As you arrive in Barcelona, we will pick you up and drive straight to Andorra on a scenic drive through the beautiful Pyrenees.

Andorra is one of the few European micro-states. A tiny but independent country, Andorra is unique in many ways:

• Andorra is only 468 square kilometers. About 1/3 of the size of Rhode Island.
• Andorra is only country in the world where the ancient language of Catalan is the sole official language. A language that sounds like a mix of Spanish and French, with some of Portuguese’s reduced vowels, Catalan is spoken in some regions of Spain, France and Italy, but Andorra is the only country that has it as its only official language.
• It is the only country located entirely in the Pyrenees mountains.
• It has no airport.
• It is the only country in the world that has two princes.
• Andorra has no military.
• It has one of the highest life expectancies in the world: 83.5 years.
• Andorra la Vella is the highest capital city in Europe, located at 3,356 feet above sea level.
• Andorra’s population is 88,000. Smaller than the population of many U.S. small cities.
• Although small, Andorra is one of Europe’s adventure capitals, and has a plethora of hikes, waterfalls, lakes, viewpoints, and we can find free-to-use via ferratas all around the mountains. It is also home to and home to the Tobotronc, world’s longest alpine toboggan.

We will probably make many scenic stops, and arrive in Andorra la Vella by mid-afternoon.  We will take it easy today and go for a walk around town and soak in the beauty and uniqueness of a town in the heart of the Pyrenees Mountains (our hotel is right in the center of the city). We can also go to Caldea Thermal Spa to relax from our flights, leave behind all the stress from normal life, and get ourselves into vacation mode! At around 9:00 pm we’ll go to dinner. Yes, we are in the Iberian Peninsula, and here they have dinner late (from around 7:30 pm until 11:00 pm). Let’s get on our laid back Iberian schedule, and go to dinner at 9:00 pm.

OVERNIGHT: Hotel Pyrénées or similar

MEALS: N/A

We’ll start the day by driving to the town of  Canillo, an old medieval town, where we will take a bus and hike to the Canillo Tibetan Bridge, the second longest Tibetan suspension bridge in the world, 518 feet high with a 1,978 foot span.

We will continue to Mirador de Roc del Quer, a suspended platform with glass panels in the floor and an incredible view over mountain peaks, valleys & villages of the Pyrenees.

We should be done late in the morning, and if possible, squeeze in a via ferrata climb on the way back to town. If you are not familiar with what a via ferrata is, it is a protected route that uses fixed steel cables, rungs, and ladders so you can move safely across steep, rocky terrain. You don’t need prior rock-climbing experience, as permanent anchors manage the risk while still giving you that airy, high-exposure thrill. There are 16 different via ferratas in Andorra (yup, you read that right!), and they are all free to use. We will have to rent equipment and see how we are doing with time, but if time allows, that will be a very cool thing to do.

After that, we’ll have lunch (remember, Andorrans have late lunch, between 1 and 3 pm), and head out to Naturland Park, probably the coolest adventure park you will ever see, with fun adventures like the Trobotronk (the longest alpine slide in the world), the Forestline, biking trails, and more!

We will spend the rest of the afternoon at Naturland, and head back to town for dinner early in the night.

OVERNIGHT: Hotel Pyrénées or similar

MEALS: Breakfast

We’ll say “adéu” to Andorra the Pyrenees and roll south on a gorgeous mountain-to-Mediterranean drive. Our drives are fun, and relaxed. Expect lots joking around, lots of fun talks, and many “pull over, that view is ridiculous!” moments.

First highlight: Cuevas de San José, a natural cave with Europe’s longest navigable underground river.  We’ll hop into small boats and glide along the underground river, then do a short walk inside the cave system. It’s peaceful, otherworldly, and very, very cool.

Next up is Valencia’s backyard pantry: L’Albufera lagoon. We’ll head to El Palmar village, the birthplace of paella, for a proper Valencian paella lunch overlooking the water. This is the paella you will talk about for the rest of your life! Slow down, enjoy, and let the Iberian schedule work its magic.

After lunch we’ll cruise into Valencia’s historic center. We’ll visit the Valencia Cathedral, and see what many believe is the Holy Grail, and wander the old quarter’s plazas and winding streets. From there, we’ll stretch our legs through the Turia Gardens (a former riverbed turned into one of Europe’s coolest urban parks) and time golden hour at the futuristic City of Arts & Sciences for those “is this even real?” photos.

In the evening we’ll drift into Barrio del Carmen. It’s our first night in Spain, so we have to have tapas and a late dinner!

