11-Day Spain and Portugal Road Trip from Madrid with Gibraltar Day Excursion

Day 1: Arrival and Madrid Highlights

Madrid, Spain on June 3, 2025

3:00pm

Check-in and Relax

Arrive in Madrid and check into your hotel to refresh and unpack after your journey.
EUR0, 1h0m

4:00pm

Retiro Park Stroll

Explore the beautiful Retiro Park, a green oasis in central Madrid, perfect for an afternoon walk and relaxation.
EUR0, 1h30m

6:00pm

Visit Prado Museum

Discover one of the world's finest art museums with masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco. Open until 7pm.
EUR15, 1h30m

7:45pm

Dinner at Sobrino de Botín

Enjoy traditional Spanish cuisine at the world’s oldest restaurant, specializing in roast suckling pig and lamb.
EUR40, 1h30m

9:30pm

Evening Walk in Plaza Mayor

Experience Madrid’s vibrant nightlife atmosphere in Plaza Mayor, perfect for a leisurely walk and perhaps a café stop.
EUR0, 1h0m
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Day 2: Toledo Day Trip

Toledo, Spain on June 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café del Fin

Start your day with pastries and coffee at this local café known for its fresh baked goods.
EUR8, 0h45m

9:00am

Drive Madrid to Toledo

A short 1-hour drive southwest to the historic city of Toledo, known for its medieval architecture and cultural fusion.
EUR0, 1h0m

10:15am

Toledo Cathedral Tour

Visit the stunning Toledo Cathedral, a gothic masterpiece rich in art and history. Open from 10am to 6:30pm.
EUR10, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Restaurante La Orza

Taste traditional Manchego cuisine including partridge and marzipan desserts in an elegant setting.
EUR25, 1h30m

1:45pm

Explore Alcázar of Toledo

Visit the Alcázar fortress and military museum with panoramic views of the city. Open 10am to 5:45pm.
EUR5, 1h15m

3:15pm

Walk Old Town

Stroll through Toledo's winding medieval streets, experiencing the blend of Christian, Jewish, and Moorish cultures.
EUR0, 1h45m

5:15pm

Return to Madrid

Drive back to Madrid for overnight rest.
EUR0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Mercado de San Miguel

Enjoy tapas and local wines in this historic market offering a variety of gourmet food stalls.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 3: Madrid to Seville

Madrid to Seville, Spain on June 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

A hearty breakfast to fuel your drive to Seville.
EUR12, 0h45m

8:30am

Drive Madrid to Seville

Embark on a scenic 5.5-hour drive southwest to Seville, the heart of Andalusia.
EUR0, 5h30m

2:15pm

Check-in and Lunch at El Rinconcillo

After arriving in Seville, enjoy lunch at the city’s oldest tapas bar renowned for traditional Andalusian dishes.
EUR25, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit Seville Cathedral and Giralda

Tour Europe's largest Gothic cathedral and climb the Giralda tower for stunning city views. Open until 6pm.
EUR10, 1h45m

6:00pm

Walk Through Barrio Santa Cruz

Explore this charming old Jewish quarter with narrow streets, whitewashed buildings, and lively plazas.
EUR0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Egaña-Oriza

Savor Basque-inspired cuisine in a stylish yet cozy restaurant, perfect for a refined Andalusian dinner.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 4: Seville Exploration

Seville, Spain on June 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at La Cacharreria

Enjoy freshly baked pastries and excellent coffee in this popular breakfast spot.
EUR8, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit Real Alcázar of Seville

Explore the stunning Moorish palace and gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Open 9:30am to 5:00pm.
EUR13, 2h0m

11:30am

Plaza de España

Walk in the beautiful Plaza de España featuring impressive fountains, bridges, and tile work.
EUR0, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Restaurante Aziz

Enjoy delicious Moroccan and Middle Eastern inspired dishes in this welcoming restaurant.
EUR20, 1h30m

2:15pm

Visit Metropol Parasol

See the modern wooden structure offering city views and a market underneath. Open until 10pm.
EUR3, 1h0m

