9 days · Spain, Portugal
Highlights of Spain & Portugal
From AED 6,042per person, twin share
Discover the culture, cuisine and history of Spain & Portugal on a 9-day tour from Madrid to Lisbon, Porto and beyond.
- Duration
- 9 Days / 8 Nights
- Route
- Starts and ends in Madrid
- Countries
- Spain and Portugal
- Activity level
- Moderate (3 of 5)
- A fast-moving coach tour with a hotel change most nights across two countries, guided walking tours and a few hours on your feet most days, but no real hikes
- Accommodation
- 8 nights in 3- and 4-star hotels across Spain and Portugal
- Meals
- 8 breakfasts and 4 dinners
- Group
- Group tour, up to 53
- Guide
- English-speaking tour leader throughout, plus local guides in several cities
- Transport
- Air-conditioned coach
- Best time to go
- Runs December and March to October: cooler winters in Madrid and Granada, mild spring and autumn, and hot summers inland and in Andalusia
Tour overview
Satisfy your wanderlust with this 9-day trip to Spain & Portugal! Start in Madrid and discover tapas, flamenco and ancient sites in Toledo, Granada, Seville and Ronda. Cross into Portugal, admire Algarve views, experience lively Lisbon and taste port in Porto. Explore enchanting Salamanca and Avila before leaving with lifelong memories.
Highlights
- Explore Madrid; Spain’s capital cit
- Enjoy a welcome dinner in Madrid
- Visit the ancient city of Toledo
- Discover the delights of Granada
- Admire the views from Puente Nuevo in Ronda
- Enjoy a local dinner in Seville
- Explore the streets of Seville on a guided tour
- Visit the Algarve; Portugal's stunning southern coast
Show all 16 highlightsShow fewer highlights
- Enjoy a driving tour of Lisbon
- Visit Obidos; a medieval fortified town
- Enjoy a driving and walking tour of Porto
- Taste Portugal’s most famous drink - Port!
- Visit Ciudad Rodrigo, a 12th-century fortified town
- Explore the streets of Salamanca
- Enjoy a farewell dinner in Salamanca
- Visit Avila; home to incredible Romanesque architecture
Route and hotels
Where the tour goes and where you sleep, night by night.
Madrid
1 night · Day 1
Sercotel Madrid
Toledo
Day 2 · on the way
Granada
1 night · Day 2
Abades Nevada Palace
Ronda
Day 3 · on the way
Seville
2 nights · Days 3–4
Hotel Porcel Torneo
Algarve
Day 5 · on the way
Lisbon
2 nights · Days 5–6
VIP Executive Art’s Hotel
Obidos
Day 7 · on the way
Show all 13 stopsShow fewer stops
Porto
1 night · Day 7
Park Hotel Porto Gaia
Ciudad Rodrigo
Day 8 · on the way
Salamanca
1 night · Day 8
Zenit Hall 88 Studios
Avila
Day 9 · on the way
Madrid
Day 9 · end
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Start of tour in Madrid
Meals included: Dinner
Your tour leader meets the group at the hotel in Madrid on the morning of arrival. An orientation tour of Spain’s capital follows, taking in its best known sights. In the evening, the group marks its first evening together with a Spanish welcome dinner.
Included
- Guided tour of Madrid: Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor and Mercado de San Miguel
- Welcome dinner in Madrid
- Overnight
- Madrid
- Hotel
- Sercotel Madrid
- Meals
- Dinner
Day 2
Toledo – Granada
Meals included: BreakfastThe morning heads to Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage city whose walled old town is known for its Gothic architecture and Cathedral. The route continues south to Granada, where an orientation tour takes in this Moorish city. In the evening, the optional Granada Local Food & Wine Pairing excursion must be booked before the tour starts, since it is a popular choice.
