Spain’s Classics & Portugal

During a locally guided tour of Madrid’s historic centre, see the Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor, where events have been held since the 17th century. An expert-led tour of the monumental 18th-century Royal Palace* reveals lavish halls, banquet rooms, the throne room, royal armory and the impressive courtyard. This afternoon travel to Toledo, a UNESCO site and the capital of medieval Spain until 1560. A comprehensive tour highlights the magnificent Gothic cathedral and the 13th-century synagogue, a testament to Toledo’s Jewish heritage. Also stop in the Church of Santo Tome to view El Greco’s masterpiece painting, The Burial of Count Orgaz.

  Breakfast    High  28°  Low  13°     Melia Galgos

Day 6. Madrid – Cordoba – Seville

Ease your way into the local culture as your Tour Manager teaches you a few key phrases of the native language. Then, travel to the extraordinary Moorish city of Cordoba. Embark on a walking tour of the Mezquita. This UNESCO site, an architectural marvel built by the Moors in the 8th century as a magnificent mosque, was converted into the city’s cathedral in the 16th century. Continue your exploration of Cordoba in the city’s well-preserved and historical old Jewish Quarter. Later, transfer to Seville, considered Spain’s “cultural capital.”

  Breakfast & Dinner      High  26°  Low  13°    Melia Sevilla

Day 7. Seville

  Breakfast     High  26°  Low  13°    Melia Sevilla

Day 8. Seville – Granada

Travel along the peaceful Sierra Nevada to Granada, the last great capital of the Moors in Spain before it fell to the Catholic monarchs in 1492. Join a local expert for a tour of the world-famous Alhambra, the immense hilltop palace that is a UNESCO site. Also tour the Generalife, meaning “garden of the architect,” where the grounds are beautifully designed with waterfalls, courtyards and smaller secret gardens.

  Breakfast & Dinner    High  23°  Low  9°    Melia Granada Hotel

Day 9. Granada – Valencia

Today you travel through Spain’s amazing landscape viewing rolling hills dotted with picturesque olive groves while en route to the Mediterranean coast. Arrive in the city of Valencia, a treasure trove of Roman and Arabic architecture, surrounded by citrus groves.

  Breakfast    High  23°  Low  13°    Tryp Oceanic

Day 10. Valencia – Paella Experience – Valencia

It’s your choice today! You may take a walking tour of historic Valencia to see the ornate 14th-century Serranos Tower and imposing 15th-century Quart Tower; then arrive at the bustling central market, one of the largest in Europe, where you’ll shop side by side with the locals before concluding your tour at the impressive 13th-century Gothic cathedral. Or, perhaps you would prefer to explore the impressive City of Arts & Science, an ultramodern, multi-faceted educational institution, followed by a tour of the Lladro City of Porcelain to learn about the history and creative process of the world-famous, handmade Lladro figurines.** Later, gather together and travel to the area where paella cuisine originated. A “paella experience” features a boat ride on the canals surrounding rice field plantations; a visit to a traditional fisherman’s home known as a “barraca”; a paella-making demonstration and an authentic paella lunch. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

  Breakfast & Lunch    High  23°  Low  13°    Turiart

Day 11. Valencia – Barcelona

Travel to Barcelona, one of Europe’s most beautiful and exciting cities. The afternoon is at leisure to explore Barcelona’s fascinating boulevards including the famous Las Ramblas, dotted with colourful bird and flower stalls.

 Breakfast     High  19°  Low  9°    Hotel Colon Barcelona

Day 12. Barcelona

Today, get an in-depth look at vibrant and lively Barcelona. Your locally guided tour showcases the Columbus Monument and the Parc de Montjuic, plus Antoni Gaudi’s UNESCO World Heritage sites including La Sagrada Familia, Parc Guell, Batllo House and the unconventional Casa Mila building. Gather this evening for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of an unforgettable trip to Spain!

 Breakfast & Dinner     High  19°  Low  9°    Hotel Colon Barcelona

Day 13. Barcelona – Tour Ends

You return home with vivid memories of a spectacularly beautiful land with an old, rich and diverse cultural heritage.

  Breakfast