Santa Maria, which was built in the 14th century and is known for its beautiful stained glass windows and stone carvings. 

Other sights to see in Obidos include the Town Hall Square, the Santa Clara Monastery, and the Obidos Museum. You can also try some of the town’s famous ginjinha, a sweet cherry liqueur that is a local specialty.

After leaving Obidos, the driver-guided tour would continue to the city of Aveiro, where there are several sights to see and activities to enjoy. One of the top attractions in Aveiro is the Museum of Aveiro, which is located in a beautiful 16th-century building. Here, you can learn about the history and culture of the city, as well as its famous boat-building tradition.

After visiting the museum, you can stop for lunch at a local restaurant and try some of Aveiro’s delicious seafood. The city is known for its fresh fish and shellfish, and many restaurants offer traditional dishes such as caldeirada (seafood stew) and arroz de marisco (seafood rice). After lunch, you can take a walk along the canals of Aveiro, which are known as the “Portuguese Venice.” Here, you can see the colorful boats that are used for fishing and transportation, as well as the historic buildings that line the water.

Continue onto Porto where you will stay overnight.

Day 19: Porto Full-day Guided Walking Tour

Your guide will collect you from your accommodation as you prepare to see the best of the city on an epic full-day guided walking tour with skip-the-line access to all of Porto’s major attractions.

Guided Tour of Porto Cathedral

Firstly you will visit The Porto Cathedral, one of the most important historical landmarks in the city. Built-in the 12th century, this Romanesque church is known for its beautiful stone carvings and stained glass windows. Inside the cathedral, you can see the tombs of several important Portuguese figures, including King Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, and Bishop Martinho of Braga, who is considered the patron saint of the city.

In addition to the tombs, the cathedral also features a Gothic cloister and the Treasury Museum, which houses a collection of religious artifacts and art. The cathedral also offers panoramic views over the city from its bell tower, which is open to the public.

The Clérigos Tower

After visiting the Porto Cathedral, the next stop on the full-day guided walking tour would be the Clérigos Tower. This tall baroque bell tower is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city, and it offers panoramic views over Porto from its observation deck. The tower was built in the 18th century and is the tallest building in Porto, standing at 75 meters (246 feet) tall.

On a private tour of the Clérigos Tower, you can explore the inside of the tower and learn about its history and architecture. You can also climb to the top of the tower and enjoy the views over the city. From the observation deck, you can see many of Porto’s top sights, including the Porto Cathedral, the Ribeira neighborhood, and the Douro River.

Lello Bookstore

Your guide will then take you to the gorgeous Lello Bookstore. This beautiful art nouveau building is considered one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, and it is a must-see for anyone visiting Porto. The bookstore was built in 1906 and features ornate decorations, stained glass windows, and a sweeping marble staircase.

On a tour of the Lello Bookstore, you can explore the interior of the building and admire its beautiful architecture. You can also browse the shelves and see the wide variety of books that are available for sale. The bookstore is particularly known for its collection of Portuguese literature, but it also has a wide range of books in other languages.

Ribeira District & Sao Francisco Church

This Gothic church is known for its beautiful golden altarpiece and its intricate wood carvings, which cover the walls and ceilings. The church was built in the 14th century and is an important example of Gothic architecture in Portugal.

Step outside and continue your tour into the Ribeira neighborhood, a historic riverside district that is known for its narrow streets and colorful houses. This charming neighborhood is a great place to stroll and explore, and it is full of interesting shops, restaurants, and cafes.

Evening Tour of Porto Wine Museum

A private tour of the Porto Wine Museum is a great way to learn about the history and production of port wine, one of the city’s most famous products. Located in the historic Ribeira neighborhood of Porto, the museum offers a fascinating look at the centuries-old tradition of making port wine in the Douro Valley.

One of the best things about a private tour of the Porto Wine Museum is that you can go at your own pace and spend as much time as you like exploring the exhibits. You will have the undivided attention of your tour guide, who will be able to answer any questions you have and provide more in-depth information about the history and production of port wine.

Another advantage of a private tour is that you can tailor the itinerary to your own interests. If you are particularly interested in the history of port wine, your tour guide can focus on that aspect of the museum. If you are more interested in the production process, your tour guide can take you to see the barrels and tanks where the wine is aged and bottled.

Stay overnight in Porto.

Day 20: Full-day excursion to Douro Valley

The first section of the itinerary focuses on the Pinhão Wine Region, which is known for producing some of the finest Port wines in the world. The region is characterized by its rolling hills and terraced vineyards, which have been carefully cultivated for centuries.

Upon arrival in the Pinhão Wine Region, visitors will have the opportunity to visit a local winery and learn about the history and production of Port wine. They will be able to taste a variety of Port wines, from young ruby and tawny styles to the more mature and complex vintage and colheita wines. Additionally, they will be able to sample local delicacies such as cheeses, chocolates, and dried fruits that are traditionally paired with Port wine. After the tasting, visitors can explore the picturesque vineyards and quaint villages of the Pinhão region, taking in the stunning views and getting a glimpse of the region’s rich cultural heritage.

The second section of todays itinerary involves a boat cruise on the Douro River. Guests will board the boat for a scenic cruise down the Douro River. As they make their way towards the mouth of the River Tua, they will be able to enjoy the stunning scenery of the Douro Valley, including its terraced vineyards, rugged hillsides, and picturesque villages.

Along the way, the boat will stop at a traditional riverside tavern where visitors can sample more of the region’s famous wines and enjoy a delicious lunch. They will have the opportunity to try some of the local specialties, such as roast pork with roasted potatoes or grilled trout with onions and peppers. As they savor their meal and drink in the beautiful views of the Douro Valley, they will have a chance to relax and unwind, taking in the tranquil atmosphere of the river and the surrounding countryside.

The third and final section of the itinerary involves a session with a local winemaker. After the boat cruise, visitors will have the opportunity to meet with a winemaker and learn about the art and science of winemaking. The winemaker will give them a tour of the winery, showing them the process of grape harvesting, crushing, fermentation, and aging.

During the tour, visitors will have the chance to see the various stages of winemaking and learn about the different techniques and methods used to produce the region’s famous wines. After the tour, the winemaker will lead a guided tasting of the winery’s wines, teaching visitors how to properly evaluate and appreciate them. They will learn about the different aromas and flavors of the wines, as well as how to pair them with different foods. By the end of the session, visitors will have a greater understanding and appreciation of the wines of the Douro Valley.

Stay overnight in the Duoro Valley.

Day 21: Transfer To The Airport

From the vibrant cities of Madrid and Lisbon to the charming villages of the Spanish and Portuguese countryside, we have taken you on a journey through two of Europe’s most fascinating and diverse countries. Along the way, you have had the opportunity to see some of the most iconic sights, such as the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona and the Alhambra in Granada, as well as lesser-known gems like the Roman ruins of Merida and the medieval town of Obidos.

As your private driver drops you off at the airport, we hope that you will take with you many wonderful memories of your time on the Best of Spain and Portugal tour!

