27 Trips found for "valley of the flowers"

• Visit an opulent royal palace
• cycle through Madrid's historic Casa de Campo
• and immerse in art at the Prado. Ride a 4x4 to an archaeological site; breathe romance and heroic legends in Salamanca and Guimaraes; navigate mazes of colorful streets on a bicycle in Porto; kayak on the Douro River; learn the origins of azujelos and Fado music; wind along scenic bicycle trails in Vinho Verde country; and sail to postcard villages
• castles
• winetowns
• and vineyards in the Douro Valley
• a winemaking region unlike any other in the world.  This ten-day tour of Portugal and Spain includes Madrid
• Salamanca
• Porto
• and a riverboat cruise deep into the Douro River Valley for an authentic taste of life in a seldom-visited region steeped in a wine-making culture thousands of years old. Along the way
• sightseeing choices offer an array of excursions and possibilities. Begin in Madrid
• where you can get a taste of Spain at an historic food market
• take a bicycle tour of the city's largest park
• and peruse art masterpieces at the Prado. Explore the medieval university-town of Salamanca
• where the gorgeous architecture seems to glow. Board a luxury riverboat and wind along Portugal's Douro River Valley
• the world's oldest demarcated wine region
• where you'll find miles of mountains and hills carved into vineyard terraces. Explore prehistoric rock-art on a 4x4 safari in Foz Coa. Visit medieval towns
• castle ruins
• and palaces
• and immerse yourself in local history and culture
• kayaking on the Douro River
• and bicycling through Vinho Verde country. Ride a cable car and a three-wheel taxi on a sightseeing tour of Porto
• an enticing labyrinth of winding streets and stairways
•  baroque churches and palaces
• street art
• and colorful bohemian enclaves
• and cycle from the waterfront Ribeira district
• one of the city's oldest
• liveliest
• and most picturesque neighborhoods.
  
  

• Visit an opulent royal palace
• cycle through Madrid's historic Casa de Campo
• and immerse in art at the Prado. Ride a 4x4 to an archaeological site; breathe romance and heroic legends in Salamanca and Guimaraes; navigate mazes of colorful streets on a bicycle in Porto; kayak on the Douro River; learn the origins of azujelos and Fado music; wind along scenic bicycle trails in Vinho Verde country; and sail to postcard villages
• castles
• winetowns
• and vineyards in the Douro Valley
• a winemaking region unlike any other in the world.  This ten-day tour of Portugal and Spain includes Madrid
• Salamanca
• Porto
• and a riverboat cruise deep into the Douro River Valley for an authentic taste of life in a seldom-visited region steeped in a wine-making culture thousands of years old. Along the way
• sightseeing choices offer an array of excursions and possibilities. Begin in Madrid
• where you can get a taste of Spain at an historic food market
• take a bicycle tour of the city's largest park
• and peruse art masterpieces at the Prado. Explore the medieval university-town of Salamanca
• where the gorgeous architecture seems to glow. Board a luxury riverboat and wind along Portugal's Douro River Valley
• the world's oldest demarcated wine region
• where you'll find miles of mountains and hills carved into vineyard terraces. Explore prehistoric rock-art on a 4x4 safari in Foz Coa. Visit medieval towns
• castle ruins
• and palaces
• and immerse yourself in local history and culture
• kayaking on the Douro River
• and bicycling through Vinho Verde country. Ride a cable car and a three-wheel taxi on a sightseeing tour of Porto
• an enticing labyrinth of winding streets and stairways
•  baroque churches and palaces
• street art
• and colorful bohemian enclaves
• and cycle from the waterfront Ribeira district
• one of the city's oldest
• liveliest
• and most picturesque neighborhoods.
  
  

Highlights

ALL EXCURSIONS INCLUDED

THE MUSTS:

• Cádiz, the heart of flamenco
• Pueblos Blancos: The white villages of Vejer de la Frontera and Conil de la Frontera
• Visit a typical Andalusian hacienda in Isla Minima
• Lively Seville, its cathedral, and the Palacio de las Dueñas

• Explore the Coa Valley, the centre of a rewilding project, and enjoy a night in a gorgeous historical guesthouse where you’ll join your hosts for a home-cooked meal of fresh, local produce.
• Pick up some local recipes during a cooking class at your farm stay in the rolling hills of the Alentejo region, whipping up regional specialties like pork with clams.
• Meet local producers along the way, including an olive oil producer where you can taste-test everybody’s favourite cooking staple. Sample Douro Valley wines and Porto’s fortified namesake.
• Take in the renowned riverside district in Porto, the colourful coastal hotspot of Lisbon and the rolling hills of the lush Douro Valley on the quintessential tour of Portugal.
• Sample iconic foods of the region – francesinha, cured meats, cheese, pasteis de nata (Portuguese custard tarts) and canned fish – with local producers and a local leader who knows all the best spots.
• By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, REFOOD. Donations help them save good food, from restaurants and supermarkets, that is destined to go to waste and distribute it amongst people in need.

