12-Day Complete Portugal and Northern Spain Tour from Lisbon: Lagos, Albufeira, Mértola and Portugal

What you'll experience

Highlights

12 days

Day-by-day itinerary

1. 1

   Day 1 — Lisbon

   We'll transfer you to the hotel and you'll have some free time. In the afternoon, you'll find information about the start of your tour on the boards located at the hotel reception.
   IMPORTANT:
   -Please note that hotel check-in time is usually at 02:00 p.m. If you require earlier room availability, consider booking an additional night at the beginning of your trip.
   -If you requested additional nights, your room will be ready upon arrival at the hotel, but your trip guide will only contact you when the included activities begin. At the reception, you will find an information board with our staff’s telephone number and hours of assistance. Until then, you have free time to enjoy at your leisure. The hotel staff can assist you with any information you need.
   -During your trip, your guide may offer optional activities. If these activities are available on the Europamundo app or through your "My Trip" link, we strongly recommend booking them as early as possible to ensure availability. Waiting until the last minute may result in missed opportunities due to limited tickets, bus seats, or other factors.
   Notes:
   - The schedules provided in this itinerary are indicative. The guide may adjust them as needed to enhance the trip experience.
   - All mentioned hotels below are for your reference only, you might also check-in other same-level hotels.

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Vip executive entrecampos conference(AV 5 DE OCTUBRO 295)
2. 2

   Day 2 — Lisbon

   Sightseeing tour of Lisbon. In the morning, you'll enjoy a city tour with a local guide lasting approximately 2 hours. You'll get to know the Portuguese capital of the seven hills, with its charming alleys, iconic tiles, the feeling of "saudade," and the beautiful Atlantic light. Our tour will include stops at the following points: Eduardo VII Park, Baixa Pombalina (Marquis of Pombal Square, Rossio with views of São Jorge Castle and Alfama), Estrela neighborhood, Estrela Basilica, the Monument of the Discoveries, Belém Tower, and the Jerónimos Monastery. The visit will conclude in the city center. You'll have free time in the afternoon to further explore the city. We recommend taking the Glória Funicular to visit Bairro Alto and the São Pedro viewpoint. Optionally, our guide will offer visits to the picturesque towns of Sintra, with its castle, and Cascais and Estoril by the seaside.
   08:30 p.m. - We'll return to the hotel from the lively Restauradores Square, filled with vibrant bars and cafes.
   
   
   
    

   

   Estrela Basilica

   

   Jerónimos Monastery

   

   Bairro Alto

   

   Eduardo VII Park

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Vip executive entrecampos conference(AV 5 DE OCTUBRO 295)
3. 3

   Day 3 — Lisboa - Lagos - Cape St. Vincent - Algarve

   Total distance covered: 440 km.
   Scenery: Pleasant landscapes of southern Portugal, with stunning views over the ocean and the Algarve from the Cape.
   
   08:00 a.m. – Departure from Lisbon. Enjoy beautiful landscapes crossing the long bridge over the Tagus River. Arrival in the Algarve, the southern region of Portugal.
   12:00 p.m. – Lagos. Historic city where Portuguese navigators set sail for Brazil and the Indian Ocean routes in the 16th century. We recommend strolling through its port and exploring its ancient walls before lunch.
   02:30 p.m. – Departure from Lagos. We'll follow the Algarve coast.
   04:00 p.m. – Cape St. Vincent. We'll reach the westernmost point of the European continent. From the lighthouse, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of ocean cliffs, crashing waves, and the powerful winds that guide ships between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic.
   04:00 p.m. – Departure from Cape St. Vincent. Stop in Sagres to admire and photograph its fortress from the outside.
   05:30 p.m. – Albufeira. A beautiful coastal city, one of the most popular among European tourists. You can enjoy its beaches. We recommend a walk through its historic center overlooking the sea, brimming with vibrant atmosphere. Accommodation will be provided in Albufeira or a neighboring city in the Algarve.
   
    

   

   Tagus River Bridge

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Agua hotels riverside(Quinta do Parchal, Portimo cp 8400-655 ALBUFEIRA)
4. 4

   Day 4 — Algarve - Beja - Mértola - Évora

   Total distance covered: 295 km.
   Scenery: As we enter Alentejo, you'll see white villages and medieval castles.
   
