Self-Launched Highlights of Portugal & Spain: Lisbon to Bilbao in 20 Days
20 days · Portugal & Spain
G Adventures charges £4,650
No-markup version: ~£2,315 per person
Estimate only, not a guaranteed price. Always verify costs independently before booking.
A self-launched version of G Adventures' 20-day Lisbon-to-Bilbao route, rebuilt for independent travellers using hostels and budget guesthouses, public buses, trains and Renfe/CP rail passes, and self-bookable tours for the Alhambra, Mezquita, flamenco and port wine cellars. You cover the same eight-plus stops — Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto, Madrid, Granada, Córdoba, Seville, Barcelona, Logroño, San Sebastián and Bilbao — at roughly a third of the guided group price. Costs are approximate 2026 backpacker/budget rates in GBP and assume dorm or simple private rooms at peak-ish season; booking Alhambra and Sagrada Família tickets 2–3 months ahead is essential.
Day-by-day
Arrive Lisbon — Alfama and Baixa on foot
Lisbon, Portugal
Fly or train into Lisbon and check into a hostel in Baixa or Alfama (Home Lisbon Hostel, Yes! Lisbon Hostel or a budget guesthouse in Mouraria). Skip the group welcome meeting and instead do a free self-guided orientation: Rossio Square, Praça do Comércio, the Alfama lanes and a sunset viewpoint at Miradouro de Santa Luzia. Evening: cheap bifana and a glass of vinho verde in a tasca.
🚌Metro from airport to Baixa (~€2 incl. Viva Viagem card), then all on foot
🛏Hostel dorm or budget guesthouse, Baixa/Alfama (~£22–30)
- →Self-guided Alfama & Baixa walk
- →Rossio Square & Praça do Comércio
- →Miradouro de Santa Luzia sunset
- →Tasca dinner in Mouraria
Lisbon — Belém, monasteries and fado
Lisbon, Portugal
Take tram 15 to Belém for the Jerónimos Monastery (€12) and Belém Tower (€8, exterior free). Afternoon: Mercado da Ribeira for lunch, then the Santa Justa Lift (€6) and São Jorge Castle (€15, or skip and use the free Miradouro de Graça). Book a small fado house in Alfama directly (Clube de Fado or a cheap tasca with fado, ~€25–35 including a simple dinner) rather than a packaged group fado night.
🚌Tram 15 and tram 28 (~€3 day of single fares, or €6.80 24h pass)
🛏Hostel dorm or budget guesthouse, Baixa/Alfama (~£22–30)
- →Jerónimos Monastery
- →Belém Tower
- →Mercado da Ribeira
- →Santa Justa Lift
- →Fado in Alfama (self-booked)
Lisbon → Coimbra via Batalha Monastery
Coimbra, Portugal
Take a morning CP train Lisbon–Coimbra (approx €20–25, 1h45). Drop bags at a guesthouse near the old town (Serenata Hostel or Hotel Astória-equivalent budget rooms). In the afternoon take a local bus to Batalha (Rede Expresso/Tejo, ~€8 return, 30 min) to see the Monastery of Batalha (€6) — the same stop the tour makes. Back to Coimbra for dinner in the Baixa.
🚌CP train Lisbon–Coimbra ~€22; bus Coimbra–Batalha return ~€8
🛏Hostel or budget guesthouse, Coimbra old town (~£20–28)
- →Batalha Monastery and Unfinished Chapels
- →Coimbra old town evening
- →Mondego riverside walk
Coimbra — university, library and Roman ruins
Coimbra, Portugal
Self-book the University of Coimbra ticket (€12.50 including the Joanina Library and tower). Afternoon options: local bus to Conímbriga Roman ruins (€4.50 entry, bus ~€3 each way) or a half-day trip to Aveiro on the CP train (~€6, 1h). Evening: student fado in Coimbra's old town, cheaper and more intimate than Lisbon's.
🚌On foot; local bus to Conímbriga ~€6 return or CP train to Aveiro ~€12 return
🛏Hostel or budget guesthouse, Coimbra (~£20–28)
- →University of Coimbra & Joanina Library
- →Conímbriga Roman ruins or Aveiro canals
- →Coimbra student fado
Coimbra → Porto
Porto, Portugal
Morning train Coimbra–Porto Campanhã (CP Alfa/Intercidades, ~€15–20, 1h10). Check into a hostel in Ribeira or near São Bento (Yes! Porto Hostel, Porto Spot Hostel). Afternoon self-guided walk: São Bento Railway Station tiles, Porto Cathedral, Ribeira waterfront and the Dom Luís I Bridge upper deck. Cheap dinner of francesinha or grilled sardines.
