Compare Explore Spain & Portugal by Intrepid Travel vs Essential Chile: The Atacama Desert, Lake District & Patagonia by Myths and Mountains

Day 1 Madrid

Hola! Welcome to Madrid, the Spanish capital known for its elegant boulevards and expansive, manicured parks. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. As there's limited time for sightseeing in Madrid, booking a few extra days isn't a bad idea. After the welcome meeting, perhaps get into the mind of a Madrileno with some tapas and Rioja with your fellow travellers.

Day 2 Granada

Take a bus to Granada today. Located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Granada is packed with Moorish architecture, great tapas bars and natural beauty. Take a walk around the old Arab quarter of the Albaicin, a labyrinth of crooked alleys, fountains, plazas and whitewashed houses, or the 'Alcaiceria' (old silk market area) and observe the craftworks on sale that include ceramics, marquetry and leather goods. If you're feeling energetic, climb the steep streets up to the Mirador de San Nicolas for sunset views over the famous Alhambra. If you have time, perhaps check out the historic Renaissance Cathedral and Capilla Real, or watch the world go by as you indulge in some tapas at a bar. Granada is the kind of city to leave your guidebook behind and trust your intuition.

Day 3 Granada

Today make a visit to Granada's impressive Alhambra Palace. An entrance ticket is included in the trip and grants you the visit of the Palace and the Gardens. Discover this 11th-century marvel and its dominating red fortress towers, palace decor, architectural styles, and magnificent gardens. It's all set against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains. With fountains, impeccably maintained hedges and pools, centuries-old defensive walls, turrets, and views overlooking Granada, this renowned palace will not disappoint. Make sure you allow enough time as the Alhambra is made up of three parts: the Alcazaba, the 11th-century Muslim wing which features spectacular views from its towers; the Palacio Nazaries, the centre of the complex; and Generalife, the summer palace of the sultans. After your visit ask your leader to take you deeper into Granada’s Moorish Albaicin quarter and to the area of traditional tea houses. The view from this area across to the Alhambra Palace is not to be missed. Tonight, perhaps meet up again with the group for dinner.

Day 4 Seville

Travel by bus and train this morning to the vibrant city of Seville. If the legends are to be believed, Seville was founded by Hercules and its origins are linked with the Tartessian civilisation. After the Christian reconquest, it became thought of as the portal to the 'New World', and is today the capital of Andalucia and the largest city in southern Spain. Known for its important monuments and fascinating history, Seville is universally famous for being a joyous town. Sevillians are well known for their wit and sparkle, and the city itself is striking for its vitality and flamboyance – the city of Carmen, Don Juan and Figaro. Seville is also famous for its oranges, tapas and flamenco, all three of which are ingrained in the fabric of the city and its proud people. As the rest of the day is free for you to explore, why not go and experience it all in person. Barrio Santa Cruz, with its multicultural history, is a great place to start. This shaded warren was designed in medieval times to provide refuge from the great Andalusian heat. Or maybe spend your evening San Jacinto, the bustling main street of the Triana quarter, and discover the interesting and adventurous food on offer.

Day 5 Seville

Today is a free day to discover Seville. Checking out the world's largest Gothic cathedral is a must. You can also the climb the cathedral's adjoining Moorish tower, known as La Giralda. While you might have to line up, it's well worth it for the views over the city. Visit the magnificent Alcazar, a complex of palaces used by Moorish and Christian rulers through the ages, and now gaining international fame as a shooting location for ‘Game of Thrones’. Wander through the fragrant gardens and examine the Moorish and Mudejar architecture. If you feel like an injection of culture, explore Seville's Museum of Fine Arts or the Archaeological Museum. As Seville is the tapas capital of Spain, be sure to sample some of the tasty morsels on offer in one of the city's many tapas bars. In the evening, catch a local flamenco performance with the group. Charged with emotion and drama, this powerful, fiery show is a real highlight!