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Contact Us About A 21 Day Best of Spain & Portugal Tour

We believe that this 21-day Best of Spain and Portugal tour is a fantastic way to see the best of both of these incredible countries. From bustling cities to the peaceful countryside, this tour offers a diverse and immersive experience that will leave you with lasting memories.

We like to personalize every tour we provide, however, so If you would like us to create a bespoke version for you, we would be happy to do so on a completely complimentary basis. Simply let us know your preferences and we will work with you to design a tailor-made tour that meets your individual needs and interests.

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Portugal Classic Self-Drive Tour: 7 Nights of Portugal Delight

Tour overview.

A tailor-made holiday including seven nights self-drive program with a suggested itinerary. Spend the first night in Lisbon, the Portuguese Capital, and travel north passing through beautiful towns and regions. Stay in the amazing city of Porto (recognized as the “Best European Destination 2017”) and spend some time visiting the north of Portugal, including Barcelos and learn about the national symbol, “Galo de Barcelos”. On the fourth day travel south and stay in Coimbra, the university city. Visit Fatima, one of the largest pilgrimage destinations in Europe and travel through the Alentejo- a region of flavors, landscapes, tradition and historical legacies and stay in Évora, a Unesco World Heritage Site. Return to Lisbon and discover this historical city full of stories to tell and famous for its hospitality. Explore a city full of authenticity where tradition and history intersect with cultural entertainment.

Day 1 - Lisbon

Arrival at Lisbon Airport. Pick–up your car at the Airport rental station and drive to your hotel in Lisbon, the Portuguese Capital. Overnight in Lisbon.

Day 2 – Lisbon / Óbidos / Nazaré / Porto (360 Km)

After breakfast departure to Óbidos (medieval village, an authentic museum carefully preserved, surrounded by high walls and winding streets) . Proceed to Nazaré (attractive and picturesque fishing village, with busy narrow streets where you can find fishermen and women wearing typical multicolored costumes). Lunch at leisure. Continue to Alcobaça (see the 12th century Monastery and one of the most beautiful Cistercian Abbeys dating from the middle Age) and / or Batalha (visit the 15th century Monastery of Santa Maria da Vitoria, a masterpiece of the Portuguese Gothic Architecture and UNESCO World Heritage site. Head north to Porto and overnight.

Day 3 - Porto / Guimarães / Braga / Barcelos / Porto (168 Km)

After breakfast spend some time visiting Porto, the second largest city in Portugal, known by the many and varied monuments: the neoclassical Stock Exchange Palace, the Cathedral and its Romanesque choir, the Portuguese Manueline-style Church of Santa Clara. Visit a wine cellar and try the well know Porto wine. Lunch at leisure. Proceed to Guimarães (the cradle of Portugal with the unique historical centre, considered World Heritage by UNESCO). Continue to Braga (one of the oldest religious cities in the world, called the Archbishops city. Visit the sanctuaries that constitute the faith triangle: the Cathedral and the Sanctuaries of Sameiro and Bom Jesus). Drive to Barcelos (visit the town that was the first county in Portugal). Return to Porto driving by the coast and passing Vila do Conde. Overnight in Porto.

Day 4 – Porto / Aveiro / Coimbra / Fátima (230 Km)

After breakfast departure from Porto to Aveiro and visit the “Portuguese Venice”, the city of the river channels (see the 15th century Cathedral and the ‘Convento de Jesus’). Lunch at leisure at a local restaurant in Aveiro center. Proceed to Coimbra (visit the University, one of the oldest in the world, with its magnificent baroque library and its unique atmosphere characterized by ancient traditions and customs such as the black cape of the students and the melancholic fado music. See the 12th century fortified Cathedral and the ‘Santa Cruz’ church known by its Manueline main portico). Continue to Fátima, one of the largest pilgrimages centers in Europe (visit to the Catholic shrine of Our Lady, one of the most famous in the world, see the Candlelight Procession every night from 13th May to 13th Oct). Overnight in Fátima.

Day 5 - Fatima / Tomar / Castelo de Vide / Estremoz / Évora (298 Km)

After breakfast Leave Fatima and drive to Tomar (visit the Castle with its imposing bulwark, the Convent of Christ – The Templar Order’s own headquarters, one of the finest architectonic works existing in Portugal) . Proceed to Castelo de Vide (visit the surrounded quarter of the castle and the Synagogue) continue to Marvão (a medieval small town on a mountain top, with beautiful views over the Alentejo region) and Estremoz (famous by its original ceramic handicrafts and the medieval Castle). Continue to Évora. Overnight in Évora.

Day 6 - Évora / Lisbon (132 Km)

After breakfast time to visit Évora , considered World Heritage by UNESCO. Walk along the narrow streets lined with white whitewashed houses (suggested monuments: the Roman Temple, the Romanesque-Gothic Cathedral, Saint Francis Church whit the “Bones Chapel“, and the University). Along the visit you may also admire the diversity and authenticity of local handicraft with cork, ceramic and copper objects. Lunch at leisure . Departure to Lisbon. Overnight in Lisbon.

Day 7 - Lisbon / Sintra / Lisbon (80 Km)

After Breakfast spend you last day visiting Lisbon, the amazing Portuguese capital known as the city of ‘seven hills’. Here you may start your visit through the Alfama typical quarter and Saint George Castle, the Chiado and Bairro Alto quarters and Lisbon downtown, Praça do Comercio. Continue to see the Belem Tower, Discoveries monument and Batalha Monastery. Stop for a coffee and taste the beautiful and famous ‘Pasteis de Belem’ pastry.

In the afternoon, drive to the charming village of Sintra (UNESCO World Heritage Site) that enchanted kings and inspired poets (see the majestic and romantic Pena Palace, an astonishing fairytale castle, located in one of the highest peaks of Sintra mountain range). Walk through the narrow streets and appreciate the several handicraft shops and stop at a tea-rooms to taste the delicious local sweets like the "queijadas" or the “travesseiros”. Continue to Cabo da Roca, the most western point in Europe and enjoy the unique scenery of the Atlantic Ocean. Return to Lisbon passing Cascais and Estoril. Overnight in Lisbon.

Departure to Lisbon Airport. Return your car and flight check-in.

What's Included

• 7 nights on Bed & Breakfast basis at the mentioned hotels or similar ones ( price subject to change)
• 1 night Lisbon
• 2 nights in Porto
• 1 night in Fátima (subject to availability and rates alteration in May)
• 1 night in Évora
• 2 nights in Lisbon
• Car Rental Automatic CCAR Renault Megane or similar 

Not Included

• Airport Taxes
• City Taxes: Lisbon and Porto ( 2 EUR per person, per night. Price subject to change)  

Dates & Rates

• Prices per person in US Dollars
• Single = 1 person per room
• Double = 2 persons per room
• Triple = 3 persons per room
• Prices are subject to change according to Hotels availability

Booking your land only vacation

• A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit of $350 per person is required to confirm and hold your reservation
• Vacation departures, itineraries and prices are subject to change until confirmed
• Full payment due 50 days from departure

Booking your Vacation with Air

• This vacation does not have an airfare option. We can hold your land reservation while you book air. Once you confirm your air itinerary we can then proceed with collecting a deposit and confirming your land portion

Cancellation Policy

• Deposit is non-refundable
• Cancellation up to 36 days prior to arrival: $350 per person
• Cancellation with 35 or less days prior arrival, "no shows" and unused services - No refund
• A cancellation is only valid after our services acknowledge the request and confirms that it's cancelled

Refund Fees

• A 3.9% credit card assessed fee will be subtracted from any refunded payment, including deposits refunded due to services requested not available for date of booking.

