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Day 1 Arrive Porto

Tour begins: 6:00 PM, InterContinental Porto. A transfer is included from Porto Airport to your hotel, InterContinental Porto – Palacio das Cardosas, set within a recently renovated 18th-century palace in the heart of the city. Meet your traveling companions this evening at a welcome reception and dinner at your hotel.

MEALS : D

LODGING : InterContinental Porto

PORTOFCALL : Porto, Portugal

Day 2 A Rabelo Ride & a Taste of Port

Begin the day with a panoramic guided tour of Porto and its historic district – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – with its beguiling architecture, from medieval to baroque to Beaux-Arts, winding alleyways, miradouros (lookout points), opulent palaces and churches. Following your city tour, go for a ride along the Douro River aboard a traditional, flat-bottomed rabelo boat like those used for centuries to transport port wine from vineyards along the river to Porto on the Atlantic. Visit a port wine cellar for a tour, tasting and lunch; then spend the rest of the day and evening exploring as you wish.

MEALS : B, L

LODGING : InterContinental Porto

PORTOFCALL : Porto, Portugal

Day 3 Maritime Monuments in Lisbon

Enjoy the stunning coastal scenery and lunch by the sea as you travel from Porto to Lisbon today, arriving in Portugal's capital city mid-afternoon. A guided sightseeing tour provides an introduction to this intriguing city and its most famous landmarks; view the famous monastery Mosteiro dos Jerónimos and the nearby Tower of Belém – both UNESCO World Heritage Sites from the mid-16th century – and see the Discoveries Monument commemorating Portugal's "Age of Exploration" of the 15th and 16th centuries. Check into your Four Seasons hotel for a two-night stay; dine at the hotel this evening.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon

PORTOFCALL : Lisbon, Portugal

Day 4 A Palace in Sintra & Seaside Cascais

An excursion from Lisbon today takes you to Sintra – once a favored summer retreat for Portugal's monarchs and a UNESCO World Heritage Site – for a visit to the National Palace of Sintra, and time to explore on your own before returning to Lisbon for a visit to the National Coach Museum. Enjoy the rest of the day and evening as you please.

MEALS : B

LODGING : Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon

PORTOFCALL : Lisbon, Portugal

Day 5 Fly to Romantic Seville

A brief flight takes you from Portugal's capital to the historic Spanish city of Seville; Andalucia's provincial capital blends the vibrant Spain of today with centuries of culture and old-world charm. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch and an equestrian show. Spend the next two nights in the heart of the city at one of Europe's most luxurious hotels, commissioned by the king of Spain for the famous Exposition of 1929. You may have dinner at your hotel this evening, or choose to enjoy an included lunch or dinner at the hotel tomorrow.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Hotel Alfonso XIII

PORTOFCALL : Seville, Spain

Day 6 A Carriage Ride and the Royal Alcázar

After getting your bearings (and an introduction to many of Seville's historic and cultural attractions) on a sightseeing tour with your local guide, ride a horse-drawn carriage through the city's historic heart. Enjoy a walking tour through the fascinating Barrio de Santa Cruz and the maze of old streets in the city's former Jewish Quarter, and a guided visit inside Seville Cathedral, one of the largest Roman Catholic churches in the world, and the final resting place of Christopher Columbus. The evening is free to spend as you wish; enjoy lunch and dinner as you please today.

MEALS : B

LODGING : Hotel Alfonso XIII

PORTOFCALL : Seville, Spain

Day 7 The Rock of Gibraltar & Marbella

Depart Seville for famous Gibraltar, where you'll tour the fabled "Rock" by mini-coach (weather permitting), and spend some time exploring on your own with lunch as you please. Your final destination today is the glamorous coastal resort town of Marbella on the Costa del Sol, for a two-night stay.

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : Gran Meliá Don Pepe

PORTOFCALL : Marbella, Spain

Day 8 A Day at Leisure in Seaside Marbella

The entire day is yours to enjoy the pleasures of your elegant resort hotel, Grand Meliá Don Pepe, a paradise for the senses in the heart of the Costa del Sol. On one side is the famous Port of Marbella; on the other, gleaming white boats anchored at the exclusive Puerto Banús. And on the horizon, you can see Gibraltar and the North African coast, majestic in the distance, against the magnificent backdrop of the mountain peak La Concha de Marbella. Long a favorite of celebrities in Marbella's privileged enclave of Sierra Blanca, the resort's guest list has included Sean Connery, Julio Iglesias, Prince, Maximillian Schell, Arthur Rubinstein, Bob Hope and many more... and you, spending a perfect day as you please.