OVERNIGHT: Casual Socarrat València or similar

MEALS: Breakfast

We’ll roll out of Valencia and aim our wheels toward the beautiful Andalusia region. Our first city will be Granada, “tierra soñada por mí!”.

We’ll arrive around midday, drop our bags, and grab lunch. Welcome to one of Spain’s most magical cities.

Afternoon is all about the Alhambra, the legendary palace and fortress complex, and a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. The Alhambra is the crown jewel of Moorish Spain.

After the Alhambra, we’ll wander the Albaicín’s whitewashed lanes and pretty plazas. If you’re up for it, we can pop into Palacio de los Olvidados for a fascinating window into Granada’s Sephardic past. Then we’ll glide up to the Mirador de San Nicolás for that famous sunset view of the Alhambra glowing gold with the Sierra Nevada behind it.

Evening is ours: tapas and a late dinner (Granada knows how to do both), and if you want to turn the relaxation up to eleven, an optional Arab Baths session is the perfect nightcap.

OVERNIGHT: Sercotel Palacio De Los Gamboa or similar

MEALS: Breakfast

We’ll leave Granada after breakfast and cruise into the Andalusian countryside.

First adventure: the legendary Caminito del Rey, one of the most beautiful and dramatic hikes in the world. Once the most dangerous hike in the world, Caminito has been restored and turned into a dramatic-but-safe route, with boardwalks bolted to sheer cliffs, a hanging bridge over a gorge, and nonstop “wow” views. The hike is about 7.7 km (4.8 miles) and usually takes 2.5–3 hours with photo breaks.

We’ll finish the hike and go for a rustic countryside hearty Andalusian lunch, with dishes like goat, lamb, trout, or migas. Simple, local, delicious.

After lunch we’ll point the van toward Córdoba. Once in town, we’ll visit the breathtaking Mezquita (Great Mosque-Cathedral): endless red-and-white arches, the stunning mihrab, and the soaring Christian cathedral built inside the mosque. It’s one of Spain’s true marvels.

As golden hour hits, we’ll wander the Judería’s whitewashed lanes and slip out to the Roman Bridge for sunset over the Guadalquivir with camera-worthy views from every angle.

Evening is ours for tapas and a late dinner. If you want to go full Córdoba, try salmorejo cordobés, flamenquín, or an oxtail stew. Buen provecho!

OVERNIGHT: Hotel La Boutique de Puerta Osario or similar

MEALS: Breakfast

We’ll ease into the day with a relaxed Córdoban morning. Options on the table: wander the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, a fortress with gorgeous gardens once home to Ferdinand & Isabella; peek into a few of Córdoba’s famous patios if they’re open; or simply linger over coffee and a slow stroll through the old town streets.

Late morning we’ll head to Seville.

Welcome to Sevilla! We’ll drop bags and grab lunch in the historic center, then the afternoon is yours to explore at your pace. Top hits: the Seville Cathedral (the world’s largest Gothic church) and the climb up the Giralda for sweeping city views; a wander through the Santa Cruz quarter with its narrow alleys, hidden plazas, and tempting tapas bars; and the striking Setas de Sevilla (Metropol Parasol) for a cool architectural detour and a panoramic lookout.

And for our last night in Spain, we’ll have a special treat: Seville is the birthplace of flamenco, so we’ll watch one of the world’s most famous flamenco shows at El Palacio Andaluz. After the show, it’s tapas and a late dinner, because this is Sevilla and this is our last night in Spain.

OVERNIGHT: Sercotel Las Casas de los Mercaderes or similar

MEALS: Breakfast

Adiós , Sevilla, Olá, Portugal! We’ll drive out in the morning for a gorgeous drive to Sanlúcar de Guadiana, a little whitewashed town on the Spanish side of the Guadiana River.

Time for the coolest border crossing on Earth: Limite Zero, the world’s first cross-border zipline. We’ll clip in on the Spanish bank and fly for half a mile  over the Guadiana River, landing in Alcoutim, Portugal. And if that wasn’t enough, we “time-travel” an hour back when we touch down. Bem-vindos a Portugal!

While the group enjoys Alcoutim’s riverside cafés, castle, and little shops, I’ll handle the logistics of getting the van and our luggage across the border.

We’ll celebrate our arrival with a relaxed riverside lunch. Think grilled fish, octopus salad, and rustic stews. Simple, local, delicious.