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Booking Changes

• A fee of $35 per person, per transaction, will be charged for any revision or alteration made to a reservation after the booking is confirmed. 

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Standard Hotels

Porto - hf tuela porto.

Located in Boavista, one of the most important business and shopping centers in Porto, some of the main tourist attractions are just around the corner from the hotel, such as the gardens of Palácio de Cristal and their amazing views, or the banks of the Douro river.

Evora - Hotel Dom Fernando

Hotel Dom Fernando is located in ten minute walk from the historic center of Evora and features a restaurant and an outdoor pool. It has air-conditioned rooms overlooking the pool or the city.

All rooms  are decorated in modern style with a touch of traditional Alentejo detail, and include a satellite TV, radio and telephone. Most rooms have a private balcony or terrace.

Restaurant Sao Bras serves specialties from the local Alentejana cuisine. Guests can also enjoy live music and drinks at Bar Chafariz d’el Rey.

Hotel Dom Fernando is a half mile from Igreja Real de Sao Francisco and the Chapel of Bones. Evora Train Station is less than a 10-minute walk away. Free public on-site parking is available.

Fatima - Hotel Sao Jose

Centrally located in the pilgrimage town of Fatima, Hotel Sao Jose is 202 m from the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima. It features a restaurant and a sauna.

All guest rooms are air-conditioned and equipped with satellite TV, radio and private bathroom.

Guests of Sao Jose can enjoy a Turkish bath and relax bar at the hotel's lounge area with fireplace. Guests can also use the health club and fitness center.

The Hotel Sao Jose is within walking distance of the Sanctuary Basilica and the Chapel of the Apparitions

Lisbon - Hotel Travel Park

Hotel Travel Park is located in the East side of Lisbon a mere 300 feet from Anjos Metro Station and a 15 minute walk from the bustling Praca Dom Pedro IV. It has a bar with a terrace.

The air conditioned rooms at the Hotel Travel Park Lisboa have wooden furnishings. They include a sitting area with satellite TV and a private bathroom with signature amenities.

Guests of the Hotel Park can enjoy a rich buffet breakfast. The hotel serves snacks and light meals in the bar and offers room service. On warm days, meals can be enjoyed on the spacious terrace.

A 24-hour front desk and car rental services are among the useful facilities offered by the Park Lisboa.

Superior Hotels

Evora - evora hotel.

Evora Hotel is a 5-minute drive from Évora's city center and 10 minutes drive from the train station. This hotel offers two outdoor pools and one indoor heated pool. All guest rooms have a private balcony, minibar and TV as well a view to the Alentejo's plains.

In addition to the traditional Sol Poente, the Evora also has the Lounge Natural Living restaurant which serves a variety of light meals with natural ingredients. The bar has refreshing drinks and snacks.

After a work-out in the gym, guests can relax in the hot tub or sauna. Babysitting services are available upon request. There are also various spa treatments and massages. Golfers can use Évora's driving range.

Fatima - Hotel Cinquentenario

Hotel Cinquentenario enjoys a privileged location just 200 feet from the world-famous Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima. It offers a traditional Portuguese restaurant and a bar for refreshments.

The air conditioned rooms come with private bathrooms and satellite TV. Each has a telephone and a safe. Guests also receive fresh fruit and water upon arrival.

The Cinquentenario offers a terrace, where visitors can relax. For added convenience, there are also a 24-hour front desk, a business center with free internet and a gift shop.

Hotel Cinquentenario is a few minutes from the small train that takes pilgrims to Fatima parish church and Aljustrel. It is just a 6-minute drive from the A1 highway. 

Porto - Hotel Fenix Porto

Standing tall in a commercial area of Porto’s Boavista district, HF Fénix Porto is 1,300 feet from Casa da Musica concert hall. It features free Wi-Fi throughout and spacious rooms with cable TV.

All rooms at the HF Fénix Porto are air conditioned and include a private bathroom with a hairdryer. Rooms on the upper floors offer full views of the Douro River.

A varied buffet breakfast consisting of pastries, breads, cereals, eggs, fruits and juices is served each morning in Fénix’s dining room, which features stained-glass features in the ceiling. There is a bar and an outdoor terrace with parasols.

The Fenix’s attentive, multilingual staff can provide babysitting services on request, arrange car rental and provide tourist information.

Cidade Do Porto shopping center is next to the hotel and São Bento Train Station is 1.9 mi away. Porto’s Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport is 7.5 mi away.

Lisbon - Hotel Mundial

Set in Lisbon’s Baixa Pombalina district, this 4-star hotel features a terrace with panoramic city views. It is a 2-minute walk from Rossio Square and offers free on-site private parking.

Rooms at the Hotel Mundial have air conditioning and traditional-style furnishings. They come equipped with satellite TV and a minibar. The private bathrooms include a bathrobe and hairdryer.

The Veranda de Lisboa Restaurant offers local cuisine in an a la carte style. Both the restaurant and the rooftop bar offer extensive views of Lisbon. There is also a wine cellar, where guests can attend wine tasting sessions hosted by experts.

Hotel Mundial is a 5-minute drive from St. George's Castle, and is a 10-minute walk from various shops and restaurants.

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MOVING WITH THE MILITARY SOON?

The Best Spain and Portugal Itinerary: 14-Day Road Trip

With this Spain and Portugal itinerary, 14 days is the perfect way to get your feet wet by exploring two amazing countries. The best part is that this guide is the perfect combination of sightseeing and relaxation without any crazy long driving days because you don’t want to spend the majority of your trip stuck inside a car, right?

Can’t read this now? Pin it for later!

And spoiler alert about this Spain and Portugal itinerary: there’s an option to also visit Morocco, Africa, and Gibraltar, too! Of course, you can always stay somewhere shorter/longer, but there’s just enough time allotted with this guide to unpack your bags and explore a city. You’ll feel like you experienced it, by seeing as many places as possible.

We took this 14-day Spain and Portugal road trip during our kids’ spring break in April, and it was the perfect time to visit. The weather was excellent, we did and saw so many cool things, and it totally filled our bucket to see and experience new cultures. Surprisingly, we all got along just fine, too. I was almost certain we’d be at each other’s throats, but it went off without a hitch. (To be transparent: I was the one who got grumpy on the last day.)

If you’ve been searching for a great plan for two weeks in Spain and Portugal, look no further.