🚌CP train Coimbra–Porto ~€18
🛏Hostel dorm or budget guesthouse, Ribeira/São Bento (~£22–32)
- →São Bento Station azulejos
- →Porto Cathedral
- →Ribeira waterfront
- →Dom Luís I Bridge
Porto — port cellars and Douro river
Porto, Portugal
Cross to Vila Nova de Gaia and book a port wine cellar tour directly (Sandeman, Graham's or Burmester, €18–25 with tasting) — equivalent to the tour's included cellar visit. Afternoon: a 6-bridges Douro cruise (€20, book at the Ribeira quay) or the historic tram 1 to Foz. Optional Lello Bookstore (€8 timed ticket, buy online) and Clérigos Tower (€8).
🚌On foot plus tram 1 (~€3) or bus
🛏Hostel dorm or budget guesthouse, Ribeira/São Bento (~£22–32)
- →Port wine cellar tour & tasting in Gaia
- →Douro River six-bridges cruise
- →Lello Bookstore
- →Clerigos Tower
Porto → Madrid (long travel day)
Madrid, Spain
This is the tour's longest transfer. Budget route: Flixbus/Rede Expresso Porto–Madrid (~€35–45, 9–10h) or, faster and pricier, a Ryanair Porto–Madrid flight (~€40–70). Arrive and check into a hostel near Puerta del Sol or La Latina (Way Hostel, Ok Hostel Madrid). Late tapas crawl in La Latina or Mercado de San Miguel.
🚌Flixbus Porto–Madrid ~€40 or Ryanair flight ~€55
🛏Hostel dorm or budget guesthouse, Sol/La Latina (~£25–35)
- →Travel day
- →La Latina tapas crawl
- →Mercado de San Miguel
Madrid — art triangle and royal quarter
Madrid, Spain
Self-guided Madrid: Plaza Mayor, Royal Palace exterior (interior €12), then pick two of the Prado (€15), Reina Sofía (€12) or Thyssen (€13) — the Prado is free 18:00–20:00 Mon–Sat. Evening free walking tour of the Habsburg quarter (tip-based, €5–10) and dinner of bocadillo de calamares or a menú del día.
🚌On foot and metro single ~€1.50–2
🛏Hostel dorm or budget guesthouse, Sol/La Latina (~£25–35)
- →Plaza Mayor & Royal Palace
- →Museo del Prado (free evening slot)
- →Reina Sofía or Thyssen
- →Tip-based free walking tour
Madrid → Granada
Granada, Spain
Renfe Avant/Air Nostrum bus Madrid–Granada (~€30–45, 4.5h by bus; train ~€50). Check into a guesthouse in the Albaicín or Realejo (Oasis Backpackers Granada, Toc Hostel Granada). Afternoon: wander the Albaicín, the Mirador de San Nicolás for the Alhambra sunset view, and free tapas with drinks — Granada still gives a tapa with every beer.
🚌ALSA bus Madrid–Granada ~€35
🛏Hostel or budget guesthouse, Albaicín/Realejo (~£22–30)
- →Albaicín quarter walk
- →Mirador de San Nicolás sunset
- →Free-tapa hopping
Granada — the Alhambra
Granada, Spain
Book the Alhambra online 2–3 months ahead (general ticket €19.09; Nasrid Palaces sell out fast). Allow 3–4 hours for the Nasrid Palaces, Generalife gardens and Alcazaba. Afternoon: Granada Cathedral (€5) or a self-booked tapas and history walk (GetYourGuide, ~€20). Evening flamenco in a cave venue in Sacromonte (€18–25) — often better value than Seville's tourist shows.
🚌Local bus C30/C32 to the Alhambra ~€1.40; rest on foot
🛏Hostel or budget guesthouse, Albaicín/Realejo (~£22–30)
- →Alhambra & Nasrid Palaces (pre-booked)
- →Generalife gardens
- →Sacromonte cave flamenco
Granada → Córdoba → Seville
Seville, Spain
Bus or train Granada–Córdoba (~€13–20, 2h). Store bags at the station and visit the Mezquita-Catedral (€13, book online for a skip-line slot) and the Judería lanes. Continue by Renfe Avant or bus to Seville (~€13–18, 1h45). Check into a hostel in the Arenal or Santa Cruz area (La Banda Rooftop Hostel, Oasis Backpackers Sevilla).
🚌Bus Granada–Córdoba ~€13; Renfe/bus Córdoba–Seville ~€15
🛏Hostel dorm or budget guesthouse, Seville centre (~£22–32)
- →Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba
- →Jewish Quarter (Judería)
- →Evening in Seville
Seville — Alcázar, cathedral and flamenco
Seville, Spain
Pre-book the Real Alcázar (€15.50) for the morning and Seville Cathedral with La Giralda (€12–16). Afternoon: Santa Cruz quarter, Torre del Oro (€3) and a slow afternoon in the Jardines de Murillo. Evening: book flamenco at Casa de la Memoria or La Casa del Flamenco directly (€18–25) instead of the group show, then late dinner in Triana.
