Highlights of Portugal & Spain

Stop in this lively square to get a taste of the local hustle and bustle.

Climb up to this Moorish castle for a wander around the impressive grounds on a guided tour, and a great view over Lisbon and Tagus River.

Take a ride up 147ft from the lowest to highest points of Portugal. Sit back and enjoy the views.

Explore Lisbon’s past in Alfama, one of the city’s oldest quarters. Wander along narrow medieval streets lined with typical tile-covered façades and take a step back in time; the area largely survived the great earthquake of 1755, and still retains much of its original layout. Listen for Portugal's traditional music, fado, gracing the streets at night.

Take a wander through this traditional food market, Lisbon's main market since 1892. The stalls selling fresh produce are open between 6am and 2pm.

Discover Belém, a western suburb that's linked to Portugal’s Golden Age of Discoveries – it was the site where famous navigators once set sail to discover the world. While there, take some time to tour nearby must-see attractions: the Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, the Tropical Botanical Garden, and the Berardo Museum of contemporary art. Please note: most attractions in Belém are closed on Mondays.

Take a trip to the coastline to see this charming fort, built to protect Lisbon from raiders invading from the sea. Climb up the tower for great views of the ocean and surrounding city.

Take a break from reality to visit the fairytale-like town of Sintra. Get lost exploring the colourful manors, medieval palaces, and lush gardens of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Explore Lisbon’s past in Alfama, one of the city’s oldest quarters. Wander along narrow medieval streets lined with typical tile-covered façades and take a step back in time; the area largely survived the great earthquake of 1755, and still retains much of its original layout. Listen for Portugal's traditional music, fado, gracing the streets at night.

Stop in this lively square to get a taste of the local hustle and bustle.

Take a ride up 147ft from the lowest to highest points of Portugal. Sit back and enjoy the views.

Climb up to this Moorish castle for a wander around the impressive grounds on a guided tour, and a great view over Lisbon and Tagus River.

Take a wander through this traditional food market, Lisbon's main market since 1892. The stalls selling fresh produce are open between 6am and 2pm.

Explore the undiscovered side of Lisbon most tourists don’t venture out to see. Still very central, this area of Lisbon is rich in culture and history and hosts some of the best restaurants Lisbon has to offer. Wander up and down the tile-filled streets with us in two local neighborhoods – Baixa, which translates to “downtown” followed by Mouraria, which is the old Muslim neighborhood. Our food tour takes you away from the tourist traps to the traditional and trending restaurants that are loved and frequented by the locals of Lisbon. Explore and really get to know the city through its amazing food and drinks. Not only will you try typical Portuguese food and drinks, but you’ll also learn about the international influences in Lisbon and discover some beautiful street art. Get away from the crowds and join us for an unforgettable day of eating, drinking, making new friends, and – above all – having fun!

Located in Coimbra University, the Joanina Library (Biblioteca Joanina) is a must see and one of the most ornate libraries in the world with it's breathtaking frescoes, intricate carvings and gold-leaf touches.

Portugal's most prestigious university, the University of Coimbra is a must see landmark. Explore the World Heritage Site as you enter through the Porta Férra, the old entrance to the citadel of Coimbra constructed in the 10th century. Walk through the campus along mosaic cobblestone paths, explore it's botanical gardens and Chapel of S. Miguel and opt to visit the ornate Joanina Library.

Fátima is known as a place where the Virgin Mary allegedly appeared in front of three local children in 1917. Stroll through the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima, an astounding complex of churches and shrines in this rural Portuguese town that millions of pilgrims travel to every year. From Coimbra, direct buses run with approx. 1 hour travel time.

A popular local getaway, Aveiro is known for its eye-catching Art Nouveau architecture and colourful boats (called moliceiro) that cruise through the city's canals. Dubbed the "Venice of Portugal", a moliceiro ride costs around 8-10€ person and is a lovely way to see this coastal town, approx. 1 hour from Coimbra by public transport.

Take a visit to the best preserved Roman ruins in Portugal.

Take some time to walk around this charming square and get in with the local hustle and bustle.

The blue painted tiles on the inside of São Bento railway station makes it one of the most beautiful train stations in the world. See for yourself.

