SPEAK WITH A TRAVEL EXPERT
Abercrombie & Kent
OFFER ID 1544642
Spain & Portugal: A Journey Across Iberia
Explore the best of the entire Iberian peninsula on one spectacular journey, discovering how Moors, Jews and Europeans influenced the culture, cuisine and arts of Spain and Portugal.
13 nights from $14,795 per person
Abercrombie & Kent: Spain & Portugal: A Journey Across Iberia
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.
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.
Highlights of Cordoba (8 hours)
Highlights:
Admire the whitewashed streets of the medieval Moorish city and its old Jewish quarter. Visit the magnificent Mezquita, an architectural masterpiece that has acted as both mosque and cathedral over the centuries.
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Tour can operate: Morning/Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
Overview: Wander through the emblematic 16th-century Royal stables and assist in a spirited Equestrian Show in which the purebred Spanish horse is the protagonist. The Caballerizas Reales are the birthplace of the Andalusian horse. Be impressed by the magnificence and charm of these animals, which exhibit different disciplines, and the mastery of the riders and the horsewomen performing and blending dance with horse exercises.
Duration: 1H10
Overview: Immerse in a fascinating rendezvous with Princess Diana d'Orléans, Cadaval Duchess. Embracing with passion the mission of transmitting her ancestor's History and Heritage, Dona Diana Álvares Pereira de Melo authored several Portuguese history and architecture books. In an enchanting palatial setting, engage in an intimate lunch and conversation at the magnificent 14th-century palace and uncover intriguing stories about the Portuguese monarchy.
Duration: 2 Hours
Art and Architecture in Barcelona (8 hours)
Highlights:
An architectural delight awaits you today in Barcelona, one of the most exciting cities in Europe. Receive a warm greeting at the port by your private guide and driver and commence your full-day tour with a visit to Gaudi's masterpiece, the impressive, but unfinished Sagrada Familia. Although work started on this project in 1882, this iconic church is not expected to be complete until 2028!
Next, visit Parc Guell, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi's most colourful creations. Continue along Passeig de Gracia, to view Gaudi's Casa Batlló and Casa Mila from the outside, with its brilliant wave-like façade.
After lunch, lose yourself in the narrow streets of the true heart of the city - the medieval Gothic Quarter. Here you will visit the magnificent 13th-century Cathedral, and the Picasso Museum, where some of the painter's earliest works are housed. At the end of your tour you are transferred back to the port.
Highlights:
Receive a warm greeting at the port from your private guide and driver and commence your half-day tour with a visit to Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi’s masterpiece; the impressive, but unfinished Sagrada Familia. Although work started on this project in 1882, this iconic church is not expected to be completed until 2028!
Continue on to Parc Guell, a beautiful municipal garden with a superb panoramic view over the city; the focal point is a colourful sea-serpent-shaped central terrace. Visit the gatehouse where Gaudi lived during his later years which is now a museum dedicated to him. Transfer back to the port at the end of your tour.
Overview: Uncover the most authentic side of Barcelona riding the world's best folding bike, a Brompton. Be led by an expert bike guide and venture into a unique and exclusive experience. Connect with your local guide by sharing and listening to trivia stories about Barcelona. Embark on a ride to explore the least touristy Eixample and Gracia districts. Glimpse the Plaça d'Espanya, the Hospital de la Santa Creu, Sant Pau, and modernist estates.
Duration: 3 Hours
Overview: Experience the thrill of sailing the Barcelona Coastline. Glimpse the Barcelona skyline from a different perspective and spot some landmarks, including Frank Gehry Golf Fish Sculpture and the Twin Towers", Torres Venecianas. Immerse yourself in the serene deep blue while seeping your glass of wine. Weather permitting, anchor and venture in a short swim.
Duration: 4 Hours
Overview: Uncover the dedication of a biodynamic winegrowers family committed to excellence in long-aged wines. Venture on a stroll around the winery's iconic vineyards to discover the distinctive features of a unique spot in the Penedès region. Sheltered by the woods, taste a base wine paired with a light snack. Elevate your experience by savoring three long-aged sparkling wines, a limited-edition white wine, and an extra-virgin olive oil.
