Gardens & Landscapes of Portugal & Spain including Madeira & a Douro River Cruise

Enjoy a city sightseeing tour of Madrid, as well as a visit to Spain's principal art museum, the Prado Museum. The Prado is not only one of the world's finest art museums, it also has the single best collection of Spanish art. Enjoy a Welcome Dinner this evening and meet your fellow travellers. Stay Two Nights: Madrid, Westin Palace Madrid or similar (D)

Travel beyond the city's boundaries today for a visit to El Escorial, the largest Renaissance building in the world. Commissioned by Phillip II of Spain in 1557, the building was once a palace monastery, complete with an impressive formal garden. At La Granja de San Ildefonso, we see magnificent gardens extending across more than 1500 acres. The property is one of the finest examples of 18th-century European garden design and was modelled on the Palace of Versailles. (B/D)

Travel through the Spanish countryside to historic Toledo, Spain's former capital and World Heritage-listed city. We continue to Granada, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Granada is renowned for its Moorish architecture and we tour the district of Albaicín, where the king resided in the 11th century. From here, we can enjoy fantastic views to the Alhambra, Granada's revered palace and fortress complex. Stay Two Nights: Granada, Hotel Alhambra Palace Granada or similar (B/D)

Today we visit the impressive Alhambra. This pinnacle of Moorish art is perched high above the city, and served, not only as a palace, but also as fortress and home to the Nasrid Sultans, who ruled between 1232 and 1492. Continue to the nearby Generalife Gardens, built as the summer residence of Granada's sultans. The palace's beautiful terraces, grottoes, flowerbeds and fountains combine to create an alluring air. (B)

Travel to the city of Cordoba. Here we will visit some of the city's historic sites, including the famed Mezquita, a striking and well-preserved former mosque that commands the attention of all who near it. Have free time this afternoon to explore the city at your leisure. Stay Two Nights: Cordoba, Hotel Hospes Palacio del Bailio Cordoba or similar (B/D)

Enjoy a real highlight today as we travel to Cordoba to see some of the patios previously featured in Cordoba's annual Patio Festival. Local homeowners proudly present their well-designed patios, adorned with countless colourful flowers, displaying the level of artistry required to contend for the coveted prize. (B)

Travel to the Andalusian capital of Seville this morning. Visit the Royal Alcázar, which features spectacular gardens. One of Spain's most magnificent royal residences, its journey began in 913, under the Caliphate of Cordoba. Today, we have the opportunity to admire, not only the palace's extraordinary longevity, but also the diversity of architectural styles used during its construction. See the most beautiful examples of Mudéjar art, where Arab artists put their precious skills to work for the Christians after the Reconquista of the mid-13th century. Stay: Stay: Seville, Grand Melia Colon Sevilla or similar (B/D)

Today we depart Spain for Portugal, first stopping at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of Évora for a walking tour. Discover the town's rich history, which spans 2000 years. The compact centre of town is easily explored on foot and boasts a Roman temple, Moorish buildings, Christian monasteries and convents. Visit the university of San Francisco, where some of the classrooms have blue and white glazed tiles, depicting Plato and Aristotle teaching within a garden setting. Arrive in Lisbon this evening. Stay Two Nights: Lisbon, Four Seasons Hotel Ritz or similar (B/D)

Visit Fronteira Palace, whose grounds feature a formal box parterre, as well as a vast water tank adorned with elaborately designed blue and white ceramic tiles. From here, we travel to the beautiful town of Sintra. Visit the Park and National Palace of Pena, built by King Consort Fernando II in a Gothic style. Within the park, we see several follies, including a Gothic monk's grotto and a duck house. We then visit Quinta da Regaleira, an exquisite castle enhanced by its equally extravagant garden. (B)

This morning, we board a plane to fly to the stunning island of Madeira, known for its beautiful, cultivated terrace gardens set against a backdrop of sheer peaks, with views out to the Atlantic Ocean. Visit the stunning Madeira Botanical Gardens in the capital Funchal. Here, we find an amazing collection of plant species, exotic flowers and tropical birds. Settle in this afternoon at your luxurious hilltop accommodation. Stay Two Nights: Madeira, Belmond Reid's Palace or similar (B/D)

Today, soak up more of Madeira's beautiful gardens with a visit to the Blandy family's Quinta do Palheiro. This garden has many species of plants, as well as a sunken garden and topiary gardens.

