Ultimate Spain & Portugal

21 Days
From CAD 6599
Best Rate
Guarantee
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating


(20 reviews)

Experience Overview

As former imperial superpowers, Spain and Portugal have centuries of history and captivating culture to draw upon. You, on the other hand, have only 21 days. Make ‘em count! This comprehensive adventure across the Iberian Peninsula presents travellers with the chance to explore these two nations through their cuisine, architecture, and idyllic countryside. Here, you’ll wander the wondrous streets of Lisbon, Porto, Barcelona, and Madrid, step up into the Pyrenees, relax in glorious San Sebastián, and live the local culture alongside the locals themselves. Spain and Portugal: Europe’s greatest two-for-one deal!

Highlights

  • Explore Moorish palaces and great Iberian cities
  • Capture photos of stunning countryside and age-old cathedrals
  • Devour tapas at a local haunt
  • Listen to fado music and learn to Flamenco dance
  • Live like a local in a "casa rural" in the Pyrenees
  • Experience the Basque way of life

Trip Details

Product CodeProduct Code: 2389

Tour TypeTour Type: Small Group

AccommodationAccommodation: Budget

TransportTransport: Public bus, train, plane, walking.

Guide LanguageGuide Language: English

Travel StylesTravel Styles: Budget

Supplier CodeSupplier Code: ESLM

StartStarts: Lisbon, Portugal

FinishFinishes: Madrid, Spain

DurationDuration: 21 days

DeparturesDepartures: Guaranteed

Physical RatingPhysical rating: Light

Includes

Activities

  • Your G for Good Moment: Mescladis Paella Cooking Class and Dinner, Barcelona Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Your Foodie Moment: Fado Night with Traditional Portuguese Meal, Lisbon Your Hands-On Moment: Port Wine Cellar Visit, Porto Your Discover Moment: Barcelona Your Foodie Moment: Rioja Region Wine Tasting, Logroño
  • Orientation walks in Lisbon, Porto, Madrid, Granada and Barcelona
  • Batalha gothic monastery entrance and visit
  • Albaicin quarter visit
  • Alhambra guided tour
  • Mezquita Mosque and Jewish quarter visit in Cordoba
  • Flamenco show performance
  • "Casa rural" stay with traditional meals (Pyrenees)
  • San Sebastian day trip
  • Internal flight (Porto to Madrid)
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodation

  • Hotels (18 nts), casa rural (2 nts).
  • 20 breakfasts, 4 dinners

Transport

  • Public bus, train, plane, walking.

Group Leader

  • CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.

Price

Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 6599 (CAD 314 /day)

Itinerary

1

Day 1: Lisbon

Arrive at any time.

If visiting the historic district of Belém is on your bucket list, we recommend arriving early on this day to explore its major sites like the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower. Most attractions in Belém are closed on Mondays.

2

Day 2: Lisbon

Enjoy a CEO-led orientation walk of Lisbon. The rest of the day is free for exploration. In the evening enjoy a Fado performance and traditional Portuguese dinner in one of Lisbon's oldest neighbourhoods.
Opt to take a day trip into the foothills of the surrounding mountains to Sintra. Get lost in the city's winding streets lined with pastel coloured houses, palaces, majestic gardens and lush forests. It doesn't get more postcard-worthy than this.

3

Day 3: Lisbon/Coimbra

Leave Lisbon behind and head north to the small hill town of Batalha, best known for its ornate gothic monastery built to commemorate Portugal's victory in the infamous battle of Aljubarrota. Visit the historic Monastery of Batalha with free time to wander the grounds. Continue to the medieval capital of Portugal, Coimbra.

4

Day 4: Coimbra

Enjoy a free day to explore Coimbra. Opt to visit the famous Coimbra University, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2013 (and also the inspiration for Harry Potter's Hogwarts). Explore the winding streets and the riverfront filled with restaurants and bars, or opt for a day trip to the nearby coastal town of Aveiro or the pilgrimage sites of Fátima.

5

Day 5: Coimbra/Porto

Continue to the historic and vibrant coastal town of Porto in the morning, and take an orientation walk upon arrival.

6

Day 6: Porto

Free day to explore Porto. Opt to take a cruise down the Douro River, or explore the city which gained UNESCO World Heritage designation in 1996. In the evening enjoy a visit to the port wine cellars and a tasting.
Head down Allies Avenue to see the French-inspired buildings. Bargain at the Bolhão Market. Wander the city's World Heritage-listed Ribeira district, visit São Francisco church, the palatial former 19th-century stock market Palácio de Bolsa or head to the Clerigos Tower for a panoramic view of the city.

In the evening, become an Port wine connoisseur with a visit to the cellars and a port wine tasting.

7

Day 7: Porto/Madrid

Catch a flight to Madrid and spend the rest of the day exploring the city at your own pace.