MEALS : B

LODGING : Gran Meliá Don Pepe

PORTOFCALL : Marbella, Spain

Day 9 The Mountains of Ronda to Granada

As your tour continues, journey from the Spanish coast into the mountains to visit scenic Ronda, perched on a cliff overlooking the spectacular El Tajo gorge. Ronda is synonymous with the evolution of the art of bullfighting; along with revealing the town's Moorish heritage and remains, a guided walking tour includes a visit to one of Spain's oldest bullrings, the Plaza de Toros. Continue on to Granada, situated in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada range. The city boasts extraordinary architecture from over 250 years as the capital of a Moorish kingdom; your hotel is steps away from Granada's celebrated Moorish palace, the Alhambra. Enjoy a private flamenco show tonight, followed by dinner at your hotel.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Hotel Alhambra Palace

PORTOFCALL : Granada, Spain

Day 10 A day in Granada

Your morning begins with a guided tour of Granada. The rest of the day is at your leisure, dinner tonight is at a local restaurant. 

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : Hotel Alhambra Palace

PORTOFCALL : Granada, Spain

Day 11 Córdoba and on to Madrid

Continue from Granada to Córdoba today for a visit that begins with a guided walking tour through the cobblestone streets of the Judería, Córdoba's former Jewish Quarter; from its alleyways, you can see the walls and decorative details of the candy-striped La Mezquita (Spanish for "mosque.") Your visit to this masterpiece of architecture and art reveals its nearly 1,200-year history as an early Christian church, a Moorish mosque, and, since the 16th century, a Roman Catholic cathedral. Late this afternoon, board the AVE train in Preferente class for a rail journey to Spain's amazing capital city. Arrive in Madrid for three nights at The Westin Palace, Madrid – a Belle Époque landmark in the heart of the city, a short walk from the tapas bars that American novelist Ernest Hemingway made famous. A light dinner will be served at your hotel this evening.

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : The Westin Palace, Madrid

PORTOFCALL : Córdoba, Spain

Day 12 Art Treasures in the Prado

Join a local guide for a morning orientation tour of Madrid's landmark sights that includes a walking tour of the vast Plaza Mayor and the Mercado San Miguel. Then view the art treasures of Madrid's celebrated Museo del Prado – one of the most famous art museums on Earth, just a block away from your hotel – on a guided visit with a local expert. The remainder of the afternoon and evening are yours to spend as you wish in Spain's storied capital city.

MEALS : B

LODGING : The Westin Palace, Madrid

PORTOFCALL : Madrid, Spain

Day 13 Toledo, City of Three Cultures

Today, set off on a morning excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Toledo that features some guided sightseeing in this monument-filled city; a walking tour includes the 12th-century Synagogue Santa María La Blanca, and the Church of Santo Tomé. Return to your hotel in Madrid, where the rest of the afternoon is free. Please join us this evening for a farewell reception followed by dinner with Castilian entertainment at your hotel.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : The Westin Palace, Madrid

PORTOFCALL : Madrid, Spain

Day 14 Journey home

Tour ends: Madrid. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from The Westin Palace, Madrid to Madrid Barajas Airport or Madrid Atocha train station. Allow a minimum of 3 hours for flight check-in at the airport.

MEALS : B

PORTOFCALL : Madrid, Spain

Day 1 Madrid

Beinvenido – welcome to Spain! Your adventure begins in Madrid, a city filled with elegant boulevards, manicured parks and superb cuisine. You will be collected from the airport on arrival and transferred to your hotel, where you will meet your leader and small group for a welcome meeting this evening. If you arrive early, you may like to visit the Museo del Prado, then discover modern Spanish masters, including Picasso and Dali, in the Museo Reina Sofia. Finish at the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, which displays eight centuries of European painting. Your Spanish adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6:30pm. Once the formalities are out of the way get to know your leader and group over dinner at a wonderful restaurant that showcases Madrid’s famous tapas.

Day 2 Madrid

Travel to the city of Toledo this morning. The unique old town of this city sits on a high craggy rock and is encircled by the Tagus River. As a former capital of Spain, Toledo has immense historic significance and holds many architectural treasures. Examples of buildings from most architectural periods in Spain’s history can be seen here, from the Gothic to the Baroque. Today you’ll experience Toledo’s culture in the form of a marzipan tasting. While a few countries compete for the rights, the Spanish argue that marzipan was invented in Toledo. Either way, the sweet treat made from almond meal, honey and sugar has been produced in this city for generations, and is some of the world’s best. Find out how it’s made, its significance to Toledo, and taste some yourself. Return to Madrid for a free afternoon – you may like to check out the Royal Palace, or stroll around the Parque del Retiro.

Day 3 Seville

Travel from Madrid to Seville by train.The largest city in southern Spain,Seville is famous for its cultural vitality and dazzling architecture.On arrival, check in to your Feature Stay accommodation, a gorgeous family-run boutique hotel.Housed in 27 typical Sevillian cottages with patios and corridors connecting them,the hotel  celebrates its roots with its elegant décor and antique furnishings.Walking about the hotel's interior is like taking a stroll through centuries-old parts of the city: statues, floors, columns, amphorae, jugs, all create the impression that you are in a living museum.Personal touches are everywhere, from incredibly friendly service to hand painted details in the rooms and the owner’s great-grandmother’s shawl hanging in reception. Not to mention, the hotel boasts an unbeatable location on the Alameda de Hercules, lined with cafes, restaurants and music venues. This evening, join your group for a live flamenco show – a traditional Spanish style of dance with roots in Seville. This colourful, lively and rousing performance will certainly be one to remember.

