Grand Tour of Spain & Portugal

Explore the colourful, lively Iberian peninsula, getting under the skin of its vibrant cities and unique cultures while admiring its spectacular scenery. This comprehensive itinerary will take you from the gastronomic north of Spain, through bustling Madrid and Andalucia to charming Portugal.

1. Fly to Barcelona

2. Days 1-5: Barcelona, Spain

   Begin in Barcelona, a lively, contemporary city bursting with culture and sublime Catalan cuisine. With your private guide weave your way through Barcelona’s winding, cobbled streets, admiring the fantastic display of Gothic architecture before discovering the surreal works of Antoni Gaudi. Soak up the views from the enchanting gardens of Park Guell and wonder at the incredible monument that is the Sagrada Familia, Gaudi's breathtaking masterpiece, still a work in progress. Spend a day out of the city, taking in the picturesque towns and beautiful coastline of Catalonia. Here you’ll have the chance to explore charming medieval villages such as Besalu and Peratallada.

   Accommodation: Grand Hotel Central (4 nights)

3. Days 5-8: San Sebastian, Spain

   Next, head west to the Basque Country, Spain's gastronomic heartland. Here you'll stay in San Sebastian, spending three nights at Hotel Maria Cristina, the grande dame of the city. Boasting ten Michelin-starred restaurants, San Sebastian is the perfect place to sample the wonders of Basque cuisine, whether in a fine-dining restaurant or in one of the many traditional bars serving up pintxos - the Basque version of tapas. Explore the city with a private guide, getting off the tourist trail and sampling some of the locals' favourite bars.

   Accommodation: Hotel Maria Cristina (3 nights)

4. Days 8-11: Madrid

   Continue south to Spain's buzzing capital city, Madrid. Known for its fantastic cultural scene, Madrid is home to a wealth of picturesque architecture and world-class museums showcasing the very best of European art. Culture lovers will delight in exploring the city's 'Golden Triangle of Art' and discovering the historical treasures that Madrid has to offer.

   Those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of this energetic could also step back in time and spend a day in nearby Toledo, a majestic hilltop town boasting a fascinating history, and dating back to the Middle Ages when Christian, Muslim and Jewish cultures lived peacefully side-by-side.

   Accommodation: Hospes Puerta de Alcala (3 nights)

5. Days 11-14: Seville, Andalucia

   Your next destination will be Andalucia and the vibrant city of Seville. This flamboyant region evokes the Spain of the past and is home to many of the country's quintessential traditions - flamenco and tapas are prevalent here. Learn about Seville's Moorish past at the opulent Real Alcazar and take a day trip to Granada with your private guide to visit Andalucia's most iconic monument, the Alhambra. Soak up the atmosphere of this colourful region, spending your evenings discovering some of the city’s most lively tapas bars with your private guide, before leaving Spain behind and travelling west to Portugal.

   Accommodation: Corral del Rey (3 nights)

6. Days 14-17: Lisbon, Portugal

   Your first stop in Portugal will be Lisbon, the country's captivating capital city. Each of Lisbon’s neighbourhoods has its own unique style, and you'll come across Moorish architecture, Roman ruins, elegant plazas and colonial history. Hop on board one of Lisbon's iconic yellow trams to wind your way through the city, tasting local treats such as pastel de nata and enjoying the mournful tones of traditional fado music by night. Head west of Lisbon to discover the fairytale town of Sintra, where magical palaces, Gothic quintas and surreal castles take centre stage.

   Accommodation: Pousada de Lisboa (3 nights)

7. Days 17-19: Porto, Portugal

   Fly north to Porto, an alluring city full of character, where the medieval centre is bursting with colourful houses, Gothic churches and charming hand-painted azulejo tiles. Wander through the city with your private guide, admiring the delightful architecture and stopping in traditional cafés and shops to taste local delicacies. Centuries-old port houses line the southern bank of the Douro river, and here you'll be able to learn about the city's eponymous drink with a delicious tasting session.

   Accommodation: The Yeatman (2 nights)

8. Days 19-22: Lamego, Portugal

   The final stop of your Iberian adventure is to the east of Porto, at the idyllic Six Senses Douro Valley. You'll spend three nights here, relaxing and taking in the incredible views of the river and its surrounding vineyards. A prolific wine region, in the Douro Valley you can visit nearby quintas on board your private boat, learning how these wineries still produce delectable wines using traditional methods. Indulge in the range of wines on offer and the fresh, regional cuisine, or make full use of the extensive spa facilities, enjoying rejuvenating treatments and relaxing at the end of your journey.

   Accommodation: Six Senses Douro Valley (3 nights)

9. Fly home from Porto

Barcelona, San Sebastian, Madrid, Seville, Lisbon, Porto & Douro Valley