Join us for a high-end, all-inclusive literary adventure through Lisbon and Madrid in partnership with Zibby Owens—author, podcast host, and founder of Zibby Media.
This thoughtfully curated trip blends cultural discovery and meaningful connection: we’ll enjoy ocean views, take part in a hands-on cooking class, visit incredible local bookstores, and engage in lively literary conversations. In Lisbon and Madrid, we’ll wander through historic neighborhoods and stop by the world’s oldest bookstore—just one of many unforgettable highlights.
Please contact Dilya at dilya@johnshorstravel.com. We'd love to have you join this fabulous tour!
Arrive at Lisbon International Airport (Humberto Delgado Airport).
Be greeted by a private driver, who will drive you to our five-star hotel, Aurea Museum Hotel, in the heart of the historic Alfama neighborhood.
Note: Some guests will opt to arrive on April 23rd, so that they can relax at the hotel for a day before the tour officially begins. These guests will enjoy a free day, on their own, to relax on April 23rd.
Lisbon enchants with its sun-drenched hills, pastel-colored buildings, and soulful Fado music echoing through narrow, cobbled streets. A city where ancient traditions and vibrant modern life exist side by side, Lisbon offers timeless charm and endless discovery.
We’ll be staying at the charming five-star Aurea Museum Hotel in the historic Alfama district. Built directly above Roman ruins that you can explore within the property, the hotel offers a unique and memorable setting. It will serve as our comfortable home base during our time in Lisbon.
Gather in the hotel lobby for welcome drinks with your guides and fellow travelers — a perfect way to toast the beginning of our journey together.
Walk to a nearby restaurant for a welcome dinner.
You will also be introduced to Zibby Owens, our special guest for this unforgettable journey in Lisbon.
Meet in the hotel lobby and depart, alongside your guides and Zibby, for a guided tuk-tuk ride through several of Lisbon’s most iconic neighborhoods. This comfortable and fun ride will allow us to see multiple parts of the city while learning about its history from local guides.
Enjoy Portuguese flavors at a neighborhood restaurant.
After lunch, visit São Jorge Castle – explore the ancient Moorish fortress with its breathtaking panoramic views of the city and watch the resident peacocks.
Relax at the hotel, explore Lisbon at your own pace, or shop for local treasures.
Rua da Judiaria, part of Lisbon’s historic Jewish quarter, is located just a few minutes’ walk from our hotel and can be easily explored during your free time.
Experience the Fado Music show at Casa de Linhares in Alfama, where dinner is included with the live performance.
Meet in the hotel lobby and depart, alongside your guides and Zibby, for a Portuguese cooking class at Homecooking Lisbon.
Together, we will prepare a variety of traditional Portuguese appetizers and entrées — then enjoy our delicious creations for lunch.
After lunch, visit Livraria Bertrand, recognized as the world’s oldest operating bookstore (founded in 1732), and explore its historic collection and literary charm.
Then continue to Livraria Sá da Costa, a beloved independent bookstore known for its vintage character, thoughtful curation, and focus on Portuguese literature and history.
Livraria Bertrand:
Relax for the rest of the day, or continue exploring the area independently.
Visit the Liberation Museum, which poignantly captures Portugal’s modern history and resilience. Through its exhibitions, the museum reflects the nation’s struggles and triumphs in its journey toward democracy.
Take a short stroll to a nearby restaurant for dinner.
Meet in the hotel lobby and depart by private bus to Sintra, a famous town about one-hour from Lisbon.
Nestled in lush hills just outside Lisbon, Sintra feels like a page from a storybook. Palaces, castles, and gardens rise from the mist, revealing a town that has long captivated poets, royals, and dreamers.
Begin your visit to Sintra with a guided tour of Quinta da Regaleira. Discover its romantic palace, underground passages, and enchanting gardens, brimming with symbolic features and centuries of history.
Enjoy lunch at a charming restaurant in Sintra, followed by some free time to explore the town’s shops and cafés.
In the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of Pena Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Portugal’s most iconic and colorful landmarks.
Perched high on a hill, the palace offers stunning views and a fascinating blend of architectural styles.
Return to the hotel and enjoy free time. Relax for the rest of the day, or continue exploring the area independently.
