Leisurely 10-Day Vacation Through Spain & Portugal

Today, you will embark on an excursion to the charming towns of Sintra and Cascais, where you will explore the history and culture of this incredible country. You will first be transferred to the splendid mountain town of Sintra. Here, you will spend the morning meandering through the charming streets of the city’s medieval Old Centre. From Sintra, you will be transferred to Cascais. Cascais is known for its spectacular beaches, palaces, and abundant lighthouses. You will spend the afternoon luxuriating on the pristine beach and strolling along the sunny promenade.

Today, you will visit the city’s most illustrious sites and sample the finest Portuguese delicacies on your tour. Your tour will begin with a walk through your own neighborhood of Alfama, which is the oldest neighborhood in Lisbon. In the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to stop into the famous Pasteis de Belem bakery, which is renowned throughout Lisbon for its delicious and traditional Portuguese egg tarts. You will then arrive with your delicious tarts to the acclaimed Torre de Belem to watch the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean. This tower is recognized as the Gateway to Lisbon and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its significance in historical Portuguese maritime discoveries.

This morning, you will fly to Barcelona, where you will be met by your personal driver at baggage claim and transferred to your beachfront hotel. You will arrive at your hotel and have ample time to become acclimated before getting your first taste of Barcelona. You will be guided on a curated tour of La Sagrada Familia cathedral. This cathedral is still incomplete, but it is one of the most famous works by Antoni Gaudi. After your tour, you will be led to the seaside neighborhood of La Barceloneta, where you will spend the rest of the afternoon luxuriating along the Mediterranean Coast.

After breakfast, you will meet your guide in your hotel lobby for a private tour of many of Barcelona’s most renowned sites. Your tour will begin with a visit to the Mercado de La Boqueria, where you will be provided with the opportunity to sample the diverse flavors of Spain, from Spanish Jamon to rich paella. Your tour will continue along the famed La Rambla, which is a pedestrian walkway that is lined with trees and charming cafes. You will also venture to the Gothic Quarter, where you will stop to admire handmade jewelry and leather products from local vendors. Finally, you will arrive in the infamous Park Guell. You will spend the afternoon at your leisure, relaxing at the park or delighting in any other of Barcelona’s abundant treasures.

This morning, you will be transferred via private coach to the stunning mountain range of Montserrat. Here, you will board a hot air balloon for an extraordinary ride through the Catalan landscape. After your life-changing ride, you will be transferred to Barcelona’s bustling center, where you can indulge in a private tour of the world-renowned Picasso Museum. Home to one of the most extensive Picasso collections in the world, the Picasso Museum will fascinate you with its marvelous works of art. After your tour, you will enjoy the rest of the evening on your own to spend however you see fit.

This morning, you will transfer to Spain’s high-speed train, which will be heading for Madrid. After a short ride through the Spanish countryside, you will arrive in Spain’s brilliant capital and be transferred to your luxurious hotel. After you have had time to settle in, you will meet your knowledgeable tour guide in the lobby for your introduction to Madrid. Home to Spain’s most illustrious museums, your first day in Madrid will begin with a spectacular tour of the famed Prado Museum. After your tour, you will be led to the upscale neighborhood of Salamanca. Here, you will stroll through the quiet, peaceful streets, delighting in the sounds of local life. As evening begins to fall, you will delight in a Spanish meal at one of the neighborhood’s top restaurants.

This morning, you will delight in a private tour of Madrid’s main attractions. You will begin in the lively Puerta del Sol, which is Madrid’s central plaza that is lined with delightful shops, tapas bars, and restaurants. From there, you will continue to the stunning Plaza Mayor, which is a nearby plaza with traditional Spanish architecture that was once the capital of Old Madrid. As your tour continues, you will visit the trendy Malasana neighborhood, which is home to the ancient Temple of Debod. Finally, you will arrive at El Retiro, where you will stroll through the wide pathways of the park, stopping to admire breathtaking monuments and to listen to the sweet sounds of live music.

After breakfast, you will meet your private guide in the hotel lobby for a curated tour of Madrid’s Royal Palace. The largest in all of Europe, the Royal Palace is the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family. You will have the opportunity to traverse the sparkling halls of this magnificent estate as you listen to fascinating commentary from your expert guide. You will have the rest of the afternoon to relax and explore the city at your leisure before attending a traditional Flamenco show that will be accompanied by a Spanish dinner and wine pairing.

This morning, you will wake up for your final day in Spain, where you can spend your final hours in the country on your own, strolling through the charming streets of the city center or relaxing in one of the many plazas. You will then return to your hotel to collect your things and meet your private driver in the hotel lobby for your transfer to the airport.