9 days · Spain, Portugal
Highlights of Spain & Portugal
From AED 7,555per person, twin share
Culture, cuisine and history across Spain and Portugal, on a nine-day route from Madrid to Lisbon and Porto.
- Duration
- 9 Days / 8 Nights
- Route
- Starts and ends in Madrid
- 2 countries on this tour
- Spain
- 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
This nine-day trip to Spain and Portugal starts in Madrid, with tapas, flamenco and historic sites in Toledo, Granada, Ronda and Seville. It then crosses into Portugal for Algarve views, lively Lisbon and port tasting in Porto, before Salamanca and Ávila on the way back to Madrid.
Highlights
- Madrid, Spain’s capital city
- A welcome dinner in Madrid
- The ancient city of Toledo
- The delights of Granada
- Views from Ronda’s Puente Nuevo
- A local dinner in Seville
- A guided tour of Seville’s streets
- The Algarve, Portugal’s southern coast
Show all 16 highlightsShow fewer highlights
- A driving tour of Lisbon
- Óbidos, a medieval fortified town
- A walking and driving tour of Porto
- A taste of Port, Portugal’s most famous drink
- Ciudad Rodrigo’s 12th-century fortifications
- The streets of Salamanca
- A farewell dinner in Salamanca
- Ávila, home to Romanesque architecture
See the journey come to life
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
Óbidos
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
Ávila
Day 9 · on the way
Madrid
Day 9 · end
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Start of tour in Madrid
Dinner included
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
Day 2
Toledo – Granada
Breakfast includedThe 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
Day 3
Granada – Ronda – Seville
Breakfast and dinner included
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
Day 4
Seville
Breakfast included
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
Day 5
Algarve – Lisbon
Breakfast and dinner included
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
Day 6
Lisbon: Free Day
Breakfast included
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
Day 7
Óbidos – Porto
Breakfast included
A stop in Óbidos, 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 Clérigos 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
Day 8
Ciudad Rodrigo – Salamanca
Breakfast and dinner includedThe 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
Day 9
Ávila – Madrid
Breakfast included
The final morning travels from Salamanca to Ávila, 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
Dates & prices
Prices per person, sharing a double or twin room. A single room costs the supplement shown.
16 dates
Tue 22 Dec – Wed 30 Dec 2026
Available
AED 8,700
Single room +AED 3,055
Sat 27 Mar – Sun 4 Apr 2027
Available
AED 9,345
Single room +AED 3,285
Sat 10 Apr – Sun 18 Apr 2027
Available
AED 9,345
Single room +AED 3,285
Sat 24 Apr – Sun 2 May 2027
Available
AED 9,070
Single room +AED 3,285
Sat 8 May – Sun 16 May 2027
Available
AED 8,610
Single room +AED 3,285
Sat 15 May – Sun 23 May 2027
Available
AED 8,610
Single room +AED 3,285
Sat 22 May – Sun 30 May 2027
Available
AED 8,245
Single room +AED 3,285
Sat 5 Jun – Sun 13 Jun 2027
Available
AED 9,070
Single room +AED 3,285
Sat 19 Jun – Sun 27 Jun 2027
AvailableBest price
AED 7,555
Single room +AED 3,285
Sat 3 Jul – Sun 11 Jul 2027
Available
AED 7,555
Single room +AED 3,285
Show all 16 datesShow fewer dates
Sat 17 Jul – Sun 25 Jul 2027
Available
AED 8,245
Single room +AED 3,285
Sat 14 Aug – Sun 22 Aug 2027
Available
AED 8,245
Single room +AED 3,285
Sat 4 Sept – Sun 12 Sept 2027
Available
AED 7,875
Single room +AED 3,285
Sat 11 Sept – Sun 19 Sept 2027
Available
AED 8,610
Single room +AED 3,285
Sat 25 Sept – Sun 3 Oct 2027
Available
AED 8,610
Single room +AED 3,285
Sat 2 Oct – Sun 10 Oct 2027
Available
AED 9,070
Single room +AED 3,285
What’s included
Included
- 8 nights in mostly 3-star and 4-star hotels, in twin rooms with a private bathroom
- A room to yourself for a single supplement, subject to availability
- 8 breakfasts and 4 dinners
- A modern coach with air conditioning, reclining seats and a toilet
- Public transport the tour uses, except on free days
- Guided from start to finish
Not included
- Flights to the start of the tour and home from the end: we can book them from Dubai
- Travel insurance: take out a policy that suits your trip
Optional extras
Excursions and upgrades you can add to the tour. Prices are per person.
