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Map of Premium Spain & Portugal including Portugal and Spain

Discover the stories of Spain and Portugal on an in-depth adventure

Get swept up in the colours, tastes and sounds of two of Europe’s most beloved countries on an 18-day Premium journey through Spain and Portugal. See flamenco in Seville, taste paella in Valencia, feel the history of the Alhambra in Granada and uncover the hidden corners of Cordoba. Discover the birthplace of port and the treasures of the Douro Valley, take a step back in time at the ancient university of Coimbra, learn the secrets of Porto’s backstreets and get to the heart of glorious Lisbon. Travel with passionate local leaders eager to share the magic of their homelands.

Start
Barcelona, Spain
Finish
Porto, Portugal
Destinations
Portugal, Spain
Style
Premium
Theme
Explorer
Code
ZMPSC
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

premium accommodation

Our best accommodation and highest level of service.

premium experiences

Unusual, exceptional and authentic on-trip experiences.

premium knowledge

Led by our most experienced and highest rated local leaders.

  • Discover the wonders of Barcelona, Lisbon’s energetic atmosphere, the medieval charms of Coimbra and the hidden back streets of Porto during explorations with your knowledgeable local leaders.

  • See the enchanting Alhambra Palace in Granada by night with an expert guide. Avoid the crowds as you receive special insight into the complex’s fascinating history.

  • Visit fabulous local wineries during a tasting tour in the picturesque Douro Valley, stopping off for a lunch made with regional delights.

  • Taste the best of Spanish cuisine when you tour the markets of Barcelona, sample olive oil at a family-run farm in Andalucia and try delicious marzipan in Toledo.

  • Spend two nights in a converted 18th-century mansion for your feature stay in Seville. From antique furnishings to first-class service and an unbeatable location, this family-run hotel is sure to delight.

Is this trip right for you?

  • Many of the wonderful cities and sites of this trip are explored on foot. Please ensure you bring sturdy walking shoes and comfortable clothes, plus suitable luggage for navigating cobblestone streets.

  • Summer temperatures can be extreme (over 40°C), so it's important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water. Please consider your suitability to the season you are travelling in.

  • During your discoveries you will visit a numerous religious sites. You will need to bring clothes that cover the arms, and pants or skirts that go past the knees. A light scarf is also a good idea for covering shoulders and arms when it’s hot. Your leader will advise when such clothing is necessary.

Peregrine Adventures spain seville flamenco dancer
spain_food_paella
Peregrine Adventures spain toledo tagus river bridge
Peregrine Adventures spain barcelona decorative tile art
Portugal Lisbon Street
Portugal Feature Stay: Villa Gale Douro Vineyards aerial view
Portugal Feature Stay: Villa Gale Douro Vineyards hotel interior
Portugal Feature Stay: Villa Gale Douro Vineyards - standard room interior
Portugal Feature Stay: Villa Gale Douro Vineyards people enjoying wine on rooftop
Portugal Feature Stay: Villa Gale Douro Vineyards outdoor pool area
Portugal Douro boats

Itinerary
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Beinvenido – welcome to Spain! Your adventure begins in Barcelona, a city overflowing with iconic architecture and superb cuisine. You will be collected from the airport on arrival and transferred to your hotel, where you will meet your leader and small group for a 7pm welcome meeting. If you arrive early, you may like to visit Sagrada Familia, one of Gaudi's masterpieces and a wonderful icon of the city, or venture into the narrow medieval streets of the Gothic Quarter. Barcelona is known for a diverse and creative food scene utilising the freshest market ingredients. Tonight you’ll head to a wonderful local restaurant away from the tourist trail and taste some of the city’s best dishes. Perhaps try some la bombas, tasty potato croquettes, or esqueixada, a salad made with salted cod.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Barcelona 1882 or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Barcelona - Welcome Dinner at Local Restaurant
Optional Activities
  • Barcelona - Museum of City History - EUR7
  • Barcelona - Picasso Museum - EUR14
  • Barcelona - National Art Museum of Catalonia - EUR12
  • Barcelona - Tapas Tour in El Raval Urban Adventure - EUR70
  • Barcelona - Andean-Amazonian Ethnographic Museum - Free
  • Barcelona - Casa Batllo - EUR24
  • Barcelona - Old Santa Creu Hospital - EUR10
  • Barcelona - Museum of Gaudi - EUR6
  • Barcelona - Guell Palace - EUR12
  • Barcelona - Cathedral - EUR7
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
As trip doesn’t spend a lot of time in Barcelona, we recommend arriving a day or two early to get the most out of the city. If you would like to visit La Sagrada Familia, it’s best to pre book your tickets before the tour. To do so, please check https://tickets.sagradafamilia.org/site/SagradaFamilia/ for updated information on availability and times of the visit. On this tour, best time to visit Day 1, ideally in the morning or early afternoon so you don’t miss welcome meeting at 7pm.

