13 breakfasts, 2 dinners

Eating is a big part of traveling. G Adventures understands the importance of breakfast to start your day, we strive to include a basic breakfast wherever possible. A typical breakfast may include toast, coffee and tea, however this may vary depending on the city. Should breakfast not be included, your CEO can suggest some local options.

Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other’s company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip.

For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.

We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

1. ALHAMBRA

Due to regulations for Alhambra’s ticketing system, your passport information must be provided to G Adventures at the time of booking in order to guarantee your guided tour of the Alhambra.

If your booking for this trip is confirmed with less than 90 days prior to departure, we will do our best to secure a ticket for your guided Alhambra tour. However, please note that due to high demand for tickets, we are not able to guarantee this inclusion if your booking is confirmed within this time period. In the event we cannot secure a guided tour of the Alhambra for you, alternative options such as a self-guided visit of the Alhambra (with reduced access), or visits to the nearby districts of Albaicín and Sacramonte will be arranged.

Visits to the Alhambra in Granada may vary and take place on Day 9 or 10, depending on ticket availability, special events or holidays in Spain.

2. COMBO TRIP

Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour, after your trip concludes.

3. LOCAL GUIDES

It is important to note that in Europe, all guiding is based around local guides all of whom are licensed to work only in a particular city. As such, our leaders are able to provide orientation walks which will show you the layout of each town and city as well as the location of local services such as post offices and laundromats, but are unable to legally share historical facts and figures in public places.

4. LUGGAGE

In Europe it is very rare to find elevators in train stations, hotels or other public places. We use public transport on this trip, which means you will need to carry your luggage from platform to platform, in and out of trains and buses etc. and also possibly up several flights of stairs. You will also need to be able to stow your luggage safely on trains and buses. It is therefore essential that you pack light and bring luggage which is compact and lightweight, and which you can easily transport. The carrying of your luggage remains your responsibility at all times.

5. RESERVE TICKETS IN ADVANCE

Please note that if you wish to visit popular sites and want to avoid waiting in line for a long time (especially in high season May-September when it could be a question of hours!), it is advisable to reserve tickets in advance. There may be the possibility of arranging tickets on arrival on Day 1, with the help of your CEO, but availability cannot be guaranteed at such short notice. We recommend advanced ticket-purchase for the following sites and activities:

Barcelona:

La Sagrada Familia

Park Guell

Casa Battlo

Casa Mila

Madrid:

Prado Museum

Seville:

Alcazar Palace

6. ACCOMMODATION NOTE:

Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.

This G Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our Chief Experience Officers (CEOs). The aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects.

On this trip you can expect to stay in small family-run hotels or pensions (with the exception of the start and finish hotels, which are often larger city hotels), which will vary a little in standard and facilities: some may not have elevators, air-conditioning or English-speaking staff, but most importantly all are locally-run, with some traditional character, and in excellent central locations to give you maximum time for exploring the sights. You can expect to find clean, safe, simple accommodation in convenient locations.

Note that most accommodation in Europe does not have air conditioning units in rooms. Air conditioning is not routinely installed in European homes and workplaces. However, nearly all hotels will provide a standing or desk fan for your room on hot nights. If you do not already have one in your room, please ask your CEO to organize one for you with reception.

We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage. You must be prepared to carry your luggage up and down stairs, as well as on and off transportation.

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

Embark to cruise the Douro River beneath Porto’s graceful arches, including the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge. Glide past the tiled houses of the UNESCO Ribeira waterfront and the warehouse-lined banks of Vila Nova de Gaia.

Sail on a traditional rabelo boat or modern craft as commentary reveals the river’s trading past. This optional activity is at additional cost and is bookable on tour.

Stroll Madrid’s historic heart on a practical orientation walk linking Puerta del Sol, the city’s bustling hub, with arcaded Plaza Mayor. Learn where to find metro stations, tapas bars, and key museums as you map the lively streets.

Soak up the capital’s rhythm—buskers, kiosks, and castizo cafés—while your CEO points out landmarks and neighborhoods to revisit for art, royal heritage, and late-night dining.

Head to coastal Aveiro for a scenic cruise along its canals aboard a traditional moliceiro boat. Glide past Art Nouveau facades, colorful houses, and salt pans that speak to the town’s maritime heritage.

Sample ovos moles sweets and stroll lively squares after your ride. This optional excursion is at additional cost and is bookable on tour.

Begin your journey by gathering to meet your CEO and group for an orientation briefing in Lisbon. Share introductions, review the route across Portugal and Spain, and pick up practical tips on transport, dining, and local etiquette that will help you navigate confidently from city to city.

