12-Days Best of Spain & Portugal Backpacking Trip

Wake up to a pleasant morning in Lisbon as your Europe backpacking adventure continues through Portugal's vibrant capital.

Today, we’ll take the Hop-on Hop-off bus tour to see Lisbon’s highlights.

Along the way, stop at 30+ iconic landmarks like the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, Jardim da Estrela, and more.

Continue your journey with a visit to the Belém Tower, a UNESCO site and symbol of Portugal’s maritime history.

Just nearby, explore the Jerónimos Monastery, famous for its Manueline architecture and Portugal’s Age of Discovery.

Later, head into the historic Alfama District, known for its narrow streets, tiled houses, and stunning viewpoints.

Throughout the day, enjoy a 360° panoramic view of the city while listening to the stories of Lisbon from the onboard audio guide.

In the evening, you are free to relax, go shopping, or explore Lisbon’s riverside areas at your own pace.

Lastly, return to your hostel and call it a day.

Overnight stay in Lisbon.

Wake up early and have your delicious breakfast.

We will then check out of the hostel and continue our Europe backpacking tour from Lisbon to Porto.

Upon arrival in Porto, we will board our transfer to the hostel for check-in and some rest.

Porto is famous for its pretty streets, historic architecture, and lively riverside atmosphere.

In the afternoon, we will embark on the famous 6 Bridges River Cruise along the Douro River.

As you cruise along the river, enjoy refreshing drinks onboard and take in beautiful views of Ribeira, Vila Nova de Gaia, and Porto's colourful skyline.

In the evening, you are free to explore Porto at your own pace.

You may walk around Ribeira Square and enjoy dinner at a riverside café.

Come back to the hostel and unwind.

Overnight stay in Porto.

Wake up to a pleasant morning in Porto and enjoy breakfast.

After breakfast, check out from the hostel and proceed to Porto Airport.

Board your flight to Barcelona, one of Spain's most vibrant and culturally rich cities.

Upon arrival in Barcelona, complete the arrival formalities and transfer to your hostel. Check in and relax after your journey.

The remainder of the day is free for leisure.

You can explore La Rambla, Barcelona's famous boulevard lined with cafés, street performers, and local shops.

Overnight stay in Barcelona.

Wake up to a beautiful morning in your Barcelona hostel.

After breakfast, we will begin our Europe backpacking experience tour of Barcelona with a Hop-on Hop-off bus.

On this Barcelona Hop-on Hop-off bus, we will explore more than 20 main landmarks of the city.

We will visit Gaudí’s famous works, including the Sagrada Família, Port Olímpic, Park Güell, and the National Museum of Art of Catalonia.

Next, we will also walk through the Gothic Quarter, full of narrow streets and old buildings.

Furthermore, we will also enjoy La Rambla, a lively street filled with cafes, performers, including living statues and portrait artists.

Moving forward, we will also stop at Plaça de Catalunya, a vibrant hub known for its fountains and sculptures.

This concludes our Hop-on Hop-off bus tour.

Later in the evening, head out for a lively Barcelona pub crawl to explore the city’s international bars, tapas culture, and energetic dance clubs.

After an exciting day, come back to your hostel.

Overnight stay in Barcelona.

Wake up to a beautiful morning in Barcelona.

Have your breakfast at the hostel and enjoy a full day at leisure.

You may choose to relax at Barceloneta Beach, enjoy the sun, sand, and sea breeze.

You can also go shopping at Passeig de Gracia, known for expensive shopping and Spanish boutiques.

If you are a football lover, you can opt for a visit to Camp Nou Stadium, home of FC Barcelona.

For those who are interested in culture, you can take a half-day trip to Montserrat Monastery, known for its Black Madonna, a revered statue believed to have magical powers.

In the evening, you can enjoy a walk along the waterfront at Port Vell, where you can relax and have dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants.

Return to the hostel and unwind.

Overnight stay in Barcelona.

Wake up and enjoy breakfast at the hostel.

Today, we will check out and transfer to the airport for our flight from Barcelona to Ibiza, one of the world’s most iconic party islands.

Upon arrival in Ibiza, we will be transferred to our hostel and complete the check-in process.

Take some time to relax and freshen up after the journey.

