Epic Spain & Portugal: 15-Day Road Trip

Start your journey to Madrid, the capital city of Spain, by driving to Zaragoza. The drive will take you 3 hours and a half.

Suggestion for the day: En Route to Madrid (Historical Zaragoza’s Hidden Gems)

• Lonja de Zaragoza
• Nuestra Señora del Pilar Basilica
• The Seo, or Cathedral of San Salvador
• La Seo Chapterhouse Tapestry Museum
• Caesar Augusta Roman Remains Museum
• Aljafería Palace
• Third Millennium Bridge
• Zaragoza aquarium

Today you will continue your trip to the lively capital of Spain - Madrid. The drive from Zaragoza to Madrid will take you approximately 4 hours.

Suggestion for the day: Vibrant Madrid: Royal Palaces, Artistic Treasures, and Urban Greenery

• After checking into your hotel, relax in the lush surroundings of Buen Retiro Park, shop up a storm on Gran Vía, or treat yourself to some coffee and churros con chocolate in the Puerta del Sol. You can visit one of the many museums, The Cibeles Fountain, the Royal Palace of Madrid, the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, the Temple of Debod, and Warner Park to release some of your adventurous spirits. In the evening consider seeing one of the musicals. 

Start your day by driving south to Toledo (1 hour drive) and exploring the beautiful city. We suggest you book one of the guided tours of the city in advance. Visit the church of Santo Tomé, home to El Greco’s most famous painting, “The Burial of the Count of Orgaz”, and admire the former synagogue of Santa Maria la Blanca. In the afternoon return to Madrid and explore the rest of the city. 

Suggestion for the day: Castles and Aqueducts (Exploring Segovia and Zamora's Ancient Marvels)

• Today you will venture to Segovia (a 1-hour drive from Madrid)  and see the Roman Aqueduct, one of the most impressive Roman structures in Spain. View the Alcázar of Segovia and the city’s medieval and Moorish architecture.
• After exploring Segovia, travel to the city of Zamora (2 hours drive from Segovia). View the cathedral and the Church of Mary Magdalene. In the evening find a nice, cozy local restaurant and relax with tapas and some fruity sangria.

Suggestion for the day: Portuguese Charm (Discover Porto’s Ribeira and Taste the Famous Port Wine)

• On the morning of the 7th day of your adventure, travel to Porto - Portugal. Drive from Zamora to Porto will take you 3 hours and 30 minutes. There, marvel at Ribeira’s district view of the old houses appearing to be on top of each other, the D. Luis I cast iron bridge, and colorful Rabelo boats that made this area recognized as world heritage by UNESCO. You can assist you in booking a walking tour or a Douro River Cruise. Wine tasting at the Port Wine Cellars is another must while visiting Porto. You can explore the Bolhão Market and Santa Catarina Shopping Street or even get a book from “The Most Beautiful Bookshop in the World” - Lello’s Bookshop. 

Suggestion for the day: Journey to Lisbon (Pilgrim Roads and the Magic of Fátima)

• Today, as you travel to Lisbon you will take the road taken by pilgrims over the last 100 years to the Shrine at Fátima, the site of the celebrated religious miracle. A drive from Porto to Fátima will take you 2 hours. After Fátima, continue your journey south to Lisbon (an additional 1 hour and 30 minutes drive). In the evening perhaps enjoy a traditional Portuguese dinner amidst the heart-melting sounds of the fado.

Suggestion for the day: Explore Lisbon (Castles, Cafés, and the Coastal Splendor)

• Today you explore the rest of the city. Relax at a sidewalk café with creamy pasties de nata, and climb to the Castle of São Jorge. It is the highest point in the city, set amongst the most typical neighborhoods. Visit the Oceanarium in the Parque das Nações, which is a success story in the revitalization of an industrial area with a privileged location on the river. There it is also worth visiting the Oceanarium, one of the largest in Europe, where you can appreciate the flora and fauna of the various oceans of our planet. 

Suggestion for the day: Arrival in Seville (Olive Groves and Andalusian Flavors)

• Drive to Seville through Portugal’s picturesque rural landscapes of the Alentejo  (4 hours and a half drive). Journey through the province of Huelva, known for its Jabugo ham before arriving in Seville. There you settle into your hotel - home for the next two nights. In Seville, you have several experiences to choose from. One of our suggestions is to explore the fine art of olive oil production at the local olive oil farm. And treat yourself to a nice local dinner. 

Suggestion for the day: The Heart of Andalusia (Seville’s Gothic Cathedrals and Flamenco Rhythms)

• Today, Seville takes center stage. We suggest you start with a visit to the symbolic Giralda Bell Tower. Stroll through the Maria Luisa Park, home of the 1929 Exposition. This Moorish-style park boasts half a mile of fountains, ponds, pavilions, and lush plantings. You can also opt to walk through the imposing Plaza de España and visit the largest Gothic Cathedral ( The Seville Cathedral) in the world, where explorer Christopher Columbus is entombed. As the day winds down, consider booking a fiery flamenco performance of twirling colorful skirts and rhythmic clapping of castanets (we can help with that!)

Suggestion for the day: Malaga’s Moorish Legacy (From Ancient Theaters to Majestic Castles)

• Continue your journey to Málaga (2h30 drive from Seville). Once there, check into your hotel and start exploring the city.
• Visit The Alcazaba of Malaga, probably the most well-known tourist attraction in Malaga. Built-in the 11th century by the Moors, this palace was both the home of Muslim rulers and a fortress to protect and defend the city from the Catholics.  Another site worth visiting is the Malaga Roman Theater. It’s the oldest site in Malaga: it was built in the first century AD by Augustus and was used as a theater during the 2nd century. Then, it was converted into a cemetery to finally be abandoned. Some of the rocks from this site were used to build the Alcazaba. You can also visit The Malaga Cathedral and some of the museums.

Suggestion for the day: Murcia’s Cultural Tapestry (Castles, Cathedrals, and Coastal Vibes)

• Today you will drive to Murcia. The drive from Málaga to Murcia will take you 4 hours. Once you arrive, check into the hotel and start exploring Murcia by visiting the Monteagudo Castle. Nestled on the fringes of the city itself, Monteagudo Castle is one of the best things to do in Murcia while learning about the city’s centuries of history.
• Another must-see is Murcia Cathedral. If you crave amazing tapas, you should visit Plaza de las Flores. To cool off the heat you can stop at Floridablanca Gardens. If you crave some beachy vibes, you can head down to the Spanish coast. Costa Calida and Costa Blanca are vast stretches of beautiful coastlines.

Suggestion for the day: Valencia’s Modern Marvels (City of Arts and Natural Wonders)

• Continue your road trip adventure to Valencia. From Murcia to Valencia, the drive will take you approximately 2 hours. Valencia is renowned for its modern verve and spirit of innovation. Explore the City of Arts and Sciences, a large-scale urban recreation center for culture and science designed by Santiago Calatrava. For all nature lovers, Albufera Natural Park is a must-visit.  Nature in its purest form, dreamy sunsets, boat trips, and disconnection in capital letters. Like an urban oasis surrounded by rice fields and forest. In the evening, consider indulging in Valencia’s fragrant flavors and aromas of paella for your last dinner.

Farewell Spain: Return to Barcelona with a Heart Full of Memories

Travel back to Barcelona - the drive will take you approximately 4 hours. Drop off your rental car and say goodbye to Spain until the next time!