Duration: 4 Hours
From Market to Home with a Top Chef
Overview: Led by a top Chef who graduated from the prestigious Cordon Bleu School in Paris, embark on an exclusive gourmet journey at her private penthouse. Head to a 19th-century local market and thoroughly select the finest ingredients for your recipe. Dare to partake in the cooking process while you uncover some secrets of high-end cuisine. Savor the combination of flavors paired with a premium selection of Spanish Wines.
Duration: 4 Hours
Hike a World of Nature (7,5 miles)
Overview: Step away from the bustling Barcelona and embrace Catalonia's unique landscape with La Garrotxa and Fageda d'en jordà. Venture into an exciting 7,5 miles hike through the Natural Park of the Volcanic Zone of La Garrotxa. Engage in a circular route through La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park. Ascend to the inside of Santa Margarita volcano and discover a chapel lying on its crater. Dive into Fageda d'en Jordà, a unique beech forest that grows on the lava flow of Croscat Volcano. Finalize your trail with a stop at the Croscat Volcano grederes.
Duration: 4 Hours
Montserrat Discovery Hike (5 miles)
Overview: Ancient Wonders and hidden gems await you on the famous needles of Montserrat Mountain. Venture into an exciting and intimate hike connecting you to Montserrat's outlandish and most authentic elements. Uncover the region of Agulles and the north face of Montserrat, passing between the needles, having to take some steps climbing ropes, and ending up visiting emblematic places such as Cadireta or Foradada.
Duration: 4 Hours
Overview: Marvel at Montserrat Mountain's impressive scenic views. With a bird' s-eye view, witness these massive conglomerates, which form unexpectedly imposing sculptures due to their geological evolution. They all have names related to their shapes, and we find caves, chasms, and torrents in their shelter.
Flying over the Montserrat mountain, the spiritual Center of Catalonia is undoubtedly one of the most surprising and impressive experiences.
Duration: 1 Hour
Barcelona: A Walk Through Barcelona and The Sagrada Familia Park Guell for Families- 6 Hours
Your chauffeur and your guide will
be waiting for you at the port. They will be at disposal for 8 hours. Your chauffeur will drive you to the city center of Barcelona.
A Walk Through Barcelona
You will start your day by an exciting 2-hour walking tour of the oldest parts of Barcelona: the Barri Gothic and Born neighborhoods. You will follow your guide as he/she leads you into the small, narrow streets to discover the vibrant, trendy ambiance of Born and the historical atmosphere of the Gothic Quarter. You will see the Santa Maria Del Mar church, the Royal Palace and the world famous “Las Ramblas” avenue. The fun facts and stories
told by our guide will keep your children highly engaged. The children will each get a game booklet to keep them engaged and entertained. After this tour, you will enjoy a
lunch break. Your guide will be there to give recommendations depending on your taste.
Included:
Flamenco Gastronomic Experience
Overview: Step beyond the ordinary on your Madrid journey and experience the world's most famous and only Flamenco tablao in a Michelin-starred gourmet restaurant. Featuring award-winning artists recognized in Spain and at the top flamenco festivals, immerse yourself in an exclusive and extraordinary Flamenco gastronomic Journey.
Duration: 1 Hour
Overview: Feel at home in Madrid, hosted by a local Madrilene who will introduce you to authentic Spanish culture. With a background in haute cuisine, your Chef invites you for an intimate meal at her splendid elegant flat in the Salamanca district, one of Madrid's most elegant and glamorous neighborhoods. Relax and unwind as you savor a mouthwatering meal prepared with dedication, and love, feeling as if you were in the comfort of your own home.
Duration: 2 Hours
Granada with Flavors of Sturgeon (Optional Dive In)
Overview: Immerse yourself in a private guided visit to the world's first certified Organic caviar farm, nestled in a serene village in the mountains. Experience the thrill of diving into a sturgeon pool with the utmost safety and guidance led by our expert technicians. Prepare to be enchanted by an exclusive tasting session, where you can relish the distinct flavors of the organic caviar, promising a gastronomic journey like no other.
