Coastal Villages to Iconic Metropolises: Spain and Portugal Tour

Your coastal adventure will begin in Catalonia, where the rugged mountains roll down to the Mediterranean, and the landscape is dotted with charming villages and scenic outcroppings. After a brief stop in Girona, you will make your way to your destination of Sant Feliu de Guixols. The medieval town of San Feliu overlooks two scenic bays and is the first point of a stretch of seaside communities that extends all the way to the Gulf of Roses. After you settle in to your beachfront accommodation, you will have the remainder of the day to spend at your leisure.

Costa Brava has long attracted travelers with its pristine beaches and refreshing water. Today, you will be able to take a closer look at this side of Catalonia and enjoy an excursion above or below the waves. You can select from kayak, sailing, or snorkeling activities that will provide you with a close encounter with the marine life and aquatic beauty of the coastline. As you feel the bracing wind, you will be reminded why so many have found inspiration and relief in the rugged embrace of Costa Brava.

Today, you can enjoy a self-guided tour of the region to explore the character and history of the series of villages hidden along the coastline. A particular circuit of Calella de Palafrugell, Llafranc, Peratallada, and Begur will ensure that the charm of some of the region's earliest communities is not lost during your visit. Each village will present you with a unique take on the combination of central plazas, churches, and fortified ruins. A stroll to the hilltop ruins at Begur will afford you outstanding views of the countryside all the way to the Pyrenees Mountains.

The Northern Catalonia region is known as being a center for outdoor recreation, and there is no better ambassador for this exciting Spanish past time than Girona. Here, the city center seems to be flooded by spandex-wearing cyclists during the summer months. Today, you will be able to undertake your own two-wheeled adventure and enjoy a guided bicycle tour that will include special visits to many of the region's top attractions. Although tailwinds are not guaranteed, good views are as you take turn after turn with your knowledgeable guide.

After turning your back on the quiet expanse of Costa Brava, you will head to the capital of Catalonia and the jewel of this stretch of Spanish coastline. Barcelona enjoys a long history that dates back to pre-Roman times. Today, the city is a vibrant and colorful corner of Spain with a robust regional identity and warm hospitality. After arriving at your conveniently located hotel in the Gothic district, you will have the remainder of the day to explore the medieval buildings and Roman ruins at your leisure.

No visit to Barcelona is complete without paying respects to the massive cathedral that adds a touch of the surreal to the otherwise normal skyline. After enjoying a delicious breakfast from your attentive hotel staff, you will be able to enjoy a tour of the artist Antoni Gaudi's famous work across Barcelona, including the unfinished La Sagrada Familia cathedral. As you learn about the artistic genius of Gaudi on this tour, an expert guide will happily answer your questions and explain the lasting legacy of this native son of Barcelona.

Although no less impressive, the architectural genius of Gaudi will be replaced by the culinary genius of Catalan cuisine during your tour of the famous Boqueria market. Afterward, you will attempt to prepare some of the region's best dishes. Each of the stalls at the market will compete for your coins and attention. After you have finished cooking some regional delicacies under the tutelage of a professional chef, you will be able to indulge in the fruits of your labor. The remainder of the day will be at your leisure.

You will depart the mainland beauty of Barcelona and make your way toward the open ocean beyond the Iberian Peninsula. Your destination will be the speck of Portuguese territory among the waves of the Atlantic Ocean known as Madiera. This island is a paradise of natural beauty and presents visitors with an abundance of outdoor recreational options. Upon your arrival to your comfortable accommodation, you will have the remainder of the day to acquaint yourself with your new surroundings.

It will not take long for you to notice the staggering amount of parks, protected areas, and natural beauty that makes up the island of Madeira. Today, you will be able to enjoy an up-close and personal glimpse of this abundance on a canyoning expedition through the island's Ecological Park of Funchal. A private guide will introduce you to this active sport and coach you up on techniques and strategies that will help you make the most of this visit.

Madeira is known as being an exceptional spot to enjoy the Atlantic waters that are teeming with wildlife, such as dolphins and migrating whales. Today, you will be able to get an up-close look at this charming side of the island on a voyage and snorkeling experience in the refreshing water around Madeira. Whether you relax on deck and allow the rhythm of the waves to lull you to sleep or don your gear for a dip in the ocean, this excursion will afford you an excellent opportunity to see a side of the region that is often missed by those who remain onshore.

Of all the ways to appreciate the coast, one sport dominates Madeira by the locals and tourists alike. Surfing remains one of the favorite ways to enjoy the island's aquatic and coastal features. Today, you will embark on a tour of this favorite of island pastimes. Accompanied by an expert guide, you will make your way to the island's many excellent surf spots. Depending on your level of experience, you will receive a tailored lesson on the sport at a suitable spot.

Your tour of Iberia will continue as you return to the mainland for a relaxing stretch of Portuguese travel. After enjoying one final breakfast from the attentive hotel staff on Madeira, you will make your way to the main airport of Funchal to catch your return flight to the Portuguese capital. Upon your arrival in Lisbon, a transfer will convey you swiftly up the coast to your comfortable accommodation that will overlook the sea. For the remainder of the time, this will be your launchpad to explore the many attractions of this region.

From sailing trips to extreme canyoning, you will have enjoyed an active exploration of every region that you have visited. Today, you will be able to enjoy a leisurely approach to your travels as you have a free day to explore or relax at your own pace. Now will be the time to indulge your whimsical side of taking a stroll down that alluring dirt road lined by olive trees or walking to the end of the beach to see what lays beyond. If leaving the property does suit your fancy, your accommodations will also be a perfect place to kick up your feet.

Your final day on this tour will end with a paddle. Today you will enjoy a visit to the best surf spots on the mainland. With a local guide to introduce you to all the best places, you will enjoy a leisurely morning before heading off in search of your favorite spot for a paddleboarding session on the smooth water. You can also indulge in the more traditional thrills of surfing. By the end of your tour, you will be well-versed in Portuguese surfing techniques and invigorated by the refreshing water of the coast.

From the rugged contours of Costa Brava to the sublime atmosphere of Lisbon, you have been able to enjoy a side of the Iberian Peninsula that is often missed by those who only visit the big cities. Likewise, a balance between leisure time and guided excursions has been carefully designed to allow you to maximize your enjoyment of every region. As you make your way to the main international airport in Lisbon, you will be outfitted with just enough local knowledge to begin strategizing how you can return to this stunning land.