Lisbon to Madrid, Valencia & Barca - 13 days

Lisbon to Madrid, Valencia & Barca - 13 days

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13 Days From

$5345

$3888

Lisbon to Madrid, Valencia & Barca - 13 days

13 Days Starting in Lisbon and ending in Barcelona

Visiting: Lisbon, Porto, Santiago de Compostela, Salamanca, Madrid, Cuenca, Valencia, Barcelona

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Group size:

2 - 16

Age range:

Min:16yrs, accompanied by an adult / Max:99

Trip Styles:

Small Group

From: $5345 $3888 Operator discount: -$1336 Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$120 -27%

NB: Prices correct on 03-Oct-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

SMALL GROUP TOUR: Journey from Lisbon to Barcelona on this 13-day escorted group tour. Visit the university library in Coimbra and explore Porto at your own pace. In Spain, visit Santiago de Compostela and spend a night in Salamanca. Visit the royal residence of El Escorial, enjoy free time in Madrid and uncover the Roman settlement of Segobriga. Spend time in Cuenca, and Valencia, enjoy included wine tasting and make your way up Spain's eastern coast to Barcelona.

Highlights

  • Coimbra - Explore this former Portuguese capital with an included visit to one of the oldest universities in the world

  • Porto - Uncover this delightful city independently, with time to sightsee, cruise the Douro River and sample local port wine

  • Braga - See the famous Bom Jesus Sanctuary and if you're feeling fit, climb the 600 steps for panoramic views over the region

  • Santiago de Compostela - Spend two nights in one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in the world

  • El Escorial - Take in the UNESCO-listed home of the Spanish Royal Family on an included visit

  • Madrid - Delve into the Spanish capital under your own steam with an entire free day to explore

  • Cuenca - Enjoy a guided walking tour, visit the Cathedral and gaze at the hanging houses of this medieval city

  • La Serrania National Park - Admire strange mushroom-shaped rock formations and look out for vultures and eagles in the sky

  • Segobriga - Admire the well-preserved amphitheatre and public baths in this important Roman city

  • Requena - Savour the regional wine that has been produced here since the 7th century BC with an included tasting

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Itinerary

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Day 1: Lisbon

Location: Lisbon

Lisbon – Obidos – Coimbra – Aveiro – Porto. Departing Lisbon this morning, we head first to Obidos, a charming walled town filled with delightful discoveries. There is free time here to explore the sturdy walls of the Moorish Castle, stroll through cobbled shopping lanes, and indulge in a delightful Ginjinha d'Obidos, a sweet liqueur served in a chocolate cup.





Continuing north, we reach Coimbra, a former Portuguese capital renowned for its ancient university dating back to the 13th century. We enjoy an included visit to this historic institution and there's time for you to find a nice restaurant for lunch. Next, we venture to Aveiro, a town reminiscent of Venice with its canals and art-nouveau architecture. Completing our drive to Porto, the evening is at leisure.





Please note: Pick up for this tour is at 8:15 on day 1 (tour departs at 8:30) - Lisbon Pick Up Point, Hotel Zenit, Lisbon.

Day 2: Porto

Location: Porto

Meals Included: Breakfast

Porto – Douro Valley – Porto. Today you have a choice! You can enjoy a free day in Porto to explore at your own pace, or you can join an optional half-day excursion to the Douro Valley.





On our optional trip, we travel to Pinhao for a river cruise on a traditional rabelo boat, tasting the local port wine and savouring the breathtaking scenery. We continue to Peso de Regua for optional wine tasting or free time to explore. On the way back to Porto we stop at the Mesao Frio viewpoint which offers stunning views of the Douro River.





The rest of the day is free to further explore the city, savour its wines and cuisine at leisure. If you appreciate live music, consider attending a performance of Fado, Portugal's emotionally stirring traditional music.