Duration: 3 Hours
Historic Influences of Seville (8 hours)
Highlights:
Explore the vibrant heart of Andalucía during your full day shore excursion today. You receive a warm greeting by your driver at the port in Cádiz prior to your private transfer to Seville (a 2-hour journey approximately). Upon arrival, you will be met by your expert guide who will take you on an absorbing walking tour.
Visit the 15th-century Cathedral, one of the most breath-taking in all of Christendom. Your guide also shows you Seville's most famous monument, the Moorish tower of La Giralda. Other highlights of your tour include the Alcazar, a magnificent 14th-century Mudejar palace and the labyrinth of streets and squares of the Barrio de Santa Cruz which are delicately perfumed with orange blossom. This area is the old Jewish Quarter and every street and courtyard offers a new story that your guide will bring to life for you. After your tour, your driver transfers you back to your ship in Cádiz.
An Immersion into the World of Olive Oil
Overview: Enjoy a private guided visit to an Olive oil producer led by a family member. Learn the olive oil production process from the olive fields to the final product. Pamper your taste buds with a comparative tasting of extra virgin olive oils. Witness a passionate family tradition and the careful process of olive oil extraction, the “Liquid Gold” of Andalusia. Delight with a gourmet tasting and lunch served in one of the oil mill's private rooms.
Duration: 1H30
Quintessential Brave Bull Breeding Journey
Overview: Embark on an exclusive journey and explore one of Spain's most prestigious bull-breeding ranches. Discover the vital role bull farming plays in Spain's ecological and cultural heritage. Experience the life and care of the noblest and majestic toro bravos. Unveil the ranch's facilities, from the pasture where the animals graze, breed, and rear their offspring to the bullring, where young bulls are assessed for fighting potential.
Duration: 1H30
Overview: Discover Seville from another point of view. Indulge in a private Guadalquivir river cruise while glimpsing Seville's most beautiful panoramas, including the historical center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Observe Triana's picturesque 19th-century famous houses and enchanting bridges. Delight your senses with a premium selection of local tapas.
Duration: 1H30
An Exploration of Lisbon (8 hours)
Highlights:
Lying north of the River Tagus estuary and stretching over seven hills, Portugal's capital city has much to offer. Receive a warm welcome at the port by your private guide and driver and from here commence your engaging tour of Lisbon.
Explore the Belem district with its magnificent Jerónimos Monastery, an extraordinary example of Portugal's 'Manueline' style of architecture. Once populated by monks, the UNESCO-listed monastery was commissioned by King Manuel I to celebrate Vasco da Gama's discovery of a sea route to India in 1498. Time permitting, visit Torre de Belém (Belém Tower), one of Lisbon's most iconic buildings and symbolic of Portugal's great Age of Expansion.
Next, it's time for a refreshment stop, where you may wish to sample the famous and scrumptious Pastéis de Belém (Portuguese custard tarts). From here you return to your cruise ship.
Queluz, Sintra and Estoril (8 hours)
Highlights:
Venture outside of Lisbon to explore Queluz, Sintra and Estoril during your private shore excursion. Take the short driver to the sumptuous 18th-century Queluz Palace, where you can admire the magnificent formal gardens and azulejo-lined canals.
Afterwards visit Sintra, the summer retreat of Portuguese monarchs and Moorish emirs before them. Today, this town, nestling on the north side of the Sintra Mountain, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Stroll through the town where charming streets are filled with fine handicraft shops. You then descend to Guincho beach for a fabulous view of Cape Rock, the westernmost point of the European continent and continuing to the resort town of Estoril on the scenic coastal road with fantastic views, en route back to your cruise ship.
Highlights of Lisbon (4 hours)
Highlights:
See Belem Tower, one of Lisbon's iconic buildings and symbolic of the nation's Age of Expansion. Admire the impressive collection of painted and gilded Baroque coaches at the National Coach Museum.
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Tour can operate: Morning/Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
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