Quick Tips for Visiting Spain and Portugal

• Dinner starts around 8 pm. Keep that in mind if you like to eat early or if you’re traveling with kids. Since we were in Spain and Portugal for two weeks we decided to embrace the culture and get into a new routine. We ended up enjoying an afternoon siesta (see below), having a snack around our normal dinnertime, and then enjoying a Spanish or Portuguese dinner. And truly: try to do this if at all possible. Towns come alive after 8 pm in a way that’s hard to describe. The entire vibe changes and there’s an incredible energy in the evenings.
• Siesta time! Expect places to shut down in the afternoon for siestas—a block of time devoted to rest. We noticed this in smaller towns, and even in the bigger cities, so plan accordingly. My advice: embrace it . You’ll likely be staying up later, so a mid-day rest isn’t the worst thing.
• English is spoken everywhere. We never had an issue speaking English, and many places offered English menus, too.
• We were there during “shoulder” season (spring 2022) and it was already very, very busy. I highly recommend a great travel bag or backpack that locks. It was nice to not be terribly worried about pickpocketers.

Where this Spain and Portugal Itinerary Starts and Ends

I came up frustrated and empty-handed when I started researching this trip—many Spain and Portugal itineraries suggest flying from one side of the country to the other (Barcelona to Madrid or Seville, for example), but we were jonesing for a good road trip within Spain and Portugal and didn’t want to hop on a second or third plane.

Yes, a plane might let us see even more in a short amount of time, but the scenery we saw, and the impromptu stops we made during those 14 days in Spain and Portugal were spectacular, and we would’ve missed out if we flew.

We bought one-way tickets on RyanAir and flew into Madrid, Spain. From there we rented a car and drove for the rest of our journey, making our way over to the west edge of Spain, into Portugal, down the coast, along the southern Portuguese edge, and back into Spain. We returned our rental car and flew out of Seville, Spain.

Pro tip: Renting a car would’ve been one of our biggest expenses for this trip. Instead, we used credit card points and got it for “free.”

Quick look: 14-Day Spain and Portugal Itinerary

Here’s a quick look at the exact route we used for our Spain and Portugal 14-day road trip.

• Day 0: Flew into Madrid (late flight)⁠
• Day 1: Madrid all day (slept in Segovia, Spain)⁠
• Day 2: Segovia⁠, Spain
• Day 3: Drove to/explored Lisbon⁠, Portugal
• Day 4: Lisbon, Portugal
• Day 5: Sintra, Portugal⁠
• Day 6: Drove to Algarve⁠, Portugal⁠
• Day 7: Algarve⁠, Portugal⁠
• Day 8: Algarve⁠, Portugal⁠
• Day 9: Drove to Tarifa⁠, Spain
• Day 10: Tarifa, Spain (alternative: day trip to Morocco)⁠
• Day 11: Tarifa, Spain (alternative: day trip to Gibraltar)⁠
• Day 1 2: Drove to Seville⁠, Spain
• Day 13: Seville⁠, Spain
• Day 14: Seville⁠, Spain
• Day 15: Flew out of Seville early AF⁠

This may look like A LOT, and while it was a long trip, keep in mind that you’re balancing touristy attractions with a decent amount of relaxation. ⁠

Day 0: Fly into Madrid

To kick off our two-week road trip around Spain and Portugal we flew directly into Madrid via RyanAir. We picked a late flight on purpose; intending to really start our trip the next day.

Pick up a Rental Car

Do you really need a car for this Span and Portugal itinerary? 14 days around two countries is a decent amount of land to cover, so we loved renting a car; it gave us the flexibility to change plans if needed. Parking was plentiful (we only had an issue once in Lisbon, but it was a holiday weekend, and we only ended up walking a little further than intended); we didn’t spend very much on tolls.

What sealed the deal for us was that we used credit card points, making the car rental free for the entire two weeks in Spain and Portugal.

PRO TIP: We used the mifold boosters for all three kids (aged 5, 7, and 9) on this trip. This solution worked out fantastic instead of bringing their boosters with us, and best of all: they lugged them in their own backpacks when we flew on the plane. This compact and backless booster is designed for kids ged 4+, 40-100 lbs and between 40-59″ tall. It’s also safety tested and globally regulated, meaning you can use it in every country except Australia and Taiwan

Where to Stay in Madrid

I thought I picked a place to stay near the airport, when, in fact, it was actually about 30 minutes away, and I wouldn’t recommend it. If I had a do-over I’d pick a spot near El Retiro, one of the largest parks in Madrid.

For a family, look into staying at 60 Balconies Art . If you’re visiting as a couple, this trendy boutique hotel ; looks amazing. And if you’re on a budget, consider Hostal Brua .

Day 1: Madrid, Spain

If you’re sticking with this Spain and Portugal itinerary, then you only have a day to spend in Madrid, so make the most of it and start your day early, trying to cover as much ground as possible.

What to do with One Day in Madrid

If you’re driving into the city, I suggest parking here for the day. We were only in Madrid for about 8 hours, but we packed a decent amount into our day.

Start your morning with a stroll through El Retiro; the park is huge and gorgeous, and if you’re lucky you’ll even catch some live musicians playing for tips.

We loved walking through here in the morning—it was fairly empty except for locals out for a morning run.

Explore the park (go on a paddle boat ride, or check out the Palacio de Cristal), or just make a bee-line across the street to the Museu Nacional del Prado.

Enjoy El Retiro Park and Royal Palace of Madrid during this Madrid Royal Palace and Retiro Park Guided Tour with an expert guide. You will have an opportunity to discover the Palace’s various rooms and expansive grounds of El Retiro.

No, you don’t have time to go into the museum (but you can if you have two days in Madrid); you’re going to get on a HoHo bus( the hop on, hop off bus , obviously).

Hop aboard, grab a seat up top so you can see the sights, and hop off whenever you’d like. We rode the tourist bus all around and still managed to clock around 20,000 steps.

There’s so much green space in Madrid, but since we parked near El Retiro, we spent time in that area the most.

Where we Ate in Madrid

Our hotel served breakfast, so we filled up there before exploring Madrid.

Lunch was at a delicious tapas place near the Plaza Mayor. They spoke English but were also super patient while I attempted my rusty Spanish. The Sangria was fantastic (not all are created equal, as I found out along this trip), and we loved trying all their dipping sauces.

We stopped for a mid-day snack (and bathroom break) at a cafe across from the Catedral de Santa María la Real de la Almudena.

Our dinner was in Segovia after we arrived there for the night.