Included
- Stop in Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its Gothic architecture
- Orientation tour of Granada’s Moorish quarter, the Albaicín
Optional extras
- Granada Local Food & Wine Pairing · AED 255 per person
- Travel
- Madrid → Toledo → Granada by coach
- Overnight
- Granada
- Hotel
- Abades Nevada Palace
- Meals
- Breakfast
Day 3
Granada – Ronda – Seville
Meals included: BreakfastDinner
The Alhambra Palace, one of Spain’s most exceptional landmarks, can be visited in the morning as an optional excursion that can only be booked in advance, before the tour begins. The route then continues to Ronda to see the Puente Nuevo and stop for a relaxed lunch, before going on to Seville, where there is free time at the Plaza de España. The day ends with dinner and an overnight stay.
Included
- Stop at the Puente Nuevo in Ronda, above the El Tajo gorge
- Free time at the Plaza de España in Seville
- Dinner at a local restaurant in Seville
Optional extras
- Alhambra Palace & Gardens · AED 365 per person
- Travel
- Granada → Ronda → Seville by coach
- Overnight
- Seville
- Hotel
- Hotel Porcel Torneo
- Meals
- Breakfast and dinner
Day 4
Seville
Meals included: Breakfast
Seville’s history and charm unfold over a guided tour with an expert local guide. Afterwards, the Alcázar of Seville can be visited on an optional excursion, or the city explored at your own pace. Seville is known for flamenco, and in the evening there is the option of a Flamenco dinner show.
Included
- Guided walking tour of Seville with a local guide
Optional extras
- Seville Alcázar & Cathedral Tour · AED 320 per person
- Seville Flamenco Show & Dinner · AED 365 per person
- Overnight
- Seville
- Hotel
- Hotel Porcel Torneo
- Meals
- Breakfast
Day 5
Algarve – Lisbon
Meals included: BreakfastDinner
The route today leads to Lisbon, Portugal, passing through the Algarve, the country’s southern coastal region of golden beaches and limestone cliffs. A stop at one of the beaches allows time for a swim in the sea. An orientation tour on arrival in Lisbon takes in the capital’s highlights, and dinner is included this evening.
Included
- Scenic stop along the Algarve, Portugal’s southern coast
- Driving tour of Lisbon: the capital’s highlights along the Tagus River
- Dinner in Lisbon
- Travel
- Seville → Algarve → Lisbon by coach
- Overnight
- Lisbon
- Hotel
- VIP Executive Art’s Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast and dinner
Day 6
Lisbon: Free Day
Meals included: Breakfast
Lisbon is free to explore at your own pace today. The morning offers the optional Colours of Sintra excursion to the hilltop Pena Palace, and the afternoon the optional Fátima Sanctuary & Coin Caves excursion to Portugal’s best known pilgrimage site, with its limestone Coin Caves and Sanctuary.
Included
- Free day in Lisbon to explore at your own pace
Optional extras
- Colours of Sintra: The Essence of Pena Palace · AED 250 per person
- Fátima Sanctuary & Coin Caves · AED 235 per person
- Overnight
- Lisbon
- Hotel
- VIP Executive Art’s Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast
Day 7
Obidos – Porto
Meals included: Breakfast
A stop in Obidos, a fortified town of cobbled streets, houses and a hilltop castle, breaks up the journey to Porto. A walking tour there covers highlights including Ponte Dom Luis and the Clerigos Tower, and the afternoon includes a taste of local Port wine. In the evening, the optional Evening on the Douro adds a river cruise with dinner.
Included
- Stop in Óbidos, a fortified medieval town
- Walking tour of Porto: Ponte Dom Luís and the Clérigos Tower
- Port wine tasting in Porto
Optional extras
- An Evening on the Douro · AED 255 per person
- Travel
- Lisbon → Óbidos → Porto by coach
- Overnight
- Porto
- Hotel
- Park Hotel Porto Gaia
- Meals
- Breakfast
Day 8
Ciudad Rodrigo – Salamanca
Meals included: BreakfastDinnerThe route leaves Portugal and returns to Spain, with a stop in Ciudad Rodrigo, a fortified Spanish city, where an orientation tour comes with some time to explore freely. On arrival in Salamanca, a locally guided city tour takes in Baroque, Gothic and Renaissance buildings. In the evening, a three course meal features dishes from the Salamanca region.
