Self-Launched Charming Spain & Portugal: Madrid to Barcelona in 11 Days
11 days · Spain & Portugal
Click Tours charges £1,715
No-markup version: ~£770 per person
Estimate only, not a guaranteed price. Always verify costs independently before booking.
This self-launched version of Click Tours' Charming Spain & Portugal itinerary takes you from Madrid through Porto, Lisbon, Seville, Córdoba, Granada and Valencia to Barcelona — covering the same iconic highlights at a fraction of the group tour price. Swap the coach and guided bubble for high-speed trains, regional buses, and your own pace. Book Alhambra tickets well in advance (they sell out fast), grab a budget hostel or guesthouse in each city, and dive into flamenco, fado, port wine, and Moorish architecture on your own terms. All cost estimates are approximate and based on current solo backpacker/budget traveller rates.
Day-by-day
Madrid → Salamanca → Porto
Madrid / Salamanca / Porto
Start early from Madrid's Chamartín or Estación de Autobuses de la Méndez Álvaro. Take an Alsa coach to Salamanca (~2.5 hrs, ~£12), spend a few hours exploring the stunning Plaza Mayor and the old university district on foot — it's all walkable and free. Then catch a Flix Bus or Alsa coach from Salamanca to Porto (~4.5 hrs, ~£18). Arrive in Porto early evening and check into your hostel in the Ribeira or Bonfim district. Grab a francesinha sandwich and a glass of port to kick off the trip.
🚌Alsa coach Madrid → Salamanca (~£12), Alsa/FlixBus Salamanca → Porto (~£18). Total transit day ~£30.
🛏Hostel in Porto Ribeira or Bonfim district (e.g. Gallery Hostel or Tattva Design Hostel) — dorm ~£20/night, private ~£45/night
- →Free exploration of Salamanca's Plaza Mayor
- →Stroll the University of Salamanca facades (free exterior)
- →Arrive in Porto and explore the Ribeira waterfront
Porto: Panoramic City Day
Porto, Portugal
Porto is very walkable — spend the morning doing a self-launched panoramic tour on foot. Visit Porto Cathedral (free entry to the exterior, cloisters ~£3), Palácio da Bolsa (guided tour ~£10, bookable on the door), and the Church of Santa Clara (~£2). In the afternoon, cross the Dom Luís I Bridge on foot to Vila Nova de Gaia for a traditional wine cellar visit and Port wine tasting — Taylor's, Graham's or Sandeman all offer tours from ~£10-15 including tasting. Use the free Porto Card walking map available at the tourist office.
🚌All on foot or tram/metro (~£2 if needed)
🛏Porto hostel (same as Day 1)
- →Self-guided walking tour of Porto's historic centre (free)
- →Porto Cathedral visit (~£3 cloisters)
- →Palácio da Bolsa guided tour (~£10)
- →Church of Santa Clara visit (~£2)
- →Port wine cellar tour and tasting in Vila Nova de Gaia (~£12)
Coimbra → Fátima → Lisbon
Coimbra / Fátima / Lisbon
Take an early Rede Expressos coach from Porto to Coimbra (~1 hr, ~£8). Spend 2-3 hours exploring the UNESCO-listed University of Coimbra on foot — the Joanina Library is a must-book in advance (~£12). Walk the old town's steep lanes down to the riverside. Then catch a bus from Coimbra to Fátima (~1 hr, ~£7) — entry to the Basilica and Sanctuary is completely free and deeply atmospheric. Continue by Rede Expressos bus to Lisbon (~1.5 hrs, ~£9). In the evening, seek out a tasca in the Alfama or Mouraria for a live fado performance — many venues are free or ~£5 with a drink.
🚌Rede Expressos: Porto → Coimbra (~£8), Coimbra → Fátima (~£7), Fátima → Lisbon (~£9). Total ~£24.
🛏Hostel in Lisbon Alfama, Bairro Alto, or Intendente district (e.g. Home Lisbon Hostel or Goodnight Hostel) — dorm ~£20/night, private ~£50/night
- →Coimbra University and old town exploration (Joanina Library ~£12, exteriors free)
- →Basilica and Sanctuary of Fátima visit (free entry)
- →Evening fado music in Alfama or Mouraria, Lisbon (~£5 or free)
Lisbon: Full City Exploration
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is one of Europe's most rewarding cities to explore independently. Start at Edward VII Park and walk down Avenida da Liberdade to Rossio Square (all free). Jump on tram 28 toward Belém (~£1.50 day pass) to visit the iconic Belém Tower (~£6), Monument to the Discoveries (free exterior, lift ~£6), and Jerónimos Monastery (~£10, one of Portugal's finest). Back in the city, wander the Madragoa and Príncipe Real neighbourhoods. Optional: book a day trip to Sintra, Cascais and Estoril independently via the Comboios de Portugal suburban train from Rossio station (~£5 return to Sintra).