Food tours in Madrid

• 🍷 Enjoy Madrid’s vibrant culinary scene: Madrid Tapas and Wine Tasting Tour (children under 9 years can not take part of the tour)
• 😋 Learn more about Madrid’s historical and culinary sides during this Tapas, Taverns & History Tour Madrid
• 🧑🏼‍🍳 Learn how to cook classic dishes of Spanish cuisine: 4-hour Spanish Cooking Class in Madrid an expert chef
• 🚶🏼‍♂️ Visit several authentic tapas bars while strolling through the atmospheric streets of the old city center: Madrid Historical Walking Tour with Food Tasting and Dinner
• 😋 Immerse yourself in a culinary world of Madrid during this Madrid Food Tour: Gastronomy & History with Lunch or Dinner

If we had More Time in Madrid

Even though we were only in Madrid long enough to basically “window shop” (we didn’t have time to go into places), I made a note of all where I’d like to go back. If you have more than one day to spare, or if any of these look great, make them a priority during your day in Madrid:

• it’s huge and you could spend hours/days looking at everything
• There was a CRAZY long line to get in when we walked by; get skip-the-line tickets in advance
• a modern take on a cathedral
• supposedly stunning inside, but they close for siesta, so keep that in mind)
• the train station; there’s a tropical garden inside!
• either ride when they open at 10 am or get tickets early for later.
• Really long lies in the afternoon
• a little outside the city, but super cool place⁠
• San Miguel Market

Find even more to do in Madrid:

Day 2: segovia spain.

A few weeks before our trip we watched the Spain episode on Europe from Above on Disney+, and decided we had to make a stop in Segovia, Spain, too. So we cut Madrid down to one day and spent the next day about an hour north of the capital city.

If Segovia doesn’t interest you, plan for an extra day in Madrid.

What to do with One Day in Segovia

Surprisingly, there’s more than enough to keep you busy for an entire day in Segovia.

The big site to see here is the aqueduct, but you can see that at any time of the day, so prioritize other places like the castle.

Start your morning at the Alcázar de Segovia —a castle that inspired Disney’s, Sleeping Beauty.

If you didn’t buy tickets ahead of time, get there early. We opted for the tower tickets, and if you go to the tippy-top you’ll have an excellent view of the whole area.

After the castle, walk up the narrow cobble-stone road and you’ll eventually see the stunning, and huge Catedral de Segovia .

While we thought it was slightly more impressive from the outside, it was nice to get out of the heat and go inside for a little bit.

The walk to the cathedral was charming.

PRO TIP: There’s a delicious ice cream shop just outside the Catedral de Segovia. Great pit-stop for kids who may need a little extra oomph to keep them going.

The main reason we went to Segovia was to see the Roman aqueduct that dates back to the 1st century. ⁠It was so impressive and bigger than I thought it’d be.

One of the coolest parts of this aqueduct is that the ginormous stones are held together simply by the force of gravity—there is no mortar or cement holding it together. ⁠

You can even climb up the side to see it from the top. Head to the stairs near the tourist information center and make your way up there to see the aqueduct from a different point of view.

Where we Ate in Segovia

There are several cafes and bakeries near the center of Segovia, along with many restaurants. Keep in mind that most restaurants take reservations, so plan accordingly.

Cochinillo , better known as “suckling pig” is popular in Segovia. It’s a perfectly roasted pig that’s so tender restaurants boast that it can be cut with a plate instead of a fork.

Several restaurants claim they have the best, but we tried one place simply because they had an opening when we were available. While I loved the atmosphere inside, and that it was directly next to the aqueduct, the service at Mesón De Cándido was less than stellar, and they didn’t have a kid’s menu (or even anything that my three wanted to eat).

The food, on the other hand, was fantastic. (We got a steak for the kids to split and it was amazing…even if they refused to eat it.)

FUN FACT: There’s a McDonald’s across from the aqueduct…just saying.

Where we Parked

We parked on the side of the road near the castle for our morning adventures, but you’ll also see signs for a parking garage near the cathedral.

When we went into town to see the aqueduct we parked in this parking garage .

Where we Stayed in Segovia

Because we didn’t want to be packing and repacking every other day, we spent two nights near Segovia. The place itself was fantastic . There was ample room and it was great for our family of 5; however, it was kinda in the middle of nowhere. The sleepy “town” lacked amenities, but we didn’t mind since we had our own car.

If you’re jonesing to stay closer to Segovia’s center, consider staying here ; it has a fabulous roof-top view.

If You have More Time in Segovia

READ EVEN MORE ABOUT SEGOVIA IN THIS FULL POST !

Pit Stop in Alburquerque

On our way from Segovia to Lisbon, we actually made a pit stop in Alburquerque, Spain , the sister city to our hometown of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Stopping in this sleepy Spanish town on Palm Sunday was a highlight of our trip. I’m going to do a full post on this stop.

READ MORE ABOUT OUR DETOUR TO ALBURQUERQUE IN THIS POST HERE .

Day 3 & 4: Lisbon, Portugal

Continuing with our Spain and Portugal itinerary, it’s time to make our way into Portugal! The drive from Madrid/Segovia to Lisbon was fine, although keep in mind that the time changes and goes back one hour as you enter Portugal.

Another interesting tidbit about the Lisbon area (and the Algarve region mentioned below): they love cilantro and put it on everything . Just something to keep in mind if you’re not a fan; ask for your dish without coriander.

What we did in Lisbon

Lisbon is a vibrant, colorful, and hilly city oozing charm and character, and it captivated us.

Our total time in Lisbon was two days, but it was half a day, a full day, and half a day, so these activities were all spread out over the course of three days.

✰ Go on a Tuk-Tuk Tour Wanting to make the most of our time, we booked an afternoon tuk-tuk tour as soon as we arrived, and it was a fantastic decision. Riding around in a tuk-tuk let us experience so much more than we would’ve in a car, and we didn’t have to climb the crazy hills. I 100%, highly recommend going on a tour that’s at least three hours long (honestly, if I knew how much we’d love this, I would’ve found a full-day or a half-day tour).

✰ Sea the Aquarium (HA! “Sea” what I did there?!) During our full day in Lisbon, we relaxed a little bit and kept things simple. Our first stop was the Oceanário de Lisboa, the aquarium, recommended by several friends. I highly recommend getting tickets ahead of time . Honestly, the aquarium didn’t impress me much, but the kids loved it. There is also a cafe on sight.

✰ Paint Your Own Tiles We were enchanted by all the tiles we saw around Lisbon, so it’s no surprise that this was a highlight of our entire trip. We spent 3 hours with a local artist learning about azulejos, and then painting our own tiles. I thought we would just make one or two each, but the kids ended up making multiple tiles, and bowls and even painted some mugs. It was so much fun!

*If you’re going to do this, make sure to book it for the beginning of your time in Lisbon since the tiles need to be baked . Also, make sure you have room in your suitcase to bring them back with you!

✰ (Maybe) Visit the Tile Museum The Museu Nacional do Azulejo is an art museum devoted to—you guessed it—the history of Lisbon’s tiles. While there were sections that were very pretty to see, our kids were all bored and mentioned that they liked seeing them on the buildings more. The museum also closes in the middle of the day, so keep that in mind.

If we had More Time in Lisbon

I still wish we had more time in Lisbon, and if my husband and I can ever sneak away, Lisbon will be my first choice of place to go with him. We purposely left one of our days in Lisbon to be a little more relaxed; I truly think that was part of why this Spain and Portugal itinerary didn’t exhaust us.

