Journeys: Iconic Portugal & Spain

Arrive at any time. This evening, savour a traditional Portuguese dinner and performance of fado, a local folk singing tradition, in one of Lisbon's oldest neighbourhoods. To ensure you are able to join the group for dinner, please arrive in Lisbon by 6pm at the latest. Portugal features diverse terrain, including regions with steep streets and uneven surfaces. Please bring sturdy walking shoes and be prepared for a lot of walking.

Included Experiences

• Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group: Your opportunity to meet your National Geographic Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
• Fado Night with Traditional Portuguese Meal: Sit down to a traditional meal and lend your ears to the sound of a performance by Portuguese folk music artists.

Travel back in time to the fairytale castles and hills of Sintra, a 19th-century resort town and UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the colourful manors, medieval palaces, and lush gardens that enchanted English Romantic poet Lord Byron as well as Portuguese royalty. Enjoy a short orientation walk followed be a free afternoon to discover Lisbon’s pastel-hued architecture and lively plazas. Opt to soar over Lisbon on the historic Santa Justa lift, an engineering marvel that ascends 147 feet to an epic viewing platform.

Included Experiences

• Pena Palace and Park Guided Visit: Situated in the hills of Sintra, Pena Palace and its surrounding park are one of the greatest expressions of 19th-century romanticism in Portugal. With clear Manueline influence and Moorish architectural styles, the palace is built in a such a way as to be visible from any point in the park. Tour the Palace and park and learn about the Palace's origins and influences throughout Portuguese history.

Optional Experiences

• Rossio Square: Stop in this lively square to get a taste of the local hustle and bustle.
• Sao Jorge Castle: Climb up to this Moorish castle for a wander around the impressive grounds on a guided tour, and a great view over Lisbon and Tagus River.
• Santa Justa Lift: Take a ride up 147ft from the lowest to highest points of Portugal. Sit back and enjoy the views.
• Alfama District Visit: Explore Lisbon’s past in Alfama, one of the city’s oldest quarters. Wander along narrow medieval streets lined with typical tile-covered façades and take a step back in time; the area largely survived the great earthquake of 1755, and still retains much of its original layout. Listen for Portugal's traditional music, fado, gracing the streets at night.

Head to medieval Évora, in the heart of the bucolic Alentejo region, for a fascinating foray into the past. Be mesmerized by the haunting Chapel of Bones, erected by 16th-century Franciscan monks. Then pay a visit to one of the best preserved Roman temples on the Iberian Peninsula, known as Diana’s Temple.

Included Experiences

• Chapel of Bones Visit: Visit the most famous sight in Évora, the Capela dos Ossos, or Chapel of Bones. Take care if squeamish – built in the 1500s by a Franciscan monk, the walls are covered with human skeletons as a reminder to fellow monks that life is fleeting.
• Diana Roman Temple: Take a visit to the best preserved Roman structure on the Iberian Peninsula, assumed to have been constructed in 1 AD.

Venture into the Alentejo countryside, home to centuries-old cork forests. Join a local expert at a traditional farm, and learn about cork harvesting and production. Then sit down to a traditional cork stripper’s lunch at the cork farm. This afternoon, return to Évora and explore its UNESCO World Heritage–designated city centre on your own, walking past whitewashed houses decorated with azulejos and wrought-iron balconies.

Included Experiences

• Cork Farm Visit and Lunch: Since this is the region where most of Portugal's cork is grown you'll learn about cork harvesting and production from a local expert at a traditional cork farm in the Alentejo countryside, home to centuries-old cork forests and about 30 minutes from Évora. After the guided walk of the farm sit down for a traditional cork stripper's lunch at a local restaurant in town.

Optional Experiences

• Clock Museum: A remarkable collection of watches on display from different eras, this family run watch museum will take you back in time.
• Évora Cathedral: Visit one of Évora's oldest and most important local monument. Located at the highest point of the city, the Cathedral of Évora is a Roman Catholic church with an elaborate interior including white mortar on the bare high walls, pillars and vaults.

Spend the day in Tomar and delve into the Crusades era in Portugal. Go on a guided walk with a local expert around the vast medieval complex of the Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Templar Castle, founded in 1160 by Gualdim Pais—grand master of the Knights Templar. Continue on to Coimbra for the evening.

