8-Day Iberian Peninsula Adventure: Lisbon to Madrid via Porto and Barcelona

Day 1: Lisbon Arrival

Lisbon, Portugal on May 3, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Pastéis de Belém

Enjoy the famous Portuguese custard tarts and coffee at this historic bakery, open from 8:00am, perfect to start your trip with a local speciality.
EUR5, 1h

10:30am

Explore Belém District

Visit iconic landmarks including Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, open until 5:30pm, to immerse yourself in Lisbon's maritime history.
EUR12, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Time Out Market

Sample a variety of Portuguese dishes from multiple vendors in this vibrant food hall, open until 11:00pm, perfect for a taste of local flavours.
EUR15, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Alfama Neighbourhood

Wander through this charming medieval quarter, known for its narrow streets and Fado music venues, open access all day, offering a unique cultural experience.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Cervejaria Ramiro

Dine on fresh seafood at this popular Lisbon institution, open until 11:00pm, famous for its shellfish and relaxed atmosphere.
EUR30, 1.5h

Day 2: Lisbon City

Lisbon, Portugal on May 4, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Fabrica Coffee Roasters

Relish excellent coffee and pastries to fuel your day, open from 8:00am, popular among locals and visitors alike.
EUR7, 1h

9:30am

Visit São Jorge Castle

Explore the historic castle offering panoramic views of Lisbon, open 9:00am-6:00pm, a must-see for history enthusiasts.
EUR10, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Mercado da Ribeira

Enjoy a casual lunch in the bustling market with plenty of fresh Portuguese options, open until 11:00pm.
EUR15, 1h

2:00pm

Tram 28 Ride

Take the iconic Tram 28 through Lisbon's diverse neighbourhoods, running until 10:00pm, providing a scenic and historic tour.
EUR3 per trip, 1h

4:00pm

Visit LX Factory

Explore this creative hub with shops, galleries and cafés, open until 10:00pm, showcasing Lisbon's modern cultural scene.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Bairro do Avillez

Savour contemporary Portuguese cuisine from renowned chef José Avillez, open till 11:30pm, perfect for an evening treat.
EUR40, 1.5h

Day 3: Travel to Porto

Lisbon to Porto, Portugal on May 5, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your accommodation before travel.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Train to Porto

Take the Alfa Pendular high-speed train from Lisbon Santa Apolónia to Porto Campanhã, approx 2h45m journey, for a comfortable and scenic transfer.
EUR30, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Casa Guedes

Taste the famous pork sandwich with Serra cheese, a Porto speciality, open until 3:00pm, ideal for a quick and authentic meal.
EUR10, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Ribeira District

Walk along the picturesque Douro River, admiring colourful buildings and lively atmosphere, open access all day.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Port Wine Cellar Tour

Visit famous cellars like Sandeman or Graham’s for tastings and tours, typically open from 10:00am to 6:00pm, to learn about the region's iconic wine.
EUR20, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Taberna dos Mercadores

Enjoy intimate dining with traditional dishes made from fresh local ingredients, open until 10:30pm, perfect for a quiet evening.
EUR35, 1.5h

Day 4: Porto Exploration

Porto, Portugal on May 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Majestic

Experience the grandeur of this iconic Belle Époque café, open from 9:00am, the perfect spot to start your day.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Clérigos Tower and Church

Climb the tower for spectacular city views; the site opens at 9:00am and closes at 7:00pm, a Porto highlight.
EUR6, 1.5h

11:30am

Visit Livraria Lello

Tour this stunning historic bookstore, inspiration for Harry Potter, open 10:00am to 7:00pm, a must-see for book lovers.
EUR5 (redeemable on purchase), 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Mercado do Bolhão

Explore the traditional market with a variety of regional foods, open until 8:00pm, great for sampling local flavours.
EUR15, 1h

3:00pm

Cruise on the Douro River

Take a 50-minute boat cruise under the six famous bridges of Porto, departing frequently from 10:00am to 6:00pm, perfect for scenic views.
EUR15, 1h