Included
- Orientation tour of Ciudad Rodrigo, within its 12th-century walls
- Guided tour of Salamanca, with its Baroque, Gothic and Renaissance buildings
- Farewell dinner of Salamanca specialities
- Travel
- Porto → Ciudad Rodrigo → Salamanca by coach
- Overnight
- Salamanca
- Hotel
- Zenit Hall 88 Studios
- Meals
- Breakfast and dinner
Day 9
Avila – Madrid
Meals included: Breakfast
The final morning travels from Salamanca to Avila, a city known for its Romanesque and Gothic churches and well preserved medieval walls. The route continues on to the capital, Madrid, where the tour comes to an end in the afternoon.
Included
- Free time in Ávila among its medieval walls and Romanesque churches
- Travel
- Salamanca → Ávila → Madrid by coach
- Meals
- Breakfast
Dates & prices
Prices per person, sharing a double or twin room. A single room costs the supplement shown.
18 dates
FromTue 22 Dec 2026ToWed 30 Dec 2026
Available
AED 6,666
Single room supplement +AED 2,443 single
FromSat 27 Mar 2027ToSun 4 Apr 2027
Available
AED 7,474
Single room supplement +AED 2,626 single
FromSat 10 Apr 2027ToSun 18 Apr 2027
Available
AED 7,474
Single room supplement +AED 2,626 single
FromSat 24 Apr 2027ToSun 2 May 2027
Available
AED 7,254
Single room supplement +AED 2,626 single
FromSat 8 May 2027ToSun 16 May 2027
Available
AED 6,886
Single room supplement +AED 2,626 single
FromSat 15 May 2027ToSun 23 May 2027
Available
AED 6,886
Single room supplement +AED 2,626 single
FromSat 22 May 2027ToSun 30 May 2027
Available
AED 6,593
Single room supplement +AED 2,626 single
FromSat 29 May 2027ToSun 6 Jun 2027
Sold out
AED 6,042
Single room supplement +AED 2,626 single
Full
FromSat 5 Jun 2027ToSun 13 Jun 2027
Available
AED 7,254
Single room supplement +AED 2,626 single
FromSat 12 Jun 2027ToSun 20 Jun 2027
AvailableBest price
AED 6,042
Single room supplement +AED 2,626 single
Show all 18 datesShow fewer dates
FromSat 19 Jun 2027ToSun 27 Jun 2027
Available
AED 6,042
Single room supplement +AED 2,626 single
FromSat 3 Jul 2027ToSun 11 Jul 2027
Available
AED 6,042
Single room supplement +AED 2,626 single
FromSat 17 Jul 2027ToSun 25 Jul 2027
Available
AED 6,593
Single room supplement +AED 2,626 single
FromSat 14 Aug 2027ToSun 22 Aug 2027
Available
AED 6,593
Single room supplement +AED 2,626 single
FromSat 4 Sept 2027ToSun 12 Sept 2027
Available
AED 6,299
Single room supplement +AED 2,626 single
FromSat 11 Sept 2027ToSun 19 Sept 2027
Available
AED 6,886
Single room supplement +AED 2,626 single
FromSat 25 Sept 2027ToSun 3 Oct 2027
Available
AED 6,886
Single room supplement +AED 2,626 single
FromSat 2 Oct 2027ToSun 10 Oct 2027
Available
AED 7,254
Single room supplement +AED 2,626 single
What’s included
Included
- 8 nights hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms. The majority of our accommodations are of a 3- and 4-star standard, offering excellent value, comfort and convenience
- Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability)
- 8 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners
- Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard
- Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)
- Fully-guided tour
Not included
- Flights: Arrange your own flights for the start and end of the tour
- Travel insurance: Purchase a suitable policy that meets your needs
Optional extras
Excursions and upgrades you can add to the tour. Prices are per person.
