Spain & Portugal Self-Guided Tour

Day 1: Arrival and Gothic Quarter Exploration (Barcelona)

Upon arrival in Barcelona, settle into your accommodation and begin your journey in the atmospheric Gothic Quarter, the historic center of the city. Meander through its maze of narrow, stone-paved streets lined with Roman ruins, Gothic churches, and hidden courtyards, including Plaça del Rei and the peaceful Plaça Sant Felip Neri. Visit the majestic Barcelona Cathedral, whose intricate facade and tranquil cloisters offer a perfect introduction to the city's architectural charm. Continue to Plaça Reial, a palm-lined square adorned with Gaudí-designed lampposts and vibrant nightlife. Conclude your evening with a relaxed stroll along La Rambla, Barcelona’s lively promenade filled with street performers, local shops, and cafés.

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Day 2: Gaudí’s Masterpieces and Park Güell

Dedicate your second day to the genius of Antoni Gaudí, beginning with a morning visit to the awe-inspiring Sagrada Família, where towering spires and intricate carvings reflect Gaudí's unique vision of nature and spirituality. From there, head to Passeig de Gràcia to marvel at Casa Batlló, known for its shimmering mosaic façade and dragon-inspired roof, and La Pedrera (Casa Milà), with its flowing stone curves and surreal rooftop chimneys. After lunch, make your way to Park Güell, a fantastical garden park perched on a hillside, where colorful mosaics, curving benches, and whimsical structures overlook panoramic views of the city. End the day exploring the laid-back Gràcia neighborhood, enjoying its bohemian atmosphere and charming plazas filled with local cafés and tapas bars.

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Day 3: Montjuïc Hill and the Waterfront

Spend your final day in Barcelona discovering Montjuïc, a hill rich in history, gardens, and cultural sites. Take the funicular or cable car up for spectacular views, then explore the impressive National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC), housed in a grand palace and home to an extensive collection of Catalan art. Wander through Montjuïc’s scenic gardens and make your way to Montjuïc Castle, a 17th-century fortress offering panoramic views of the port and city. In the afternoon, descend to the waterfront and visit Port Vell or relax at Barceloneta Beach. Enjoy the sea breeze with a casual walk along the promenade or stop at a beachside café for a final taste of coastal Barcelona.

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Day 4: Arrival in Lisbon and Alfama Discovery

Arriving in Lisbon, check into your accommodation and begin exploring the city’s oldest and most soulful neighborhood, Alfama. This hilltop district is a picturesque maze of steep alleys, tiled facades, and ironwork balconies, echoing centuries of Moorish and medieval heritage. Visit the Sé Cathedral, Lisbon’s oldest church, with its fortress-like appearance and quiet interior. Continue to the Miradouro de Santa Luzia or Portas do Sol, where you can take in sweeping views of red rooftops cascading down toward the Tagus River. As evening falls, enjoy dinner in a traditional tasca and, if you wish, end the night with a live Fado performance, capturing the melancholic spirit of Portugal.

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Day 5: Belém and the Age of Discoveries

Today, venture west to Belém, a riverside district that echoes Portugal’s Golden Age of Exploration. Begin at the Jerónimos Monastery, a stunning example of Manueline architecture adorned with ornate stonework and home to the tomb of Vasco da Gama. Nearby, visit the iconic Tower of Belém, once a defensive bastion at the river’s edge, and the Monument to the Discoveries, celebrating the navigators who helped shape global history. Don’t miss the chance to try a warm, custard-filled pastel de nata from the original Pastéis de Belém bakery. Afterward, enjoy a relaxing riverside stroll or explore the modern MAAT museum before returning to the city center for a leisurely evening.

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Day 6: Bairro Alto, Baixa, and Final Views

Wrap up your Lisbon visit by exploring the contrasting neighborhoods of Baixa and Bairro Alto. Start in Baixa, where elegant neoclassical buildings and wide plazas like Praça do Comércio reflect the city’s post-earthquake redesign. Ride the historic Santa Justa Lift for a unique vantage point over the city, then browse boutiques and cafés in Chiado, Lisbon’s cultural heart. In the afternoon, ascend to Bairro Alto, a district of narrow streets and artistic charm that transforms from quiet village to lively nightlife hub after dark. As the sun sets, visit the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara for breathtaking views of Lisbon’s hills and castle before enjoying a final Portuguese meal to close your trip.

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Day 7: Farewell Lisbon – Morning Stroll and Departure

As your journey comes to a close, spend your final morning soaking in the charm of Lisbon at a slower, reflective pace. Wake early to walk through one of the city’s beloved neighborhoods—perhaps a quiet return to Alfama as it stirs to life with the scent of fresh bread and the gentle clatter of trams climbing steep hills. Stop at a café terrace for a leisurely Portuguese breakfast of coffee and a buttery pastel de nata, savoring the moment as locals greet the day. If time allows, stroll through the lush Eduardo VII Park or do some last-minute shopping in the Baixa district, where ceramic shops and boutiques offer tasteful souvenirs like azulejos (painted tiles), cork products, and local delicacies. As the hour of departure nears, take a final look at Lisbon’s sunlit hills, tiled facades, and bright yellow trams, letting the images linger. Whether you're heading home or onward, you leave with memories of two cities—Barcelona and Lisbon—each with their own rhythm, color, and soul, forever etched in your traveler’s heart.