Compare Best of the Portuguese Way by World Expeditions vs Exploring Iberia: Southern Spain to Coastal Portugal - 2024 by Collette

Day 1 Arrive Lisbon, welcome dinner

Make your way to the joining hotel in Lisbon and meet your guide at 4pm for an orientation walk of the city. Welcome dinner with the guide and group.

meals : D

Day 2 Guided city tour then drive via Estoril and Sintra to Pousada in Óbidos

This morning we'll have a guided city tour in Lisbon with a local guide including visits to the Cathedral, Castelo de Sao Jorg and the Tower of Belem. Later we transfer along the coast via Estoril, Cascais and Sintra to Óbidos where you can stroll in the old city before dinner.

meals : B,D

Day 3 Walk a section of the Portuguese Way to Santarem, transfer to Coimbra (2.5hrs)

Transfer to the Camino Portugués, where we walk to Santarem, located on the right bank of the Tagus River. The town has a rich and ancient history, having been inhabited by the Lusitani people, Greeks, Romans, Visigoths, Moors and later Portuguese Christians. From here we transfer to Coimbra, visiting the ruins of Coninbriga, the largest Roman settlement in Portugal, on the way.

meals : B

Day 4 Visit Coimbra, walk along the Way, transfer to Porto, guided tour and wine tasting (3hrs)

Coimbra is a lively university town situated on the Mondego River. In the morning we visit the old city and university, which is famous for its library Biblioteca Joanina. We then walk for 11 km along the Way before transferring to Porto, located on the banks of the Douro River. Porto's maritime legacies and importance as a New World trading port shaped it into a proud city, with an impressive cathedral and port wine lodges. We'll have a guided tour with a local guide including visiting the Cathedral, the Tower of Clérigos, the Ribeira-quarter and a wine cellar with tasting (of Tawny and Ruby wine) and in the evening have a special dinner at a restaurant with lovely river views.

meals : B,D

Day 5 Transfer by tram to walk a section of the coastal route and continue to Guimaraes

Free time in Porto before taking the tram along the river to the Castelo do Queijo. From here we walk along the coast for 10-12 km then transfer to Guimaraes where we can explore the old city with its variety of national monuments and historic buildings on foot.

meals : B

Day 6 Visit Braga and walk a section of the Central route before visiting Ponte de Lima (3hrs)

Today we visit the historic town of Braga to see the cathedral and the old quarter before transferring to the Camino Portugués to begin our walk for the day, 10-12 km along the Central route to Santiago. We visit Ponte de Lima, the oldest town in Portugal, and transfer to Viana do Castelo, for our overnight stay.

meals : B

Day 7 Walk along the Camino Portugués de la Costa, overnight Parador (3.5hrs)

We cross the border with Galicia in Spain by ferry, discovering the landscape of the Miño river estuary. After visiting the pre-roman settlement in Santa Tegra, we pass A Guarda and walk along the Atlantic Coast. We transfer to Baiona, visiting the impressive fortress and the Caravela of Colón. Overnight stay is at the Parador.

meals : B

Day 8 Camino walk then visit a manor house and wine cellar en route to Santiago (3.5hrs)

This morning we visit Pontevedra, including the A Peregrina church and the squares of A Ferraría, Leña and Verdura. We'll transfer then walk for 10-12 km along the Portuguese Way before visiting a Pazo manor house, discovering camellia gardens and trying the local wine (Albariño). Transfer to Santiago.

meals : B

Day 9 Guided tour then rest of day at leisure to explore Santiago before farewell dinner

Guided tour in Santiago in the morning to the Cathedral, University, local market and the Alameda Park, with free time in the afternoon to explore. There's a special farewell dinner tonight.

meals : B,D

Day 10 Transfer to the airport, trip concludes

The trip concludes with a group transfer to the airport after breakfast.

meals : B

Day 1 Overnight Flight

Enjoy a true taste of the Iberian Peninsula. Your tour begins with an overnight flight.

Day 2 Málaga, Spain - Tour Begins

Welcome to Málaga, a city known for its Andalusian lifestyle and birthplace of artist Pablo Picasso. This evening, join your fellow travelers and your Tour Manager for a welcome reception.

Day 3 Málaga

Discover the port city of Málaga with a local guide. Walk through the colorful market stalls and learn about the history and culture of this seaside community. Meet a local from the Sepulcro Brotherhood to learn about the importance of the religious brotherhoods to the local culture. Then, stop at a local bodega bar to sample some tapas. Then it’s your choice! Venture into the Alcazaba and get to know the fortified palace with a local guide -OR- enter the Picasso Museum, where you’ll see paintings by this iconic artist who called Málaga his first home.

