Spain and Northern Portugal Tour | Explore Iberia’s Best with Iberica Travel!

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Set off on an incredible two-week adventure through Spain and northern Portugal, where the stunning landscapes and vibrant cultures of the Iberian Peninsula come to life. From breathtaking scenery and dynamic cities to iconic attractions, this Spain and Portugal package offers an experience that will linger in your memory forever.

Starting in Madrid, we’ll head south to explore the famous “Golden Triangle” of Andalusia: Seville, Cordoba, and Granada. Here, the essence of Spanish culture comes alive through the passionate rhythms of flamenco, the melodies of guitar, the flavors of mouthwatering tapas, and the welcoming spirit of the locals. Andalusia’s history, charm, and stunning landscapes make it one of Spain’s most captivating regions.

Next, the journey moves east along Spain’s Mediterranean coast, where over 1,000 kilometers of shoreline await. In Barcelona and Valencia, two jewels of the region, you’ll experience a mix of world-class landmarks, delectable seafood, and picturesque beaches. From Gaudi’s architectural masterpieces to the lively streets of Valencia, these destinations capture the Mediterranean’s timeless allure.

Continuing onward, we arrive in Zaragoza, the historic capital of Aragon. Nestled between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, the city boasts stunning landmarks like the Nuestra Señora del Pilar Cathedral, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture that showcases Spain’s cultural richness.

Northern Spain welcomes us with the renowned cities of San Sebastian and Bilbao, where dramatic landscapes and a unique cultural atmosphere take center stage. Along the way, we visit the charming village of Santillana del Mar, the sacred Covadonga, and the awe-inspiring Picos de Europa National Park, offering a mix of history, spirituality, and nature.

As we head west, the journey reaches Galicia, a land of lush hills, rugged coastline, and soaring mountains. Known for its Atlantic beaches and vibrant culture, Galicia is home to delightful cities like La Coruña, Santiago de Compostela, and Vigo, where you’ll savor regional favorites such as octopus and shrimp while soaking in the region’s unique charm.

Crossing into Portugal, the exploration continues in Porto, one of the country’s most iconic cities. Once a small fishing village, Porto has grown into a cultural hub known for its historic architecture, vintage charm, and scenic views along the Douro River. Travelers from around the world are drawn to its famous trams, world-class wines, and warm hospitality, making Porto an unforgettable destination.

The adventure concludes with a visit to the historic city of Salamanca, where rich traditions and architectural wonders abound. Finally, we return to Madrid, where the journey began, bringing this incredible experience full circle.

This thoughtfully curated Spain and Portugal tour highlights the beauty and diversity of the Iberian Peninsula, combining cultural depth, natural splendor, and unforgettable moments. Perfect for lovers of travel, history, and gastronomy, this package offers a journey through the heart of Iberica travel like no other.

Please click here to see the route on a map.

Day 1: Madrid - Trujillo - Lisbon (658 km / 409 miles)

Start your adventure in Madrid at 8 a.m., heading towards the lush province of Extremadura. This lesser-known gem is home to natural parks and dramatic landscapes. Our first stop is the medieval town of Trujillo, where you'll have 90 minutes to explore its rich history. The town’s Plaza Mayor boasts stunning architecture from the 14th to 16th centuries, including manor houses with signature angular balconies. Climb up to the Castillo de Trujillo, a well-preserved fortress offering breathtaking views of Extremadura. Don’t miss the chance to try local delicacies like caldereta (goat or lamb stew) and wild asparagus.
Afterwards, cross the border into Portugal, arriving in Lisbon by evening.

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Day 2: Lisbon

After breakfast, set out on a guided tour of Lisbon, a city rich in history, culture, and breathtaking landmarks. One of the highlights is the Monument of the Discoveries, a 50-meter-tall tribute to Portugal’s Age of Discovery, adorned with 33 statues of explorers, scientists, and artists who shaped the era. Another iconic site is Belem Tower, a 16th-century architectural marvel with intricate ornamentation and a fascinating history. The tour also includes the Jerónimos Monastery, a late Gothic masterpiece that stands as a testament to Portugal’s golden age and serves as the final resting place of the legendary explorer Vasco da Gama. In the Alfama Quarter, Lisbon's oldest district, you’ll find yourself immersed in its historic charm as you wander through narrow, winding streets and enjoy picturesque viewpoints. The evening is yours to explore the city at your own pace, and it’s the perfect opportunity to try Lisbon’s iconic pastel de nata, a delicious custard tart that is a culinary symbol of the city.

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Day 3: Lisbon - Fatima - Lisbon (264 km / 164 miles)

Start your day with a journey to Fatima, one of the world’s most significant Catholic pilgrimage destinations. This sacred site is deeply tied to the apparitions of the Virgin Mary, said to have appeared to three shepherd children in 1917. Explore the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima, a sprawling religious complex that welcomes millions of pilgrims each year. The centerpiece is the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, an exquisite Neo-Baroque church featuring a towering bell tower and a serene statue of the Virgin Mary above its entrance. Across the grand esplanade, the modern Basilica of the Holy Trinity stands in contrast, designed to accommodate the vast crowds that gather during major anniversaries. This enormous structure, completed in 2007, seats over 8,000 people and reflects the enduring significance of Fatima in contemporary Catholicism. After taking in the profound atmosphere of this sacred destination, return to Lisbon in the evening. Spend your free time soaking up the lively charm of the city, sampling local cuisine, or wandering through its vibrant streets.