However, there’s still so much to see in Lisbon. Explore more here :

Where we Ate in Lisbon

All the Pastel de Natas Oh. My. Great. Goodness. When in Lisbon, get yourself a (lot) pastel de nata! What is a pastel de nata? It’s basically an egg-custard pastry, but I don’t think that gives it any justice. ⁠

I was actually prepared to hate them; custard desserts aren’t really my jam. Thankfully, I’m VERY happy these proved me wrong. ⁠ The pastry is a super buttery and flakey, melt-in-your-mouth crust filled with a not-too-sweet egg-yolk custard with a caramelized crust. Top it off with a dusting of cinnamon and let’s just say that you’re in for a big treat.

Time Out Market Lisbon You have to make time for this food hall when you’re in Lisbon. There are more than two dozen unique restaurants (with everything from pizza and hamburgers to local Portuguese favorite dishes and desserts), several bars, and a dozen shops.

This place fills up, especially on a weekend, so be prepared for long lines if you visit during peak times. But it’s well worth the wait!

Do you want to learn more about the local cuisine? If the answer is yes , then I recommend you to take a food tour and immerse yourself in the culinary world of Lisbon!

Where we stayed in Lisbon

We stayed here , just outside the city center in the Alfama area (near the Belém Tower), and it was a great location. The host was beyond helpful and spot on with his recommendations, the place itself was perfect for a family of five, and there was a washer and a dryer!

If you’re looking to stay more in the heart of Lisbon, here are a few places to check out: For a couple on a getaway, check out this gem (and it includes breakfast). This 2-bedroom apartment looks great for a family. If you’re on a budget, this spot looks funky and fun, too.

Want to read more about Lisbon? Check out all of my Lisbon posts here !

Day 5: Sintra, Portugal

Ah, Sintra. This is a wonderful spot to visit, and I highly recommend a full day here, if not longer. We decided that if we have a chance we’d love to come back and stay in Sintra for a weekend.

What to do with One Day in Sintra

One thing to know about Sintra is that you cannot drive your own car up to any of the main attractions, so it’s highly recommended that you hire a guide/tour . You can do it on your own, but if you plan on visiting more than a couple of places, it will be easier to have a driver.

Here are the places I suggest you check out (and the order you should visit them):

✰ Pena Palace This is the main attraction: get there early, and get tickets in advance . Also, keep in mind that you have to get from the bottom of the hill up to the palace. The walk will take about 15-30 minutes, but there is a bus you can get included with your ticket.

After you’ve explored the palace: walk back down through the gardens. It’s beautiful and you won’t regret it.

✰ Monserrate Palace Full disclosure: we did not visit this palace, and I 100% regret it. I’ve been told that it’s beautiful and a hidden gem in Sintra since most people flock to other more popular places instead.

✰ Quinta da Regaleira A neat place to visit. Plan on spending at least an hour if not two, walking around here.

✰ Moorish Castle (IF you have time) If you’ve seen castle ruins before, this won’t be all that impressive, which is why I think you can skip it.

✰ Cabo da Roca (AKA: the end of the world) Welcome to the westernmost point of mainland Europe with breathtaking views. Getting to Cabo da Roca is about a half-hour drive from Sintra, and totally worth squeezing it into your plans.

Where we Ate in Sintra

We enjoyed snacks and treats at the top of Pena Palace and from Casa Piriquita; a popular bakery dating back to 1862. (NOTE: at Casa Piriquita, customers order based on a number, so grab a ticket with a number on it when you walk in!)

Lunch came in the form of tapas from Romaria de Baco , but all the other restaurants in the area looked great, too.

If we had More Time in Sintra

Since we didn’t make it to the Monserrate Palace , I’d definitely go there. I’d also like to spend more time at Pena Palace. We drove through the resort town of Cascais and it looked delightful. If we spent a weekend in the Sintra area, we’d definitely spend more time in Cascais.

Where to stay in Sintra

We stayed in Lisbon since it’s not that far away, but if you are specifically looking to stay in Sintra, here are a few options:

This villa looks stunning, and there are rooms for up to 6 people. This chalet also has accommodation for up to 6 people, and it’s in the heart of Sintra. If you’re looking for a boutique hotel, check out this one .

Day 6, 7, & 8: Algarve, Portugal

The Algarve region of Portugal is one of the most beautiful places in the world, and you could easily spend weeks in the area. We were only there for three days, but it was a glorious three days, and I would happily return.

One thing to note: Unless you’re staying directly on the beach, you will have to drive a decent amount to get to places. What looks like a “short” drive may end up being around a half-hour to get from place to place. Just something to keep in mind.

Pro tip: On your way from the Lisbon area to Algarve, make sure you make a pit stop (only for about 15 minutes) to see the largest cork tree in the world !

Things to do in Algarve

Spending time in the Algarve was relaxing for us. We didn’t have any specific “must-do” things except enjoy the area.

✰ Chill at the Beach There’s no shortage of pristine beaches in the Algarve. Our favorite spots were Praia da Luz⁠ and Praia de Salema (but they were also near where we were staying.)

Keep in mind that women often go topless at the beach in Portugal.

If you’re looking for more beaches to explore, check out this post from my friend Bri.

✰ Hike Along the Cliffs Truly, pick a spot and just start walking. There are trails everywhere, and the scenic views are breathtaking.

✰ Find Dinosaur Footprints YES, like, actual fossilized dinosaur footprints right along the coast! This was a total highlight and a fun experience to see. I wrote all about it (including a detailed map with specific directions to find them) in this post .

✰ Go to the (other) end of the World Cabo de Sao Vicente is the most southwesterly point in Europe. The views are fantastic (check it out during sunset) and if you’re in the area it’s worth checking out. During the Middle Ages, it was considered to be the “end of the world” by the people who lived there.

Opens at 10 am; closes at 6 pm; closed Mondays. There’s a gift shop and toilets available, free parking, and food trucks outside of the lighthouse area.

✰ Shop for Ceramics You’ll pass by some cute ceramic shops (you’ll know where they are since they have fun plates hanging on the exterior walls). If you have room in your suitcase, stop in one and take a look.

✰ Explore the Caves The famous caves of the Algarve are a must-see, especially Benagil. But be warned: it will get VERY busy unless you go early in the morning. We took a boat tour (and loved it), but if you want to get out in any of the caves you must do that via swimming, kayaking, or a private tour.

Here are some tours to look at for checking out the caves:

• Boat tour of the caves (we did this one and loved it; we did not get out of the boat to see the caves)
• Catamaran + kayak tour to see the caves (my friend Crystal did this one with her kids and they did get to kayak to the caves)
• Kayak to the caves
• Swim—or float—out to the caves (check out what my friend Bri did to get out to see the Benagil cave!)

If we had More Time in Algarve

There are tons to do in Algarve! If we had more time we would’ve done the following:

• Sand City in Lagoa
• Wine tasting
• Horseback riding along the coast
• Go check out more adorable seaside towns.