Set expectations, discuss optional add-ons, and learn how your CEO supports you throughout. This relaxed start builds camaraderie and ensures you’re primed to enjoy the Iberian Peninsula’s culture, cuisine, and historic neighborhoods.

Explore central Lisbon on a guided orientation walk that threads through Baixa and Chiado, past elegant squares like Praca do Comércio and Rossio. Learn how the districts connect, spot metro stops, and note favorite cafés as tram-lined streets climb toward scenic viewpoints.

Absorb the city’s distinct atmosphere—azulejo-clad facades, pastelaria aromas, Atlantic light—and get practical pointers for museums, miradouros, and riverside promenades to enjoy during your time in Lisbon.

Sit down to a hearty Portuguese meal as local artists deliver a stirring Fado performance. In an intimate tavern setting, the 12-string guitarra and evocative vocals conjure the city’s maritime soul and the bittersweet mood of saudade.

Hear how Fado grew from humble neighborhoods like Alfama and Mouraria into a celebrated tradition, recognized as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. It’s a quintessential Lisbon night of song, storytelling, and shared plates.

Visit the monumental Mosteiro da Batalha, a masterpiece of late Gothic art raised to honor victory at the Battle of Aljubarrota (1385). Stroll the vast nave, stone cloisters, and the famed Unfinished Chapels with their lace-like carving.

Learn how this UNESCO World Heritage site fuses flamboyant Gothic with early Manueline motifs. The solemn beauty of its chapels and the craftsmanship of its sculpted portals reveal centuries of Portuguese statehood and devotion.

Get your bearings in Porto’s riverfront core with a guided orientation walk through the colorful Ribeira quarter. Take in views to the double-deck Dom Luís I Bridge and learn where to find scenic stairways, cafés, and riverside promenades.

Pause at São Bento Station to admire its blue-and-white azulejo panels, then note nearby markets and eateries for later. This practical primer unlocks the medieval lanes and lively spirit of Portugal’s northern capital.

Cross the river to Gaia for a deep dive into Porto’s signature export. Tour atmospheric lodges where casks rest in cool darkness and learn how Douro grapes and time in wood create tawny, ruby, and vintage Port styles.

Guided by a local expert, explore the region’s history—one of the world’s oldest demarcated wine areas (1756)—and finish with a curated tasting. Raise a glass to the cellar-aged character that defines this fortified wine.

Navigate Granada’s old core on a concise orientation walk before ascending into the Albaicín, the city’s whitewashed Moorish quarter. Wander cobbled alleys lined with cármenes (garden homes) and artisan shops that frame views across to the Alhambra’s ramparts.

Pause at the Mirador de San Nicolás or another lookout to admire the Sierra Nevada backdrop. The atmosphere—tea houses, tiled fountains, and Moorish past—sets an evocative tone for your time in the city.

Step inside the Alhambra with a licensed guide to explore the Nasrid Palaces, Alcazaba fortress, and Generalife gardens. Marvel at intricate stucco, cedar carvings, and shimmering pools that reflect arches and courtyards.

Hear how this palace-city crowned Granada’s Emirate, where muqarnas and geometric tilework embody the heights of Andalusi art. The interplay of water, light, and delicate ornament creates an atmosphere both contemplative and regal.

Visit the extraordinary Mezquita, a former mosque whose forest of columns and red-and-white arches envelop a later cathedral nave. This layered monument reveals a city shaped by Islamic, Jewish, and Christian traditions.

Continue through the medieval Judería, where narrow lanes lead to patios and one of Spain’s few remaining synagogues. Architectural contrasts and quiet courtyards bring Córdoba’s cultural crossroads vividly to life.

Settle into a traditional tablao for an evening of flamenco performance. Guitar rasgueados, staccato palmas and heelwork, and soulful cante build to moments of raw intensity known as duende.

Learn how this Andalusian art form blends Romani, Moorish, and regional influences. In a close-up setting, the interplay between dancer, singer, and guitarist captures Seville’s passion and artistry.

Find your feet in Barcelona with a guided orientation walk through the Gothic Quarter and along Las Ramblas. Navigate medieval lanes, note transport hubs, and step into the color-splashed stalls of La Boqueria market.

Spot Roman walls, hidden plazas, and street-side tapas bars to revisit later. This concise overview helps you plot museums, Modernisme avenues, and beachfront neighborhoods for the days ahead.

Join a hands-on cooking class at Mescladis, a community kitchen that supports migrant training and social inclusion. Prepare a seasonal Catalan rice dish alongside students and chefs, learning techniques and stories from across cultures.

