Essential Spain and Portugal
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Dive into the highlights of Portugal and Spain, from mountain ranges to thriving city nightlife
This 11-day adventure from Lisbon to Barcelona is the perfect introduction to two countries packed with natural scenery, cultural city life and delicious cuisine. Soak up the rocky coastlines along the Algarve, head out for some optional kayaking or boat rides, then dive into Spain for tapas, churros and hiking. Enjoy the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains on a hike, see some street art and dive into the local culture of Seville, Granada, Madrid and Barcelona. This trip has heaps of free time to choose your own adventure, so you can forge some new friendships your own way.
4.7
16 reviewsStart: Lisbon, Portugal
End: Barcelona, Spain
- Duration
- 11 days
- Group size
- 1 to 16
- Ages
- Min 18 - Max 35
- Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time
Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time
Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities
Premium: Our best accommodation, exclusive inclusions and our most experienced leaders
- Basix
- Theme
Our themes categorise trips based on a common interest or activity, while showcasing the highlights of a destination.
- 18 to 35s
- Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
This trip is for 18 to 35 year olds
Tick off all the popular spots and enjoy unique local experiences
Affordable trips with the freedom to choose how you spend your time
Connect to the places you go and the communities at the heart of every Intrepid experience
Why you'll love this trip
- Take a day trip out to Monachil in Spain and hike the Los Cahorros trail near the Sierra Nevada mountains. You’ll walk along suspension bridges, through waterfalls and soak up the beautiful natural landscape.
- Feast on the delicious food in two countries known for their cuisine, with a tapas tasting of local favourites in Seville and a churros sampling in Madrid (don’t forget to eat countless pastel de natas during your time in Lisbon!).
- Wander the colourful streets of the multicultural Lavapies neighbourhood in Madrid during a street art tour with a local guide and graffiti enthusiast. This company supports sustainable tourism and promotes social projects within the local community.
- See the incredible views from the Ponta da Piedade trail in Lagos – this stretch of endless coastline boasts beautiful natural scenery, rock caves, grottoes, and crystal-clear waters.
- Carve your own adventure with tonnes of free time for activities you want to do – maybe go kayaking in Lagos, see the sites in Barcelona, or simply chill out on the beach in the Algarve.
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025
Itinerary
Ola! Welcome to Portugal. Your adventure officially kicks off in Lisbon with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe head to one of the many outdoor cafes and soak up the city’s energy. You could ride on the Gloria cable car – this bright yellow funicular is one of Lisbon’s most photographed images! Explore the trendy neighbourhood of Bairro Alto or try a pastel de nata (a sweet and delicious custard tart and Portugal’s most famous pastry). After your meeting tonight, maybe head out to the Miradouro de Santa Catarina with great views of the city and listen to the street performers play as the sun goes down.
- Hostel (multi-share) (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Lisbon - Gulbenkian Museum - EUR10
- Lisbon - Belem Tower and Monastery - EUR20
- Sintra - Return Train Ticket - EUR10
- Lisbon - Ginginha Tasting - EUR2
- Lisbon - Naval Museum - EUR7
- Lisbon - Oceanarium - EUR25
- Lisbon - Folk Art Museum - EUR5
- Lisbon - Puppet Museum - EUR5
- Lisbon - National Art Museum - EUR8
- Sintra - Pena Palace (entrance fee) - EUR20
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
As this trip doesn’t spend much time in Lisbon, it’s highly recommended that you arrive a few days early to explore all this great city has to offer.
Due to the popularity of Pena Palace in Sintra, you should book in advance if you wish to visit at: http://www.parquesdesintra.pt/en
This morning, you’ll say goodbye to Lisbon and head to Lagos by public transport. Set on the banks of the Rio Bensafrim, Lagos has a temperate Mediterranean climate, many beaches and a rich cultural heritage. When you arrive, take an orientation walk with your leader to get your bearings before heading to the water along the Ponta da Piedade trail. A small section of the popular Fisherman’s Trail, the walk gives you great views of the natural arches, towers, grottoes and caves that have been eroded into this limestone coast. This afternoon you’re free to feast on freshly caught fish at a restaurant overlooking the water or to watch the sunset before throwing yourself into the pumping local nightlife.