Granada Local Food & Wine Pairing
Day 2AED 255per personFour courses pairing wine and food 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.
See day 2 in the itineraryAlhambra Palace & Gardens
Day 3AED 365per personA 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.
See day 3 in the itinerarySeville Alcázar & Cathedral Tour
Day 4AED 320per personA 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.
See day 4 in the itinerarySeville Flamenco Show & Dinner
Day 4AED 365per personIn Seville, a three-course Spanish dinner paired with a live Flamenco show, covering styles from bulerías to sevillanas. €85, booked with your tour leader on the day.
See day 4 in the itineraryColours of Sintra: The Essence of Pena Palace
Day 6AED 250per personA visit to Sintra’s Pena Palace, set on a hilltop within this 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.
See day 6 in the itineraryFátima Sanctuary & Coin Caves
Day 6AED 235per personA visit to Fátima, Portugal’s main religious pilgrimage site: the Coin Caves, a limestone cave system, explored 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.
See day 6 in the itineraryAn Evening on the Douro
Day 7AED 255per personAn 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.
See day 7 in the itinerary
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 extras 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 luggage, sometimes up hotel stairs.
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 in a minute. Your seats are held as soon as you book; you name the other travellers and pay once we have confirmed them.
Questions before you book? Our support team is on WhatsApp +971 4 589 0001.
Questions about this tour
What will my days look like?
Days are full. Most start with breakfast, then the main sights with a local guide or your tour leader. Afternoons often leave free time to wander, stop for a coffee or join an optional extra. Expect a fair amount of walking: some days mean two or three hours on your feet, so bring comfortable shoes.
Who will I be travelling with?
Travellers from all over the world, of different ages and backgrounds, who share a wish to see more. Up to 53 people share this tour, and most know each other’s names within a few days.
What are the hotels like?
Mostly 3 and 4 star, all clean, comfortable and well located, with private en-suite bathrooms. They are chosen so you sleep well and are ready for the next day. The destinations come first, but the hotels are never an afterthought.
How active is this tour?
You carry your own luggage, sometimes up hotel stairs. Some walking tours run for up to three hours, and a few sites have plenty of steps. The itinerary and the activity level at the top of this page show whether the pace suits you.
How do optional extras work?
Optional extras run in the tour’s free time, and your tour leader tells you what is on offer as the tour goes. Some are booked with your tour leader on the day. Others sell in advance and must be bought before the tour starts: to add one of those, mention it in your booking notes and we confirm it with your seats. Each extra in the Optional extras section says which way it is booked.
Will I have time to explore on my own?
Yes. The itinerary builds in free time to wander at your own pace, and your tour leader can point you to the places that suit you, so you are never left to work it all out alone.
What support do I have while I’m on tour?
Your tour leader travels with you from start to finish. They know the places most visitors miss, can suggest a restaurant before you ask, and deal with whatever crops up on the way. Transport and hotels are all arranged for you.
There is also an emergency number staffed 24 hours a day, and our team in Dubai is there to help.
How do I book Highlights of Spain & Portugal?
Press Book now, choose a date, your travellers and rooms, and give your name, email and mobile. We hold your seats and email your booking reference straight away; you then add each traveller as their passport shows on your booking page. 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
Take the trip now. Pay for it in pieces.
Every booking qualifies, from holidays and tours to visas. Spread it over 3 to 12 months at 0% on a credit card plan, or with Tabby or Tamara; some banks add 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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