Our once-a-year Cyber Sale is now on. Get up to 20% off* a huge range of trips for a short time only. Book Now!

Explore Spain & Portugal

15 Days | From the hills of Granada to the beaches of Lisbon

4.7 out of 5 based on 42 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
EUR €2,968
View dates and book

Follow an enticing trail of delicious tapas, avant-garde art, architectural triumphs and dramatic history on this 15-day tour through Spain and Portugal. Travel the scenic route from Madrid to Barcelona, relaxing on the beach in Algarve, sipping wine in Porto, enjoying the rolling green hills of Granada and being charmed by Andalusian Seville. Admire the masterpieces of Picasso, Dali and Gaudi, experience the passion of flamenco, taste some of the best port in the world and embrace the culture of these two spirited countries with a local leader to show you the way.

Trip overview

Map of Explore Spain & Portugal including Portugal and Spain
Start
Madrid, Spain
Finish
Barcelona, Spain
Theme
Explorer
Destinations
Spain, Portugal
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
Style
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
ZMSI
We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, find out more about our climate commitments and carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Get lost in the labyrinthine streets of the Albaicin in Granada before crossing the river to visit the imposing Moorish fortress of the Alhambra.
  • Unwind in a laidback fishing town in the Algarve, soaking up the sun on the beach and enjoying an included boat trip around the rocky cliffs of the coast.
  • Join pilgrims along the last leg of the famous Camino de Santiago journey as they reach the historic cathedral in Santiago de Compostela.
  • Pulsing with quirky and vibrant art and architecture, walking the streets of Barcelona is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the unique culture of Catalonia.
  • Sit back, relax and watch the water flow by in one of Porto’s river restaurants while you sample a couple of varieties of the city’s signature wine – port!
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Open Arms. Donations help them safeguard the physical integrity and rights of migrant people in imminent danger who have fled their homes across the Mediterranean Sea.

Is this trip right for you?
  • Please note that this trip covers a lot of ground. The majority of travel between destinations on this trip is done by trains and local buses. Time estimates are given in the day-to-day itinerary. It's a good time to sit back, relax and let the scenery roll past your window. It's also a perfect opportunity for local interaction.
  • Summer temperatures can be extreme in Spain and Portugal (over 40°C), so it’s important to use sun protection, wear breathable layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water. Many hotels in Europe have fans, not air conditioning. In contrast, this trip also has departures during the winter months (mid-October to mid-March). This is the perfect time to see the highlights of Spain without any of the crowds, however the weather during this time of year is unpredictable, and possibly cold and rainy. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.
  • Space is at a premium in Europe and your hotel is no exception. Rooms are often small, but usually the central location makes up for that. For those travelling as a duo, hotels in Europe often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together.
  • You don't have a lot of time in Madrid and Barcelona at the start and the end of the trip respectively, so if you're keen to explore these spectacular cities in depth, we recommend you arrive a day or two before the start of the trip and/or extend your stay at the end.
  • Some hotels and train stations don't have lifts, and you will need to walk up and down some stairs carrying your luggage. Please make sure it doesn’t exceed our weight and size recommendations. You can find this information in the 'What to Take' section of the Essential Trip Information.
  • Please note that shops, attractions, sights and businesses may be closed for up to 5 hours in the middle of the day for siesta time. This gives the locals time to escape the heat and spend time with their families, eat a large lunch or simply sleep through the most uncomfortable time of day. This means of course that people work later into the evening and dinner time can seem quite late – 9.30 pm is not uncommon for family dinner time.
  • On this trip you must pack as lightly as possible because you will be expected to carry your own bag and although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes), we strongly recommend keeping the weight between 15kg / 33lb. Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps to accommodate the cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs and steps you are likely to encounter while carrying your luggage. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips.

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2023 to 31 December 2023.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024

Map of Explore Spain & Portugal including Portugal and Spain

Inclusions

Meals

9 breakfasts

Transport

Train, Public bus, Plane, Metro, Taxi

Accommodation

Hotel (14 nights)

