An Iberian Peninsula Exploration: Barcelona, Madrid, and Lisbon

Barcelona is known as the capital of Modernism and the home of famous architect Antoni Gaudí. His cathedral, La Sagrada Familia, is one of the most visited buildings in the world. On this tour, walk through the astonishing interior of this church, with its 18 symbolic towers and 230-foot vaulted ceilings. There will also be a visit to the Sagrada Familia Museum, which houses drawings, plaster models, and photographs depicting the basilica's history and development.

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.

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.

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, and intimate where flamenco comes alive in all its natural state. The live music, continuous improvisation, the proximity to the public, the absence of microphones, to name but a few elements that make this experience so intimate, create an atmosphere for flamenco that cannot be reproduced in larger spaces.

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.

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. Depending on the time and day, there might even be time to witness a performance by the Montserrat Boy's Choir in the basilica. After some free time to explore, the tour will head back to Barcelona.

Live like a local on this 3 ½ hour journey through Madrid! Sample traditional favorites like the bocadillo de calamari sandwich with the famed Madroño liquor in a heritage tavern, and 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!

Meet the guide in the hotel lobby for a 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.

Stroll around Plaza de la Villa, the bustling Puerta del Sol, 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. Next, skip the line for a guided tour of the Royal Palace and its glorious gardens. This grand former residence of Spanish kings and queens is furnished with intricate tapestries and stunning antique furniture spread across over 3,000 opulent rooms.

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, get ready to explore other charming Spanish cities!

Start the day with a walking tour of Old Town Ávila, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved fortifications in Spain. See Romanesque style churches, Gothic palaces, and the Catedral de Ávila. Visit the Walls of Ávila, as well as its fortification, gates, and towers, which kept the Medieval city safe from invaders. Continue to Segovia for an included gourmet lunch. Then visit a breathtaking feat of Ancient Roman engineering, the famous Aqueduct of Segovia. This full day tour ends at the Alcazar of Segovia, a fortified castle which rises out of its rocky foundation like a stony ship out of the sea. Strikingly beautiful, the Alcazar was the inspiration behind the queen’s castle in Disney’s "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs."

Explore Lisbon with a private driver and guide! Sites include the Castle of São Jorge, Rossio Square, Jerónimos Monastery, Lisbon Cathedral, and the Cristo Rei monument. Customized itineraries are possible if they are arranged in advance.

Awake well-rested and energized before heading off on a tour of some of Portugal's most historically and culturally significant landmarks. Upon return, indulge in an authentic Portuguese meal. Try arroz de marisco - rice cooked with herbs and an abundance of seafood - or spicy chicken piri piri.

On this tour, see some of Portugal's most important landmarks, including three of the Portuguese Seven Wonders. Be transported back in time with a visit to a medieval Obidos, admire the Gothic churches of Batalha and Alcobaca, and 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.

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.

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.

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!