Day 6 Algarve / Lagos

Today board a bus and cross the border into Portugal. Travel through fertile plain landscapes of orange orchards, olive groves and maize fields to the Algarve, Portugal's stunning southern coast, where your destination is the seaside town of Lagos. Set on the banks of the Rio Bensafrim, Lagos is gifted with a temperate Mediterranean climate, a bounty of beaches and a rich heritage. When you arrive, you might want to take a walk around town. Wandering around Lagos’s old town enclosed within 16th century walls, on pretty cobbled streets and picturesque plazas and churches, is definitely a good thing to do. In the evening, why not head to feast on freshly caught fish at a restaurant or cafe overlooking the water and behold a golden sky at sunset, before throwing yourself into Lagos' pumping nightlife.

Day 7 Algarve / Lagos

Most of today is free to enjoy Lagos and its surrounds. At some point during the day (depending on availability) you will enjoy an included boat tour around Algarve’s rocky cliffs. Explore the jagged, weathered rockface of Pinta da Piedade, full of arches, towers, grottoes and caves that have been eroded into this fabulous limestone coast. Your leader will inform you about the exact time in advance so you can plan other activities around that. For the rest of the day, perhaps pack a book and towel and head to the beach. The vast sands of Meia Praia stretch for over 4 km, and it is peppered with beach bars, cafes and sun lounges. Also, plenty of water sports are on offer in the summer. In addition, there are numerous boat trip options, focusing on birdwatching, fishing, or even spotting the Algarve dolphins. Praia do Porto de Mos and Camilo Beach are also good options, lovely water and sands surrounded by great rock formations. Take a stroll through the quaint alleys of central Lagos, or head down to the waterfront to watch the boats come in. Just ask your leader for any tips if you’re unsure.

Day 8 Lisbon

Today head north by public bus to Lisbon. As one of Europe's most pleasant and affordable capital cities, Lisbon combines the best elements of Portuguese life, offering fantastic architecture, a multicultural population, delicious seafood and non-stop nightlife. When you arrive, head out on an orientation walk of Lisbon to find your feet. There are some great modern and ancient art museums to check out, such as the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, the National Museum of Contemporary Art or the National Coach Museum. Your afternoon and evening is then free, so maybe head to the grand Naval Museum for an insight into the history of Portuguese navigation. You can roam through the charming narrow streets of local neighbourhoods and see local life play out. Maybe simply sit back in one of many outdoors restaurants and cafes – watching the life go by is definitely one of the best ways to relax in Lisbon. As the sun goes down, some of Lisbon's best nightlife centres on the neighbourhood of Bairro Alto, where you can enjoy an emotional fado performance (traditional Portuguese music).

Day 9 Lisbon

Today is a free day to further discover Lisbon, which is located on the banks of the Tagus (Tejo) River and is truly one of Europe’s great cities. Much of Lisbon’s character and charm lies in its beautiful renovated buildings, grand boulevards and impressive castles and churches. Maybe head out this morning on a tour to visit to the medieval citadel in the city centre of Lisbon. Discover the medieval citadel of Sao Jorge Castle, which dates back to Moorish times and sits on the highest point of the Old Town. Look down on a city swarming with endless angular white houses and buildings with distinct red terracotta rooftops. From the citadel, this makes a contrasting panorama when viewed against the deep blue of the sky and ocean. With the rest of your free time today, perhaps catch a tram or hire a bike and cycle along the water to the historic neighbourhood of Belem. Make sure you try a sumptuous custard tart at the famous Casa Pasteis de Belem. Relax at a cafe in hilly Alfama, or check out the fascinating street art spread throughout the city.