Granada Local Food & Wine Pairing
A four-course wine and food pairing at a Granada gastro bar, with tapas and local cheeses matched to wines from Granada and other Spanish regions, hosted by an English-speaking food guide. €60. Book it before the tour: add it to your booking notes.
AED 255 per person
Alhambra Palace & Gardens
A guided visit to the Alhambra, Granada’s Moorish palace and fortress complex, taking in the Nasrid Palaces, the Generalife gardens and the Palace of Charles V. €85. Book it before the tour: add it to your booking notes.
AED 365 per person
Seville Alcázar & Cathedral Tour
A guided tour of the Alcázar of Seville and Seville Cathedral, two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, taking in the Alcázar’s gardens and the cathedral’s bell tower, the Giralda, with free time to explore it. €75. Book it before the tour: add it to your booking notes.
AED 320 per person
Seville Flamenco Show & Dinner
A three-course Spanish dinner in Seville paired with a live Flamenco show, covering styles from bulerías to sevillanas. €85, booked with your tour leader on the day.
AED 365 per person
Colours of Sintra: The Essence of Pena Palace
A visit to Sintra’s Pena Palace, a hilltop palace in a UNESCO World Heritage town, with time to explore the palace, its park and the Chalet of the Countess of Edla at your own pace, plus coach transfers and a local sweet treat. €58. Book it before the tour: add it to your booking notes.
AED 250 per person
Fátima Sanctuary & Coin Caves
A visit to Fátima, Portugal’s main religious pilgrimage site: the limestone Coin Caves with a local guide, then free time to explore the Sanctuary of Fátima and its basilicas, with coach transport from Lisbon included. €55, booked with your tour leader on the day.
AED 235 per person
An Evening on the Douro
An evening cruise along the Douro River past six of Porto’s bridges, followed by a three-course meal, vegetarian options available, at a restaurant with views of the river, with coach transport back to the hotel. €60, booked with your tour leader on the day.
AED 255 per person
To add an extra, mention it in your booking notes, and we confirm it with your seats before you pay. Some are booked with your tour leader on the day instead: their description says so.
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Good to know
Practical details to read before you travel.
Passport & visas
Spain and Portugal are both in the Schengen area, so one Schengen visa covers this entire trip.
UAE passport holders don’t need a visa for stays of up to 90 days in any 180, but will need the EU’s new ETIAS travel authorisation once it starts: we can tell you where it stands when you book. Most other nationalities living in the UAE need a Schengen visa, applied for up to six months before you travel; Dubai appointments fill up quickly before the summer and Christmas, so start early.
Your passport must be valid for at least three months after you leave Spain or Portugal and have been issued within the last ten years, with two blank pages, and your UAE residence visa must be valid for at least three months after you return. Our visa team handles Schengen applications: ask us when you book.
Flights and timings
Flights to and from Madrid aren’t included.
Day 1 starts at the hotel in Madrid, with check-in from 10:00 and the tour leaving soon after. The tour ends back in Madrid on day 9, with no onward transport included.
Our team can book your flights from Dubai to match.
Meals and dietary needs
Breakfast is included every day, plus four dinners: the welcome dinner in Madrid on day 1, dinner in Seville on day 3, dinner in Lisbon on day 5 and the farewell dinner in Salamanca on day 8. Lunches are not included, so you can choose where to eat.
Tell us about any dietary needs, halal included, when you book, and we pass them on before the tour.
Money
Spain and Portugal both use the euro, so you only need to think about one currency for this whole trip. Cards are widely accepted in cities, though smaller towns can be cash-only, so carry some euros for cafés, tips and small purchases.
Optional experiences booked on tour are paid to your tour leader in cash or by card, in the currency shown.
Weather and packing
The tour runs in December and from March to October. Winter is cool in Madrid and Granada, spring and autumn are mild, and summer is hot inland and in Andalusia; the Algarve and Lisbon stay breezier by the coast.
Pack layers, a rain jacket and comfortable shoes: the itinerary includes several walking tours and cobbled old towns, and you carry your own bags, including up hotel stairs where needed.
