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. Tonight, meet your fellow travelers and enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Start the morning by joining your local expert and walk to some of Barcelona’s main sights, exploring this amazing city as it was meant to be explored – on foot. After some free time for lunch on your own, embark on a panoramic tour of Barcelona, showcasing the Columbus Monument, Parc de Montjuic, and Antoni Gaudi’s Batllo House and Casa Mila building (UNESCO). A local expert accompanies you on a visit to the awe-inspiring La Sagrada Familia* (UNESCO), considered to be the most famous of Gaudi’s work. Work on the basilica began in 1882, and it’s scheduled to be completed in 2026, on the 100th anniversary of the architect’s death.

*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. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for 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. End your day in Seville, considered Spain’s “cultural capital.”

**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. Then decide how you see Seville because it’s your choice! Walk the Santa Cruz quarter with an expert guide, admiring the orange trees and white-washed houses -OR- see the city from a different perspective with a boat ride on the Guadalquivir River, drifting by timeworn bridges and towers. Later, visit the Seville Cathedral*** (UNESCO) – the largest Gothic church in the world – and see Columbus’ tomb and the Giralda Bell Tower. 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 Cordoba. 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. Continue your exploration of Cordoba in the city's well-preserved and historical Jewish Quarter. Then, board the AVE high-speed train to Spain’s capital city, Madrid! Arrive in the late afternoon and enjoy some free time to rest or venture out and explore on your own.

During a locally guided panoramic 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 explore this fascinating city further or join an optional tour to Toledo.

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 see the Jeronimo’s Monastery (UNESCO) and the Tower of Belém (UNESCO). Enjoy time in the evening to settle into your new home for the next three nights.

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. Tonight, you may choose to join an optional tour to listen to local artists perform traditional fado music, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage highlight.

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.