Cut a swathe through regions and borders -Epic road trips in Spain and Portugal
Covering a vast area with many distinct landscapes, cultures and languages, the Iberian Peninsula offers a multitude of rich adventures for the curious traveller. The scale of the country and its mountainous terrain may seem daunting but with low population density, an ever-improving road system and excellent rail connections longer itineraries taking in multiple regions or even crossing the border are ever-more feasible.
Follow the Via de Plata across Spain from north to south, make a bee-line to the Costa Brava from the Atlantic to the Med or cut a swathe through Inland Spain into Portugal on the Porto Run - epic adventures await!
Real Travel within easy reach
Numerous flights from the UK direct to all regions of Spain and Portugal mean that the Peninsula has never been easier to get to.
Direct flights to the larger cities like Madrid, Bilbao, Sevilla, Barcelona or Santiago de Compostela and Lisboa and Porto in Portugal make point-to-point touring in Spain and Portugal easy. Low-cost options to smaller airports make all areas accessible and why not take advantage of connections designed for the hotspots such as Málaga (Costa del Sol), Faro (Algarve) or Reus (Costa Dorada) as a gateway to the more interesting regions we love to explore.
9 ferries a week connect the UK and Ireland direct to northern Spain, so cruise to Spain with your own car and enjoy circular itineraries stretching as far as Porto, the Costa Brava or Toledo – or explore the Picos de Europa, straight from the ferry port.
For a cross-border itinerary follow the Portuguese Camino through to Santiago, or explore Roman Lusitania to explore two countries in one trip – compare and contrast cultures, wines and gastronomy you’re sure to have fun in the process!
- Independent self-drive touring with all the info and support you need.
- Bespoke itineraries – designed and organised by our experts.
- Fly to Portugal and we’ll include a hire car.
- Stay in delightful, independent small hotels.
We travel everywhere in Spain & Portugal
Why our clients love our tours
Your satisfaction is our Nº 1 priority – read independent reviews of our holidays on AITO.com
Explore our wider reaching, cross-regional tours in Spain & Portugal
A few cross-regional ideas...
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[name] => The Costa Brava Run
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[description] => Bring your own car or motorbike to northern Spain (or fly down and rent) and head straight into the magnificent Pyrenees mountains. The glittering Mediterranean will be your prize but along the way you’ll take in awesome mountain scenery, historic towns and cities and some of Spain’s finest wine regions.
The full route takes at least fourteen days but you can do as little, or as much, as you like.
[introduction] => Coast to coast, Costa Vasca to Costa Brava, this marvellous adventure offers the very best of the Spanish Pyrenees as you traverse northern Spain from the Atlantic to the Med and back!
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[title] => Day 1 & 2 – North West Navarra
[introduction] =>
[description] => Valleys of Baztan & Bidasoa – lost in time
Picture-postcard villages of the French Pais-Basque
Hondarribia, San Sebastian, Biarritz & St Jean de Luz
Ride the train to the peak of La Rhune, stunning views
Head south for vineyards, castles & don’t miss Pamplona
Moorish Alquézar & Christian Ainsa – two charming medieval villages
Ordesa & Monte Perdido – Spain’s first National Park
Sierra de Guara – cut through by dramatic gorges
Delicious local Somontano wines
Superb bird watching – Lammergeyer centre in Ainsa
Fishing villages and beach hopping
Walk the Camí de Ronda, all along the Costa Brava
Historic Girona with its profound Jewish Heritage
Dali museum in Figueras
Watersports, cycling & wonderful diving
Medieval Santa Pau and Besalú’s Jewish quarter
Cuina Volcanica, ingredients grown in the volcanic soil
Visit Santa Margarida – the chapel in the crater
Dali museum in Figueras or hop down to the coast
Cycle, Segway, trek or balloon ride over the Volcanoes
Gateway to the Parc Nacional d’ Aiguestortes i Estany
Unique culture, architecture in the Val d’Aran
Parc Nacional del Alt Pirineu with the highest peaks
Churches – Romanesque, Renaissance and Baroque
Mountain gastronomy with local cheeses, honey and even local caviar!
