Compare Premium Spain by Intrepid Travel vs Treasures of Spain and Portugal - Eastbound 2023 by Tauck

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).

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