🚌Lisbon 24hr transport pass ~£6.50 (trams, metro, buses)
🛏Lisbon hostel (same as Day 3)
- →Walk Edward VII Park, Avenida da Liberdade and Rossio Square (free)
- →Belém Tower visit (~£6)
- →Monument to the Discoveries (~£6 for lift)
- →Jerónimos Monastery (~£10)
- →Madragoa district wander (free)
- →Optional: Sintra day trip by suburban train (~£5 return + ~£15 palace entries)
Lisbon → Mérida → Seville
Lisbon / Mérida / Seville
Take the early Rede Expressos or Avanza coach from Lisbon's Sete Rios terminal toward Badajoz/Seville (~5-6 hrs total, ~£20). Ask to be dropped at Mérida or take a connecting bus (~£5) for a 2-3 hour stopover to explore the remarkably well-preserved Roman Theatre and Amphitheatre (combined ticket ~£10, or free Sunday mornings). Continue by Avanza bus to Seville (~2 hrs from Mérida, ~£12). Check into your hostel in the Triana or Santa Cruz neighbourhood and enjoy a dinner of tapas — the famous free tapas bars in El Arenal area are a great budget option.
🚌Rede Expressos/Avanza: Lisbon → Mérida (~£20), Mérida → Seville (~£12). Total ~£32.
🛏Hostel in Seville Santa Cruz or Triana (e.g. Oasis Backpackers' Hostel or Casa del Poeta) — dorm ~£18/night, private ~£48/night
- →Roman Theatre and Amphitheatre of Mérida (combined ticket ~£10, free Sunday mornings)
- →Stroll Mérida's Roman bridge (free)
- →Arrive Seville — evening tapas crawl in El Arenal or Triana
Seville: Flamenco, Cathedrals & Parks
Seville, Spain
Seville is best explored on foot or by hire bike. Walk through Parque de María Luisa to the spectacular Plaza de España (both free). Head to the Seville Cathedral and Giralda tower — book online in advance (~£12, includes rooftop views). Wander the labyrinthine Santa Cruz district for free. Catch a glimpse of the Torre del Oro on the Guadalquivir riverside. In the evening, book an authentic flamenco show at Casa de la Memoria or La Casa del Flamenco (~£18-22, bookable on GetYourGuide or direct). Optional: Guadalquivir River cruise bookable via GetYourGuide (~£15).
🚌On foot or hire bike (~£8/day)
🛏Seville hostel (same as Day 5)
- →Parque de María Luisa and Plaza de España (free)
- →Seville Cathedral and Giralda tower (~£12, book online)
- →Santa Cruz district wander (free)
- →Torre del Oro exterior and riverside walk (free)
- →Evening flamenco show at Casa de la Memoria or La Casa del Flamenco (~£20)
- →Optional: Guadalquivir river cruise via GetYourGuide (~£15)
Seville → Córdoba
Córdoba, Spain
Take the Renfe high-speed AVE train from Seville Santa Justa to Córdoba (~45 mins, ~£12-18 booked in advance via renfe.com). Córdoba is compact and perfect for a full day's self-launched exploration. Visit the awe-inspiring Mosque-Cathedral (La Mezquita, ~£11, book online). Wander through the Jewish Quarter (Judería) and pass through the Almodóvar Gate (free). Stroll the Roman Bridge over the Guadalquivir (free). In the evening, enjoy a tapas dinner — Córdoba's food scene is excellent and affordable.
🚌Renfe AVE: Seville → Córdoba (~£15 advance booking via renfe.com)
🛏Guesthouse or hostel in Córdoba old town (e.g. Hostel Seneca or Hotel Maestre) — dorm ~£16/night, private ~£40/night
- →Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba (La Mezquita, ~£11, book online in advance)
- →Jewish Quarter (Judería) walking tour (free)
- →Almodóvar Gate visit (free)
- →Roman Bridge of Córdoba walk (free)
Córdoba → Ronda → Costa del Sol
Ronda / Costa del Sol, Spain
Take an Avanza or ALSA bus from Córdoba to Ronda (~2.5 hrs, ~£14). Ronda is one of Spain's most dramatic hilltop towns — the Puente Nuevo bridge and gorge views are free to admire. Visit the Plaza de Toros bullring (~£7) and wander the old Moorish quarter. In the afternoon, continue by bus to Málaga or the Costa del Sol (~1.5 hrs, ~£8). Check into your accommodation near the beach — Málaga's hostel scene is great value and well-connected. Enjoy an evening paseo along the promenade.
🚌Avanza/ALSA bus: Córdoba → Ronda (~£14), Ronda → Málaga/Costa del Sol (~£8). Total ~£22.