Included Experiences

• Knights Templar Historic Tour: In Tomar, 14th-century Portugal’s headquarters for the Knights Templar Order, take an expert-led walk to learn about the country during the time of the Crusades. Visit the impressive Templar Castle and Convent of Christ, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

This morning, enjoy a tour around the centuries-old University of Coimbra, Portugal's most prestigious university and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enter through the 10th-century Porta Férra, the old entrance to the citadel of Coimbra. Following mosaic cobblestone paths around campus, stopping to see the baroque stylings of the Joanina Library, elaborate azulejo wall tiles adorning the Chapel of São Miguel, and the 18th-century Botanical Garden. Later, catch the train to Porto on the coast.

Included Experiences

• University of Coimbra Visit: Portugal's most prestigious university, the University of Coimbra is a must see landmark. Explore the World Heritage Site as you enter through the Porta Férra, the old entrance to the citadel of Coimbra constructed in the 10th century. Walk through the campus along mosaic cobblestone paths, explore it's botanical gardens and Chapel of S. Miguel and opt to visit the ornate Joanina Library.
• Local Train: Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do.

Board a boat down Portugal's Douro River, or "river of gold". Float on the typical Rabelo Boat along the riverbanks of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia and marvel at the historical bridges connecting the two cities. Famous for centuries as a port wine shipper's centre, discover the rich tradition of port making at a local wine cellar, then cap off the day with a tasting of this distinct regional specialty. In your free time, explore the cobblestone streets of Porto’s medieval Ribeira district, marvel at the baroque São Francisco Church, and admire the palatial Palácio de Bolsa, a one time stock market.

Included Experiences

• Porto Ribeira Cruise: Board a boat down Portugal's Douro River, or "river of gold". Float along this ancient route used for centuries as a port wine shipper's route.
• Free Time: Enjoy all the gems of this coastal city. Visit the medieval Ribeira district with its narrowed cobbled stone streets. Marvel in the baroque architecture of São Francisco Church and discover the palatial 19th century Palácio de Bolsa, formerly a stock market, built to impress potential European investors. But most importantly, make sure to try a glass of port wine.
• Port Wine Cellar Visit: Finish off the day with a tour of the cellars of the region's famed export - Port wine. Learn about the art of Port making and the processes that render its rich taste. Indulge in a tasting and raise a glass to a day well spent. Saúde!

Optional Experiences

• Ribeira Square: Take some time to walk around this charming square and get in with the local hustle and bustle.
• Sao Bento Railway Station: The blue painted tiles on the inside of São Bento railway station makes it one of the most beautiful train stations in the world. See for yourself.
• Lello Bookstore: Take a wander around this incredible, and beautifully ornate bookstore built in 1906.
• Palacio da Bolsa: Join a half-hour guided tour of this neoclassical monument.

Transfer to the airport and catch a short flight to Madrid. Set out on your own to take in the elegant squares and leafy boulevards of Spain’s bustling capital. Amble around the baroque Plaza Mayor, a 17th-century square lined with shopping arcades, and soak up the scene over a coffee at one of its outdoor cafés. Today, new travellers may join you for the rest of your adventure. You are welcome to join them at a group meeting this evening, followed by an optional dinner.

Included Experiences

• Plane: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

Spend the morning exploring Madrid, the quintessential heart of Spain, on a National Geographic Expedition Leader-led orientation walk. Explore the treasure trove of cultural riches, elegant plazas, and centuries old squares, as you walk in the footsteps of days gone by. Finish this walk at a local market and enjoy delicious samples of Spanish gastronomy. Enjoy free time this afternoon to admire the world-renowned artworks at the Museo del Prado, relax at a café, or experience the city’s legendary nightlife. Other options for exploring the city include the Palacio Real, Real Jardin Botánico or Escorial. Experience more nightlife at the Plaza del Dos de Mayo, in the area known as Malasaña. Taste some sangria and dance to the latest music.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Opt to visit the Museo del Prado, the Gran Vía or Plaza Mayor.
• Local Food Market Tour: Experience Madrid’s vibrant culture and cosmopolitan spirit on this immersive, National Geographic Expedition Leader-led market tour. Savour the diverse flavours that define Spanish cuisine while discovering what makes life here so special.

Optional Experiences

• Real Jardín Botánico Visit: Recover from an art overdose with a visit to the beautiful Real Jardin Botánico, a large botanical garden near the Prado Museum.
• Museo Nacional Del Prado Visit: Take in some culture with a trip to the Museo del Prado, one of the greatest art galleries in the world, and a definite highlight of any Madrid trip. Be inspired by its collections and exhibitions: the museum's main emphasis is 15th to 19th century Spanish, Flemish, and Italian art, but there is plenty of Goya and a wealth of paintings by Diego Velázquez.
• El Retiro Park: Known as the "green heart" of Madrid, a walk through these beautiful grounds will make you feel one with nature when looking to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Keep an eye out for stunning landmarks like the Peurto de Alcala and de Cibeles along the way.
• Plaza Mayor Visit: Enjoy some spectacular people watching with a visit to the Plaza Mayor, the true heart of the city. Enjoy a coffee in one of the plaza’s many cafes and watch the world go by.
• Royal Palace (Palacio Real) Visit: See how kings and queens live, with a visit to the Palacio Real, the official (and uninhabited) palace of the King of Spain. Wander the rooms to take in some of the most elaborately decorated and furnished rooms you'll ever see.

