26. Galicia, Portugal & Andalusia

Discover the Best of Portugal and Andalusia with Iberica Travel!

Embark on an unforgettable two-week journey through Spain and Northern Portugal, where breathtaking natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage await at every turn. This expertly curated tour promises iconic destinations, dynamic cities, and the very best of Iberian charm.

The adventure begins in Madrid and takes you south to Andalusia, Spain’s most vibrant region. Here, you’ll explore the "golden triangle" of Andalusian cities: Seville, Cordoba, and Granada. Andalusia is the heart of Spanish culture, known for its lively flamenco rhythms, soulful guitar melodies, delicious tapas, and warm, passionate locals. The region’s deep history and stunning landscapes have made it one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in Spain.

Next, you’ll head to Eastern Spain, home to the stunning Mediterranean coastline that stretches for over 1,000 kilometers. Relax on sandy beaches, savor fresh seafood, and explore the modern yet historic cities of Valencia and Barcelona. These Mediterranean jewels offer a perfect blend of vibrant city life and serene seaside beauty.

On the way to the northern regions, the city of Zaragoza in Aragon beckons with its stunning architecture, including the impressive Nuestra Señora del Pilar Cathedral, a masterpiece of Spanish Baroque style.

The tour continues into Northern Spain, where natural beauty takes center stage. Marvel at the dramatic landscapes of the Picos de Europa National Park and visit iconic cities like San Sebastian and Bilbao, known for their vibrant culture, world-class cuisine, and modern art attractions like the Guggenheim Museum. Delight in the charm of Santillana de Mar and the spiritual serenity of Covadonga, each offering a glimpse into Spain's rich history and traditions.

Heading west, the journey takes you to Galicia, a unique region famed for its rugged coastline, lush green hills, and dramatic mountain ranges. This Atlantic-facing region offers picturesque cities like La Coruña, Santiago de Compostela, and Vigo, where history, culture, and gastronomy converge. The region’s beaches may have cooler waters than the Mediterranean, but their beauty is unrivaled. Indulge in Galicia's seafood specialties, including the region’s renowned octopus and shrimp dishes.

From Galicia, you’ll cross into Portugal, a country steeped in history and natural splendor. Discover the magic of Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city, once a humble fishing village. Today, Porto is renowned for its vintage charm, dramatic river views, historic architecture, and world-famous wines. The shimmering lights of the Douro River at night and the city’s iconic trams create a picturesque backdrop that will leave you spellbound.

Before returning to Madrid, the enchanting city of Salamanca awaits. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a treasure trove of history, boasting incredible sandstone architecture, Spain's oldest university, and a lively atmosphere.

Experience the best of Portugal and Andalusia with Iberica Travel, where every destination tells a story and every moment is unforgettable.

Please click here to see the route on a map.

Day 1: Madrid - León - Oviedo (446 km ~ 277 miles)

Begin your journey with an early morning departure from Madrid, heading northwest to León. This historic city boasts remarkable architecture and cultural landmarks. Highlights you may explore in León include the Gothic masterpiece of León Cathedral, known for its striking stained glass; the Romanesque Basílica de San Isidoro, famous for its vibrant frescoes; and the medieval Convento de San Marcos. Stroll through Plaza Mayor, where you can enjoy coffee or a bite in its charming arcades. Later, continue to Oviedo for dinner and overnight accommodation.

Day 2: Oviedo - A Coruña (295 km)

After breakfast, head toward A Coruña in the northwest corner of Spain. This coastal city is celebrated for its maritime charm, rich history, and excellent seafood. A guided panoramic tour will introduce you to iconic landmarks like the Torre de Hércules, the world's oldest functioning lighthouse, and the 16th-century Castillo de San Antón. Admire the unique glass-fronted buildings known as galerías and perhaps sample local beer at the historic Estrella Galicia brewery. After some free time, enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in A Coruña.

Day 3: A Coruña - Santiago de Compostela (75 km ~ 47 miles)

Following breakfast, journey to Santiago de Compostela, one of the most spiritual destinations in Spain and the endpoint of the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. On a guided tour, marvel at the Cathedral of Santiago, a stunning mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles, and explore its grand square, Plaza del Obradoiro. Wander the winding streets of the historic center and enjoy lunch or tapas at a cozy café. Spend your afternoon at leisure exploring attractions like the serene Alameda Park or the San Martín Pinario Monastery. Dinner and overnight stay in Santiago de Compostela.

