Essential Spain and Portugal

Duration

11 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Basic

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

This 11-day adventure from Lisbon to Barcelona is the perfect introduction to two countries packed with natural scenery, cultural city life and delicious cuisine.

Highlights

Take a day trip out to Monachil in Spain and hike the Los Cahorros trail near the Sierra Nevada mountains. You’ll walk along suspension bridges, through waterfalls and soak up the beautiful natural landscape.
Feast on the delicious food in two countries known for their cuisine, with a tapas tasting of local favourites in Seville and a churros sampling in Madrid (don’t forget to eat countless pastel de natas during your time in Lisbon!).
Wander the colourful streets of the multicultural Lavapies neighbourhood in Madrid during a street art tour with a local guide and graffiti enthusiast. This company supports sustainable tourism and promotes social projects within the local community.
See the incredible views from the Ponta da Piedade trail in Lagos – this stretch of endless coastline boasts beautiful natural scenery, rock caves, grottoes, and crystal-clear waters.
Carve your own adventure with tonnes of free time for activities you want to do – maybe go kayaking in Lagos, see the sites in Barcelona, or simply chill out on the beach in the Algarve.

Trip Details

Duration

11 days

Transportation

Train,metro,public bus

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Lisbon, Portugal

Finishes

Barcelona, Portugal

Accommodations

Basic

Travel Style

18 - 39 Year Olds Only

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Lisbon

Ola! Welcome to Portugal. Your adventure officially kicks off in Lisbon with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, maybe head to one of the many outdoor cafes and soak up the city’s energy. You could ride on the Gloria cable car – this bright yellow funicular is one of Lisbon’s most photographed images! Explore the trendy neighbourhood of Bairro Alto or try a pastel de nata (a sweet and delicious custard tart and Portugal’s most famous pastry). After your meeting tonight, maybe head out to the Miradouro de Santa Catarina with great views of the city and listen to the street performers play as the sun goes down.

Optional Activities:

Lisbon - Gulbenkian Museum (10 EUR)
Lisbon - Belem Tower and Monastery (20 EUR)
Sintra - Return Train Ticket (10 EUR)
Lisbon - Ginginha Tasting (2 EUR)
Lisbon - Naval Museum (7 EUR)
Lisbon - Oceanarium (25 EUR)
Lisbon - Folk Art Museum (5 EUR)
Lisbon - Puppet Museum (5 EUR)
Lisbon - National Art Museum (8 EUR)
Sintra - Pena Palace (entrance fee) (20 EUR)

Accommodation:

Hostel (multi-share) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Lagos

This morning, you’ll say goodbye to Lisbon and head to Lagos by public transport. Set on the banks of the Rio Bensafrim, Lagos has a temperate Mediterranean climate, many beaches and a rich cultural heritage. When you arrive, take an orientation walk with your leader to get your bearings before heading to the water along the Ponta da Piedade trail. A small section of the popular Fisherman’s Trail, the walk gives you great views of the natural arches, towers, grottoes and caves that have been eroded into this limestone coast. This afternoon you’re free to feast on freshly caught fish at a restaurant overlooking the water or to watch the sunset before throwing yourself into the pumping local nightlife.

Included Activities:

Lagos - Walk the Ponta Da Piedade Trail
Lagos - Orientation Walk

Accommodation:

Hostel (multi-share) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Lagos

You have a free day in Lagos today to take on some fun, optional activities. After breakfast, maybe head out for a kayaking adventure and paddle through the clear water, natural rock archways and gorgeous coastal scenery. You could also take a 1-hour boat tour around the Algarve Caves, sailing along the coast and soaking in the landscape.

Optional Activities:

Lagos - Algarve Caves Boat Tour (20 EUR)
Lagos - Kayak Tour (35 EUR)

Accommodation:

Hostel (multi-share) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Seville

After breakfast, you’ll travel to your first stop in Spain – Seville. If the legends are to be believed, this city was founded by Hercules and its origins are linked with the Tartessian civilisation. Seville is famous for its oranges, tapas and flamenco, all three of which are ingrained in the city’s proud people. When you arrive, you’ll get your bearings with an orientation walk. Then, the rest of the evening is free. Maybe explore shaded Barrio Santa Cruz or San Jacinto – the bustling main street of the Triana quarter.

Included Activities:

Seville - Orientation Walk

Accommodation:

Hostel (multi-share) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Seville

Today is a free day to wander Seville at your own pace. Check out the world's largest Gothic cathedral and maybe climb the adjoining Moorish tower known as La Giralda. While you might have to line up, it's well worth it for the views over the city! Perhaps visit the Alcazar – a complex of palaces used by Moorish and Christian rulers through the ages, now gaining international fame as a shooting location for ‘Game of Thrones’. If you’re a museum buff, maybe head to the Museum of Fine Arts or the Archaeological Museum. As Seville is the tapas capital of Spain, you’ll link back up with your group this evening for a tasting tour with your leader. Sample some of the tasty morsels on offer in one of the city's many tapas bars. After, maybe keep the night going and catch a local flamenco performance.

