About the trip
Step into the rich worlds of Spain and Portugal on this 13-Day guided tour. Explore Granada’s grand Alhambra Palace with a Local Expert, who will lead you through its exotic water gardens. After wandering the white-washed alleys of Seville on a guided tour, visit an 18th century mansion, where you’ll be treated to a private-but-passionate flamenco dance performance; later, enjoy a romantic carriage ride through the city's streets or relax at a rooftop bar. In Lisbon, have the Queluz National Palace all to yourself during a private, after-hours visit. Marvel over Madrid’s Prado Museum, where an art historian will lead you on a private tour of Spanish masterpieces.
Highlights
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Barcelona: Visit Park Güell on Carmel Hill, founded originally for the aristocracy of the city. Take a walk through its leafy paths, enjoys the views over the city and see Gaudi's colourful ceramics.
- Barcelona: Join your Travelling Concierge for a night tour of Barcelona to see the town lit up and the light show at the Magic Fountain at the foot of Montjuïc mountain.
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Seville: Visit the Seville Cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, see and tomb of Columbus and marvel at the intricate details of its decoration.
- Seville: Visit the Fine Arts Museum exhibiting masterpieces of Sevillian Baroque and Spanish artists such as Murillo or Velásquez.
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Seville: Go on a romantic horse and carriage ride and relax as you pass some of the city's highlights.
- Seville: Relax in a rooftop bar with a cocktail in hand and watch the sunset over Seville.
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Lisbon: Visit the Jerónimos Monastery and cloisters with its beautiful Manueline architecture.
- Lisbon: Attend a cooking class and learn how to make the famous Portuguese delicacy, Pastéis de Belém. On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience learn about sustainable consumption and and understand how reducing your carbon footprint have a positive impact on your community. The Lisbon Cooking Academy believes in purchasing fresh seasonal produce, purchasing ingredients locally and proudly recycles.
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Madrid: Join an art historian and visit the Prado Museum, often called a museum of painters for its extensive collection of works by artists such as Bosch, Titian or El Greco - the favourites of Spain's 16-17th century monarchs.
Meals
Accommodation
Ohla Eixample
2 nights in Barcelona
Hospes Palau de la Mar, Valencia, a Member of Design Hotels
1 nights in Valencia
Hospes Palacio de los Patos, a Member of Design Hotels
1 nights in Granada
Hotel Colón Gran Meliá
3 nights in Seville
Pousada de Lisboa, Praça do Comércio - Small Luxury Hotel
2 nights in Lisbon
Convento do Espinheiro, Historic Hotel & Spa
1 nights in Evora
The Principal Madrid
2 nights in Madrid
Included in the price
Barcelona
- You will be escorted by one of our fine Travelling Concierges, handpicked to serve as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary, available on departures with 15 or more guests.
- At every hotel, you'll be treated to seamless baggage handling, with prompt delivery inside your room.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- Complimentary, airport transfers are included on start and end dates and when additional accommodation has been booked through Luxury Gold. Guests will be transferred with fellow Luxury Gold Travellers that arrive on the same flight. Complimentary, private train station transfers are included when train travel is included within the itinerary. Transfers to train stations or alternate hotels, in the same start or end city of the itinerary, may be requested but are not guaranteed.
Barcelona
- You will be escorted by one of our fine Travelling Concierges, handpicked to serve as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary, available on departures with 15 or more guests.
- At every hotel, you'll be treated to seamless baggage handling, with prompt delivery inside your room.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- Complimentary, airport transfers are included on start and end dates and when additional accommodation has been booked through Luxury Gold. Guests will be transferred with fellow Luxury Gold Travellers that arrive on the same flight. Complimentary, private train station transfers are included when train travel is included within the itinerary. Transfers to train stations or alternate hotels, in the same start or end city of the itinerary, may be requested but are not guaranteed.
Day-wise Itinerary
ExpandDay 1: Welcome To Barcelona.
On arrival at Barcelona Airport, you will be met and transferred to your five-star hotel. At 18:00, join your Travelling Concierge and fellow travellers for your Welcome dinner featuring fine Barcelona seafood. Barcelona comes alive at night when the temperatures cool down and it is a beautiful way to start your adventure.
Day 2: Catalonia’s Creative Capital. Relaxed Start
Barcelona is a melting pot of dreamy architecture, a historic cathedral, seaside splendour and gastronomic delights. Meet your Local Expert in the Gothic Quarter for an exploration of the medieval streets and squares, and see some of the most flamboyant buildings of the Catalan art nouveau movement. Visit Gaudí's imaginative Sagrada Família, where mosaic spires pierce the sky like a giant crown. Your Journey, Your Way. Choose to visit Park Güell on Carmel Hill, founded originally for the aristocracy of the city. Take a walk through its leafy paths, enjoys the views over the city and see Gaudi's colourful ceramics. Alternatively, have your afternoon at leisure and join a nighttime tour of Barcelona, ending with a light show at the foot of Montjuic.
Day 3: Valencia And The Orange Blossom Coast.