   09:00 a.m. - Departure from Albufeira. We'll continue our route towards the Alentejo.
   10:45 a.m. - Mértola. Arrival in this walled museum-town, an important center in Muslim times, dominated by a large castle that invites us to stroll through its streets of white houses and corners filled with history.
   12:00 p.m. - Departure from Mértola. You'll see cereal plains and meadows during the journey.
   01:00 p.m. - Beja. Time to walk and have lunch in the historic center of one of the oldest cities in the country, with a large fortress of Roman and medieval origin that dominates the city, full of narrow streets and picturesque squares.
   03:00 p.m. - Departure from Beja.
   04:15 p.m. - Évora. We'll visit to the Chapel of Bones (admission included), a unique site constructed from over 5,000 skeletons. We'll then explore Évora, often hailed as the most beautiful city in Portugal. Inhabited for more than 2,000 years and declared a World Heritage Site, Évora boasts medieval palaces, Gothic religious buildings, and an ancient Roman temple.
   
   
    

   

   Chapel of Bones

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Hilton Garden Inn Evora
5. 5

   Day 5 — Évora - Marvão - Castelo de Vide - Tomar - Fátima

   Total distance covered: 305 km.
   Scenery: White villages, castles, and farmlands.
   
   08:30 a.m. – Departure from Évora.
   10:15 a.m. – Arrival in Marvão, a very picturesque walled town that offers a fantastic panoramic view of the region.
   11:15 a.m. – Departure from Marvão.
   11:45 a.m. - Castelo de Vide. Enjoy leisure time in this Alentejo town, featuring a grand castle and an ancient Jewish quarter complete with a medieval synagogue (now a museum). You'll have the opportunity to explore these attractions and enjoy lunch amidst the maze of narrow, winding streets adorned with charming Gothic archways, perfect for a relaxing stroll.
   01:45 p.m. – Departure from Castelo de Vide.
   03:30 p.m. – Tomar. We include admission to the immense Convent of Christ, formerly belonging to the Templars and now a dominant landmark in the city.
   04:30 p.m. – Departure from Tomar.
   05:15 p.m. - Fátima - Before we arrive, we'll make a brief stop in Aljustrel, the village where the Three Shepherds were born; here, we'll visit Lucia's house. Upon arriving in Fátima, an important sanctuary and pilgrimage site commemorating the apparitions of Our Lady to the Three Shepherds, we'll find the chapel built in 1919 at the site of the apparitions, in Cova de Iría. Since then, the Sanctuary has continued to expand in response to the influx of pilgrims. You'll have free time, during which, if desired, you can watch the candlelight procession (not held in winter). Dinner is included.
   
    

   

   Convent of Christ

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Santa Maria
6. 6

   Day 6 — Fátima - Porto

   Total distance covered: 210 km
   Scenery: Pleasant, green hills.
   08:30 a.m. – Departure from Fátima.
   11:00 a.m. – Arrival in Porto. We'll board a rabelo, a traditional Portuguese boat on the Douro River, for a 50-minute cruise. From the river, we'll admire Porto's beautiful waterfront and pass under six bridges, including the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge, one of the city's most famous landmarks. Free time to explore the medieval Ribeira district, known for its narrow cobblestone streets lined with historic merchant houses and charming cafés.
   06:30 p.m. – Transfer to the hotel and accommodation.
   Note: From November to April, the Porto boat tour may take place in the afternoon.
   
   
    

   

   Douro River

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Ac marriott porto(RUA JAIME BRASIL, 40)
7. 7

   Day 7 — Porto - Bom Jesus Sanctuary - Cambados - Santiago de Compostela

   Total distance covered: 270 km.
   Scenery: Beautiful green countryside and views over the Rías Baixas.
   Note: Remember to bring warm clothes for the boat trip.
   
   08:00 a.m. - Departure from Porto.
   09:00 a.m. - Arrival in Braga. We'll visit the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus and take a trip on the world's oldest water-operated cable car. After exploring the sanctuary, we recommend descending via its picturesque staircase.
   10:15 a.m. - Departure from Bom Jesus. We'll head to Galicia with stunning views over the Galician estuaries.
   13:00 p.m. (12:00 p.m. in Portugal) - Arrival in Cambados. This historic maritime town offers a glass-bottomed boat trip along the Ría de Arousa, where we'll learn about mussel farming. Onboard, enjoy wine and mussel tastings. Free time to explore Cambados and have lunch follows.
   16:00 p.m. - Departure from Cambados.
   16:45 p.m. - Arriving in Santiago de Compostela, you'll embark on a city tour with a local guide, learning about how St. James has drawn pilgrims for centuries. Wander through the medieval streets of the center and marvel at its majestic cathedral.
   Note: On certain dates, particularly during the celebration of St. James' Day, our groups may need to be accommodated in a city near Santiago.
   
   
    

   

   Bom Jesus do Monte

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Santiago Plaza, Eurostars San Lazaro
8. 8

   Day 8 — Santiago de Compostela - Lugo - O Cebreiro - León - Oviedo

   Total distance covered: 475 km.
   Scenery: Beautiful green hills, villages. Spectacular mountain scenery crossing the Cantabrian Range.
   
