Exploring the Iberian Peninsula, we travel from Spain’s capital, Madrid, to Portugal’s capital, Lisbon, and on to Barcelona, the capital of Cataluna (Catalonia.) Hispania was a major part of the Roman Empire for many hundreds of years, leaving us ingenious engineering projects, grand public monuments and unbridled displays of private wealth. We visit several important Roman sites.

At fabled Santiago de Compostela we trace the stories of generations of pilgrims along one of the world’s most ancient routes – the Way of St James (known as the Camino de Santiago in Spanish.) For centuries people have arrived from all over the world, driven by various and often deeply personal motives, to undertake this unique journey to one of Christianity’s key pilgrimage sites – the shrine of St James.A rich and fertile province in Roman times, Andalucía was conquered in the early 8th century by Muslim armies from the Middle East and North Africa and was part of the Islamic world for more than 750 years. A rich and sophisticated Islamic civilisation, which brought together the talents of Arabs, Berbers and Iberian converts to Islam, blossomed here. Jewish culture also flourished here in communication with Jewish communities throughout the Islamic world.

Madrid, Toledo and Barcelona host art collections of international significance featuring works, especially but not exclusively, by Spanish masters ranging from El Greco and Goya to Picasso.

Portugal has an old-fashioned charm, with medieval castles and picture-perfect villages scattered over flower-covered hillsides. Along its spectacular coastline there are dramatic cliffs, sand dunes and superlative beaches.

Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and south and by Spain to the north and east, the countryside still reveals rarely-visited places that offer the feeling of discovery – a word one associated with Portugal due to its “Age of Discoveries” in the 15th and 16th centuries when so many Portuguese seafarers – such as Vasco da Gama, Ferdinand Magellan and Henry the Navigator – opened up the world for Europeans. Indeed, Lisbon became one of the most magnificent cities in the world and its proud history can be seen and felt everywhere.

We sample some of Spain and Portugal’s most famous wines and have a chance to try their delicious regional cuisines. We stay mainly in historic hotels that reflect the charm of the towns and cities we stay in. Although we visit a wide variety of places on this tour, wherever possible, we stay 2 or more nights in a town. In many towns this allows you to join us for both our morning and afternoon excursions or, if you wish, enjoy some free time for half the day. When we are not driving from one town to another and changing hotels, we are very flexible with how much sightseeing you can join us for

We arrive today in Madrid, Europe’s highest capital city. The rest of the day is free for you to relax and/or explore this elegant city of tree-lined boulevards and lively squares with their decorative fountains. First of 2 nights in Madrid.  Eurostar Plaza Mayor or similar. No meals.

Today we take a guided tour of Madrid, the city of Velázquez and Goya. The Museo del Prado alone makes Madrid one of the great art centres of Europe. Here we admire the works of the great Spanish painters – including El Greco, Murillo, Velázquez, Goya and Picasso. However, the prodigious collecting of the Habsburgs and Bourbons and their subjects has resulted in a surprising range of artistic riches. There is a large number of outstanding paintings by Titian and Rubens, for example, and the Prado has by far the largest collection of Hieronymus Bosch paintings in the world. We also visit the Reina Sofía Gallery to see Picasso’s Guernica, his condemnation of the horrors of the Spanish Civil War in the 1930’s. Our city tour includes the Cibeles Fountain and views of the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Spanish royal family.

This afternoon we drive south to the ancient capital of Spain, Toledo, which sits on a cliff top above the Tagus River and is home to the nation’s principal cathedral. We 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, the oldest one still standing in Europe. Here we start to learn about the influential Moorish and Jewish cultures. In the Middle Ages Toledo was famed for the production of “Damascene” steel work, particularly swords. We see some of today’s intricate inlaid gold jewellery and craftwork, which comes from that tradition.

Second of 2 nights in Madrid. Eurostar Plaza Mayor Hotel or similar. Breakfast & Dinner.

Driving north from Madrid, we enter the autonomous region of Castile and León. These former rival kingdoms, having united under one crown in the 11th century, established themselves as the heart of Spain and exerted great influence over language, religion and culture far across mediaeval Europe. Innumerable castles were built here, as this was the principal battleground of the “Reconquista” – the 500-year war of attrition against the Moors which eventually reclaimed all of Spain for Christendom.

Our first stop is Ávila, a fortress town which retains its entire circuit of 11th century walls complete with battlements and 88 turrets. We also admire the fine sculptures on the 12th century Basilica of San Vicente.