Day 3: Porto

Location: Porto

Meals Included: Breakfast

Porto – Braga – Guimaraes – Santiago de Compostela (Spain). Today we leave Porto and journey north to Braga, where we take in the renowned Bom Jesus Sanctuary. This site, celebrated for its religious, cultural, and architectural significance, earned its UNESCO World Heritage status in 2019. Nestled at the base of Mount Espinho, we'll marvel at the Baroque staircase adorned with ornate granite fountains. At the top is a neoclassical church offering panoramic city views. To reach the summit, you can purchase a special elevator ticket or ascend nearly 600 steps on foot.





Our next destination is Guimaraes, often referred to as the 'birthplace of Portugal.' The historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is free time for lunch, and an optional visit to the Palace of Braganza.





We then cross the border into Spain and arrive in Santiago de Compostela, one of the world's most important pilgrimage destinations.

Day 4: Santiago De Compostela

Location: Santiago de Compostela

Meals Included: Breakfast

Santiago de Compostela – Cape Finisterre – Santiago de Compostela. Today, You have another choice to make. Free time to explore Santiago de Compostela or an optional full-day excursion to Cape Finisterre.





If you opt for the trip, the day commences with a scenic drive along the Costa da Morte, known as 'the Coast of Death' - it was once a hotspot for shipwrecks. We pass through Noia and make a quick stop in Muros. See Galicia's largest beach, Playa de Carnota and walk to see the Ezaro Waterfall tumble directly into the sea.





We finally arrive at the 'End of the World' at Cape Finisterre, a place ancient civilizations believed marked the Earth's edge. Here, we can admire the lighthouse and gaze out at the wild Atlantic Ocean. Continuing to the harbour town of Muxia, there's free time to grab a bite to eat and watch the ships heading out to sea.





We then make our way back to Santiago de Compostela, where the evening is free to marvel at the renowned cathedral built atop the remains of St. James, one of the apostles of Jesus Christ.

Day 5: Salamanca

Location: Salamanca

Meals Included: Breakfast

Santiago de Compostela – Lugo – Las Medulas – Salamanca. Our day begins in Lugo, best known for housing the world's only fully intact Roman city walls. We can take a leisurely stroll along these ancient defences, channelling our inner Roman Legionnaire.





Next, we'll follow the footsteps of the Romans to Las Medulas. The landscape here is surreal, with peculiar red holes and mountain cavities. These are a legacy of the Romans, who carved into the earth in search of gold. We explore this unique area and there's time for lunch before we complete our drive to Salamanca.

Day 6: Madrid

Location: Madrid

Meals Included: Breakfast

Salamanca – Avila – El Escorial – Madrid. There's free time this morning to explore Salamanca independently before we journey onto the vast plains of Castile and Leon. We make a stop for lunch in Avila before an included visit to El Escorial, home to the Spanish Royal Family and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Arriving in Madrid in the early evening, you can head out for dinner in the Spanish capital.

Day 7: Madrid

Location: Madrid

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today is completely free for you to explore the Spanish capital. There are many ways to spend your day; for sightseeing, we recommend the hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus, taking in highlights such as the Royal Palace and the main square, Plaza Mayor. You could also take in the home of one of sport's greatest teams, Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu football stadium. Art lovers can explore the Prado Museum, or you can simply unwind in a tapas restaurant with a jug of sangria - the choice is yours!





Please note: In Madrid, some members of your group may be ending their tour, and others may join. You may also meet a new guide for the next part of your trip, and change vehicle.

Day 8: Madrid

Location: Madrid

Meals Included: Breakfast

Madrid – Cuenca – La Serrania National Park – Cuenca. Leaving Madrid, we journey through the heart of Old Spain, Castilla-La Mancha. This region boasts serene landscapes, diverse nature, and renowned Manchego cheese.





Our first destination is Villarejo de Salvanes, a small town with an intriguing castle and pre-Roman archaeological sites. Continuing to Cuenca, we enjoy a guided walking tour, including a visit to the 12th-Century Gothic cathedral.