• Journey into the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Douro Valley and indulge in a wine tasting of local wines, served with a delicious lunch of Portuguese specialties.
• Tick Madrid, Salamanca, Porto and Lisbon off your bucket list and spend afternoons wandering around narrow, cobbled streets, colourful architecture with hilltop views and glittering coasts as you wait for nightly sunsets to transform these cities into glittering havens.
• Feast on Spanish and Portuguese cuisine, snacks and local wines with a delicious tapas welcome dinner in Madrid, a port tasting in Porto, a bacalhau dinner in Coimbra and the unmissable pasteis de nata from the best spot in Lisbon – yum!
• Rub shoulders with the locals in the University of Coimbra, famed for its baroque library and historical buildings, during a tour with a local guide who has all the insights.
• Spend a day discovering the history of Tomar – a 12th century town of relaxed streets, verdant gardens and the Castelo de Tomar, a Templar castle just waiting for the curious to explore its ramparts and cloisters.
• By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, REFOOD. Donations help them save good food, from restaurants and supermarkets, that is destined to go to waste and distribute it amongst people in need.

CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore the Douro Valley from Top to Bottom
• THE MUST-SEE SITES:
  • Tour Porto by tram and step back in time at the Tramway Museum
  • Guimarães and its Gothic Quarter
• EVERYTHING INCLUDED ON BOARD

CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore the Douro Valley from Top to Bottom
• THE MUST-SEE SITES:
  • Tour Porto by tram and step back in time at the Tramway Museum
  • Guimarães and its Gothic Quarter

• EVERYTHING INCLUDED ON BOARD

CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise through the Douro Valley to the Spanish border
• Original back-to-back cruises to discover Portugal and Spain
• THE MUST-SEE SITES:
  • Salamanca and its prestigious university, one of the oldest in Europe
  • Vila Real and the Mateus Palace gardens
• EVERYTHING INCLUDED ON BOARD

CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruising in the Douro Valley all the way to the Spanish border
• An unusual way to discover Portugal and Spain
• EXCURSIONS INCLUDED:
  • Porto, radiant and colorful city
  • The wine route* with its unique landscape listed by UNESCO
  • The golden glow of Salamanca, source of knowledge
  • Vila Real and the formal gardens at the Mateus Palace

• Sunny fertile valleys, sweeping plateaux, plunging gorges, iconic rock formations and ancient calderas
• Masses of archaeological, botanical and geological interest
• Traditional white villages, forgotten farming hamlets, fascinating cave dwellings
• Cosmopolitan capital Las Palmas: gorgeous beaches, fascinating museums, stunning historic centre
• Extensive walking options available - choice of 1 and 2 level walks daily