   08:00 a.m. – Departure from Santiago. Following the ancient Way of St. James, amidst picturesque landscapes, we'll travel to Lugo.
   09:30 a.m. - Lugo - Free time. You can explore its walls, built over 2000 years ago by the Romans and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
   10:30 a.m. – Departure from Lugo. We'll journey to Castile, stopping in O Cebreiro, a charming Galician stone village that offers a glimpse into the region's traditional way of life.
   01:45 p.m. – León. Time for lunch and a stroll in this historic Leonese capital, located on the Way of St. James. Its Gothic cathedral is renowned for its magnificent stained-glass windows.
   04:15 p.m. – Departure from León.
   06:00 p.m. - Oviedo. We'll include (sometimes the next morning) a 90-minute city tour with a local guide. Highlights include the ninth-century cathedral, the Calatrava Congressional Palace, the Campoamor Theatre, and the Calle de la Rua. We'll spend the night in the capital of the Principality of Asturias, a city with a vibrant atmosphere.
    

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Ac hotel forum oviedo by marriott(Pza. de los Ferroviarios, 1)
9. 9

   Day 9 — Oviedo - Covadonga - Santillana - Santander

   Total distance covered: 260 km.
   Scenery: Enjoy breathtaking views of mountains, the sea, and quaint villages along the route.
   
   08:30 a.m. – Departure from Oviedo, the capital of Asturias.
   09:45 a.m. - Covadonga - Time to visit the sanctuary nestled in the mountains, the historic site where the Reconquista of Spain began.
   10:45 a.m. – Departure from Covadonga. As we travel, the lush green mountains blend with views of the sea, creating stunning scenery along the way.
   12:30 p.m. - Santillana - Arrival in this charming medieval village, known for its stone streets, stately houses, and the Collegiate Church. Enjoy some time to explore and have lunch. Nearby, we'll visit the Altamira Cave Museum, which features a replica of the amazing prehistoric rock paintings found there (tickets included).
   04:00 p.m. – Departure from Santillana/Altamira.
   04:30 p.m. - Santander - Arrival in the regional capital, a coastal city offering impressive views of both mountains and beaches. We'll enjoy a panoramic tour of a little over 2 hours with a local guide to explore this elegant city and its beautiful bay and cliffs. The tour includes a stroll through the Pereda Gardens, a visit to the Centro Botín, and a stop at the Cathedral Square. We'll then continue by bus to the Magdalena Peninsula, Sardinero Beach, the Gran Casino, Piquío Gardens, and Cabo Mayor Lighthouse, where you'll be treated to spectacular views of the city and its dramatic cliffs. Arrival at the hotel is expected around 6:45 p.m.

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Gran Hotel Victoria
10. 10

    Day 10 — Santander - Bilbao - Madrid

    Total distance covered: 525 km.
    Scenery: Breathtaking sea views, picturesque mountains, and lush green landscapes before entering the Castilian plateau.
    
    09:00 a.m. – Departure from Santander, beginning our scenic route towards the Basque Country.
    10:30 a.m. – Bilbao. Arrival in the largest city of the Basque Country. We'll embark on a brief city tour with a local guide, exploring highlights such as the Guggenheim area, the old quarter, and the Cathedral. After the tour, enjoy free time to indulge in authentic "pintxos."
    02:15 p.m. – Departure from Bilbao. We'll journey towards Castile (there may be a bus change on route).
    08:30 p.m. – Madrid.
    Note: Depending on the number of passengers, the journey from Bilbao to Madrid may be conducted by either regular coach or train service.
    
    
    
     

    

    Old Quarter

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Praga(Antonio Lopez 65 CP 28019 MADRID)
11. 11

    Day 11 — Madrid

    The day will begin around 08:30 a.m. with a city tour through the center of Madrid, featuring landmarks such as Paseo del Prado, Cibeles, Neptuno, Puerta de Alcalá, Plaza de Colón, and Plaza Mayor.
    We'll then visit Retiro Park, a serene oasis in the heart of the city, where we'll see the lake and the Palacio de Cristal. Our next stop will be the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, the iconic home of Real Madrid. Here, we'll explore the areas reserved for players, the public sections, and a small museum dedicated to the team, often hailed as the best in the world.
    Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your leisure.
    In the evening, we will return to the hotel.

    

    Puerta de Alcala

    

    Plaza Mayor

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Praga(Antonio Lopez 65 CP 28019 MADRID)
12. 12

    Day 12 — Madrid

    After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.
    Note: Please be aware that the hotel check-out time is usually 10:00 a.m. You can leave your luggage in reception upon check-out, allowing you to explore the city without carrying your bags. You can retrieve your luggage at your convenience later in the day. If you require additional time to use your room, we recommend booking an extra night at the end of your tour.

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: Excluded

What's included

Cancellation policy

Important info

Tour operator