Explore the Beauty of Spain & Portugal: Culture, History & Architecure - 21 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Barcelona (Spain), Tapas Bar Food Tour

Welcome to Spain! Check in to your hotel before heading out for a food tour of Barcelona's beloved tapas bars. Your trip begins at an old bodega from the 1930s that has been turned into a tapas bar. With a glass of the city's favorite aperitif—sweet vermouth—in hand, you'll taste locally cured meats, cheeses, olives, and other Spanish delicacies. This sets the tone for the places you'll visit today: hidden spots frequented by locals. Your foodie excursion continues with a stroll through Barcelona's Gothic Quarter, where your guide will point out sights of interest on the narrow medieval streets.

Your second tapas bar is a staple of Barcelona and an authentic local haunt. Afterward, head to another history-rich neighborhood as your guide continues to reveal exciting insights into the area's architecture, history, and culture. Eventually, you'll arrive at the third and final tapas bar. Pull up a seat because it's time to feast on traditional Catalan dishes paired with the region's globally-renowned wine.

Must-try tapas include patatas bravas (fried potatoes with aioli), gambas (prawns), calamari, cured ham, croquetas, mussels, and chorizo. Of course, it wouldn't be dinner in Barcelona without something sweet to finish the meal. Be sure to save room for a traditional Spanish dessert like crema Catalana, a sweet custard made with oranges and cinnamon that's Spain's answer to the classic crème brûlée.

Day 2: Barcelona Walking Tour

Today starts with a private walking tour of Barcelona, which includes its most famous monument, La Sagrada Família, a spectacular Roman Catholic church and UNESCO World Heritage Site designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. During this half-day excursion, you'll see some of the city's most emblematic spots and hidden gems while learning about Gaudí and his unique and stunning masterpiece, which is still under construction.

Your guide will be on hand to answer all your questions and will take you to a top tapas bar or restaurant before you part ways. After lunch, you're free to explore Barcelona at your own pace. If the sun's out, head to Barceloneta Beach, the main stretch of sand in the city. Barceloneta has it all: a promenade perfect for walking, jogging, and cycling, plus many beach bars, cafés, discos, and restaurants. It's also a great swimming beach and the perfect spot for sunbathing.

Day 3: Free Day in Barcelona

Spend today exploring Barcelona independently, or opt for one of several day trips from the city to glimpse rugged mountains, golden beaches, and sleepy towns. Girona is a favorite destination just an hour from Barcelona. Located next to the Onyar River, the city is known for its cobbled streets, grand churches, and medieval Old Quarter hemmed in by stone walls. You can walk these ancient ramparts for sweeping city views.

Meanwhile, north of Girona lies Figueres, the birthplace of Salvador Dalí and home of the Teatre-Museu Dalí. A former theater, it was converted by Dalí himself into a labyrinth of surrealism displaying the most extensive collection of his works, including many from his personal collection. This is Dalí's final resting place, as his corpse is buried in a crypt beneath the stage.

You can also travel up the Montserrat Mountains to Catalonia's holiest site, the 16th-century Benedictine monastery of Santa Maria de Montserrat. Located 28 miles (45 km) northeast of Barcelona at an altitude of 4,055 feet (1,266 m), the views from the church are spectacular. You can reach the monastery on a hike from Monistrol de Montserrat or via a cable car. Alternatively, visit the laid-back coastal town of Sitges, about 45 minutes southwest of Barcelona. Stroll the waterfront promenade, sunbathe on one of the many beaches in and around town, and dine in one of Sitges' world-class seafood restaurants.

Day 4: Visit La Boquería Market & Cooking Class

It's time to delve deeper into Barcelona's vibrant culture today with a cooking class. Start with a guided tour of Barcelona's gastronomic epicenter: La Boquería. Opened in 1835, this is the most famous covered market in the city, and each day over 200 vendors open their stalls here to sell everything from produce to spices, fresh fish, cured meats, and artisanal cheeses. The market is also home to tapas bars and restaurants serving high-quality Catalan cuisine.

This market is big and hectic, receiving over 40,000 visitors daily, but your expert guide will waste no time leading you directly to the best, most authentic stalls. You'll also be able to purchase artisanal products and learn about the ingredients you'll be cooking with shortly.

After your time at La Boquería, you'll head to a local kitchen for a cooking class. Under the guidance of an expert instructor, you'll learn to make traditional Spanish specialties, including paella. When the cooking is done, only one thing remains: to enjoy what you have cooked during a well-earned group lunch or dinner.