It's all about food this morning, so loosen that belt and venture forth to the morning markets with your leader who will have the best tips on all things food related. They'll talk you through both traditional Iberian foods and the new trends, then have you tasting some of the most delicious things on the planet: three types of olives, pickled garlic, lomo Iberico de Belotta, manchego cheese and olive oil. Enjoy some time out for lunch then bid farewell to Barcelona and travel to Valencia, your base for the next two nights. Spain’s third largest city, Valencia has a unique cultural identity and a wonderful old town centre that dates back 2000 years. On arrival, you’re free to explore the city and discover the harmonious mix of Roman, Muslim and Christian influences in its buildings, monuments and magnificent gardens.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Dimar or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Barcelona - Market Visit & Produce Tasting
  • Barcelona - Walking Tour with Local Guide
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 4.5 hours.

Start the day with a short drive south of Valencia to discover Albufera Lake, an important ecological site of the region. The lake is surrounded by beach, dunes, lagoons, wetlands and Mediterranean forest, and is home to six small islands. You will visit the island of El Palmar and discover its typical ‘barraca’ houses. Travel by boat to the middle of the lake and learn about the important agricultural crop of the area, namely the local rice. Finish off with an included lunch of the most famous Valencian dish – paella. The rest of the day is yours to explore Valencia. You may like to visit the city's major landmark – the City of Arts and Science, a large and futuristic museum complex designed by Calatrava. Or perhaps head out to a local cafe to enjoy the treats that Valencia has to offer – from horchata to artisan chocolates, the city is a gastronomical heaven.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Dimar or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Lake Albufera - Boat Tour & Barraca Visit
  • Valencia - Paella Lunch
Optional Activities
  • Valencia - Treats & Tastes of Valencia Urban Adventure - EUR55
  • Valencia - Street Art in Old Valencia Urban Adventure - EUR35
  • Valencia - Sagunto Castle - Free
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Depart Valencia and travel to Granada. Along the way you will travel through the distinctive countryside of the region and pass through Elche, capital of the region of Bajo Vinalopó. The historic quarter of Elche preserves part of its Muslim past and Baroque splendour. Walk around palm tree grove, one of the largest and the only one in Europe. Your leader will explain how the grove was established by the Phoenicians and expanded by the Arabs in the 8th and 9th centuries. The palmeral consists of several parts spreading across downtown. Then it's on to the city of Granada, one of the jewels of Andalucia.
Accommodation
  • Sercotel Gran Hotel Luna de Granada or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Elche - Palmeral Visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 5.5 hours.

