9. Spain to Portugal Explorer

This 5-day itinerary offers a richly rewarding journey through central Spain and northern Portugal, weaving together university cities, pilgrimage landmarks, Atlantic port towns, and imperial capitals. Beginning in Madrid, the route moves northwest into Castile and León before crossing into Portugal, where historic cities along the Douro and Tagus rivers reveal centuries of scholarship, exploration, and faith. Scenic countryside drives, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and thoughtfully paced sightseeing make this itinerary ideal for travelers seeking cultural depth, iconic monuments, and a strong sense of Iberian history across two nations.

Journey Highlights

• From Madrid to Golden Salamanca – Depart Madrid and travel through the heart of central Spain to Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its golden sandstone architecture, historic university founded in 1218, elegant Plaza Mayor, and the striking Old and New Cathedrals standing side by side.

• Arrival in Porto – Cross into Portugal and reach Porto, dramatically set along the Douro River. Porto’s layered history, colorful riverfront, and wine traditions provide a warm introduction to northern Portugal.

• Porto in Depth – Explore Porto’s UNESCO-listed Ribeira district, visit the fortified Porto Cathedral, admire the interiors of the Palácio da Bolsa and Igreja de Santa Clara, and cross the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge. A visit to a traditional wine cellar introduces the centuries-old port wine tradition with a tasting.

• Scholarly Coimbra & Pilgrimage Fátima – Travel south to Coimbra, once Portugal’s capital and home to one of Europe’s oldest universities. Highlights include the historic university complex and the lavish Joanina Library. Continue to Fátima, one of the world’s most important Catholic pilgrimage sites, where the sanctuary offers a moment of reflection and calm.

• Lisbon, City of Discovery – Arrive in Lisbon, a capital defined by hills, light, and maritime heritage. Guided sightseeing includes the Belém district with the Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, and Monument to the Discoveries, followed by Alfama’s winding streets, tiled façades, and traditional Fado atmosphere.

• Roman Mérida – Cross back into Spain and stop in Mérida, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s best-preserved Roman cities. Roman theaters, temples, bridges, and aqueducts remain seamlessly integrated into modern life.

• Return to Madrid – Continue onward to Madrid, bringing the journey to a close after an immersive exploration of Spain and Portugal’s shared history and distinct identities.

This itinerary presents a carefully balanced portrait of the Iberian Peninsula - linking medieval university towns, Atlantic trading cities, sacred pilgrimage sites, Roman legacies, and vibrant capitals - offering an enriching and memorable experience across two historic countries.

Day 1. Madrid → Salamanca → Porto (590 km / 366 miles)

Your journey begins early at 8:00 AM, leaving Madrid behind as you travel northwest through the rolling countryside of central Spain. By late morning, you arrive in the elegant city of Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its golden-hued sandstone buildings and one of the oldest universities in the world. Enjoy time exploring Salamanca’s beautifully preserved Old Town, where history surrounds you at every turn. See the Old and New Cathedrals, standing side by side and showcasing a fascinating blend of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. Visit the legendary University of Salamanca, founded in 1218, and stroll through the lively Plaza Mayor, widely regarded as one of Spain’s most beautiful main squares. Be sure to spot the famous Casa de las Conchas, its façade adorned with more than 300 decorative stone shells.
In the afternoon, continue westward into Portugal, crossing the border as landscapes gradually shift. Arrive in Porto in the evening. After check-in, relax and settle into your hotel, ready to begin discovering Portugal’s northern gem. Overnight in Porto.

