An Iberian Peninsula Exploration: Barcelona, Madrid, and Lisbon

DAY 1: Arrive in Barcelona

Take the afternoon to get acquainted with the sights and tastes of Barcelona. Late-afternoon tour of La Sagrada Familia. Stroll through the produce and food stands of the Mercat de la Boqueria or check out the evening happenings on the Rambla pedestrian boulevard.

DAY 2:

After breakfast, meet in the hotel lobby for a private guided tour of Barcelona. Afterward, enjoy free time to explore the city. Take a walk to admire the façade of Gaudí's architecturally unique Casa Batlló, tour the Picasso Museum, or sample some traditional Catalan cuisine in El Raval. This evening, enjoy a flamenco show with dinner included.

PRIVATE HALF-DAY BARCELONA SIGHTSEEING - CAR AND DRIVER

Get a feel for Barcelona's history and culture with this tour of the city's most emblematic sites. The itinerary is customizable, but possible points of interest could include Passeig de Gracia, Park Güell, the port and beaches, Olympic Park, or Poble Espanyol.

FLAMENCO SHOW AT TABLAO FLAMENCO CORDOBES

Since the XIX century these "cafes" have occupied three areas in Barcelona: La Rambla, El Paralelo and Sant Pau (known as "The Golden Triangle"). These small establishments are cozy.

DAY 3:

Begin the day with a private tour of the awe-inspiring Montserrat. Upon return to the city, grab a late lunch - maybe some black rice with garlic aioli - and head out to do any final sightseeing in Barcelona. Take in an FC Barcelona match at Camp Nou or spend a serene afternoon at the 14th-century Monastery of Pedralbes, now a museum of monastic life.

PRIVATE MONTSERRAT HALF-DAY MORNING TOUR

This tour is an unforgettable journey to the Benedictine monk mountain retreat of Montserrat. Visit the Montserrat Natural Park and learn about its geology and wildlife while gazing down upon the spectacular Catalan landscape. Then tour the 11th-century sanctuary, Gothic basilica, and Chapel of the Virgin. Witness a performance by the Montserrat Boy's Choir in the basilica. After some free time to explore head back to Barcelona.

DAY 4: Arrive in Madrid

Meet the private driver in the hotel lobby for a transfer to the train station. Take the train to Madrid and meet the transfer representative for an escort to the hotel. Take the afternoon to explore. In the evening, enjoy a Madrid neighborhood and tapas tour.

SMALL GROUP TOUR: MADRID TAPAS ADVENTURE

Live like a local on this journey through Madrid! Sample traditional favorites. Stroll through trendy neighborhoods like La Latina with its rich history and detailed architecture. Explore the highlights of Madrid while enjoying numerous authentic dishes at five different locations. Bring an appetite!

DAY 5: Private full-day city tour, which will include the interior of the Royal Palace. Once the tour concludes, savor a traditional local meal like cocido Madrileño - a slow-cooked broth flavored with vegetables, chickpeas, chorizo, and pork. 

PRIVATE MADRID HIGHLIGHTS AND 'SKIP-THE-LINE' GUIDED TOUR OF THE ROYAL PALACE

Stroll around Plaza de la Villa, and the lushly landscaped Plaza de Oriente. Continue with a private car tour of more highlights including the Puerta de Toledo. Enjoy stunning views of Royal Palace and the Almudena Cathedral. Pass by Mayor Street, Las Cortes, Paseo del Prado, and the architecture of the Las Letras Quarter. Finally, see the ancient gate of Puerta de Alcalá, Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, and Colon Square. Skip the line for a tour of the Royal Palace. This is the residence of Spanish kings and queens.

DAY 6:

This morning, take some time to explore. People-watch in the Plaza Mayor, wander the paths and marble statues of Parque del Buen Retiro, or head to the Centro de Arte Reina Sofía to admire Picasso's "Guernica." In the afternoon, explore other charming Spanish cities!

AVILA AND SEGOVIA FULL DAY TOUR WITH GASTRONOMIC LUNCH

Start the day with a walking tour of Old Town Ávila. See Romanesque style churches, Gothic palaces, and the Catedral de Ávila. Visit the Walls of Ávila which kept the Medieval city safe from invaders. Continue to Segovia for an included gourmet lunch. Then visit a breathtaking feature of Ancient Roman engineering, the famous Aqueduct of Segovia. The tour ends at the Alcazar of Segovia, a fortified castle which rises out of its rocky foundation. The Alcazar was the inspiration behind the queen’s castle in Disney’s "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs."

DAY 7: Arrive in Lisbon

Depart for the airport. Upon arrival in Lisbon, meet a transfer representative for an escort to the hotel. Depart for a private half-day tour of Lisbon. Grab some dinner and head to one of the city's popular wine bars.

PRIVATE HALF-DAY LISBON TOUR

Explore Lisbon with a private driver. Sites include the Castle of São Jorge, Rossio Square, Jerónimos Monastery, Lisbon Cathedral, and the Cristo Rei monument.

DAY 8:

Head off on a tour of some of Portugal's most historically and culturally significant landmarks. Upon return, indulge in an authentic Portuguese meal.

FATIMA, OBIDOS, BATALHA, ALCOBACA, AND NAZARE FULL-DAY TOUR WITH LUNCH

See three of the Portuguese Seven Wonders. Visit to a medieval Obidos, and the historical churches of Batalha and Alcobaca. Have lunch in Nazare, Portugal's most famous fishing village. End the day in Fatima, home to the Catholic pilgrimage site of the Sanctuary of Fatima.

DAY 9:

For the final day in Portugal, customize a memorable adventure! Spend a morning and afternoon at the National Tile Museum, or explore the shops and cafes of the old Alfama district. In the evening, embark on a nighttime secret food walking tour through Lisbon.

SHARED TOUR: LISBON SECRET FOOD GUIDED WALKING TOUR

Bring an appetite for this culinary journey through Lisbon to sample fresh favorites from local taverns such as Portuguese cheeses, traditional fishes, succulent pork sandwiches, local desserts, and fine wine. A local guide will share fascinating details about Lisbon and its history throughout this unforgettable adventure.

DAY 10: Head to the hotel lobby to meet the driver and depart for the airport. Reflect on how quickly this trip flew by and the new memories made! Get excited for another European adventure once the lingering excitement from this one fades!