Experience the beauty, history, culture, and incredible cuisine of Portugal and Spain on this unforgettable 9-day, 8-night journey from Porto to Barcelona! Your adventure begins in the colorful city of Porto, where you'll explore the historic Ribeira district, enjoy a scenic cruise along the Douro River, create your own traditional Portuguese tile, and visit the renowned Graham's wine cellars for a Port tasting. From there, discover the medieval charm of Óbidos before arriving in Lisbon, where authentic Fado music, historic landmarks, delicious Portuguese pastries, and a unique street-art tuk-tuk tour await.

Your journey continues into Spain, beginning in the vibrant capital of Madrid, where you'll explore the magnificent Royal Palace, stroll through historic plazas, visit the world-famous Prado Museum, and experience an unforgettable evening of traditional Spanish cuisine and passionate flamenco entertainment. Then it's on to Barcelona, a city celebrated for its remarkable architecture, Mediterranean atmosphere, and culinary traditions. Discover Gaudí's breathtaking Sagrada Família, explore the charming Gothic Quarter, and participate in a hands-on paella cooking experience. With guided sightseeing, unique cultural encounters, selected meals, and memorable experiences throughout, this journey offers an extraordinary opportunity to discover two of Europe's most fascinating countries with The Connected Traveler!

DEPOSIT & CANCELLATION POLICY

A non-refundable and non-transferable deposit is required at the time of booking to secure your reservation. All deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable, regardless of the reason for cancellation.

The remaining balance must be paid according to the payment schedule provided at the time of booking. Failure to make payments by the required deadlines may result in cancellation of your reservation and forfeiture of payments made. Additional cancellation penalties may apply to payments beyond the initial deposit, in accordance with the trip's terms and conditions.

TRAVEL INSURANCE RECOMMENDATION

At The Connected Traveler, we strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance to help protect your travel investment against unexpected circumstances, including trip cancellations, interruptions, medical emergencies, and travel delays, subject to the terms and coverage of your selected policy.

To explore available travel insurance options and coverage, please visit:

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Group Pricing Requirement: Trip pricing is based on a minimum of 15 participants traveling together. Should the minimum group size not be met, pricing may be subject to adjustment, and any changes will be communicated to participants prior to final payment.

Porto Airport – Porto (private transfer with guide assistant)

Upon arrival at the airport, we will pick you up to drive you to your hotel.

Welcome to Porto! The second largest city in Portugal has a different charm, with fog in the mornings, fascinating sunsets on the banks of the Douro River and colorful streets with tiled houses.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

(full day + evening car service and guide)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Tiles are a symbol of Portuguese identity and can be found on decorative panels, inside homes, and on public buildings throughout the country. They reflect centuries of history, artistic expression, and cultural influences. Therefore, we invite you to discover more about this unique tradition on a Tile workshop (included), where you will learn about the techniques, patterns, and meanings behind Portuguese tiles, and even have the opportunity to create your own piece to take home.

Lunch on your terms.

After lunch we will walk to Ribeira, one of the oldest and most typical places in the city. Then, we invite you to enjoy a 6th bridges  boat trip (included) on the Douro River and admire the landscape of Porto.

During the afternoon make your way to Grahams’s historic lodge in Vila Nova de Gaia (included - subject to availability). You will visit the cool ageing cellars, where over 2,000 oak casks and large oak vats store maturing port wine. The guide will explain the production process of Port — the grapes, the fermentation, fortification, ageing in wood and/or bottle — and share the story of the Graham’s heritage and the broader culture of Port in the Douro region. Following the cellar tour, we will enjoy a tasting of three Vintage Ports (included).  

Then, we invite you to the restaurant, an extension of the 19th-century cellar, with historic pine beams supported by iron pillars dating back to 1890 and a unique view of the approximately 3,200 barrels of wine aging in the cellars.

Arriving you will be greeted with a welcome drink served on the outdoor terrace, a breathtaking landscape and one of the most beautiful views in Portugal and Europe, overlooking the historic city of Porto.

Dinner at a cellar.

Overnight at the hotel.

(full day + evening car service and guide)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Today we will departure from the hotel and drive you to Óbidos, a small medieval village. Inside the walls we will find a well-preserved castle and a labyrinth of streets and houses, flowery windows and small squares.

We invite you to taste a “Ginginja” (included), a traditional liqueur, made from sour cherries.  

Lunch on your terms on the way.

Arriving to Lisbon we will drive you to your hotel. Welcome to the capital of Portugal, one of the oldest and liveliest cities in Europe, where locals and foreigners mingle in the narrow streets.

Later, we will pick you again to invite you for a Portuguese  dinner in a typical Fado house, to experience the music that represents the Portuguese soul.

Dinner with Fado Show.

Even though its historical roots are lost in the mists of time, Fado quickly won the hearts of the people, becoming indisputably their favorite melody. You will listen songs about love, jealousy and misfortune while enjoying dinner in a Portuguese typical restaurant.

Overnight at the hotel.

(full day car and guide service)

Breakfast at the hotel.

This city stands out for its close connection to the sea, its important role during the Age of Discoveries, and the way it successfully reinvented itself after the 1755 Earthquake.

We will begin our morning with a journey to the district of Belém, one of the city’s most important areas, as it is home to some of Portugal’s most iconic monuments, many of them linked to the Golden Age of Discoveries.

