15. Best of Portugal

Embark on an unforgettable journey with Iberica Travel on our exceptional Portugal Tour, exploring the rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultures of Spain and Portugal. This immersive experience takes you through iconic cities and landmarks, offering a unique glimpse into the heart of the Iberian Peninsula.

Begin your adventure in Madrid, traveling to the enchanting city of Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its golden sandstone buildings, historic University of Salamanca, and the lively Plaza Mayor. Cross into Portugal to discover the picturesque town of Viana do Castelo, renowned for its blend of architectural styles and traditional gold filigree jewelry.

In Braga, immerse yourself in a city steeped in history and spirituality, home to the famous Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary and Portugal's oldest cathedral. Experience the vibrant city of Porto, where you can stroll along the Douro River in the bustling Ribeira district, visit the majestic Porto Cathedral, and taste the world-famous Port wine in historic cellars.

Explore Coimbra, Portugal's former capital, and its ancient University of Coimbra, one of the oldest universities in the world. Visit the sacred town of Fátima, one of the most significant Catholic pilgrimage sites globally, and feel the profound spiritual atmosphere at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima.

In Lisbon, Portugal's captivating capital, marvel at the monumental Belém Tower, the Jerónimos Monastery, and the historic Alfama Quarter with its narrow streets and traditional Fado music. Indulge in the famous pastel de nata and soak up the city's vibrant nightlife.

As you journey back to Madrid, stop in the medieval city of Cáceres, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its blend of Roman, Islamic, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture. Stroll through the charming Plaza Mayor and ancient cobblestone streets lined with historic palaces.

Join Iberica Travel on this remarkable Portugal Tour and create lasting memories as you uncover the wonders of Spain and Portugal. Discover breathtaking landscapes, immerse yourself in rich cultures, and experience the enchanting allure of the Iberian Peninsula.

Please click here to see the route on a map.

Day 1: Madrid to Salamanca and Vigo (590 km / 366 miles)

Your adventure begins bright and early as we depart from Madrid at 8:00 a.m., heading towards the enchanting city of Salamanca. Located in the northwestern part of Spain, Salamanca is a city of exceptional beauty and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. You'll have ample free time to explore its stunning city center at your own pace.

Be sure to wander through the beautifully preserved Old Town, where the unmistakable sandstone architecture graces some of the city's most famous monuments. Marvel at the impressive New Cathedral, which stands alongside its historic counterpart. Construction began in the 15th century and continued until the 18th, showcasing a blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque elements. Don't miss the University of Salamanca, one of the oldest and most beautiful universities in the world, founded between 1425 and 1433.

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Plaza Mayor, one of Spain's largest squares and an emblem of the city, declared a National Monument. Admire the curious façade of the Casa de las Conchas (House of Shells), a 16th-century building adorned with over 300 stone shells. Later in the day, we'll continue our journey to Vigo, where you'll enjoy a delightful dinner and settle into your accommodations.

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Day 2: Vigo to Viana do Castelo, Braga, and Porto (150 km / 93 miles)

After breakfast, we'll set off towards Portugal, crossing the border to arrive at the charming town of Viana do Castelo, situated between the mouths of the rivers Minho and Lima. Viana do Castelo is a visual delight, boasting architecture that spans Baroque, Manueline, Renaissance, and Art Nouveau styles. Stroll through the old town's cobbled streets lined with ornate buildings. This town is also renowned for its exquisite gold filigree jewelry - a specialty of the area - so it's an excellent place to find unique pieces.

After some free time to explore, we'll continue to Braga, a city immersed in historical and spiritual surroundings and acclaimed as a youthful center due to its vibrant university community. Within the café-filled center, students gather to socialize and exchange ideas. A short distance away, tourists can visit the famous Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary and the oldest cathedral in Portugal. Braga is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the third-largest city in Portugal after Lisbon and Porto. You'll have free time to discover Braga's charms before we depart for Porto in the early evening. Upon arrival, you'll check into your accommodations.

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Day 3: Exploring Porto

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a comprehensive city tour of Porto. This lively and extraordinary city offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy. Weathered yet beautiful, the city's dated buildings add character, while the twinkling lights along the Douro River illuminate its heart. Friendly locals, charming trams, adorned architecture, and world-famous wine all contribute to Porto's enchanting atmosphere.

