Spain's Classics & Portugal

You're on your way to a colorful cultural adventure featuring the best of Spain and Portugal.
Hotel Name: H10 Casanova

Welcome to Spain! Today, arrive in the vibrant city of Barcelona. Tonight, meet your fellow travelers and enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Dinner Included

Visit Area: Barcelona
Barcelona is an enchanting seaside city with boundless culture, fabled architecture and a world-class drinking and dining scene. Barcelona's architectural treasures span 2,000-plus years. Towering temple columns, ancient city walls and subterranean stone corridors provide a window into Roman-era Barcino. Fast forward a thousand years to the Middle Ages by taking a stroll through the shadowy lanes of the Gothic quarter, past tranquil plazas and soaring 14th-century cathedrals. In other parts of town bloom the sculptural masterpieces of Modernisme, a mix of ingenious and whimsical creations by Gaudí and his Catalan architectural contemporaries for which this city is so well known. Barcelona has also long-inspired artists, including the likes of Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró, whose works are in bold display in the city's myriad museums.

Start the morning by joining your local expert and walk to some of Barcelona’s main sights, exploring this amazing city as it was meant to be explored – on foot. After some free time for lunch on your own, embark on a panoramic tour of Barcelona, showcasing the Columbus Monument, Parc de Montjuic, and Antoni Gaudi’s Batllo House and Casa Mila building (UNESCO). A local expert accompanies you on a visit to the awe-inspiring La Sagrada Familia* (UNESCO), considered to be the most famous of Gaudi’s work. Work on the basilica began in 1882, and it’s scheduled to be completed in 2026, on the 100th anniversary of the architect’s death.

Breakfast Included
Hotel Name: SH Valencia Palace

Visit Area: La Sagrada Familia
La Sagrada Familia, the Holy Family, is a church of the people, built by the people, with the money of the people. While it is not the cathedral of Barcelona, it is widely known due to its unique architecture and phenomenal design initiated by architect Antoni Gaudí. Work on the exploratory church began in 1882 and continue to this day, but with modern technology and the rising number of visitors and donations, the church’s completion date has rapidly become closer. The facades of the church are breathtaking in their intricate and artistic details all of which were inspired by Gaudí. The church is divided into parts including the apse, chapels, cloister, crossing and transepts, crypt, glory façade, the nativity façade, the passion façade, the main nave and the sacristies.

Today, say goodbye to Barcelona! On your way to Valencia, stop in beautiful Peniscola and enjoy free time to explore on your own. Known as the “City in the Sea,” this fortified city and its Knights Templar Castle, dating back to the 13th century, are hidden gems. On a panoramic tour of Valencia, see the City of Arts and Sciences – an ultramodern educational institution. A treasure trove of Roman and Arabic architecture, Valencia is Spain’s third largest city, melding historic and modern culture.

Breakfast Included

Visit Area: Valencia
Valencia is the capital of the autonomous community of Valencia, Spain. It is the third largest city in Spain after Madrid and Barcelona. The city is located on the banks of the Turia River on the east coast of the Iberian Peninsula. Valencia was founded as a Roman colony in 138 B.C. Its historic center is one of the largest in Spain at 169 hectares in size. The region of Spain, specifically Valencia, is known for its paella: a rice dish native to the country of Spain.

Valencia is a city full of contrasts, where a charming old town lives next to futuristic buildings. Explore the city’s old quarter on foot, discovering its history with a local expert. View the ornate Serranos Towers before wandering through the bustling central market, where you can shop side-by-side with the locals. Travel to Albufera, which with its freshwater lake that evolved from an ancient marine gulf, is one of the most important wetlands in Spain. This is the area where paella originated – and the best place to experience it for lunch today. Enjoy time on your own to explore as you wish back in Valencia.

Breakfast Included
Lunch Included
Hotel Name: Catalonia Hotel

Admittance: Paella Experience
Paella is a type of rice dish originating in the Valencian region on the east coast of Spain. The dish is widely regarded as Spain’s national dish, however most Spaniards consider it to be the regional dish of Valencia. Valencian paella is considered to be the original recipe, even though there are several different kinds of paella. The Valencian dish is comprised of white rice, green vegetables, meat, land snails, beans and seasoning.

