Spain and Portugal Iberian Explorer

15 days
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
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Cancellation Policy
Small Group Tour
Discover the highlights and hidden gems of Spain and Portugal on this two-week journey through the Iberian Peninsula. Mix modern metropolitan Madrid with Tarragona's ancient Roman amphitheatre, and Seville's winding narrow backstreets with Cordoba's eighth-century many-columned mosque. Slurp fresh oysters in Setubal, toast your trip with cava in the Penedes r...
19%
$4,293
From$3,490
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • Explore Spain and Portugal in two weeks
    • Discover culturally rich historic cities and villages
    • Try local specialties along the way, wine and tapas tasting

What's this trip about?

    Discover the highlights and hidden gems of Spain and Portugal on this two-week journey through the Iberian Peninsula. Mix modern metropolitan Madrid with Tarragona's ancient Roman amphitheatre, and Seville's winding narrow backstreets with Cordoba's eighth-century many-columned mosque. Slurp fresh oysters in Setubal, toast your trip with cava in the Penedes region, and sink your teeth into the beloved custard tarts of Lisbon's Belem district. Barcelona - Explore the maze of alleys and delightful squares in this iconic city Granada - Visit the spectacular Alhambra Palace Porto - Stroll the colourful cobbled streets to picturesque Cais da Ribeira

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range16 to 85 years
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityBarcelona
End CityPorto

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

  • Europe
  • Spain

Attractions

  • Andalucia
  • Bar
  • Barcelona
  • Castro Marim
  • Granada
  • Lisbon
  • Madrid
  • Mercado de San Miguel
  • Penedes
  • Porto
  • Seville
  • Tavira

Activities

  • Hiking

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Join trip in Barcelona

Our trip begins in Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, which is is full of energy and the perfectplace to start our journey. Founded by the Romans in 20 A.D, this enchanting city is a heady mix of iconic architecture, delicious gastronomy and cultural heritage. Th...

Day 2 Discover the backstreets of Barcelona

We start the day with an included guided visit to one of Gaudi's most famous works - La Sagrada Familia. Construction on this unique and enormous Basilica started in 1882 and continues to this day. Our walking tour continues through the Eixample neighbourhood, home to...

Day 3 Cava wine tasting. Stay in the ancient Roman city of Tarragona

Leaving the city behind we drive south into the Penedes region to discover the cava production process and enjoy a tasting. Cava originates from the Italian 'cova', meaning cave. Wine production caves were used for the storing and ageing of wine, Catalan winemakers ad...

Day 4 Train to Madrid. Walking tour of the city ending at Mercado de San Miguel for dinner

This morning we board the fast AVE train to Madrid, arriving in the early afternoon (departing around 10:30, taking just two hours 45 minutes). After checking into our hotel, we head out for an orientation walk of Spain's busy capital city, led by our tour leader (app...

Day 5 Discover Madrid's art neighbourhoods and parks on foot. Free afternoon

Today we explore more of this energetic capital, heading to Barrio de las Letras, the Literary Quarter and Circulo de Bellas Artes. Continuing on foot we walk through lively Lavapies neighbourhood with colourful murals and art insulations adorning the walls then on to...

Day 6 Train to Granada, explore the Moorish Albaicin neighbourhood

We take an early morning train (departing around 7:35am, taking 3 hours 45 minutes) to the famous Andalucian city of Granada. The Arabic name Al Andalus was given to the part of Spain under Islamic control for some 800 years. After checking into our hotel we will s...

Day 7 Alhambra Palace guided visit and Generalife gardens

This morning we have included a guided visit to the remarkable Alhambra Palace and Generalife gardens. In 1239 Muhammad al-Ahmar, founder of the Nasrid dynasty and Sultan of Granada, began work on this, one of the finest remaining examples of Moorish architecture. The...

Day 8 Train to Cordoba, visit the Mezquita Mosque. Continue by bus to Seville via the white village of Carmona

Today we take the train to Cordoba. Standing on the banks of the Guadalquivir river, Cordoba was one of the most sophisticated Moorish cities and is, for many, the most beautiful city in Spain. The Moors established themselves in Cordoba as early as 719 AD, and before...

Day 9 Discover Seville on foot. Free afternoon

We'll spend the morning walking through the city, exploring the former Jewish Quarter, and following winding narrow backstreets leading to Mudejar palaces (a blend of Christian and Moorish styles) and baroque churches. The afternoon is left free to explore Seville...

Day 10 Cross into Portugal, stop in Castro Marim and Tavira; drive to Lagos

Today we say goodbye to Spain and drive north into Portugal. Our first stop in Portugal is Castro Marim where we take a walk around the fascinating Templar Castle. Then we continue along the coast to Tavira for lunch, a small city on Portugal's Algarve Coast which rea...

Day 11 Drive to Lisbon. Discover Belem

This morning, have some free time to enjoy the hotel's facilities or the nearby beach. You could also take an optional boat trip along the cliffs to Ponte Piedade. Driving into Lisbon we stop in Belem to pay a visit to a traditional pastelaria and enjoy a deliciou...