Our next stop is Segovia, where the Roman aqueduct straddles the town and is one of the biggest in Europe. In ancient times it delivered drinking water across its impressive 160 arches to the people of Segovia. The whole of Segovia’s city centre was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1985. On our guided walking tour we see some of the city’s medieval and Moorish architecture, including the outstanding Romanesque exteriors of San Martín, San Millán and San Esteban and the circular Templar church of La Vera Cruz.

We also see the restored Alcázar (castle), dramatically perched at the prow of the hill, which was an influence for Walt Disney’s Cinderella Castle. Overnight in Zamora. NH Zamora Palacio del Duero Hotel or similar. Breakfast & Dinner.

On the Roman road that connected Astorga to Mérida, Zamora rose to importance during the “Reconquista” as a bastion on the Duero front. Our orientation tour includes views of the Byzantine-influenced cathedral and the Church of Mary Magdalene.

Driving into the northwest corner of Spain, we enter Galicia province which has long waterways stretching inland from the Atlantic that are said to be the marks left by God’s hand when he washed himself after creating the world.

This afternoon we reach legendary Santiago de Compostela, near where a Galician shepherd claimed to have discovered the tomb of the apostle St James in 813. These remains, which came to be buried in the cathedral, were subsequently adopted as a major focal point by the early Christian monarchs of Asturias, León and Castille. Politics and religion became deeply interwoven as a pilgrimage route to Santiago – a destination to vie with Jerusalem and Rome – was harnessed to promote a sense of Christian unity in the struggle against the Muslim caliphate of Andalucia. The route became one of the cornerstones of European medieval Christian culture.

Overnight in Santiago de Compostela. Eurostars Araguaney Hotel or similar. Breakfast & Dinner.

The morning we endeavour to gain a deeper insight into why so many people are drawn to this very special place. On our guided walking tour we visit the vast Cathedral – one of the most impressive of all Romanesque churches – with its shrine of St James and outstanding treasuries, where pilgrims have brought gifts over the centuries. We explore the university quarter, the Praza da Inmaculada, the Monasterio de San Martino Pinario and the narrow picturesque streets of the old quarter.

This afternoon we drive into Portugal from the north.

First of 2 nights in Porto. Grand Hotel or similar. Breakfast & Dinner.

This morning we explore the capital of northern Portugal and the country’s second largest city, Porto (Oporto.) Here winding lanes tumble down the hillsides through the medieval Ribeira Quarter to the Cais de Gaia city port and the Douro River, which is spanned by remarkable bridges. We visit the 14th century Gothic and Baroque Sao Francisco Church, one of the most fabulously opulent in all of Europe – so much so that its gold-clad interior became an embarrassment to the Franciscans and their vows of poverty! We also visit the Stock Exchange Palace with its splendid Arabian Hall inspired by Granada’s Alhambra.  Porto is synonymous with Port Wine and this afternoon we enjoy a “tasting” of this lovely fortified wine.

This afternoon we enjoy a short cruise within the city of Porto on the Duoro River to view the “6 Bridges”.  During the cruise we  can admire the wonderful views of both Porto and Afurada, the magic fishermen village

Today we include lunch together. This evening you might like to enjoy your dinner (at your own expense) Julie and Norman will suggest restaurants for this evening. 

Second of 2 nights in Porto. Grand Hotel or similar. Breakfast & Lunch.

Driving south down we stop in Nazare, Portugal’s most picturesque fishing village. Hopefully, we will be able to see local people wearing their traditional costumes. We see the lighthouse, the sea fort of Sao Miguel Arcanjo and enjoy the views over the beaches of the beautiful Bay of Nazaré on what is called the “Silver Coast.” International surfers compete here in one of the world’s largest competitions because here one finds the biggest surfable waves in the world. Legendary surfer Rodrigo Koxa holds the world record for surfing an 88-foot-high wave here in 2017!

We drive inland to Alcobaca for a photo stop at the Abbey of Santa Maria, Portugal’s largest church, which was founded in 1153 to commemorate a victory over the Moors: it was finally completed in 1223. The monastery here, which dates to 1178, was the first completely Gothic structure built in Portugal and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. We see the tombs of royalty and hear about one of Portugal’s most endearing love stories.

We continue to Obidos, Portugal’s finest walled town, which is built over ancient Roman ruins. We walk through the narrow cobbled medieval streets, among the traditional painted houses, and see the imposing medieval castle – which once guarded the whole region. The town is called “the wedding present city” because it was presented to the Queen of Portugal on her wedding day – a tradition that began with Queen Urraca in 1214 and continued until the 19th century. You also have a chance to taste the local liquor – “Ginjinha de Obidos.”