- Hostel (multi-share) (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lagos - Walk the Ponta Da Piedade Trail
- Lagos - Orientation Walk
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
You have a free day in Lagos today to take on some fun, optional activities. After breakfast, maybe head out for a kayaking adventure and paddle through the clear water, natural rock archways and gorgeous coastal scenery. You could also take a 1-hour boat tour around the Algarve Caves, sailing along the coast and soaking in the landscape.
- Hostel (multi-share) (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lagos - Algarve Caves Boat Tour - EUR20
- Lagos - Kayak Tour - EUR35
After breakfast, you’ll travel to your first stop in Spain – Seville. If the legends are to be believed, this city was founded by Hercules and its origins are linked with the Tartessian civilisation. Seville is famous for its oranges, tapas and flamenco, all three of which are ingrained in the city’s proud people. When you arrive, you’ll get your bearings with an orientation walk. Then, the rest of the evening is free. Maybe explore shaded Barrio Santa Cruz or San Jacinto – the bustling main street of the Triana quarter.
- Hostel (multi-share) (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Seville - Orientation Walk
Your travel time today will be approximately 6.5 hours.
Today is a free day to wander Seville at your own pace. Check out the world's largest Gothic cathedral and maybe climb the 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! Perhaps visit the Alcazar – a complex of palaces used by Moorish and Christian rulers through the ages, now gaining international fame as a shooting location for ‘Game of Thrones’. If you’re a museum buff, maybe head to the Museum of Fine Arts or the Archaeological Museum. As Seville is the tapas capital of Spain, you’ll link back up with your group this evening for a tasting tour with your leader. Sample some of the tasty morsels on offer in one of the city's many tapas bars. After, maybe keep the night going and catch a local flamenco performance.
- Hostel (multi-share) (1 night)
- Dinner
- Seville - Tapas Tasting
- Seville - Museum of Art & Popular Customs - EUR2
- Seville - Andalusian Contemporary Art Centre - EUR3
- Seville - Cathedral & Giralda Tower - EUR12
- Seville - Flamenco Show (from) - EUR25
- Seville - Casa de Pilatos - EUR12
- Seville - Torre del Oro - EUR3
- Seville - Royal Alcazar of Seville - EUR14
- Seville - Santa Paula Convent - EUR5
- Seville - Museum of Fine Arts - EUR2
- Seville - Indias Archive - Free
If you wish to visit the Royal Alcazar of Seville, it’s best to pre-book your tickets before the tour. Check https://www.alcazarsevilla.org/en/ for updated information on availability.
Take a local bus to Granada today. Sitting at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Granada is packed with Moorish architecture, great tapas bars and natural beauty. When you arrive, take a walk with your leader to get your bearings. After, you’re free to maybe climb the steep streets up to the Mirador de San Nicolas for sunset views over the famous Alhambra. You may also want to pass by the old Arab quarter of the Albaicin – a labyrinth of alleys, fountains, plazas and whitewashed houses.
- Hostel (multi-share) (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Granada - Orientation Walk
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
This morning you’ll journey to Monachil, where you’ll set off on a hike through the scenic Los Cahorros trail. This exciting hike features long rope bridges, swimming holes, waterfalls and a few narrow paths that require the use of handles in the rock. After, take the bus back to Granada for a free evening. If you like, you can visit the Alhambra Palace to discover the 11th-century marvel and its red fortress towers and gorgeous gardens. Explore the fountains and pools, centuries-old defensive walls, and the viewpoints overlooking Granada. Tonight, maybe wander down Carrera del Darro or grab some local bites with your group.
- Hostel (multi-share) (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Monachil - Los Cahorros Hike
- Granada - Alhambra Visit - EUR20
- Granada - Mirador de San Nicolas - Free
- Granada - Catedral de Granada - EUR6
- Granada - Capilla Real - EUR6
Your travel time today will be approximately 1 hour. Your hiking time will be approximately 4 hours.
If you wish to visit Alhambra, it’s best to pre-book your tickets before the tour. Please make sure you book tickets after 5 pm if you plan to visit today. Check https://tickets.alhambra-patronato.es/en/ for updated information on availability.
Travel to the bus station to start your journey to Madrid – the Spanish capital known for its boulevards, architecture, cuisine and manicured parks. When you arrive, check into your hotel and then head out on an orientation walk tonight with your leader to get your bearings. You’ll stop along the way for some churros (fried doughnuts), a staple snack in Spain. Then why not ask your leader the best spot for dinner and head out with your fellow travellers.