Share your creations at a convivial group dinner while hearing how this G for Good social enterprise equips trainees with culinary skills. It’s delicious, impactful, and rooted in Barcelona’s spirit of creativity and welcome.

Venture into the pine-clad Serra de Sintra to explore the fairy-tale Pena Palace and the romantic lanes of Sintra’s historic center. Turrets, tiles, and misty ramparts crown a ridge above lush gardens and exotic follies.

Discover why this UNESCO Cultural Landscape charmed poets and royals, then browse pastel facades and sweet shops in town. This optional excursion is at additional cost and is bookable on tour.

Explore Lisbon’s Age of Discoveries at the Jerónimos Monastery and riverside Belém Tower. Marvel at ornate Manueline stonework, maritime motifs, and cloisters tied to Portugal’s seafaring golden age.

Hear about voyages that reshaped global trade and visit nearby pastry shops for the original pastéis de nata. This optional experience is a ticketed visit at additional cost and is bookable on tour.

Visit the 19th-century Palácio da Bolsa, culminating in its lavish Arab Room inspired by Moorish design. Nearby, step into Igreja de São Francisco to encounter Baroque interiors sheathed in gilded woodcarving.

These contrasting landmarks showcase Porto’s mercantile pride and devotional artistry. This optional, ticketed experience is at additional cost and is bookable on tour.

Walk through ceremonial halls of the Royal Palace of Madrid, Europe’s largest royal residence in floor area. Admire frescoed ceilings, the opulent Throne Room, and treasures from the Royal Armoury.

Learn how Bourbon taste shaped courtly life, then step into the palace square for vistas over the Campo del Moro gardens. This optional, ticketed visit is at additional cost and is bookable on tour.

Explore Spain’s premier art museum, the Museo del Prado, home to masterpieces like Velázquez’s Las Meninas, Goya’s Black Paintings, and works by El Greco and Bosch.

Trace Spain’s royal collecting and the evolution of European painting in light-filled galleries. This optional, ticketed experience is at additional cost and is bookable on tour; advance reservations are recommended in high season.

Visit the hilltop University of Coimbra, a UNESCO site, to see its baroque jewel—the Joanina Library. Gilded wood, frescoed ceilings, and centuries-old volumes reveal the prestige of Portugal’s oldest university.

Hear stories of academic traditions and the library’s tiny bat guardians that protect manuscripts from insects. This optional, ticketed visit is at additional cost and is bookable on tour.

Journey to the Sanctuary of Fátima, one of the world’s most significant pilgrimage sites. Visit the Chapel of the Apparitions at Cova da Iria and reflect amid vast esplanades and devotional chapels.

Learn about the 1917 apparitions and the cultural resonance of this peaceful shrine. This optional excursion is at additional cost and is bookable on tour.

Step into the Royal Alcázar of Seville, where Mudejar courtyards, intricate azulejo tiles, and lush gardens reveal centuries of royal taste and craftsmanship.

From Patio de las Doncellas to orange-scented walks, the palace complex blends Islamic and Christian artistry. This optional, ticketed visit is at additional cost and is bookable on tour; reserving ahead is strongly advised.

Enter the vast Seville Cathedral, the world’s largest Gothic church, to see its monumental nave and Columbus’s tomb. Ascend the former minaret, the Giralda, via gently sloping ramps for sweeping rooftop views.

Encounter layers of city history from Almohad Seville to Christian grandeur. This optional, ticketed visit is at additional cost and is bookable on tour.

Experience Gaudí’s living masterpiece, La Sagrada Família. Stand beneath the soaring nave as colored light filters through stained glass, and trace biblical narratives across the Nativity and Passion facades.

Learn how Gaudí’s nature-inspired forms continue to guide ongoing construction. This optional, timed-entry visit is at additional cost and is bookable on tour; advance reservations are strongly recommended.

Wander the whimsical world of Park Guell, from its mosaic-dripped serpentine bench to gingerbread-like gatehouses. Gaudí’s trencadís mosaics and organic architecture frame city and sea views.

Stroll colonnaded paths and landscaped terraces that showcase Modernisme’s playful side. This optional, timed-entry visit is at additional cost and is bookable on tour.

Explore Gaudí’s residential icons—Casa Batlló and Casa Milà (La Pedrera). Discover wave-like stone, bone-shaped balconies, and a whimsical roofline crowned with chimneys resembling helmeted sentinels.

Inside, learn how light wells, curves, and craftsmanship reimagined urban living in early 20th-century Barcelona. This optional, ticketed experience is at additional cost and is bookable on tour; visits may be combined or taken separately.