First of 3 nights in Lisbon.  My Story Tejo or similar. Breakfast & Dinner.

We begin our morning with a visit to one of the most famous bakeries in Lisbon and learn of the origins of the Paseis de Belem (custard tarts). These delicious tarts can be found all over Portugal.  Next door is the  UNESCO site –Jeronimo’s Monastery -built to commemorate Vasco da Gama’s voyage to Japan and to give thanks for its success.    The 50-metre-high Monument to the Discoverers was inaugurated in 1960 to celebration the 500th anniversary of the death of Prince Henry “the Navigator.” The Belem Tower was built in 1515 as a fortress to guard the entrance to Lisbon’s harbour. It is the symbol of Lisbon and of the Age of Discovery, when Portugal was Europe’s leading maritime power.

After lunch we visit the richly-decorated Coaches Museum houses many magnificent gold coaches.

Second of 3 nights in Lisbon. Hotel My Story Tejo or similar. Breakfast & Dinner.

We visit one of Europe’s most fantastic palaces, the Pena Palace- a UNESCO world heritage site. The palace stands on the top of a hill in the Sintra Mountains above the town of Sintra and on a clear day it can be easily seen from Lisbon. The castle’s history started in the Middle Ages when a chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Pena was built on the top of the hill above Sintra. According to tradition, construction occurred after an apparition of the Virgin Mary. Surrounding the palace is a wonderful garden, filled with exotic trees and plants from former Portuguese colonies, this remarkable area owes the lushness to it own unique micro climate.   Nearby the hills are dotted with extravagant villas and fairytale palaces, including  an 8^th century Moorish Castle. 

Returning to Lisbon, the afternoon is free for you  to explore this beautiful, historic city and some of its many museums.

Third of 3 nights in Lisbon. Hotel My Story Tejo or similar. Breakfast & Dinner.

Today we travel east through Portugal’s picturesque rural landscapes of the Alentejo – Where the majority of the country’s cork oak trees grow and are used to make corks for wine bottles – and cross into Spain. We journey through the area of Huelva, renowned for its Jabugo ham, before arriving in legendary Andalucía – which takes its name from the Arabic term for the entire Iberian Peninsula, al-Andalus. The Arab Umayyad dynasty were rulers of Islamic Spain from the middle of the 8th to the 11th century.

First of 2 nights in Seville. Hotel Dona Maria or similar. Breakfast & Dinner.

In Andalucia around the first Millennium the Renaissance had already begun, as the Moors and their protected Christian and Jewish subjects tested out revolutionary new ideas. This was a Golden Age of architectural, scientific and philosophical experimentation. Here the Jewish philosopher-doctor Maimonides brought forth new interpretations of Jewish law amid the luxury and unrivalled power of the Caliphs.

On our tour of Seville‘s leafy avenues we see the iconic Giralda Bell Tower and visit Seville Cathedral, the largest Gothic church in the world and the final resting place of Christopher Columbus. We stroll through Maria Luisa Park – with its tiled fountains, pavilions, palms and orange trees – and walk through the imposing Plaza de España. We explore the Jewish history of Spain in Seville’s former Jewish Quarter, where a wall separated the Jewish community from the rest of the city during medieval times.

Today we include lunch together.  Dinner  is at your own expense.  Julie and Norman will suggest restaurants for this evening. 

Second of 2 nights in Seville.  Hotel Dona Maria or similar. Breakfast & Lunch.

After a short drive through the Andalusian countryside we reach Córdoba, which was the capital of Moorish Andalucia and the largest city in Europe – a market for all the luxuries of East and West and the scene of Europe’s most splendid court until its fall to the Christians in 1236. We visit the astounding Umayyad Great Mosque or Mezquita – one of the largest in the Islamic world. Some academics consider it to be the greatest building of medieval Europe, with its endless forest of carved columns and capitals from Mesopotamia and the classical world, striking arches and Byzantine mosaics. Into this supremely harmonious mosque the conquering Christians inserted a 16th century cathedral at its heart. We also visit the medieval Alcázar (built on earlier architectural remains and with good Roman mosaics) and the old Jewish quarter, including the 14th century synagogue.

Overnight in Cordoba. Eurostars Azahar Hotel or similar. Breakfast & Dinner.