6:00pm

Relax at Jardim do Palácio de Cristal

Enjoy the beautiful gardens and stunning views over Porto, open until sunset, a tranquil end to your day.
Free, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner at Adega São Nicolau

Savour authentic Portuguese cuisine in a cozy setting, open until 11:00pm.
EUR30, 1.5h

Day 5: Fly to Barcelona

Porto to Barcelona, Spain on May 7, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a filling breakfast before your flight.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Flight to Barcelona

Fly direct from Porto to Barcelona El Prat Airport, approx 1h50m flight; arrive midday.
EUR60, 3h including airport time

12:30pm

Lunch at El Nacional

Dine within this stylish food hall showcasing diverse Spanish cuisine, open until midnight, excellent for first-day dining.
EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Sagrada Familia

Explore Gaudí's masterpiece basilica, open 9:00am to 7:00pm; book tickets in advance to avoid queues.
EUR26, 2h

5:00pm

Stroll along Passeig de Gràcia

Admire modernist architecture including Casa Batlló and La Pedrera, open for exterior viewing all day with museum entries open 9:00am-8:00pm.
EUR24 if visiting interiors, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at Cervecería Catalana

Enjoy tapas in this popular and lively spot, open until midnight.
EUR30, 1.5h

Day 6: Barcelona Highlights

Barcelona, Spain on May 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Brunch & Cake

Start your day with beautifully presented breakfast options, open from 9:00am.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Visit Park Güell

Explore Gaudí’s colourful park, open 9:30am to 7:30pm, offering unique architecture and city views.
EUR10, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at La Boqueria Market

Enjoy fresh and diverse food stalls in this iconic market, open till 8:30pm.
EUR15, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Gothic Quarter

Wander the atmospheric medieval streets and visit Barcelona Cathedral, open 8:00am-7:30pm, perfect for history and architecture lovers.
EUR9, 2h

4:30pm

Relax at Barceloneta Beach

Unwind by the Mediterranean, open access all day, great for a scenic late afternoon.
Free, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at Can Solé

Taste traditional seafood paella in a renowned local restaurant, open until 11:00pm.
EUR35, 1.5h

Day 7: Travel to Madrid

Barcelona to Madrid, Spain on May 9, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast before your high-speed train journey.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Train to Madrid

Take the AVE high-speed train from Barcelona Sants to Madrid Puerta de Atocha, approx 3h journey, arriving midday.
EUR60, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Mercado de San Miguel

Savour diverse gourmet bites in this historic market, open until midnight.
EUR20, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Prado Museum

Discover world-class European art, open 10:00am-8:00pm; free entry Mon–Sat 6–8pm, Sun 5–7pm.
EUR15, 2h

5:00pm

Walk Retiro Park

Enjoy this expansive green space open all day till midnight, with lakes and sculptures.
Free, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at Botín

Dine at the world's oldest restaurant serving classic Spanish roast, open until midnight.
EUR40, 1.5h

Day 8: Madrid Culture

Madrid, Spain on May 10, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Chocolatería San Ginés

Sample churros with chocolate at this famous café, open 24 hours.
EUR7, 1h

9:30am

Visit Royal Palace

Tour this magnificent palace and gardens, open 10:00am-8:00pm.
EUR13, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Sobrino de Botín

Another chance to enjoy traditional Spanish dishes near the Royal Palace, open until 5:00pm.
EUR30, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Reina Sofía Museum

Admire modern art including Picasso's Guernica, open 10:00am-9:00pm, free entry 7–9pm.
EUR12, 2h

5:00pm

Explore Plaza Mayor

Relax in this historic square with nearby cafes, open all day for public access.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Farewell Dinner at La Terraza del Urban

Enjoy stylish dining with rooftop views of Madrid, open till 11:30pm, a perfect end to your Iberian trip.
EUR45, 2h