This morning you will get acquainted with Granada during an orientation walk with your leader. Learn the fascinating history of the city and discover Islamic architecture and Arab influences at every turn. Enjoy some time for your own explorations of the city – perhaps head to a local teahouse to sample some Moorish pastries. The evening will be spent exploring Granada’s impressive Alhambra Palace, the former home to Granada’s Nasrid emirs and one of the world’s great architectural masterpieces. Dating back to the 11th century, Alhambra represents Muslim art in its final European stages. First, meet with an expert local guide and tour the palace’s perfectly manicured gardens. Take a break and enjoy dinner at a nearby restaurant, then return to the palace for an evening tour with your local guide – by now the crowds have dispersed and you will be free to explore the site in all its glory. Your guide will bring history to life and provide expert insight as you explore the dominating red fortress towers, opulent palace décor and a multitude of architectural styles. With ancient defensive walls, turrets and fountains set against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains, touring this magnificent site by night is an experience that will stick with you.
Accommodation
  • Sercotel Gran Hotel Luna de Granada or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Granada - Exclusive Guided Alhambra Night Visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Farewell Granada and head for Seville this morning. Today you will learn more about the importance of olive oil production in the Andalucia region by visiting an oil farm on your way to Seville. Let the passionate owner of the family-run business walk you through the process of olive oil production, and taste some different variations of the final result yourself, along with some cheese Iberian ham and wine. Continue on to Seville. The largest city in southern Spain, Seville is famous for its cultural vitality and dazzling architecture. On arrival, check in to your feature stay accommodation, a gorgeous family-run boutique hotel. Converted from an 18th-century mansion, the hotel celebrates its roots with its elegant décor and antique furnishings. Personal touches are everywhere, from incredibly friendly service to hand painted details in the rooms and the owner’s great-grandmother’s shawl hanging in reception. Not to mention, the hotel boasts an unbeatable location on the Alameda de Hercules, lined with cafes, restaurants and music venues. This evening, perhaps head out to explore the lively neighbourhood on your doorstep.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Sacristia de Santa Ana or similar (Feature Stay) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Andalucia - Olive Oil Mill Visit & Tasting
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 3 hours.

This morning, meet with a local guide who’s an expert on all things Seville and get to know the city during a walking tour. Explore narrow streets, hidden squares filled with orange trees and flower-adorned patios as your guide provides local insight into the history of the city and how it’s enjoyed today. Visit the Alcazar of Seville, a grand royal palace, and uncover its secrets with your guide. Known as one of the most beautiful in Europe, the Spanish royal family still to this day use the Alcazar as their residence in Seville. The rest of the afternoon is yours for further discoveries - you may wish to take an optional visit to the Giralda Tower and the famous Seville Cathedral, one of Europe’s largest cathedrals and home to Christopher Columbus’ elevated tomb. This evening, join your group for a live flamenco show – a traditional Spanish style of dance with roots in Seville. This colourful, lively and rousing performance will certainly be one to remember.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Sacristia de Santa Ana or similar (Feature Stay) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Seville - Alcazar Visit
  • Seville - Walking Tour with Local Guide
  • Seville - Evening Flamenco Show
Optional Activities
  • Seville - Indias Archive - Free
  • Seville - Cathedral & Giralda Tower - EUR10
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today you will journey to the city of Cordoba, where Muslim, Jewish and Christian influences are present in the architecture, culture and cuisine. Cordoba is also home to the Mezquita – a rare site which has served as both a mosque and a cathedral throughout the centuries. Today a cathedral stands within the centre of this amazing mosque – an interesting example of the interplay of Christian and Muslim cultures in Spain. Discover this supreme example of Islamic architecture on a comprehensive guided tour with your leader which continues outside of the Mezquita and explores the charming quarters and hidden corners of Cordoba. The city is bursting with traditional tapas bars – this evening be sure to ask your leader for tips on the best place to grab a bite to eat.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Soho Boutique Capuchinos or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Cordoba - Walking Tour of the Mezquita & Cordoba City with Local Guide
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 2 hours.

Travel from Cordoba to Madrid by high-speed train. Upon arrival in Madrid, settle into your hotel before heading out on a walk through the Old Quarter of Spain’s capital with your leader. Uncover the history of the city as your leader points out significant buildings, monuments and architecture. The rest of the day is free for further explorations. If you're feeling artsy, while away the hours on the Art Walk, which offers an expansive history of Western art. Start with the Museo del Prado, home to one of the world's finest collections of European art from the 12th to the 19th century. Discover modern Spanish masters, including Picasso and Dali, in the Museo Reina Sofia's 20th-century collection. Finish at the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, which displays eight centuries of European painting. Take a break in the Real Jardin Botanico, a garden wonderland dating from the 18th century.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Soho Boutique Congreso or similar (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Madrid - Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza - EUR12
  • Madrid - Real Jardín Botánico - EUR6
  • Madrid - Museo del Prado - EUR15
  • Madrid - Abono Paseo del Arte (3 museum combo voucher) - EUR30
  • Madrid - Tapas Urban Adventure - EUR82
  • Madrid - Royal Palace - EUR11
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Our means of transportation between Cordoba and Madrid is by high-speed train in 2nd class. Spanish trains are comfortable and have the bonus of departing and arriving right in the city centre, avoiding heavy road traffic along the way. Today’s train journey is approximately 2 hours.