Spaghetti-western desert landscape of Las Bardenas
Romanesque delights of Uncastillo & Sos del Rey Católico
Castillo de Loarre & Mallos de Riglos
Monasterio de Leyre & Castillos de Javier y Olite
Birdwatching, mountain biking, trekking…
Spain’s most prestigious vineyards
Riojan & Basque cuisine – excellent local ingredients
Stunning modern architecture among the vines
Medieval Laguardia and Labastida
Dinastia Vivanco museum of wine culture
Take some extra days in the Costa Brava
Add a night or two in Bilbao or San Sebastian at the start
Swap Zaragoza & Las Bardenas for Isaba, for more high-mountain adventures
Ask about superior rooms, a larger car or better cabins on the ferry
or more economical options if you're on a budget...
Call us to talk through all the options - we'd love to hear from you!
Breathtaking mountain scenery
Two spectacular National Parks!
The rugged Costa Brava; pretty fishing villages
Historic Pamplona, Girona and Lleida
World-class wines in Somontano and La Rioja
Early Romanesque architecture in the Pyrenees
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[name] => The Toledo Run
[slug] => toledo-and-heritage-cities
[description] => Cruise to Spain by ferry or take the short flight down and explore the immense mountain Sierras of Castille and the enchanting ‘dehesa’ of Extremadura, with landscapes and wildlife not to be found anywhere else in Europe.
This unique tour takes in monumental cathedrals, royal palaces, historic universities and awe-inspiring Roman remains – and so much more besides…
You’ll discover a rich living culture and excellent regional gastronomy with wines to match at each stop along the way and a friendly welcome wherever you go.
[introduction] => Discover the immensely rich heritage and awesome landscapes of inland Spain.
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[title] => Day 7 & 8 – Toledo
[introduction] =>
[description] => Churches, synagogues & mosques – The City of the Three Cultures
Cathedral of Toledo – 13th Century´s Gothic masterpiece
Ancient Alcázar – Toledo´s Army Museum
Old Town & Jewish Quarter
Toledo´s walls – from the Romans to the Christian Reconquest
El Greco “The Greek” Museum – life and work of the painter
Segovia – World Heritage Site – Roman Aquaduct, Moorish Alcazar, Cathedral and large Jewish Quarter.
Sierra de Guadarrama National Park
Sepúlveda & Hoces del Duratón Nature Park
Medieval Pedraza & Cuellar
La Granja de San Ildelfonso – the Spanish Versailles
Crossroads of Camino de Santiago and Via de Plata
Cathedral of Santa Maria – beautiful stained glass
Tapas in ‘la Zona Humeda’ in Leon old-town
The true Holy Grail? In the Colegiata de San Isidoro
Lovely Astorga with its Gaudi palace
Salamanca – truly monumental university city
Toro, Rueda & Sierra de Salamanca wines
Delicious jamon from Guijuelo
Historic Tordesillas, Toro & Zamora
Cruise on the river in the Arribes del Duero
Sierra de Francia & villages of Las Batuecas
Old Town of Cáceres – UNESCO World Heritage Centre
Monfrague National Park – a lesser known gem
Trujillo with its imposing castle
Take a pilgrimage to Guadalupe
2nd century Roman bridge at Alcántara
Excellent local cheese and game dishes
Essential stop on the Camino de Santiago
Truly awesome cathedral, recently restored
The city of El Cid Campeador
Bustling old town; lively bars & restaurants
Spain’s best lamb & delicious black pudding
Atapuerca & the Museum of Human Evolution
Historic seaside towns of San Vicente, Comillas or Santillana del Mar
Sandy beaches and craggy protected coves
Carmona, Barcena Mayor in the beautiful valleys
Prehistoric cave paintings at Altamira and many more
Wonderful walks along the coast or in the rolling hills
Include a stop in Madrid
or Ávila, known for its impressive wall
Extend your trip by adding a few extra days for longer stays
Ask about superior rooms, better cabins or a larger rental car
or more economical options if you're on a budget...
Call us to talk through all the options - we'd love to hear from you!
World Heritage at every stop!
