Spain & Portugal: A Journey Across Iberia

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departing flight.