Day 4: Santiago de Compostela - Rías Baixas - Vigo (90 km ~ 56 miles)

After breakfast, travel through the picturesque region of Rías Baixas, renowned for its coastal inlets, islands, and scenic beaches. Stop in O Grove on the Isle of Toja to enjoy the idyllic fishing town's natural beauty. Highlights include the Chapel of the Shells and O Grove’s serene beaches. Continue to Vigo, where the old town's sloping alleys, granite buildings, and bustling squares exude charm. After exploring, settle in for dinner and an overnight stay in Vigo.

Day 5: Vigo - Viana do Castelo - Braga - Porto (220 km ~ 137 miles)

Cross into Portugal after breakfast, stopping at the beautiful town of Viana do Castelo, known for its mix of architectural styles and Portugal’s intricate gold filigree craftsmanship. Proceed to Braga, a historic city famed for the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary and the country’s oldest cathedral. After time to explore, continue to Porto for dinner and overnight accommodation.

Day 6: Porto

Start your day with breakfast followed by a guided tour of Porto. Highlights include the UNESCO-listed Ribeira district along the Douro River, Porto Cathedral, and the Dom Luís Bridge. Visit the Palácio da Bolsa and sample Porto's famous wine in a historic wine cellar. Spend the afternoon at your leisure, exploring sites like the Livraria Lello bookstore or savoring local delicacies. Enjoy another night in this captivating city.

Day 7: Porto - Coimbra (120 km ~ 75 miles)

Travel to Coimbra after breakfast, a city steeped in history and home to Portugal’s oldest university, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the university’s magnificent Joanina Library and explore the charming medieval streets. After lunch, enjoy free time to soak in the city’s academic and cultural ambiance before settling in for an overnight stay.

Day 8: Coimbra - Fátima - Lisbon (222 km ~ 138 miles)

Depart for Fátima, one of the world’s most significant Catholic pilgrimage sites. Visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima and take in the sacred atmosphere. Afterward, continue to Lisbon for an overnight stay.

Day 9: Lisbon

Discover Lisbon’s rich history and vibrant culture with a guided tour. Highlights include the Jerónimos Monastery, the Belem Tower, and the Alfama district, the city’s oldest neighborhood. Spend the afternoon at your leisure exploring Lisbon’s many attractions, from lively markets to waterfront cafés. Be sure to sample the famous pastel de nata before retiring for the night in Lisbon.

Day 10: Lisbon - Cáceres - Seville (575 km ~ 357 miles)

Cross back into Spain to visit Cáceres, a city of medieval splendor with Roman and Moorish influences. Explore Plaza Mayor, the Torre de Bujaco, and the winding streets of the old town before continuing to Seville. Enjoy dinner and overnight accommodation in this Andalusian gem.

Day 11: Seville

After breakfast, explore Seville with a guided tour, taking in the Plaza de España, Maria Luisa Park, and the Seville Cathedral with its Giralda Tower. Wander the charming Barrio Santa Cruz, and spend your afternoon exploring at your own pace. Dinner and overnight in Seville.

Day 12: Seville - Ronda - Costa del Sol (190 km ~ 118 miles)

Travel to Ronda, a picturesque town perched atop a dramatic gorge. Visit the Puente Nuevo Bridge and the historic bullring before continuing to the Costa del Sol. Arrive in Torremolinos for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 13: Costa del Sol - Granada (180 km ~ 112 miles)

Head to Granada to visit the iconic Alhambra and Generalife Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy free time to explore the city’s Albaicín district or sample its renowned tapas culture. Dinner and overnight in Granada.

Day 14: Granada - Toledo - Madrid (446 km ~ 277 miles)

On your final day, travel to Toledo, a city rich in cultural and historical significance. Visit its cathedral, synagogues, and the Judería district. After lunch, explore a traditional sword-making workshop. Later, return to Madrid to conclude your unforgettable journey.

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* If, in an unlikely case, The Patronato of the Alhambra and Generalife were not granted tickets for certain dates for the participants of the visit, a tour of the city of Granada will be provided instead: Visit the Palace of Carlos V, the Archaeological Museum, the Church of Santa María de la Alhambra, the Royal Chapel, and take a walk through the city's Alcaiceria (silk market) and the Cathedral Square.

Prices:

Per person in double/twin room: 2055 €

Single Supplement: 635 €

Supplement July to Oct.: 100 €

Supplement for departure on April 1 and 8 (Easter), April 22 and 29 (Feria) : and 18: 110 €

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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.