• Barcelona: Venture inside Gaudi's extraordinary masterpiece, the Sagrada Família and marvel at the contrasts of architecture. Above see its giant, tree-like pillars and spectacular vaulting. Admire the wonderful rainbow of the incredible stained-glass windows.
• Barcelona: With your Local Expert, drive down Las Ramblas and the elegant Passeig de Gràcia to witness some of the finest Modernist architecture. Journey through the Eixample district to see Gaudi's extraordinary masterpiece, the mesmerizing Sagrada Família.
• Peñíscola: See the castle featured in the film 'El Cid'.
• Valencia: See the ultra-modern Center of Arts and Sciences and the huge gates of the old town, Torres de Serranos and Torres de Quart.
• Seville: Guided by your Local Expert, 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.
• Seville: Visit the Seville Cathedral with your Local Expert. Pass the altarpiece dripping with gold and see the Tomb of Columbus, held aloft by four kings.
• Seville: Stroll through Barrio de Santa Cruz with your Local Expert to hear how the Jewish community has shaped the history of Seville.
• Seville: Explore Seville's top sights on a panoramic city tour with your Local Expert.
• Madrid: See the highlights of the city with your Local Expert. Visit the Old Town, traveling along the elegant Paseo de la Castellana, past the fountain in the Plaza de Cibeles, the Cervantes Monument and Royal Palace, before crossing the Puerta del Sol.
• Córdoba: See the 2,000-year-old Roman bridge and spend some time exploring the town.
• Córdoba: Explore the incredible Mezquita with your Local Expert. Admire the forest of horseshoe arches and learn how this building symbolises many of Cordoba's religious changes over the centuries.
• Granada: Visit the famous Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens. While others wait in line, you'll be exploring accompanied by a Local Expert, keen to share insights into this Moorish landmark.
• Madrid: Witness the world's finest collection of Spanish paintings, plus an impressive international collection, as you tour the Prado Museum with an art historian.
• Barcelona: Dine at La Pau, an acclaimed restaurant for the quality of its seasonal menu and social impact. This social initiative generates quality employment to young people and guides them through their transition to adult life. This experience advances United Nations’ Sustainable Development 10: Reduced Inequality. La Pau gives a voice and life opportunity to young people who have been marginalised from the traditional educational and social systems.
• Seville: The Cristina Heeren Foundation aims to promote the teaching and conservation of flamenco and is a beneficiary of a TreadRight Foundation grant. Meet the students of the foundation, learn some basic flamenco steps, and then feel the passion as they perform an emotional show. The school enables students access to cultural education that otherwise may not have occurred. TreadRights sponsorship has helped students to complete their studies in advanced guitar, singing and dance. As students complete their training, they will carry on and safeguard the traditional flamenco dance, contributing to the protection of Andalusia and Spain’s cultural heritage. The Cristina Heeren Foundation advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education and UN Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
• Valencia: Learn the authentic recipe of paella when you join a local chef for a Cooking Demonstration. Savor the flavors of this classic dish for dinner, washed down with a glass of Sangria, during your Highlight Dinner.
• Madrid: With good food and wine, toast the culmination of your travels during a fabulous Celebration Dinner.
• Optional - Choose between two carefully selected activities
• Optional - Seville: Stroll through Barrio de Santa Cruz with your Local Expert to hear how the Jewish community has shaped the history of Seville.
• Optional - Seville: Explore Seville's top sights on a panoramic city tour with your Local Expert.

• Barcelona: Venture inside Gaudi's extraordinary masterpiece, the Sagrada Família and marvel at the contrasts of architecture. Above see its giant, tree-like pillars and spectacular vaulting. Admire the wonderful rainbow of the incredible stained-glass windows.
• Barcelona: With your Local Expert, drive down Las Ramblas and the elegant Passeig de Gràcia to witness some of the finest Modernist architecture. Journey through the Eixample district to see Gaudi's extraordinary masterpiece, the mesmerizing Sagrada Família.
• Peñíscola: See the castle featured in the film 'El Cid'.
• Valencia: See the ultra-modern Center of Arts and Sciences and the huge gates of the old town, Torres de Serranos and Torres de Quart.
• Seville: Guided by your Local Expert, 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.
• Seville: Visit the Seville Cathedral with your Local Expert. Pass the altarpiece dripping with gold and see the Tomb of Columbus, held aloft by four kings.
• Seville: Stroll through Barrio de Santa Cruz with your Local Expert to hear how the Jewish community has shaped the history of Seville.
• Seville: Explore Seville's top sights on a panoramic city tour with your Local Expert.
• Madrid: See the highlights of the city with your Local Expert. Visit the Old Town, traveling along the elegant Paseo de la Castellana, past the fountain in the Plaza de Cibeles, the Cervantes Monument and Royal Palace, before crossing the Puerta del Sol.
• Córdoba: See the 2,000-year-old Roman bridge and spend some time exploring the town.
• Córdoba: Explore the incredible Mezquita with your Local Expert. Admire the forest of horseshoe arches and learn how this building symbolises many of Cordoba's religious changes over the centuries.
• Granada: Visit the famous Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens. While others wait in line, you'll be exploring accompanied by a Local Expert, keen to share insights into this Moorish landmark.
• Madrid: Witness the world's finest collection of Spanish paintings, plus an impressive international collection, as you tour the Prado Museum with an art historian.
• Barcelona: Dine at La Pau, an acclaimed restaurant for the quality of its seasonal menu and social impact. This social initiative generates quality employment to young people and guides them through their transition to adult life. This experience advances United Nations’ Sustainable Development 10: Reduced Inequality. La Pau gives a voice and life opportunity to young people who have been marginalised from the traditional educational and social systems.
• Seville: The Cristina Heeren Foundation aims to promote the teaching and conservation of flamenco and is a beneficiary of a TreadRight Foundation grant. Meet the students of the foundation, learn some basic flamenco steps, and then feel the passion as they perform an emotional show. The school enables students access to cultural education that otherwise may not have occurred. TreadRights sponsorship has helped students to complete their studies in advanced guitar, singing and dance. As students complete their training, they will carry on and safeguard the traditional flamenco dance, contributing to the protection of Andalusia and Spain’s cultural heritage. The Cristina Heeren Foundation advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education and UN Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
• Valencia: Learn the authentic recipe of paella when you join a local chef for a Cooking Demonstration. Savor the flavors of this classic dish for dinner, washed down with a glass of Sangria, during your Highlight Dinner.
• Madrid: With good food and wine, toast the culmination of your travels during a fabulous Celebration Dinner.
• Optional - Choose between two carefully selected activities
• Optional - Seville: Stroll through Barrio de Santa Cruz with your Local Expert to hear how the Jewish community has shaped the history of Seville.
• Optional - Seville: Explore Seville's top sights on a panoramic city tour with your Local Expert.