Day 4 Málaga - Granada - Málaga

Today travel to Granada, the last capital of the Moors in Spain before it fell to the Catholic monarchs in 1492. Spend the morning with a local expert visiting the Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s known as one of the Wonders of the Muslim World. After your extensive morning walk at this centuries-old palace and fortress complex, enjoy some free time in Granada for lunch on your own. Later, return to your hotel to spend the evening as you please.

Day 5 Málaga - Frigiliana - Nerja - Málaga

Journey to the picturesque white villages of Andalusia. Frigiliana, considered to be one of the most beautiful villages in the region, will make you feel as though you have stepped back in time. Take in its whitewashed houses and historical sites while walking through the narrow cobblestone streets. Travel to the town of Nerja and explore its famous caves, home to one of the world’s largest stalactites. In Nerja, visit the Balcón de Europa, a balcony in the center of town with stunning views of the sea. Return to Málaga where you can choose to join your Tour Manager on a sunset marina stroll with a sweet surprise — the perfect way to say goodbye to Málaga.

Day 6 Málaga - Ronda - Cordoba

Next stop: Ronda, a historic town perched upon a cliff in Andalusia. Explore the Old Town full of twisting narrow streets, the 18th-century Puente Nuevo (New Bridge) over the El Tajo gorge, and La Alameda Park with its panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. During your walking tour, get the local perspective about the often-debated topic of bullfighting in this city rich with history surrounding these contests. Complete your tour of Ronda and be welcomed into a local’s home for a home-hosted lunch. Arrive in Cordoba and end your day with dinner at a local restaurant alongside your fellow travelers.

Day 7 Cordoba

Begin your day immersing yourself in the culture of Cordoba when you admire the rows of patios* filled with colorful flowers and plants. Meet with a local to discuss the tradition and importance of these bountiful displays. Later, tour the magnificent Mezquita (UNESCO). Originally built as a mosque, it was converted into the city’s cathedral when the Christians conquered the region in 1236.

Day 8 Cordoba - Seville

Your taste of local culture continues today, rather literally. Head to an award-winning olive grove and learn about this family-owned business. Try their unique olive oil during lunch before departing fort Seville, Spain’s “cultural capital.” Once you arrive, get acquainted with Seville on a panoramic city tour featuring the famous Bull Ring, Torre de Oro, Plaza de Espana, and Maria Luisa Park. This evening, take in sweeping views of Seville from atop the Mirador Setas viewpoint. After you’ve worked up your appetite, you’ll sit down to dinner at a trendy local restaurant.

Day 9 Seville

In Seville, it’s your choice! Take a walking tour of the quaint Santa Cruz Quarter with its cascading bright flowers, whitewashed buildings and winding streets -OR- take a horse and carriage ride through Plaza de España and Maria Luisa Park – one of the loveliest parks in all of Europe. Then, discover the magnificent Seville Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest gothic cathedral in the world. View the ornate architecture of the cathedral and see Christopher Columbus’ tomb. Later this afternoon, during an Impact Moment, participate in a flamenco lesson at Fundacion Cristina Heeren de Arte Flamenco. This is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the art of flamenco in Spain and internationally. After your lesson, enjoy a traditional flamenco performance.

Day 10 Seville - Estremoz, Portugal - Portuguese Riviera

Say adios to Spain and travel through the Portuguese countryside to Estremoz – a historic town whose marble can be found in Portuguese monuments throughout the country. After a lunch full of local flavor, continue on to the Portuguese Riviera, the picturesque region situated along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy an evening at leisure to do as you please.

Day 11 Portuguese Riviera - Lisbon - Portuguese Riviera

Olá Lisboa! It’s time to get to know Europe’s second oldest capital city. Start in Belem, home to many of Lisbon’s most iconic sites. After viewing the impressive Jeronimos Monastery (UNESCO) facade, embark on a unique panoramic city tour. Hop on to one of Lisbon’s iconic trams taking you through the postcard-worthy streets of the hilly city. Return to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day to explore independently. This evening, you may choose to join an optional experience to see local artists perform traditional Fado music (UNESCO).

Day 12 Portuguese Riviera - Sintra - Portuguese Riviera

Head to the town of Sintra (UNESCO), a favorite summer residence of Portuguese kings for six centuries. Explore the Quinta da Regaleira, a 20th-century palace with an elaborate gothic façade and beautiful gardens. Then stop at a local bakery and indulge in a local pastry before enjoying some time on your own to discover this storybook town. Tonight, toast to a wonderful trip with your fellow travelers during a farewell dinner featuring savory Portuguese favorites.

Day 13 Portuguese Riviera - Tour Ends

This cultural deep dive into Spain and Portugal comes to a close today.