Day 1 - Lisbon, Portugal
Arrive in Lisbon, capital of Portugal, where you are met and
transferred to your hotel. Settle in and then join your A&K
Resident Tour Director for a welcome drink, followed by
dinner at your hotel.
Day 2 - Lisbon
This morning, set out for a panoramic review of the city, including
Jerónimos Monastery. Afterward, try your hand at creating
the famous Portuguese specialty, pastel de nata (custard
tart). Learn the art of making this delicious, sweet treat from
start to finish, guided by professional chefs during a private
workshop in the Alvalade district of Lisbon. The class takes
place in a tea house specializing in Portuguese desserts.
Complete your experience by taking a mindful moment to
savor your pastry, complemented by a cup of tea or coffee.
The rest of your day is at leisure.
Day 3 - Évora
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.
Day 4 - Mérida, Spain & Seville
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.
Day 5 - Seville
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.
Day 6 - Granada
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.
Day 7 - Córdoba & Madrid
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 to
Madrid. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel. Cap off your
day of exploring with a fun tapas tour for dinner.
Day 8 - Madrid
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.
Day 9 - Madrid & Toledo
Today, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities.
See Madrid on a Relaxing Bike Tour, discovering the city center’s architecture and neighborhoods and Retiro Park.
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.
Day 10 - Elciego
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 upon the vineyard-covered hills
surrounding this contemporary retreat from one of its eight
terraces and enjoy your evening at leisure.
Day 11 - Elciego
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.
Day 12 - Bilbao
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.
Day 13 - Barcelona
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.
Day 14 - Barcelona
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departing
flight.