🛏Hostel in Málaga (e.g. Melting Pot Hostel or Feel Hostels) — dorm ~£17/night, private ~£45/night
- →Ronda's Puente Nuevo bridge and El Tajo Gorge viewpoints (free)
- →Plaza de Toros bullring visit (~£7)
- →Stroll Ronda's Moorish old quarter (free)
- →Arrive Costa del Sol — evening beach walk
Costa del Sol → Granada & the Alhambra
Granada, Spain
Take an ALSA bus from Málaga to Granada (~1.5 hrs, ~£9). This is the most important booking of the entire trip: Alhambra and Generalife tickets must be reserved weeks in advance via the official site (alhambra-patronato.es, ~£14). Book the morning slot to beat the crowds. The Alhambra complex is extraordinary — allow 4-5 hours. In the afternoon, explore the Albaicín neighbourhood's whitewashed lanes (free) and enjoy views back across to the Alhambra. In the evening, book a Sacromonte Caves flamenco show for an authentic gypsy flamenco experience (~£20, bookable via GetYourGuide or direct).
🚌ALSA bus: Málaga → Granada (~£9)
🛏Hostel in Granada (e.g. Oasis Backpackers' Granada or TOC Hostel) — dorm ~£18/night, private ~£45/night
- →Alhambra and Generalife visit (~£14, MUST book weeks ahead at alhambra-patronato.es)
- →Albaicín neighbourhood wander and Mirador de San Nicolás viewpoint (free)
- →Evening Sacromonte Caves gypsy flamenco show (~£20 via GetYourGuide)
Granada → Valencia
Valencia, Spain
Take an ALSA coach from Granada to Valencia (~6-7 hrs with a change, passing through Guadix, Baza and Puerto Lumbreras — scenic inland Andalusia). Alternatively, take a Renfe train via Madrid if preferred (~4 hrs, from ~£25 booked early). Arrive in Valencia in the afternoon or evening. Drop bags at your hostel and head straight to the Mercado Central or El Carmen neighbourhood for dinner — paella is the local speciality and Valencia is its birthplace. Take an evening stroll along the Turia riverbed gardens (free).
🚌ALSA coach: Granada → Valencia (~£22-28, book in advance at alsa.es)
🛏Hostel in Valencia El Carmen or Ruzafa (e.g. Purple Nest Hostel or Home Youth Hostel) — dorm ~£17/night, private ~£42/night
- →Scenic coach journey through inland Andalusia (Guadix, Baza, Puerto Lumbreras)
- →Mercado Central food exploration on arrival (free to browse, ~£8 for tapas/snacks)
- →Evening walk in Turia Riverbed Gardens (free)
Valencia → Barcelona
Barcelona, Spain
Take the Renfe Euromed or Alvia train from Valencia Joaquín Sorolla station to Barcelona Sants (~3.5 hrs, from ~£15 booked early via renfe.com) — a fast, scenic coastal ride. Arrive in Barcelona with time to explore before departure. Drop bags at a luggage locker at Sants station (~£5) and take the metro to Las Ramblas, the Gothic Quarter, or Barceloneta beach. If you have time, visit the exterior of La Sagrada Família (stunning even from outside, entry ~£20 if pre-booked). Enjoy a final cerveza and pintxos to celebrate 11 days of independent adventure across two countries!
🚌Renfe Euromed/Alvia: Valencia → Barcelona (~£15-25, book early at renfe.com)
🛏N/A — end point (or book Barcelona hostel if departing next day)
- →Scenic Renfe train journey along the Mediterranean coast
- →Gothic Quarter wander in Barcelona (free)
- →La Sagrada Família exterior (free) or interior (~£20, pre-book at sagradafamilia.org)
- →Barceloneta beach walk (free)
- →Farewell tapas and cerveza on Las Ramblas
Self-launched vs. Click Tours
| This itinerary (self-launched) | Click Tours | |
|---|---|---|
| Price per person | ~£770 | £1,715 |
| Duration | 11 days | 11 days |
| Who books it | You and your group, direct | Tour operator, guided group |
| Savings | £945 per person (55%) | |
Estimate only, not a guaranteed price. Always verify costs independently before booking.
Want to see more Click Tours-style trips? Check them out here.~£770
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 Charming Spain & Portugal: Madrid to Barcelona in 11 Days cost?+
Doing it yourself with this self-launched itinerary costs an estimated £770 per person for 11 days in Spain & Portugal. 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 Click Tours?+
Yes — Click Tours charges around £1,715 per person for a similar tour. Doing the same route independently, using the same standard of accommodation and activities, costs an estimated £770 — a saving of roughly £945 (55%) per person.
How long is the Spain & Portugal trip?+
This itinerary runs 11 days, covering 11 day-by-day stops through Spain & Portugal.
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, city-breaks, backpacker trip through Spain & Portugal, 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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