Exploring Iberia: Southern Spain to Coastal Portugal

Enjoy a true taste of the Iberian Peninsula. Your tour begins with an overnight flight.

Welcome to Málaga, a city known for its Andalusian lifestyle and the birthplace of artist Pablo Picasso. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome reception.

Discover the port city of Málaga with a local guide. Walk through the colorful market stalls and learn about the history and culture of this seaside community. Meet a local from the Sepulcro Brotherhood to learn about the importance of the religious brotherhoods to the local culture. Then, stop at a local bodega bar to sample some tapas. Then it’s your choice! Venture into the Alcazaba and get to know the fortified palace -OR- enter the Picasso Museum, where you’ll see paintings by this iconic artist who called Málaga his first home.

Today, travel to Granada, the last capital of the Moors in Spain before it fell to the Catholic monarchs in 1492. Spend the morning with a local expert visiting the Alhambra, a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s known as one of the Wonders of the Muslim World. After your extensive morning walk at this centuries-old palace and fortress complex, enjoy some free time in Granada for lunch on your own. Later, return to your hotel to spend the evening as you please.

Journey to the picturesque white villages of Andalusia. Frigiliana, considered to be one of the most beautiful villages in the region, will make you feel as though you have stepped back in time. Take in its whitewashed houses and historical sites while walking through the narrow cobblestone streets. Travel to the town of Nerja and explore its famous caves, home to one of the world’s largest stalactites. In Nerja, visit the Balcón de Europa, a balcony in the center of town with stunning views of the sea. Return to Málaga where you can choose to join your Tour Manager on a sunset marina stroll with a sweet surprise — the perfect way to say goodbye to Málaga.

Next stop: Ronda, a historic town perched upon a cliff in Andalusia. Explore the Old Town full of twisting narrow streets, the 18th-century Puente Nuevo (New Bridge) over the El Tajo gorge, and La Alameda Park with its panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. During your walking tour, get the local perspective on the often-debated topic of bullfighting in this city rich with the history surrounding these contests. Complete your tour of Ronda and be welcomed into a local’s home for a home-hosted lunch. Arrive in Cordoba and end your day with a walk as sunset arrives.

Begin your day immersing yourself in the culture of Cordoba when you admire the rows of patios* filled with colorful flowers and plants. Meet with a local to discuss the tradition and importance of these bountiful displays. Later, tour the magnificent Mezquita (UNESCO). Originally built as a mosque, it was converted into the city’s cathedral when the Christians conquered the region in 1236. End your afternoon with a visit to a family-run bull ranch to see life on the farm and learn about the care of these animals.

Your taste of the local culture continues today. Head to an award-winning olive grove and learn about this family-owned business. Try their unique olive oil during lunch before departing for Seville, Spain’s “cultural capital.” Once you arrive, get acquainted with Seville on a panoramic city tour featuring the famous Bull Ring, Torre de Oro, Plaza de Espana, and Maria Luisa Park. This evening, take in sweeping views of Seville from atop the Mirador Setas viewpoint. After you’ve worked up your appetite, you’ll sit down to dinner at a trendy local restaurant.

In Seville, it’s your choice! Take a walking tour of the quaint Santa Cruz Quarter with its cascading bright flowers, whitewashed buildings, and winding streets -OR- take a horse and carriage ride through Plaza de España and Maria Luisa Park – one of the loveliest parks in all of Europe. Then, discover the magnificent Seville Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest Gothic cathedral in the world. View the ornate architecture of the cathedral and see Christopher Columbus’ tomb. Later this afternoon, during an Impact Moment, participate in a flamenco lesson at Fundacion Cristina Heeren de Arte Flamenco. This is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the art of flamenco in Spain and internationally. After your lesson, enjoy a traditional flamenco performance.

Say adios to Spain and travel through the Portuguese countryside to Estremoz – a historic town whose marble can be found in Portuguese monuments throughout the country. After a lunch full of local flavor, continue on to the Portuguese Riviera, the picturesque region situated along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy an evening at leisure to do as you please.

Olá Lisboa! It’s time to get to know Europe’s second oldest capital city. Start in Belém, home to many of Lisbon’s most iconic sites. After viewing the impressive Jeronimos Monastery (UNESCO) facade, embark on a unique panoramic city tour. Hop on to one of Lisbon’s iconic trams taking you through the postcard-worthy streets of the hilly city. Return to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day to explore independently. This evening, you may choose to join an optional experience to see local artists perform traditional fado music (UNESCO).

Head to the town of Sintra (UNESCO), a favorite summer residence of Portuguese kings for six centuries. Explore the Quinta da Regaleira, a 20th-century palace with an elaborate gothic façade and beautiful gardens. Then stop at a local bakery and indulge in a local pastry before enjoying some time on your own to discover this storybook town. Tonight, toast to a wonderful trip with your fellow travelers during a farewell dinner featuring savory Portuguese favorites.

This cultural deep dive into Spain and Portugal comes to a close today.