Spain and Portugal tours

Here are some of the main attractions to see in Spain and Portugal:

Portugal

• Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon. This UNESCO World Heritage site is full of beautiful architecture and deep history.
• Tower of Belém in Lisbon. Step into Lisbon’s maritime history at this waterfront landmark. Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan visited in their day, too.
• Old-World Ribeira district in Porto. These medieval lanes are as picturesque as it gets.
• Évora. One of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, Évora is home to whitewashed homes with intricate tile work, temples, and even a cork factory.

Spain

• Alhambra in Granada. This is the UNESCO-recognized site of the Moorish sultans’ last stronghold in Spain, and home to a promenade, palaces, and panoramic views of the city.
• Córdoba. This is Europe’s largest medieval city located in the countryside of Madrid.
• Park Güell & La Pedrera. Here, you’ll discover the magnificent works of Gaudí, the famed Spanish architect known for his bold, distinct designs.
• Puerta del Sol in Madrid. This bustling public square is the center of activity, with a famous semi-circle shape, grand buildings, and beautiful fountain.

Anytime is a good time! Both countries bask in sunshine all year, with hotter summers and more mild winters (though winters can be a little rainy). Summertime tends to be the most popular time to go on Spain and Portugal tours, but there are many benefits to travel in the off-season, too—including fewer crowds.

• Wear sturdy footwear because those beautiful cobblestone streets weren’t built for flimsy flip flops!
• In Portugal, if you order café, you’ll get espresso instead of a cup of coffee. Try ordering a meia de leite (half-coffee and half-milk) instead, if that’s more your speed.
• In Portugal, don’t assume appetizers are free—even if your waiter puts them on your table. Anything you eat will be added to your bill.
• In Spain, people eat much later than they do in the United States. Lunch tends to be around 2pm., and dinner happens closer to 9 or 10pm.

As you’re planning a trip to Spain and Portugal, just remember they’re two different countries with different cultures and languages. And while Spanish is very similar to Portuguese, the most polite thing to do is to try and speak each country’s language—even if it’s just to say “good morning!”

Spain and Portugal trips are full of great food, friendly people, and exciting experiences—and traveling with a group makes all that even better. When you go on a guided tour of Spain and Portugal, we do all of the planning for you, so you can truly focus on relaxing, learning, and having fun. You might even make some new friends along the way.

All of our Spain and Portugal vacation packages also feature local expert guides, so you’ll experience what it’s like to truly live in every city, as well as better understand the culture.

You can’t go on one of our Spain and Portugal tour packages without feasting on fantastic foods.

In Spain, you’ll want to try the paella, a famous dish made in a cast-iron pan with rice and spices. If you’re into seafood, Spain is known for gambas al ajillo, a fresh shrimp dish with garlic and chilli pepper, pulpo a la gallega, a tapa dish made with thin-sliced octopus and potatoes, or boquerones, which are fried anchovies. And lastly, you’ve got to try all the tapas, especially pintxos. They're tiny bites of fish, meats, cheeses, or peppers on little pieces of bread! Check our ultimate food and wine guide to Spain to dive even deeper.

In Portugal, you’ll have to try caldo verde, a classic Portuguese soup with potatoes, kale, and sliced chorizo, as well as piri-piri chicken. Portugal is also known for its deliciously fresh seafood. Be sure to finish off with some pastel de nata, a traditional egg custard, for dessert! The Go Ahead Travel Guide to Lisbon is full of other foods and drinks to try, too.