10-Day Iberian Adventure: Exploring Madrid, Barcelona, and Portugal

Day 1: Madrid Historic Introduction

Madrid, Spain on May 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Chocolatería San Ginés

Enjoy traditional churros dipped in thick hot chocolate at this iconic Madrid establishment, perfect fuel for a day of exploring.
EUR6, 0h45m

9:00am

Royal Palace of Madrid

Visit the grand Royal Palace, the largest in Western Europe, to admire its lavish interiors and beautiful gardens (open 10:00am-6:00pm).
EUR14, 2h0m

11:30am

Almudena Cathedral

Just steps from the palace, explore this impressive cathedral with its blend of modern and classical styles (open 9:00am-8:30pm).
Free, 0h45m

12:30pm

Lunch at Mercado de San Miguel

Taste Madrid’s best tapas and gourmet foods at this vibrant market, perfect for sampling local flavors.
EUR15-25, 1h15m

2:00pm

Prado Museum

Explore Spain’s premier art museum, featuring masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco (open 10:00am-8:00pm).
EUR15, 2h0m

5:00pm

Walk through Retiro Park

Relax and stroll through this iconic park with its beautiful lake, sculptures, and gardens.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Sobrino de Botín

Dine at the world’s oldest restaurant, enjoying traditional Spanish roast dishes in historic surroundings.
EUR30-50, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Madrid to Barcelona

Madrid to Barcelona, Spain on May 16, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Café Murillo

Have a quick coffee and pastry near the Prado to start your travel day with energy.
EUR6, 0h30m

8:00am

Travel to Barcelona by high-speed train

Take the AVE train from Madrid Atocha to Barcelona Sants, a comfortable and fast 3-hour journey.
EUR80-100, 3h0m

11:30am

Check-in and lunch at La Boqueria Market

Explore this bustling market and enjoy fresh seafood or tapas for lunch.
EUR20, 1h0m

1:00pm

Visit La Sagrada Família

Tour Gaudí’s masterpiece basilica, an extraordinary example of modernist architecture (open 9:00am-7:00pm).
EUR26, 1h30m

3:00pm

Stroll through Passeig de Gràcia

Admire Gaudí’s Casa Batlló and Casa Milà along this elegant boulevard lined with shops and cafes.
Free to explore; entry fees vary (Casa Batlló approx. EUR35), 1h30m

5:00pm

Relax at Park Güell

Visit Gaudí’s colorful park with mosaic art and panoramic city views (open 9:30am-7:30pm).
EUR13, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Cervecería Catalana

Enjoy a variety of tapas and traditional Catalan dishes in a lively and popular spot.
EUR25-40, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Barcelona Culture & Beach

Barcelona, Spain on May 17, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Federal Café

Start with a modern, healthy breakfast in this popular café known for coffee and brunch options.
EUR10, 1h0m

9:45am

Explore the Gothic Quarter

Walk through narrow medieval streets, visit Barcelona Cathedral and charming plazas.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at El Xampanyet

Savor delicious tapas and cava at this traditional bubbly bar near the Gothic Quarter.
EUR20, 1h15m

1:30pm

Picasso Museum

Discover Picasso’s early works and deep connection to Barcelona (open 10:00am-7:00pm).
EUR15, 1h45m

3:30pm

Relax at Barceloneta Beach

Unwind along the Mediterranean coast with a walk or light swim at the popular city beach.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Evening stroll at Montjuïc

Take a cable car or walk up to Montjuïc for sunset views and visit the Magic Fountain show (show times vary).
EUR14 for cable car, 2h0m

8:30pm

Dinner at Tickets Bar

Enjoy creative tapas from one of Barcelona’s famous Michelin-starred restaurants (reservations recommended).
EUR70+, 2h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Barcelona to Lisbon

Barcelona to Lisbon, Portugal on May 18, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Brunch & Cake

Have a hearty breakfast with fresh ingredients to prepare for your travel day.
EUR15, 1h0m

8:00am

Flight to Lisbon

Fly from Barcelona El Prat to Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport; flight duration approximately 2h30m.
EUR50-100, 2h30m

11:00am

Check in and lunch at Time Out Market Lisbon

Sample the best of Lisbon’s culinary scene all under one roof at this vibrant food market.
EUR20-30, 1h15m

12:30pm

Explore Belém district

Visit Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower, important monuments of Portugal’s Age of Discovery (Monastery open 10:00am-5:30pm).
EUR10 combined ticket, 2h0m

3:00pm

Try Pastéis de Belém

Indulge in the famous custard tarts at the original bakery – a must-try Lisbon delicacy.
EUR3 per tart, 0h30m