WANT TO READ MORE ABOUT THE ALGARVE? CHECK OUT MORE POSTS HERE

Where we Ate in Algarve

We had several meals where we stayed (see more below), but here are a couple of other places we loved:

At Praia da Salema: We grabbed lunch from  A Bóia  nearby, and it was delicious. I highly recommend their sardines or the catch of the day—ask and they’ll bring out several different options.

At Praia da Salema: the pizza from Pizza Real was legit, one of the best pizza’s I’ve ever tasted. And we lived in Italy. It was just SO good, and it’s a good thing we had it on our last night, otherwise, I would’ve wanted to go back there for every meal.

Where we stayed in Algarve

We stayed at Turiscampo , part of Yelloh Village (which we LOVE), and their premium cottage was perfect for our family of five. The village has a little shop (with fresh baked goods every morning and everything you might need during your stay), two restaurants, indoor/outdoor pools, laundry, and so much more.

There are literally thousands of places to stay along the Algarve. Find your perfect spot here:

Day 9, 10, & 11: Tarifa, Spain

Our stay in Tarifa for this portion of our Spain and Portugal itinerary during our 14-day road trip was supposed to be our “home base” just for sleeping.

The first day was for leisurely driving from Algarve to Tarifa (which we did). On the second day, we were going to go to Gibraltar, and on our last day there we were going to hop a ferry to Morocco.

Unfortunately, we couldn’t get into Gibraltar and ended up turning around to come home. If you’re U.S. military, read this before attempting to go into Gibraltar.

And Morocco was just unfortunate timing. Tarifa has ferries that go back and forth to Tangier, Morocco, but they were closed because of the pandemic and actually reopened two days before we arrived. The problem was that anyone unvaccinated needed a PCR test to enter. Our (then) 4-year-old son was unvaccinated, and we couldn’t get the results from a PCR test in time, so we couldn’t go over.

All that to say: We ended up staying in Tarifa for much longer than expected, but it ended up being great and we really enjoyed the town.

Good to know: street parking is very limited in Tarifa. There is a parking lot , but I’m honestly not sure how much it is (or maybe it’s free). It was attended when we arrived and unattended when we left a couple of days later.)

What we did in Tarifa

If you find yourself with more time in Tarifa, you’ve gotta hit the beach and wander the adorable streets.

We really enjoyed both of those things and spent most of our time in the water, on the sand, and wandering the streets.

Windsurfing is really popular in Tarifa, because of the gusts that come from Africa and through the sea. If you have a chance, go to Valdevaqueros beach to watch the windsurfers there; it was remarkable to watch.

Where we Ate in Tarifa

Tarifa comes alive after 8 pm and the restaurants will all be filled to the brim. Any place you go is sure to be fantastic.

On the beach, though, I highly recommend Chiringuito Tangana ; it was delicious and so enjoyable to watch the windsurfers from there.

Optional Day Trips from Tarifa

• 45-minutes away
• read this post before going, especially if you are U.S. military
• I wish I had first-hand experience with this, but we, unfortunately, couldn’t make it.
• See Tarifa/Tangier ferry info here
• Day trip to Tangier: we were going to use Jamal Chatt, a local tour guide who comes highly recommended and is very quick to respond to your questions.

Where we stayed in Tarifa

Our place in Tarifa was….good? One thing to note is that you can’t park your car anywhere near the town’s center, so we parked in a parking area that randomly closed the day we left (and I’m so thankful we got our car out!). The reason for my uncertainty in that first sentence is that our place had zero cell service and zero wifi. This is where we stayed … a great location within the town, but I’m not sure if I’d recommend it if you like to stay connected.

If you just have two or three in your party, check out this place in the heart of Tarifa. Traveling with four people? Here’s an apartment for you. For a little more space out of town, families may enjoy staying here .

Day 12, 13, & 14: Seville, Spain

Seville was so amazing that I’ll definitely do a more in-depth post, but in the meantime here are some things to do in a nutshell.

Our Day 12 was a travel day; we leisurely made our way to Seville from Tarifa, about 2.5 hours away. Days 13 and 14 were crammed with fitting as much as possible into our last days in Spain.

What we did in Seville

While we usually love going on HoHo (hop-on/hop-off tour bus rides), we didn’t like this one; it took you through parts of Seville that were definitely off-the-beaten-path (and not in a good way).

Instead, take a walking tour . We did this, and it was great to have some background on places, but you’ll want to plan on going back to the places since you don’t have much time to look around anywhere.

Here are the must-see/do things in Seville:

✰ Explore Plaza de España This is one of Seville’s most popular places and for good reason. It’s remarkable, and you may recognize it from Star Wars Episode 2: Attack of the Clones and Laurence of Arabia. It took 15 years to complete, and you can easily spend at least an hour wandering around. You can also rent paddle boats (note that they open at noon).

✰ See a flamenco show If you’re in Seville you must see a flamenco show. The passion the performers express during the show is astonishing. It was a highlight of our stay.

HOT TIP: see the performers at Plaza de España for free during the day.

✰ Explore the Real Alcázar de Sevilla Book tickets ahead of time, and I suggest going with a guide ; I wish we did that so I’d know what we’re looking at. Plan for a few hours; the gardens are huge and beautiful.

✰ Drink sangria aka “tinto de verano,” eat all the tapas , and cool off with gelato during your Spain and Portugal itinerary.

✰ Climb La Giralda at the Seville Cathedral The Cathedral and the grounds are a mix of Muslim and Christian architecture (so basically it’s beautiful). When you’re in the cathedral, keep an eye out for Christopher Columbus’s tomb.

Fun fact: the bell tower is made up of ramps, not stairs. Fair warning if you’re at the top of the tower at the top of the hour…the bells are LOUD! Also, skip-the-line tickets are awesome.

✰ Check out the bull ring (Plaza de toros de la Real Maestranza de Caballería de Sevilla) It was really interesting seeing the museum portion of the bull ring; the kids really liked it and asked us TONS of questions.

And yes, there are still bullfights that take place here, but there weren’t happening while we were there (and I’m not sure if we would have gone anyway.)

✰ Stroll around Old Town; it’s adorable .

If we had More Time in Seville

There’s so much to do in Seville, but in case you can’t cram it into your already packed Spain and Portugal itinerary, rest easy knowing that it’s easily doable with just a weekend (if you have one to spare sometime). If you want more options, check these out:

Where we Ate in Seville

Everything was awesome. Truly. We ate at random places, and every time it was fantastic. Order the tapas version of whatever you get since the plates are small enough that you can try multiple things.

Where we stayed in Seville

We stayed here , about a 10-minute walk to the old town. The space was wonderful for a family of five. It was a two-level apartment, and the exposed brick added a ton of charm. The kitchen was a little limited, but we didn’t use it very much (when in Spain, enjoy the tapas). However, if we went again I’d try to stay closer to the old town — it was just so adorable.

Here are a couple of places I had on my radar, but they were sold out for our dates. This place looks a little more in central old town (and can accommodate large families), and this place looks amazing and families can stay there, too, but it’s possibly a splurge.

But there are SO many spots to stay in Seville. Start your search here:

don’t forget this post! Pin it for later!