3:30pm

Siesta / Rest

Return to your hotel to rest during the hottest hours.
EUR0, 2h0m

5:30pm

Flamenco Show at Casa de la Memoria

Experience authentic flamenco performances in an intimate setting. Shows daily at 6:00pm and 8:00pm.
EUR22, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner tapas at La Azotea

Sample a variety of creative tapas paired with local wines in a lively atmosphere.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 5: Day Trip to Gibraltar

Gibraltar (Day Trip), British Overseas Territory on June 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast to prepare for the day trip to Gibraltar.
EUR12, 0h45m

8:30am

Drive Seville to Gibraltar

Approximate 2.5-hour drive south to the British Territory of Gibraltar.
EUR0, 2h30m

11:15am

Visit The Rock of Gibraltar

Take the cable car or hike to the top of the Rock for spectacular views and visit the famous Barbary macaques. Open 9am to 6pm.
GBP17, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at The Clipper

Enjoy British-influenced pub fare with views near the marina, a good spot to try local seafood.
GBP20, 1h30m

3:00pm

Explore Gibraltar Town

Wander through Main Street for shopping, historic sites, and the Gibraltar Museum (open until 5pm).
GBP10, 1h30m

4:30pm

Drive Gibraltar to Marbella

Head west about 1.5 hours to Marbella on the Costa del Sol to begin your Portuguese coastal route.
EUR0, 1h30m

6:00pm

Check-in and Dinner at Marbella Old Town

Dine in the charming old town of Marbella, enjoying Andalusian cuisine at Restaurant Skina, a Michelin starred choice.
EUR50, 1h30m
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Day 6: Marbella to Algarve Coast

Marbella, Spain to Algarve, Portugal on June 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café de Ronda

Start your morning with excellent coffee and Spanish-style breakfast pastries.
EUR8, 0h45m

9:00am

Drive Marbella to Lagos, Algarve

Approximate 3.5-hour coastal drive crossing into Portugal’s Algarve region known for stunning beaches.
EUR0, 3h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Restaurante dos Artistas, Lagos

Taste Mediterranean flavors and fresh seafood in an elegant setting in Lagos.
EUR30, 1h30m

2:00pm

Ponta da Piedade Boat Tour

Take a 1-hour boat tour of the magnificent cliffs, sea caves, and grottoes at Ponta da Piedade.
EUR25, 1h0m

3:15pm

Relax at Praia Dona Ana

Enjoy the golden sands and clear water of one of the Algarve’s most beautiful beaches.
EUR0, 1h45m

5:00pm

Check-in Hotel in Lagos

Rest and freshen up at your hotel before dinner.
EUR0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at O Camilo

Dine on fresh seafood with spectacular ocean views in a renowned local restaurant.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 7: Algarve to Lisbon

Lagos to Lisbon, Portugal on June 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Pastelaria Gombá

Sample local pastries and coffee to start your day in Lagos.
EUR7, 0h45m

8:30am

Drive Lagos to Lisbon

A scenic 3-hour drive north to Lisbon, Portugal's lively capital.
EUR0, 3h0m

11:30am

Check-in and Lunch at Time Out Market

Visit Lisbon’s famous food hall where you can sample a variety of Portuguese cuisine under one roof.
EUR20, 1h30m

1:30pm

Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery

Explore these iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites in Belém, open 10am to 5:30pm.
EUR12 combined, 2h0m

3:45pm

Pastéis de Belém

Try the famous custard tarts at the historic bakery open until 7pm.
EUR5, 0h30m

4:30pm

Explore Alfama District

Wander through Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood with narrow streets and panoramic viewpoints.
EUR0, 1h30m

6:00pm

Relax at Miradouro de Santa Luzia

Enjoy a sunset view over the Tagus River and Alfama rooftops.
EUR0, 0h45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cervejaria Ramiro

Feast on fresh shellfish and seafood dishes at this popular Lisbon institution.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 8: Lisbon Culture & History

Lisbon, Portugal on June 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Fabrica Coffee Roasters

Start your morning with specialty coffee and pastries in a trendy café.
EUR8, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit National Tile Museum

Discover the history and artistry of Portuguese azulejos in this unique museum open 10am to 6pm.
EUR5, 1h30m

10:45am

Drive to Sintra

A 30-minute drive from Lisbon to the magical town of Sintra, famous for palaces and castles.
EUR0, 0h30m