Day 2. Discovering Porto

After breakfast, set out to explore Porto, a city full of character, color, and centuries of seafaring history. Begin in the picturesque Ribeira District, a UNESCO-listed neighborhood that stretches along the Douro River. Its narrow streets, colorful buildings, and waterfront cafés offer postcard-perfect views at every corner. Visit Porto Cathedral, a fortress-like structure overlooking the city, then step inside the elegant Palácio da Bolsa, once the city’s stock exchange. Continue to the richly decorated Igreja de Santa Clara, known for its stunning gilt interior. Pause for photos at the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge, which offers sweeping views of Porto and the Douro River. No visit to Porto would be complete without learning about its namesake wine. Enjoy a visit to a traditional wine cellar, where you’ll learn about the production of port wine and enjoy a tasting.
The afternoon is free to explore at your own pace. You might visit the famous Livraria Lello, admire the city’s beautiful azulejo tiles, or sample local specialties in one of Portugal’s most exciting food scenes. Overnight in Porto.

Day 3. Porto → Coimbra → Fátima → Lisbon (120 km / 75 miles)

This morning, travel south to Coimbra, a charming city once considered the heart of Portuguese learning. Formerly Portugal’s capital, Coimbra is home to one of the world’s oldest universities, founded in 1290 and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk through the historic university grounds and visit the extraordinary Joanina Library, famous for its ornate Baroque design and priceless book collection. The city’s youthful energy, shaped by generations of students, blends beautifully with deep-rooted tradition—you may even spot students wearing long black capes.
Continue on to Fátima, one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in the Catholic world. Visit the peaceful Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima, including the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary and the modern Basilica of the Holy Trinity. The atmosphere here is calm and reflective, offering a meaningful contrast to the bustle of city life.
Later in the afternoon, continue to Lisbon. After check-in, enjoy free time to relax, explore nearby neighborhoods, or enjoy dinner on your own. Overnight in Lisbon.

Day 4. Exploring Lisbon

After breakfast, set out on a guided tour of Lisbon, a city famously spread across seven hills, where centuries of history blend seamlessly with a relaxed, contemporary lifestyle. Your exploration begins in the historic Belém district, once the departure point for Portugal’s great explorers. Here, you’ll visit the magnificent Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest examples of Manueline architecture in the world. Its intricate stonework reflects Portugal’s wealth and ambition during the Age of Discovery. Nearby, admire the iconic Belém Tower, standing proudly along the Tagus River, and the dramatic Monument to the Discoveries, which honors the navigators and visionaries who helped shape global history. From here, enjoy views of the riverfront that once launched ships toward unknown horizons. The tour continues through Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood and the emotional heart of the city. As you wander its narrow, winding streets, you’ll discover traditional tiled façades, laundry hanging from balconies, quiet courtyards, and scenic viewpoints overlooking the rooftops and river below. Along the way, your guide shares stories of daily life, fado music, and the city’s resilience through centuries of change.
The afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy Lisbon at your own pace. Indulge in a warm pastel de nata fresh from a local bakery, hop on one of the city’s classic yellow trams for a scenic ride through hilly streets, or browse small shops and cafés tucked into historic neighborhoods. As evening falls, consider a relaxed dinner or a glass of wine while the city lights shimmer and Lisbon’s nightlife gently comes to life. Overnight in Lisbon.

Day 5. Lisbon → Mérida → Madrid (613 km / 381 miles)

After breakfast, depart Lisbon and begin the journey back to Spain, crossing the border into Extremadura for a stop in Mérida, one of the most important Roman cities on the Iberian Peninsula. Founded over 2,000 years ago, Mérida is celebrated for its remarkably preserved Roman heritage and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy time exploring the historic center, where ancient ruins blend naturally into the modern town. Walk among remnants of Roman temples, theaters, and bridges, and stroll through elegant plazas framed by centuries-old stonework. Mérida’s compact layout makes it easy to experience layers of history - from Roman foundations to medieval and Renaissance influences - in a short but meaningful visit.
After your time in Mérida, continue onward to Madrid, arriving in the evening. This marks the conclusion of a remarkable journey through Spain and Portugal, filled with historic cities, cultural landmarks, scenic landscapes, and unforgettable moments.

Prices:

Per person in double/twin room: 725 €

Single Supplement: 205 €

Supplement July to Oct.: 55 €

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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.