🚌All on foot
🛏Hostel dorm or budget guesthouse, Seville centre (~£22–32)
- →Real Alcázar (pre-booked)
- →Seville Cathedral & La Giralda
- →Santa Cruz quarter
- →Intimate flamenco show
Seville → Barcelona
Barcelona, Spain
Take the high-speed AVE/iryo Seville–Barcelona (iryo or Ouigo often €35–55 if booked early, 5h30) or a cheaper Ryanair flight (~€40). Check into a hostel in the Eixample or El Born (Casa Gracia, Generator Barcelona). Evening: a self-booked paella cooking class or tapas workshop (GetYourGuide/Cookly, €45–65 including dinner) to replace the tour's included Mescladís class.
🚌iryo/Ouigo high-speed rail Seville–Barcelona ~€45
🛏Hostel dorm or budget guesthouse, Eixample/El Born (~£28–38)
- →AVE/iryo to Barcelona
- →Self-booked paella cooking class and dinner
- →El Born evening stroll
Barcelona — Gaudí and the Gothic Quarter
Barcelona, Spain
Book Sagrada Família online (€26 basic, more with towers) for an early slot, then walk to Casa Batlló (€29) or just admire the façade. Afternoon: Gothic Quarter, Las Ramblas, La Boqueria and Barceloneta beach. Skip the Picasso Museum unless you're a fan (€12). Sunset at Bunkers del Carmel for a free panorama.
🚌Metro T-casual 10-ride card ~€12.55, or single €2.65
🛏Hostel dorm or budget guesthouse, Eixample/El Born (~£28–38)
- →Sagrada Família (pre-booked)
- →Casa Batlló exterior / Passeig de Gràcia
- →Gothic Quarter & La Boqueria
- →Bunkers del Carmel sunset
Barcelona → Logroño — Rioja wine country
Logroño, Spain
Renfe Alvia/AVLO or Alsa bus Barcelona–Logroño (~€35–50, 4h30–5h30). Check into a pension near Calle del Laurel (Hostal with private rooms ~£30–40). Evening: self-guided pintxos crawl down Calle del Laurel — one or two pintxos and a small rioja per bar, €3–4 a round. Book a Rioja winery visit directly for tomorrow (Bodegas Franco-Españolas in town, €15–20, or a Bodegas López de Heredia tour in Haro).
🚌Renfe/Alsa Barcelona–Logroño ~€42
🛏Budget hostal/pensión, Logroño centre (~£30–40)
- →Travel to Logroño
- →Calle del Laurel pintxos crawl
- →Rioja wine bar evening
Logroño — Rioja wineries and Haro
Logroño, Spain
Morning: local bus or train to Haro (30–40 min, ~€3) for the Barrio de la Estación, home to López de Heredia, Muga and CVNE — book a tasting at one or two (€15–30 each). Afternoon back in Logroño: free entry to the Cathedral and Museo de La Rioja, then a slow afternoon in the Parque del Ebro. Evening: another round of Laurel Street, or a splurge menú at a bodega restaurant.
🚌Local bus/train Logroño–Haro return ~€6
🛏Budget hostal/pensión, Logroño centre (~£30–40)
- →Haro station-district winery tastings
- →Logroño Cathedral & Museo de La Rioja
- →Parque del Ebro
Logroño → Puente la Reina → San Sebastián
San Sebastián, Spain
Bus to Pamplona (~€8, 1h45), then a local bus to Puente la Reina (~€4) to walk a short section of the Camino de Santiago between Obanos and Puente la Reina (about 5km, 1.5h) — the same hike the tour does. Visit the Romanesque church and the Queen's Bridge, then bus back via Pamplona (quick old-town loop and a café con leche on Plaza del Castillo). Continue by Alsa bus or Renfe to San Sebastián (~€15–20, 2h). Check into a hostel or pensión in Gros or the old town.
🚌Buses Logroño–Pamplona–Puente la Reina–Pamplona–San Sebastián ~€30 total
🛏Hostel or pensión, San Sebastián Gros/Parte Vieja (~£32–45)
- →Camino de Santiago walk Obanos–Puente la Reina
- →Puente la Reina bridge & church
- →Pamplona old town stop
- →Travel to San Sebastián
San Sebastián — pintxos and La Concha
San Sebastián, Spain
Morning orientation walk yourself: Parte Vieja, Plaza de la Constitución, the fishing port and La Concha beach. Lunch: a DIY pintxo crawl in the old town (3–4 bars, €20–25) — txakoli and gilda at La Cuchara de San Telmo, Gambara or Bar Nestor. Afternoon: Monte Igueldo funicular (€4.50) for the bay view, or a self-booked walking/food tour (GetYourGuide, €40–55) if you want a guide. Optional cider house dinner in Astigarraga (€35–55, book direct).