8

Day 8: Madrid

Take a brief orientation walk with your CEO, then enjoy a full day to explore this bustling capital. Discover Plaza Mayor or opt to visit the famous Royal Palace. Indulge in delicious Spanish tapas or get your art fix at the Prado Museum.

9

Day 9: Madrid/Granada

Journey south to Granada. Upon arrival enjoy an orientation walk. Wander through the whitewashed historic quarter of the Albaicin; with its narrow lanes and fantastic views, it's a great place to watch the sunset.

10

Day 10: Granada

Enjoy a guided visit to the architectural masterpiece, the Alhambra. In the evening, opt to go for a stroll and check out the local tapas and wine bars.
After visiting the Alhambra, opt to take a wander through this historic city. In the evening, opt for a night on the town. Granada is filled with trendy tapas bars and has a lively music scene.

11

Day 11: Granada/Cordoba/Seville

Travel to Seville via picturesque Cordoba. Go for a stroll through the historic Jewish quarter and visit the iconic Mezquita de Cordoba (mosque). In the early evening, continue towards Seville and end your day with free time to get to know the city.

12

Day 12: Seville

Spend a day enjoying this city and its Moorish influence. Opt to explore the district of Santa Cruz, the Alcázar palace or the world's largest Gothic cathedral. In the early evening, end your day with a dramatic flamenco performance.
Take the time to see all this great city has to offer. Opt to explore the interiors and gardens of the Alcázar, a magnificent palace dating from Moorish times, or the true heart of Seville, the Santa Cruz quarter— a charming area with winding alleys, picturesque lime-washed houses, flowery patios, and small squares.

Seville is home to the world's largest gothic cathedral — climb the adjoining tower for great views of the city. Other attractions include the Museo Arqueológico, the Casa de Pilates and the Parque de María Luisa, which has a maze of paths, garden beds, pretty little patios, fountains, and shaded lawns.

13

Day 13: Seville/Barcelona

Hop on the train and get comfortable on the journey north to Barcelona. Take an orientation walk, including visits to the Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas. In the evening participate in a G Adventures supported paella cooking class, followed by a group dinner to round out the day.

14

Day 14: Barcelona

Get out and explore all that Barcelona has to offer, or choose to journey further afield to the surrounding beaches and countryside to get a true taste of Catalan life.

15

Day 15: Barcelona/Pyrenees

Take the morning to explore beautiful Barcelona. Head to the Pyrenees region for 2 nights in a 'casa rural'. Enjoy home-cooked meals and hiking.
Explore a bit of Barcelona before an afternoon departure north. Travel to the Pyrenees by local bus and van to reach a 'casa rural', or converted farmhouse, near the town of Ainsa. Indulge in delicious local meals and time to explore the beautiful landscape.

16

Day 16: Pyrenees

Enjoy the day in the scenic Pyrenees. Opt for some hikes in the area or head to Ainsa to explore. Spend another night in the 'casa rural'.

17

Day 17: Pyrenees/Bilbao

Travel to Bilbao, the first stop in the unique Basque region of Spain. Arrive in the early afternoon. Opt to visit the stunning Guggenheim Museum, or climb the Mallona Stairs to Parque Etxebarria for beautiful views over the city.

18

Day 18: Bilbao/San Sebastian/Bilbao

Take a day trip to San Sebastian. Opt to take a pintxos (tapas) tour and learn about the fascinating culture of the area. Return to Bilbao for the night.
The real treat in this part of the country is the eating. Basque cuisine is famous in Spain and around the world, with many believing this is the best food in the country. While San Sebastián didn't invent tapas, they are well-acknowledged to have perfected them. Wander through the streets before lunchtime or in the evening and check out what each bar has on offer.

Stop in each place for some wine or beer and sample their tapas (pintxos in Basque) selection. Move on to the next bar and repeat!

Delicious seafood abounds here as well. Looking for more than just pintxos? Head to the harbour and hole up in a traditional simple tavern. Don't leave San Sebastián without trying the famous jamon iberico.

The specialty drink in this area is called the Kalimotxo — half wine (usually red table wine) and half Coca Cola.Take some time to wander through the plazas, marvel at the buildings, and spot the art sprinkled throughout the city. And, as always, try the pintxos.

19

Day 19: Bilbao/Logroño

Travel to Logroño and enjoy an included wine tasting in the Rioja region.
With tons of churches, roman bridges, parks, plazas, and ancient buildings, there's no shortage of sights to be seen when wandering around this city.

20

Day 20: Logroño/Madrid

Travel to Madrid and enjoy free time in this capital city.

21

Day 21: Madrid

Depart at any time.
We recommend staying an extra day or two to fully experience all this lively city has to offer.