Plan your trip
Our Dubai team arranges what goes around the tour, so it is booked in one place.
Visas
One Schengen visa covers the Schengen countries on this route. Our visa team in Dubai applies for UAE residents once the tour is booked.
Flights
Flights are not included. We can book them with the tour: Dubai to Madrid and back. Tick “Flights” when you book and we quote them with your confirmation.
Pay in instalments
Split the cost with Tabby or Tamara, or over 3 to 12 months on a UAE bank credit card for bookings from AED 1,000.
Book this tour
Book online in a few minutes. Your seats are held as soon as you book, and you pay once we have confirmed them.
- Choose your date, travellers and roomsPrices are per person, and the total updates as you choose.
- Name each traveller as in their passportYour seats are held and your booking reference is emailed straight away.
- Pay by secure link once confirmedOur Dubai team confirms the seats with the tour operator, then emails your payment link. Nothing is charged when you book.
Questions before you book? Our support team is on WhatsApp +971 58 582 4488.
Questions about this tour
What will my days actually look like?
Full days, zero filler. Most mornings start with breakfast before heading out to the main sights with your Tour Leader or a local guide. Afternoons often include free time to wander, find a coffee or join an Optional Experience. Expect a good amount of walking too. On some days, you could spend two to three hours on your feet. Comfortable shoes are your best friend.
Who will I be travelling with?
People from all over the world. Different ages, different backgrounds, same instinct to see more. Groups have on average between 35-45 travellers. By day three, you’ll already know everyone's name.
What are the hotels like?
Clean, comfortable and well located. Mostly 3 to 4 star, with private en-suite bathrooms. They're chosen so you can sleep well and feel ready for the next day. They're not the centrepiece. The destinations are. But they're never an afterthought.
How active is this tour?
All travellers carry their own bags, including up hotel stairs where needed. Walking tours can last up to three hours, and some sites involve a fair number of steps. Read through the itinerary to decide if the pace is right for you.
How do Optional Experiences work?
Optional Experiences happen during your tour's free-time slots, and your Tour Leader will tell you about what's on offer during the tour. Most can be booked on the day, but some are pre-sold and must be purchased before your tour begins, so it's worth checking the tour page beforehand to see what's available and get in touch with our team to book anything in advance.
Will I have time to explore on my own?
Yes. Free time is built into the itinerary, giving you space to wander and explore at your own pace. Your Tour Leader can point you towards the places worth your time, so you're never left completely to figure it out yourself.
What support do I have while I'm on tour?
Your Tour Leader is there to look after you during your tour. They know the places most people walk straight past, they'll have a restaurant recommendation ready before you've asked, and they'll sort anything that comes up along the way. All transport and accommodation are arranged for you.
You'll also have a 24-hour emergency contact number and the Holidayys team in Dubai.
How do I book Highlights of Spain & Portugal?
Press Book now, choose a date and your rooms, and enter each traveller as their passport shows. We hold your seats and email your booking reference straight away. Our Dubai team confirms the seats with the tour operator, then emails you a secure payment link. Nothing is charged when you book.
When do I pay?
Once the tour operator confirms your seats. We email you a secure payment link for the total in AED, and your booking is complete when it is paid. To pay in instalments, say so in your booking notes.
Is the price per person?
Yes. Prices are per person sharing a double or twin room. Travelling alone? A single room costs the supplement shown next to each date.
Are flights included?
Only when the tour lists them under what is included. We can book flights from the UAE to the start city and home from the end city with your tour.
Do I need a visa?
That depends on your passport and the countries on the route. Our visa team arranges Schengen and other visas for UAE residents, and can apply for yours once the tour is booked.
Payment plans
Pay over time, at 0% interest
Every booking qualifies, from holidays and tours to visas. Pay later with a credit card instalment plan or a buy-now-pay-later account; some banks charge a one-time processing fee.
- Credit card plans from AED 1,000
- Tabby and Tamara, no minimum
- Terms from 3 to 12 months
Find your bank’s plan
Credit cards, from AED 1,000
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