10 Days in Spain & Portugal - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Explore Portugal & Southern Spain

Enjoy a well-rounded introduction to Spain and Portugal on this 10-day highlights tour, complete with two days each in Porto, Lisbon, Seville, and Granada. Perfect for first-time visitors, you'll love soaking up the culture during guided tuk-tuk tours, an evening of fado, and a flamenco show. Top that with an exhilarating hike along the Caminito del Rey, a sailing trip from Cascais to Lisbon, and a tour of Alhambra, and you'll catch your flight from Madrid feeling well-accustomed to life on the Iberian Peninsula.

Welcome to Portugal! Your adventure begins in Porto, dusting off any jet lag during a walking tour of the historic downtown and delightful port wine tastings. Spend the following morning on an E-bike tour and a leisurely afternoon strolling along the Douro River. A transfer to Lisbon is next on your agenda, where three days will fly by as you explore by electric tuk-tuk, stopping by highlights like the São Pedro de Alcântara and Santa Luzia, embrace local culture at a fado show, embark on a day trip to the fairytale-like Sintra, and sail from Cascais Citadel back to Belém in Lisbon.

On Day 5, you'll make your way to Seville, stopping at Sierra of Aracenal along the way to learn about Iberian ham. Make the most of your only full day in Seville during a self-guided walking tour of Plaza de España, Metropol Parasol, and the Triana district before indulging in tapas and wine on a gourmet food tour. Continue east to Granada, stopping to challenge your wits during a hike along the Caminito del Rey. Spend your final day in Granada touring the famous Alhambra and letting loose at a flamenco show until it's time to hop on a train to Madrid to catch your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Spain & Portugal Road Trip: Porto to Madrid

Take a deep dive into Spain and Portugal's history while enjoying the freedom of taking things at your own pace on this 10-day road trip. Between guided city tours in Porto, Salamanca, Ávila, and Segovia, mixed with a breathtaking hot-air balloon ride and hike in Sierra de Guadarrama, this self-drive trip is perfect for those looking for a mix of history and adventure while experiencing both countries from all angles.

Before hitting the road, begin your trip with two days in Porto, getting acquainted with Portugal's fascinating culture. Indulge your taste buds during a food tour and enlist the help of a guide to take in the vibrant history of Boavista, Porto Cathedral, and São Bento Railway Station. Next, it's time to pick up your rental car and drive to Salamanca, Spain, stopping to stretch your legs in the famous Dão grape-growing region or Guarda, the highest-altitude city in Portugal. After a hearty breakfast, take in Salamanca's ancient sites on a guided tour, then rest up for a fun evening embracing the city's nightlife.

Another drive awaits you on the morning of Day 5, this time to Ávila. Pack in a guided tour of Plaza Mercado Chico, see the city from above on a sunrise hot-air balloon adventure, and learn how to make traditional candies during a private workshop. Then, it's back on the road to Segovia, where history buffs will delight in exploring the Roman Aqueduct and medieval Old Town alongside an expert guide. Wake early the following day for a hike in Sierra de Guadarrama National Park and a wine-tasting experience in Ribera del Duero until a final drive brings you to Madrid to catch your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Active Adventure Tour of Spain & Portugal

Pack along your hiking shoes, swimsuit, and sense of fun for this 10-day active adventure featuring Spain and Portugal's historic cities and breathtaking coastlines. From surfing and kayaking on the Algarve coast to hiking above a 2,287 feet (700 m) gorge along the Caminito del Rey, each day promises to get your heart rate soaring. Plus, there's no shortage of culture mixed in with visits to museums, bustling markets, and 16th-century cathedrals.

Unpack your bags and get straight to the action on this activities-packed tour, starting with a small-group food tour in Lisbon's Mouraria and Baixa neighborhoods, followed by a morning buzzing through the city on an electric tuk-tuk and an afternoon shopping at Feira da Ladra and dining at Time Out Market. Then, spend a memorable day hiking to Moorish Castle and the colorful Pena Palace in Sintra before transferring south to the Algarve coast. Famed for its incredible coastlines, two days will fly as you kayak among the Benagil Caves, hike the Rota Valencia trail network, and join a group surfing lesson.