Today make your way to Granada, the last great capital of the Moors in Spain before it fell to the Catholic monarchs in 1492. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for dinner at a nearby restaurant.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included
Hotel Name: Barcelo Renacimiento

Visit Area: Granada
Granada is the capital of the province of Granada in the autonomous community of Andalusia, Spain and sits at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains at the intersection of four rivers. This city is only an hour from the Mediterranean Coast. Granada has been continuously inhabited by people for the past 2500 years, starting under Ancient Roman rule and features rich cultural elements, historic architecture, beautiful beaches and the snowy Sierra Nevada Mountains.

This morning, join a local expert for a tour of the world-famous Alhambra** (UNESCO) a stone fortress overlooking the entire city and serving as a mesmerizing example of Islamic architecture. End your day in Seville, considered Spain’s “cultural capital.”

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

Admittance: The Alhambra
The Alhambra is a palace and fortress complex located in Granada, Andalusia, Spain. The first palace on the site was built in the 11th century and in the 12th and 13th century a fortress-complex palace was built. It is a vast complex, comprised of many structures. The Alhambra is part fortress, part palace, part garden and part government city. Many visitors come to Grenada specifically just to visit and see the Alhambra.

Embark on a panoramic tour before arriving at the iconic Plaza de España. Then decide how you see Seville because it’s your choice! Walk the Santa Cruz quarter with an expert guide, admiring the orange trees and white-washed houses -OR- see the city from a different perspective with a boat ride on the Guadalquivir River, drifting by timeworn bridges and towers. Later, visit the Seville Cathedral*** (UNESCO) – the largest Gothic church in the world – and see Columbus’ tomb and the Giralda Bell Tower. Enjoy some free time this afternoon. This evening, enjoy an authentic flamenco show (UNESCO) showcasing Seville's famous traditions.

Breakfast Included
Hotel Name: H10 Puerta de Alcala

Visit Area: Seville
Seville is the capital and largest city of the autonomous community of Andalusia, Spain. Seville is the top destination in the Andalusia region for travelers. Approximately 2,200 years old, the early origins of the city date back to the year 712. It is situated on the Guadalquivir River which splits the city into two halves. Seville is famous for being the birthplace of the Flamenco dance. It is also known for its culture, monuments, traditions and artistic heritage.

Travel to the extraordinary Moorish city of Cordoba. Upon arrival, embark on a walking tour of La Mezquita (UNESCO), an 8th-century mosque that was converted into the city’s cathedral in the 16th century. Continue your exploration of Cordoba in the city's well-preserved and historical Jewish Quarter. Then, board the AVE high-speed train to Spain’s capital city, Madrid! Arrive in the late afternoon and enjoy some free time to rest or venture out and explore on your own.

Breakfast Included

Admittance: Choice on Tour: Seville Walking Tour or Guadalquivir River Boat Ride
While in Seville you have the choice between two activities. First, you can choose to walk along the cobblestone streets of the Santa Cruz quarter with an expert guide, admiring the white washed houses and aromatic orange trees before continuing to the stunning Plaza de España in Maria Luisa Park. Or, if you prefer, you can get a glimpse of the city from a different perspective with a boat ride on the Guadalquivir River, gently drifting by timeworn bridges and gaining insight into the city’s historical connection to New World discoveries. Walking Tour of Santa Cruz Quarter Activity Level: 3 Guests should be able to walk over uneven pavement and cobblestone and stand for 45-60 minutes without sitting. Boat Ride on Guadalquivir River Activity Level: 1 Guests should be able to get on and off the boat.

During a locally guided panoramic tour of Madrid’s historic center, see iconic sites such as Plaza Mayor, where events have been held since the 17th century, and Plaza de Oriente – the square of the Royal Palace. Join a local expert to explore the priceless masterpieces of the Prado Museum, which opened in 1819 and boasts some of the world's finest collections of art by masters such as Velazquez and Goya. Your afternoon is free to explore this fascinating city further or join an optional tour to Toledo.

