Essential Spain and Portugal

Essential Spain and Portugal

40 Views
11 Days From

$1730

$1644

Essential Spain and Portugal

11 Days Starting in Lisbon and ending in Barcelona

Visiting: Lisbon, Lagos, Seville, Granada, Madrid, Barcelona

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

ZMYP

Group size:

1 - 16

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

18-35 years

From: $1730 $1644 Operator discount: -$86

NB: Prices correct on 05-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour 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. Soak up the rocky coastlines along the Algarve, head out for some optional kayaking or boat rides, then dive into Spain for tapas, churros and hiking. Enjoy the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains on a hike, see some street art and dive into the local culture of Seville, Granada, Madrid and Barcelona. This trip has heaps of free time to choose your own adventure, making sure you see all the iconic sights on your list, with a handy local leader to show you the way.

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.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Lisbon

Location: Lisbon

Accommodation: Hostel (multi-share)

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
-Lisbon - National Art Museum
-Lisbon - Belem Tower and Monastery
-Sintra - Day Trip
-Lisbon - Ginginha Tasting
-Lisbon - Naval Museum
-Lisbon - Oceanarium
-Lisbon - Experience Lisbon Walk Urban Adventure
-Lisbon - Folk Art Museum
-Lisbon - Puppet Museum

Day 2: Lagos

Location: Lagos

Accommodation: Hostel (multi-share)

Meals Included: breaksfast

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

Day 3: Lagos

Location: Lagos

Accommodation: Hostel (multi-share)

Meals Included: breaksfast

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
-Lagos - Kayak Tour

Day 4: Seville

Location: Seville

Accommodation: Hostel (multi-share)

Meals Included: breaksfast

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

Day 5: Seville

Location: Seville

Accommodation: Hostel (multi-share)

Meals Included: dinner

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
-Seville - Andalusian Contemporary Art Centre
-Seville - Cathedral & Giralda Tower
-Seville - Flamenco Show (from)
-Seville - Casa de Pilatos
-Seville - Archaeological Museum - Free
-Seville - Torre del Oro
-Seville - Royal Alcazar of Seville
-Seville - Santa Paula Convent
-Seville - Museum of Fine Arts
-Seville - Indias Archive - Free

Day 6: Granada

Location: Granada

Accommodation: Hostel (multi-share)

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

Day 7: Granada

Location: Granada

Accommodation: Hostel (multi-share)

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
-Granada - Mirador de San Nicolas - Free
-Granada - Catedral de Granada
-Granada - Capilla Real

Day 8: Madrid

Location: Madrid

Accommodation: Hostel (multi-share)

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 and Portugal. 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

Day 9: Madrid

Location: Madrid

Accommodation: Hostel (multi-share)

Meals Included: breaksfast

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
-Madrid - Tapas Urban Adventure
-Madrid - Museo Reina Sofia
-Madrid - Museo del Prado
-Madrid - Real Jardín Botánico
-Madrid - Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza

Day 10: Barcelona

Location: Barcelona

Accommodation: Hotel (multi-share)

Meals Included: breaksfast

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

Day 11: Barcelona

Location: 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
-Barcelona - Museum of City History
-Barcelona - Old Santa Creu Hospital
-Barcelona - Museum of Gaudi
-Barcelona - Ethnological and World Cultures
-Barcelona - Guell Palace (must be prebooked in advance)
-Barcelona - Contemporary Art Museum
-Barcelona - Cable car to Montjuic (one way)
-Barcelona - Picasso Museum
-Barcelona - La Sagrada Familia (must be prebooked in advance)
-Barcelona - Casa Batllo (advance booking required)
-Barcelona - Barcelona Cathedral
-Barcelona - Tapas Tour in El Raval Urban Adventure

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Multi-share Hostels and Hotels (10 nights)

  • Meals
    5 breakfasts, 1 dinners

  • Lagos - Walk the Ponta Da Piedade Trail

  • Lagos - Orientation Walk

  • Seville - Orientation Walk

  • Seville - Tapas Tasting

  • Granada - Orientation Walk

  • Monachil - Los Cahorros Hike

  • Madrid - Churros Snack

  • Madrid - Orientation Walk

  • Madrid - Street Art Tour

  • Barcelona - Orientation Walk

Transport

  • TRANSPORT IN EUROPE
  • Half the fun of travel is the travelling itself, that's why we like to travel the local way – whether that means mingling with commuters on a local train, watching the scenery roll by from the window of a long distance bus, arriving on a high speed train in the city centre of your next destination, or navigating each city's public transport system. In Europe, you are guaranteed to travel by genuine local public transport wherever possible, which puts you right in the centre of the action.