4:00pm

Walk through Alfama District

Explore Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood with its charming alleys and viewpoints.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Clube de Fado

Enjoy traditional Portuguese cuisine accompanied by live Fado music in an authentic setting.
EUR40-60, 2h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Lisbon Culture & History

Lisbon, Portugal on May 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Fabrica Coffee Roasters

Start your day with expertly brewed coffee and pastries at this popular Lisbon coffee shop.
EUR8, 0h45m

9:00am

Ride Tram 28 through Lisbon

Take the famous vintage tram route through Lisbon’s historic neighborhoods and hills for a scenic overview.
EUR3 per ride, 2h0m

11:30am

Visit São Jorge Castle

Explore this medieval castle with panoramic views of Lisbon and exhibits on local history (open 9:00am-6:00pm).
EUR10, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Cervejaria Ramiro

Delight in fresh seafood including famous garlic shrimp and clams at this renowned Lisbon eatery.
EUR30-40, 1h30m

3:00pm

Explore the LX Factory

Visit this trendy area with shops, galleries, and cafes housed in a former industrial complex.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Sunset at Miradouro da Senhora do Monte

Enjoy one of the best sunset views over Lisbon’s skyline.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Ramiro's

Taste classic Portuguese dishes one more time at this beloved seafood spot, ideal for dinner.
EUR30-50, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Lisbon to Porto

Lisbon to Porto, Portugal on May 20, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Padaria Portuguesa

Grab a quick pastry and coffee before the journey north.
EUR6, 0h30m

8:00am

Train to Porto

Take a scenic 3-hour train ride from Lisbon to Porto via Alfa Pendular service.
EUR25-40, 3h0m

11:30am

Check-in and lunch at Mercado do Bolhão

Experience Porto’s local food market with fresh regional dishes for lunch.
EUR15-25, 1h0m

1:00pm

Clérigos Tower and Church

Climb the baroque Clérigos Tower for stunning views over Porto (open 9:00am-7:00pm).
EUR6, 1h0m

2:15pm

Livraria Lello

Visit one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, inspiration for Harry Potter fans (open 10:00am-7:00pm).
EUR5 entrance fee credited with purchase, 0h45m

3:15pm

Walk along Ribeira District

Enjoy the riverside promenade with colorful buildings and lively cafes along the Douro River.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Port wine tasting in Vila Nova de Gaia

Cross the river for a tour and tasting at renowned port wine cellars and learn about its production.
EUR15-20, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Cantinho do Avillez

Sample contemporary Portuguese cuisine from a Michelin-starred chef in Porto’s center.
EUR40-60, 1h45m
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Porto & Douro Valley

Porto & Douro Valley, Portugal on May 21, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Nicolau Porto

Fuel up with healthy, nutritious breakfast options in a relaxed setting.
EUR10, 1h0m

8:30am

Douro Valley Day Trip

Take a guided tour of the Douro Valley, visiting vineyards, enjoying scenic river views, and wine tastings (tours usually start 8:30am, about 8h duration).
EUR90-130, 8h0m

5:00pm

Return to Porto

Relax after the full-day excursion with some light evening exploring or rest.
Included in tour, Variable

7:30pm

Dinner at Tapabento

Enjoy a casual dinner featuring fusion and traditional northern Portuguese dishes.
EUR25-35, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Return to Madrid

Porto to Madrid, Spain on May 22, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Café Majestic

Enjoy a classic Porto breakfast at this beautiful Belle Epoque café.
EUR12, 1h0m

8:00am

Flight from Porto to Madrid

Fly from Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport to Madrid Barajas for a quick return flight (approx. 1h30m).
EUR50-80, 1h30m

11:00am

Check in and lunch at Plaza Mayor

Have lunch in one of Madrid’s most iconic squares and enjoy the lively ambiance.
EUR20-30, 1h0m

12:30pm

Visit Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum

Explore the extensive private collection of European artworks (open 12:00pm-7:00pm).
EUR13, 2h0m

3:00pm

Shopping in Gran Via

Spend the afternoon exploring shops and cafes along Madrid’s main shopping street.
Free (shopping varies), 2h0m

7:00pm

Farewell dinner at Ramón Freixa Madrid

Celebrate your trip with Michelin-starred culinary creations in an elegant setting.
EUR80+, 2h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Departure Day

Madrid, Spain on May 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at La Mallorquina

Enjoy a final morning pastry and espresso at this renowned bakery near Puerta del Sol.
EUR6, 0h45m

10:00am

Leisurely walk in Plaza de Oriente

Take a last stroll through the gardens by the Royal Palace to soak in Madrid’s charm one final time.
Free, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability