Ultimate Spain & Portugal

Arrive at any time. Stay: Residencial Florescente

Opt to take a day trip into the foothills of the surrounding mountains to Sintra. Get lost in the city's winding streets lined with pastel coloured houses, palaces, majestic gardens and lush forests. It doesn't get more postcard-worthy than this. Stay: Residencial Florescente (B/D)

Leave Lisbon behind and head north to the small hill town of Batalha, best known for its ornate gothic monastery built to commemorate Portugal's victory in the infamous battle of Aljubarrota. Visit the historic Batalha Monastery with free time to wander the grounds. Continue to the medieval capital of Portugal, Coimbra. Stay: Hotel D. Luís (B)

Enjoy a free day to explore Coimbra. Opt to visit the famous Coimbra University, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2013 (and also the inspiration for Harry Potter's Hogwarts). Explore the winding streets and the riverfront filled with restaurants and bars, or opt for a day trip to the nearby medieval town of Óbidos or the Templar city of Tomar. Stay: Hotel D. Luís (B)

Free morning in Coimbra. Continue to the historic and vibrant coastal town of Porto in the afternoon, and take an orientation walk upon arrival. Stay: Hotel da Bolsa (B)

Head down Allies Avenue to see the French-inspired buildings. Bargain at the Bolhão Market. Wander the city's World Heritage-listed Ribeira district, visit São Francisco church, the palatial former 19th-century stock market Palácio de Bolsa or head to the Clerigos Tower for a panoramic view of the city. In the evening, become an Port wine connoisseur with a visit to the cellars and a port wine tasting. Stay: Hotel da Bolsa (B)

Catch an early morning flight to Madrid. Arrive mid morning with the rest of the day to explore Madrid at your own pace. Stay: Hotel Europa

Journey south to Granada. Upon arrival enjoy an orientation walk. Wander through the whitewashed historic quarter of the Albaicin; with it's narrow lanes and fantastic views, it's a great place to watch the sunset. Stay: Hotel Casa Del Pilar (B)

After visiting the Alhambra, opt to take a wander through the historic town. In the evening, opt for a night on the town. The city is filled with trendy tapas bars and has a lively music scene. Stay: Hotel Casa Del Pilar (B)

Travel to picturesque Cordoba. Go for a stroll through the historic Jewish quarter and visit the iconic Mezquita de Cordoba (mosque). In the early evening head towards Seville by train and end your day with a dramatic flamenco performance. Stay: Cool Sevilla Hotel (B)

Take the time to see all this great city has to offer. Opt to explore the interiors and gardens of the Alcázar, a magnificent palace dating from Moorish times, or the true heart of Seville, the Santa Cruz quarter— a charming area with winding alleys, picturesque lime-washed houses, flowery patios, and small squares. Seville is home to the world’s largest gothic cathedral — climb the adjoining tower for great views of the city. Other attractions include the Museo Arqueológico, the Casa de Pilates and the Parque de María Luisa, which has a maze of paths, garden beds, pretty little patios, fountains, and shaded lawns. Stay: Cool Sevilla Hotel (B)

Hop on an early train to Valencia (including a quick stop via Madrid) arriving in time to explore this lively coastal city. Make sure to enjoy a traditional paella dinner! Stay: Expo Hotel Valencia (B)

Enjoy the morning in Valencia before travelling to Barcelona. Take an orientation walk, including visits to the Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas. In the evening participate in a G Adventures supported tapas cooking class served and prepared by migrant youth followed by a group dinner to round out the day. Stay: Hotel AA Viladomat (B)

Get out and explore all that Barcelona has to offer, or choose to journey further afield to the surrounding beaches and countryside to get a true taste of Catalan life. Stay: Hotel AA Viladomat

Explore a bit of Barcelona before an afternoon departure north. Travel to the Pyrenees by local bus and van to reach a 'casa rural', or converted farmhouse, near the town of Ainsa. Indulge in delicious local meals and time to explore the beautiful landscape. Stay: Casa Rural Ruben (B/D)

Enjoy the day in the scenic Pyrenees. Opt for some hikes in the area or head to Ainsa to explore. Spend another night in the 'casa rural'. Stay: Casa Rural Ruben (B/D)

Travel to Bilbao, the first stop in the unique Basque region of Spain. Arrive in the early afternoon. Opt to visit the stunning Guggenheim Museum, or climb the Mallona Stairs to Parque Etxebarria for beautiful views over the city. Stay: Hotel Bilbao Plaza (B)

The real treat in this part of the country is the eating. Basque cuisine is famous in Spain and around the world, with many believing this is the best food in the country. While San Sebastián didn't invent tapas, they are well-acknowledged to have perfected them. Wander through the streets before lunchtime or in the evening and check out what each bar has on offer. Stop in each place for some wine or beer and sample their tapas (pintxos in Basque) selection. Move on to the next bar and repeat! Delicious seafood abounds here as well. Looking for more than just pintxos? Head to the harbour and hole up in a traditional simple tavern. Don't leave San Sebastián without trying the famous jamon iberico. The specialty drink in this area is called the Kalimotxo — half wine (usually red table wine) and half Coca Cola. Take some time to wander through the plazas, marvel at the buildings, and spot the art sprinkled throughout the city. And, as always, try the pintxos. Stay: Hotel Bilbao Plaza (B)

With tons of churches, roman bridges, parks, plazas, and ancient buildings, there's no shortage of sights to be seen when wandering around this city. Stay: Hotel Condes de Haro (B)

Travel to Madrid and enjoy free time in this capital city. Stay: Hotel Europa

We recommend staying an extra day or two to fully experience all this lively city has to offer. (B)