Gardens & Landscapes of Spain & Portugal

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)

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport as our journey concludes. (B)