Highlights of Spain and Portugal

Visit Europe

Day 1

Welcome to Madrid

The fiery Spanish capital of Madrid paves the way for an unforgettable journey through centuries of history and cultural highlights across the Iberian Peninsula.

Embrace la buena vida and soak up the vibrant city atmosphere, before joining your fellow travellers and Travel Director for dinner and a city orientation.

Day 2

Journey to Cuenca and Valencia

Journey to Valencia, renowned for its modern verve and spirit of innovation.

An orientation drive will include views of the 14th-century Towers of Serrano and Quart, and the City of Arts and Sciences, a large-scale urban recreation center for culture and science and designed by Santiago Calatrava. Enjoy organic Horchata, the celebrated drink of Valencia, during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.

Day 3

Off to Unique Guadix and on to Granada

We travel through the Sierra Nevada bound for Guadix, where we’ll witness how generations of locals have carved cosy abodes into their rocky surrounds.

We'll view the troglodyte cave dwellings that blend effortlessly into the surrounding ochre landscape. Then, journey to Granada, the last stronghold of the Moors in Europe. This evening, sample the hearty flavours of Andalusia during a special Regional Dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 4

Onwards to Córdoba and Seville

Tread in the footsteps of Spain's last emirs, joining your Local Specialist for a visit to the incredible Alhambra, with its amazing palaces, gardens and fountains.

Inspired by poetry, the architecture is said to be a reflection of paradise as described in Islamic verse. Immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere in quiet courtyards, follow its colossal ancient walls and admire the ornate stone carvings. We then leave Granada behind for Córdoba where we'll join a Local Specialist to visit the mesmerising Mosque of the Caliphs, a jewel of Hispano-Islamic art featuring striking arches and Byzantine mosaics. Our final stop for the day is alluring Seville, our home for the next three nights.

Day 5

Uncover the Secrets of Seville

Seville takes centre stage today as you explore this charismatic city.

You'll see the symbolic Giralda Bell Tower with a Local Specialist, then visit the Maria Luisa Park, home of the 1929 Exposition. The park was built in Moorish style and features half a mile of fountains, ponds, pavilions and lush plantings. You'll explore the architectural gems of Seville's 1929 Ibero-American Exposition and visit the largest Gothic Cathedral in the world, where the explorer Christopher Columbus is entombed. Consider an Optional Experience this evening to witness the twirling of colourful skirts and rhythmic clapping of castanets at a fiery flamenco performance.

Day 6

Admire the Sights of Jerez and Cádiz Dive Into Culture

We indulge in the aromatic flavours of Jerez today as we Dive Into Culture and into the centuries-old tradition of Spanish sherry production.

The quiet plazas of romantic Cádiz are our next stop. Tread in the footsteps of Columbus, who used this historic port city as his launchpad to the 'New World', and see the exotic plants and trees dotted throughout the city, said to have been brought here by him upon his return.

Day 7

Venture to Évora Connect with Locals

Leaving the zesty scents of Seville behind, we head to the golden landscapes of the Alentejo, where the Brito Paes family await our arrival for a special lunch on their traditional stud ranch, which has been rearing Lusitano horses since the 18th century.

This Be My Guest experience takes place in the home of their ancestors before we continue to Évora for a guided sightseeing tour. With a Local Specialist we will visit Evora's cathedral, Roman temple and Chapel of Bones. Tonight, enjoy dinner at our hotel.

Day 8

On to Lively Lisbon Dive Into Culture

We arrive in the seafaring Portuguese capital of Lisbon this afternoon, where we'll join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour.

A particular highlight of this afternoon is an opportunity to Dive Into Culture at the UNESCO-listed Hieronymite Monastery, an exquisite testament to 16th-century Manueline architecture and art.

Day 9

Lisbon Your Way

Today is yours to connect with the Portuguese capital.

Relax at a sidewalk café with a creamy pastel de nata and venture to the Castle of São Jorge to admire the sea of pastel pinks, yellows and blues that clad Lisbon's seven hills. You may choose to join an Optional Experience to the historic towns of Cascais and Sintra.

Day 10

Pilgrimage to Fátima and on to Salamanca

Follow the road taken by pilgrims over the last 100 years to the Shrine at Fátima, a site of celebrated religious miracles.

We then leave Portugal, travelling to the historic Spanish city of Salamanca with its golden-hued façades and ancient university heritage, where we will visit its 18th-century Plaza Mayor.

Day 11

Continue to Toledo and Madrid Dive Into Culture

See the walled city of Ávila, the city of Saint Teresa of Ávila.