Cathedrals of Burgos and León
Salamanca – oldest university city in Spain
Ávila's walls and Segovia’s aqueduct
Wines of Ribera del Duero, Toro, Rioja or Rueda
Historic Cáceres and Trujillo; Roman Mérida
Toledo ‘City of the three cultures’
Birdwatching in Monfrague Nature Park
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[name] => Cities of Portugal Tour
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[description] => Lisboa, Portugal’s great capital city, once gateway to the oceans is now the height of fashion with its fado-filled taverns, charming neighbourhoods and pretty trams struggling up vertiginous hills.
Smaller and more accessible Coimbra, home to Portugal’s oldest University, has much to offer with medieval convents and churches, museums and art galleries.
Finish your trip in Porto, the country’s second city with its famous Old Town and Ribeira neighbourhoods and wine lodges lining the bank of the Douro river.
The full route takes a week but you can do as little, or as much, as you like.
[introduction] => Lisboa, Coimbra, Porto – three magnificent, exciting cities in one compact tour.
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[title] => Day 1 to 3 – Lisboa & around
[introduction] =>
[description] => Hop a tram and explore Portugal’s exciting capital
Rossio square and train station
Skip out to Sintra, and the beaches of Cascais & Aldeia do Meco
Bar hop in Bairro Alto, dine in style in Chiado
Mosteiro dos Jéronimos – a Manueline delight
Coimbra University – stunning buildings, stunning views, fascinating museums
Sé Velha, Portuguese Romanesque at its finest
Take in a fado show – Coimbra style of course
Jewish Quarter – especially magical by night
Roman ruins at Conímbriga
Ribeira, Porto’s fascinating historic centre, a World Heritage site
Cross the impressive Dom Luis I iron bridge to the Port Wine Lodges
Art for all from finest museums to simple galleries
Walk the lanes, sail the river, live and breathe Porto
Ferry to Afurada and the golden beach of Estrela
Extend your stay in Lisboa and take your time to explore the capital
Add a stop in charming Évora and discover its Roman remains
or visit Aveiro and hop on a gondola-like Moliceiro
If you have time, stay in the Douro Valley before you head for Porto
Call us to talk through all the options - we'd love to hear from you!
Cities full of life; from lively bars to fado shows
Lisboa, Sintra and the beaches nearby
Coimbra University – buildings, views & student culture
Porto’s Old Town and Ribeira
Wild Atlantic coast – never far away!
World-class food & wines throughout
Popular cross-border tours
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[name] => The Porto Run – Santander to Porto
[slug] => santander-to-porto
[description] => On the way you’ll find plenty to explore as you cross and follow the Caminos de Santiago and trace part of Wellington’s route from his Peninsular Campaign. You’ll find magnificent cities of Burgos, Salamanca, Porto and Santiago and rural delights of the Douro Valley, the Asturian coast and the Picos de Europa mountains.
The full route takes at least fourteen days but you can do as little, or as much, as you like.
[introduction] => An epic adventure! Bring your own car or motorbike to Santander (or fly down and rent) and cut a swathe right through the heart of Spain to Porto on the Atlantic coast before looping back through Galicia to the northern coast and the Picos de Europa mountains, this route is full of delightful contrasts.
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[title] => Day 1 & 2 – Burgos
[introduction] =>
[description] => Essential stop on the Camino de Santiago
Truly awesome cathedral, recently restored
The city of El Cid, Campeador
Bustling old town; lively bars & restaurants
Spain’s best lamb & delicious black pudding
Atapuerca & the Museum of Human Evolution
Salamanca – truly monumental university ci
Toro, Rueda & Sierra de Salamanca wines
Delicious jamon from Guijuelo
Historic Tordesillas, Toro & Zamora
Cruise on the river in the Arribes del Duero
Sierra de Francia & villages of Las Batuecas
Fabulous Douro scenery – take an unforgettable boat trip
World Heritage Douro vineyards, the World’s oldest!
Romantic Amarante on the River Tamega
Lamego – famous stairs of Nossa Senhora dos Remedios
Superb gastronomy in the atmospheric “adegas” taverns
Ribeira, Porto’s fascinating historic centre, a World Heritage site
Cross the impressive Dom Luis I iron bridge to the Port Wine Lodges
Art for all from finest museums to simple galleries
Walk the lanes, sail the river, live and breathe Porto
Ferry to Afurada and the golden beach of Estrela
Journey’s end, for centuries Europe’s most important pilgrim destination
World heritage city centred around the magnificent Cathedral, said to house the bones of St James
Guided walking tour, there’s so much to discover
Lively bar scene, great tapas and young Ribeiro wine, or if you prefer, a drop of Albariño.
