10-Day Portugal and Spain Cultural and Culinary Journey

Day 1: Lisbon Exploration

Lisbon, Portugal on May 21, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Pastéis de Belém

Savour the iconic Pastel de Nata, Portugal’s famous custard tart, in one of Lisbon’s oldest and most traditional bakeries, open from 8:00am. A perfect start to the day with authentic flavours.
EUR5, 1h

10:30am

Belém Tower Visit

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, a historic fortress that played a key role in Portugal’s Age of Discoveries. Open 10:00am to 5:30pm, entry fee is affordable and the views are stunning.
EUR6, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Time Out Market

Taste a variety of Portuguese dishes from top chefs at this vibrant market. It’s a great place to try petiscos (Portuguese tapas) with countless options open until 11:00pm.
EUR15, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Alfama District

Wander the narrow, cobbled streets of Alfama, the oldest district in Lisbon, known for its authentic charm, Fado music bars, and spectacular viewpoints.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Visit São Jorge Castle

Tour this historic castle on the hill which offers panoramic views of Lisbon. Open until 6:00pm, it’s a perfect spot for photography and history.
EUR10, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Ramiro

Enjoy fresh seafood dishes, including garlic shrimp and clams, in one of Lisbon’s most famous restaurants, open until midnight.
EUR30, 1.5h

Day 2: Sintra Day Trip

Sintra, Portugal on May 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Saudade

Enjoy a relaxed Portuguese breakfast with pastries and coffee at this cosy café, open from 8:00am, before heading towards the palaces of Sintra.
EUR7, 1h

9:30am

Visit Pena Palace

Explore the colourful 19th-century Romanticist palace with breathtaking views and unique architecture. Open from 9:30am to 7:00pm.
EUR14, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Tascantiga

Savour authentic Portuguese tapas in Sintra’s town centre. The restaurant offers a cosy atmosphere and traditional dishes, open all day.
EUR20, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Quinta da Regaleira

Discover the enchanting gardens, initiatic wells, and gothic architecture of this UNESCO site, open 9:30am to 8:00pm.
EUR10, 2h

4:00pm

Return to Lisbon

Travel back to Lisbon by train (approximately 40 minutes).
EUR5, 0.75h

7:00pm

Dinner at Bairro do Avillez

Delight in contemporary Portuguese cuisine in this popular restaurant helmed by chef José Avillez, offering a creative menu until 11:00pm.
EUR35, 1.5h

Day 3: Porto Culture

Porto, Portugal on May 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Majestic

Start your day with coffee and pastries in the elegant art nouveau setting of Café Majestic, open from 8:00am.
EUR8, 1h

9:30am

Clerigos Tower and Church

Climb the tower for incredible views over Porto and explore the Baroque church, open 9:00am to 7:00pm.
EUR6, 1h

11:00am

Livraria Lello Visit

Visit one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, famous for its stunning staircase and art nouveau design. Open 10:00am to 7:00pm.
EUR5, 0.75h

12:00pm

Lunch at Mercado do Bolhão

Taste fresh local produce and traditional dishes at this lively market, open until 3:00pm.
EUR15, 1h

2:00pm

Port Wine Cellars Tour

Cross the Douro River to Vila Nova de Gaia and visit one of the famous port wine cellars such as Graham’s or Sandeman, which offer tours and tastings. Open 10:00am to 6:00pm.
EUR15, 1.5h

5:00pm

Ribeira Walk

Enjoy a relaxing stroll along the historic riverside area with colourful houses and lively cafes, perfect for sunset views.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Brasão Cervejaria

Sample traditional Francesinha or grilled meats in this popular Porto eatery, open until 11:00pm.
EUR25, 1.5h

Day 4: Galician Heritage

Santiago de Compostela, Spain on May 24, 2025

7:30am

Travel Porto to Santiago de Compostela

Take a morning direct train or bus (around 3.5 hours).
EUR30, 3.5h

11:30am

Check-in and quick lunch at Mercado de Abastos

Try regional Galician delicacies such as pulpo a la gallega (octopus), in this lively market open till 3:00pm.
EUR15, 1h

1:00pm

Visit Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site, the reputed burial place of St. James and a major pilgrimage site. Open 9:00am to 8:30pm.
Free, 1.5h

3:00pm

Museo do Pobo Galego

Discover Galician culture and history in this ethnographic museum located in the former convent of Santo Domingo, open 10:00am to 7:00pm.
EUR3, 1h

5:00pm

Paseo de la Herradura Park

Enjoy a peaceful walk in this scenic green area with panoramic city views.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at O Gato Negro

Relish authentic Galician cuisine with specialties like seafood and octopus in a traditional setting, open until 11:00pm.
EUR30, 1.5h

Day 5: A Coruña Highlights

A Coruña, Spain on May 25, 2025

8:00am

Travel Santiago to A Coruña

Take a direct train or bus (approx 1 hour).
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Breakfast at Pastelería Suso

Enjoy traditional Spanish pastries and café con leche in this well-loved bakery, open from 8:00am.
EUR6, 0.75h

10:30am

Tower of Hercules Visit

Explore the world’s oldest working Roman lighthouse, a UNESCO site, open daily 10:00am to 7:00pm.
EUR3, 1h

12:00pm

Walk along Orzan Beach

Relax by the sea and enjoy beautiful coastal views in this vibrant area.
Free, 1h

1:30pm

Lunch at O Bebedeiro

Taste authentic Galician seafood dishes at this popular beachfront tavern, open lunchtime and evenings.
EUR25, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Old Town and Maria Pita Square

Stroll through historic streets and admire charming architecture including the town hall and statue of Maria Pita.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Visit Fine Arts Museum

