Ultimate 12-Day Iberian Adventure: Córdoba, Albufeira, Lisbon, and Porto

Day 1: Historic Córdoba

Córdoba, Spain on May 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Taberna Luque

Enjoy traditional Andalusian breakfast with fresh orange juice and churros in this cozy local tavern.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Visit Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba

Explore the stunning mosque-cathedral featuring breathtaking Islamic architecture merged with Christian elements. It’s Córdoba’s top landmark and opens at 10:00am.
EUR11, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Bodegas Campos

Savor authentic Andalusian cuisine including salmorejo and Iberian ham in a historic bodega setting.
EUR25, 1h30m

2:00pm

Walk the Jewish Quarter

Stroll through narrow cobblestone streets visiting the Synagogue and artisan shops in this atmospheric district.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos

Tour the medieval fortress with beautiful gardens and views of the Guadalquivir River. Open until 7:30pm.
EUR5, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Noor Restaurant

Experience innovative Moorish-inspired fine dining with rich flavors reflecting Córdoba’s history.
EUR60, 2h
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Day 2: More Córdoba Culture

Córdoba, Spain on May 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bar Santos

Try the famous tortilla de patatas (Spanish omelette) in a lively central spot near the Mezquita.
EUR8, 1h

9:00am

Visit Medina Azahara

Explore the ruins of the 10th-century Moorish palace city just a 20-minute drive from Córdoba. Open 9:30am to 3:30pm.
EUR6, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Casa Pepe de la Judería

Enjoy hearty Andalusian dishes like oxtail stew in the heart of the Jewish Quarter.
EUR22, 1h30m

3:00pm

Relax at Jardines del Triunfo

Spend a leisurely afternoon in these lovely gardens with fountains and shaded paths.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Explore Roman Bridge and Calahorra Tower

Walk the historic Roman bridge and visit the museum inside Calahorra Tower for panoramic views.
EUR4, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at El Churrasco

Dine on grilled meats and traditional Andalusian specialties in a cozy setting.
EUR35, 2h
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Day 3: Departure to Albufeira

Córdoba to Albufeira, Portugal on May 16, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café de Santiago

Light breakfast with pastries and coffee before your journey.
EUR6, 45m

8:30am

Travel to Albufeira

Drive or take a bus/train southwest to Albufeira on Portugal’s Algarve coast. The trip takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours.
EUR40, 4h

1:00pm

Check into accommodation and lunch at O Marinheiro

Enjoy seafood and Mediterranean dishes in a charming garden setting near Albufeira Old Town.
EUR30, 1h30m

3:00pm

Beach time at Praia dos Pescadores

Relax on the golden sands and swim in the calm waters of this popular city beach.
Free, 2h

5:30pm

Explore Albufeira Old Town

Wander colorful streets filled with shops, bars, and cafes buzzing with nightlife energy.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at A Ruína

Sample fresh grilled fish and traditional Portuguese dishes right by the sea.
EUR35, 2h
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Day 4: Algarve Coast Adventure

Albufeira, Portugal on May 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Padaria Portuguesa

Enjoy freshly baked Portuguese pastries and coffee to start your day.
EUR7, 1h

9:00am

Boat tour of Benagil Caves

Take a 2-hour guided boat tour to explore spectacular sea caves along the Algarve coast, departing from Albufeira marina.
EUR35, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Restaurante O Vento

Sample fresh seafood rice and other regional specialties close to the marina.
EUR28, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Albufeira Marina

Stroll the colorful marina with shops and cafés, perfect for an afternoon ice cream or drink.
Free, 1h

3:30pm

Relax at Praia da Coelha

Spend the afternoon at this quieter beach with cliffs and clear waters, ideal for swimming.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Vila Joya

Indulge in Michelin-starred contemporary Portuguese cuisine in an elegant setting. Reservations recommended.
EUR110, 2h
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Day 5: Explore More Algarve

Albufeira, Portugal on May 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Cottage

Enjoy a healthy breakfast with smoothies, avocado toast, and fresh coffee.
EUR10, 1h

9:00am

Day trip to Lagos

Drive 40 minutes west to visit the charming town of Lagos, with stunning cliffs and historic sites. Explore Ponta da Piedade and the old town.
EUR15, 5h

2:00pm

Lunch at Restaurante dos Artistas, Lagos

Delight in gourmet Mediterranean cuisine in this stylish Lagos restaurant.
EUR40, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return to Albufeira

Relax at your accommodation or take a sunset walk along Albufeira’s beaches.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at O Lagar

Enjoy traditional Portuguese dishes with a homey atmosphere.
EUR25, 2h
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Day 6: Travel to Lisbon

Albufeira to Lisbon, Portugal on May 19, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Pastelaria Riviera

Sample pastel de nata and coffee before departure.
EUR6, 45m

8:30am

Travel to Lisbon

Take a train or drive north to Lisbon, approximately a 2.5-3 hour journey.
EUR30, 3h

12:00pm

Check-in and lunch at Time Out Market

Experience a variety of Portuguese dishes from top chefs under one roof in this popular food hall.
EUR20, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Belém Tower

Explore the iconic 16th-century fortress and UNESCO World Heritage site on the Tagus River. Open 10:00am to 5:30pm.
EUR6, 1h30m

4:00pm

Pasteis de Belém bakery visit

Taste the original pastel de nata at this famous bakery, open until 11pm.
EUR5, 30m

5:00pm

Walk the riverside promenade

Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Tagus river with views of the 25 de Abril Bridge.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Cervejaria Ramiro

Feast on fresh seafood dishes including garlic shrimp and clams in a casual Lisbon institution.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 7: Lisbon Highlights

Lisbon, Portugal on May 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Fabrica Coffee Roasters

Start your day with expertly brewed coffee and light snacks in the Chiado district.
EUR8, 1h

9:00am

Explore Alfama neighborhood

Wander Lisbon’s oldest quarter with narrow streets, viewpoints, and historic sites like São Jorge Castle (opens 9:00am).
EUR10, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Pois Café

A cozy bohemian spot offering Portuguese and international dishes near Alfama.
EUR15, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit LX Factory

Explore this trendy arts and culture complex with shops, street art, and cafés. Open until evening.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Ride Tram 28

Take the iconic tram route through Lisbon’s historical neighborhoods for an authentic city experience.
EUR3, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Taberna da Rua das Flores

Enjoy contemporary Portuguese tapas in a lively setting with excellent wines.
EUR35, 2h
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Day 8: Day Trip to Sintra

Lisbon, Portugal on May 21, 2025

7:30am

Early breakfast at your hotel

Grab a quick breakfast before heading out to Sintra.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Travel to Sintra

Take the train from Lisbon to Sintra, approx. 40 minutes.
EUR5, 40m

9:00am

Visit Pena Palace

Tour the colorful Romantic-era castle atop the Sintra hills. Opens at 9:30am.
EUR14, 2h

11:30am

Explore Quinta da Regaleira

Wander the magical gardens and enigmatic architecture of this UNESCO site.
EUR10, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Tascantiga

Enjoy traditional Portuguese tapas in Sintra’s historic center.
EUR20, 1h30m

3:00pm

Return to Lisbon

Train back to Lisbon and relax.
Included, 40m

5:00pm

Visit Miradouro de Santa Catarina

Watch the sunset from this popular viewpoint with views over Lisbon and the river.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at A Cevicheria

Try innovative Peruvian-Portuguese fusion dishes in a trendy setting.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 9: Travel to Porto

Lisbon to Porto, Portugal on May 22, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Padaria Portuguesa

Grab a quick breakfast before departure.
EUR6, 30m

8:00am

Train to Porto

Take the high-speed Alfa Pendular train to Porto, about 2.5h.
EUR30, 2h30m

11:00am

Check-in and Lunch at Mercado Bom Sucesso

Enjoy diverse food stalls offering Portuguese and international cuisine.
EUR18, 1h

12:30pm

Visit Livraria Lello

Visit one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores with stunning neo-Gothic interiors. Open 10am-7pm.
EUR5, 1h

1:30pm

Stroll Ribeira District

Walk the colorful riverside area with cafes, shops, and narrow alleys.
Free, 1h30m

3:00pm

Port Wine Cellars Tour

Cross the Dom Luís I Bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia to tour famous port wine cellars like Cálem. Open until 6pm.
EUR15, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Taberna dos Mercadores

Enjoy exquisite seafood and Portuguese dishes in an intimate setting.
EUR45, 2h
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Day 10: Porto Sightseeing

Porto, Portugal on May 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Zenith Brunch & Cocktails

Start the day with delicious brunch options in a stylish atmosphere.
EUR12, 1h

9:00am

Clérigos Tower and Church

Climb the tower for panoramic views of Porto. The church is a baroque masterpiece. Open 9am-7pm.
EUR6, 1h30m

10:45am

Visit Serralves Museum and Gardens

Explore contemporary art exhibitions and beautiful landscaped gardens. Open 10am-6pm.
EUR12, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Casa Guedes

Try the famous pork sandwich with Serra cheese, a local specialty.
EUR10, 1h

2:30pm

Cruise on the Douro River

Take a 1-hour traditional Rabelo boat cruise to see Porto from the river, operating 10am-6pm.
EUR15, 1h

4:00pm

Explore Foz do Douro Beaches

Visit the seaside area where the river meets the Atlantic for a relaxing stroll along the beach.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at DOP

Enjoy fine dining with modern interpretations of northern Portuguese cuisine.
EUR60, 2h
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Day 11: Final Day in Porto

Porto, Portugal on May 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Nicolau Porto

Healthy and hearty breakfast options in a trendy café.
EUR10, 1h

9:00am

Visit Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto)

Explore this Romanesque landmark and its lovely cloisters offering city views. Open 9am-6pm.
Free, 1h

10:30am

Explore Rua de Santa Catarina

Shop and people-watch along Porto’s main shopping street, including the historic Café Majestic.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Café Majestic

Enjoy a classic Porto café experience with beautiful Belle Époque décor.
EUR20, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Church of São Francisco

Admire the lavish Baroque interior and gold leaf decorations.
EUR8, 1h

3:30pm

Relax at Jardim do Morro

Take in sweeping views over Porto and the Douro River from this scenic park.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Farewell Port Wine tasting

End your trip with a wine tasting session at a cellar in Vila Nova de Gaia to savor the best port wines.
EUR15, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Adega São Nicolau

Traditional Portuguese dishes in a cozy, authentic setting to close your journey.
EUR30, 2h
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Day 12: Departure

Porto, Portugal on May 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby café

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before your departure.
Included or EUR8, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Porto Airport

Take a taxi or metro to Porto airport for your departure.
EUR10, 30m
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