Pretty fishing villages such as Cudillero & Luarca
Beautiful beaches & dramatic cliff-top coastal walks
Dinosaur coast & Jurassic museum
Oviedo, historic Asturian capital & Gijon by the sea
National Park of Somiedo – maybe you’ll see bears!
Visit a traditional Asturian cider house (sidrería)
Historic seaside towns of San Vicente, Comillas or Santillana del Mar
Sandy beaches and craggy protected coves
Carmona, Barcena Mayor in the beautiful valleys
Prehistoric cave paintings at Altamira and many more
Wonderful walks along the coast or in the rolling hills
Add a stop in Valladolid or Zamora - rich in heritage and excellent wines
Swap Burgos for Lerma and stay at its historic Parador
Add a stop in the Rias Bajas - or stay there instead of Santiago
Fly via Madrid - worldwide connected - and discover Spain´s capital
Call us to talk through all the options - we'd love to hear from you!
Monumental cities; Salamanca, Porto and Santiago
Delicious wines of the Duero & Douro
Camino de Santiago & Wellington’s footsteps
Spain’s verdant north-west coast
Spectacular scenery; Meseta, Douro, Picos de Europa
Superb regional gastronomy throughout
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[name] => Lusitania Romana – Cross-border Tour
[slug] => lusitania-romana-cross-border-tour
[description] => From charming and vintage Lisboa passing through the lesser-known gems of the Alto Alentejo into Spain, enjoy the amazing Roman vestiges in the Portuguese city of Évora and neighbouring Spanish Mérida, once the provincial capital Emerita Augusta.
Once in Spain, take the opportunity to discover its least known province – Extremadura – with an immense wealth of truly unique experiences – historical, natural and gastronomical.
Explore the Sierra de Gredos and Salamanca and their splendid valleys before “jumping” into the Serra da Estrela mountains. End your trip by the sea in the spectacular Atlantic beaches of the Portuguese coast.
The full route takes fourteen days but you can do as little, or as much, as you like.
[introduction] => A circular tour around the ancient Roman province of Lusitania, this trip will show you the similarities and contrasts between two regions with a common past.
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[title] => Day 1 & 2 – Lisboa & around
[introduction] =>
[description] => Hop on a tram and explore Portugal’s exciting capital
Rossio square and train station
Skip out to Sintra, and the beaches of Cascais & Aldeia do Meco
Bar hop in Bairro Alto, dine in style in Chiado
Mosteiro dos Jerónimos – a Manueline delight
Explore the high Sierras of Gredos and Salamanca
Lose yourself in the Jewish Quarter of Hervás
Valle del Jerte cherry trees by the million – a real treat in Spring!
Visit Candelario & Béjar – two true beauties
Plasencia – key staging point on the Via de Plata
World Heritage Évora, Roman ruins, medieval walls
Alentejo wines, Portugal’s finest
Hilltop fortress towns of Monsaraz, Marvão and Castelo Vide
Pottery towns among the vines El Corval and Redondo
“Marble towns” of Vila Viçosa and Estremoz
World Heritage Elvas with its magnificent Roman aqueduct
Monfrague National Park – a bird-watcher’s paradise with buzzards, vultures and black stork
Historic Cáceres & Trujillo with its imposing castle
Take a pilgrimage to Guadalupe
2nd century Roman bridge at Alcántara
Excellent local cheese and game dishes
Walking, cycling, kayaking and much more in the Serra da Estrela Nature Park
Visit the Burel Wool factory in Manteigas
Scale the Torre peak – Portugal’s highest
Manteigas and Sabugueiro – charming mountain villages
Rich Jewish heritage and historic castle of Belmonte
The magnificent monasteries of Batalha and Alcobaça
Saõ Martinho do Porto a little pearl set on a string of surf washed Atlantic beaches
The Convent at Tomar, delightful city of the Templars
Sierras de Aire y Candeeiros Nature Park – riddled with caves
Medieval Óbidos with its famous white houses
Extend your stay in Lisboa or swap it for nearby Sintra or Cascais
Mérida, Roman Lusitania´s capital, is a must - you can now stay at its Parador!
or head north into the province of Salamanca - also under Roman rule
Call us to talk through all the options - we'd love to hear from you!