Next on your active adventure is a transfer to Seville, Spain. After a leisurely afternoon admiring the Seville Cathedral and roaming the Santa Cruz neighborhood, it's time to hop on two wheels and journey along the Guadaíra River to Carmona on an E-bike tour. Last but certainly not least on your itinerary are two nights in Málaga, stopping to hike the adrenaline-inducing Caminito del Rey. Spend your last full day walking through plantations in Maro-Cerro Gordo Natural Park and strolling along the Port of Málaga until it's time to bid farewell and catch your departing flight. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Epic Cultural & Culinary Trip though Spain & Portugal

Crafted for foodies looking to enjoy Spain's and Portugal's flavor-packed food scene, this 10-day trip serves up the perfect blend of culture and cuisine. While spending three days each in Madrid, Lisbon, and Porto, you'll sink your teeth into traditional tapas, roam bustling markets, and sip world-class port wine. Top that with expert local guides leading the way and indulging you in stories and fun historical facts; you'll leave feeling thoroughly introduced to the Iberian Peninsula's food traditions.

Upon landing in Madrid, your culinary adventure starts in the utmost style with a flamenco and tapas tour. Wake early the following day and get to know the fascinating details of the Habsburg district on a walking tour, then treat yourself to traditional and modern foods on a self-guided gastronomic adventure featuring Mercado de San Miguel, Mercado Ildefonso, and Mercado San Antón. Before leaving the city, enjoy a day in Toledo, learning about its fascinating steelwork history and marzipan-making process. Next on the agenda is a flight to Lisbon, Portugal, where plenty more food adventures await.

Get straight to the sampling in Lisbon, splitting your first day between Mouraria, Mercado da Ribeira, and the Time Out Market. Then, switch gears and tour Lisbon by tuk-tuk, shop for unique souvenirs at LX Factory, and embark on a day trip to the charming town of Sintra before catching a train to Porto, where you'll find yourself in the company of a local guide touring Majestic Café, Bolhão Market, and Clerigos Tower. With a cooking class and a day trip to the winery-filled Duro Valley on the agenda for the last two days, you'll no doubt catch your flight home full of divine food and even better memories. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Explore the Coastlines & Beaches of Portugal & Spain

It's all about beaches, turquoise waters, and pristine coastlines on this Portugal and Spain tour, perfect for those looking for a relaxing vacation sprinkled with plenty of optional activities. During two free days each on the Algarve coast and in Mallorca, the option is yours to spend uninterrupted time at the beach or embark on scenic hikes and tour spectacular caves. Plus, as this trip starts in Lisbon, there's plenty of time to admire fairytale-like castles and indulge in Portuguese cuisine.

After arriving in Lisbon and transferring to your hotel, you'll get your first introduction to Portugal's warm culture during a gourmet food tour sampling. Settled in, enjoy a one-of-a-kind day exploring the colorful Pena Palance and Monserrate Palace, and soak up the sun on Guincho Beach before picking up your rental car and driving south. With three days to take in the Algarve coast's sunny glow and pristine coastlines, it's easy to enjoy a catamaran cruise from Portimão to Benagil Cave, spend an entire day beach hopping, and embark on a gentle bike ride through the Ria Formosa without ever feeling rushed.

After a short flight to the idyllic island of Mallorca in the Balearic Sea, you'll sink into three days of ultimate relaxation and beach exploration. Enjoy two free days as you please, swimming in the turquoise waters of Cala Varques, discovering the caves of Portals Vells, hiking on Tramuntana Mountains, or visiting the Caves of Drach. Then, before heading to the airport sun-kissed and refreshed, spend your last full day on a catamaran sailing from Palma de Mallorca to Portals Vells. Learn more

More Great 10-day Spain Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your Portugal and Spain trip? Check out these other 10-day Spain itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.