9 daysPortugal, Spain
From walking the cobblestone streets of a former Roman colony to tasting a decadent 'Pastel de Nata' tart made from a 200-year-old secret recipe, this 9-day guided tour allows you to embrace the best of old-world Spain and Portugal. Listen as metal sizzles in a master artisan’s hands as he teaches you the craft of Damascene. In Granada, wander the fragrant and arabesque gardens of the Alhambra Palace. Learn the art of flamenco dancing, stomping your feet to the sounds of an acoustic guitar, in a private lesson with professionals in Seville. Then, cross the Portuguese border to scale a 16th-century fortress in Lisbon and visit Fátima, Portugal's most holy site. Finally, raise a glass and say ¡salud! to these ancient wonders during a celebration feast in Madrid.
While in Madrid, explore the elegant boulevards, expansive parks and varied architectural styles. Join your Travel Director for dinner at a local restaurant and enjoy the opportunity to get to know your fellow travelers over a delightful evening of good food and wine.
Visit the fascinating city of Toledo, situated high above the River Tagus. This was Spain's capital during the Golden Era, where Arab, Jewish and Christian cultures flourished side-by-side through the Middle Ages. As Toledo is widely recognized as the European capital of Damascene Steel Art, here you will meet a local artisan in a Damascene workshop for a personal insight into this ancient craft, handed down by the Moors centuries ago. Then enjoy a walk within the city walls of Toledo, through the narrow cobbled streets, led by your Local Expert. Visit the Church of Santo Tomé, housing El Greco's famous painting, ‘The Burial of the Count of Orgaz'. Your journey continues to Granada.'
"Give him alms, woman, because there is nothing sadder in life than being blind in Granada,” proclaims the inscription on the walls of the Alhambra. Bathed in the morning light, the Alhambra Palace awaits — a fantasy of arabesque gardens, fountains and stone cut like lace. Explore this architectural masterpiece in the company of your Local Expert before visiting the exotic water gardens of the Generalife, the serene summer retreat of the Nasrid rulers. Take a moment to unwind in the sunshine and admire the views over the town and its three verdant hills. Later, journey on to Seville, Andalucía’s spirited capital, where orange-scented courtyards and sun-dappled plazas set the scene for the days ahead.
Enjoy a Relaxed Start or choose to join one of two Optional Experiences: admire the architectural elegance of Pilatos Palace, or explore the Alcázar of Seville and nearby Plaza América, home to graceful pavilions from the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition. Continue exploring with Insight Choice. Choose to stroll through the atmospheric Santa Cruz Quarter with a Local Expert, or sit back and enjoy a scenic drive taking in the city's iconic landmarks. Later, visit the Seville Cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and the final resting place of Christopher Columbus. In the evening, take part in a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the Cristina Heeren Foundation. Try your hand at flamenco during a lively dance lesson, then witness this expressive art form brought vividly to life in a passionate performance.
Continue to the lively university town of Évora, one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Portugal, with architectural styles dating back to Roman times. Visit the fascinating Capela dos Ossos, a chapel decorated with 5,000 bones, before making your way to Lisbon, where an Optional Experience offers dinner in a family-run restaurant serving seasonal Portuguese seafood.
During your stay, a guided sightseeing tour of the city with your Local Expert takes you to visit the Belém Quarter and enjoy a taste of Pastéis de Belém from the patisserie that has been using the same secret recipe for almost 200 years. View the Monument to the Discoveries and the historic Belém Tower. This fortress was originally set in the middle of the river, but is now left high and dry on the riverbank. Visit the National Coach Museum. With the afternoon at your leisure, consider joining an Optional Experience to the beautiful Portuguese Riviera.
Travel into the green hills north of Lisbon to visit Fátima, the most celebrated place of pilgrimage in Portugal. Visit the chapel commemorating the appearance of the Virgin Mary to three children in 1917. Cross the border, returning to Spain and continue to Salamanca, famous for its golden stone buildings and the handsome arcades of the Plaza Mayor. Across the River Tormes, see the Puente Romano with 15 of its 26 arches dating from the time of the ancient Romans.
Cross the rock-strewn hills of the Castile, to arrive at Ávila. Admire the impressive city still entirely enclosed within its 11th-century walls, a unique occurrence in Europe. Return to Madrid to explore more of the capital with your Local Expert. At a local restaurant, join your Travel Director and newfound friends for a lively dinner.
Today, your remarkable journey comes to an end as you transfer to the Madrid-Barajas Airport. Take a moment to reflect on the unforgettable experiences, meaningful connections and enriching encounters that have shaped your travels.
Madrid, Spain
1 night
The AC Hotel Cuzco by Marriott is located in the prestigious Paseo de la Castellana in Madrid and next to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
Hotel Restaurant, Bar, 24-hour Front Desk, Concierge, Safe deposit box, Room Service, Laundry, Gym
Room Air Conditioning, Tea & coffee facilities, Hairdryer, TV, Telephone, Safe, Wi-Fi
Granada, Spain
1 night
The 4-star Vincci Albayzín is located in the centre of Granada and is typically Andalusian in style. It boasts a magnificent enclosed patio that bathes its rooms in natural light.
Hotel Restaurant, Bar, Room Service, Laundry, Gym, 24-hour Front Desk
Room Air Conditioning, Safe, TV, Wi-Fi
Seville, Spain
2 nights
Perfectly positioned beside the city's historic entre, the Meliá Sevilla is just a few minutes walk from the beautiful Parque de Maria L'uisa and Plaza España. Spacious rooms with modern décor and furnishings will ensure your two night stay is very comfortable.
Hotel Restaurant, Bar, Business Centre, Laundry, Room Service, Pool, Spa, Gym, Foreign Currency Exchange, 24-hour Front Desk
Room Air Conditioning, Safe, TV, Wi-Fi
Lisbon, Portugal
2 nights
This four-star Lisbon hotel has a relaxed, lifestyle-led feel, with light-filled rooms, a 24-hour gym and inviting communal spaces. The rooftop Upper Deck adds a pleasant place to pause over a drink while taking in views across the city.
Hotel Restaurant, Pool
Room Air Conditioning, Non smoking, TV, Mini Bar, Hairdryer, Telephone, Wi-Fi
Salamanca, Spain
1 night
The centrally located Hotel Alameda Palace is close to a range of restaurants and shops and only a short walk to the Plaza Mayor. The spacious rooms all have marble bathrooms and antique-style furniture.
Hotel Restaurant, Bar, Concierge, Laundry, Room Service, Pool, Gym, 24-hour Front Desk
Room Air Conditioning, Safe, TV, Wi-Fi
Madrid, Spain
1 night
The Meliá Madrid Princesa is a luxury hotel, located in the heart of the city, showcasing elegant interior design with a contemporary and cutting edge flair.
Hotel Restaurant, Bar, Concierge, Room Service, Laundry, Gym, Pool, Spa, Foreign Currency Exchange, 24-hour Front Desk
Room Air Conditioning, Safe, TV, Wi-Fi
Andalusian Evening & The Atmosphere Of Old Seville
Paid on tour
Pilatos Palace and Plaza América Visit
Paid on tour
Seville Alcázar and Plaza América
Paid on tour
An Evening in the Heart of Lisbon
Paid on tour
Seafood Dinner By The Tagus River
Paid on tour
Excursion to the Royal Portuguese Riviera
Paid on tour
Fado Evening
Paid on tour
Per person, twin share