Afterwards, explore Monte Palace Tropical Gardens, set high in the hills. The garden's phenomenal exotic plant collection includes species that have arrived from all over the world. (B)

Fly back to Lisbon this morning.

On arrival, we explore the Queluz National Palace. This grand royal palace has been home to three generations of the Portuguese Royal Family. We explore the incredible gardens before having lunch in the old kitchen. Stay: Stay: Lisbon, Four Seasons Hotel Ritz or similar (B/L/D)

Today we make our way from Lisbon to Porto, stopping on the way in the city of Coimbra. Here we tour the university library and museum, which displays some of Portugal's vast riches. Continue to Porto and visit the garden of Quinta do Alao, which dates to 1684. Its lush oasis makes it an attractive destination for those wishing to spend some time away from the city.

This afternoon, transfer to your luxurious river ship and settle into your suite before enjoying a Welcome Dinner. Stay Seven Nights: MS Amavida (B/D)

This morning, choose to explore Porto's Old Town and delight in its 16th-century buildings and Baroque churches. See the iron bridge built by Gustave Eiffel, then enjoy a tasting at a local port house in Gaia. Alternatively, visit the garden of Parque de Serralves, said to be the most important private garden designed in Portugal during the first half of the twentieth century.

This afternoon visit Quinta De Villar d'Allen, one of the first romantic gardens built in Portugal. (B/L/D)

Enjoy a scenic cruise through the Douro Valley, en route to Entre-Os-Rios, which translates to ‘between the rivers'. This small village is located at the confluence of the Tâmega and Douro rivers. Our travels then take us to Quinta da Aveleda, a renowned wine estate where we enjoy a traditional ‘home cooked' meal. The property's grounds also contain rare tree species, as well as artistic follies. (B/L/D)

Start your day with a tour of the 18th-century Palacio Anadia, or Palace of the Counts, known for its beautiful interior and Baroque style. Inside the house, we see intricate panels of blue and white tiles and a striking vaulted ceiling. Explore the park and gardens, which feature terraced flowerbeds. The grounds are embellished further with ponds and fountains, which connect to the palace via long paths. Arrive in the sun-drenched town of Peso da Régua this afternoon. (B/L/D)

Take the opportunity to visit Lamego, a picturesque town rich in history. Visit its castle during a tour and see the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies, one of Portugal's most significant places of pilgrimage. Alternatively, visit two wonderful gardens, including the gardens of Casa de Santar, home to the Countess of Santar. Its parterre gardens, tightly clipped topiary and interesting tile work make this garden a delight to explore.

Afterwards, continue to another garden of geometric design within the province of Beira Alta. Here, hazelnut groves and orchards of figs, apples and pears feature strongly. (B/L/D)

Enjoy a trip to the Palacio de Mateus, just outside the city of Vila Real. Discover the fascinating story behind Mateus Rose wine, with which the palace has long been associated. Explore the gardens, which showcase charming topiary work and an impressive cedar tunnel. After our visit, we return to our river ship. (B/L/D)

Travel to Castelo Rodrigo, known as the ‘white village', due its almond trees. The site offers spectacular views of the surrounding area, and as far away as Spain. Join a walking tour through its medieval streets and see the houses and establishments with 16th-century facades and windows in the Manueline style.

Afterwards, enjoy a tasting of local favourites, such as almonds, cheese, bread and wine. (B/L/D)

This morning, we disembark our river ship in Vega de Terron and make our way to Madrid. Along the way, we make a stop in the city of Salamanca to view the Plaza Mayor, one of the most beautiful squares in Spain. Over lunch enjoy a traditional Flamenco show. Arrive back in Madrid at around 4.30pm. (B/L)