Discover an excellent collection of Spanish art; open until 8:00pm on certain days (check schedule).
EUR5, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner at Árbore da Veira

For a splurge, enjoy a modern tasting menu highlighting local ingredients, reservations recommended, open till 11:00pm.
EUR50, 2h

Day 6: Asturias Traditions

Oviedo, Spain on May 26, 2025

8:00am

Travel A Coruña to Oviedo

Journey by train or bus (approx 3 hours).
EUR20, 3h

11:30am

Lunch at Casa Gerardo

Experience traditional Asturian cuisine with modern twists in a Michelin-starred venue, open from 1:00pm (consider early lunch or confirm hours).
EUR40, 1.5h

1:30pm

Visit Oviedo Cathedral

Explore the gothic cathedral known for its Holy Chamber, open 10:00am to 7:00pm.
EUR7, 1h

3:00pm

Walk around Old Town

Discover charming streets, museums, and the famous sculpture of Woody Allen, who loves Oviedo.
Free, 2h

5:30pm

Museum of Fine Arts of Asturias

See an impressive collection of classical and contemporary art, open until 7:00pm.
EUR3, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Tierra Astur

Try classic local dishes such as fabada asturiana (bean stew) in a cosy setting open until 10:30pm.
EUR25, 1.5h

Day 7: Castile's Rich History

León, Spain on May 27, 2025

8:00am

Travel Oviedo to León

Take a morning train (about 3 hours).
EUR20, 3h

11:30am

Visit León Cathedral

Admire the stunning Gothic stained glass in this architectural masterpiece, open from 9:00am to 7:00pm.
EUR6, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at La Bicha

Enjoy traditional Leonese cuisine in a rustic atmosphere, open for lunch until 4:00pm.
EUR20, 1h

2:00pm

San Marcos Monastery

Explore the historic monastery complex including the church and Parador hotel, open to visitors from 10:00am to 6:00pm.
EUR5, 1h

3:30pm

Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Castilla y León (MUSAC)

Experience contemporary art in this innovative building, open 11:00am to 8:00pm.
EUR5, 1h

5:00pm

Stroll Plaza Mayor

Relax in the main square surrounded by beautiful architecture and cafes.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Cocinandos

Indulge in Michelin-starred modern cuisine, reservations needed, open until 11:00pm.
EUR60, 2h

Day 8: Burgos History & Cuisine

Burgos, Spain on May 28, 2025

8:00am

Travel León to Burgos

Train journey approximately 2 hours.
EUR15, 2h

10:30am

Breakfast at Café Iruña

Enjoy a coffee and pastry in this historic cafe dating back to 1906, open from 8:00am.
EUR6, 0.75h

11:30am

Burgos Cathedral Visit

Visit this magnificent Gothic cathedral, a UNESCO heritage site open 9:30am to 6:30pm.
EUR7, 1.5h

1:30pm

Lunch at Casa Ojeda

Taste traditional Castilian dishes in this renowned restaurant, open for lunch from noon.
EUR30, 1.5h

3:30pm

Walk the Paseo del Espolón

Relax with a stroll in this beautiful tree-lined promenade along the Arlanzón River.
Free, 1h

4:30pm

Visit the Museum of Human Evolution

Discover fascinating exhibits about human origins and archaeology, open 10:00am to 7:00pm.
EUR7, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at El Morito

Enjoy tapas and local wines in a lively atmosphere, open until late.
EUR20, 1.5h

Day 9: Madrid City Highlights

Madrid, Spain on May 29, 2025

8:00am

Travel Burgos to Madrid

High-speed train journey about 2.5 hours.
EUR35, 2.5h

11:00am

Breakfast at Chocolatería San Ginés

Indulge in traditional churros with chocolate in Madrid’s famous chocolatería, open from early morning to late night.
EUR7, 1h

12:00pm

Prado Museum

Explore Spain’s premier art museum with works by Velázquez and Goya. Open 10:00am to 8:00pm, closed Monday.
EUR15, 2h

2:30pm

Lunch at Mercado San Miguel

Sample a variety of gourmet Spanish tapas in this bustling market near Plaza Mayor, open until midnight.
EUR20, 1h

3:45pm

Walk Plaza Mayor & Royal Palace

Experience the vibrant atmosphere and majestic architecture of Madrid's historic squares and palace, open 10:00am to 8:00pm.
EUR13, 2h

6:00pm

Relax at Retiro Park

Enjoy an evening stroll in this beautiful green space with lake and sculptures, open until sunset.
Free, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner at Sobrino de Botín

Dine at the oldest restaurant in the world, renowned for roast suckling pig, open until late.
EUR40, 1.5h

Day 10: Toledo History Experience

Toledo, Spain on May 30, 2025

8:30am

Train Madrid to Toledo

A quick 30-minute train ride to the historic city of Toledo.
EUR13, 0.5h

9:30am

Breakfast at La Malquerida

Enjoy a Spanish breakfast with coffee and tostada in a charming café near the cathedral, open early.
EUR7, 1h

10:30am

Toledo Cathedral

Visit one of the finest Gothic cathedrals in Spain, open 10:00am to 6:45pm.
EUR10, 1.5h

12:30pm

Walk the Historic Jewish Quarter

Explore narrow winding streets and visit the Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca.
EUR3, 1h

1:30pm

Lunch at Restaurante Adolfo

Savour traditional Manchego cuisine in an elegant setting, open for lunch until 4:00pm.
EUR35, 1.5h

3:30pm

Alcázar of Toledo

Visit the historic fortress now housing a military museum, open 10:00am to 7:00pm.
EUR5, 1.5h

5:30pm

Return to Madrid

Take the train back to Madrid for your departure or overnight stay.
EUR13, 0.5h