Day 5: Train to San Sebastián & Pintxos Tour

Say goodbye to Barcelona today and embark on a five-hour train journey to San Sebastián. Set on the northern Atlantic coast on the Bay of Biscay, the city lies in the heart of Basque Country, one of Spain's most beautiful regions and a haven for foodies. Check into your San Sebastián hotel and then meet a local guide for your food tour of the city's famous cuisine.

Head for the Parte Vieja (Old Quarter), which lies in the east of the city between the ocean and the River Urumea. Here, you'll sample pintxos (pronounced "peenchos"), a type of tapas prevalent in the Basque region served in most bars, cafés, and restaurants. Here it's possible to hop from pintxos bar to pintxos bar, grazing until your satisfaction. Your guide will lead you on a tour of the Parte Vieja's top pintxos bars. At each one, you can feel free to sample as many of these bite-sized morsels as you'd like. Be sure to pair this incredible food with a delicious glass of Txakoli, the local white wine.

Day 6: Explore San Sebastián

Explore San Sebastián independently today. Ramble through the cobbled streets and pop into ornate cathedrals and coffee shops, then wander along the elegant promenade to crescent-shaped La Concha Beach. You can also embark upon an optional Basque cider house experience, exploring the long-standing tradition of Sidreria's (Cider Houses) in the Basque country.

The tour takes you to the nearby town of Astigarraga, the cradle of cider tradition. Browse the Cider Museum, where you'll learn about the manufacturing process of this popular drink. Next, you'll visit one of the numerous Sidrerias in the area to sample their various ciders. Pair your drinks with a menu ranging from codfish with green peppers and onions to grilled T-bone steak and, for dessert, walnuts and Idiazabal cheese.

Day 7: Free Day in San Sebastián

Enjoy another free day in San Sebastián, whether you want to laze on the beach, shop for souvenirs, or soak up the atmosphere. If you're keen to explore the city's food culture further, take an optional cheese and wine tour and visit a local sheep farm and Basque cheese factory. Taste different varieties of cheese paired with local wines or cider, including the famous Idiazabal.

You'll continue to explore the Txakoli region, visiting a family-owned winery. Enjoy their Txakoli wines, produced with local grapes that grow along the slopes on the surrounding hills. Enjoy a tasting session complete with local tuna, chili peppers, and a pintxo.

The lesser-visited city of Bilbao, an hour from San Sebastián, also makes a great day trip. The city boasts innovative architecture, a venerable dining scene, and fertile green mountains outside the city center. Take a tour with an expert local guide who will take you to the more colorful neighborhoods in the city, particularly along the waterfront. And be sure to stop in at the Guggenheim Museum, a masterpiece of contemporary architecture by the legendary Frank Gehry. The museum's 260,000 Square -foot (24,000 sq m) space houses a treasure trove of works from great artists such as Andy Warhol, Anish Kapoor, Jeff Koons, Louise Bourgeois, and Eduardo Chillida.

Day 8: Train to Madrid, Explore the Capital

This morning you'll travel south by train to Spain's capital, Madrid. Settle into your hotel before delving into this vibrant city. Start with the two main plazas, Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor, then spend some time in peaceful Retiro Park or browse famous art exhibitions at the Prado Museum. The Latina district is one of Madrid's oldest regions, filled with narrow medieval streets, leafy plazas, and cathedrals.

For shopping, head to Serrano Street, or if it's a Sunday, explore Madrid's famous flea market El Rastro. The market takes over the city center, stretching from the Plaza Mayor into the surrounding streets, with stalls laden with everything from paintings to clothing and antiques. Make time to enjoy coffee in one of the main plazas, where you can sit outside and people-watch.

Day 9: Madrid History, Culture & Architecture Tour

Get to know Madrid better today on a guided history, culture, and architecture tour of the city. Accompanied by a local guide, head to the historic Habsburg district, the oldest part of the city, known in Spanish as El Madrid de Los Austrias. You'll visit the striking Baroque Royal Palace, Almudena Cathedral, and Plaza Mayor here. Your guide will stop at hidden gems and tell stories about Madrid's fascinating history.

Day 10: Free Day in Madrid

Spend a final day in Madrid relaxing and sightseeing. Browse top museums like Reina Sofia, Spain's national museum, which was named for Queen Sofia and is packed with 20th-century art. Art lovers will also enjoy the Sorolla Museum, which celebrates the work of famous artist Joaquín Sorolla, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, which traces the history of European painting.

End the day with an optional flamenco show at one of Madrid's most famous venues. This musical style enjoys a rich heritage that dates back to the ninth century when the music and dances of immigrants in the Andalusia region mixed with the cultures of local Moors and Jews. Over the centuries, the intermingling of these various influences synthesized to produce the style of flamenco that has come to define Spanish folkloric music.

Day 11: Toledo Day Trip

This morning you'll hop on a train for the half-hour journey through the countryside to Toledo. This UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back to Roman times and was the capital of Spain in the 16th century. Toledo's cluster of clay-rooftop buildings, cobbled lanes, and church spires are crowded onto a hilltop overlooking the Río Tajo and encircled by protective walls you can enter through massive iron gates.

Take a guided tour of Toledo, known in the Middle Ages as the "City of the Three Cultures," where Christian, Muslim, and Jewish communities all peacefully coexisted. As such, the city is crammed with religious buildings, including the 12th-century church, Iglesia de Santo Tomé, the Moorish Sinagoga de Santa María la Blanca, considered the oldest synagogue in Europe, and the grand 13th-century Toledo Cathedral.

You'll also visit the former Roman palace Alcázar de Toledo and the 15th-century Monasterio de San Juan de los Reyes, a cloistered monastery now returned to the Franciscan order and inhabited by monks. As you wander the streets and central plaza, Zocodover, you'll pass shops selling Toledo's famous products: marzipan and medieval weapons. Add an optional swordsmith experience or zipline adventure over the river to complete your Toledo adventure, then return to Madrid for the evening. 

Day 12: Fly to Porto (Portugal), Foodie Experience

Say goodbye to Spain this morning and fly to Portugal. You'll touch down in Porto, the country's second-largest city, beloved for its colorful Ribeira (riverside) lined with port cellars and cafés and the colossal steel skeleton of Dom Luis I Bridge that spans the Douro River. Upon arrival, your driver will drop you at your hotel, where there's time to relax before your afternoon food tour of the city.

Guided by a local expert, you'll walk around Porto's historic downtown, enjoying several tasting sessions at family-owned businesses and learning why they're an integral part of what makes gastronomy in Porto so unique. The evening wouldn't be complete without an introduction to the famous drink of port wine. Taste three different versions, including one vintage, as you learn about the history of this timeless libation.

Day 13: Porto E-bike Tour

Today you'll tackle Porto's steep streets effortlessly on an e-bike tour. Your guide will lead you along cobbled streets lined with tiled churches and pastel-colored historic buildings. Pass some of the city's most iconic landmarks, from the Clerigos Clock Tower to Porto Cathedral and the Livraria Lello, a bookshop with a distinctive spiral staircase said to be one of the real-life inspirations for Harry Potter's Hogwarts.

Along the way, your guide will give you an overview of Porto's history, culture, and architectural heritage. Negotiate the streets on your modern e-bike, stopping for photos as you go. After the tour, the rest of the day is yours to soak up the city sights, dine, and relax at your hotel.

Day 14: Douro Valley Tour with Wine Tasting & River Cruise

Today your private driver will be waiting to whisk you into the mountains and valleys of the famous Douro Valley wine region, where you'll visit traditional wineries accompanied by your expert guide. After a wine tasting, you'll enjoy a traditional lunch at one of the valley's famous quintas (estates).

After lunch, it's time to hop aboard a riverboat for an hourlong cruise down the tranquil Douro River. Relax and admire the beautiful scenery of the valley and the rolling hills along the riverbanks. You'll return to Porto, where you can spend a leisurely evening in the city's lively Ribeira area.

Day 15: Transfer to Lisbon via Coimbra

This morning your driver will take you three hours south to Portugal's capital, Lisbon. You'll stop in Coimbra for lunch and a walk around the city. Coimbra is the medieval capital of Portugal and the site of the country's greatest university: the University of Coimbra, established in 1290.

The city wears its weighty importance in Portuguese history with dignity and pride, witnessed by its colorful collage of buildings that span nearly a millennium. The historic core cascades down a hillside to create a lovely setting along the east bank of the Rio Mondego. After exploring Coimbra, you'll continue to Lisbon and check into your hotel.

Day 16: Guided Tour of Lisbon 

Get to know Lisbon with a local today on a tour that takes in the highlights and historical landmarks in the city center. Full of winding cobbled streets traversed by yellow trams, Lisbon is awash with medieval towers, Baroque palaces, and dome-topped monasteries. Not to mention world-class restaurants, buzzing markets, and a lively bar scene.

