Spain and Portugal Delights

Spend 16 days discovering the best Spain and Portugal have to offer. Begin in Barcelona by delving into galleries and architecture, with flamenco and tapas thrown in. Cross into Portugal’s chic Algarve coast, then on to the historic town of Lisbon.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Barcelona

Be met on arrival and transfer to your hotel. Get to know everyone at a welcome reception.

Day 2: Barcelona

See the towering Sagrada Familia on a city tour. This evening, come together to share a welcome dinner.

Day 3: Barcelona, Madrid

Farewell Barcelona as you board your train to Madrid. Upon arrival, art lovers will rejoice with a visit to the Prado Museum. Here, wander among fine works that are based on the former Royal Spanish Collection and feature pieces by Velazquez.

Day 4: Madrid

The icons of Madrid are on show today, with a guided discovery taking you to the Royal Palace, Buen Retiro Park and the Plaza Mayor. The evening is free for you to explore.

Day 5: Madrid, Toledo, Cordoba

This morning, head to the narrow streets of Toledo as you take a guided stroll through the city’s rich history. Afterwards, continue the journey south to Cordoba.

Day 6: Cordoba

Visit the Great Mosque of Cordoba and the historic Jewish Quarter on a guided tour this morning. Later, enjoy some free time.

Day 7: Cordoba, Granada

At an olive estate, sample some of Spain’s finest produce, before arriving in Granada.

Day 8: Granada

Explore the World Heritage-listed Alhambra on a guided tour. Part fortress, part palace, the Alhambra is a pinnacle of Moorish art that encapsulates Andalusian history. See the restored Lion Fountain and roam the Nasrid Palace complex.

Day 9: Granada, Ronda, Seville

Travel to Ronda and embark on a guided exploration of this mountaintop village set above a deep gorge. Have your camera ready as you capture its vistas. Later, arrive in Seville, the Andalusian capital, for dinner.

Day 10: Seville

On a Seville exploration, see the royal palace of Alcazar, then admire the Cathedral de Sevilla and Giralda Tower.

Day 11: Seville, Algarve

Enter Portugal and head to the chic Algarve coast, a region renowned for its dramatic coastline and striking rock formations.

Day 12: Algarve

This morning, discover Ria Formosa National Park on a local boat trip. You'll then have the remainder of the afternoon to enjoy the facilities at your resort. Relax by the pool or perhaps indulge in a spa treatment.

Day 13: Algarve, Lisbon

Journey to Lisbon today and enjoy free time on arrival.

Day 14: Lisbon

Set off to see the sights of Lisbon by riding the city’s tramcars and visiting the Old Town. Pay a visit to the World Heritage-listed Jeronimos Monastery, a symbol of Portugal’s power and wealth during the Age of Discovery. Built in 1502 by King Manuel I, the monastery commemorates Vasco da Gama’s voyage to India. Tonight, join your fellow travellers to share a farewell dinner.

Day 15: Lisbon, Sintra

As soon as you get your first glimpse of Serra de Sintra, prepare to gasp. Mountains roll from every direction, and every peak is as memorable as the last. Visit King Ferdinand II’s ingenious Park and Palace of Pena, before having free time to explore Sintra. Take the chance to have lunch at your leisure, then be guided by the sea breeze as you return to Lisbon via the coastal route. Since it’s your final night here, you might like to try one of the local restaurants for dinner.

Day 16: Depart Lisbon

Be transferred to the airport.