Portugal And Spain Winter Escapade 2026

A true winter escape to the warmest parts of Europe. We will start in Lisbon and surrounding areas with their medieval castles, cobblestone villages, captivating cities and golden beaches. Then we’ll head south to Seville for a day, and off to Malaga on the Costa del Sol (the Sunny Coast) just 90 minutes away from Gibraltar. Andalucia, a southern region of Spain, has been a haven delighting sun seekers for decades. A great alternative to Florida or Arizona, Andalucia offers sun, waves, golf, incredible history, a variety of landscapes and delicious foods. Our adventure will end in buzzing Barcelona in Northern Spain.

Your Tour Includes:

• 14 nights of lodging

• Breakfast every morning

• Welcome dinner get together

• All day trips listed on the itinerary

• Train travel between Malaga and Barcelona

• Cabs and transfers during the tour

• Entry fees to Sagrada Familia and Picasso museum in Barcelona.

• Entry fees to La Alhambra.

• Entry fees at Pena palace.

• Transportation to Seville

• Visit of the Cathedral and Palace in Seville

• Services of a tour director 24/7

• Services of local historians/guides in each new destination.

• And little fun surprises along the way.

Your Adventure Awaits:

Day 1: Travel day..

Fly from the USA to Lisbon (Airfare not included).. 

Day 2: Arrival Lisbon

Welcome to Lisbon. As flights will be arriving at different times, we will regroup later on in the day, to get acquainted, for a neighborhood orientation and welcome dinner. (4 nights in Lisbon)

Day 3: Walking tour of Lisbon in the morning. Free afternoon to visit museums or stroll at your leisure.

.

Day 4: Guided tour of Nazare, Obidos and more.

Different places with very different focus: the best ocean waves in Nazare, and the walled city of Obidos with its chocolate and cherry liqueur treats, and more… This gentle day trip will offer unique Portuguese destinations…

Day 5:  Sintra, Cascais, Pena Palace

Sintra is a resort town in the foothills of Portugal’s Sintra Mountains, near the capital, Lisbon. A longtime royal sanctuary, its forested terrain is studded with pastel-colored villas and palaces. The hilltop 19th-century Pena National Palace is known for a whimsical design and sweeping views. The Moorish decor won me over, it is a palace like no other. Since every adventure needs a majestic finale, this moorish palace will deliver.

Day 6: Driving through Portugal on our way to Seville. Time to relax and savor the scenery. Overnight in Seville.

Day 7: Seville

Seville is the capital of southern Spain’s Andalusia region. It's famous for flamenco dancing. Major landmarks include the ornate Alcázar castle complex, built during the Moorish Almohad dynasty, and the 18th-century Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza bullring. The Gothic Seville Cathedral is the site of Christopher Columbus’ tomb and a minaret turned bell tower, the Giralda. Late afternoon drive to Malaga, our next home for five nights.

Day 8: Malaga walking tour, free afternoon and evening.

This morning we'll meet our guide, for a walking tour filled with history and anecdotes. Free afternoon to visit the castle, museums, or soak in the town's ambiance and architecture.

Day 9: Ronda and Marbella

Rhonda is in the mountains, and Marbella is a ritzy seaside resort. Guided visit of both, starting with the old fishermen’s quarter in Marbella.

Ronda is set dramatically above a deep gorge. This gorge (El Tajo) separates the city’s circa-15th-century new town from its old town, dating to Moorish rule. Visit of the Ronda bullring and its museum.

Day 10: Granada and Alhambra

Granada is a city in southern Spain’s Andalusia region, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. It's known for grand examples of medieval architecture dating to the Moorish occupation, especially the Alhambra. This sprawling hilltop fortress complex encompasses royal palaces, serene patios, and reflecting pools from the Nasrid dynasty, as well as the fountains and orchards of the Generalife gardens. Return to Malaga for an evening of relaxation in our cozy neighborhood.

Day 11: Free day

Sleep in, shop. go to the beach, do laundry…the day is yours.

Day 12: Travel to Barcelona and visit of Park Guell.

After breakfast, we’ll head out to one of Malaga’s train stations for our journey North. During this nearly 6 hour ride, relax and enjoy the various landscapes (olive groves, citrus farms, mountain ranges…). Lunch can be had on board, or if you prefer to pack your own market treats, you are welcome to do so. Reflect on the last few days, edit photos, journal, or snooze in comfortable surroundings. The choice is yours.

Arrival in Barcelona in the afternoon, and guided visit of Park Guell with Laura.

Day 13: Casa Battlo and Sagrada Familia. Free afternoon.

Gaudi morning, with Sagrada Familia guided visit and Gaudi facades: Casa Batllo, or la Pedrera. Gaudi was a "one of a kind" architect with bold and whimsical designs defying all building codes. Free afternoon for you to meander at your own pace.

Day 14: Picasso Museum and Gothic quarters in the morning. Free afternoon. Barcelona Cooking in the evening.

Guided visit of Picasso museum and Gothic quarters. If modern art is not your cup of tea, let our guide surprise you, as she unfolds Picasso’s life and artistic endeavors. After our narrated museum visit, we will discover the old Gothic Quarter. A stroll through La Boqueria market is on our list. Free rest of the day.

Day 15: Free day to roam in Barcelona, evening together on Las Ramblas at Barcelona Cooking school for an evening of fun, followed by dinner together.

Day 16: Time to return home

All good things eventually come to an end…perhaps by the time we return home, if you’re from MN the snow piles will be a little smaller, and Spanish and Portuguese sunshine and memories will carry us through the rest of winter :)

Adios! Gracias!