Vibrant and vintage Lisboa
Roman vestiges in Évora and Mérida
Trujillo´s heritage; Monfrague National Park
Valleys of Ambroz & Jerte – natural beauties
Serra da Estrela, Portugal’s highest
World Heritage Batalha & Tomar
Spectacular Atlantic beaches
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[name] => A Taste of Two Countries
[slug] => north-west-iberia
[description] => From Porto the route heads north to explore Viana do Castelo, the Atlantic coast and the delightful Minho region before crossing the border to Galicia’s Rias Bajas and the chance to visit Santiago de Compostela. Then it’s inland to El Bierzo in the province of León, right on the Camino de Santiago, before heading south to Salamanca, Spain’s oldest and grandest University city. Then, on the final leg back towards Porto, you’ll discover the many delights of the Douro Valley.
In each stop you will find excellent regional wines of a very high standard as well as distinct local cultures and gastronomic treats. Full of contrasts, the only constant is the warm welcome you’ll receive from the Spanish and Portuguese you meet along the way.
The full route takes twelve days but you can do as little, or as much, as you like.
[introduction] => A grand tour around the north western corner of the Iberian Peninsula, taking in highlights of north Portugal and north-west Spain.
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[title] => Day 7 & 8 – El Bierzo & Las Médulas
[introduction] =>
[description] => Las Médulas – extraordinary red-rock landscape formed by Roman mining
El Bierzo, lost in time, steeped in history
Wines, peppers cured meats & so much more
Ponferrada with its Knights Templar castle
Historic Villafranca del Bierzo, right on the Camino
Ribeira, Porto’s fascinating historic centre, a World Heritage site
Cross the impressive Dom Luis I iron bridge to the Port Wine Lodges
Art for all from finest museums to simple galleries
Walk the lanes, sail the river, live and breathe Porto
Ferry to Afurada and the golden beach of Estrela
Delightful Caminha and the fortress towns of Valença, Moncao and Melgaco, dotted along the river Minho
Historic step in the Portuguese Santiago pilgrim way
Imposing Viana do Castelo with its long surfy windswept Atlantic coastline
Graceful Ponte de Lima with its Roman bridge
Sample the Vinho Verde wine and hearty local fare
Prettiest, most unspoilt beaches in Spain
Finisterre, literally the ‘World’s End’
La Coruña with its working Roman lighthouse
Traditional life in the fishing villages
White sands and rock pools of Carnota bay – an old favourite!
Salamanca – truly monumental university city
Toro, Rueda & Sierra de Salamanca wines
Delicious jamon from Guijuelo
Historic Tordesillas, Toro & Zamora
Cruise on the river in the Arribes del Duero
Sierra de Francia & villages of Las Batuecas
Fabulous Douro scenery – take an unforgettable boat trip
World Heritage Douro vineyards, the World’s oldest!
Romantic Amarante on the River Tamega
Lamego – famous stairs of Nossa Senhora dos Remedios
Superb gastronomy in the atmospheric “adegas” taverns
Explore the "fortress towns" as you cross the border from Salamanca
Swap El Bierzo for a stop in León city and marvel at its imposing cathedral
Add a stop in the Galician Ribera Sacra wine region - stay at the historical parador
Ask about superior rooms or a larger rental car
Call us to talk through all the options - we'd love to hear from you!
Historic Porto and its charming old quarter
The Camino Portugues – St James’ Way – steeped in history
Atlantic coast – Viana do Castelo and Rias Bajas
El Bierzo, lost in time, steeped in history
Monumental Salamanca
Port, Albariño, Toro & more - wonderful wines all the way!
Travel your own way to Spain Portugal
Fly down and rent a car or bike or bring your own on the ferry - Spain and Portugal await...
Check out our travel guides
Here’s a handful of our travel guides for Cross-regional touring in Spain and Portugal.
Browse the site for regions and tours and you’ll see the applicable guides on each page. For a full list of all guides see the Spain and Portugal Highlights section of our blog.
Travel with us and you’ll get all the insider information – with restaurant recommendations, and so much more – via our handy travel app.
