Spain and Portugal Iberian Explorer

Our trip begins in Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, which is is full of energy and the perfectplace to start our journey. Founded by the Romans in 20 A.D, this enchanting city is a heady mix of iconic architecture, delicious gastronomy and cultural heritage. Th...

We start the day with an included guided visit to one of Gaudi's most famous works - La Sagrada Familia. Construction on this unique and enormous Basilica started in 1882 and continues to this day. Our walking tour continues through the Eixample neighbourhood, home to...

Leaving the city behind we drive south into the Penedes region to discover the cava production process and enjoy a tasting. Cava originates from the Italian 'cova', meaning cave. Wine production caves were used for the storing and ageing of wine, Catalan winemakers ad...

This morning we board the fast AVE train to Madrid, arriving in the early afternoon (departing around 10:30, taking just two hours 45 minutes). After checking into our hotel, we head out for an orientation walk of Spain's busy capital city, led by our tour leader (app...

Today we explore more of this energetic capital, heading to Barrio de las Letras, the Literary Quarter and Circulo de Bellas Artes. Continuing on foot we walk through lively Lavapies neighbourhood with colourful murals and art insulations adorning the walls then on to...

We take an early morning train (departing around 7:35am, taking 3 hours 45 minutes) to the famous Andalucian city of Granada. The Arabic name Al Andalus was given to the part of Spain under Islamic control for some 800 years. After checking into our hotel we will s...

This morning we have included a guided visit to the remarkable Alhambra Palace and Generalife gardens. In 1239 Muhammad al-Ahmar, founder of the Nasrid dynasty and Sultan of Granada, began work on this, one of the finest remaining examples of Moorish architecture. The...

Today we take the train to Cordoba. Standing on the banks of the Guadalquivir river, Cordoba was one of the most sophisticated Moorish cities and is, for many, the most beautiful city in Spain. The Moors established themselves in Cordoba as early as 719 AD, and before...

We'll spend the morning walking through the city, exploring the former Jewish Quarter, and following winding narrow backstreets leading to Mudejar palaces (a blend of Christian and Moorish styles) and baroque churches. The afternoon is left free to explore Seville...

Today we say goodbye to Spain and drive north into Portugal. Our first stop in Portugal is Castro Marim where we take a walk around the fascinating Templar Castle. Then we continue along the coast to Tavira for lunch, a small city on Portugal's Algarve Coast which rea...

This morning, have some free time to enjoy the hotel's facilities or the nearby beach. You could also take an optional boat trip along the cliffs to Ponte Piedade. Driving into Lisbon we stop in Belem to pay a visit to a traditional pastelaria and enjoy a deliciou...

Our morning walking tour (approx. three hours) takes us through some of the different bairros (neighbourhoods) of Lisbon as an introduction to this great city. Built on seven hills, you can see the typical trams negotiate the undulations of Lisbon's cobbled streets, a...

Today we head north along the Atlantic coast to Porto, making several stops along the way. Obidos is considered to be one of the most picturesque and well preserved medieval towns in Portugal. The town prospered after becoming part of the royal estate from the 13th...

This morning, our tour leader will take us on a walking tour of colourful Porto (approx. two hours). We'll stroll down the cobbled streets to Cais da Ribeira - undoubtedly the most picturesque spot. This characterful quayside is dominated by the tall outline of the t...