During the tour, you'll stop at the Elevador de Santa Justa, a thin iron elevator built in 1902, which you can ride to the top of a 150-foot-tall (45 m) tower showcasing city views and the sea beyond. Pass through the grand archway, Arco Monumental da Rua Augusta, which leads into Commerical Square, and discover the colorful Chiado district and bohemian Bairro Alto for hilltop views over the city.

Your guide will end the tour with some restaurant recommendations, and then you can explore independently. Stop for a coffee and pastel de nata, Portugal's signature egg-tart treat, and perhaps head out to the Belém neighborhood to visit UNESCO-listed Torre de Belém and Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, an imposing monastery built in 1501 in a blend of Gothic and Renaissance style. End the day with an optional dinner and fado music performance in the Bairro Alto. You'll dine on local dishes at one of Lisbon's top restaurants, accompanied by the sounds of fado, a traditional Portuguese music form that dates back to the 1820s.

Day 17: Sintra Day Trip

Escape the city today and travel half an hour west to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sintra. Set among cool, forested hills, the city acted as a summer retreat for Portuguese royalty and, as such, is dotted with turreted palaces, extravagant villas, and fairy-tale castles. On a guided tour, explore these striking landscapes, which served as inspiration for Lord Byron's poems.

Hike to the Moorish Castle, which dates back to the eighth century, and admire the Pena National Palace, a bright yellow and pink building perched on a hilltop with ornate turrets and sculptures. Other Sintra highlights include the Quinta da Regaleira and the Sintra National Palace. The tour includes lunch in the historical city; at the end of the day, you'll return to Lisbon for a relaxed evening.

Day 18: Drive to the Algarve

Head to Portugal's sun-soaked southern coast today. Pick up your rental car and make the three-hour drive to the famed Algarve, beloved for its golden beaches bordered by rugged, red-hued cliffs. The maritime region is also home to historic ports with whitewashed old towns and tiled churches—there's even a hilltop castle to visit in Silves.

Spend the rest of the day exploring the Algarve independently. Lagos is an excellent place to start, known for its charming inner-walled old town and harbor, which dates to the 17th century and acts as a base for boat trips along the spectacular cave-strewn coast. Lagos is filled with Moorish architecture thanks to its trading routes, as well as cafés, pretty squares, and beaches.

Day 19: Benagil Cave Kayaking Trip

Today you'll visit one of Europe's most stunning sea caves, Benagil, by kayak. Travel by catamaran from the marina in Portimão to Albandeira Beach, home to striking rock arches and stacks. You'll board a double kayak to start paddling along the wave-worn coast. Your guide will lead you into hidden caves, past impressive rock formations, and secluded coves during the 90-minute journey to Benagil Cave.

Kayak into the cave and witness firsthand why it's nicknamed the Benagil Cathedral. The soaring ceilings and decorative arches are lined with multicolored rock layers, and sunlight streams in from a massive hole in the cave's roof. Park your kayak on a sandy beach and soak up the views of this natural wonder. Afterward, kayak out to the catamaran for the return journey to Portimão.

Day 20: Free Day in the Algarve

Today, you'll have a day to relax in Lagos or head deeper into the Algarve. If you're searching for tranquillity, explore more of the massive Costa Vicentina Natural Park, which extends north to Odeceixe. The park covers a whopping 182,857 acres (74,000 ha) of protected land, including beaches, cliffs, rolling hills, and marshland, with more than 750 species of flora and 200 species of birds. 

You can also spend more time discovering the 16th-century city of Lagos for its cobblestoned streets, inviting squares, great restaurants, and bustling nightlife. Near the city center are several dreamlike beaches, with plenty of watersports and boat excursions. Praia do Pinhão is a peaceful cove known for its secluded setting, while Ponta da Piedade offers more dramatic sandstone cliffs and bright turquoise water. Meanwhile, Praia do Camilo is a gorgeous spot accessed by walking down 200 wooden steps to a sheltered sandy cove.

You could also head east for golf courses, bustling resort towns like Albufeira, and whitewashed villages offering mouthwatering cuisine and exhilarating coastal scenery. Highlights include the region's capital, Faro, the golden beaches of Vale do Lobo, Rocha, and Quinta Do Lago, and bird-watching boat trips in the Ria Formosa Natural Park.

Day 21: Return to Lisbon, Depart

Today your Spain and Portugal adventure comes to an end. Drive back to Lisbon in time to drop off your rental car and catch your homebound flight. Safe travels!

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