Follow the sunny Costa Dorada to La Galera and stop for an olive tasting at El Moli de la Creu, a family-run olive farm that harvests using traditional methods. Enjoy a Highlight Lunch at the incredible Michelin-starred L’Antic Molí. Savour a creative Mediterranean menu made from fresh seasonal produce. Continue past orange groves to Valencia, where your evening is at leisure.
Day 4: Granada And The Alhambra Palace.
Granada is a rich oasis of Moorish architecture and the perfect city to enjoy an evening paseo. A Local Expert will show you the exquisite Alhambra Palace and exotic water gardens built by the Moors in the 13th century. Enjoy a relaxed evening soaking up the views from your hotel or take a stroll on Plaza de Bib-Rambla for dinner.
Day 5: Córdoba And Seville. Relaxed Start
Journey through the silent sierras to Córdoba with views of the Old Roman Bridge. Arrive at the magnificent Mezquita, one of the greatest works of Islamic architecture. Your Local Expert will walk you through a forest of delicate arches and pillars to the opulent Christian cathedral nestled within. Stroll through the Jewish Quarter before continuing to the stunning Andalusian capital of Seville. Dinner tonight is accompanied by the music of a classical guitarist at an elegant restaurant.
Day 6: Seville, The City Of Carmen. Relaxed Start
Join your Local Expert for a walk through the white-washed alleys and flower-decked squares of the Santa Cruz quarter. Your Journey, Your Way. Choose to visit the Seville Cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, see and tomb of Columbus and marvel at the intricate details of its decoration. Alternatively, visit the Fine Arts Museum exhibiting masterpieces of Sevillian Baroque and Spanish artists such as Murillo or Velásquez. Tonight, enjoy an intimate and passionate performance of fiery flamenco.
Day 7: The Flavours Of Andalusia. Relaxed Start
Discover the flavours of Andalusia during a market visit and a Spanish cooking experience. Learn the culinary secrets to some of the most popular dishes and enjoy your own creations for lunch, along with a glass or two of wine. Your Journey, Your Way. Choose to go on a romantic horse and carriage ride and relax as you pass some of the city's highlights. Alternatively, allow us to reserve your seat at a rooftop bar for incredible views over the mighty cathedral with a cocktail in hand.
Day 8: Across The Alentejo To Lisbon.
Travel to the hilltop town of Serpa and explore the cobbled streets lined with olive trees, red-sloped roofs and white sun-baked houses. During a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience learn about the Iberian Lynx, the world’s most endangered feline and how Serpa has implemented conservation programs to protect and re-introduce the species to the local area. Enjoy lunch accompanied by a singing performance of Cante Alentejano. This traditional polyphonic singing style has been recognised as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. Continue to the Portuguese capital of Lisbon and check in to your elegant hotel.
Day 9: Lisbon And The Age Of Discoveries. Relaxed Start
With your Local Expert visit Belém, the historical location for Lisbon's shipyards from where ships set forth to discover new routes to India, East Africa and Brazil. View the Monument to the Discoveries and the 16th century Belém Tower, the ceremonial gateway to the city. Your Journey, Your Way. Choose to visit Jeronimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a Local Expert to learn about Portuguese religious history. Alternatively, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and learn how to make the famous Pasteis de Belem at a sustainable cooking school that's known for its commitment to the local community. The evening begins with a special after-hours visit to The National Palace of Queluz. Marvel at the exuberance of its architectural details and learn about the Royal Family that resided there during the 18th century. Dine like royalty this evening at Cozinha Velhina and savour a selection of Portuguese delicacies.
Day 10: Forever Évora. Relaxed Start
Continue to the university city of Evora, one of the best preserved towns in Portugal, with architectural styles dating back to Roman times. Join your Local Expert for a walk around the city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This afternoon head to a local winery to explore the estate, learn about their winemaking process and taste a selection of their tantalising wines. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner with wine at the hotel restaurant.
Day 11: The Roman Ruins Of Mérida And Madrid.
Venture across patterned agricultural lands to the Spanish border and continue to Mérida, famous for its extensive Roman ruins. Visit the well-preserved Roman Theatre where a variety of plays were once performed to delight the patrons of ancient Lusitania. Journey through the sun-baked landscapes of Extremadura to the stately Spanish capital, Madrid. With the evening at leisure to explore as you wish, perhaps stroll Calle Serrano, Madrid’s most famous and elegant shopping street, before savouring some local cuisine?
Day 12: Madrid Of The Bourbons. Relaxed Start
Join your local expert to learn the history of Madrid and its famous sites.Your Journey, Your Way. Join an art historian and visit the Prado Museum, housing the world's richest and most comprehensive collection of Spanish paintings by artists such as Bosch, Titian or El Greco - the favourites of Spain's 16-17th century monarchs. Alternatively, join a Local Expert on a walking tour to explore the maze of streets in Madrid's old town and try churros, the popular Spanish snack. In the afternoon, enjoy time at leisure to further explore the glories of Madrid. Tonight, you're invited to the Michelin-starred Álbora Bar and Restaurant for your Celebration Dinner. Raise a glass to new memories and friendships, as you dine on classic cuisine in a stylish, modern setting.
Day 13: Depart Madrid. Departure Flight
After breakfast, bid farewell to your travel companions and transfer to Madrid Barajas Airport for your onward journey.