Accommodation

  • We've sourced our accommodation very carefully and picked the best possible hotels in line with the Intrepid 18 to 35s style of travel. Our first accommodation choice is always as close to the main attraction of the destination as possible, however, sometimes we are not in the right centre of action, which means you may need to hop on a public transport to get to the city centre. Service and accommodation in Europe may be different to the standards you are used to. Your accommodation will not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don't provide kettles or fridges and in particular destinations, rooms may be rather small.
  • OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION
  • The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
  • ROOMING ALLOCATION
  • Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multi-share basis. We pair up solo travellers with other travellers of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports.
  • CHECK-IN TIME
  • Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for your arrival, especially if you're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means you won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, you can store your luggage and go exploring.
  • PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION
  • If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.

Important Information

  • A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Days 4, 5, 6 & 7 (multi-share hostels) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Check out our Q&As

  • Is this trip right for you

    It’s bunking season! As accommodation on this trip is multi-share, solo travellers will share a room with other travellers of the same gender, an excellent opportunity to get to know other like-minded people. Travellers on the same booking may be split between rooms due to the single gender dormitories.

    Summer temperatures can be very high in many of the regions visited (over 40°C), which can be uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat, and drink plenty of water. Please keep in mind that many European hotel rooms are not equipped with air-conditioning. In Winter, warm layers will be needed as snow can be expected in some regions. Carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.

    We recommend packing light for this trip as you'll be required to carry your own luggage between train stations, buses and hotels, which can include going up and down multiple flights of stairs, and across cobblestones. A travel towel can come in handy too when staying in European hostels. You can find specifics under ‘Packing’ in the ‘Essential trip information’ section.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

Reviews of this operator

Maroochy Dazza (Google Reviewer)  

Just leaving a review to...

24-Aug-2023

Just leaving a review to share how much I enjoyed my Central America trip. I thought the guide, Aura was so knowledgeable and organised and clearly a great ambassador for Intrepid. She gave us lots of information on each region, helped us organise anything we needed and dealt with queries from passengers very well and diplomatically. She made the trip run smoothly. She was also keen to explain the Intrepid vision and how the company values making a difference to locals and is a credit to your company. I did Guatemala and beyond and thoroughly enjoyed it - very fast paced, lots to see and do and a great overview of the region. I would definitely recommend 👍

LivvyGrace 4 (Google Reviewer)  

I just completed my first...

15-Jul-2024

I just completed my first Intrepid tour which was 33 days travelling around Central America - I had the time of my life! It was great to have the benefit of a guide (Fluffy was amazing!) and be able to ask questions at any point, but I also liked the freedom that you were permitted throughout. The group tour made boarder crossings seamless and the whole process felt easy - there was never one hiccup. As a solo female traveller, I felt safe throughout, and I cannot recommend Central America enough - the people, the food, the sun and the activities were just amazing :) Can't wait to book my next adventure soon!

V Open (Google Reviewer)  

I have just come back...

26-Oct-2022

I have just come back home after doing Intrepid's 10-day Vietnam Express Northbound tour. What a SUPERB tour. We saw lots and did lots, it was jam-packed full of sights and activities. Our tour leader, Tam, was the best ever. Very knowledgeable, organised and lots of fun too. The other 10 people on the group were all lovely. The places we visited were very interesting. We even visited local homes and ate just like the local people do. I highly recommend Intrepid to anyone considering touring a new country. This was my 5th tour with them and they have consistently been fantastic.

Jack Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I have travelled with Intrepid...

03-Jun-2024

I have travelled with Intrepid a number of times now and can't recommend them enough. The trips are always exciting, full of history and immersive in the culture and environment. The office staff are great too and always happy to help with any questions you might have. Everywhere I have gone with the company has been different but the guides and itinerary have always been excellent and full of knowledge and passion for their country. Add in the social responsibility angle the company has and it top quality ethical practice and you can't go wrong

Jo Clayton (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on an...

