Spain's Classics & Portugal

You are on your way to a colorful cultural adventure featuring the best of Spain and Portugal.

Welcome to Spain! Today, arrive in the vibrant city of Barcelona. With no scheduled sightseeing today, spend the day as you wish, exploring the city independently. Tonight, meet your fellow travelers and enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Start the morning by joining a local expert and exploring this amazing city as it was meant to be explored — on foot. Begin in the heart of Barcelona's Las Ramblas, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the city's most famous boulevard, which stretches from Plaça de Catalunya. Walk through the Gothic Quarter, a labyrinth of narrow, winding streets that date back to Roman times. Your local expert will guide you through this enchanting neighborhood, highlighting its hidden gems and sharing stories of its past. After some free time for lunch on your own, embark on a panoramic tour to see more of Barcelona’s sights. Finally, step inside the awe-inspiring La Sagrada Familia* (UNESCO) for a guided tour of the world-famous church designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí.

*On the rare occasion that the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is not available, you will instead visit another top Spanish attraction, like Casa Mila. The order of inclusions on this day may change based on the timing of the Sagrada Familia tickets.

Today, say goodbye to Barcelona! On your way to Valencia, stop in beautiful Peniscola and enjoy free time to explore on your own. Known as the “City in the Sea,” this fortified city and its Knights Templar Castle, dating back to the 13th century, are hidden gems. On a panoramic tour of Valencia, see the City of Arts and Sciences – an ultramodern educational institution. A treasure trove of Roman and Arabic architecture, Valencia is Spain’s third largest city, melding historic and modern culture.

Valencia is a city full of contrasts, where a charming old town lives next to futuristic buildings. Explore the city’s old quarter on foot, discovering its history with a local expert. View the ornate Serranos Towers before wandering through the bustling central market, where you can shop side-by-side with the locals. Travel to Albufera, which with its freshwater lake that evolved from an ancient marine gulf, is one of the most important wetlands in Spain. This is the area where paella originated – and the best place to experience it for lunch today. Enjoy time on your own to explore as you wish back in Valencia.

Today, make your way to Granada, the last great capital of the Moors in Spain before it fell to the Catholic monarchs in 1492. As the sun sets, the city bathes in a warm, golden light, highlighting the stunning architecture and historic landmarks. As the streets come alive for the evening, you may enjoy a leisurely stroll before dinner at a nearby restaurant.

This morning, join a local expert for a tour of the world-famous Alhambra** (UNESCO), a stone fortress overlooking the entire city and serving as a mesmerizing example of Islamic architecture. As you enter this historical marvel, feel transported to a different era. Wander through the intricate Nasrid Palaces, the heart of the Alhambra, and lose yourself in the serene beauty of the Generalife Gardens and stunning views from the Alcazaba, the oldest part of the complex. After this captivating visit, continue to Seville, where you'll end the day in southern Spain’s cultural capital enjoying a delightful dinner.

**Alhambra tickets are not guaranteed and subject to availability per Spanish Governing Authority. On the occasion that tickets are not available, you will visit another top Spanish attraction and your group leader or travel agent will be notified.

Embark on a panoramic tour before arriving at the iconic Plaza de España. Next, visit the Seville Cathedral*** (UNESCO) — the largest Gothic church in the world — and see Columbus’ tomb and the Giralda Bell Tower. Then decide how you want to continue because it’s your choice! Walk the Santa Cruz quarter with an expert guide, admiring the orange trees and white-washed houses -OR- get to know an example of the characteristic noble architecture at Palacio de Las Duenas. Then, enjoy some free time this afternoon. This evening, enjoy an authentic flamenco show (UNESCO) showcasing Seville's famous traditions.

***The Seville Cathedral requires a dress code that does not allow for shorts, flip flops, bare shoulders or hats.

Travel to the extraordinary Moorish city of Córdoba. Upon arrival, embark on a walking tour of La Mezquita (UNESCO), an 8th-century mosque that was converted into the city’s cathedral in the 16th century. As you continue your exploration of Córdoba's historical center, encounter a mix of Roman, Islamic, and Christian influences. The UNESCO World Heritage Site showcases a rich and diverse history, offering a fascinating journey through time with its unique blend of cultures and architectural styles. Then, board the two-hour AVE high-speed train to Spain’s capital city, Madrid! Arrive in the late afternoon with time to freshen up before gathering again for dinner.

During a locally guided tour of Madrid’s historic center, see iconic sites such as Plaza Mayor, where events have been held since the 17th century, and Plaza de Oriente — the square of the Royal Palace. Join a local expert to explore the priceless masterpieces of the Prado Museum, which opened in 1819 and boasts some of the world's finest collections of art by masters such as Velazquez and Goya. Your afternoon is free to further explore this fascinating city on your own or join an optional tour to Toledo to experience its rich cultural highlights, including the stunning cathedral.

Bid Spain adios and cross the border into Portugal, arriving in the off-the-beaten-path town of Elvas, a garrison town recognized as a World Heritage Site. On the way, indulge in full-bodied wines from the Alentejo region during a winery tour, tasting, and some petiscos – Portuguese traditional bites, usually shared with friends.

Make your way to Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. Meander through historic downtown, hearing the kinds of stories that bring the city — and its colorful neighborhoods — to life. Walk Praça do Comercio, one of the biggest squares in Europe. This gorgeous square flaunts colorful artwork and sculptures. Then, travel to Belém where you will visit Jerónimos Monastery**** (UNESCO) a prime example of Portuguese late Gothic architecture. This evening, over Portuguese cuisine and wine, listen to local artists perform the traditional fado (UNESCO).

The day is yours! Discover the capital city on your own. Consider tasting the city’s mouthwatering cuisine or taking the historic tram to the vibrant Alfama district. Perhaps you’ll go on an optional excursion to the Portuguese Riviera, visiting the picturesque towns of Cascais and Sintra.

Today, visit one of Portugal’s most famed towns – Obidos! With its labyrinth of cobblestoned streets and whitewashed houses, this medieval town beckons you to linger and enjoy its charm. You may choose to try one of the local delicacies – sour cherry liquor served in chocolate cups – or simply enjoy the narrow streets and picture-perfect alleyways. Gather this evening for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of an unforgettable trip to Spain and Portugal.

Return home with memories of two warm cultures and of a beautiful land.