Meet in the hotel lobby, and walk to a nearby restaurant, where guests will enjoy a farewell dinner with Zibby.
Lisbon portion of the tour with John Shors Travel concludes
Zibby departs for America. For guests who are only doing the Lisbon part of the tour, transportation will be provided to Lisbon International Airport.
For guests who elect to participate in the optional trip extension to Madrid, at 10 a.m. meet in the lobby, with bags packed, and depart with a representative of John Shors Travel on a private bus for Madrid International Airport.
Departure: 2:00 p.m.
Flight details to follow.
Arrival: 4:00 p.m.
Arrive at Madrid International Airport, and take a private bus to a four-star hotel, located in Paseo del Prado, the most famous part of Madrid.
Spain’s lively capital pulses with art, elegance, and energy. From its world-class museums to its grand boulevards and late-night tapas culture, Madrid is a city that celebrates life with flair.
Our hotel will be a comfortable, four-star hotel located in the heart of Madrid, within walking distance of many of the city's most famous sites. The hotel may be Hotel Liabeny or a similar hotel in the same class.
After checking into the hotel, guests can visit , one of Madrid’s most iconic bookstores. Founded in 1923, it offers a beautiful selection of Spanish and international titles and is located on Gran Vía—just a short walk from our hotel, in the heart of the city’s vibrant literary quarter.
Meet in the hotel lobby and walk to a nearby restaurant for dinner.
Dinners are late in Spain
Meet in the lobby, and depart with your guides for a visit to Parque del Retiro, Madrid’s most famous garden. Enjoy a walking tour of this beautiful garden.
Enjoy lunch at a neighborhood restaurant, Murillo Café.
Visit the Museo Nacional del Prado, one of the most famous museums in all of Europe. Marvel at one of Europe’s most prestigious art collections.
Relax for the rest of the day, or continue exploring the area independently.
Meet in the hotel lobby and depart for dinner at a nearby restaurant.
Meet in the lobby, and depart with your guides, on a private bus, for the nearby town of Segovia, which is another UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Segovia stuns with its ancient Roman aqueduct, fairytale castle, and medieval lanes. This UNESCO World Heritage gem offers a magical glimpse into Spain’s storied past—perfectly preserved and breathtakingly beautiful.
Enjoy a walking tour of the historic center, including the impressive Roman Aqueduct, which is one of the largest in the world.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Take a guided tour of Alcazar of Segovia, which a fairytale-like castle full of wonders.
Relax for the rest of the day, or continue exploring the area independently.
Meet in the hotel lobby and depart for dinner at nearby restaurant.
Meet in the lobby, and depart with your guides for The Royal Palace of Madrid. Enjoy a guided tour of this famous palace.
Arrive at Mercado San Miguel, one of Europe's most cherished outdoor markets.
Here guests will enjoy a lunch of their own choosing, selecting their meal from one of many local vendors.
Enjoy a guided tour of Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia, a wonderful museum most famous for its prized collection of Dali masterpieces.
Relax for the rest of the day, or continue exploring the area independently.
Meet in the hotel lobby and depart for dinner at a nearby restaurant, where guests will enjoy their farewell meal.
All guests will receive complimentary transportation to Madrid International Airport.
(*This is an all-inclusive tour with the exception of alcoholic beverages and hotel incidentals such as laundry, room service, etc.)
Cost of Lisbon Only:
$3,695 USD per person, based on double occupancy
$4,995 USD per person, based on single occupancy
Cost of Lisbon and Madrid:
$6,995 USD per person, based on double occupancy
$9,495 USD per person, based on single occupancy
Price includes:
Accommodations at high-end hotels
All transportation, including flights to Madrid
All meals and non-alcoholic drinks
Fees (tours, guides, etc.)
Excursions
All tips
Price does not include:
International airfares to Lisbon and returning from either Lisbon or Madrid
Alcoholic drinks
Activities during free times such as golf, spa, etc.
Hotel incidentals such as room service, mini bar, phone charges, laundry, etc.
Charges incurred if guests arrive a day early or decide to remain in Lisbon after the tour ends
This trip includes walks of up to one mile, and over uneven terrain.
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance for your trip. For your convenience, you can explore options from our trusted travel insurance partner here.