Spain and Portugal Iberian Explorer

Our trip begins in Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, which is is full of energy and the perfectplace to start our journey. Founded by the Romans in 20 A.D, this enchanting city is a heady mix of iconic architecture, delicious gastronomy and cultural heritage. The tour leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for the welcome meeting and, slightly later, our first group dinner to get to know your fellow travellers. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN). If you are booking your own flights, we recommend giving yourself at least one hour to clear the airport. From the airport to the hotel is around a 30 minute drive, so therefore the latest your flight can arrive is 4.30pm. There are no included excursions today and if you miss the welcome meeting, your tour leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.

This morning our tour leader will take us on an orientation tour of Barcelona. Walking through the old town we will explore the "backstreets" on foot (approx. four hours). We begin heading into the Gothic Quarter. This maze of alleys, streets and small squares is the heart of the old town. Here we will see Barcelona Cathedral, an impressive example of 14th century Catalan Gothic architecture. Continuing on foot we enter El Born, a trendy district of narrow medieval streets, home to some of the oldest buildings in the city and the Picasso museum. Heading towards the coast we wander through the tightly packed Barceloneta neighbourhood hemmed in by the harbour on one side and beach on the other. From here we take the cable car from Torre Sant Sebastia, at the foot of Barceloneta, across Port Vell to the Torre Miramar in Montjuic. Walking around this hilltop park there are fantastic panoramic views over the city and there is the opportunity to visit the castle and Olympic Park, built for the 1992 summer Olympics. The tour will end at Ramblas with the afternoon left free to soak up the atmosphere from a café in one of the squares or wander down the myriad of winding alleys, there is always something hidden to discover. There is the option to take a 10km guided bike tour or visit the Sagrada Familia (advisable to pre-book tickets online).

Leaving the city behind we drive south into the Penedes region to discover the cava production process and enjoy a tasting. Cava originates from the Italian 'cova', meaning cave. Wine production caves were used for the storing and ageing of wine, Catalan winemakers adopted the term to distinguish their produce from French champagne. After sampling the sparkling wine we make a stop at the monastery of Santa Maria de Poblet, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the largest Cistercian monasteries in Spain. There is free time to explore and have lunch before driving onto the coastal city of Tarragona. Tarragona is a port city with extensive Roman ruins, sandy beaches and home to the Concurs de Castells (human tower-building) festival. This afternoon we explore the historical centre and UNESCO World Heritage complex of Tarraco, the oldest Roman settlement on the Iberia peninsular, with its well-preserved Amphitheatre overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, built in the 2nd century (viewable from the outside only as closed on Monday's). Tarragona was (together with Merida) one of the two Roman capitals on the Iberian Peninsula, a really important and wealthy place in those days.

This morning we board the fast AVE train to Madrid, arriving in the early afternoon (departing around 10:30, taking just two hours 45 minutes). After checking into our hotel, we head out for an orientation walk of Spain's busy capital city, led by our tour leader (approx. four hours). Located on the tiny Manzanares River, Madrid has its share of historic sights, great architecture, nightlife, fine dining, culture and shopping. We begin walking through Madrid's most historic neighbourhood, Barrio de los Austrias, making a stop for coffee near the impressive Palacio Real. Our next stop is the Mercado de San Miguel, Madrid's gourmet market bursting with stalls, a great place to sample some regional specialities. After an early dinner at the market, we head Plaza Mayor, a large square framed by slate roofed red-brick buildings dating back to 1619. This day finishes with one of the best views over Madrid from the terrace at the Circulo de Bellas Artes.

Today we explore more of this energetic capital, heading to Barrio de las Letras, the Literary Quarter and Circulo de Bellas Artes. Continuing on foot we walk through lively Lavapies neighbourhood with colourful murals and art insulations adorning the walls then on to find out about the art of churro making. These fried dough sticks are deliciously crispy yet soft on the inside, they are normally eaten for breakfast dipped in hot chocolate or coffee. This morning's walking tour ends near the vast 19th century El Retiro Park and the afternoon is left free to relax in the beautiful park, visit the nearby Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen museums, the Botanical Gardens or wander the back streets in search of tucked away tapas bars.

We take an early morning train (departing around 7:35am, taking 3 hours 45 minutes) to the famous Andalucian city of Granada. The Arabic name Al Andalus was given to the part of Spain under Islamic control for some 800 years.