From Cuenca, we venture into La Serrania National Park, a vast 73,000-hectare wildlife sanctuary. We take in the incredible and bizarre mushroom-shaped rock formations of the 'Enchanted City', and keep our eyes peeled for resident wildlife, including wild boar, golden eagles and majestic griffon vultures. Enjoy the panoramic vistas from the Mirador de Una viewpoint before we return to Cuenca, our base for two nights. The evening is at leisure.

Day 9: Cuenca

Location: Cuenca

Meals Included: Breakfast

Cuenca – Segobriga – Belmonte – Cuenca. We start today with an included visit to the Roman settlement of Segobriga, which offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of the Spanish Meseta. After exploring the remarkably preserved amphitheatre, public baths, and temples, we head south to Belmonte. There's free time for a tapas lunch before our included visit to the remarkable 15th-Century Castillo de Belmonte, known for its unique triangular courtyard and six-pointed star shape.





Back in Cuenca, there's free time to explore at leisure. You may wish to visit the Castilla-La Mancha Paleontological Museum, home to incredible dinosaur fossils and models.

Day 10: Cuenca

Location: Cuenca

Meals Included: Breakfast

Cuenca – Alcala del Jucar – Valencia. From Cuenca, we journey to Alcala del Jucar, a captivating town nestled within natural caves and perched between the castle and the Jucar River. There's free time to explore the town and find somewhere for lunch.





Next, we visit a winery in Requena for included wine tasting. This region has produced some of Spain's finest wine as far back as the 7th Century BC. After sampling some of the regional produce, we head to Valencia. This coastal gem is known as the birthplace of paella, boasts a vibrant nightlife, and is home to stunning architecture.

Day 11: Valencia

Location: Valencia

Meals Included: Breakfast

Valencia - Albufera Natural Park - Valencia. This morning, we explore the Monastery of Santa Maria in El Puig on an included visit. This structure has a diverse history with cloisters and defensive elements - it has served as a temple, a school, and even a prison





Next, we visit Albufera Natural Park, home to the rice paddies where paella was born. You can enjoy an optional boat ride or spend our time here observing the unique flora and fauna. There's also time for lunch independently. Returning to Valencia, we enjoy a short orientation tour of the city and the evening is at leisure.

Day 12: Valencia

Location: Valencia

Meals Included: Breakfast

Valencia – Xativa – Cullera – Valencia. Today we journey to Xativa, known as the 'Town of a Thousand Fountains'. Situated on the slopes of Monte Vernissa, it is best known as the historic home of the notorious noble family of Borgia. We enjoy an included visit to Xativa Castle and a short tour of the town, as well as free time to further explore independently.





Next, we head to the charming coastal town of Cullera. Our time here is free to relax on the beach, or enjoy panoramic views from the 13th-Century castle. In the afternoon, we return to Valencia. The rest of the day is free, or you can join an optional walking tour of the city, coupled with a delectable tapas experience.

Day 13: Barcelona

Location: Barcelona

Meals Included: Breakfast

Valencia – Peniscola – Sitges – Barcelona. In the morning we depart Valencia for the coastal town of Peniscola, known as the 'City in the Sea'. There's an optional visit to the Papa Lunas Castle, built by the Knights Templar in the late 1200s. Perched at the peninsula's highest point, the castle offers panoramic coastal views. Alternatively, don your swimsuit for a refreshing swim in the tranquil sea.





Continuing along the Mediterranean coast, our next stop is Sitges, a lively cultural hub boasting modernist architecture and intriguing museums. After a short visit, we complete our journey to Barcelona, where our tour ends.





Please note: This tour finishes at 18:30 - Barcelona Drop Off, Abba Sants Hotel, Barcelona. (If travelling prior to April 2024, you will be dropped at Hotel Evenia Rocafort, Barcelona).