I truly hope this Spain and Portugal itinerary helps you plan your trip. Longer trips can often be difficult to put together, which is why I wanted to share as much as possible in this post. If this helps you in any way, I’d love to know; please let me know how it went!

Looks like such an amazing trip! I’ll definitely be pinning it for the future. I’m still holding out hope we’ll be able to re-schedule our Madrid trip. 🤞

This looks great! Can you post a link to where you stayed in Lisbon? Thanks.

Thanks for catching that! I just updated the post with where we stayed, and here’s the link as well: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/45483135

Hello Jessica, I really enjoyed reading you blog. We are traveling from NYC last week of March. My wife and I are researching a 2 week road trip.

Anyway I can get a copy of your trip/suggestions?

Alan & Josephine

[email protected]

I’m so glad you found this helpful. I don’t have this post in PDF form, so the only thing I can suggest is copying the parts that might work for you to help you plan your trip. I wish I had a better solution right now!

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Portugal Discovery, Self-drive

• Self-Guided
• Local Living
• Personalized
• In-depth Cultural
• Christmas & New Year

Traveled in June 2023

• Explore Lisbon, a city rich in history
• Visit Evora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Discover Tomar, home of the Knights Templar
• Stroll through Porto's historic city center
• Admire Aveiro, the Portuguese Venice
• Introduction
• Day 1 ARRIVAL LISBON
• Day 2 LISBON – EVORA – ALTER DO CHÃO (223km – 2.45 hrs)
• Day 3 ALTER DO CHÃO – CASTELO DE VIDE – TOMAR – COIMBRA (241km - 2.55 hrs)
• Day 4 COIMBRA – OPORTO (125km – 1.5 hrs)
• Day 5 OPORTO – GUIMARAES – OPORTO (115km – 1 hrs)
• Day 6 OPORTO – ESPINHO – OVAR – AVEIRO – FIGUEIRA DA FOZ – COIMBRA (212kms – 3 hrs)
• Day 7 COIMBRA – SINTRA – LISBON (250km – 2.5 hrs)
• Day 8 DEPARTURE LISBON

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What's Included

• Accommodation
• Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

Hotel Vila Galé Opera

Vila Galé Alter do Chão

Vila Galé Coimbra

Vila Galé Porto Hotel

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Destination Services Portugal

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10 to 99 years old

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• Overall Rating Excellent 4.1
• Itinerary Excellent 4.1
• Guide Good 3.3
• Transport Good 3.7
• Accommodation Excellent 4.3
• Food Excellent 4.3
• Tour Operator Destination Services Portugal 3.9
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What our customers ask about this tour

Parking is not included in the tour price and is the responsibility of the client. Most hotels offer paid parking with varying rates.

No, an international driving permit is not required for driving in Portugal as part of this tour.

Please refer to the link provided to check the detailed inclusion list for this tour. This will give you information on accommodations, transport, and other included services.

Yes, it is possible to extend your stay at certain locations during the tour. Please let us know your specific requirements, and we can make the necessary arrangements.

All hotels booked during the tour will provide twin rooms which include two separate beds.

The insurance section in your proposal discusses various coverage including CDW insurance which covers damage to the rental vehicle, theft protection, and other related costs. The refunds mentioned are typically associated with reducing your out-of-pocket expenses in the event of a claim.

Good to Know

• Currency € Euro Portugal

As a traveller from USA, Canada, England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F.

• These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
• Hepatitis B - Recommended for Portugal. Ideally 2 months before travel.
• Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
• Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
• For any tour departing before 25th September 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after 25th September 2024, a minimum payment of 20% is required to confirm your booking with Destination Services Portugal. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 30 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
• Some departure dates and prices may vary and Destination Services Portugal will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
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• Insurance Unless otherwise mentioned, TourRadar does not provide travel insurance. We do however recommend purchasing it through our tried and trusted partner, World Travel Nomads .
• Accessibility Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team , who are ready and waiting to help you.
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Lisbon & the Algarve: Portugal self-drive tour

10 days from £3,165pp

• Day-to-day Itinerary
• Portugal trip ideas

Tour highlights

Tour Lisbon’s historical heart and sample some local delicacies.

Explore the eccentric palaces and gardens of Sintra.

Visit Roman ruins in the historic city of Évora in the heart of the Alentejo countryside.

Learn how to cook traditional Algarvian Cataplana.

Hike the Algarve coastline near Lagos.

Price includes:

• Scheduled international flights
• Fully insured vehicle hire
• All accommodation
• 24-hour support while you travel

Itinerary idea in detail

With international flights from a choice of airports including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Lisbon. After landing in Lisbon, you will be met and transferred to your hotel to settle in.

Enjoy a privately guided tour of Lisbon, sampling some traditional snacks and learning about the city’s rich and complex history as you go.

Head out of the city today with your private guide and driver to explore the whimsical architecture and elaborate gardens of Sintra.

Spend the day exploring Lisbon’s museums, visiting the historic district of Belém where the discovery age explorers set off from, or simply relax at a café in one of the city’s many elegant squares.

After picking up your car this morning, it’s an easy drive inland through the sun-baked fields of the Alentejo to the historic city of Évora. Here, you can explore the Roman ruins, visit the eerie Capela dos Ossos (Bone Chapel) or enjoy a hearty meal at one of the city’s excellent restaurants.

Heading south from Évora, you’ll stop en route at a family-run winery for a leisurely wine-tasting lunch before continuing onto your hotel in the Algarvian hills.

Visit the bustling city of Faro today as you embark on a cooking class with a local chef. After meeting at the market, known for its excellent seafood selection, you’ll pick up some ingredients to take back to the restaurant where you'll learn to make your own Cataplana, a fish stew, typical to the Algarve.

Today is yours to relax at the hotel or visit one of the many beautiful beaches nearby.

This morning you’ll continue your exploration of the Algarve as you drive west along the coast to the historic town of Lagos. After checking into your hotel, you’ll meet your guide for a hike along the nearby coastline.

Enjoy your last day in Portugal as you drive north, back to Lisbon, stopping in the hilltop town of Monchique en route. A local guide will show you around before treating you to an exclusive picnic in the fermenting room of a local distillery. Drop your car back at the airport later this afternoon and catch your evening flight home. Your return flight will arrive the same day.

Accommodation options

While the itinerary price reflects the suggested accommodation, Audley trips are 100% tailor-made, and a specialist can help you select the option best suited to your tastes and budget.

H10 Duque de Loulé

Memmo Príncipe Real

Hotel Valverde

Santiago de Alfama

View more accommodation in lisbon.

Hotel M'AR de AR Muralhas

Pousada Convento de Évora

M’AR de AR Aqueduto

São Lourenço do Barrocal

View more accommodation in évora & the alentejo.

Octant Vila Monte

• Évora & the Alentejo
• Moncarapacho

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The specialist who designs your trip to Portugal will have explored the country many times and, in some cases, lived there. Their first-hand knowledge gives us the belief that no other travel company can match our expertise in helping you plan your trip.

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