The Porto Cathedral (called Sé do Porto in Portuguese) is a National Monument and one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. Adorned with high ceilings, an exquisite courtyard and light-filled cloisters, the Sé has held deep religious and cultural significance for the people of Lisbon for centuries.

Board a boat down Portugal's Douro River, or "river of gold". Float along this ancient route used for centuries as a port wine shipper's route.

Built by the same architect who constructed the Porto Cathedral, the Clérigos Church and Tower is a beautiful Baroque landmark in its own right. Opt to climb over 200 steps to the top of the bell tower for a panoramic view of the city and the Duoro River.

Take a wander around this incredible, and beautifully ornate bookstore built in 1906.

Join a half-hour guided tour of this neoclassical monument.

Enjoy some spectacular people watching with a visit to the Plaza Mayor, the true heart of the city. Enjoy a coffee in one of the plaza’s many cafes and watch the world go by.

See how kings and queens live, with a visit to the Palacio Real, the official (and uninhabited) palace of the King of Spain. Wander the rooms to take in some of the most elaborately decorated and furnished rooms you'll ever see.

Take in some culture with a trip to the Museo del Prado, one of the greatest art galleries in the world, and a definite highlight of any Madrid trip. Be inspired by its collections and exhibitions: the museum's main emphasis is 15th to 19th century Spanish, Flemish, and Italian art, but there is plenty of Goya and a wealth of paintings by Diego Velázquez.

See how kings and queens live, with a visit to the Palacio Real, the official (and uninhabited) palace of the King of Spain. Wander the rooms to take in some of the most elaborately decorated and furnished rooms you'll ever see.

Witness the power and wealth of Spain during the 16th century with a visit to the Escorial, a magnificent palace and mausoleum constructed by Felipe II that became a great centre for learning.

The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum displays an overview of art from the 13th century to the late 20th century.

The Reina Sofia is Spain's national museum of 20th-century art, and currently boasts an art collection of over 21,000 works.

Take in some culture with a trip to the Museo del Prado, one of the greatest art galleries in the world, and a definite highlight of any Madrid trip. Be inspired by its collections and exhibitions: the museum's main emphasis is 15th to 19th century Spanish, Flemish, and Italian art, but there is plenty of Goya and a wealth of paintings by Diego Velázquez.

Enjoy some spectacular people watching with a visit to the Plaza Mayor, the true heart of the city. Enjoy a coffee in one of the plaza’s many cafes and watch the world go by.

Ever wanted to learn everything there is to know about the history of bullfighting in Spain? Here's your chance.

Wander through the historic quarter of the Albaicin. Try to head there for sunset. With its narrow lanes and fantastic views back to the Alhambra, visitors are rewarded with a spectacular colour-washed skyline when the sun goes down.

Be taken by the beauty of one of the largest cathedrals in Spain on this visit to the Cathedral of Granada. Tour its beautiful facades and interiors that house a grand altar and numerous chapels. Built by Queen Isabella, it is a masterpiece of Spanish-Renaissance style.

Explore Granada beyond the Alhambra on a guided walking tour of its historic city centre, where centuries of Moorish influence, incredible architecture and a lively university town await visitors today. Immerse yourself further in Andalusian culture by enjoying some tapas (light bar snacks and appetizers) at bars where the locals hang out. Sample local fare and the region's excellent wine - this is one of the world's gastronomic capitals for a reason!

Visit the true heart of Seville, the Santa Cruz quarter. A charming area with winding alleys, picturesque lime-washed houses, flowery patios, and small squares, you can wander, shop, or just soak in the neighbourhood's quaint atmosphere while enjoying a refreshing drink (sangria, perhaps) at one of the local restaurants.

Climb the tower known as La Giralda, adjacent to the world's largest Gothic cathedral, for spectacular views and a walk among historic walls. The 76m (249 ft) Giralda was constructed by the Moors as a mosque between 1184 and 1197. In 1568, after the reconquest, Christians fit the minaret with its bell tower.

Dating to 1220, the Golden Tower is the last major building constructed by Seville's historic Muslim population.