Activities
  • Granada - Guided Visit to Alhambra Palace & Gardens
  • Seville - Evening Flamenco Performance
  • Lagos - Algarve Cliff Boat Trip
  • Porto - Port Wine Tasting
  • Santiago de Compostela - Camino de Santiago Hike
Add on activities
  • Madrid - Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza - EUR12
  • Madrid - Museo del Prado - EUR15
  • Madrid - Real Jardín Botánico - EUR6
  • Madrid - Museo Reina Sofia - EUR10
  • Madrid - Royal Palace - EUR11
  • Madrid - Tapas Urban Adventure - EUR82
  • Granada - Jose Guerrero Centre - Free
  • Granada - Mirador de San Nicolas - Free
  • Granada - Science Park - EUR7
  • Granada - Science Park Planetarium - EUR2
  • Granada - Catedral de Granada - EUR5
  • Granada - Capilla Real - EUR5
  • Seville - Torre del Oro - EUR3
  • Seville - Santa Paula Convent - EUR3
  • Seville - Indias Archive - Free
  • Seville - Museum of Fine Arts - EUR2
  • Seville - Archaeological Museum - EUR3
  • Seville - Andalusian Contemporary Art Centre - EUR3
  • Seville - Guided Tour including Alcazar - EUR13
  • Seville - Museum of Art & Popular Customs - EUR2
  • Seville - Cathedral & Giralda Tower - EUR10
  • Seville - Casa de Pilatos - EUR8
  • Lisbon - Fado Show with Dinner - EUR50
  • Lisbon - Naval Museum - EUR5
  • Lisbon - National Art Museum - EUR6
  • Lisbon - Folk Art Museum - EUR3
  • Lisbon - Oceanarium - EUR17
  • Lisbon - Puppet Museum - EUR5
  • Lisbon - Gulbenkian Museum - EUR10
  • Lisbon - Citadel - EUR9
  • Lisbon - Belem Tower and Monastery - EUR13
  • Porto - Lello Library - EUR3
  • Porto - Clerigos Tower - EUR5
  • Porto - Serralves Foundation - EUR5
  • Porto - Bolhao Market - Free
  • Santiago de Compostela - Visit to a Local Cheesemaker - EUR20
  • Santiago de Compostela - Bike Hire - EUR10
  • Santiago de Compostela - Pilgrimage Museum - EUR2
  • Santiago de Compostela - Cathedral - Free
  • Barcelona - Barcelona Cathedral - EUR11
  • Barcelona - Casa Batllo (advance booking required) - EUR29
  • Barcelona - Cable car to Montjuic (one way) - EUR10
  • Barcelona - Contemporary Art Museum - EUR10
  • Barcelona - Guell Palace - EUR12
  • Barcelona - Museum of City History - EUR7
  • Barcelona - Picasso Museum - EUR14
  • Barcelona - Ethnological and World Cultures - EUR5
  • Barcelona - Old Santa Creu Hospital - EUR16
  • Barcelona - Museum of Gaudi - EUR6
  • Barcelona - National Art Museum of Catalonia - EUR12
  • Barcelona - La Sagrada Familia (must be prebooked in advance) - EUR26
  • Barcelona - Tapas Tour in El Raval Urban Adventure - EUR70

Dates and availability

Loading trip dates and availabilities...

Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. A guided visit to the Alhambra Palace and Gardens is included in your trip. Please note that due to high demand and to be able to control visitor numbers, local authorities have implemented a timed ticket slot system for the Alhambra Palace. Depending on your departure date the time of your group's visit can vary. Please note that tickets are nominative, and you will need to advise us of your passport details at the time of booking as we are unable to organize tickets for you without them. Details will be counter checked at the entrance, so make sure you bring your passport with you at the time of the visit.
3. The luggage limit for airlines we use for the domestic flight on this trip is 20kg. Exceeding this limit will incur an excess baggage charge, payable by the traveler. However, we must stress that due to the adventurous nature of this trip and the amount of public transport we use on it, this limit far exceeds Intrepid's recommended luggage weight for this tour (10kg).

Essential Trip 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.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 based on 42 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

Filter by rating

Justyna · Traveled October 2023
What an amazing trip full of food, culture, history and even some beach time. The trip goes fast but allows to see so many different sides of Spain and Portugal. Our tour leader knew such much about each stop and was able to provide some extra knowledge in each area, If you are after a taster of both Spain and Portugal this is a great trip you for! had an absolutely fantastic time.
Review submitted 13 Nov 2023

Christopher · Traveled October 2023
This Explore Spain and Portugal trip provided a wonderful snapshot of what these two countries have to offer. Our tour, led by the wonderful Ana Paula, was amazing in every respect. For anyone wanting a trip filled with delicious food, sangria, wine, culture, history, art and fun, I highly recommend this tour.
Review submitted 25 Oct 2023

Sally · Traveled October 2023
I couldn’t recommend my explore Spain and Portugal trip more highly. I felt immersed in the culture of each place through the way in which we travelled and the guidance of our amazing tour leader Ana. I had an iconic two weeks!
Review submitted 26 Oct 2023

Paula · Traveled September 2023
This trip is a wonderful opportunity to explore previously unknown destinations, culture and foods. Be prepared to be amazed and immersed. The trip is quite physically active, a plus for us. I can now check off visiting the Alhambra and more from my dream list. And our tour leader, Kami, was the absolute best. She handled everything thrown her way with aplomb and a smile, and made our trip memorable, an experience we will always cherish.
Review submitted 15 Oct 2023

Po Yu Shelly · Traveled September 2023
Had the best time visiting Spain and Portugal, the places we visited were just spectacular. On reflection of this particular trip (our 3rd time with intrepid), I’d say this trip has too many free days, lack of included activities and just way too much travelling time lost to public transport. Few accomodation places were not ideal. This trip felt a bit more of a transport trip from A to B rather than highlights of Spain and Portugal as you will need to organise your own itinerary on the many free days.
Review submitted 15 Oct 2023
Explore Spain & Portugal
From
EUR €2,968