15-Mar-2024

I recently went on an 11 day tour of India with Intrepid and was impressed with every aspect of the tour, the tour leader and the organisation behind the scenes. I always travel alone so it was a big deal to join a tour, I didn't want to feel less independent or ferried about. I loved being part of a group and the things we saw and did on the tour, I would never have known about or seen if I had been by myself. I loved it from start to finish. Yes the overnight trains were not easy to sleep on, but I managed. Meeting locals on board was a high light for me. English is widely spoken in India and its amazing who you strike up a chat with. I had two problems on the tour - one my own fault and one hotel related. The support from Intrepid was amazing. I cannot thank them enough for going the extra mile to support me. I recommend Intrepid 100% and have gone from thinking an organised tour is for people who don't know about Lonely Planet and can't do solo stuff, to realising its a faster, better, more fun way to get to know a country truly and deeply whilst on a bit of a budget. I will book again and again with Intrepid. I loved it that much! Big thanks to tour leader Daddy H. Devender for his help on day one, and Nick in the Oz office for his fab customer care skills. Also the person who staffed the emergency whatsapp in India - you saved my sanity helping me get there a day late! THANK YOU ALL X

Nicole  

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12-Oct-2021

This was my first international solo trip, but I never felt “alone” - there was always someone to go shopping, hike, or grab a quick bite with. The itinerary was a great balance between organized activities, while still allowing free time for exploring. Each location was unique and charming in its own way. Spending the night in the holy city of Moulay Idriss and wandering the winding streets of Chefchaouen were especially memorable. Thank you Mustapha and Intrepid for an incredible adventure!

Alice Norton (Google Reviewer)  

I have just completed a...

29-Feb-2024

I have just completed a 12 day food tour of Vietnam, and had an amazing time. Our tour leader was great, knowledgeable and kind, who helped throughout the trip with recommendations for places on our free days, and spas. All the food we tried was delicious. It is a very fast paced tour, and Bon tried to maximise our experiences for the best.

Henry Guy Robinson   United Kingdom

Cambodia Discovery

22-Jan-2024

The overall experience was fantastic. V good tour leader. All places visited had something special to do or see. I would book a tour with this company again. Only one negative tour hub is not I repeat not available to contact direct by phone.

Merouane Harkat   Uk

Explore Southern Africa

08-Mar-2024

Best trip ever was, 2 things I didn't like the black mamba stop was wasting day and village ,so 2 night I think was just wasting, I could do 2 days in Kruger, and one more night in delta

Alan Perrott (Google Reviewer)  

We had a fantastic time...

13-Aug-2024

We had a fantastic time on the Botswana Highlights tour recently. We chose Intrepid because it seemed to suit what we wanted - well planned itinerary, small group, comfortable without being overly luxurious (and pricey), and supportive of the local community and environment. We weren't disappointed, and as we met with other like-minded travellers then we all had a great time. We are already planning our next Intrepid tour - maybe Vietnam & Cambodia :-)

1 Select your preferred date

Sunday - Wednesday

Apr 06, 2025 - Apr 16, 2025
$1730 $1644

Operator discount: -$86

Sunday - Wednesday

May 18, 2025 - May 28, 2025
$1730

Wednesday - Saturday

Jun 04, 2025 - Jun 14, 2025
$1730

Sunday - Wednesday

Jun 15, 2025 - Jun 25, 2025
$1730

Wednesday - Saturday

Jul 02, 2025 - Jul 12, 2025
$1730

Sunday - Wednesday

Jul 13, 2025 - Jul 23, 2025
$1800

Wednesday - Saturday

Jul 30, 2025 - Aug 09, 2025
$1800

Sunday - Wednesday

Aug 10, 2025 - Aug 20, 2025
$1800

Wednesday - Saturday

Aug 27, 2025 - Sep 06, 2025
$1800

Wednesday - Saturday

Sep 03, 2025 - Sep 13, 2025
$1870

Sunday - Wednesday

Sep 14, 2025 - Sep 24, 2025
$1870

Sunday - Wednesday

Sep 21, 2025 - Oct 01, 2025
$1870

Sunday - Wednesday

Sep 28, 2025 - Oct 08, 2025
$1870

Sunday - Wednesday

Oct 19, 2025 - Oct 29, 2025
$1870

Sunday - Wednesday

Nov 09, 2025 - Nov 19, 2025
$1800

Sunday - Wednesday

Dec 07, 2025 - Dec 17, 2025
$1800

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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