Highlights of Spain and Portugal Summer 2018

Day 1: Arrive Madrid

The fiery Spanish capital of Madrid paves the way for an unforgettable journey through centuries of history and fascinating cultural highlights across the Iberian Peninsula. Embrace la buena vida and soak up the passionate atmosphere of Madrid's vibrant streets before joining your fellow travellers and Travel Director for a Welcome Reception and orientation of the city's glorious sights as the sun sets on the capital. Welcome Reception

Day 2: Madrid – Cuenca – Valencia

Witness the dramatic honey-coloured clifftop hanging houses of Cuenca during our first stop today before we journey to Valencia, renowned for its modern verve and spirit of innovation. An orientation drive will include views of the 15th century Towers of Serrano and Quart, and the City of Arts and Sciences, a large-scale urban recreation centre for culture and science and designed by Santiago Calatrava. This evening perhaps indulge in the fragrant flavours and aromas of paella for which Valencia is famous. Buffet Breakfast

Day 3: Valencia – Guadix – Granada

Meandering through the sierra of Spain, we arrive in Guadix to view the troglodyte cave dwellings that blend effortlessly into the surrounding ochre landscape. Witness how generations of Guadix locals have carved cosy abodes into their rocky surrounds, then travel through the jagged Mora Pass to Granada, the last stronghold of the Moors in Europe. This evening, sample the hearty flavours of Andalusia during a special Regional Meal at a local restaurant. Buffet Breakfast, Regional Meal

Day 4: Granada – Córdoba – Seville (3 Nights)

Tread in the footsteps of Spain's last emirs, joining your Local Specialist for a visit to the incredible Alhambra and its amazing palaces, gardens and fountains. Inspired by poetry, the architecture is said to be a reflection of paradise as described in Islamic verse. Soak up the tranquil atmosphere in quiet courtyards, follow its colossal ancient walls and admire the ornate stone carvings. We leave Granada behind for Córdoba where we'll join a Local Specialist to visit the mesmerising Cathedral of Córdoba, the former mosque of the caliphs and a jewel of Hispano-Islamic art featuring striking arches and Byzantine mosaics. Our final stop for the day is beguiling Seville, our home for the next three nights. Buffet Breakfast, Dinner with wine

Day 5: Seville Sightseeing

Seville takes centre stage today as we spend the day exploring this charismatic city. We'll see the symbolic Giralda Bell Tower in the company of a Local Specialist, then visit the Maria Luisa Park, the centrepiece of the 1929 Exposition, built in a Moorish style and featuring half a mile of fountains, ponds, pavilions and lush plantings. We'll walk through the imposing Plaza de Espa��a and visit the largest Gothic Cathedral in the world, where the explorer Christopher Columbus is entombed. Perhaps witness the twirling of colourful skirts and rhythmic clapping of castanets this evening at a fiery flamenco performance. Buffet Breakfast

Day 6: Seville – Jerez and Cadiz Excursion

We indulge in the aromatic flavours of Jerez today as we gain a Cultural Insight into the centuries-old tradition of Spanish sherry production. The leafy boulevards and 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 that are said to have been brought here by him upon his return. Buffet Breakfast

Day 7: Seville – Algarve Region

We journey from Spain to the sun-kissed shores of southern Portugal's Algarve, a retreat for sun-worshippers with its spectacular natural landscapes and fascinating heritage. Enjoy the delicious flavours of piri piri chicken and grilled sardines against the picture-perfect backdrop of the Atlantic, relax on its golden beaches or perhaps join an Optional Experience. Buffet Breakfast, Dinner with wine

Day 8: Algarve – Lisbon Sightseeing (2 Nights)

Travel north to the Serra de Arrábida mountains and the golden landscapes of the Alentejo where you'll enjoy a delicious Be My Guest lunch at a traditional Stud Ranch where Lusitano horses have been reared since the 18th century. We arrive in the seafaring Portuguese capital of Lisbon this afternoon where we'll join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour of the spectacular 16th century Hieronymite Monastery, and Belém Tower, built as a tribute to Vasco da Gama's journey of discovery. Consider an evening in the quaint hillside bairro of Alfama enjoying traditional Portuguese flavours amidst the melancholic tunes of the fado. Buffet Breakfast, Be My Guest Dining

Day 9: Lisbon

Meander through the cobblestone lanes of old town Lisbon and the grand shopping boulevards that stretch from the shores of the Tagus and Lisbon Baixa to Rossio. Today is yours to embrace the charm of the Portuguese capital. Relax at a sidewalk café with a creamy pasteis de nata, venture to the Castle of São Jorge and admire the sea of pastel pinks, yellows and blues that clad Lisbon's seven hills or perhaps join an Optional Experience to the historic towns of Cascais and Queluz. Buffet Breakfast

Day 10: Lisbon – Fátima – Salamanca

Follow the road taken by pilgrims over the last 100 years to the Shrine at Fátima, site of celebrated religious miracles. We leave Portugal, travelling to the historic Spanish city of Salamanca with its golden-hued façades and ancient university heritage where we will view its 18th century Plaza Mayor during our orientation tour. Buffet Breakfast

Day 11: Salamanca – Toledo – Madrid (2 Nights)

See the walled city of Ávila, the town of stones and saints, so named for its vast collection of Romanesque and Gothic churches. We arrive in the clifftop city of Toledo where we'll visit the Church of Santo Tomé, home to one of El Greco's most famous paintings - The Burial of Count Orgaz. Join a Local Specialist for a guided walk through the quaint streets and see the oldest synagogue building still standing in Europe. Later enjoy a Cultural Insight into the historical steel industry while watching local craftsmen at work. We arrive in Madrid this evening, our home for the next two nights. Buffet Breakfast

Day 12: Madrid Sightseeing

This morning we join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour of Madrid where you will see the Royal Palace, Puerta del Sol and the Cervantes Monument with its stone representations of Don Quixote's "true love". Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the city on your terms. Admire the world's finest collection of Spanish art at the Prado Museum, indulge in some last-minute shopping on Gran Vía or perhaps consider an Optional Experience to the medieval UNESCO World Heritage City of Segovia. This evening marks the end of our memorable journey through the Iberian Peninsula. Join your fellow companions and Travel Director for a Farewell Dinner. Buffet Breakfast, Farewell Dinner

Day 13: Depart Madrid

For now it's time to say a fond adios to our travelling companions, your Travel Director and the beauty of Spain and Portugal at the end of a memorable holiday. Airport transfers are available. Conditions apply. Buffet Breakfast