Comprehensive 22-Day Iberian Peninsula Journey: Madrid, Lisbon & Albufeira

Day 1: Madrid Introduction

Madrid, Spain on June 10, 2025

3:00pm

Prado Museum

Visit the Prado Museum to admire one of the finest collections of European art, including works by Velázquez and Goya. Open daily from 10am to 8pm.
EUR15, 2h

6:00pm

Retiro Park Stroll

Enjoy a relaxing walk in Retiro Park, a beautiful green oasis featuring a lake and sculptures, open until sunset.
Free, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner at Sobrino de Botín

Dine at the world’s oldest restaurant, savoring traditional Castilian dishes like roast suckling pig. Open until 11pm.
EUR40, 1.5h
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Day 2: Madrid Culture

Madrid, Spain on June 11, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Chocolatería San Ginés

Enjoy a traditional Spanish breakfast of churros with hot chocolate at this famous spot open from 7am.
EUR5, 1h

10:00am

Royal Palace Tour

Tour the magnificent Royal Palace, the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family, open 10am-8pm.
EUR12, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Mercado de San Miguel

Sample diverse Spanish tapas and fresh seafood at this lively historic market open until midnight.
EUR20, 1h

3:00pm

Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum

Explore a rich art collection spanning from Renaissance to modern times. Open 10am-7pm.
EUR13, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Casa Mono

Enjoy contemporary Spanish cuisine in a trendy environment; reservations recommended. Open until 11pm.
EUR35, 1.5h
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Day 3: Madrid & Surroundings

Madrid, Spain on June 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at La Mallorquina

Enjoy fresh pastries and coffee in this iconic bakery open from 7am.
EUR6, 1h

9:30am

Day Trip to Toledo

Take a 30-minute train to Toledo to explore historic cathedrals and medieval streets; trains run frequently. Museums generally open 10am-6pm.
EUR15 round trip, 6h

5:30pm

Return to Madrid

Return to Madrid for an evening at leisure.
Included, N/A

8:00pm

Dinner at El Sur

Savor hearty traditional Spanish dishes in a cozy local restaurant. Open until 11pm.
EUR25, 1.5h
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Day 4: Last Madrid Day

Madrid, Spain on June 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Federal Café

Enjoy a modern café experience with healthy breakfast options, open from 8am.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Santiago Bernabéu Stadium Tour

Visit the home of Real Madrid, taking a guided tour available 10am-7pm.
EUR25, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch in Chamberí neighborhood

Enjoy traditional tapas at Taberna El Sur, open 1pm-11pm.
EUR20, 1h

2:00pm

Travel to Lisbon

Take a flight or train from Madrid to Lisbon, approximately a 1.5-hour flight.
Variable, 3h including transit
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Day 5: Lisbon Arrival

Lisbon, Portugal on June 14, 2025

12:00pm

Check-in and settle

Settle into accommodation in central Lisbon with easy access to major sites.
Variable, N/A

1:00pm

Lunch at Time Out Market

Sample a variety of Portuguese dishes in this vibrant market hall open from 10am to midnight.
EUR20, 1h

2:30pm

Belém Tower visit

Visit this iconic 16th-century fortress by the Tagus River, open 10am-5:30pm.
EUR6, 1.5h

5:00pm

Pastéis de Belém

Try the famous custard tarts at Pastéis de Belém bakery, open until 7pm weekdays.
EUR3 per tart, 0.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Bairro do Avillez

Enjoy innovative Portuguese cuisine in a stylish setting. Open until 11pm.
EUR35, 1.5h
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Day 6: Lisbon Exploration

Lisbon, Portugal on June 15, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Fabrica Coffee Roasters

Start your day with excellent coffee and pastries, open from 8am.
EUR7, 1h

10:00am

Alfama Walking Tour

Explore this historic district with its narrow streets, viewpoints, and Fado houses; open all day.
Free or guided tour approx EUR20, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Clube de Fado

Enjoy traditional Portuguese food alongside live Fado music. Open 12pm-3pm and 7pm-11pm.
EUR30, 1.5h

2:30pm

Castelo de São Jorge

Visit Lisbon’s historic castle with panoramic city views, open 9am-9pm in summer.
EUR10, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ramiro

Dine on fresh seafood specialties; open until midnight.
EUR40, 1.5h
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Day 7: Lisbon Museums

Lisbon, Portugal on June 16, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at The Mill

Australian-Portuguese café serving quality breakfasts, open from 8am.
EUR10, 1h

10:00am

MAAT and Berardo Collection

Visit the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology and the Berardo Modern Art Museum, open 11am-7pm.
EUR9 combined, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at A Cevicheria

Enjoy creative ceviche dishes in a trendy Lisbon restaurant, open until 11pm.
EUR30, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Chiado neighborhood

Shop and stroll through this bohemian quarter with cafes and bookstores.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Mini Bar Teatro

Experience culinary theatrics and innovative Portuguese cuisine; bookings required. Open until midnight.
EUR50, 2h
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Day 8: Lisbon to Albufeira

Lisbon, Portugal on June 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Padaria Portuguesa

Grab a quick traditional Portuguese breakfast including pastel de nata, open 7am-9pm.
EUR5, 0.5h

9:00am

Travel to Albufeira

Drive or take a train/bus to Albufeira in the Algarve region; journey is approximately 3 hours.
EUR20-40 depending on mode, 3h