Day 10 Porto

Continue north on a local bus to Porto, the capital of the north that sits between a river and the Atlantic Ocean. Stretching along the banks of the River Douro, Porto is one of Portugal's most romantic cities. Known for majestic bridges, medieval riverside district with its cobbled streets, merchants’ houses and cafes, Porto is also well known for one more thing – as the birthplace of the fortified wine, port. Indulge in an included group tasting of some famous tawny and ruby ports at one of the many wine houses across the river. Most of the grapes are grown and harvested in the nearby Douro Valley. If sampling the best from the region piques curiosity, why not learn more about the history of wine and port making at the Museu do Vinho later on in the afternoon. Alternatively, spend the evening soaking up the atmosphere of this coastal city in numerous cafes and restaurants that Porto has to offer.

Day 11 Porto

Today is a free day to explore Porto. The city's World Heritage-listed Ribeira district is packed with twisting alleys, staircases, and baroque churches, and is great to explore on foot. Sao Francisco church is known for its lavish interior with ornate gilded carvings. The palatial 19th-century Palácio de Bolsa, formerly a stock market, was built to impress potential European investors. For a sensational view of the whole town head to the Torre dos Clerigos (Clerigos Tower). Head down Allies Avenue to see the French-inspired buildings, then make a turn for Bolhão Market. This is the city’s most famed market, bursting with fresh produce and other goodies. Up in the cathedral area you’ll find the oldest neighbourhood in Porto and a place where you’ll see its true soul. Boat cruises along the Rio Douro operate several times a day, offering insight into the history of Porto's six famous bridges. A cruise is also a great chance to snap some great photos of the colourful tiled houses lined up along the riverbank. For dinner, make sure you try the country’s most famous sandwich – the francesinha – then head to Galerias Paris Street for nightlife.

Day 12 Santiago de Compostela

Today board a bus bound for Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain. The capital of Galicia became a symbol of the Spanish Christians' struggle against Islam and is famous as the culmination point for pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago. Soak up the religious energy in the cathedral where St James, one of the 12 Apostles, is purportedly buried. The cathedral was consecrated in 1211 and is the central point within the medieval walls of the old town, standing majestically on the Plaza del Obradoiro with its towers soaring above the town. Elaborately carved stone facades open onto grand plazas, full of pilgrims and locals spending their day in this atmospheric place. Maybe join them in one of the cafes, sitting back and listening to many of the street artists performing on the streets of the old town. Visit the cathedral and do as pilgrims do – circle the main altar admiring the greatness of the place. Tonight, maybe and explore the streets close to the cathedral for Galician specialties. Perhaps try peppers of Padron and empanadas (Galician pies, filled with meat or seafood).

Day 13 Santiago de Compostela

Today you'll have the opportunity to join pilgrims on the last stretch of the Santiago de Compostela route. Take an early bus to Amenal village where the 18 km walk begins. The trek will take you through the villages, fields and rivers of Galicia. In Lavacolla village you'll cross the river where medieval pilgrims traditionally bathed in the river to purify themselves before arriving in the holy city. From here, ascend again to the Monte do Gozo (Mount of Joy), so called for the feeling when pilgrims would catch their first sight of the towers of Compostela Cathedral. Embrace the atmosphere up here on the mount, alongside some walkers who may have trekked over 800 km to be here. The entire walk takes approximately 4 to 6 hours to complete. It is important that you wear comfortable footwear and bring a rain coat, as weather in this region of Spain can be unpredictable, even during the summer months. Once back in Santiago the rest of the day is free for you to explore. Santiago de Compostela is a World Heritage site, an open-air museum that holds many delights within its walls – the lively squares, the market and the University buildings are must sees. For you final night in town, maybe wander down the streets of Rua do Franco and Rua da Raina to try some tapas.

Day 14 Madrid

Today, you'll take a train back to Madrid. When you arrive, check into your hotel and then head out on an orientation walk with your leader to get your bearings. Then, the rest of the day is free for your to explore how you wish. Maybe hang out in El Retiro Park or explore Prado Museum’s works by Goya, Velazquez and other Spanish masters. Tonight, why not ask your leader the best spot for dinner and head out with your fellow travellers to cheers to a trip well-travelled.