• Barcelona: Venture inside Gaudi's extraordinary masterpiece, the Sagrada Família and marvel at the contrasts of architecture. Above see its giant, tree-like pillars and spectacular vaulting. Admire the wonderful rainbow of the incredible stained-glass windows.
• Barcelona: With your Local Expert, drive down Las Ramblas and the elegant Passeig de Gràcia to witness some of the finest Modernist architecture. Journey through the Eixample district to see Gaudi's extraordinary masterpiece, the mesmerizing Sagrada Família.
• Peñíscola: See the castle featured in the film 'El Cid'.
• Valencia: See the ultra-modern Center of Arts and Sciences and the huge gates of the old town, Torres de Serranos and Torres de Quart.
• Seville: Guided by your Local Expert, 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.
• Seville: Visit the Seville Cathedral with your Local Expert. Pass the altarpiece dripping with gold and see the Tomb of Columbus, held aloft by four kings.
• Seville: Stroll through Barrio de Santa Cruz with your Local Expert to hear how the Jewish community has shaped the history of Seville.
• Seville: Explore Seville's top sights on a panoramic city tour with your Local Expert.
• Madrid: See the highlights of the city with your Local Expert. Visit the Old Town, traveling along the elegant Paseo de la Castellana, past the fountain in the Plaza de Cibeles, the Cervantes Monument and Royal Palace, before crossing the Puerta del Sol.
• Córdoba: See the 2,000-year-old Roman bridge and spend some time exploring the town.
• Córdoba: Explore the incredible Mezquita with your Local Expert. Admire the forest of horseshoe arches and learn how this building symbolises many of Cordoba's religious changes over the centuries.
• Granada: Visit the famous Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens. While others wait in line, you'll be exploring accompanied by a Local Expert, keen to share insights into this Moorish landmark.
• Madrid: Witness the world's finest collection of Spanish paintings, plus an impressive international collection, as you tour the Prado Museum with an art historian.
• Barcelona: Dine at La Pau, an acclaimed restaurant for the quality of its seasonal menu and social impact. This social initiative generates quality employment to young people and guides them through their transition to adult life. This experience advances United Nations’ Sustainable Development 10: Reduced Inequality. La Pau gives a voice and life opportunity to young people who have been marginalised from the traditional educational and social systems.
• Seville: The Cristina Heeren Foundation aims to promote the teaching and conservation of flamenco and is a beneficiary of a TreadRight Foundation grant. Meet the students of the foundation, learn some basic flamenco steps, and then feel the passion as they perform an emotional show. The school enables students access to cultural education that otherwise may not have occurred. TreadRights sponsorship has helped students to complete their studies in advanced guitar, singing and dance. As students complete their training, they will carry on and safeguard the traditional flamenco dance, contributing to the protection of Andalusia and Spain’s cultural heritage. The Cristina Heeren Foundation advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education and UN Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
• Valencia: Learn the authentic recipe of paella when you join a local chef for a Cooking Demonstration. Savor the flavors of this classic dish for dinner, washed down with a glass of Sangria, during your Highlight Dinner.
• Madrid: With good food and wine, toast the culmination of your travels during a fabulous Celebration Dinner.
• Optional - Choose between two carefully selected activities
• Optional - Seville: Stroll through Barrio de Santa Cruz with your Local Expert to hear how the Jewish community has shaped the history of Seville.
• Optional - Seville: Explore Seville's top sights on a panoramic city tour with your Local Expert.

