4 Advantages of Small Group Tours of Spain and Portugal

From the Atlantic coastal city of San Sebastian and Lisbon’s charming streets to the terraced Douro Valley and Spanish Mediterranean coast, the Iberian Peninsula is teeming with unforgettable travel opportunities. And while it may be one geographic region, the peninsula, home to both Spain and Portugal, is anything but monotonous.

Spain and Portugal share a border, but their unique identities offer travellers a rich tapestry of experiences. Admire verdant valleys and charming villages, be dazzled by flamenco and fado performances, visit UNESCO sites and enchanting cities—the list goes on. If you’re looking to explore these countries, choosing a guided small group tour of Spain or Portugal could be the easiest and most enjoyable way to do it.

At Collette, our definition of “small group tour” means only 14 to 24 people…but it also means a fully-planned itinerary (with a bit of free time), a knowledgeable Tour Manager who’s there through it all, the support of our experienced team, and other benefits.

1. Travel Around and Between Spain and Portugal with Ease

Our guided tours make travelling through Spain and Portugal a breeze, with transportation logistics handled for you. When that guided tour is with a smaller group, there’s an additional advantage: small groups aren’t limited to large coach buses, which enables greater flexibility in terms of transportation.

As opposed to larger options, smaller vehicles can access more off-the-beaten-path destinations and, in some cases, take more direct routes. With fewer people, it’s also easier to book unique transportation options, such as Lisbon’s historic trams, river cruises, and even horse and carriage rides (which is an actual choice on tour with Exploring Iberia: Southern Spain to Coastal Portugal).

Plus, small groups might enjoy shorter transfer times, as boarding and disembarking tend to be more efficient.

2. Meet Fellow Travellers and Make Connections

When you travel to Spain and Portugal with a group, you’re travelling with individuals who share a common interest: your Iberian destination. And oftentimes, where there’s one common interest, there are more to be discovered. Enter new friendships!

Small group travel is the perfect opportunity to meet others, who you might just find to be your “people.” Savour delicious meals, wonder at historical marvels, and navigate new cultural landscapes together, forging connections with travellers you may have never met otherwise.

3. Explore History with Knowledgeable Tour Guides

You could walk around Braga’s downtown on your own, taking in the sights. Or you could peel back the layers of the historical area, uncovering the stories that live in landmarks and the atmosphere itself. Personally, I’m choosing option two.

That’s the difference between a DIY trip and a guided group tour with Collette. Our Tour Managers wear many hats, one of which is being your go-to destination expert. And when you’re on a smaller tour, you have more of a chance to pick your Tour Manager’s or local guide’s brain, diving even deeper into the local history and culture.

4. Follow a Set Itinerary - No Planning Required!

Some of us like a vacation to be just that: a vacation. And figuring out transportation, tickets, reservations, attractions, and accommodations can sometimes make “going on vacation” feel like a part-time job.

With our guided tours, the itinerary is done for you, and it’s designed by experts. This means you not only get to see some of the must-do highlights but also get treated to special experiences you might not have found on your own. Think of opportunities like home-hosted meals, river cruises, a bullfighter’s home experience, lunch at a family-owned olive oil producer, and more.

Explore Collette’s Best Small Group Tours of Spain and Portugal

Explore our collection of small group tours to Spain and Portugal, each carefully designed to deliver memorable travel experiences.

Exploring Iberia: Southern Spain to Coastal Portugal

Exploring Iberia: Southern Spain to Coastal Portugal brings you to Spain’s Mediterranean coast, the Portuguese Riviera, and a few enchanting stops in between. Sample tapas in Málaga and take in the postcard-perfect white villages of Andalusia. In Cordoba, tour the magnificent La Mezquita, seeing the red and white striped arches of the UNESCO site and former mosque. Enjoy a home-hosted meal, get to know Seville, and so much more.

Flavours of Portugal & Spain: featuring the Douro Valley and Rioja Wine Regions

The Douro Valley is the only area in the world that can legally produce true Port wine, and the Rioja region is a premier producer of various wines. With this tour, travellers can sample the grapes of both regions as part of a broader adventure. Visit a bullfighter’s family home, cruise down the Tagus and Douro Rivers, visit the world-renowned Guggenheim Museum, and enjoy a petiscos cooking class, among other highlights.

The Azores Jewels of Portugal

Embark on an adventure to the Azores, an archipelago of Portuguese gems in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. With black sand beaches, lush mountains and valleys, volcanic pools, and stunning scenery, it’s an island paradise—not to mention the food (there’s nothing quite like a meal cooked in hot volcanic soil). Explore it with The Azores Jewels of Portugal.

Portugal’s Old-World Charms featuring Douro Valley, Alentejo, & Lisbon

Portugal is filled with old-world charms, from the Douro region’s terraced vineyards and Alentejo’s equestrian culture to Lisbon’s Alfama neighbourhood and fado performances. With this small group tour of Portugal, step into history and tradition as you experience the local flavours and unique culture. A Douro River cruise, market visit and home-hosted lunch, and fado experience are just a few extra special highlights of this tour.

Mediterranean Coastal Journey

Mediterranean Coastal Journey brings you a taste of Spain as part of a three-country journey along the dreamy Mediterranean. Start with a three-night stay in Barcelona, where you’ll wander labyrinthine streets, savour traditional paella and Catalan cuisine, and behold iconic sites. Then enjoy two nights soaking in the alluring coastal region of Costa Brava before heading on to France and Italy, with stops like Monaco, Nice, and Florence.

Book Your Spain and Portugal Small Group Tour With Collette

With two countries, various regions, and an abundance of activities, attractions, and experiences, the Iberian Peninsula might be calling your name. And if you’re ready to answer in the form of small group travel, Collette has you covered.

Explore our small group Explorations tours to Spain and Portugal, and contact us to reserve your adventure.