Day 1 – Arrive Barcelona

Upon arrival at Barcelona airport, you’ll be warmly greeted and transferred to your hotel. This evening, gather with your fellow travellers for a delightful Welcome Dinner.

Day 2 – Barcelona

Explore Barcelona’s famous landmarks on a city tour today. Drive to the famous Montjuïc Hill, visit the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, then admire the striking exterior of the iconic Sagrada Família (entrance not included). On foot, your guide will take you through the Old Town and show you the wonders of this beautiful city.

Day 3 – Barcelona, Madrid

Today, travel by train to Madrid, Spain’s lively capital. On arrival, enjoy free time to explore before sitting down to a tapas dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 4 – Madrid

On a guided tour this morning, visit Palacio Real, residence of the Spanish Royal Family, then see a selection of Madrid’s best-loved attractions. With the rest of your day at leisure, perhaps wander the lawns of Parque del Retiro or browse the Prado Museum.

Day 5 – Madrid, Toledo, Córdoba

Today, travel to Toledo for an escorted tour. Explore the Old Town’s winding cobbled streets and its majestic 13th-century cathedral before continuing to Córdoba.

Day 6 – Córdoba, Granada

Enjoy a guided tour of Córdoba, during which you’ll admire the Mezquita of Córdoba, a medieval mosque converted to a cathedral. Continue to Granada, where you’ll embark on a tour with an expert guide. Experience a revival of grand Spanish hospitality at Hotel Alhambra Palace.

Day 7 – Granada

This morning, pay a visit to the magnificent Alhambra Palace. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore Granada.

Day 8 – Granada, Ronda

Travel to Ronda, stopping along the way for your authentic Insider Experience. Set off on a guided tour of Ronda and see the Puente Nuevo and the Plaza de Toros.

Insider Experience — Local Olive Oil Farm

Immerse yourself in the idyllic countryside surrounding a local olive oil farm. Learn about organic olive oil production and indulge in a tasting. Then, savour a homemade lunch of traditional flavours and regional ingredients.

Day 9 – Ronda, Jerez, Seville

This morning after breakfast, travel to Jerez and visit the famous Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art. Then, continue to Seville.

Day 10 – Seville

Today, experience the beauty of Seville with a local guide. Then, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 11 – Seville, Évora, Lisbon

Enter Portugal and stop to admire the architecture of World Heritage-listed Evora, before arriving in the Portuguese capital, Lisbon.

Day 12 – Lisbon

Explore the old town and visit the iconic Castelo de São Jorge. Then, head to the Belém district to see the World Heritage-listed Jerónimos Monastery and the historic Belém Tower.

Day 13 – Lisbon

Enjoy a full day at leisure. Perhaps Enhance Your Journey with an optional visit to nearby Sintra.

Enhance your Journey — Sintra

Travel to the mountain range of Serra de Sintra. After a guided tour of the charming town of Sintra, visit the World Heritage-listed Pena National Palace.

Day 14 – Lisbon, Porto, Embark Ship

This morning after breakfast, you will travel by coach to Porto where you’ll board your river ship. Later this evening, meet your fellow travellers at a Welcome Reception as you take in the sights along the Douro River on a sunset cruise.

Day 15 – Régua, Lamego, Pinhão

Begin cruising along the spectacular Douro River. Flowing from the northern reaches of Spain, through Portugal and into the Atlantic, this river is bordered by countless vineyards. As you cruise this morning, take part in a Portuguese language lesson, where you’ll learn some essential phrases of this beautiful language. This afternoon, visit the picturesque village of Lamego and the elaborately decorated Baroque cathedral, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies. While in Lamego, visit one of Portugal’s best museums. You may also like to sample one of the town’s famous specialties, Bola de Lamego – a delicious smoked ham roll. On arrival in Pinhão, you’ll enjoy an Insider Experience.

Insider Experience – Portuguese Quinta Dinner

Enjoy a sumptuous dinner of traditional dishes and dessert at a picturesque local quinta, a Portuguese winery.

Day 16 – Vega de Terrón, Castelo Rodrigo

Today, cruise across the border into Vega de Terrón in Spain. Enjoy some time at leisure before joining an excursion to Castelo Rodrigo. This tiny village sits atop a hill overlooking both Spain and Portugal, and features a number of well-preserved ruins, an impressive castle, and a magnificent stone statue of Santiago Matamoros. After exploring this charming little town, you’ll board a coach and return to your ship.

Day 17 – Salamanca, Barca d’Alva

Today, you’ll disembark and board a coach bound for the glorious Spanish city of Salamanca. This gorgeous city is arguably one of the most beautiful in Spain, boasting sunlit sandstone buildings, a majestic city square, and an ancient university. After your Insider Experience, return by coach across the border to Barca d’Alva, the last Portuguese village along the Douro, where your ship awaits. Back on board this evening, enjoy a traditional Portuguese barbecue dinner.

Insider Experience – Flamenco Show

Enjoy a flamenco show and lunch, and be entranced by captivating dancers as they astound you with their stomping feet in a fiery performance.

Day 18 – Pinhão, Régua

Join an excursion to Mateus Palace and its gardens. Tour this living museum and discover the connection between the beautiful 18th-century palace and Mateus rosé wine for yourself. Rejoin your ship, now docked in Régua.

Day 19 – Régua, Entre-os-Rios

This morning, enjoy an Insider Experience. Afterwards, continue to the riverside town of Entre-os-Rios. On arrival, enjoy free time to explore this gorgeous, vibrant town at your leisure.

Insider Experience – Portuguese Quinta Port Tasting

Head to a local quinta, which boasts outstanding views over the Douro Valley. Here, you’ll enjoy a tasting of local port wine – Portugal’s most famous tipple.

Day 20 – Porto

After breakfast, return to the charming city of Porto. Join a captivating guided tour, taking you past the city’s iconic sights, before visiting a local port winery for an informative tour and tasting. This afternoon, there’s ample time to step back out and explore Porto at leisure. You may like to visit a Portuguese boutique to buy authentic, local souvenirs, or take a stroll through the city’s historic Bolhão food market. Alternatively, you can join an excursion to the nearby city of Guimarães. This evening, back on board your ship, enjoy a final Farewell Dinner with your newfound friends.

Enhance Your Journey – Visit Guimarães

Take an optional excursion to the World Heritage-listed city of Guimarães, known as ‘the birthplace of the Portuguese nationality’. See Guimarães Castle and other historic landmarks that highlight the city’s rich heritage.

Day 21 – Disembark Ship, Depart Porto

After enjoying a final breakfast on board, transfer to the airport in Porto for your onward flight.