Hidden Gems of Spain and Portugal: A 12-Day Adventure Itinerary

Begin your day with a visit to the Madrid History Museum, a hidden gem that provides insights into the history of the city. For breakfast, enjoy the local atmosphere at Café de la Luz.

Explore the Crypt of Almudena Cathedral, a unique underground space. For lunch, taste the traditional cocido madrileño at Casa Carola.

In the evening, take a leisurely walk through the Capricho Park, a beautiful and lesser-known park in Madrid. For dinner, experience the charm of Taberna El Sur.

Take a day trip to Toledo, a city known for its rich history and cultural heritage. Visit the El Greco Museum to learn about the famous painter who resided in Toledo. Enjoy a traditional Spanish breakfast at Cafetería Wamba.

Explore the Santa Cruz Museum, a hidden gem showcasing a diverse collection of art. For lunch, taste the local delicacies at Adolfo.

Wander through the streets of Toledo and admire the architecture of the Santa María la Blanca, a former synagogue. Enjoy a dinner of regional specialties at Taberna Embrujo.

Travel to Salamanca, a city known for its university and literary history. Visit the Huerto de Calixto y Melibea, a garden that inspired a scene in a famous Spanish novel. Enjoy a literary-themed breakfast at Café Novelty.

Explore the Anaya Palace, a hidden gem of Salamanca. For lunch, dine at Casa Paca and savor the traditional cuisine.

Visit the Domínguez Berrueta Palace and enjoy a relaxing evening in the city. Have dinner at Doze for a modern twist on Spanish dishes.

Begin your Portuguese adventure in Porto. Take a leisurely walk along the Ribeira District and enjoy the views of the Douro River. Stop for a coffee at Majestic Café, a historic café in Porto.

Visit the Casa do Infante, the birthplace of Prince Henry the Navigator. For lunch, try the famous francesinha sandwich at Café Santiago.

Enjoy a relaxing Douro River Cruise as the sun sets over Porto. Have dinner at Tábua Rasa for a modern take on Portuguese cuisine.

Explore the Serralves Museum, a contemporary art museum set in a beautiful park. For breakfast, indulge in pastéis de nata at Manteigaria.

Visit the Livraria Lello, one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. For lunch, try the seafood at O Buraco.

Immerse yourself in the local music scene with a fado performance at Casa da Música. Enjoy a traditional Portuguese dinner at Cantinho do Avillez.

Explore the fairytale-like Pena Palace and its colorful architecture. For a magical breakfast, visit Tulhas, a charming cafe in Sintra.

Discover the mystical Quinta da Regaleira with its gardens and hidden tunnels. Enjoy a light lunch at Piriquita, famous for its travesseiros.

Conclude your day with a visit to the Castle of the Moors and enjoy the panoramic views. For dinner, experience the local cuisine at Largo do Neptuno.

Take a day trip to Cascais, a charming coastal town. Explore the Citadel of Cascais and enjoy the sea views. For breakfast, try the pastries at Sacolinha.

Relax on the Cascais Beach and have a leisurely seafood lunch at Mar do Inferno.

Wander through the streets of Cascais and visit the Casa das Histórias Paula Rego, a museum dedicated to the Portuguese artist. Enjoy a dinner of fresh fish at Mercado da Vila.

Begin your day with a visit to the Lisbon Market and sample the local produce. For breakfast, enjoy a pastel de nata at Pasteis de Belém.

Take a cooking class at SEA ME - Peixaria Moderna and learn to prepare traditional Portuguese dishes. Enjoy the fruits of your labor for lunch.

Indulge in a gourmet dinner at Belcanto, a two-Michelin-star restaurant in Lisbon.

Visit the Berardo Collection Museum and admire its modern art. For breakfast, have a galão at A Brasileira, a historic cafe in Lisbon.

Explore the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum and its diverse collection. For lunch, try the petiscos at Cervejaria Ramiro.

Take a sunset cruise on the Tagus River and enjoy a seafood dinner on board.

Spend your last morning in Lisbon at the National Tile Museum and learn about the art of azulejos. For breakfast, have a bica at Fabrica da Nata.

Visit the MAAT - Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology and explore its innovative exhibitions. For lunch, enjoy the views at Park Bar.

Conclude your trip with a traditional fado show and dinner at Sr. Fado.