Travel to the city of Toledo this morning. The unique old town of this city sits on a high craggy rock and is encircled by the Tagus River. As a former capital of Spain, Toledo has immense historic significance and holds many architectural treasures. Examples of buildings from most architectural periods in Spain’s history can be seen here, from the Gothic to the Baroque. Today you’ll experience Toledo’s culture in the form of a marzipan tasting. While a few countries compete for the rights, the Spanish argue that marzipan was invented in Toledo. Either way, the sweet treat made from almond meal, honey and sugar has been produced in this city for generations, and is undoubtably some of the world’s best. Find out how it’s made, its significance to Toledo, and taste some yourself. Return to Madrid for a free afternoon – you may like to check out the Royal Palace, or stroll around the Parque del Retiro. This evening, get together with your group for dinner at a fantastic local restaurant.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Soho Boutique Congreso or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Toledo - Marzipan Tasting
  • Toledo - Day Trip
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 2.5 hours.

Today you will leave Spain and catch a flight to Lisbon, Portugal’s joyful capital city. You will be picked up from the airport and taken to your centrally located hotel. There will be a meeting at the hotel at 6pm this evening to welcome any new travellers joining you for the next part of your journey. After the meeting, join your leader and small group for a welcome dinner at one of Lisbon’s magnificent restaurants. Going out to eat is one of Portugal’s great pleasures, and tonight your leader will introduce you to traditional Portuguese recipes and a local culinary scene that’s exploding with regional flavour.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Figuera Lisboa or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s flight is approximately 1.5 hours.

As this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group will likely change at this location. There will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary. We suggest you attend, as this is also a great chance to meet your new fellow travellers. It’s important that you attend the welcome meeting as your new group leader will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Lisbon is one of Europe’s great cities. Much of Lisbon’s character lies in its beautiful renovated buildings, grand boulevards and impressive castles and churches. Visit one of the most symbolic buildings in the city, Lisbon Cathedral. Hear how the cathedral was built on the site of an old mosque in 1150 by Lisbon’s first bishop, Gilbert of Hastings. Next your leader will take you to the fantastic medieval citadel of Sao Jorge Castle and share stories of its history. Although much of the original castle has been destroyed, some sections of walls and 18 different towers remain today. Look down on a city swarming with endless angular white houses and buildings with distinct red terracotta rooftops. The afternoon is free to make further discoveries of Lisbon – perhaps roam through the delightful narrow streets of distinct local neighbourhoods, visit Belem Tower, or the spectacular Monastery of the Jeronimos.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Figuera Lisboa or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Lisbon - Walking Tour with Local Guide
  • Lisbon - Castle of Sao Jorge
Optional Activities
  • Lisbon - Belem Tower - EUR8
  • Lisbon - Jeronimos Monastery - EUR10
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Head outside of the city for a full-day excursion from Lisbon. First to Sintra, a bewitching place set amidst lush vegetation and rugged, mystical hills. Your leader will explain how the cooler climate made Sintra a summer retreat for royalty, and why it has drawn and inspired many poets, writers and travellers for centuries, including Lord Byron. Spend some time exploring Sintra’s colourful Pena Palace and gardens. Continue to Cabo da Roca, a cape which forms the westernmost extent of mainland Portugal and continental Europe. Then on to the cosmopolitan town of Cascais. Once a quiet fishing village, later Cascais became a residence of the Portuguese royal court in the 19th century and is now a glamorous holiday destination. Take some time to explore the fabulous little restaurants and try some local delicacies. After a day of exploring, make the journey to Coimbra with a late arrival.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Vila Gale Coimbra or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Sintra - Pena Palace & Gardens
  • Sintra, Cascais & Cabo da Roca - Day Trip
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Sitting dignified on the banks of the River Mondego, Coimbra was once the medieval capital of the county, and its royal heritage can be felt in its ancient streets and buildings. Get to know the city as your leader guides you through the lanes and squares of the Old Quarter. The real star of the show is Coimbra’s prestigious university – one of the oldest in the world. This evening, immerse yourself in Portugal’s cultural heritage by heading to an included traditional Fado music show. Portugal’s version of the blues is hauntingly beautiful and hearing it performed live is an experience to remember. Your leader can recommend some superb spots to eat after the show.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Vila Gale Coimbra or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Coimbra - Fado Show
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Travel this morning from Coimbra to the Douro Valley. Famous not only for its sublime scenery, the Douro Valley is known for producing some of the world’s most wonderful wine. Today you will have the chance to find out why as you head out for a tasting tour at one of the region’s best wineries. You can’t spell Portugal without Port, and to taste this iconic fortified wine is to taste thousands of years of Portuguese history. Learn the story of its origins and the history of wine production in the area while discovering which locally produced vino is your tipple of choice. Sit down to an included lunch of rustic regional specialities prepared with fresh local ingredients (and paired with more wine, of course!). Enjoy a gentle boat ride on the Douro River with the option to visit another winery if you feel so inclined. Stop by the lovely little riverside village of Pinhao then continue on to your feature stay accommodation, tucked away between the rolling hills and terraced vineyards of the spectacular Douro Valley.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Vila Gale Douro Vineyards (feature stay) or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Douro Valley - Douro River Boat Ride
  • Douro Valley - Wine Tasting & Lunch
  • Douro Valley - Day Trip
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 5 hours.

