This 10-day tour encompasses the Iberian Peninsula's most captivating cities: Lisbon, Madrid, and Barcelona with the Costa Brava. Designed for families, it offers a leisurely and comfortable pace to explore the region's rich tapestry. Your journey begins in Lisbon, a charming city gracing the Atlantic coast. From there, you'll traverse the peninsula, eventually reaching the laid-back charm of a Mediterranean town.
While we recommend this itinerary, it can be customized to perfectly suit your schedule and interests. Let us create an unforgettable Iberian adventure just for you!
Brief Itinerary for Portugal and Spain Family Tour
| Day | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Lisbon Arrival |
| Day 2 | Lisbon | City Highlights |
| Day 3 | Sintra Trip | Cape Roca & Castles |
| Day 4 | Lisbon to Madrid |
| Day 5 | Madrid | Unveiling Madrid's Majesty |
| Day 6 | Madrid to Barcelona| The Gothic Quarter |
| Day 7 | Barcelona | A Barcelona Gaud Pilgrimage |
| Day 8 | Barcelona to Tossa de Mar via Girona |
| Day 9 | Tossa de Mar | Free Time on the Beach |
| Day 10 | Tossa de Mar to Barcelona and Departure |
- Monica Mo
- 8 years of travel advisor experience
- Has helped 5,000+ clients
Tour Highlights
Here are the awesome attractions, the most must-do activities selected by Highlights Travel (HT Hand-Picked), and exclusive cultural experiences offered by Highlights Travel (Only With HT) included in this tour:
Take a nostalgic ride on Tram 28 through Lisbon.

Explore a colorful castle in Sintra, straight out of a fairy tale.

Try your hands to make the yummy traditional Portuguese egg tart together.

Enjoy the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean at the westernmost point of continental Europe.

Immerse yourself in a colorful dream created by Gaudi in his masterpiece, Sagrada Familia.

Step into a childhood fairy tale at Park G¼ell.

Get your family in on the fun and learn to make a traditional paella together.

Indulge in a famous Spanish dessert from a historic shop that's been around for over a century.

Admire the world-famous Gothic Cathedral in Girona, a medieval treasure trove

Relax in charming town on the Costa Brava, enjoying the sunshine of the Mediterranean.

Journey Map (Suggested Route)

Suggested Itinerary for Inspiration
Your preferences design the real journey. We're ready to create a wonderful tour for you.
- Kick-start your family adventure with a personalized airport pickup by your private driver. Ease into Lisbon's charm during a relaxing transfer, setting the tempo for an exploration at your family's pace.
- Delight in the magic of Lisbon in a day packed with attractions loved by all ages.
- Begin at the historical Belem Tower, satisfy your sweet tooth with the iconic Pasteis de Bel©m, and absorb the city's rich history at the Monument to the Discoveries.
- Amble through Alfama's charming streets, enjoy a fun Tram 28 ride, and marvel at panoramic views from Saint George's Castle.
- Add a dash of excitement with a hands-on Pasteis de Nata baking experience and a whimsical visit to Museu da Marioneta.
- An inspiring day to create family memories amidst Lisbon's captivating charm.
- Embark on a journey from Lisbon to the magical realm of Sintra.
- Discover the time-stamped narratives of Sintra National Palace, enjoy the panoramic beauty from the Castle of the Moors, and admire the eclectic architecture of the National Palace of Pena.
- Explore the intriguing Quinta da Regaleira, appreciate the romantic allure of the Park and Palace of Monserrate, and visit Cape Roca, the westernmost point of Europe.
- Each enchanting stop promises unforgettable experiences and memories to take back to Lisbon, making your Sintra day trip an enduring highlight of your Portuguese vacation.
- Fly from Lisbon to Madrid
- Enjoy some free time in the rest of the day to walk around your hotel which has a great location in the downtown.
- Start your Madrid exploration with Museo del Prado, a majestic neoclassical edifice housing one of the world's finest art collections. Imagine stepping into a treasure trove where Spanish and European masterpieces glimmer under soft light. Each brushstroke tells a story, and your personal guide will be your key to unlocking their secrets.
- Make the way to the Palacio Real de Madrid, the official residence of the Spanish royal family. Prepare to be dazzled by the sheer opulence of this architectural marvel. Step into the Sal³n del Trono, where gilded chandeliers illuminate a frescoed ceiling that seems to stretch endlessly into the sky.
- Enjoy a walking tour in the old town. You will pass the Parque de las Vistillas, San Francisco el Grande and Puerta de Toledo. And taste a famous Spanish snack, Churros with chocolate jam in a popular local restaurant.
- Lastly, take a fast train to Barcelona, but don't forget to spot the scene in the Disney movie "Zootopia" in Atocha Railway Station.
- After arriving, step back in time as you enter the labyrinthine alleys of the Barri G²tic, Barcelona's Gothic Quarter. Explore hidden squares adorned with gargoyles and ornate balconies, discover charming shops tucked away in narrow lanes, and soak up the medieval atmosphere.
- Stop at the statue of Christopher Columbus. Then, take the elevator to the observation deck for a breathtaking 360-degree view of the city and harbor, imagining the excitement of Columbus's return from the New World in 1493.
- Embark on a pilgrimage to the Sagrada Famlia, Gaud's unfinished-yet-spectacular masterpiece. Prepare for a visual feast as you gaze at the towering spires adorned with vibrant mosaics and fantastical creatures.
- Ascend to the fairytale kingdom of Park G¼ell. Stroll through whimsical plazas adorned with mosaic-covered benches, gingerbread-house pavilions, and serpentine pathways that hug the contours of the hillside.
- In the afternoon,learn how to cook a traditional paella with a chef. Prepare it under chef instructions. Once the paella is finally ready to be enjoyed,you ll enjoy the feast together.
- Drive from Barcelona to Costa Brava. Before settle down in a hotel in pretty Tossa de Mar, you will visit Girona.
- Visit the Girona Cathedral which is one of the most famous Gothic cathedrals in the world. It is also the filming location for King's Landing in the American drama series Game of Thrones.
- Walk around the old town of Girona. Stop at Red Pole Bridge (Pont de les Peixateries Velles) to enjoy the stunning views of the Onyar River and the city of Girona. On either side of the bridge, you can see colorful houses, which create a picturesque scene.
- Benefit from a private transfer from your hotel to the airport as you say adi³s to charming Spain.
- Meet your personal driver in the hotel. Enjoy a private transfer back to Barcelona for your flight back home or to the next destination.
Ideas for Making This Trip Uniquely Yours
Special experiences can be added to brighten a honeymoon trip, a family vacation, a birthday, or satisfy personal interests.
Hand-Picked Hotels
We select hotels with style and local features. Let us know your preferences and we'll find your ideal hotel.
Portugal Boutique Hotel
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Catalonia Plaza Catalunya
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Vincci via 66 Madrid
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Our Service Includes:
Groups of 4 or more enjoy a more competitive price.
- One-to-one consultancy
- Knowledgeable local guides
- Private drivers/driver guides and vehicles as listed
- Hand-picked hotels
- Breakfasts and meals as listed
- Entry to all attractions on the itinerary
- Transportation as listed
- A 24/7 helpline while traveling
Tour code: gh-eu-8