We will go on a panoramic journey starting at the Jerónimos Monastery (exterior), the splendor of Manueline art, the Belém Tower (exterior), symbol of a country focused on the sea and the discovery of the world. And finally, the exterior of the Padrão dos Descobrimentos, a monumental sculpture next to the Tejo river.

During the visit we will make a quick stop for you to taste the famous "pastel of Belém", (included), Lisbon’s most beloved custard tarts.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

In recent years, Lisbon has become the European capital of street art. Due to the significant influence of diverse ethnicities and cultures over the centuries, Lisbon boasts, now, a vast collection of street art.

So, today we will go on a Street Art Tuk-tuk tour (included). In the most hidden spaces, we invite you to admire beautiful works by young Portuguese artists and internationally renowned artists such as Vhils, Bordalo II, Nuno Saraiva or Banksy.

You will see street art paying homage to Lisbon, works raising awareness about climate change, social protest, cultural awareness, and even paintings about the period of dictatorship that Portugal hardened.

Dinner on your terms.

Overnight at the hotel.

(private transfer)

Breakfast at the hotel.

After breakfast we will pick you up at the hotel and we will cross the border to Spain. Then, we will arrive in Madrid.

Welcome to the capital city full of blending grand historical landmarks, world-class art museums, bustling plazas, and a lively nightlife. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure exploring at your own pace.

Lunch on your terms during the day.

Dinner on your terms.

Overnight at the hotel.

(full day + evening car service) + (full day guide)

Breakfast at the hotel.

During the morning we will visit the majestic Palacio Real de Madrid (included), an enduring symbol of the Spanish monarchy and one of Europe’s largest royal residences. As we walk through its magnificent ceremonial halls, richly decorated chambers and grand staircases, we will gain insight into centuries of history, diplomacy and courtly life that have shaped Spain’s past.

From here, we will step into the historic heart of the city, exploring the atmospheric quarter known as the Madrid de los Austrias. This elegant area, developed under the Habsburg dynasty, reveals arcaded squares, narrow streets and architectural landmarks that speak of Madrid’s rise as an imperial capital.From there, we will stroll to the grand Plaza Mayor, a stunning square lined with elegant arcades, cafés, and shops, perfect for soaking up the city’s lively atmosphere.

Our walk will end at the vibrant Mercado de San Miguel, a beautifully restored iron market hall and a true temple of Spanish gastronomy. Here, YOU may sample authentic delicacies — from Iberian ham and artisanal cheeses to fresh seafood and fine wines — in a lively yet refined setting.

Lunch on your terms.

After lunch we invite you to spend the rest of the afternoon inside the Prado Museum (included). Here you will find world- famous artworks on display such as La Maja Desnuda (by Francisco Goya), the Garden of Earthly Delights (by Hieronymous Bosh), the Cardinal (by Raphael), among others.

An evening in Madrid would not be complete without experiencing the soul of Spain: a live flamenco show, paired with a delicious traditional Spanish dinner.

We will pick you up at the hotel and drive you to an authentic tablao.

Dinner at a tablao with Flamenco Show.

After dinner the lights dim, and the flamenco performance begins. The show is a powerful blend of live music, passionate dancing, and emotional singing. You will witness the deep rhythms of the guitar, the haunting voice of the singer and the intense, expressive movements of the dancer.

Overnight at the hotel.

(private transfer) + (assistance on arrival to barcelona)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Today we will pick you up at the hotel and drive you to the station where you will pick up a train to Barcelona (ticket included). On arrival a car will pick up and drive you to the hotel. Arriving to Barcelona enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure exploring the city or taking a rest at the hotel.

Lunch on your terms during the day.

Dinner on your terms.

Overnight at the hotel.

(full day + evening car service) + (full day guide)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Starting the morning we will start a full day tour discovering Barcelona, a mediterranean city known for its stunning modernist architecture by Antoni Gaudí and lively streets.

We will visit Gaudí’s most iconic creation and without a doubt the most important monument of the city: the Sagrada Familia (included).

Then, we will continue along the elegant Passeig de Gràcia, where modernist architecture is showcased on façades such as Casa Batlló (exterior) and La Pedrera (exterior). From here, the route continues to the tranquil Gràcia neighbourhood. Then, we will arrive at the vibrant Plaça de Catalunya, and Ramblas a bustling tree-lined street full of street performers, shops, and cafés.

Lunch on your terms

After lunch we will explore the historic Gothic Quarter, the oldest part of Barcelona, a labyrinth of narrow, winding streets is full of hidden squares, medieval buildings, and centuries-old churches. Here, history comes alive at every corner, with charming cafés, artisan shops, and quaint plazas where locals gather.

As a memorable farewell to Barcelona, we will set off on the ultimate culinary adventure.

Spain is celebrated for its cuisine, and paella is one of its most iconic dishes. During this Paella Cooking Experience, you will learn how to prepare an authentic paella from scratch, discovering the ingredients, techniques and traditions behind this much-loved specialty.

Then, it will be time to roll up your sleeves, put on your apron and take part in a hands-on cooking session. Later we invite you to sit down and enjoy the meal you have prepared.

Culinary Experience with dinner.

Overnight at the hotel.

(private transfer with guide assistant)

Breakfast at the hotel.

According to your flight schedule we will drive you to the airport.