Make your way to Porto, a romantic city on the banks of the Douro River. On arrival, join your leader for an orientation walk of the city’s collection of twisting alleys, crisscrossing staircases and baroque churches. Pass majestic bridges, explore the riverside district’s cobbled streets, merchants’ houses and cafes. In the evening, head to the nearby city of Vila Nova de Gaia to end the day with some sunset drinks.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Moon & Sun or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Porto - Sunset Drinks in Vila Nova de Gaia
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total driving time is approximately 4 hours.

Take the local train to the seaside city of Matosinhos where you’ll have some time to relax on the beach, dine at the fresh seafood restaurants or stroll along the promenade. Return to Porto and enjoy a free afternoon. Perhaps head to one of the city’s riverfront cafes for a coffee and pastry overlooking the colourful rows of old houses, or take a walk around the World Heritage listed Ribeira district. Regroup in the evening for a final dinner at one of Porto’s excellent local restaurants.
Accommodation
  • Hotel Moon & Sun or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Matosinhos - Half Day Trip by Local Train
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

There are no activities planned for today, and as such, you are free to leave at any time. If you wish to spend some more time exploring Porto, we will be happy to arrange additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

18 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 4 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, High-Speed Train, Local Train, Plane

Accommodation

Comfortable Hotel (14 nights), Feature Stay (3 nights)

Included activities

  • Barcelona - Welcome Dinner at Local Restaurant
  • Barcelona - Market Visit & Produce Tasting
  • Barcelona - Walking Tour with Local Guide
  • Lake Albufera - Boat Tour & Barraca Visit
  • Valencia - Paella Lunch
  • Elche - Palmeral Visit
  • Granada - Exclusive Guided Alhambra Night Visit
  • Andalucia - Olive Oil Mill Visit & Tasting
  • Seville - Alcazar Visit
  • Seville - Walking Tour with Local Guide
  • Seville - Evening Flamenco Show
  • Cordoba - Walking Tour of the Mezquita & Cordoba City with Local Guide
  • Toledo - Marzipan Tasting
  • Toledo - Day Trip
  • Lisbon - Walking Tour with Local Guide
  • Lisbon - Castle of Sao Jorge
  • Sintra - Pena Palace & Gardens
  • Sintra, Cascais & Cabo da Roca - Day Trip
  • Coimbra - Fado Show
  • Douro Valley - Douro River Boat Ride
  • Douro Valley - Wine Tasting & Lunch
  • Douro Valley - Day Trip
  • Porto - Sunset Drinks in Vila Nova de Gaia
  • Matosinhos - Half Day Trip by Local Train

Premium Inclusions

  • Arrival airport transfer
  • Tipping for accommodation, activities and transport
  • Luggage transfer
  • Daily breakfast and signature local meal experiences
  • 24/7 on-ground support

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Premium Spain & Portugal trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

From 01 September 2021, all travellers on Intrepid trips will be required to produce proof of full vaccination against COVID-19. Excludes Australia, New Zealand and Cook Islands tours. Read details here.

1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
2. 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. There are a limited number of single supplements available per trip departure. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. 

Essential trip information

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