Best of Spain & Portugal
Information from G Adventures
Tour description
Dynamic culture, compelling history, to-die-for cuisine — the Iberian Peninsula really is a true example of riches for every sense and interest. On this adventure, you’ll soak up the Moorish history of Lisbon and Cordoba, be treated to a lively flamenco performance in Seville, explore the astounding red-clay fortress of the Alhambra, and witness Gaudí’s Barcelona with your own eyes. If that sounds like a lot, be prepared; we’ve only just begun.
What's included
- Your G for Good Moment: Mescladis Paella Cooking Class and Dinner, Barcelona Your 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
- Lisbon orientation walk
- Fado performance with traditional Portuguese dinner
- Batalha gothic monastery entrance and visit
- Porto orientation walk
- Port wine cellars visit and tasting
- Granada orientation walk
- Albaicin quarter visit
- Alhambra guided tour
- Seville orientation walk
- Flamenco show performance
- Mezquita Mosque and Jewish quarter visit in Cordoba
- Barcelona orientation walk
- Internal flight (Porto to Madrid)
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Highlights
- Savour traditional portuguese food in lisbon’s oldest neighbourhood
- Taste coastal porto’s famous export in a port wine cellar
- Soak in the lively atmosphere and scenery of madrid
- Discover seville’s moorish influence
- Learn to make paella in barcelona
Itinerary
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.
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.
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.
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.
Day 5: Coimbra/Porto Continue to the historic and vibrant coastal town of Porto in the morning, and take an orientation walk upon arrival.
Day 6: Porto Free day to explore Porto. Opt take a cruise down the Douro Valley, 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.
Day 7: Porto/Madrid Catch an early morning flight to Madrid. Arrive mid morning with the rest of the day to explore Madrid at your own pace.
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.
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.
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.
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 a dramatic flamenco performance.
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.
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.
Day 14: Barcelona Depart at any time.