Discover the essence of Spain and Portugal: 10-day Travel Itinerary

Discover the essence of Spain and Portugal on this 10-day travel itinerary. Immerse yourself in the vibrant cities, charming towns, and breathtaking landscapes. From the majestic palaces of Madrid to the soulful rhythms of Lisbon’s fado music, each day offers a new adventure and a deeper appreciation for the diverse heritage of this enchanting region.

 

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the City Center (Madrid)

Activity Options:

• Morning: Start your day with a visit to Puerta del Sol, the bustling heart of Madrid. Admire the iconic clock tower and the statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree.
• Late Morning: Head to Plaza Mayor, a historic square surrounded by beautiful buildings. Explore the shops, cafes, and market stalls.
• Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Spanish lunch at one of the restaurants in Plaza Mayor or nearby streets.
• Afternoon: Visit the Royal Palace (Palacio Real), one of the largest palaces in Europe. Explore its opulent rooms, gardens, and the nearby Almudena Cathedral.
• Evening: Wander through the vibrant streets of the La Latina neighbourhood. Stop for tapas and drinks at the numerous bars and taverns. Don’t miss Mercado de San Miguel for a gastronomic experience.
• Night: Experience Madrid’s nightlife in areas like Malasaña or Chueca, known for their trendy bars and clubs.

 

Day 2: Cultural Exploration and Relaxation (Madrid)

 

• Morning: Start your day with a visit to the Prado Museum, home to an impressive collection of European art, including works by Goya, Velázquez, and El Greco.
• Late Morning: Walk to the nearby Buen Retiro Park and enjoy a stroll through its beautiful gardens, fountains, and the iconic Crystal Palace.
• Lunch: Have a picnic in Buen Retiro Park or dine at one of the charming cafes nearby.
• Afternoon: Explore the trendy neighbourhoods of Chueca and Malasaña. Visit boutiques, art galleries, and quirky shops.
• Evening: Attend a flamenco show for an authentic Spanish cultural experience. Many venues offer dinner and a show.
• Night: End your evening with a leisurely walk along Gran Vía, Madrid’s main shopping street, illuminated by colourful lights.

 

Day 3: Last Day Explorations (Madrid)

 

• Morning: Visit the Mercado de San Antón for breakfast or brunch, sampling local specialties and fresh produce.
• Late Morning: Tour the Bernbeu. Visit world famous football team Real Madrids home ground for a tour.
• Lunch: Enjoy a final meal at a traditional Madrid restaurant, indulging in paella, tapas, or Spanish tortillas.
• Afternoon: Depending on your departure time, take a stroll through the lively streets of the Malasaña neighbourhood or visit a local market for some last-minute souvenirs.
• Night: Spend your last night in Madrid relaxing, ready for early morning travel the following day.

 

Day 4: Travel to Granada

 

Leave accommodation around 8 am to travel on one of these options:

1. Trains:

• Duration: Approximately 3 to 4 hours

2. Buses:

• Duration: Approximately 4 to 5 hours

3. Flights:

• Duration: Approximately 1 hour

 

Pricing varies: Please see what best suits you.

Arrive at Granada by lunch and check into accommodation.

 

Activity Options:

• Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Andalusian lunch at a local restaurant in Albayzín. Sample dishes like gazpacho, tortilla española, or hearty tapas accompanied by a glass of regional wine.
• Afternoon: Visit the Mirador de San Nicolás for panoramic views of the Alhambra and the Sierra Nevada mountains. This viewpoint offers one of the best sunset views in Granada, so be sure to arrive in the late afternoon to secure a good spot.
• Evening: Head back to the city centre and explore the bustling streets around Plaza Nueva and Calle Elvira. Take in the lively atmosphere, browse through souvenir shops, and perhaps indulge in some churros with chocolate at a local café.
• Night: Experience the vibrant nightlife of Granada by visiting one of the city’s many tapas bars. Granada is famous for its free tapas culture, so order a drink and enjoy complimentary small plates of delicious local specialties.

 

Day 5: Granada to Seville

 

Leave accommodation around 8 am to travel on one of these options:

 

1. Trains:

• Duration: Approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours

2. Buses:

• Duration: Approximately 3 to 4.5 hours

3. Driving:

• Duration: Approximately 3 to 4 hours

 

Pricing varies: Please see what best suits you.

Arrive in Seville by noon and check into accommodation.