Tour Operator

G Adventures

G Adventures is an operator of small-group escorted tours. It is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with 28 offices worldwide. It offers more than 700 itineraries in more than 100 countries, and carries 200,000 travelers from 160 countries each year.

In Business Since 1990

Reviews

 

Jean P.  -  Traveled, October 2023

i didn't care for the pace of the trip, I personally would prefer more time in each place.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 11/18/2023

 

Barbara H.  -  Traveled, October 2023

It depends on the age of the person. Anyone under 40 I would highly recommend, those over that age I would discuss all the elements of my experiences, then let them decide whether it is right for them or not.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 11/11/2023

 

Stephen Y.  -  Traveled, October 2023

Highly recommend for younger demographic, would advise older people to look elsewhere.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 11/11/2023

 

Jordan S.  -  Traveled, October 2023

Excellent trip

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 11/11/2023

 

Myra E.  -  Traveled, October 2023

We are two seniors in pretty good shape but this trip was paced far too fast for us. 1 and 1/2 days in each city, preceded by 4-6 hours of travel there was far too stressful. Unless the friend is younger and wants to see bit of places in a short time, I could not recommend it.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 10/21/2023

 

Deirdre C.  -  Traveled, October 2023

This trip was rated as a 2 but it was more like a 3+. I was prepared to have to haul my bags to public transport but given the distances we had to cover, the hills, the cobblestones and the steps, as well as the required speed through the crowds, this was more physical than expected and should have been assigned a higher rating than a 2. I have done 2 other G trips which had a private vehicle for the whole trip and i think the trips that use public transport should be given their own seperate category. In addition, there was much less included with this trip than the other 2 in terms of guided activities which meant that my free time was taken up seeing all the sights by myself, when this was done vis the tour on the private vehicle tours I've done. This made it a far more hectic and tiring trip also. Again, another reason these types of trips should have their own category.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 10/21/2023

 

Catherine W.  -  Traveled, October 2023

transportation and hotels and activities are all taken care of for you.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 10/21/2023

 

Trent T.  -  Traveled, September 2023

We didn't get to see the Alhambra which was to be included in the trip but our tour didn't get to which we werent advised of until after the tour started and there was no possibility of purchasing our own.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 10/14/2023

 

Marie-Lynn S.  -  Traveled, September 2023

No city guide when you get to new cities, only CEO guide from G Adventures. Too expensive for what you get. Too much free time so need to book and research yourself

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 10/14/2023

 

Charles M.  -  Traveled, September 2023

Good but have experienced better tours. Some information about booking activities was not so helpful.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 10/14/2023

 

Grace B.  -  Traveled, September 2023

Accommodations in some locations were substandard. The home stay in the Pyrenees was particularly unsatisfactory. I paid considerable extra to have my own room which I did but the bedding was horrible, the room at one window less than1/2 meter square in the top corner, too high to reach. I had to share a washroom with 4 others. The food was packaged breakfast with stale muffins and pastries. We were hiking one day in this location which was fairly strenuous. The dinner served the night before did not include any protein, nor did breakfast the next day. Totally unacceptable. accommodation in Coimbra at the Hotel Astoria was also substandard with no wifi, bad smells and seemingly indifference from staff

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 10/07/2023

 

Sheryl N.  -  Traveled, September 2023

I'm not aware of any other company that offers this format at this price point, and i had a good experience with it.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 10/07/2023

 

Sarah F.  -  Traveled, September 2023

I like everything G Adventures stands for. It is my starting place for travel recommendations when people want to take a tour

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 09/23/2023

 

Beth I.  -  Traveled, September 2023

I like the small groups, local travel methods (for example local buses and trains) and the mix between some orientation and local guides and the free time to explore.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 09/23/2023

 

Louis M.  -  Traveled, September 2023

Because we enjoyed our travels with G Adventures, yet had plenty of time to explore and enjoy all the places at our own pace.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 09/23/2023

 

Karen j.  -  Traveled, August 2023

CEO led tours take a lot of the anxiety about being in a foreign place and not knowing the language and your surroundings away. I find that G Adventures provides interesting tour options and I think they are priced right

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 09/16/2023

 

Patricia T.  -  Traveled, August 2023

No tour bus too much time wasted in bus stations.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 09/16/2023

 

Ingrid D.  -  Traveled, August 2023

The two CEO, Elu for Portugal and Vane for Spain, were extraordinary! They greeted us with a smile and warm welcome to each country making it a great start! They listened to our needs and went above and beyond to make our travel experience the best possible under many different circumstances.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 09/16/2023

 

Dianne J.  -  Traveled, August 2023

Having a good tour guide. Going to interesting places. Travel group is small.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 09/16/2023

 

Susan S.  -  Traveled, August 2023

I consider that the tour was good value for money, the accommodation was good and well located, the added extras were all excellent and the CEOs were both lovely.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 09/16/2023

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