Day 12 Explore Lisbon's Bairros on foot

Our morning walking tour (approx. three hours) takes us through some of the different bairros (neighbourhoods) of Lisbon as an introduction to this great city. Built on seven hills, you can see the typical trams negotiate the undulations of Lisbon's cobbled streets, a...

Day 13 Follow the coastline to Porto, visiting Obidos and Aveiro

Today we head north along the Atlantic coast to Porto, making several stops along the way. Obidos is considered to be one of the most picturesque and well preserved medieval towns in Portugal. The town prospered after becoming part of the royal estate from the 13th...

Day 14 Porto walking tour and port tasting. Free afternoon

This morning, our tour leader will take us on a walking tour of colourful Porto (approx. two hours). We'll stroll down the cobbled streets to Cais da Ribeira - undoubtedly the most picturesque spot. This characterful quayside is dominated by the tall outline of the t...

Day 15 Trip ends in Porto

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Porto. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Porto at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like an airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Porto Airport (OPO), which is about 30 minutes' drive.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,490
Price per day$233
Last Updated: 4/25/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Single Room (Optional)
Availability
11 May 2024
25 May 2024
$4,030
$1,000
8 spots left
01 Jun 2024
15 Jun 2024
$3,760
$1,000
14 spots left
15 Jun 2024
29 Jun 2024
$3,870
$1,000
12 spots left
07 Sep 2024
21 Sep 2024
$4,030
$1,000
10 spots left
28 Sep 2024
12 Oct 2024
$4,160
$1,000
10 spots left
19 Oct 2024
02 Nov 2024
$3,490
$1,000
15 spots left

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Explore!.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Explore! Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
6,561
Great
2,178
Average
375
Disappointing
116
Terrible
56
T

Trusted Customer

Nov 2023

Written on

Spain and Portugal Iberian Explorer

This holiday is a thistle stop tour of the major cities. When arriving at each one we had an orientation walk, during which there was little time to take photos, the...

D

Dana Noland

Oct 2023

Written on

Spain & Portugal Iberian Explorer

The destinations, and the tour guide especially, were just gr...

J

John

Jul 2023

Written on

Spain & Portugal Iberian Explorer

I again was impressed with the organisation of the trip, the range of experiences offered and the dedication of the tour leader in providing the best opportunities t...

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Fabulous trip, amazing local guide Phillipe. Stunning and varied scenery. Maderia is an absolutely beautiful island. No two walking days the same. Comfortable accomm...

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This was an excellent experience and would thoroughly recommend it for those who like a bit of an adventure while exploring the beautiful mountainous area of Kaș. Ve...

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Tour Operator

Explore!

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About Explore

We've been taking small groups on adventure vacations for over 41 years. Our authentic adventure travel experiences explore the sights and culture of a country, with hand-picked accommodation that balances comfort and location. Our average group tour size is just 11; perfect for meeting new people and getting to the heart of our destinations. Explore is one of the world's most trusted adventure travel companies with over 350 trips to more than 100 countries. We are passionate about travel and have developed a wide range of unique activities and adventures which give our customers an unforgettable experience with a team of award-winning Explore leaders. With Explore, you'll get to see your destination from a whole new perspective that takes you away from the typical well-trodden tourist track. You'll have the chance to meet, dine and stay with local people, rest in authentic accommodation with other like-minded explorers and travel to must-see destinations with a unique Explore twist. From family holidays to trips for solo travelers; cycling tours to wildlife safaris; trekking on mountains or exploring miles of scenic coastline, there is something for every kind of traveler with Explore. We will provide our expert knowledge, exciting itineraries and outstanding service as part of our sustainable travel experiences which take you under the skin of the country you're visiting for the adventure of a lifetime.


Why we love this operator
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
What they’re known for
Famous for our expert local guides that help ease the unknowns of adventure travel while bringing a unique richness and spontaneity to each and every

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Logistics

Transportation & Flights

Bus, Taxi, Train,

Transportation & flights

Bus, Taxi, Train
Guides
Explore Tour Leader, Driver(s), Local Guide(s)
Cancellation policy
These conditions are applicable to Discovery & Wildlife, Cycling, Walking and Family Trips. These conditions were updated November 2022. Booked a Polar trip? Please refer to our Polar booking conditions. To make it easy to know the detail of our flexibility, we’ve put it in a grid (these terms apply to all trips apart from our Polar Voyages.) Standard cancellations or changes within 69 days of travel If you’re getting closer to your trip, cancellation charges will apply as follows: For trips confirmed by 31st December 2022: 59-42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100% For trips confirmed from 1st January 2023: 69 -42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100%
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Portugal: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens. Spain: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office.
Health & Safety
Nothing compulsory but Tetanus is usually recommended as a precaution. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at <a href="https://www.explore.co.uk/essential-information/know-before-you-go/travel-health">Explore Travel Health</a> and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast : 14
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Additional Information
Trip ID
explore-SPI

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