After checking into our hotel we will spend some time exploring the city on foot with our tour leader. Discovering the main highlights including the Albaicin, the old Moorish quarter, giving the city its characteristic look of white walls and narrow streets. From the viewpoint are spectacular views across to the Alhambra and Generalife with the Sierra Nevada as a backdrop. When dusk falls, we suggest a stroll around the old Moorish Quarter to see its illuminated patios.

This morning we have included a guided visit to the remarkable Alhambra Palace and Generalife gardens. In 1239 Muhammad al-Ahmar, founder of the Nasrid dynasty and Sultan of Granada, began work on this, one of the finest remaining examples of Moorish architecture. The fabulous decoration in stucco, both inside and outside the buildings, reveals the purest expression of a sophisticated civilisation just before its decline.

The Generalife - the summer residence of the Caliphs and surrounding gardens - are considered among the most beautiful landscaped gardens in the world.

Tickets to visit the Alhambra are limited, as such we'll keep our time in Granada flexible and organise sightseeing around our Alhambra visit. If you booked the tour late and on request within about 30 days prior to travel we cannot guarantee you an entrance ticket with the same time slot, therefore it may be that your visit to the Alhambra is unguided, though you can choose to get an audioguide if interested.

Today we take the train to Cordoba. Standing on the banks of the Guadalquivir river, Cordoba was one of the most sophisticated Moorish cities and is, for many, the most beautiful city in Spain. The Moors established themselves in Cordoba as early as 719 AD, and before that the Romans had left their own mark here as evidenced by the large Roman bridge still in use. Cordoba has a wealth of treasures locked away in its back streets with secluded patios tucked behind delicate iron grills. The medieval synagogues in Cordoba and Toledo are the only two which remain in Spain today and the Cordoba synagogue dates back to the 14th century.

Upon arrival we visit the renowned Mosque (Mezquita), an extraordinary and unique building where history has superimposed two faiths and erected two oratories on the one site (local guide optional). The early massive Islamic structure dates back to the 8th century, its roof supported by a forest of 850 coloured columns. Its jewel is the gleaming and superbly decorated Mihrab, which has survived in its original state. After reconquista the Catholic king was so impressed, instead of ordering its destruction he ordered a church to be built inside instead.

After lunch we continue our journey by bus, making a stop at the pretty white-washed town of Carmona. We will take a short orientation walk, admiring the Moorish buildings and the Alcázar del Rey Don Pedro, where it's possible to go up the tower for views over the town. Drive onto Seville to arrive in the late afternoon. The capital of Andalucia is one of Spain's finest and most beautiful cities, built on the wealth of New World trade and plunder. This evening we take a stroll across the Guadalquivir River to Triana, the centre of Seville's ceramic production and home to some of the best tapas bars, our tour leader will guide us to small eateries for delicious dinner options.

We'll spend the morning walking through the city, exploring the former Jewish Quarter, and following winding narrow backstreets leading to Mudejar palaces (a blend of Christian and Moorish styles) and baroque churches.

The afternoon is left free to explore Seville at your own pace. You might like to visit the stunning Alcázar Palace and the city's Gothic Cathedral, one of the largest in the world. Its bell tower was once the minaret of the Almohad great mosque, so impressive that the Christians incorporated it into their building. Other attractions include the General Archive of the Indias, Plaza de San Francisco, Casa Pilatos or Maria Luisa park. In the evening we suggest you take in some traditional flamenco music and dancing (optional).

Today we say goodbye to Spain and drive north into Portugal. Before reaching the border we make a stop at Aracena to visit the Cueva da las Maravillas, an impressive network of limestone caverns and underground pools. In Arancena there is the opportunity to partake in Iberian ham tasting, learning about the process behind this Spanish delicacy.

We break the journey at Monsaraz, a medieval walled village situated above the great Alqueva lake, formed by an artificial dam on the Guadiana River. There will be time here for a stroll around fortified village enjoying views before continuing onto Evora, the capital of Portugal's Alentejo region arriving in the early afternoon. Being a designated UNESCO world heritage site, Evora has a rich history and several interesting monuments, including the Roman Temple, said to be the best preserved on the Iberian peninsular and the 16th century aqueduct, under which houses have been built since.

Tonight's boutique hotel is located just outside the old city walls with a rooftop terrace overlooking historic Evora, its's a 10-minute walk to the centre.