Day 4 Seville

This morning, meet with a local guide who’s an expert on all things Seville and get to know the city during a walking tour. Explore narrow streets, hidden squares filled with orange trees and flower-adorned patios as your guide provides local insight into the history of the city and how it’s enjoyed today. Visit the Alcazar of Seville, a grand royal palace, and uncover its secrets with your guide. Known as one of the most beautiful in Europe, the Spanish royal family still to this day use the Alcazar as their residence in Seville. The rest of the afternoon is yours for further discoveries - you may wish to take an optional visit to the Giralda Tower and the famous Seville Cathedral, one of Europe’s largest cathedrals and home to Christopher Columbus’ elevated tomb.

Day 5 Cordoba

Today you will journey to the city of Cordoba, where Muslim, Jewish and Christian influences are present in the architecture, culture and cuisine, via a private transfer. Cordoba is also home to the Mezquita – a rare site which has served as both a mosque and a cathedral throughout the centuries. Today a cathedral stands within the centre of this amazing mosque – an interesting example of the interplay of Christian and Muslim cultures in Spain. Discover this supreme example of Islamic architecture on a comprehensive guided tour with your leader which continues outside of the Mezquita and explores the charming quarters and hidden corners of Cordoba.

Day 6 Granada

Depart Cordoba and travel to Granada. Along the way, you will learn more about the importance of olive oil production in the Andalucia region by visiting an oil mill. Let the passionate owner of the family-run business walk you through the process of olive oil production, and taste some different variations of the final result yourself, along with olives, olive marmalade, olive pate and wine. On arrival, check in to your hotel. This evening, perhaps head out to explore Granada’s drinking and dining scene with your group.

Day 7 Granada

This morning you will get acquainted with Granada during an orientation walk with your leader. Learn the fascinating history of the city and discover Islamic architecture and Arab influences at every turn. Enjoy some time for your own explorations of the city – perhaps head to a local teahouse to sample some Moorish pastries. In the afternoon, join an expert local guide for a tour of Alhambra and its perfectly manicured gardens. Dating back to the 11th century, Alhambra represents Muslim art in its final European stages. With ancient defensive walls, turrets and fountains set against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains, touring this magnificent site is an experience that will stick with you. After seeing the monumental Alhambra during the day, join your group for an included dinner at a nearby restaurant. After this break you’ll return to the Alhambra after dark and explore the famed Nasrid Palaces with your local guide. By now the crowds have dispersed and you are free to explore the site in all its glory. Your guide will bring history to life and provide expert insight as you explore the dominating red fortress towers, opulent palace decor and a multitude of architectural styles through the intricate Nasrid Palaces.

Day 8 Valencia

Depart Granada and travel to Valencia. Along the way you will travel through the distinctive countryside of the region and pass through Elche, capital of the region of Bajo Vinalopó. The historic quarter of Elche preserves part of its Muslim past and Baroque splendour. Walk around palm tree grove, one of the largest and the only one in Europe. Your leader will explain how the grove was established by the Phoenicians and expanded by the Arabs in the 8th and 9th centuries. The palmeral consists of several parts spreading across downtown. Then it's on to Valencia, Spain’s third largest city, to soak up its unique cultural identity and explore the old town centre that dates back 2000 years. On arrival, you’re free to explore the city and discover the harmonious mix of Roman, Muslim and Christian influences in its buildings, monuments and magnificent gardens.

Day 9 Valencia

Start the day with a short drive south of Valencia to discover Albufera Lake, an important ecological site of the region. The lake is surrounded by beach, dunes, lagoons, wetlands and Mediterranean forest, and is home to six small islands. You will visit the island of El Palmar and discover its typical ‘barraca’ houses. Travel by boat to the middle of the lake and learn about the important agricultural crop of the area, namely the local rice. Finish off with an included lunch of the most famous Valencian dish – paella. The rest of the day is yours to explore Valencia. You may like to visit the city's major landmark – the City of Arts and Science, a large and futuristic museum complex designed by Calatrava. Or perhaps head out to a local cafe to enjoy the treats that Valencia has to offer – from horchata to artisan chocolates, the city is a gastronomical heaven.

Day 10 Barcelona

After a leisurely breakfast, bid farewell to Valencia and travel to Barcelona. We arrive into Barcelona early afternoon. Barcelona's quirky character and fabulous Catalan cuisine mixes seamlessly with a ground-breaking art scene, Gothic architecture, superb dining and a non-stop nightlife, making it a city you won't soon forget.  After a walking tour with your leader,  you’ll get to enjoy an included dinner at a local restaurant with your group. Celebrate the final night of your trip as you dine on some of the region’s most delicious foods like olives, pickled garlic, lomo Iberico de Belotta, Catalan cheeses, olive oil, and sweet desserts.

Day 11 Barcelona

Your trip comes to an end after breakfast. If you would like to extend your stay in Barcelona and delve deeper into this exciting city, please speak to your booking agent about arranging additional accommodation in advance (subject to availability).