- Hostel (multi-share) (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Madrid - Churros Snack
- Madrid - Orientation Walk
Your travel time today will be approximately 5.5 hours.
Head out on a street art tour today with a local guide. You’ll walk through the streets of Madrid’s Lavapies neighbourhood and explore the district to really experience the art culture like a local. Learn some backstories of local artists and maybe even try your hand at some stencil graffiti too (if you’re lucky)! The afternoon is then free for you 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. You might also want to check out the Royal Palace of Madrid – the official residence of the Spanish royal family.
- Hostel (multi-share) (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Madrid - Street Art Tour
- Madrid - Royal Palace - EUR14
- Madrid - Tapas Urban Adventure - EUR99
- Madrid - Museo Reina Sofia - EUR12
- Madrid - Museo del Prado - EUR15
- Madrid - Real Jardín Botánico - EUR6
- Madrid - Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza - EUR13
If you wish to visit the Royal Palace or Museo del Prado, it’s best to pre-book your tickets before the tour. Please make sure you book tickets after 2:30 pm if you plan to visit today. Check https://www.patrimonionacional.es/en/visita/royal-palace-madrid and https://www.museodelprado.es/en for updated information on availability.
Today you’ll head to Barcelona, where Catalan cuisine, an eclectic art scene, Gothic architecture and non-stop nightlife are just some of the many highlights. When you hop off the train, check into your hotel, recharge, then head out to walk the streets with your leader. This afternoon, you’ll have some free time to maybe check out the iconic Sagrada Familia – the largest unfinished Catholic church in the world, designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi. Tonight, why not head out on the town with your group to a local restaurant and toast to a trip well-travelled.
- Hotel (multi-share) (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Barcelona - Orientation Walk
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
If you wish to visit La Sagrada Familia, it’s best to pre-book your tickets before the tour. Please make sure you book tickets after 5 pm if you plan to visit today. Check https://tickets.sagradafamilia.org/ for updated information on availability.
With no further activities planned, your adventure comes to an end this morning. If you’d like to extend your time in Barcelona, and it’s recommended that you do, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.
There are no meals included on this day.
- Barcelona - National Art Museum of Catalonia - EUR12
- Barcelona - Museum of City History - EUR7
- Barcelona - Old Santa Creu Hospital - EUR16
- Barcelona - Museum of Gaudi - EUR6
- Barcelona - Ethnological and World Cultures - EUR5
- Barcelona - Guell Palace (must be prebooked in advance) - EUR12
- Barcelona - Contemporary Art Museum - EUR12
- Barcelona - Cable car to Montjuic (one way) - EUR10
- Barcelona - Picasso Museum - EUR14
- Barcelona - La Sagrada Familia (must be prebooked in advance) - EUR26
- Barcelona - Casa Batllo (advance booking required) - EUR29
- Barcelona - Barcelona Cathedral - EUR11
- Barcelona - Tapas Tour in El Raval Urban Adventure - EUR99
- Barcelona - Walking tour: Explore Gaudi and Modernist Architecture Urban Adventure - EUR45
Inclusions and activities
3 breakfasts, 1 dinner
Train, metro, public bus
Multi-share Hostels and Hotels (10 nights)
- Lagos - Walk the Ponta Da Piedade Trail
- Lagos - Orientation Walk
- Seville - Orientation Walk
- Seville - Tapas Tasting
- Granada - Orientation Walk
- Monachil - Los Cahorros Hike
- Madrid - Churros Snack
- Madrid - Orientation Walk
- Madrid - Street Art Tour
- Barcelona - Orientation Walk
- Lisbon - Gulbenkian Museum - EUR10
- Lisbon - Belem Tower and Monastery - EUR20
- Sintra - Return Train Ticket - EUR10
- Lisbon - Ginginha Tasting - EUR2
- Lisbon - Naval Museum - EUR7
- Lisbon - Oceanarium - EUR25
- Lisbon - Folk Art Museum - EUR5
- Lisbon - Puppet Museum - EUR5
- Lisbon - National Art Museum - EUR8
- Sintra - Pena Palace (entrance fee) - EUR20
- Lagos - Algarve Caves Boat Tour - EUR20
- Lagos - Kayak Tour - EUR35
- Seville - Museum of Art & Popular Customs - EUR2
- Seville - Andalusian Contemporary Art Centre - EUR3
- Seville - Cathedral & Giralda Tower - EUR12
- Seville - Flamenco Show (from) - EUR25
- Seville - Casa de Pilatos - EUR12
- Seville - Torre del Oro - EUR3
- Seville - Royal Alcazar of Seville - EUR14
- Seville - Santa Paula Convent - EUR5
- Seville - Museum of Fine Arts - EUR2
- Seville - Indias Archive - Free
- Granada - Alhambra Visit - EUR20
- Granada - Mirador de San Nicolas - Free
- Granada - Catedral de Granada - EUR6