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Dinner Included
Hotel Name: Vila Gale Collection

Admittance: Flamenco Show
The heartbeat of Spain can be found in the houses of flamenco artists. A traditional flamenco show can be found in many of the small towns and cities scattered through the southern region of Spain, Andalusia. Flamenco is a style of dance encompassing the rhythm of lifestyle, personality and beauty of Spaniards. There is eminent beauty in every aspect of a Flamenco show from Andalusian décor, castanets, flamenco attire, polka dots, and the unforgettable strumming of the Spanish guitar. Flamenco is a type of Spanish folk music and dance originating in the region of Andalucía in southern Spain. It includes, singing, dancing, guitar playing and handclaps.

Bid Spain adios and cross the border into Portugal, arriving in the off-the-beaten-path town of Elvas, a garrison town recognized as a World Heritage Site. On the way, indulge in full-bodied wines from the Alentejo region during a winery tour, tasting, and some petiscos – Portuguese traditional bites, usually shared with friends.

Breakfast Included
Hotel Name: Iberostar Selection Lisboa

Visit Area: Córdoba
Córdoba is located in Andalucía, southern Spain, and is the capital of the province of Córdoba. This city has an interesting history full of many diverse cultures and was the capital of a Roman province, the capital of an Arab State and a form of an Islamic government. It has the second largest old town in Europe, featuring Roman architecture, including a Roman bridge, as well as several Islamic and Jewish mosques.

Make your way to Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. Meander through historic downtown, hearing the kinds of stories that bring the city – and its colorful neighborhoods — to life. Walk Praça do Comercio, one of the biggest squares in Europe. This gorgeous square flaunts colorful artwork and sculptures. Then, travel to Belém where you will see the Jeronimo’s Monastery (UNESCO) and the Tower of Belém (UNESCO). Enjoy time in the evening to settle into your new home for the next three nights.

Breakfast Included

Visit Area: Madrid
Madrid is the capital and the largest city in Spain. Madrid sits on the Manzanares River, just northeast of the center of the Iberian Peninsula. It is estimated that the origins of Madrid can be traced back to the 2nd century B.C. Madrid is home to the head of the Spanish government, the Spanish royal family and the headquarters of the World Tourism Organization. Madrid’s influence on politics, education, entertainment, fashion and culture make it one of the world’s major global cities.

The day is yours! Discover the capital city on your own. Consider tasting the city’s mouthwatering cuisine or taking the historic tram to the vibrant Alfama district. Perhaps you’ll go on an optional excursion to the Portuguese Riviera, visiting the picturesque towns of Cascais and Sintra. Tonight, you may choose to join an optional tour to listen to local artists perform traditional fado music, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage highlight.

Breakfast Included

Admittance: The Prado Museum
Stroll the halls and galleries inside the world-famous Prado Museum. On a guided tour, step back in time as you view its priceless collection of paintings and sculpture. Open since 1819, the Prado houses the works of legendary European artists from the 15th through early 19th centuries. Stand before the works of Velázquez and Goya, Spain’s greatest painters. Through their genius, gain insight into the rich culture surrounding you. Notable in the museum’s collection is Velázquez’s Las Meninas, one of the most important and studied paintings in the western tradition. Goya’s groundbreaking The Third of May 1808 also calls the Prado home. Whether you are an art aficionado or simply wish to explore the thrill of human expression, this is the perfect way to complete your visit to Madrid.

Today, visit one of Portugal’s most famed towns – Obidos! With its labyrinth of cobblestoned streets and whitewashed houses, this medieval town beckons you to linger and enjoy its charm. You may choose to try one of the local delicacies – sour cherry liquor served in chocolate cups – or simply enjoy the narrow streets and picture-perfect alleyways. Gather this evening for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of an unforgettable trip to Spain and Portugal.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

Admittance: Winery Tasting

Return home with memories of two warm cultures and of a beautiful land.

Breakfast Included

Visit Area: Elvas