After lunch we’ll point the van west toward the Algarve and make our way to the village of Benagil for a small-boat excursion into the famous Benagil sea cave and neighboring grottos. Afternoon light on the cliffs is pure magic!

From Benagil it’s a short scenic hop to Lagos. We’ll check in, freshen up, and wander into the Old Town for a dinner of seafood heaven. If you want to go full Algarve, order a cataplana and thank me later.

OVERNIGHT: Vila Galé Lagos or similar

MEALS: Breakfast

We’ll wake up in beautiful Lagos and start the day with an optional sunrise hot-air balloon over the Algarve’s golden cliffs and patchwork fields, with the Atlantic glowing below.

Late morning, we’re on the water for an optional guided kayak at Ponta da Piedade’s arches, caves, and little coves that look like they were carved for postcards. It’s an easy, super scenic paddle with time for photos and a dip if you’re brave.

After kayaking, enjoy a bit of free time in Lagos: beach cafés, a wander through Old Town, or a relaxed breather before our next adventure.

In the afternoon, we’ll head up the wild west coast for horseback riding on the beach near Carrapateira. Think dunes, ocean breeze, and that “I can’t believe this is real” feeling as we ride along the shoreline. Pure freedom.

Then we aim the van north to Lisbon, our base for the next four nights. We’ll roll into the city at night, check in, and go for a late dinner (or a celebratory pastel de nata, because why not?).

OVERNIGHT: EXE Saldanha or similar

MEALS: Breakfast

Today is Lisbon day! We will start the day with a guided 3-hour city tour where we will get to see the main areas of Baixa, Chiado, and Alfama. We will break for lunch at Time Out Market, and then have the rest of the day to explore the city on our own. We’ll aim to visit the beautiful Belém tower, the famous Pastéis de Belém pastry shop, and Jerónimos Monastery (cloister) with its gorgeous azulejos.

In the evening we’ll head to lively Bairro Alto for dinner and a Fado performance (traditional Portuguese music).

OVERNIGHT: EXE Saldanha or similar

MEALS: Breakfast

Today is castle day! And as a bonus we’ll throw in some ocean views and cliffs. We’ll start our day driving to Sintra, that misty, magical town where palaces perch on mountaintops.

First stop: Palácio da Pena, the candy-colored icon of Portugal. We’ll wander its terraces and courtyards with sweeping views over the Serra de Sintra.

Next: a short hop to the Moorish Castle. We’ll walk the ancient ramparts, feel the breeze, and soak in those “wow” panoramas across the forest to Pena and beyond.

We’ll grab a quick bite in town, then aim the van toward the coast. Welcome to the edge of Europe: Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of the continent—raw cliffs, Atlantic swell, lighthouse vibes, and camera-happy views.

From there we slide down to coastal city of Cascais for a relaxed seaside stroll and a late lunch/coffee by the marina. A gelado (Portuguese gelato) is a must!

Back in Lisbon, we’ll cap the day at São Jorge Castle for golden-hour views over Alfama and the Tagus—Lisbon glowing under our feet. Then it’s dinner and a slow, happy walk home. Perfect day.

OVERNIGHT: EXE Saldanha or similar

MEALS: Breakfast

Today we get to visit the Alentejo region, known as the Tuscany of Portugal. Welcome to Évora, a UNESCO-listed beauty wrapped in medieval walls. We’ll wander the whitewashed lanes to the wonderfully eerie Capela dos Ossos, the Chapel of Bones (yes, it’s made with real bones, and yes, it’s fascinating). From there, a quick stroll lands us at the Roman Temple, where columns have been sunbathing since the 1st century.

Next up: the Cathedral of Évora.  We’ll pop inside and, if you’re up for it, climb to the rooftop for jaw-dropping views over tiled roofs and rolling countryside. Then we’ll drift toward Praça do Giraldo for lunch. Lunch is all about hearty local flavors: think migas à alentejana (rustic bread-and-garlic goodness, often served with pork), porco preto (black Iberian pig), açorda, or a simple grilled fish, followed by a convent sweet like sericaia (soft egg pudding). Simple, local, delicious.

In the afternoon we’ll go for a walk at Aqueduto da Água de Prata, followed by an Alentejo wine tasting. Remember, this is the Tuscany of Portugal; of course they have their own wine!

We’ll finish the day at Almendres Cromlech, Portugal’s largest megalithic site, before heading back to Lisbon in the evening, happy and full of Alentejo stories.