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    3-4 star hotels

  • 12 breakfasts

  • 12 nights 3-4 star hotels

  • Escorted by a local driver-guide

  • Entrance to Coimbra University Library

  • Entrance to El Escorial

  • Walking tour of Cuenca

  • Entrance to Cuenca Cathedral

  • Entrance to Ciudad Encantada (Enchanted City)

  • Entrance to the Roman settlement at Segobriga

  • Entrance to Castillo de Belmonte

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What's Not Included

  • International flights & visas

  • Airport transfers (pick up and drop off information can be found in the Trip Notes)

  • Meals not specified in itinerary

  • Tipping - an entirely personal gesture!

  • Entry fees unless specified

Age Policy

Min:16yrs, accompanied by an adult / Max:99

Check out our Q&As

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1998

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Nicola Hodgkinson (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from Greece, a...

07-May-2024

Recently returned from Greece, a 5 day tour with OTG. Unfortunately, I had a negative experience on day 2 where I needed local support to get me out of a tricky situation. Thank you to Alexandra Z from Hetco Tours in Athens for helping me continue on with the trip, to the Hotel Zafolia staffing team and to Danielle and team here in the UK for supporting me with the aftermath. Your kindness will not be forgotten and I will pay it forward. I've now booked 3 trips with yourselves and will continue to go back. Thank you all. Honestly, I am SO grateful. Blessings to you all. Nicola

Calvin  

Wonderful experience

05-Jan-2023

Jamal is our tour guide. Right from the start, he created a group chat in whatsapp and if any issues to make sure we contact him. He was on the ball with every issue thrown at him. Luggage being left behind, stragglers wondered off in a different path, hotel room etc. He explains the various site along our route to give us a better understanding of the local cultures. We had a great time, thanks to Jamal.

Trustpilot
Norma Sullivan  

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The Land of Northern Lights tour was a triumph! My tour of Southern Iceland was absolutely wonderful. The venues chosen, the timing allotted at each venue and the variety of things to experience was nearly perfect. Our guide, "Thor", was smart, amusing, full of history and anecdotal stories as well as being incredibly hospitable and helpful. This small group experience was my first, but not my last thanks to On the Go.

Trawls (Google Reviewer)  

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05-Feb-2024

On The Go Tours Sri Lanka was an incredible experience that was made even better by our tour guide Akthar. He was incredibly knowledgeable about his country and he loved sharing it with us. The tour covers a wide range of activities so you can truly experience what Sri Lanka is all about. The beautiful 4-5 star hotels at the end of every day was an absolute bonus. Thanks for a great trip OTGT I’m sure this won’t be my last

Xtreme Floor Care (Google Reviewer)  

Traveled through Egypt with On...

30-Nov-2023

Traveled through Egypt with On the Go Tours, professional service, very informative and helpful tour guides. The choice of hotels was excellent... Definitely recommend this company

Gavin Harrigan  

King Tutankhamun 10 day tour of Egypt

16-Sep-2021

I have just returned from my tour with On The Go and it was an amazing trip! From arriving at the airport and meeting the OTG representative, everything was well organised and hassle free.  Our tour guide was Amir. He is awesome!! From the beginning he was so friendly and enthusiastic about showing us around Egypt, giving us loads of information at each place and time to explore ourselves. Learnt so much from him about this fascinating place, and he was always happy to answer more questions.   The trip itself was amazing. There's lots of travelling on this trip, but it's really not too bad, and the sights you see when you get to where you are going are worth it. I'm not a big fan of boats, but the Felluca ride across the Nile was pretty fun too.  On the first day I also did the optional tour of Cairo with Ahmed Helal - another excellent guide from OTG. It's worth doing this add on as you don't spend much time in Cairo, and you go to three very different places.  I'm so glad that I decided to do this trip. It was just ace.  If you're thinking about it too, you should probably just book it. And hopefully you get Amir as your guide.

Paul Kelly (Google Reviewer)  

TOTALLY MOROCCO We booked a 9...