Take a visit to marvel at one of the grandest mansions in Seville. The home is still inhabited by the Medinaceli family, but remains open to visitor tours during operating hours.

Take a visit to this beautiful historic convent. Established in 1475, this convent is still home to the Jerónimas nuns. Infrequent tours in Spanish are run here, but visitors are welcome to the modest museum displaying 16th-18th century ecclesiastical art and sculpture.

Explore the wonderful interiors and gardens of the Alcázar, a royal palace that was originally a Moorish fort. Arrive during the evening in the summer months (until mid-September) and enjoy a series of concerts in the beautiful setting of the Reales Alcázares.

Uncover a different side of Barcelona. Visit the old Gothic Quarter with its maze of dark streets, historic cathedral, medieval buildings, bars, and cafés.

See and be seen on Las Ramblas, a large tree-lined pedestrian boulevard perfect for people watching and window shopping that ends at the harbourfront facing the Mediterranean Sea.

Visit Gaudí’s most famous life work, the cathedral of La Sagrada Familia, an inspiring, yet, bizarre testament to the artist’s unique vision.

Get away from it all with a visit to the imaginative Parque Guell. The fantastical works of Antoni Gaudí (1852–1926) are scattered throughout Barcelona, a grouping of these including Parque Guell, Casa Mila, and the Crypt of La Sagrada Familia were established as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. Stroll the tree-lined paths and admire Gaudi’s creative genius at play.

Deemed the crowning architectural work of Antoni Gaudí, Casa Batlló is a must-visit on anyone's trip to Barcelona.

The Picasso Museum in Barcelona is a must-visit destination for art lovers, showcasing one of the most extensive collections of works by Pablo Picasso. Located in the historic El Born neighbourhood, the museum spans five medieval palaces and houses over 4,000 pieces, including paintings, drawings, and ceramics. The collection offers a comprehensive view of Picasso's formative years and his deep connection to Barcelona.

The Logroño Cathedral (also known as the Santa María de la Redonda) has played an important role in La Rioja culture for over 500 years. Known for its "twin" towers constructed in a classic Baroque style, the cathedral's interiors are just as stunning, with a large painting attributed to Michaelangelo gracing the main altar.

Uncover the history and culture of La Rioja (beyond its famous wines) at the Museo de la Rioja. Set in an 18th century palace, the museum's collection includes items spanning the paleolithic era to the Middle Ages, alongside contemporary religious artifacts. Admission is free with a piece of ID.

Visit one of the many local cider houses in the area for an introduction into the world of cider-making from local apples. Sample some of the various flavours and types and learn how the different ciders are produced in this region of Spain.

Strap on a helmet and set off on an eBike with a local guide to explore San Sebastian's surrounding coast and landscapes. Hear about some of the important sites as you pass and soak in the incredible views of Basque Country.

Set out on foot with a local guide to discover the old and new parts of San Sebastian. Starting downtown, see the main landmarks like city. hall and the Good Shepherd Cathedral, before exploring parts of the old town, passing churches and walking along streets lined with historical buildings and taverns.

Dive into the Basque region's culinary world on a cooking class in San Sebastian. First visit a local market with a chef to see all of the fresh produce and ingredients before donning the apron and learning how to prepare some dishes for yourself.

Climb the Mallona Stairs to Parque Etxebarria and be rewarded with beautiful views over Bilbao.

Take in the beauty of the Basilica of Begoña. It was built in the 1500s with a mix of Gothic architecture and a number of other styles.

Be sure to visit the Guggenheim Museum – it’s a must-see, even if just to marvel at the outside of the building. See Frank Gehry’s acclaimed work – he designed this titanium-clad twisting, curving, and angular building to much praise in the 1990s. Tour the building to take in its maritime theme, supposedly representing the ships along the docks of the city, with titanium squares acting as fish scales and the skylights inside designed to look like fish fins.

Take some time to wander through Casco Viejo (Old Town), a medieval neighbourhood also known as Las Siete Calles (Seven Streets), that's considered the most colourful in Bilbao. Discover its many churches, shops, and taverns, and take the elevators to the areas at the top of the hill for further exploration.