Spain & Portugal: Tapas & Traditions 2027

Hola, Madrid: after a brief welcome, follow your Trip Leader to a local restaurant. Dig into sizzling Spanish dishes. Sip on local wine or beer. Get to know the people who are sharing the road with you. Spain cooks with soul, and tonight you’ll understand why.

Streets with stories: after arriving in Granada, join your Trip Leader for a wander through the cobbled lanes of this rhythmic city. Pass the cathedral and Royal Chapel, where monarchs rest. Climb into the Albaicín, Granada’s Moorish quarter, where flower-filled balconies frame Alhambra views. And more.

Later, your way: with flamenco music drifting through the air, it’s easy to imagine yourself striding through Granada like a matador. Cape optional, flair required. Find a feast of vibrant flavours, aromatic spices and the lively soundtrack of the city’s evening buzz. 

Alhambra unlocked: first up is a guided walk through the Alhambra – Granada’s crown jewel and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Meander through ornate palaces, duck into delicate courtyards, and soak up the gardens – sultans once walked here, now it’s your turn.

Later, your way:  have a taste of ancient culture with a Hammam (traditional Moroccan bath). Relax in a tea house. And wrap up your day with a sweet bite of piononos (a delicious sponge cake) or a tapas crawl through the city. 

Say ‘hola Sevilla’: after a relaxing train ride, your Trip Leader will show off Seville’s showstoppers – from Plaza de España (spot the Star Wars cameo) to the riverside Torre del Oro with its legends of New World gold. Gobble local Andalucian dishes as you wander – which will be your favourite?  

Later, your way: return to the spots that ignited a spark of excitement in your eye, wander deeper into the city, tug your trip mates along to a plaza for tapas, sangría and chat that flows into the night... Want more culture? Head to an optional flamenco show. 

Your day, your way: the day is yours to play with. Step into royal splendour at the Real Alcázar (book ahead for your spot), hop in a kayak for an optional tour with a twist or gaze up inside Catedral de Santa María de la Sede – the world’s largest Gothic cathedral. To top it all off – quite literally – why not hunt out a rooftop restaurant to finish your first full day in Seville, where the city’s spires sparkle just for you. 

Road to Portugal: cross the border into Portugal on a quick minicoach ride – with a possible surprise stop along the way. Stock up on snacks, queue the playlists and watch the landscapes shift. When you arrive, plonk your bags and get out into that fresh Algarve air.

Later, your way: stretch your legs under the Algarve’s sunset glow. Take a slow passeio (that’s Portuguese for stroll) along golden sands or settle into a taverna for your first taste of Portugal. What memories will you make tonight? 

Make good choices: any choice you make today is a good choice. Step into your swimmers for a full day of lounging on the beach. Hire snorkel equipment for a float in turquoise waters. Or stuff your feet into trainers for an early morning hike – the views are worth the sweat.

What’s on the menu?: whether you’re lounging or hiking, your stomach’s going to rumble. Bring the group together and dive into an ocean-side restaurant where regional wines and local dishes packed with flavour entice you.  

Tuk tuk takeover: after arriving in the capital, get whisked on a tuk tuk tour of Lisbon’s old town. Your driver knows the shortcuts and scenic stops – including secret miradouros (viewpoints). Call it a crash course in Lisbon life, minus the crash with a lot more fun.

Later, your way: what will you and the group get up to? Will you find a cosy restaurant where the owners mingle with their customers like old friends? Skip through the major squares and along the high street? Or a mix of both? 

Get crafty: fancy something a little creative during your free day? There’s an optional Portuguese tile painting class on the cards this morning where you’ll learn traditional techniques and decorate two tiles. Personal souvenirs secured, the rest of the day is yours to discover more of the city.

Fanatic for fado: tonight, there’s a show that drums up heartbeats as soon as darkness drops. Passion, strength and the harsh reality of urban life are shared through strings and beats in an emotional performance. As you fall under its spell, don’t forget to eat the dinner in front of you! 

Classic hits: this one’s yours to shape. Ride the rattling yellow Tram 28 before the crowds, passing the Sé Cathedral and sweeping river views. Wander around the Doll Hospital – a whimsical nook that restores dolls. Or see where you end up in the winding back streets.  

Sweet rewards: head to Manteigaria – home of Lisbon’s most addictive custard tarts. Have a go at making some yourself during an optional Pastel de Nata masterclass and tasting in Belém. Or join a foodie tour of the city, packed with must-eat bites. 

A train ride away: Porto’s medieval streets and crooked alleyways are waiting for your arrival with must-see sites like Porto Cathedral, Palácio da Bolsa, San Francisco Church and São Bento Station. Grab your mates and a bite to eat.

Taste Porto: after dinner, sip your way through an included port wine tasting surrounded by the darkened walls of a local cellar – because you can’t come to Porto and not try the city’s namesake (which is fruity, sweet and deceptively strong).

Bob under bridges: this morning’s two-hour cruise through the Douro River will take you under the famous seven bridges, giving you a taste of Porto’s architecture styles through the centuries. After docking, the port city is yours to discover further!

A toast to tradition: ever wondered if there’s a secret place behind your local shop? Tonight’s optional activity has your answer! Head to a tucked-away mercearia where the tavern below serves wine, food and family stories straight from the heart. This is Portugal, poured. 

Eastbound drive: settle into your minicoach seat with your book or show and relax until your driver hits Ciudad Rodrigo, then Salamanca. There, your expert Trip Leader will point out the golden sights. A lucky frog in the University of Salamanca, Catedral Vieja and more.

Food and feels: your farewell group dinner is here. Put on your best outfit and meet everyone in the lobby before heading to a local restaurant. Clink glasses, savour every bite and let the memories of the past fortnight wash over you.

Last morning: after breakfast, head to the train station for one last ride together, heading back to where this adventure began. Just because the trip officially ends upon arrival, there’s no rule book to say you can’t stick together for one last day. There are tonnes of things to do in Madrid – just ask your Trip Leader!