Included Activities:

Seville - Tapas Tasting

Optional Activities:

Seville - Museum of Art & Popular Customs (2 EUR)
Seville - Andalusian Contemporary Art Centre (3 EUR)
Seville - Cathedral & Giralda Tower (12 EUR)
Seville - Flamenco Show (from) (25 EUR)
Seville - Casa de Pilatos (12 EUR)
Seville - Torre del Oro (3 EUR)
Seville - Royal Alcazar of Seville (14 EUR)
Seville - Santa Paula Convent (5 EUR)
Seville - Museum of Fine Arts (2 EUR)
Seville - Indias Archive - Free

Accommodation:

Hostel (multi-share) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Granada

Take a local bus to Granada today. Sitting at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Granada is packed with Moorish architecture, great tapas bars and natural beauty. When you arrive, take a walk with your leader to get your bearings. After, you’re free to maybe climb the steep streets up to the Mirador de San Nicolas for sunset views over the famous Alhambra. You may also want to pass by the old Arab quarter of the Albaicin – a labyrinth of alleys, fountains, plazas and whitewashed houses.

Included Activities:

Granada - Orientation Walk

Accommodation:

Hostel (multi-share) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Granada

This morning you’ll journey to Monachil, where you’ll set off on a hike through the scenic Los Cahorros trail. This exciting hike features long rope bridges, swimming holes, waterfalls and a few narrow paths that require the use of handles in the rock. After, take the bus back to Granada for a free evening. If you like, you can visit the Alhambra Palace to discover the 11th-century marvel and its red fortress towers and gorgeous gardens. Explore the fountains and pools, centuries-old defensive walls, and the viewpoints overlooking Granada. Tonight, maybe wander down Carrera del Darro or grab some local bites with your group.

Included Activities:

Monachil - Los Cahorros Hike

Optional Activities:

Granada - Alhambra Visit (20 EUR)
Granada - Mirador de San Nicolas - Free
Granada - Catedral de Granada (6 EUR)
Granada - Capilla Real (6 EUR)

Accommodation:

Hostel (multi-share) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Madrid

Travel to the bus station to start your journey to Madrid – the Spanish capital known for its boulevards, architecture, cuisine and manicured parks. When you arrive, check into your hotel and then head out on an orientation walk tonight with your leader to get your bearings. You’ll stop along the way for some churros (fried doughnuts), a staple snack in Spain. Then why not ask your leader the best spot for dinner and head out with your fellow travellers.

Included Activities:

Madrid - Churros Snack
Madrid - Orientation Walk

Accommodation:

Hostel (multi-share) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Madrid

Head out on a street art tour today with a local guide. You’ll walk through the streets of Madrid’s Lavapies neighbourhood and explore the district to really experience the art culture like a local. Learn some backstories of local artists and maybe even try your hand at some stencil graffiti too (if you’re lucky)! The afternoon is then free for you to explore how you wish. Maybe hang out in El Retiro Park or explore Prado Museum’s works by Goya, Velazquez and other Spanish masters. You might also want to check out the Royal Palace of Madrid – the official residence of the Spanish royal family.

Included Activities:

Madrid - Street Art Tour

Optional Activities:

Madrid - Royal Palace (14 EUR)
Madrid - Tapas Urban Adventure (99 EUR)
Madrid - Museo Reina Sofia (12 EUR)
Madrid - Museo del Prado (15 EUR)
Madrid - Real Jardín Botánico (6 EUR)
Madrid - Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza (13 EUR)

Accommodation:

Hostel (multi-share) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Barcelona

Today you’ll head to Barcelona, where Catalan cuisine, an eclectic art scene, Gothic architecture and non-stop nightlife are just some of the many highlights. When you hop off the train, check into your hotel, recharge, then head out to walk the streets with your leader. This afternoon, you’ll have some free time to maybe check out the iconic Sagrada Familia – the largest unfinished Catholic church in the world, designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi. Tonight, why not head out on the town with your group to a local restaurant and toast to a trip well-travelled.

Included Activities:

Barcelona - Orientation Walk

Accommodation:

Hotel (multi-share) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 11: Barcelona

With no further activities planned, your adventure comes to an end this morning. If you’d like to extend your time in Barcelona, and it’s recommended that you do, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.

Optional Activities:

Barcelona - National Art Museum of Catalonia (12 EUR)
Barcelona - Museum of City History (7 EUR)
Barcelona - Old Santa Creu Hospital (16 EUR)
Barcelona - Museum of Gaudi (6 EUR)
Barcelona - Ethnological and World Cultures (5 EUR)
Barcelona - Guell Palace (must be prebooked in advance) (12 EUR)
Barcelona - Contemporary Art Museum (12 EUR)
Barcelona - Cable car to Montjuic (one way) (10 EUR)
Barcelona - Picasso Museum (14 EUR)
Barcelona - La Sagrada Familia (must be prebooked in advance) (26 EUR)
Barcelona - Casa Batllo (advance booking required) (29 EUR)
Barcelona - Barcelona Cathedral (11 EUR)
Barcelona - Tapas Tour in El Raval Urban Adventure (99 EUR)
Barcelona - Walking tour: Explore Gaudi and Modernist Architecture Urban Adventure (45 EUR)

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $2,245

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 11 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

This 11-day adventure from Lisbon to Barcelona is the perfect introduction to two countries packed with natural scenery, cultural city life and delicious cuisine.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 04 Oct 2026

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Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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