Highlights of Portugal & Spain — G Adventures | TripFinder.ca
GOperated by G Adventures
Highlights of Portugal & Spain
From
CAD 6,949
Duration
20 days
Countries
Spain, Portugal
Activity
easy
Group size
Max 16
The adventure
As former imperial powerhouses, Spain and Portugal have centuries of history and rich culture to offer. You, however, have only 20 days — so let’s make ‘em count. This epic adventure across the Iberian Peninsula is your chance to dive into these two nations through their mouthwatering cuisine, stunning architecture, and dreamy countryside. Get lost in the magical streets of Lisbon, Porto, Barcelona, and Madrid, sip your way through Logroño’s wine country, and feast on world-class dishes in San Sebastián. Immerse yourself in local life, because Spain and Portugal are Europe’s ultimate two-for-one deal.
◆Arrive at any time.
If visiting the historic district of Belém is on your bucket list, we recommend arriving early on this day to explore its major sites like the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower. Most attractions in Belém are closed on Mondays.
◆Enjoy a CEO-led orientation walk of Lisbon. The rest of the day is free for exploration. In the evening enjoy a Fado performance and traditional Portuguese dinner in one of Lisbon's oldest neighbourhoods.
◆Leave Lisbon behind and head north to the small hill town of Batalha, best known for its ornate gothic monastery built to commemorate Portugal's victory in the infamous battle of Aljubarrota. Visit the historic Monastery of Batalha with free time to wander the grounds. Continue to the medieval capital of Portugal, Coimbra.
◆Enjoy a free day to explore Coimbra. Opt to visit the famous Coimbra University, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2013 (and also the inspiration for Harry Potter's Hogwarts). Explore the winding streets and the riverfront filled with restaurants and bars, or opt for a day trip to the nearby coastal town of Aveiro or the pilgrimage sites of Fátima.
◆Continue to the historic and vibrant coastal town of Porto in the morning, and take an orientation walk upon arrival.
◆Free day to explore Porto. Opt to take a cruise down the Douro River, or explore the city which gained UNESCO World Heritage designation in 1996. In the evening enjoy a visit to the port wine cellars and a tasting.
◆Catch a flight to Madrid and spend the rest of the day exploring the city at your own pace.
◆Take a brief orientation walk with your CEO, then enjoy a full day to explore this bustling capital. Discover Plaza Mayor or opt to visit the famous Royal Palace. Indulge in delicious Spanish tapas or get your art fix at the Prado Museum.
◆Journey south to Granada. Upon arrival enjoy an orientation walk. Wander through the whitewashed historic quarter of the Albaicin; with its narrow lanes and fantastic views, it's a great place to watch the sunset.
◆Enjoy a guided visit to the architectural masterpiece, the Alhambra. In the evening, opt to go for a stroll and check out the local tapas and wine bars.
◆Travel to Seville via picturesque Cordoba. Go for a stroll through the historic Jewish quarter and visit the iconic Mezquita de Cordoba (mosque). In the early evening, continue towards Seville and end your day with free time to get to know the city.
◆Spend a day enjoying this city and its Moorish influence. Opt to explore the district of Santa Cruz, the Alcázar palace or the world's largest Gothic cathedral. In the early evening, end your day with a dramatic flamenco performance.
◆Hop on the train and get comfortable on the journey north to Barcelona. Take an orientation walk, including visits to the Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas. In the evening participate in a G Adventures supported cooking class, followed by a group dinner to round out the day.
◆Get out and explore all that Barcelona has to offer, or choose to journey further afield to the surrounding beaches and countryside to get a true taste of Catalan life.
◆Travel by train to the La Rioja wine region of Spain and the city of Logroño, visiting a local winery shortly after arriving for a tasting. In the evening, set off with your CEO on a tavern crawl to sample small plates of food, called pintxos, very delicious and typical to this part of Spain, which will serve as a light dinner.
◆Take advantage of a free day in Logroño to discover wine country as you please. Options include a day tour to the nearby town of Haro, visit wineries or see some of the sights in the city like the cathedral or the Museum of La Rioja.
◆Travel through the Navarre region today from Logroño to San Sebastian with many stops on the way. First, stop in the town of Obanos for a hike along a portion of the famed Camino de Santiago trail. Continue by bus to the town of Olite to visit the grand palace then stop in Pamplona for a bit of free time to explore. End the day's travels on the coast at San Sebastian and check into the hotel.
◆Start the morning with an orientation walk of San Sebastian with your CEO before enjoying the rest of the day free to get the most out of the city's vibrant centre, waterfront and the incredible food. Some options to choose from could be a visit to a local cider house, take a bike, or a walking tour.
◆Catch a morning bus from San Sebastian to the city of Bilbao. Set off with your CEO on an orientation walk before enjoying the rest of the afternoon free to explore. Choose to visit the stunning Guggenheim Museum, or climb the Mallona Stairs to Parque Etxebarria for beautiful views over the city.
Day 1Arrival dayArrivalArrive at any time. If visiting the historic district of Belém is on your bucket list, we recommend arriving early on this day to explore its major sites like the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower. Most attractions in Belém are closed on Mondays.
Arrive at any time. If visiting the historic district of Belém is on your bucket list, we recommend arriving early on this day to explore its major sites like the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower. Most attractions in Belém are closed on Mondays.
Day 2Enjoy a CEO-led orientation walk of LisbonOpt to take a day trip into the foothills of the surrounding mountains to Sintra. Get lost in the city's winding streets lined with pastel coloured houses, palaces, majestic gardens and lush forests. It doesn't get more postcard-worthy than this.
Lisbon
Opt to take a day trip into the foothills of the surrounding mountains to Sintra. Get lost in the city's winding streets lined with pastel coloured houses, palaces, majestic gardens and lush forests. It doesn't get more postcard-worthy than this.
Day 3Leave Lisbon behind and head north…
Lisbon
Leave Lisbon behind and head north to the small hill town of Batalha, best known for its ornate gothic monastery built to commemorate Portugal's victory in the infamous battle of Aljubarrota. Visit the historic Monastery of Batalha with free time to wander the grounds. Continue to the medieval capital of Portugal, Coimbra.
Day 4Enjoy a free day to explore Coimbra
Enjoy a free day to explore Coimbra. Opt to visit the famous Coimbra University, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2013 (and also the inspiration for Harry Potter's Hogwarts). Explore the winding streets and the riverfront filled with restaurants and bars, or opt for a day trip to the nearby coastal town of Aveiro or the pilgrimage sites of Fátima.
Day 5Continue to the historic and vibrant coastal town…
Continue to the historic and vibrant coastal town of Porto in the morning, and take an orientation walk upon arrival.
Day 6Free day to explore PortoHead down Allies Avenue to see the French-inspired buildings. Bargain at the Bolhão Market. Wander the city's World Heritage-listed Ribeira district, visit São Francisco church, the palatial former 19th-century stock market Palácio de Bolsa or head to the Clerigos Tower for a panoramic view of the city. In the evening, become an Port wine connoisseur with a visit to the cellars and a port wine tasting.
Head down Allies Avenue to see the French-inspired buildings. Bargain at the Bolhão Market. Wander the city's World Heritage-listed Ribeira district, visit São Francisco church, the palatial former 19th-century stock market Palácio de Bolsa or head to the Clerigos Tower for a panoramic view of the city. In the evening, become an Port wine connoisseur with a visit to the cellars and a port wine tasting.
Day 7Catch a flight to Madrid and spend…
Catch a flight to Madrid and spend the rest of the day exploring the city at your own pace.
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