Compare Treasures of Spain and Portugal - Eastbound 2023 by Tauck vs Real Discovery & Historic Journey in Seville and Granada by Iberian Escapes

Day 1 Arrive Lisbon

Tour begins: 6:00 PM, InterContinental Lisbon. A transfer is included from Lisbon Airport or Santa Apolonia Train Station to the InterContinental Lisbon, located in the heart of the city overlooking the Tagus River. Join us for a welcome reception and dinner tonight at the hotel.

MEALS : D

LODGING : InterContinental Lisbon

PORTOFCALL : Lisbon, Portugal

Day 2 Lisbon landmarks

A vision of carefully planned, elegant streets steeped in history, Lisbon's city center welcomes with an 18th-century ambiance that bears witness to its days of glory during the Discovery Age. A guided tour this morning showcases the downtown Baixa area, Trade Square and Edward VII Park, named in honor of the king of England who visited here in 1902, and includes visits to the Maritime Navy Museum; the Discoveries Monument; and Mosteiro dos Jeronimos. The monastery, commissioned in 1501 soon after Vasco da Gama's return from his historic voyage around the Cape of Good Hope, was built with "pepper money," profits made from the spice trade. Return to your hotel and spend the remainder of the day at your leisure.

MEALS : B

LODGING : InterContinental Lisbon

PORTOFCALL : Lisbon, Portugal

Day 3 Sintra, Cascais & embark ship

You'll drive to Sintra early this morning for a tour of the eclectic Sintra National Palace. Considered Portugal's best preserved medieval Royal Palace, it was continuously inhabited by Portuguese royalty from roughly the early 15th to late 19th centuries, and is part of the Cultural Landscape of Sintra UNESCO World Heritage Site. Drive to seaside Cascais, where you'll enjoy lunch before heading back to Lisbon to board your Windstar yacht for the start of your cruise; Dinner will be served aboard the ship tonight.

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : Wind Surf

Day 4 Pleasures of a day at sea

Today, you're free to enjoy all the amenities of Windstar's 5-masted flagship Wind Surf – the world's largest sailing yacht, and a sight to see with her tall sails billowing – fresh from a recent renovation, as you spend an entire day at sea, bound for Cádiz, Spain.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Wind Surf

Day 5 Sights of Seville

After your ship's morning arrival in Cádiz, Spain, drive to historic Seville, standing on the banks of the Rio Guadalquivir. Guided exploration includes visits to the Plaza de España and the pavilions of the 1929 World's Fair on the grounds of Maria Luisa Park; the Palacio de San Telmo, built as a university in 1682 to train ships' pilots, navigators and high ranking officers; the 13th-century Moorish Torre del Oro, towering over the port; the bullring; and the tobacco factory of Carmen fame. After an early tapas lunch, walk through Barrio Santa Cruz, Seville's old Jewish Quarter, followed by a special dance performance at the Museo del Baile Flamenco, where the passion of the dancers resonates with the soul of Andalusia. This afternoon, you'll have a choice of excursions in Seville; one option is a visit to the 15th-century Seville Cathedral – the largest Gothic church in the world – where you'll see Christopher Columbus' tomb. Or visit the royal palace complex, Real Alcázar. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure. Dine aboard ship tonight as we chart a course toward Gibraltar.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Wind Surf

PORTOFCALL : Seville, Spain

Day 6 A day in Gibraltar

Just 2¼ square miles, Gibraltar is a town that is also a British ruled country and has a recorded history that dates from A.D. 711. The massive limestone Rock of Gibraltar rises out of the sea to a height of 1,396 feet and is often referred to as the gateway to the Mediterranean. In Greek mythology Gibraltar was the northern bastion of the two Pillars of Hercules. Hercules is said to have stood with a foot on each "pillar," pushed them apart, and formed a bridge across the straits. When the Phoenicians ruled here, the town that was called Calpe then, marked the end of the world, the point beyond which no trader should venture. Stay on "the Rock" today as you visit the storied sites of this legendary place, including streets steeped in British traditions. Dine onboard tonight and set sail for Málaga.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Wind Surf

Day 7 Horses & Picasso in coastal Málaga

The land of dancing Andalucían horses and sherry welcomes you ashore in Málaga and invites you inside a typical manor for a tapas tasting and a private horse show at an Andalucían manor. This afternoon, enjoy a panoramic tour of coastal Málaga highlighted by visions of 14th century Gibralfaro Castle; Plaza Merced; the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, where the painter spent his early years, today the headquarters of the Picasso Foundation, and the ruins of the vast 8th century Alcazaba (Moorish castle) followed by a visit to the famed Picasso Museum. You'll have a few hours to explore Málaga as you wish before returning to your ship.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Wind Surf

PORTOFCALL : Malaga, Spain

Day 8 Granada

Your ship arrives in Almeria this morning for a scenic drive to Granada, created to reflect the Moors' vision of paradise on Earth. Explore this wondrous city during a walking tour followed by lunch at the Alhambra Palace Hotel. Guitarist Andres Segovia described Granada, nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, as a "place of dreams." Return to your ship late afternoon and enjoy dinner at leisure onboard.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Wind Surf

PORTOFCALL : Granada, Spain

Day 9 Day at Sea & Cartagena

After Wind Surf arrives in Cartagena early this morning, walk to the city's Roman Forum for a private visit of the 1st-century thermal baths, atrium and a temple dedicated to Isis and Serapys; then enjoy a wine tasting inside the Forum and a demonstration of the art of ham slicing. Set off again aboard Wind Surf around midday, and have more time to experience the onboard pleasures of your Windstar yacht on another full day at sea, bound for Palma de Mallorca.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Wind Surf

Day 10 Palma de Mallorca

Disembark this morning in Palma de Mallorca, for a guided walking tour of the beautiful city of Palma, located on an island exceedingly rich in cultural treasures. Visit Gothic-style Bellver Castle as well as the Gothic Cathedral, La Seu, built of golden limestone and standing in a dramatic location near the waterfront; its interior was remodeled by Antoni Gaudí and it's considered to be one of the most breathtaking buildings in all of Spain. This afternoon you have an opportunity to explore more of Palma as you please. Dine at leisure tonight aboard your Windstar ship as you sail to Barcelona.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Wind Surf

PORTOFCALL : Palma de Mallorca, Spain

Day 11 Explore Barcelona

Disembark ship in Barcelona where you'll spend the next two nights in the capital of Catalonia. In Barcelona, you will find a parade of historical monuments along with outstanding examples of the Modernisme period of art and architecture. Drive to the site of the 1992 Olympic Games on Montjuic, today towering over the harbor with art galleries and museums, an amusement park, nightclubs and a rose-studded open-air theatre.Your discoveries continue with visits to Gaudí's whimsical Parc Güell, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of colorful buildings embellished with glass and ceramic mosaics, sculpted animals and creative furnishings, all set in a 50-acre garden city, and Gaudi's unconventional, unfinished la Sagrada Familía, begun by the architect in 1882. Sample classic tapas from Barcelona's history and learn to make Barcelona's favorite dish, pan con tomate under the tutelage of our expert guides, as you immerse in a true taste of Spanish life.

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona

PORTOFCALL : Barcelona, Spain

Day 12 Discover the best of Barcelona

Your day starts with a private visit to the Palau de la Musica Catalana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, that truly is a palace of music. The only concert hall in Europe lit by natural light, it is a Modernista celebration of tile work, sculpture and stained glass which you will have an opportunity to view without crowds. A choice of sightseeing excursions includes a visit to the medieval quarter of Barri Gòtic, the historic heart of the city, or a walking tour of Passeig de Gràcia that includes a visit inside Gaudí's whimsical Casa Milá (La Pedrera). Settle into your hotel after lunch, ideally located near landmark sites, for time at leisure. Join us this evening for a memorable Barcelona culinary experience and enjoy a typical Catalan dinner in Barri Gòtic. Spend the rest of the day as you wish, before joining us tonight for a farewell dinner at an 18th-century Baroque-styled guild house recognized as a National Cultural Heritage Site.

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona

PORTOFCALL : Barcelona, Spain

Day 13 Journey Home

Tour ends: Barcelona. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included to Barcelona International Airport from Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona. Allow three hours for flight check-in.

MEALS : B

PORTOFCALL : Barcelona, Spain

Day 1: Airport Pick Up + Hotel Check In

Meet your private chauffeur at the airport and drive directly to the hotel for your check in.

Hotel Inglaterra

Check-in at your refined and delicately designed Deluxe Double Room for the next 7 days. We believe, your stay at The Inglaterra 4* Hotel will make you feel as if you have the whole city at your fingertips! Located just 250 metres from the cathedral, Hotel Inglaterra enjoys the best location in the centre of Seville, in Plaza Nueva, opposite City Hall. Due to its status as Seville’s most prestigious accommodation, (just for the curious) the hotel Inglaterra received visits from illustrious people such as King Alfonso XIII (1915), Queen Elisabeth of Belgium (1921), the Prince of Wales (1927), Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen (1862) and the Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi (1863) among others..! Hope this makes you feel truly special for the beginning of your Travel Experience in Seville!

Overnight: Seville

Day 2: Seville Culture Walking Tour - "Hidden History: Women of Seville Tour"

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, expect a unique tour of Seville, where you'll find out about the history of women in Seville!  During this 3 hour Guided Walking Tour, you will visit important places where all the stories of incredible women will be unveiled. The Story of Queen Isabel the Catholic, Maria Luisa, Carmen, Clara Campoamor among other personalities, and secret stories related to these ladies, in the renowned Plaza de España and Santa Cruz Quarter. We would be delighted to share with you, stories that not only influenced the history of Seville but of the whole of Spain and, in some special cases, the entire world.