We then arrive in the clifftop city of Toledo and join a Local Specialist for a guided walk through its streets. We'll visit the Church of Santo Tomé and the former Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca. Later, Dive Into Culture and witness local craftsmen at work creating inlaid steel the traditional way. We arrive in Madrid this evening, our home for the next two nights.

Day 12

Explore Fiery Madrid

This morning, we join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour of Madrid, where we’ll see the Royal Palace, Cibeles Fountain and Plaza de Oriente, originally created as a retreat for the royal family.

Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the city on your own terms. Admire the world's finest collection of Spanish art at the Prado Museum, indulge in some last-minute shopping on Gran Vía or consider an Optional Experience to the medieval UNESCO-listed city of Segovia. This evening marks the end of our memorable journey through the Iberian Peninsula. Join your fellow companions and Travel Director for dinner.

Day 13

Adiós Madrid

For now it's time to say a fond farewell to our travelling companions, your Travel Director and the beauty of Spain and Portugal at the end of a memorable holiday.

Dining Summary

5 Dinner (D)

12 Breakfast (B)

1 Lunch (L)

Be My Guest

Panoias-Ourique: Saddle up for a superb stud farm visit, the tragic story of unrequited love, and a traditional home-cooked lunch with Tiago and Vera in Portugal's beautiful Alentejo.

Dive Into Culture

Jerez de la Frontera: Sample the famous sherry tradition in the southern Spanish city of Jerez, which has been making wine since ancient times.

Lisbon: Visit the Hieronymite Monastery, a former monastery of the Order of Saint Jerome and exquisite example of Manueline architecture.

Toledo: The invincible swords of Toledo have defended cities for centuries. Visit an inlaid steel factory in Toledo to see local craftsmen forging the highest quality steel.

Iconic Experience

Madrid: Drive through central Madrid and see some of the city's famous features during an orientation with your Travel Director.

Valencia: See the ultra-modern Centre of Arts and Sciences and the historic bullring of Valencia during an orientation drive with your Travel Director.

Guadix: See the cave homes that embellish the hills around Guadix.

Granada: Visit the famous Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens. Explore with a Local Specialist keen to share insights into this Moorish landmark.

Córdoba: Explore the incredible Mezquita with your Local Specialist. Admire the forest of horseshoe arches and learn how this building symbolises many of Córdoba's religious changes over the centuries.

Seville: Guided by your Local Specialist, see the Giralda Tower, former minaret of the Great Mosque and now the cathedral's belltower. Explore the narrow streets of the Santa Cruz Quarter and emerge by the great walls of the Alcazar.

Cádiz: See the cathedral, Teatro Romano, the monumental Puerta de Tierra and enjoy a walk along Paseo Maritimo.

Évora: Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site with your Local Specialist and see the famous Roman Temple. Witness the fascinating cathedral and its mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture.

Lisbon: Explore with your Local Specialist, from the Lower Town, beneath the hilltop Bairro Alto to the Terreiro do Paco. Visit the Belém Quarter to see the modern Monument to the Discoveries and the medieval Belém Tower.

Fátima: Join the faithful at one of the world's holiest sites and pay homage at the Chapel of the Apparitions or see the basilica.

Salamanca: See the Salamanca's golden Plaza Mayor, voted one of the most beautiful central plazas in Spain. 

Toledo: Explore this magnificent ancient city with your Local Specialist and visit the Church of Santo Tomé to see an El Greco masterpiece.

Avila: View the impressive city walls that define Ávila's Old Town. 

Madrid: See the highlights of the city with your Local Specialist. Visit the Old Town, travelling along the elegant Paseo de la Castellana, past the Cibeles fountain, Cervantes Monument and Royal Palace.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Valencia: Taste authentic Valencian horchata from a local vendor. This rich and flavourful nut-based drink loved by many is produced here using only locally sourced and natural ingredients, and respecting traditional methods of production. Alongside the local and organic production, they have been bringing the vibrant tradition of horchata back to its glory days, giving employment opportunities to people at risk of social exclusion. They have also built over 10 street carts from recycling materials, all working on solar energy and ice. Your experience supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Must-see Highlights

Explore Córdoba, Seville, Évora, Lisbon, Toledo and Madrid

Discover Valencia, Cádiz and Salamanca

Visit the Alhambra Palace in Granada, the Cathedral Mosque in Córdoba, Seville Cathedral, the Cathedral of Évora, Plaza Mayor in Salamanca and the Church of Santo Tomé and the Synagogue in Toledo

View the Towers of Serrano and Quart and the City of Arts and Sciences complex in Valencia, the Cave Houses of Guadix, the Hieronymite Monastery in Lisbon and the Shrine at Fátima

View our great airfares, hotels and travel insurance.