Before leaving Evora this morning we visit the fascinating but eerie Capela dos Ossos "bone chapel". Heading towards the coast we stop at Setúbal, situated on the estuary of the River Sado and an important centre for Portugal's fishing industry. Will have the opportunity to savour fresh oysters at the indoor Mercado do Livramento. Driving into Lisbon we stop in Belem to pay a visit to a traditional pastelaria and enjoy a delicious Pasteis de Belem - Portuguese custard tart. The city became the capital of Portugal after its conquest from the Moors in 1147. As Portugal built a global empire from the 15th century onwards, Lisbon became the hub of international trade and the heart of this maritime Golden Age of discovery, reflected in the monumental architecture. A devastating earthquake and resulting tsunami almost totally destroyed the capital in 1755 and therefore Lisbon appears as a carefully planned 18th century city. In the evening there is the option to see a live performance of traditional 'Fado' music for those interested. Stemming from the word 'fate', the music of Fado can be deeply personal in its expression. Said to have been born from the songs of African slaves, the sentiments behind this soulful music are deeply linked to the heritage and hearts of the people, and as such is quintessentially Portuguese. Enjoying this performance after dinner we come a little closer to feeling a sense of 'saudade', a sentiment of nostalgia which, it is said, only the Portuguese truly understand.

Our morning walking tour (approx. three hours) takes us through some of the different bairros (neighbourhoods) of Lisbon as an introduction to this great city. Built on seven hills, you can see the typical trams negotiate the undulations of Lisbon's cobbled streets, and the varied and interesting buildings while intricately painted Portuguese tiles throughout the city never fail to impress. We walk up Alfama Hill and enjoy the views across the River Tagus from the Miradouro de Graca viewpoint before continuing our walk, passing under the Arco da Ragusta to end at the Time Out Market, where there are is a variety of Portuguese food, sweets, and drinks on offer in this traditional food hall. The afternoon has been left free for further exploration of Lisbon, you could visit the fascinating MAAT museum or Calouste Gulbenkian museum. In the evening there is the option to see a live performance of traditional 'Fado' music for those interested. Stemming from the word 'fate', the music of Fado can be deeply personal in its expression. Said to have been born from the songs of African slaves, the sentiments behind this soulful music are deeply linked to the heritage and hearts of the people, and as such is quintessentially Portuguese. Enjoying this performance after dinner we come a little closer to feeling a sense of 'saudade', a sentiment of nostalgia which, it is said, only the Portuguese truly understand.

Today we head north along the Atlantic coast to Porto, making several stops along the way. Obidos is considered to be one of the most picturesque and well preserved medieval towns in Portugal. The town prospered after becoming part of the royal estate from the 13th century and within the walls you can visit the castle and lose yourself in the maze of narrow streets and little squares with fine examples of religious and civil architecture from the town's golden days. In the course of the morning we will try Ginjinha, a local liqueur made from sour cherries, which is an acquired taste. Our next stop today is Aveiro, a charming town known as the Venice of Portugal. We take a short walk along the canals, admiring the Art Nouveau architecture and colourful Moliceiros boats, with free time for lunch. Finally we reach Porto in the late afternoon. Portugal's second largest city after Lisbon, offers visitors a range of architectural and cultural attractions. This evening you might like to visit the nearby city of Matosinhos where you can sample a barbequed fish dinner on the seafront.

This morning our tour leader will take us on a walking tour of colourful Porto (approx. two hours). We'll stroll down the cobbled streets to Cais da Ribeira - undoubtedly the most picturesque spot. This characterful quayside is dominated by the tall outline of the two tiered Dom Luis I Bridge, built in 1886 by an assistant of Gustave Eiffel. Here, ancient houses with laundry-draped balconies stand high above the waterfront looking out over the river, where several old boats lie moored at the water's edge. Despite the decline in the use of this harbour, with its fish market and restaurants, it continues to have character and bustle reminiscent of its lively past. Following our tour we include a visit to a port lodge. The history and processes involved in making these white, ruby and tawny delicacies are most interesting, and we'll get to enjoy a port tasting. This afternoon is free for you to further discover Porto. There are a number of fascinating buildings to visit whilst walking in the heart of the city. You may choose to climb the tower of the 18th century Baroque Igreja dos Clerigos, which affords superb views across the city. You may consider venturing further afield and taking the train or a local bus the short distance to the attractive towns of Guimaraes or Braga. Porto offers a good selection of restaurants to celebrate the end of our journey this evening.

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Porto. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Porto at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Porto Airport (OPO), which is about 30 minutes' drive.