Overnight: Seville

Day 3: The Unforgettable Sevillian History Guided Day Tour

Meals included: Breakfast

Reserve your whole day for us! We have reserved a special excursion to the Roman city of Itálica where you will enter the ancient city, birth location of emperors Adriano and Trajan. Here in Itálica you be introduced to the ancient streets, the unique mosaics, hot springs, aqueducts, houses and, the one and only Itálica Amphitheater which is the third largest in the world, with a capacity for 25,000 spectators, where many famous gladiatorial fights took place, and for the curious, this is one of the popular Game of Thrones series filming locations. We will also visit its famous Roman Theatre, discovered in the middle of the twentieth century, one of the best preserved in Europe, which is also still in use today. We will then stop by the Monastery of San Isidoro del Campo, a medieval fortress that hides breathtaking mural paintings and significant sculptures and treasures from the Mudejar, Gothic and Baroque Period. Finally, after the whole day discovering, you will be guided to a traditional and rural Sevillian Winery to relax and gather for a tasting of local wine, to help fully live the Sevillian Experience. We can now guarantee you, that after a whole day of discovery, you will return to Seville with the knowledge behind all the secrets of the Bibles Translation to Spanish, the Roman Empire influence in Seville and the wonders around the city of Itálica"

Overnight: Seville

Day 4: Discovery of Alcazar & Jewish Quarter

Meals included: Breakfast

Be ready for a day to be taken away to Sevilles former Jewish Quarter and we can guarantee you will be impressed by the indescribable atmosphere, the fascinating stories and mystical legends about the Santa Cruz neighbourhood. We will show you all the secrets behnd the "La Juderia", take you for a city walk around the Gardens of Murillo, from the Plaza Santa Cruz passing by Callejon del Agua, Madre de Dios Convent and Cabeza del Rey Don Pedro. Trust us, the entanglement of the winding and picturesque tiny streets, will truly make you feel fully overawed by the towns beauty and culture!

Overnight: Seville

Day 5: Excursion to Granada and the Mystical Alhambra

Meals included: Breakfast

Be ready for an extraordinary day of discovery! From Seville, we will take you to Granada, our first stop will be at the Alhambra in Granada, which is the most prominent. This old Andalusian fortress, formed of palaces and gardens, served as accommodation for the monarch and the court during the Nasrid Kingdom. It is listed as one of the most beautiful places in the world and is one of the biggest tourist attractions of the entire monumental complex, standing out from among all the Nasrid Palaces.  During our four-hour tour inside the monument, our guide will accompany you, explaining and discovering every corner of this magnificent place full of a thousand stories and singularities. After exploring the mystical Alhambra, we will take you to the heart of Granada, for a reminiscent walk through the monuments, streets, and highlights of this historical section of the city and have lunch in one of the typical Tapas bars of the city. A day of unforgettable memories for sure!

Overnight: Seville

Day 6: Day Dedicated To Tapas & Flamenco "A Tale of Triana"

Meals included: Breakfast, Tapas

The pulsating life on the streets of Seville is palpable, and this tour takes you direct to the best of the city’s culture and food! We believe visiting Seville, without getting a "sight" of flamenco while you there, would not be the same. We will take you inside Seville’s most popular neighborhood, Triana, where you will be immersed in the underbelly of the flamenco scene and learn all about the secrets behind its movements. Instead of touristy shows, we take you behind-the-scenes, for a workshop of your own to try, and dance away at your best, in the very neighborhood where flamenco was born! Be ready for your Spanish "Olé!!" and, in the end, to enjoy a traditional Flamenco Show and an aperitif to go with it and three stops at Triana’s best tapas spots!

Overnight: Seville

Day 7: Departure

Meals included: Breakfast

Today you are scheduled to be checked out of your hotel. Depending on your availability, feel free to explore and discover a little more of what Seville has to offer. Either going for a lovely walk downtown or simply spend your day relaxing by the town's square with a lovely glass of Andalusian Wine, enjoying the sunshine. Or, if you'd like any further experiences or tours, feel free to contact your Concierge - Iberian Escapes - we are happy to assist at any time.  Since it's time to say goodbye - We believe you are now richer in experiences and emotions and have, hopefully, made unforgettable memories for the rest of your life. Promise yourself “I’ll be back” – as we will be waiting for you for your next adventure around the Iberian Peninsula. If you'd like to extend your stay in Seville, please don't hesitate to contact Iberian Escapes, as all our itineraries can be adjusted/ extended to your preference.