Explore Porto's most eclectic area, the Ribeira District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The bustling riverside quarter invites everyone to relax by its banks, with picturesque views of the river, cafés, historic buildings, and statues adding to its allure. Visit the city's most important religious edifice, Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto), declared a National Monument. Located in the upper part of Porto, the cathedral resembles a fortress with its crenellated exterior and offers impressive views over the city, the Douro River, and the waterfront wine cellars.

Admire the 19th-century Palácio da Bolsa, a neoclassical masterpiece and UNESCO World Heritage Site, built to attract international business. Discover the Igreja de Santa Clara, one of Portugal's most exquisite examples of 17th-century woodwork, reflecting Baroque and Rococo styles. Capture unique angles of the city from the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge, opened in the late 19th century. It was once the longest of its kind and connects Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia and its famous wineries.

We'll also visit an antique wine cellar to learn about the wine-making process and, of course, taste the famous local fortified wine, Port, often served straight from the barrel.

The afternoon is yours to explore the city at your leisure. You might visit Livraria Lello, one of the world's most beautiful bookstores and a favorite haunt of J.K. Rowling when she lived in Porto and began writing the Harry Potter series. Be prepared for lines, but the stunning interior is well worth the wait. Marvel at the city's unique azulejo art—ceramic tiles that adorn buildings, streets, and homes. Notable landmarks featuring azulejos include São Bento Station, Igreja de Santo Ildefonso, and Igreja do Carmo. Indulge in Porto's culinary delights, as the city boasts one of the country's best gastronomic scenes.

Spend a second night in Porto, soaking up its enchanting atmosphere.

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Day 4: Porto to Coimbra (120 km / 75 miles)

After breakfast, we'll depart for Coimbra. Although it served as Portugal's capital during the 12th and 13th centuries, Coimbra is often overshadowed by Lisbon and Porto. The city's main attraction is its university—the 700-year-old patrimonial jewel founded in 1290, making it one of the oldest universities in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013.

In your free time, explore the university and the city. Notice the traditional student uniforms that might remind you of Hogwarts—a nod to J.K. Rowling's time in Portugal when she began writing Harry Potter. Visit the Joanina Library, one of the most beautiful libraries in the world, a testament to the university's rich academic heritage. Wander through the charming streets that blend old and new, where ancient customs meet modern life.

We'll enjoy lunch together, and then you'll have more free time to discover Coimbra before settling in for the night.

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Day 5: Coimbra to Fátima and Lisbon (222 km / 138 miles)

After breakfast, we'll head towards Fátima, one of the world's most significant Catholic pilgrimage sites. We'll stop at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima, where you'll have time to feel and appreciate this sacred place.

Highlights include the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, a Neo-Baroque limestone church built between 1928 and 1953, featuring a 65-meter-high bell tower and a large statue of Our Lady of Fátima above the entrance. Across the square, the Basilica of the Holy Trinity is a modern, austere structure built between 2004 and 2007 to accommodate the large crowds of pilgrims, with a seating capacity of over 8,000.

Later, we'll continue to Lisbon. Upon arrival, you'll check into your accommodations, enjoy dinner, and have the evening to relax.

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Day 6: Discovering Lisbon

Start your day with breakfast before embarking on a guided tour of Lisbon with a local expert. Lisbon effortlessly blends rich history with a buzzing modern atmosphere, offering a wide array of activities and attractions.

Tour highlights include the Monument of the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos), a 50-meter-tall sculpture honoring Portugal's Age of Discovery, featuring statues of important figures like Henry the Navigator, Vasco da Gama, and Ferdinand Magellan. Visit the Belém Tower, built in the 16th century as a fortress and ceremonial gateway to the city, boasting intricate ornamentation, including arcaded windows and Moorish-style watchtowers. Explore the Jerónimos Monastery, the undisputed highlight of Lisbon's attractions. This former monastery, begun in 1501 and taking nearly a century to complete, stands as a testament to Portugal's prosperity during its imperial height.

Wander through the Alfama Quarter, the oldest and most historical part of Lisbon, a maze of narrow, winding streets that survived the 1755 earthquake and fires. This area is the heart and soul of the city, rich in tradition and character.

