Treasures of Spain and Portugal

Kick-start your epic encounter with Spain and Portugal in Europe’s highest capital city, Madrid. Spend your day rambling along tree-lined boulevards and people-watching in the city's lively squares before joining your fellow travelers and Travel Director for a dinner and orientation drive past some of Madrid's most iconic sites.

Journey south for an excursion to the hilltop city of Toledo, where you'll join your Local Specialist for a walking tour. Visit the Church of Santo Tomé, home to El Greco's most famous painting, 'The Burial of the Count of Orgaz', and visit the former synagogue of Santa Maria la Blanca. This afternoon, join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour of the Spanish capital, which includes views of the Royal Palace, the former residence of the Spanish royal family and the Cibeles Fountain.

Venture to Segovia and see the Roman Aqueduct, by far the most impressive Roman structure in Spain - delivering drinking water across its impressive 160 arches to the people of Segovia in ancient times, view the Alcázar of Segovia. Travel to the city of Zamora in the Castile and Leon region. Your orientation walking tour includes views of the Plaza Mayor and the Church of Mary Magdalene. Later this evening, why not follow your nose to a cozy local spot and relax with some refreshingly fruity sangria to toast the day.

Travel to Santiago de Compostela, where you’ll join a Local Specialist, who will share insights into the 'Way of Saint James' and explain why thousands of people attempt the life-changing pilgrimage annually. Visit the vast Cathedral, reputed to be the final resting place of Saint James the Great, and the Praza do Obradoiro, a square dominated by four architectural styles.

Today we Dive into Culture and the centuries-old tradition of local Port production at a tasting in a Port cellar. Afterwards, embark on a sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist in Porto. Wander past Baroque churches and along the winding lanes that tumble down towards the Douro. See the remarkable bridges that span the river, the medieval Ribeira Quarter and its old quay/dock, before visiting the Stock Exchange Palace with its splendid Arabian Hall inspired by Granada's Alhambra. Spend the rest of the afternoon strolling through the historic center of Porto - just steps away from our riverside hotel.

Follow the road taken by pilgrims over the last 100 years to the Shrine at Fátima, site of a celebrated religious miracle. Arrive in colorful Lisbon later – our home for the next two nights.

Delve into Lisbon's centuries-old seafaring heritage today, paying tribute to the brave men who set off from these shores to discover a new world. You'll see the shimmering white Monument to the Discoveries, the iconic suspension bridge spanning the River Tagus, and Belém Tower when you join a Local Specialist on a sightseeing tour of Lisbon. Dive into Culture visiting the Belém Quarter. Enjoy a taste of Pastéis de Belém. Join an optional trip through the Golden Triangle, visiting Estoril, Cascais and one of Lisbon’s stunning royal palaces.