• Barcelona: Venture inside Gaudi's extraordinary masterpiece, the Sagrada Família and marvel at the contrasts of architecture. Above see its giant, tree-like pillars and spectacular vaulting. Admire the wonderful rainbow of the incredible stained-glass windows.
• Barcelona: With your Local Expert, drive down Las Ramblas and the elegant Passeig de Gràcia to witness some of the finest Modernist architecture. Journey through the Eixample district to see Gaudi's extraordinary masterpiece, the mesmerizing Sagrada Família.
• Peñíscola: See the castle featured in the film 'El Cid'.
• Valencia: See the ultra-modern Center of Arts and Sciences and the huge gates of the old town, Torres de Serranos and Torres de Quart.
• Seville: Guided by your Local Expert, 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.
• Seville: Visit the Seville Cathedral with your Local Expert. Pass the altarpiece dripping with gold and see the Tomb of Columbus, held aloft by four kings.
• Seville: Stroll through Barrio de Santa Cruz with your Local Expert to hear how the Jewish community has shaped the history of Seville.
• Seville: Explore Seville's top sights on a panoramic city tour with your Local Expert.
• Madrid: See the highlights of the city with your Local Expert. Visit the Old Town, traveling along the elegant Paseo de la Castellana, past the fountain in the Plaza de Cibeles, the Cervantes Monument and Royal Palace, before crossing the Puerta del Sol.
• Córdoba: See the 2,000-year-old Roman bridge and spend some time exploring the town.
• Córdoba: Explore the incredible Mezquita with your Local Expert. Admire the forest of horseshoe arches and learn how this building symbolises many of Cordoba's religious changes over the centuries.
• Granada: Visit the famous Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens. While others wait in line, you'll be exploring accompanied by a Local Expert, keen to share insights into this Moorish landmark.
• Madrid: Witness the world's finest collection of Spanish paintings, plus an impressive international collection, as you tour the Prado Museum with an art historian.
• Barcelona: Dine at La Pau, an acclaimed restaurant for the quality of its seasonal menu and social impact. This social initiative generates quality employment to young people and guides them through their transition to adult life. This experience advances United Nations’ Sustainable Development 10: Reduced Inequality. La Pau gives a voice and life opportunity to young people who have been marginalised from the traditional educational and social systems.
• Seville: The Cristina Heeren Foundation aims to promote the teaching and conservation of flamenco and is a beneficiary of a TreadRight Foundation grant. Meet the students of the foundation, learn some basic flamenco steps, and then feel the passion as they perform an emotional show. The school enables students access to cultural education that otherwise may not have occurred. TreadRights sponsorship has helped students to complete their studies in advanced guitar, singing and dance. As students complete their training, they will carry on and safeguard the traditional flamenco dance, contributing to the protection of Andalusia and Spain’s cultural heritage. The Cristina Heeren Foundation advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education and UN Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
• Valencia: Learn the authentic recipe of paella when you join a local chef for a Cooking Demonstration. Savor the flavors of this classic dish for dinner, washed down with a glass of Sangria, during your Highlight Dinner.
• Madrid: With good food and wine, toast the culmination of your travels during a fabulous Celebration Dinner.
• Optional - Choose between two carefully selected activities
• Optional - Seville: Stroll through Barrio de Santa Cruz with your Local Expert to hear how the Jewish community has shaped the history of Seville.
• Optional - Seville: Explore Seville's top sights on a panoramic city tour with your Local Expert.

CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

• Walking tours with a qualified mountain guide:
  • Hike to Provesende
  • The Portuguese vineyard
  • The Douro National Park all the way to the Vultures' Cliff
  • Along the coastline in Porto
• Non-walkers' program:
  • Casa de Mateus and the Douro Museum in Régua
  • Vila Réal and the formal gardens of the Solar de Mateus manor house