Spain & Portugal: A Journey Across Iberia 2021

Lisbon | Private Tile-Painting Workshop

This morning, discover the National Tile Museum — set in the 16th-century Convent of Madre de Deus — admiring its impressive displays of the beautifully detailed painted tiles for which Lisbon is renowned. Then, attend an interactive private tile-painting workshop and take home your creation. The rest of your day is at leisure.

Évora | Walled Medieval City

Journey to Évora, a beautifully preserved medieval city, stopping for a wine tasting en route. On arrival, visit the historic town center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to view an ancient Roman Temple, the Gothic 13th-century Sé Cathedral with its Romanesque architectural influences, and the striking city walls.

Mérida, Spain & Seville | Ancient Mérida

Today, drive eastward into Spain, stopping in Mérida to view its Roman amphitheater, inaugurated in 8 BC to host theatrical performances and gladiatorial combat. Also see an ancient 82-foot-tall aqueduct built from stone and brick. Afterward, continue into Spain’s storied Andalusia region for a two-night stay in vibrant Seville. Once there, ride a horse-drawn carriage to a palace where the owners host your private dinner, followed by a performance of flamenco dancing and singing on the patio of this historic home.

Seville | Gothic Cathedral & Jewish Quarter

Set out on a guided excursion through Seville, including a visit to the largest Gothic cathedral in the world. Proceed to the Jewish Quarter, with its labyrinth of narrow streets dating to the time of Moorish rule. Then, relax during an afternoon and evening at leisure.

Granada | The Moorish Architecture of Alhambra

After breakfast, travel to Granada and take in the city. Visit Alhambra, a vast palace and UNESCO World Heritage Site that exemplifies Moorish architecture. Tonight, dine at a local restaurant overlooking the site.

Córdoba & Madrid | Jewish Quarter & Mezquita

Travel to Córdoba, where you visit this city’s historic Jewish neighborhood and roam its narrow streets, and then enter the former Great Mosque, now known as the Mezquita, to view its breathtaking Moorish-influenced interior. Enjoy time to explore before boarding a high-speed AVE train, as you Ride Like a Local to Madrid. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel. Cap off your day of exploring with a fun tapas tour for dinner.

Madrid | Royal Splendor

Set out on a city tour that includes the Royal Palace, with its rich decor comprised of marble, stucco and mahogany. Break for lunch at a local restaurant. Enjoy the afternoon and evening at leisure.

Madrid & Toledo | Design Your Day

Today, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities.

See Madrid on a Parks & River Bike Tour, cycling in a vast, beautiful city park and along the Manzanares River.

Discover Toledo, a place in medieval Europe where Muslim, Jewish and Christian communities coexisted.

Tour the Prado Museum, viewing works by El Greco, Velázquez and Goya, guided by a local expert.

Spend your evening at leisure in Madrid, free to sample the city’s many culinary attractions.

Elciego | An Enchanting Food & Wine Experience

Today, journey to La Rioja, stopping en route for a tour, followed by a Chef ’s Table experience featuring a gourmet lunch with wine pairings, at the Vivanco Museum of Wine Culture. Proceed to Elciego and check in to the Hotel Marqués de Riscal. Settle into your luxurious room and admire the hotel’s amazing design, created by master architect Frank Gehry. Gaze out to the vineyard-covered hills surrounding this contemporary retreat from one of its eight terraces and perhaps enjoy the on-site Michelin-starred restaurant for dinner at your leisure.

Elciego | Tasting the Fruits of the Rioja

This morning, explore Spain’s storied Rioja region, visiting an olive oil mill and sampling their oils, walking through Laguardia, and tasting wine with tapas in one of the village cellars. Return to your hotel to relax in the lush surroundings before dinner.

Bilbao | Guggenheim Museum Tour

Drive to Bilbao today, where you tour galleries devoted to modern and contemporary art, including the monumental sculpture, The Matter of Time, at the Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. After lunch at a local restaurant, fly to Barcelona, settle into your hotel, and then enjoy a light dinner.

Barcelona | Gaudí’s Unfinished Masterpiece

This morning, set out on a panoramic city tour. See the Barcelona Pavilion, a study in minimalism built for the 1929 International Exposition, and then explore the Sagrada Família, a spectacular basilica designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. This amazing structure features eight towering spires outside and an incomparably detailed vaulted ceiling inside. Begun in 1882, parts of it are still under construction. Enjoy time for lunch at leisure in the Central Market, also known as La Boqueria, one of the city’s many vital marketplaces for fish, meat and produce. Spend your afternoon with time to relax or explore this colorful, vibrant city on your own. Tonight, join your Resident Tour Director and fellow guests for a Scenic Sundowner followed by a festive farewell dinner.

Depart Barcelona

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departing flight.