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Day 4: Lisbon - Caceres - Seville (575 km / 357 miles)

Depart Lisbon in the morning and head back into Spain, traveling to the historic city of Caceres, where Roman and medieval influences blend harmoniously. The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its cobbled streets, ancient stone walls, and impressive collection of medieval architecture. As you pass through the Arco de la Estrella, a beautiful star-shaped gate, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time. Highlights include the imposing Torre de Bujaco, offering panoramic views of the Plaza Mayor, and the Palacio de Toledo-Moctezuma, a grand residence that tells tales of the city’s storied past. After immersing yourself in Caceres’s rich history, continue south to Seville, arriving in time for dinner and an evening to relax.

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Day 5: Seville

Discover the beauty and vibrancy of Seville, the cultural heart of southern Spain. A guided tour will take you through some of the city’s most remarkable landmarks. Plaza de España, with its stunning ceramic details, bridges, and canals, is a testament to Spanish architectural grandeur. Stroll through the lush Maria Luisa Park, an oasis of palms, orange trees, and decorative fountains. Visit the awe-inspiring Seville Cathedral, one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world, where the tomb of Christopher Columbus is housed. The tour also includes the Barrio Santa Cruz, Seville’s charming old Jewish quarter, with its labyrinth of narrow alleys, whitewashed houses, and flower-filled courtyards. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore more of Seville at your own pace. You might climb the Giralda Bell Tower for sweeping views of the city, explore the modern Metropol Parasol, or wander through the colorful Triana District, known for its ceramics and vibrant flamenco culture.

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Day 6: Seville - Cordoba (145 km / 90 miles)

Travel to Cordoba, a city famed for its remarkable blend of cultural influences. A guided tour will take you through the historic center, showcasing the city’s distinctive patios and courtyards adorned with vibrant flowers. The highlight is the breathtaking Mosque-Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece that reflects centuries of Islamic and Christian history. With its iconic red-and-white arches and a Renaissance nave, it’s one of Spain’s most iconic landmarks. Stroll through the Juderia, the former Jewish Quarter, where narrow streets and hidden squares create a charming atmosphere. After lunch, enjoy some free time to explore or relax before settling in for the night.

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Day 7: Cordoba - Ronda - Costa del Sol (332 km / 206 miles)

Begin your day with a visit to Ronda, a stunning hilltop town perched above the dramatic El Tajo Gorge. Explore the iconic Puente Nuevo, the "new" bridge that connects Ronda’s old and new towns, and admire the breathtaking views of the canyon below. The town’s historic bullring, one of the oldest in Spain, offers a glimpse into Ronda’s bullfighting heritage, while the Moorish quarter charms with its cobblestone streets and ancient architecture. From Ronda, continue to the Costa del Sol, a sun-soaked coastal region known for its vibrant nightlife, golden beaches, and laid-back atmosphere. Settle in Torremolinos, where you’ll enjoy dinner and relaxation.

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Day 8: Costa del Sol - Granada (180 km / 120 miles)

Travel inland to Granada, a city nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Granada is best known for the Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Spain’s most visited attractions. This majestic complex of palaces, fortresses, and gardens reflects the artistry of Moorish culture and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Spend the afternoon exploring the charming Albaicín district, a maze of narrow streets and whitewashed houses that exude old-world charm. Alternatively, indulge in Granada’s renowned free tapas culture, where drinks are accompanied by complimentary small dishes at local bars.

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Day 9: Granada - Valencia (498 km / 309 miles)

Depart Granada and journey to Valencia, Spain’s third-largest city. Valencia offers a unique mix of ancient heritage and modern innovation. Visit the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, a complex of strikingly designed buildings and outdoor spaces. Explore the Silk Market, a beautifully preserved Gothic structure that once symbolized Valencia’s wealth during the silk trade boom. The Valencia Cathedral, steeped in history, claims to house the Holy Grail and showcases impressive Gothic, Romanesque, and Baroque architecture. Spend your evening strolling through Valencia’s lively streets and trying its signature dish, paella, which originated here.

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Day 10: Valencia - Barcelona (355 km / 220 miles)

Enjoy a morning in Valencia, where you can relax on the city’s golden beaches, visit the bustling Central Market, or admire the colorful street art in the El Carmen district. In the afternoon, travel to Barcelona, a city celebrated for its artistic legacy and Mediterranean beauty.

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Day 11: Barcelona

Experience the wonders of Barcelona on a guided tour. Visit Plaza Espana, a grand square, and take in the stunning views from Montjuïc Hill. Wander through the Gothic Quarter, the heart of Barcelona’s historic district, where medieval streets are lined with charming squares and historic buildings. In the afternoon, explore at your leisure. Popular options include Gaudí’s masterpiece, the Sagrada Família, the whimsical Park Güell, or the bustling beaches along the coast.

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Day 12: Barcelona - Zaragoza - Madrid (635 km / 395 miles)

Conclude your journey with a stop in Zaragoza, the capital of Aragón. Explore the magnificent Basilica del Pilar, a Baroque masterpiece, and stroll across the historic Puente de Piedra bridge over the Ebro River. After enjoying the sights of Zaragoza, continue to Madrid, where this remarkable adventure comes to an end.

Prices:

Per person in double/twin room: 1895 €

Single Supplement: 595 €

Supplement July to Oct.: 110 €

Supplement for departure on April 9 and 16 (Easter), April 30, May 7 (Feria): 110 € 

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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.