OVERNIGHT: EXE Saldanha or similar

MEALS: Breakfast

Today we say goodbye to Lisbon and head north along the Atlantic to Nazaré, home of Praia do Norte and those record-breaking, hold-your-breath monster waves. Peak season is October-April, so May is usually calmer, but if the swell gods align… damn! We’ll hike  up to Sítio for the clifftop views and walk out by the São Miguel Arcanjo lighthouse above Praia do Norte, prime lookout for whatever Poseidon decides to throw at us.

After our ocean fix, we’ll roll inland to storybook Óbidos, a tiny walled town that looks straight off a movie set: cobblestone lanes, whitewashed houses trimmed in blue and yellow, flowered balconies, and medieval walls you can actually walk. We’ll wander the Porta da Vila gate with its blue-and-white azulejos, peek into the little shops, maybe find the church-turned-bookstore (Livraria de Santiago), and of course try a shot of ginja (sour cherry liqueur) in a chocolate cup, because yes.

And tonight… we sleep like royals: inside Óbidos Castle. Sunset from the ramparts, a slow dinner in town, and a moonlit stroll along the walls if you’re up for it. Medieval adventure unlocked!

OVERNIGHT: Óbidos Castle

MEALS: Breakfast

From castle walls to mountain peaks! We’ll roll out toward Serra da Estrela, The Alps of Portugal, with granite cliffs, mirror-calm lagoons, and big-sky views for days.

First goal: Torre (mainland Portugal’s highest point, 6538 ft.). We’ll wander the summit area for those 360° panoramas and snap the “top of Portugal” photo. If the weather plays nice, it’s crystal clear; if it’s moody, it’s dramatic. Win-win.

We’ll descend into the Zêzere Glacier Valley, a stunning U-shaped valley carved by ancient ice. Think sweeping curves, granite walls, and green meadows. We’ll stop at Covão d’Ametade, a little slice of magic with boardwalks, streams, and perfect picnic vibes. An easy wander and lots of photo ops.

From there, we head to Poço do Inferno, a pretty waterfall tucked in the forest near our final stop.

This is dairy country, so yes: Queijo da Serra tasting is on the menu (plus requeijão with honey). Simple, local, delicious.

We’ll finish the day in Manteigas, a cozy mountain town right in the heart of the park. Stroll the lanes, breathe that alpine air, and enjoy a hearty mountain dinner. Sleep comes easy up here.

OVERNIGHT: Vila Galé Serra da Estrela or similar

MEALS: Breakfast

We’ll leave our mountain hideaway and aim for Coimbra, one of the oldest university towns in the world, perched above the Mondego River.

In Coimbra we’ll wander the historic hilltop: the University of Coimbra (the Harvard of Portugal) courtyards, the baroque Joanina Library (pure art), the Sé Velha (Old Cathedral), and a stroll through narrow lanes where fado echoes from tiny cafés. Quick coffee, quick photos, big smiles.

Next, we roll to Aveiro, the charming canal town nicknamed the “Venice of Portugal.” We’ll hop on a colorful moliceiro boat to glide past Art Nouveau façades and the salt pans, then sweeten the day with ovos moles, the local pastry specialty. Before heading out, we’ll slip out to Costa Nova for a peek at the candy-striped beach houses. Postcard material, guaranteed.

From there it’s a smooth coastal hop to Porto. We’ll check in, freshen up, and head into town for our first taste of Portugal’s northern soul: ribeira views, azulejo-covered churches, and maybe a francesinha or fresh seafood for dinner.

OVERNIGHT: Holiday Inn Express Porto Boavista by IHG or similar

MEALS: Breakfast

Today is Porto day! We’ll start with a guided 3-hour city tour where we will see Sé do Porto (Cathedral), São Bento station and its famous azulejos, Avenida dos Aliados and Rua das Flores, Livraria Lello, and Ribeira quarter. Then we take a break for a scenic lunch at Ribeira riverfront. After lunch, we will finish conquering the city on our own and cross the Ponte de Dom Luís I, do a Port wine tasting in Gaia, visit Igreja de São Francisco, and if time allows, go on a Douro River cruise.

We’ll wrap the night back in the Ribeira with Porto twinkling across the Douro. Perfect Porto day.

OVERNIGHT: Holiday Inn Express Porto Boavista by IHG or similar

MEALS: Breakfast

Well, the time has come to say “adeus”, or better yet, just “ate logo” (see you soon) to beautiful Portugal. Those of us continuing on to the Azores will leave in the morning, and those of us coming back home can leave at any time.

OVERNIGHT: N/A

MEALS: Breakfast