- Granada - Capilla Real - EUR6
- Madrid - Royal Palace - EUR14
- Madrid - Tapas Urban Adventure - EUR99
- Madrid - Museo Reina Sofia - EUR12
- Madrid - Museo del Prado - EUR15
- Madrid - Real Jardín Botánico - EUR6
- Madrid - Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza - EUR13
- Barcelona - National Art Museum of Catalonia - EUR12
- Barcelona - Museum of City History - EUR7
- Barcelona - Old Santa Creu Hospital - EUR16
- Barcelona - Museum of Gaudi - EUR6
- Barcelona - Ethnological and World Cultures - EUR5
- Barcelona - Guell Palace (must be prebooked in advance) - EUR12
- Barcelona - Contemporary Art Museum - EUR12
- Barcelona - Cable car to Montjuic (one way) - EUR10
- Barcelona - Picasso Museum - EUR14
- Barcelona - La Sagrada Familia (must be prebooked in advance) - EUR26
- Barcelona - Casa Batllo (advance booking required) - EUR29
- Barcelona - Barcelona Cathedral - EUR11
- Barcelona - Tapas Tour in El Raval Urban Adventure - EUR99
- Barcelona - Walking tour: Explore Gaudi and Modernist Architecture Urban Adventure - EUR45
We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, learn more about our climate commitment.
When you travel with us, The Intrepid Foundation gives you more opportunities to support important causes in destinations you visit.
Before you book you should know
- It’s bunking season! As accommodation on this trip is multi-share, solo travellers will share a room with other travellers of the same gender, an excellent opportunity to get to know other like-minded people. Travellers on the same booking may be split between rooms due to the single gender dormitories.
- Summer temperatures can be very high in many of the regions visited (over 40°C), which can be uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat, and drink plenty of water. Please keep in mind that many European hotel rooms are not equipped with air-conditioning. In Winter, warm layers will be needed as snow can be expected in some regions. Carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.
- We recommend packing light for this trip as you'll be required to carry your own luggage between train stations, buses and hotels, which can include going up and down multiple flights of stairs, and across cobblestones. A travel towel can come in handy too when staying in European hostels. You can find specifics under ‘Packing’ in the ‘Essential trip information’ section.
- This trip is a great way to see a lot in a short period of time, but if you have more time to enjoy this region you might like to check out Barcelona to Paris or Barcelona to Amsterdam
We've sourced our accommodation very carefully and picked the best possible hotels in line with the Intrepid 18 to 35s style of travel. Our first accommodation choice is always as close to the main attraction of the destination as possible, however, sometimes we are not in the right centre of action, which means you may need to hop on public transport to get to the city centre. Service and accommodation in Europe may be different to the standards you are used to. Your accommodation will not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning and rooms can be small.
OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
ROOMING ALLOCATION
Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multi-share basis. We pair up solo travellers with other travellers of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports.
CHECK-IN TIME
Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for your arrival, especially if you're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means you won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, you can store your luggage and go exploring.
PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION
If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
WOT Lisbon Patio
R. TOMÁS RIBEIRO 8
LISBOA 1050-229
Lisbon
PORTUGAL
Description
Situated in Lisbon, nestled in the heart of the coolest zone, brimming with shops, culture, and eateries and short distance from Liberty Avenue, the hostel has a number of amenities including a terrace, a shared lounge, a bar and free WiFi. Local points of interest like Bairro Alto and Chiado are reachable with public transport. Closest metro stations: Picoas and Parque Metro stations.
Instructions
To reach the hotel from the airport you can use public transport. From the aiport you can take bus 722, 783 or 744 (30 mins) and stop at Picoas metro station (150m away from the hostel).
Alternatively you can take a taxi, which will take about 15-20 minutes.
Dates and prices
Important notes
A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Days 4, 5, 6 & 7 (multi-share hostels) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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