Driving further east, but still within Andalucia, we reach Granada. The fall of Córdoba to the Castilians in1236 was accompanied by Christian advances in Portugal to the west and Valencia in the east, rapidly reducing Muslim power to the small southern kingdom of Granada – which endured until is capture by the armies of the “Most Catholic Kings”, Ferdinand and Isabella, in 1492. During the intervening two and a half centuries this mountain kingdom welcomed Muslim refugees from all over the peninsula who transformed it into a flourishing land of verdant gardens, famed for its silk production. We visit  luxurious 13th century Arab palaces of the Alhambra stand high above the city, characterised by golden façades, intense decoration of flamboyant carved plaster, colourful mosaic tiles, and richly inlaid wood. Along with the Great Mosque of Cordoba, these UNESCO-listed buildings are often considered to be the greatest expression of Islamic art in Spain – with a succession of intimate courtyards. Adjacent are the 16th century Palace of Charles V and the Generalife – the summer palace of the sultans, with its gardens and fountains, which was once linked to the other palaces by a covered walkway across the ravine.

We walk via the Corral del Carbón, the evocative 14th century caravanserai and silk market and madrasa, founded in 1349 by the Nasrid monarch Yusuf I. This afternoon we explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Albaycín, the maze of narrow streets and Moorish splendour in the oldest quarter of the city.

Overnight in Granada. Melia Granada Hotel or similar. Breakfast & Dinner.

This morning we drive via the Mora Pass to Guadix in the northern foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains where we see the whitewashed, semi-underground houses dug into the ochre-coloured cliffs of the surrounding area. We then cut south to the Mediterranean coast which, in the ancient world, was always a prized possession. However, it wasn’t until this part of Spain was absorbed into the Roman Empire that its economic potential was fully realized with mines producing lead, silver, copper and iron and the land and sea producing grain, vines, olive oil and the all-important fish sauce.

Overnight in Valencia. Vincci Mercat Hotel or similar. Breakfast & Dinner.

Vibrant and modern, Valencia still retains much of its past, going back to its Roman foundation 2,000 years ago. The Moors held this area, known as “the Levante”, for 400 years – from when we see the Almohad Arab walls and shimmering Valencian tiles. The 12th century Christian settlement has many Baroque splendours. We feel the weight of Borgia rule and the Naples connection. Valencia’s food markets are some of the most vibrant in the world. The iconic dish “Paella” originated here and the Iberians were pressing wine in this region 5,000 years ago. Our tour of this cultural city includes views of the town hall, the bull ring, the Towers of Serrano and Quart, and the medieval cathedral, which houses what is said to be one of the Holy Chalices of the World. The Gothic silk market is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We head north along the coast through the Levante region and stop at Peñíscola to view the ancient castle of the ‘Spanish Pope’, built by the Knights Templar and used in the movie, ‘El Cid’. We continue along the Costa Dorada via the Roman funerary monument of the ‘Tower of the Scipios’ and the honorific Arch of Bera, dedicated to the Emperor Augustus, to Barcelona with its whimsical Gaudí architecture.

First of 2 nights in Barcelona. Onix Liceo Hotel or similar. Breakfast & Dinner.

This morning we explore Spain’s second-largest city and the capital of would-be-independent Catalonia. We see Gaudí’s inspiring but unfinished La Sagrada Família church, which is one of the best-known buildings in the world. We explore the Plaça de Catalunya at the heart of Barcelona and walk down the leafy pedestrianised Rambla street in the footsteps of George Orwell in his ‘Homage to Catalonia’ as far as the Christopher Columbus Monument. We meander through the beautiful medieval cobbled streets and blind alleys of the Barri Gòtic, perhaps Europe’s best-preserved Gothic quarter. Here we can also see the remnants of Roman walls, tombs and temples where Barcelona was born.

This afternoon you might like to join our included excursion to the mountaintop Benedictine Monastery of Montserrat, Catalonia’s spiritual home, with its breathtaking views and spectacular scenery. Here we see the shrine of the Black Madonna, the patron saint of Catalonia – affectionately known as ‘La Moreneta.’ The gallery here contains works by El Greco, Caravaggio, Dalí and Picasso.

If you don’t wish to join our included afternoon excursion to the Monastery of Montserrat, you can enjoy some relaxing free time exploring more of vibrant Barcelona. The Museum of the History of Barcelona contains part of Roman Barcino with its streets, sewers, laundries and wine- and fish-sauce-making factories. For modern art lovers the Picasso Museum ranks second only to Paris for the size and quality of its collection.

Second of 2 nights in Barcelona. Onix Liceo Hotel or similar. Breakfast & Dinner.

Today we fly home, arriving the same day. Breakfast, if not leaving too early.

On our tour we only include a day each in the great cities of Madrid and Barcelona. If you wish to explore these cities more thoroughly, you can choose to arrive in Madrid a day or more before the tour starts and/or stay on in Barcelona for a day or more after the tour finishes.