26-Feb-2023

TOTALLY MOROCCO We booked a 9 day tour of Morocco visiting many main cities and places of interest. The coach was very comfortable and we felt safe with the driver Suliman. The guide was Hicham Touraouine and he was fantastic. He spoke perfect English as well as French, Arabic and Berber. He was so kind and considerate and made a good tour great. We particularly enjoyed ‘glamming in the Sahara Desert. So much to see and do and great food and company. We would definitely use On The Go Tours again, especially if Hicham was the guide. Paul & Penny

Joyce Heitler (Google Reviewer)  

I would give this tour...

09-May-2024

I would give this tour group no stars if possible. The tour was not guaranteed but they did not inform me when I booked and they did not have enough people. Way after I booked they said I needed a doctors letter because I was over 70. Also way after booking I was informed I needed travel insurance. They knew my age when I booked. They would not refund my tour even though it was 4 months away.

Sarah Paterson (Google Reviewer)  

Terrible tour of India. For...

27-Dec-2023

Terrible tour of India. For some reason On the Go hadn't realised that my room mate had booked her own room for the first night of tour. So the hotel in Delhi had tried to put me in her room after midnight, by wheeling in an extra bed. She went Crazy!! I then had to sit in hotel reception for hours. While the tour guide said he couldn't find me a room. Throughout the tour the guide consistently ask me and my room mate for money for my room, causing more friction between us. Don't book with this company had the worst experience ever. Go with Intrepid or G Adventure

brandy hoffman (Google Reviewer)  

I had used them once...

09-Aug-2023

I had used them once before and loved them. I decided to try them again for a Baltic tour not knowing that they put me on another Tour group- Baltic vision. Loved that tour but was not impressed they marked up the cost for me over 100%. I understand taking some for yourself because of paperwork, but over double the cost everyone else paid on the tour. Just double check before you book with them that you’re not over paying.

1 Select your preferred date

Monday - Saturday

Oct 28, 2024 - Nov 09, 2024
$5425 $3947

Operator discount: -$1356

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$122

Monday - Saturday

Nov 11, 2024 - Nov 23, 2024
$5345 $3888

Operator discount: -$1336

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$120

Monday - Saturday

Apr 14, 2025 - Apr 26, 2025
$7055 $5133

Operator discount: -$1764

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$159

Monday - Saturday

Apr 28, 2025 - May 10, 2025
$7055 $5133

Operator discount: -$1764

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$159

Monday - Saturday

May 12, 2025 - May 24, 2025
$7055 $5133

Operator discount: -$1764

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$159

Monday - Saturday

May 26, 2025 - Jun 07, 2025
$7055 $5133

Operator discount: -$1764

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$159

Monday - Saturday

Jun 09, 2025 - Jun 21, 2025
$7055 $5133

Operator discount: -$1764

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$159

Monday - Saturday

Jun 23, 2025 - Jul 05, 2025
$7055 $5133

Operator discount: -$1764

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$159

Monday - Saturday

Jul 07, 2025 - Jul 19, 2025
$7055 $5133

Operator discount: -$1764

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$159

Monday - Saturday

Sep 01, 2025 - Sep 13, 2025
$7055 $5133

Operator discount: -$1764

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$159

Monday - Saturday

Sep 15, 2025 - Sep 27, 2025
$7055 $5133

Operator discount: -$1764

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$159

Monday - Saturday

Sep 29, 2025 - Oct 11, 2025
$7055 $5133

Operator discount: -$1764

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$159

Monday - Saturday

Oct 13, 2025 - Oct 25, 2025
$7055 $5133

Operator discount: -$1764

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$159

Monday - Saturday

Oct 27, 2025 - Nov 08, 2025
$7055 $5133

Operator discount: -$1764

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$159

Monday - Saturday

Nov 10, 2025 - Nov 22, 2025
$7055 $5133

Operator discount: -$1764

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$159

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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