In the evening, enjoy Lisbon at your own pace. Don't miss the chance to try the famous pastel de nata (egg tart), a local delicacy dating back to the 16th century, available at any coffee shop or bakery. Spend another night in Lisbon, perhaps exploring its vibrant nightlife or relaxing in a cozy café.

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Day 7: Lisbon to Cáceres and Madrid (613 km / 381 miles)

After breakfast, we'll depart back to Spain, heading to the province of Extremadura with a stop in the beautiful city of Cáceres, founded by the Romans in 25 BC. Visiting Cáceres is like stepping back into the medieval era, with streets that climb and twist among ancient palaces and mansions. The skyline is adorned with gargoyles, spires, and gigantic storks' nests.

During your time in Cáceres, make sure to see the Plaza Mayor, the town's most lively square, where you can climb the steps from the old town to see the impressive Torre de Bujaco. Adjacent to the tower, the Arco de la Estrella serves as the traditional entrance to the Old Town. Inside the fortress, explore the Palacio de Toledo-Moctezuma, a palace from the 14th and 15th centuries.

Additionally, wander through the small streets filled with shops selling local products like homemade pastries, sweets, goat cheese (Torta de Casar), and fig cake. After a delightful time in Cáceres, we'll continue our journey, arriving in Madrid where our unforgettable tour concludes.

Prices:

Per person in double/twin room: 945 €

Single Supplement: 320 €

Supplement July to Oct.: 60 €

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Discounts:

Here you will find commonly asked questions regarding our tours.

1. Are the tours for individuals, families, or small groups of friends?

- Yes. Our tours are for single travelers, couples, families, and groups of friends whom we put together with other travelers to form a larger group.

2. How many people are normally included on a tour?

We cannot guarantee an exact number per tour. Normally, it ranges from 10 to 25 people per group, but these numbers can vary greatly depending on the time of year. In summer, groups tend to be larger as this is a popular time of year, while the winter season usually attracts fewer people, thus smaller groups are formed. There are certain tours that combine travelers if the destinations follow the same routes; e.g., you may be on a 10-day tour package with companions traveling on a 5-day package. The tour will cover the same areas, and the 5-day package guests will break off thereafter. Also, more people may be joining in for the other part of the package.

3. Is there a guide or tour leader on the bus?

- Yes. An accompanying guide (tour leader) always travels with the group during the entire tour. An exception may occur when there are minimal numbers signed up for a particular tour. These small groups will travel with an experienced, English-speaking driver-guide. In all major cities, we use local professionals and licensed guides.

4. What languages do the guides use?

English and Spanish. All our tour guides speak both languages fluently. If a tour group consists of an English-speaking group only, the tour will run in English. But most of the tours will have both English and Spanish (from Latin America and Central America) passengers, so the guides will explain in both languages.

5. Do your tours run during certain times of the year?

Most of our tours run all year. Some tours, e.g., those running to the northern regions of Spain, only run from March until October. Each tour's description provides all the relevant information needed. For example, ''Sundays all year'' means that a tour will start on every Sunday of the year, regardless of the numbers. Just look up the calendar for the specific dates Sundays are falling on, and make sure you arrive in Spain a day before.

6. What cities do the tours start from?

Tours start in Madrid or Barcelona.

7. Where are the meeting points for the tours?

In Madrid, it is Calle Ferraz 3 (Ferraz Str., 3). This meeting point is in the city center, right off Plaza España.

In Barcelona, it is in the reception of the Hotel ''Catalunya Barcelona 505'' (Carrer de Muntaner, 505, 08022, Barcelona).

8. Do you pick them up from the hotels on the first day of the tour?

By default, no. We do not pick up from hotels because that would delay the tour launch time. However, if your hotel is en route, using the same bus route on launch day, we will pick you up. A week before travel, we require the name of your hotel in Madrid and will inform you if you can be picked up directly from your hotel or need to head over to the meeting point at 7.45 a.m.

In Barcelona, the meeting point is always in the reception of the ''Catalunya Barcelona 505'' hotel.

9. What type of vehicles do you use?

We use buses for larger groups and minibuses for smaller ones. Vehicles are comfortable, modern, and equipped with air conditioning.

10. If there is Wi-Fi on your buses,?

There is Wi-Fi on all our buses in Spain and Portugal. But please keep in mind that sometimes during the transfers between the cities, the Wi-Fi signal can be weak or intermitting due to poor coverage from the main operators. Please do not expect very high Internet speed (to download or stream movies during the transfers).