11:15am

Visit Pena Palace

Tour the colorful Romanticist castle towering over Sintra. Open 9:30am to 6:30pm.
EUR15, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Tascantiga

Enjoy Portuguese tapas in the heart of Sintra’s historic center.
EUR20, 1h15m

2:45pm

Explore Quinta da Regaleira

Visit this enigmatic estate with wonderful gardens, grottoes, and symbols. Open 10am to 6pm.
EUR10, 1h45m

4:30pm

Return to Lisbon

Drive back to Lisbon for late afternoon rest.
EUR0, 0h30m

5:00pm

Relax at Hotel / Optional Shopping

Enjoy free time to rest or explore Lisbon shopping districts like Chiado.
EUR0, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Solar dos Presuntos

A classic Lisbon restaurant serving excellent seafood and Portuguese specialties.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 9: Lisbon to Coimbra via Óbidos

Lisbon to Coimbra, Portugal on June 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a filling breakfast before your journey north.
EUR10, 0h45m

8:30am

Drive Lisbon to Óbidos

1-hour drive to the charming medieval walled town of Óbidos.
EUR0, 1h0m

9:30am

Explore Óbidos

Walk through the cobblestone streets, visit the castle and try local cherry liqueur 'Ginja'.
EUR0, 1h30m

11:00am

Drive to Coimbra

Continue driving north around 1.5 hours to Coimbra, known for its historic university.
EUR0, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Loggia Restaurant

Enjoy local Portuguese cuisine with views of the city in the Machado de Castro Museum tower.
EUR25, 1h30m

2:00pm

University of Coimbra Tour

Explore this historic university and its famous Joanina Library. Open 10am to 5:30pm.
EUR12, 1h30m

3:30pm

Visit Monastery of Santa Cruz

See the baroque architecture and tomb of Portugal’s first kings.
EUR5, 1h0m

4:30pm

Walk in Old Town

Wander Coimbra’s quaint streets and riverfront.
EUR0, 1h0m

6:00pm

Check-in and Dinner at Zé Manel dos Ossos

Taste traditional Alentejo meat dishes in this rustic eatery.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 10: Coimbra to Salamanca

Coimbra, Portugal to Salamanca, Spain on June 12, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café Santa Cruz

Historic café serving tasty breakfast pastries and coffee.
EUR8, 0h45m

8:30am

Drive Coimbra to Salamanca

Drive approximately 3.5 hours east crossing into Spain to Salamanca, known for its beautiful plazas and university.
EUR0, 3h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Restaurante Víctor Gutiérrez

Enjoy traditional Castilian cuisine with a modern touch in this Michelin starred restaurant.
EUR45, 1h30m

2:00pm

University of Salamanca Tour

Visit one of Europe’s oldest universities and admire the intricate Plateresque façade. Open 10am to 7pm.
EUR8, 1h0m

3:15pm

Explore Plaza Mayor

Relax and people-watch in Spain’s most beautiful Baroque square.
EUR0, 1h0m

4:15pm

Visit Old and New Cathedrals

Admire the Romanesque Old Cathedral and Gothic-Renaissance New Cathedral. Open until 7pm.
EUR7, 1h0m

5:30pm

Stroll Along Roman Bridge

Walk the historic bridge built by the Romans spanning the Tormes River.
EUR0, 0h45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Casa Paca

Dine on classic Spanish dishes such as roasted lamb in an elegant yet traditional setting.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 11: Return to Madrid and Departure

Salamanca to Madrid, Spain on June 13, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café Novelty Salamanca

Historic café offering breakfast in a stylish atmosphere.
EUR8, 0h45m

8:30am

Drive Salamanca to Madrid

2.5-hour drive back to Madrid for your departure day.
EUR0, 2h30m

11:00am

Last-minute Shopping or Sightseeing

Spend remaining time shopping in Gran Via or visit the Royal Palace (open 10am to 6pm).
EUR13, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Botín or Mercado de San Miguel

Enjoy a farewell Spanish meal with classic dishes or tapas selections.
EUR35, 1h30m

2:30pm

Drive to Madrid Airport

Allow ample time for car rental return and airport security.
EUR0, 1h0m
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