Day 15 Madrid

Today your Spain and Portugal adventure comes to an end. There are no activities planned so you are able to depart the accommodation at any time. If you'd like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent.

Day 1:  Arrive in Buenos Aires – Afternoon city tour

Meals: Dinner

Upon arrival in Santiago this morning, you’ll be transferred to your hotel to rest up before your comprehensive afternoon city tour. Among the highlights are the city’s most best-known attractions. Start with a leisurely walking tour downtown visiting the Main Square, commonly referred to as the “Plaza de Armas,” as well as the Cathedral, Ahumada Boulevard, “La Moneda,” the Government Palace. Then, by vehicle, visit old Santiago’s main avenues, crossing the bohemian neighbourhood of Bellavista with its plethora of art galleries and handcrafts and San Cristobal Hill for a magnificent panoramic view of the city and the Andes Mountain Range. For a look at modern Santiago, you’ll tour elegant neighbourhoods, shopping and financial centers. End the day at the artisan village of “Los Graneros del Alba, where artisans can be seen at work. Return to the hotel in time for dinner.

Day 2: Fly to Calama, transfer to San Pedro De Atacama – Visit Salt Mountain, Death Valley and Valley of the Moon

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to the airport in time for your flight to Calama. Reception at Calama airport and transfer to the village of San Pedro de Atacama through the Domekyo and the Salt Mountain Ranges.

Snow-capped volcanoes merge with pastel-colored expanses that are interrupted only by the outlines of hills that  fade  into  emptiness.  The  solitude  of the altiplano becomes infinitely powerful in the areas around San Pedro de Atacama, (about 8,000 feet) the bizarre rock formations  of  the  Valley  of the Moon, or the huge Salt Lake of the Atacama, with its slender, stylized, rose-coloured flamingos silhouetted against the  clear  blue  sky. Archaeology, pre-Columbian villages, abandoned villages, ancient fortresses, geyser fields, amazing scenery all converge to give a truly unique experience. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Valley of the Moon to admire the spectacular sunset reflected on this wonderful landscape – it’s nature’s own spectacular light show. Return to the hotel.

Day 3: Atacama Salt Flats, Chaxa Lagoon, Toconao and Socaire Village

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Today you will visit remote villages and see more of this spectacular salt flat and desert. Visit the villages of Toconao and Socaire, famous for its volcanic Liparite stone, and travel on to the Atacama Salt Lake and the Chaxa and lagoons, part of the Atacama Desert’s salt flats where three of the world’s five species of flamingos live (Andean, Chilean and James). The flamingos thrive by eating algae and tiny shellfish that subsist in the small saline pools of the desert. Their diet contains a chemical, which turns them pink. The pinker the flamingo, the older it is. Enjoy a short walk in the Jeri Valley before you return to San Pedro de Atacama. Dinner included in a local restaurant. Tomorrow is a very early day, so rest well tonight. Return to hotel.

Day 4: Sunrise at Geysers Del Tatio and hike area – Afternoon free

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

It’s a very early departure from the hotel (4.00 AM) in time for an unforgettable sunrise at the Geysers del Tatio. Box breakfast on arrival at the Geysers. Your guide will take you on a leisurely walking tour around the geothermal field to watch the spectacular jets of steam shoot up. These geysers are considered the highest in the world. They are formed as a result of water percolating through the porous volcanic rock until it’s trapped above a layer of impermeable rock. As it comes into contact with intensely hot rock and is heated up, pressure builds until the water explodes to the surface between cracks and fissures.Upon returning to San Pedro, the rest of the day is at leisure. You may want to try visiting the market in San Pedro for souvenirs and handicrafts found nowhere else in Chile! Dinner included in a local restaurant.

Day 5: Fly to Puerto Montt – Rest of the day at Leisure

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

After breakfast in the hotel, you’ll be transferred to the airport of Calama for a connecting flight to Santiago, continuing on to Puerto Montt, gateway to the Lake District. Upon arrival in Puerto Montt, reception and transfer to the hotel in Puerto Varas. The rest of the day is at leisure. Dinner & overnight in the hotel.

Day 6: Explore Puerto Varas and Puerto Montt

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Begin the day with explorations of Puerto Varas and Puerto Montt. Puerto Varas’ streets and avenues are adorned with blooming rose bushes and a must-see is Phillipi Hill with its panoramic views of Lake Llanquihue and the almost perfectly cone shaped Osorno Volcano. Continue on to Puerto Montt and the quaint fishing village of Angelmó with its wonderful selection of arts and crafts. En route you’ll wander around upper and lower Frutillar, famous for its church and the museum devoted to German pioneers. In the afternoon, return to Puerto Varas. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 7:  Full Day Exploration of Chiloe Island

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Depart from Puerto Varas for your visit to Chiloe Island! Travel via Puerto Montt, following the Pan Americana route to the south, where you’ll board a ferry to the village of Chacao before continuing to Caulin, where birders delight in sighting the Flightless Steamerduck and the beautiful Silvery Grebe, while the likes of Black necked Swan, Snowy crowned Tern, Ringed Kingfisher and flocks of wintering Hudsonian Godwits further enhance wetland bird watching. If you’re game, you might even want to try a taste of the local oysters (optional).

Continue on to the villages of Quemchi, famous for its 1700-ft long wood pedestrian bridge that is connected to a picturesque cemetery. Continue to Colo, with its traditional churches from the 14th century. In Castro, visit the palafitos, colorful houses built over the water on stilts and the main square with its impressive cathedral. From the Gamboa lookout, there is a wonderful opportunity for photographs before returning to Puerto Varas.

Day 8:  Fly to Punta Arenas – Take 4 Hr. Bus ride to Puerto Natales

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Today is a travel day. You’ll be picked up and transferred to the airport at Puerto Montt for a flight to Punta Arenas, the gateway to Patagonia. Founded in 1847, the city flourished thanks to the regular maritime traffic between Europe and the Pacific Ocean region, via the Strait of Magellan which was the only link between both oceans at that time. In the nineteenth century, it was considered one of the most modern cities in the southern extreme of South America. Its architecture is still intact and reflects the wealthy society of those days.

In Punta Arenas, a local representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the bus station and help you and the others in the group board a regular bus (four-hour drive) to Puerto Natales. Reception at the bus station and transfer to the hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 9: Sail around Fjords and Glaciers

It’s an early wakeup call as you get ready to sail from Puerto Natales to the beautiful Ultima Esperanza (Last Hope) Fjord. After a 3-hour navigation, you will arrive at the thousand-year-old glacier of Mount Balmaceda, inhabited by noisy cormorants and raucous sea lion colonies. At the end of the fjord, you disembark and walk approximately 1 kilometer (3/4 mile) to the foot of the vast Glacier Serrano. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 10: Torres Del Paine National Park

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Your focus today is one of South America’s best national parks, Torres del Paine National Park. Departure from Puerto Natales. The journey continues through barren steppes and Patagonia scrub, full of abundant wild life and herds of sheep. In Torres del Paine, a large variety of native fauna, especially large herds of guanacos, can be observed.

Visit the Salto Grande of the Pehoe River, guarded by the impressive mountain massif of Torres del Paine in the background. Continue on to Lake Pehoe, Lake Grey and Grey Glacier, where glaciers and ice fields abound. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Cisne Cuello Negro.

Day 11: Travel by bus and plane back to Santiago

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Transfer to the bus station to board the regular service bus, which connects travelers to the Punta Arenas airport, where you will connect with your flight to Santiago. In Santiago, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel. Enjoy a farewell dinner and overnight.

Day 12:  Transfer to Airport for your flight home

Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast in the hotel. Transfer to the airport to board your onward flight to the USA.