11. Are meals included?

Buffet breakfasts with all the drinks are included every morning in all hotels our guests occupy during their tour.

Lunches and dinners are included anywhere that's mentioned in the itinerary (sections ''Itinerary'' and ''Included in Tour''). Normally, dinners are held in the hotel's restaurants, but many times they will be buffet (''eat as much as you want''), and only drinks will be at an extra cost. Also, sometimes lunches and dinners will be held in the restaurants.

12. If I am a vegetarian or allergic to certain products, is there any problem?

No problems at all. Inform the tour leader, and he will assist you. On a side note, many dinners are buffet-type, so you can simply choose what you prefer. For those with allergies, if in doubt, please remind the tour leader during mealtimes. Alternatively, ask the restaurant staff about the content of the dishes.

13. What time do you arrive in Madrid on your last day of travel? Can I book a flight on the same day, flying out of Spain?

Normally, we return to Madrid between 17.00 and 19.00 on the last day of the tour. However, it is not recommended to book the flight out on the same evening or night, as traffic jams in Madrid or other possible events may delay your arrival. Feel free to talk to us before starting the tour, and we'll organize your overnight stay in Madrid after the tour.

14. I need a night in the hotel or a transfer from or to the airport to be booked before or after the tour.

Sure. Just let us know at the time you organize it.

15. Can I just show up for the trip without a reservation and pay directly in the office, on the spot?

Unfortunately, not. The tour must be booked in advance, as we need to make all the arrangements beforehand.

16. How long in advance should I book a trip?

If you book at least 2 weeks in advance, the trip is guaranteed for you, though we recommend booking even earlier, if possible, as in these cases we have a wider range of hotels to accommodate the early reservations—better options.

17. Can I customize one of the tours for myself?

No, as there are more people traveling with you on the tour. However, if you represent an agency or the leader of a group of people, contact us; we'll take care of a private and customized tour for your party only.

18. What is the booking process?

It is simple. Once you have chosen the tour, there are six steps:

1. You confirm the tour by e-mail, indicating the starting date, tour code, number of persons traveling, and their names, as well as the types of rooms preferred (single, double, or triple).

2. We will send you an invoice.

3. You pay 10% to book the tour.

4. We issue the confirmation.

5. Three weeks before the starting date, you pay the rest of the money due, and

6. You show up for the tour on the appointed date and time.

19. How much should I pay and when?

We require a 10% deposit during reservation and the remaining 90% no less than 3 weeks before the tour commences.

20. How would I pay?

You can pay in one of four ways:

1. Bank wire to our company’s bank account. Our banking details are included on the invoice that you receive.

2. We can charge your credit card. Please keep in mind that, in this case, we charge an additional 2% on top of the amount (bank charges).

3. Transferwise.com is an online system allowing the transfer of funds. There is a small commission attached.

4. Western Union (normally for short-notice reservations and when the amount needs to be received urgently).

21. What is the cancellation and refund policy?

10% paid at the time of reservation is non-refundable. The other 90% is fully refundable if cancelled in no less than 2 weeks (e.g., if you paid 100% upfront, you get the whole amount right away). There are no refunds for cancellations made with less than 3 weeks to go before the trip.

22. Are there any discounts or surcharges?

Yes. Discounts are listed under the section ''Prices'', under each package.

23. Are taxes included in the tour prices?

Yes, VAT and tourist taxes for different cities are included.

24. How do I know if I need a visa for Spain or Morocco?

- Please check the visa information for Spain here. The visa requirements for Morocco can be found here. Please note that all trips to Morocco will require your Schengen visa to be of an ''multiple entry'', as you will enter Spain for the second time.

25. I am ready to go ahead and book one of your tours, but I need a visa to enter Spain.

Yes, we do help our customers get their visas after a trip is confirmed. As we are a fully licensed tour operator in Spain, after the deposit is paid, we can issue a confirmation, which you can later bring to the Spanish Embassy or Consulate. In this letter, we confirm that you booked and partially (or fully) paid for a tour with us. Please note that we do not guarantee the issue of a visa and cannot influence the process. The decision is up to the Embassy, as they have their own rules and regulations for each country. At the same time, we do our best to ensure we provide assistance where possible.