🚌On foot; local bus to Astigarraga ~€2
🛏Hostel or pensión, San Sebastián (~£32–45)
- →Parte Vieja & La Concha
- →Self-guided pintxos crawl
- →Monte Igueldo funicular
- →Optional cider house
San Sebastián → Bilbao
Bilbao, Spain
Take the Euskotren or Pesa bus San Sebastián–Bilbao (~€8–12, 1h15). Check into a hostel in Abando or Casco Viejo. Afternoon: self-guided Casco Viejo, the Ribera market, Parque de Etxebarria and the Basilica of Begoña. Book the Guggenheim online for tomorrow (€13, or free on some Tuesdays). Evening: a txikiteo (bar crawl) of txakoli and pintxos in the seven streets.
🚌Euskotren or Pesa bus ~€10
🛏Hostel dorm or budget guesthouse, Bilbao Abando/Casco Viejo (~£25–35)
- →Euskotren to Bilbao
- →Casco Viejo & Ribera market
- →Parque de Etxebarria & Begoña
- →Txikiteo in the old town
Bilbao — Guggenheim and departure
Bilbao, Spain
Morning at the Guggenheim Museum (booked online €13) plus Jeff Koons' Puppy and the Maman spider outside, then a coffee on the Nervión. If time allows, the Artxanda funicular (€3.50) for a city panorama before heading to Bilbao airport (Bizkaibus A3247, €3) or the Renfe/Flixbus onward. Trip ends — no group farewell dinner required.
🚌Bizkaibus A3247 to airport ~€3, or train onwards
🛏None (departure day)
- →Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
- →Artxanda funicular viewpoint
- →Departure
Self-launched vs. G Adventures
| This itinerary (self-launched) | G Adventures | |
|---|---|---|
| Price per person | ~£2,315 | £4,650 |
| Duration | 20 days | 20 days |
| Who books it | You and your group, direct | Tour operator, guided group |
| Savings | £2,335 per person (50%) | |
Estimate only, not a guaranteed price. Always verify costs independently before booking.
Want to see more G Adventures-style trips? Check them out here.~£2,315
estimated per person
You never pay Travel Crew for this — you pay hostels, transport, and activity providers directly, the same as if you'd booked it all yourself.
This publishes your dates so other travellers can find and join you — no tour operator needed.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does Self-Launched Highlights of Portugal & Spain: Lisbon to Bilbao in 20 Days cost?+
Doing it yourself with this self-launched itinerary costs an estimated £2,315 per person for 20 days in Portugal & Spain. This is an AI-generated estimate based on typical budget-traveller prices — actual costs will vary by season and how you book.
Is this cheaper than booking with G Adventures?+
Yes — G Adventures charges around £4,650 per person for a similar tour. Doing the same route independently, using the same standard of accommodation and activities, costs an estimated £2,315 — a saving of roughly £2,335 (50%) per person.
How long is the Portugal & Spain trip?+
This itinerary runs 20 days, covering 20 day-by-day stops through Portugal & Spain.
How do I join this trip?+
You can join an existing open departure using this itinerary if one is scheduled, or launch your own departure with your own dates and invite other travellers to join you — no tour operator required.
Isn't it easier to just use a tour operator?+
Well, yes, a tour operator will book all the individual parts of your travel for you and provide a guide. That's obvious, but doing this has the potential to save the group thousands, which can in turn improve your itinerary substantially or save you huge amounts of money. Also, when you launch a departure, Travel Crew has tools in place to help you book the individual sections of the trip or make it easier for you to do this as a group. Really, you do not need a middle man. If you are more comfortable paying more and using a middle man, then you should certainly do this.
Is it safer to book through a tour operator?+
Arguably, there isn't much difference. A self-launched trip runs on the same principle as a group travel crew: collective responsibility, everyone looking out for each other, the same way it would if a group of friends organised the trip themselves — because that's exactly what's happening. You should always take out travel insurance before you go, self-launched or not; that doesn't change either way. Every open departure is published publicly with real dates and a real trip organiser, so it's never an anonymous arrangement, and our support team is reachable any time you need help, including in an emergency while you're away. Longer-term, we're building direct relationships with ground DMCs in popular destinations, offered as an optional paid add-on for extra on-the-ground support. Ultimately, though, the group is responsible for its own conduct and safety on a self-launched trip, same as on any trip you plan yourself.
What kind of trip is this?+
This is a culture, foodie, city-breaks trip through Portugal & Spain, self-launched rather than run by a tour operator — you organise it with a group you find or bring yourself.
Would you like to name the operator, name the trip, or have any suggestions about how to improve this itinerary?
Drop your comment below — if you've done a similar route, tell us what worked, what you'd add, or what you'd skip.
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