 

Activity Options:

• Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Andalusian lunch at a local tapas bar or restaurant in the Barrio Santa Cruz. Don’t miss specialties like gazpacho, salmorejo, or fried fish.
• Afternoon: Visit the Real Alcázar of Seville, a stunning royal palace renowned for its intricate Moorish architecture, lush gardens, and tranquil ponds. Take your time exploring the palace’s various rooms, patios, and the enchanting gardens of the Patio de las Doncellas.
• Evening: Take a stroll along the banks of the Guadalquivir River and enjoy the sunset views. Then, head to Plaza de España, a majestic square adorned with colourful ceramic tiles, where you can take a romantic boat ride around the canal.
• Night: Experience Seville’s vibrant nightlife by dining at a traditional flamenco tablao. Enjoy a captivating flamenco show accompanied by delicious Andalusian cuisine and local wine.

 

Day 6: Seville 

 

• Morning: Start your day with a visit to the Metropol Parasol, also known as Las Setas (The Mushrooms). Take the elevator to the top of the structure for panoramic views of Seville and learn about its history at the Antiquarium Museum.
• Late Morning: Explore the Triana neighbourhood, known for its vibrant atmosphere, ceramic workshops, and traditional tapas bars. Cross the iconic Triana Bridge and visit the bustling Triana Market to sample local delicacies.
• Lunch: Enjoy lunch at one of the tapas bars in Triana, savouring dishes like pescaíto frito (fried fish), salmorejo, or espinacas con garbanzos (spinach with chickpeas).
• Afternoon: Visit the Casa de Pilatos, a magnificent palace blending Mudéjar, Renaissance, and Gothic architectural styles. Explore its ornate interiors, beautiful gardens, and tranquil courtyards.
• Evening: Take a relaxing horse-drawn carriage ride through the streets of Seville, admiring the city’s illuminated landmarks and historic neighbourhoods.
• Night: Indulge in a final dinner at a traditional Andalusian restaurant, enjoying classic dishes accompanied by live music or a flamenco performance.

 

Day 7: Seville to Lisbon 

 

Leave accommodation around 8 am to travel on one of these options:

 

1. Flights:

• Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours

2. Trains:

• Duration: Approximately 6 to 7.5 hours

3. Buses:

• Duration: Approximately 7 to 9 hours

 

The best option is to fly to reduce travel time. However, please see the prices and pick what best suits you.

Arrive in Lisbon on or just before lunch and check into accommodation.

 

Activity Options:

• Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Portuguese lunch at one of the many restaurants in Baixa. Try specialties like bacalhau à brás (codfish), grilled sardines, or caldo verde (kale soup).
• Afternoon: Explore Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhood known for its narrow streets, colourful houses, and Fado music. Visit São Jorge Castle for panoramic views of the city and wander through the charming streets of Alfama.
• Evening: Experience Fado, Portugal’s soulful music genre, at a local Fado house in Alfama or nearby. Enjoy dinner accompanied by live Fado performances for a truly authentic Lisbon experience.

 

Day 8: Discovering Belém and Modern Lisbon (Lisbon)

 

• Morning: Take a trip to Belém, a historic district renowned for its iconic landmarks. Visit the Jerónimos Monastery, a masterpiece of Manueline architecture, and taste the famous pastéis de nata (custard tarts) at Pastéis de Belém.
• Late Morning: Explore the Belém waterfront and admire the Belém Tower, a symbol of Portugal’s Age of Discovery. Don’t miss the Monument to the Discoveries, which celebrates Portugal’s explorers.
• Lunch: Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a riverside restaurant in Belém, savouring fresh seafood dishes and Portuguese wines.
• Afternoon: Visit Parque das Nações, Lisbon’s modern district built for the 1998 World Expo. Explore attractions like the Oceanário de Lisboa (Lisbon Oceanarium) and take a ride on the cable car for panoramic views of the area.
• Evening: Take a leisurely walk along the waterfront promenade in Parque das Nações, stopping for dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants offering views of the Vasco da Gama Bridge.
• Night: Return to the city centre and explore the vibrant nightlife in Bairro Alto and Chiado. Visit lively bars, listen to live music, and mingle with locals and fellow travellers.

 

Day 9: Day Trip or Further Exploration (Lisbon)

 

• Option 1: Sintra Day Trip: Take a day trip to Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its fairytale palaces and lush gardens. Visit the colourful Pena Palace, the Moorish Castle, and the whimsical Quinta da Regaleira.
• Option 2: Lisbon Exploration: Spend the day further exploring Lisbon. Visit the LX Factory, a trendy arts and culture hub, and explore the vibrant neighbourhoods of Chiado, Bairro Alto, and Príncipe Real. Take a ride on Tram 28 for a scenic tour of the city’s historic districts.
• Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional Lisbon restaurant, savouring Portuguese specialties and reflecting on your memorable stay in the city.

 

Day 10: Lisbon to Home

 

Check out of Lisbon accommodation.

Catch an early morning flight to avoid high costs. Usually, flights between 6 am – and 8 am provide much cheaper costs than afternoon flights.

Please see the times and prices to determine your ideal flight time and enjoy your flight home!

 

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