12:00pm

Check-in and lunch

Check-in to accommodation and have lunch nearby featuring fresh seafood cuisine.
Variable, 1h

2:00pm

Albufeira Old Town stroll

Explore narrow cobbled streets filled with shops, bars, and beaches.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Relax on Praia dos Pescadores

Enjoy a relaxing evening on the popular Fisherman’s Beach, sunbathing or swimming.
Free, 2h

8:00pm

Dinner at O Marinheiro

Dine on high-quality Portuguese seafood in a charming setting, open until 10:30pm.
EUR40, 1.5h
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Day 9: Albufeira Beaches

Albufeira, Portugal on June 18, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Pastelaria Riviera

Enjoy fresh pastries and coffee near the beach, open early mornings.
EUR6, 1h

10:00am

Praia da Falésia

Spend the morning on this expansive sandy beach with beautiful cliffs, great for swimming and walking.
Free, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Restaurante A Ruína

Overlooking the ocean with fresh seafood specialities, open until 3pm.
EUR35, 1h

3:00pm

Boat tour of Algarve caves

Take an afternoon boat trip to explore the famous sea caves including Benagil, tours typically run 2-3 hours.
EUR30, 3h

7:30pm

Dinner at Vila Joya

Enjoy Michelin-starred dining with sophisticated Portuguese cuisine; reservations essential.
EUR100+, 2h
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Day 10: Albufeira Leisure

Albufeira, Portugal on June 19, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Café Arte

Light breakfast with great coffee and fresh baked goods, open from 8am.
EUR7, 1h

10:30am

Visit the Albufeira Marina

Walk around the modern marina area with shops, cafes and boat rental options.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Onda Norte

Enjoy relaxed dining with Mediterranean influences, open until 4pm.
EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

Relax at Praia dos Coelhos

A smaller beach ideal for sunbathing and peaceful swimming experience.
Free, 3h

6:00pm

Sunset Drive to Cabo de São Vicente

Short drive to the southwesternmost point of Europe to watch a stunning sunset.
Car rental approx EUR30/day, 2h

8:00pm

Dinner at A Sardinha

Enjoy grilled sardines and other Algarve specialties in a lively atmosphere.
EUR30, 1.5h
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Day 11: Albufeira Adventure

Albufeira, Portugal on June 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Padaria São Rafael

Start with fresh breads and local pastries, open from 7am.
EUR5, 1h

9:30am

Hiking in the Algarve cliffs

Enjoy hiking along the scenic cliffs and beaches surrounding Albufeira; suitable trails available with stunning views.
Free, 4h

2:00pm

Lunch at Mar d'Estórias

Taste inventive dishes inspired by the sea and local tradition; open until 10:30pm.
EUR30, 1.5h

4:00pm

Spa and relaxation time

Book a spa session at one of Albufeira’s top wellness centers for a pampering afternoon.
EUR50+, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Restaurante Casa Velha

Dine in a romantic setting on traditional Algarve dishes and fine wines, open until 10pm.
EUR40, 1.5h
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Day 12: Albufeira Markets & Culture

Albufeira, Portugal on June 21, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Namaste Albufeira

Light and healthy breakfast options in a friendly atmosphere, open from 8am.
EUR8, 1h

10:00am

Visit Albufeira Market

Explore the local market for fresh produce, crafts, and souvenirs, open on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Free to browse, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at O Luar da Estrela

Traditional Portuguese food with a focus on regional Algarve recipes, open noon to 3pm.
EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Municipal Museum of Archaeology

Discover the history of the Algarve region via artifacts, open 10am-5pm.
EUR4, 1.5h

6:30pm

Evening stroll and sunset views from Pau da Bandeira Viewpoint

Enjoy panoramic views over Albufeira’s coast and Old Town during sunset.
Free, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner at O Veleiro

Seafood restaurant popular amongst locals for fresh fish and excellent service, open until 11pm.
EUR35, 1.5h
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Day 13: Leisure & Exploration

Albufeira, Portugal on June 22, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Café Inglês

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with English and Portuguese options, open from 8am.
EUR8, 1h

10:30am

Horseback Riding Tour

Take a guided horseback ride along the beaches or countryside around Albufeira, bookings required.
EUR40, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Restaurante Borda do Vento

Charming restaurant serving authentic Algarve dishes with excellent service, open noon to 3pm.
EUR30, 1h

3:00pm

Relax by the swimming pool or beach

Enjoy a restful afternoon swimming or lounging at your accommodation or nearby beaches.
Free, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at A Forte

Enjoy panoramic coastal views along with exquisite Portuguese seafood fare, open until 10pm.
EUR40, 1.5h
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Day 14: Free Day

Albufeira, Portugal on June 23, 2025

All day

Relax and explore at leisure

Use this free day to revisit favorite spots, shop, relax on the beach, or try water sports such as paddleboarding and snorkeling.
Variable, Flexible

12:00pm

Casual Lunch recommendation: O’Petisco

A relaxed Portuguese bistro offering light snacks and wines, open noon to late.
EUR20, 1h

8:00pm

Casual Dinner: Boom Bar

Enjoy drinks and casual dining at this popular beachfront bar and restaurant, open until midnight.
EUR25, 1.5h
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