In the evening, you are free to explore Ibiza at your own pace.

Later, you can relax at a lounge bar or explore nearby nightlife spots if you feel like stepping out.

Return to the hostel and call it a night.

Overnight stay in Ibiza

Wake up and enjoy breakfast at the hostel.

Today is another free day to experience Ibiza at your own pace.

You can spend the day enjoying adventure activities such as jet skiing, parasailing, paddleboarding, kayaking, or snorkelling in the island's crystal-clear waters.

Alternatively, you can choose to unwind at a beach club or explore Ibiza's scenic countryside and traditional villages.

Later, enjoy some free time to relax before heading out for the evening.

You may take a sunset walk along Ibiza Marina, enjoying views of yachts, cafés, and the glowing old town skyline.

For dinner, you may choose a restaurant near the marina or a beachfront café to enjoy Mediterranean food and island vibes.

After enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Ibiza, return to the hostel.

Overnight stay in Ibiza.

​​Wake up and enjoy breakfast at the hostel.

Today is a free day in Ibiza to explore at your own pace.

Start by visiting stunning beaches such as Playa d’en Bossa, Cala Comte, or Cala Bassa.

You can take a short trip to Dalt Vila (Ibiza Old Town), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is a must with its cobbled lanes and fortress views.

If you wish, you can also take a boat trip to Formentera Island, known for its crystal-clear waters and untouched beauty.

Later, you can explore local markets and boutiques or enjoy a relaxing lunch at a beachfront café, soaking in the island vibe.

As the day winds down, return to your hostel to rest and freshen up.

In the evening, you can enjoy a quiet dinner at the hostel or a nearby restaurant and take in the peaceful atmosphere.

Return to the hostel and unwind.

Overnight stay in Ibiza.

Wake up and enjoy breakfast at the hostel.

As part of this Europe backpacking holiday, we continue our journey from Ibiza to Madrid.

Upon arrival, check in at your hostel and freshen up.

Later, you can rest, go shopping, or explore one of Madrid’s lively local markets.

You can visit Mercado de San Miguel, famous for gourmet tapas, fresh produce, and local delicacies.

You can also explore El Rastro, the lively open-air flea market known for antiques, souvenirs, and a busy atmosphere.

In the evening, we will explore Madrid’s highlights with a leisurely walk around the Gran Vía, Plaza Mayor, and Puerta del Sol.

If you wish to end the evening with a traditional flamenco show paired with Spanish tapas.

Return to the hostel and unwind.

Overnight stay in Madrid.

Wake up to a beautiful morning in Madrid and enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hostel.

Today, your Europe backpacking adventure includes a full-day excursion to Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located about 70 km south of Madrid.

Upon arrival in Toledo, we will start by visiting the Toledo Cathedral, a magnificent Gothic structure renowned for its intricate architecture, grand altarpiece, and stunning artworks.

Next, we will explore the Alcázar of Toledo, an imposing fortress that has served as a royal palace, military academy, and museum over the centuries.

From here, we will take a walk through the Jewish Quarter, discovering narrow winding streets, historic synagogues, and charming squares that showcase the city’s heritage.

We will also visit the Mirador del Valle, a famous viewpoint offering stunning panoramic views of Toledo, beautifully set against the backdrop of the Tagus River, perfect for photos.

After a rich day of exploration, we will return to Madrid in the late afternoon.

Once back at the hostel, you can relax and freshen up after the excursion.

Spend the evening at leisure, enjoying a peaceful walk in Retiro Park, Madrid’s green heart with its peaceful lake and tree-lined avenues.

Alternatively, you may unwind in your hostel or enjoy light snacks and drinks, recharging for the next day.

Overnight stay in Madrid.

Wake up to your last morning in Spain and enjoy a relaxed breakfast at the hostel.

After breakfast, we will check out and proceed to our transfer to Madrid Airport.

Today, we bid farewell to Portugal and Spain after an incredible journey through Lisbon, Porto, Barcelona, Ibiza, Madrid, and Toledo, filled with historic landmarks, vibrant cities, Mediterranean coastlines, and unforgettable travel experiences.

Board your flight back home, carrying wonderful memories of this amazing Europe group trip.