Drive south to the ancient walled city of Toledo, perched on a rocky headland overlooking the Tagus River. Join a local historian on a guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage site filled with churches, synagogues, mosques, and plazas. Explore the old quarter and glimpse the soaring tower of the city’s 13th-century cathedral, a masterpiece of high Gothic architecture. Continue on to Córdoba, a beguiling Andalusian town steeped in history. As the capital of Al-Andalus (Muslim Spain) until its fall in 1236, Córdoba was once the largest city in Europe known for its mosques, palaces, and libraries. Head out tonight to sample some local food. Try the thick, hearty stew called "caldereta de cordero" or cool off with "ajo blanco," a hearty white gazpacho soup.

Included Experiences

• Historic City of Toledo visit: With a local historian, we explore the World Heritage city of Toledo and the old quarter, which is considered an open-air museum. Known as the “city of three cultures,” Toledo conserves its artistic and cultural heritage behind its walls, featuring historic churches, palaces, fortresses, mosques, and synagogues.

Optional Experiences

• The Cathedral Bell Tower: Visit the top of the Bell Tower in Cordoba. This tower has played an important role on the history of this city. It stands at 54 metres and is the tallest building in the city, which means impressive views await those who chose this adventure. The tower is open 9:30-13:00 and again from 16:00-18:30. Entrances occur every half hour.
• Tower of the Calahorra Museum: Visit the Tower of La Calahorra south of the Roman bridge and at the far end from the city centre. The tower is a fortified gate which was built by the Moors. Explore the fortress and revel in the deep history of its architecture. It is open from 10:00-14:00 and again from 16:30-20:30. (4-5 EUR per person)

In the morning, join a guided tour of Córdoba and discover its medieval centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, or Mezquita, where a 13th-century Catholic cathedral stands in the center of a former Moorish mosque that dates to the 8th century. Afterwards, stroll the historic Jewish quarter’s maze of winding lanes and traditional whitewashed houses. In the afternoon, transfer to Granada and set out on a National Geographic Expedition Leader led orientation walk of this alluring Andalusian city.

Included Experiences

• Mezquita de Córdoba (Mosque) Visit: Be amazed by the diverse and stunning architecture of Córdoba's most famous monument, the extraordinary Mezquita. Built as a mosque in 785 by the Moors, the Mezquita was converted in the 16th century by the remarkable addition of a Christian cathedral inserted into the centre of the building.
• Jewish Quarter (Juderia) Visit: Wander among narrow winding lanes, traditional houses, and charming cafés in Cordoba's historic medieval Jewish quarter. Discover one of Spain’s three remaining synagogues.

Spend today immersed in the majesty of the Alhambra, a pinnacle of Moorish architecture in Europe. This fortress and palace built by 13th-century Nasrid sultans crowns a hilltop overlooking Granada. On a guided tour of this extraordinary World Heritage site, marvel at the intricate stuccowork, elegant archways, and intimate courtyards bursting with blooms. Later, explore on your own time as you amble through the old Moorish quarter, the Albayzín, and enjoy views of the Alhambra glowing in the twilight. After visiting the Alhambra, opt to wander through the whitewashed historic quarter of the Albaicin, with its narrow lanes and fantastic views. This is a great place to go to catch the sunset. In the evening, opt for a night on the town. The city is filled with trendy tapas bars and has a lively music scene.

Included Experiences

• Alhambra visit: Enjoy a guided visit of the Alhambra, one of the greatest accomplishments of Islamic art and architecture. Learn about Granada’s reign as one of the region’s most regal cities during the Muslim rule of Spain, which is captured in time within the Alhambra.
• Free Time: Free time to explore with the option to take a bike tour or visit the cathedral.

Optional Experiences

• Albaicín (El Albayzín) Visit: Wander through the historic quarter of the Albaicin. Try to head there for sunset. With its narrow lanes and fantastic views back to the Alhambra, visitors are rewarded with a spectacular colour-washed skyline when the sun goes down.
• Realejo of Granada (Old Jewish Quarter): Take a stroll around the colourful streets of Realajo - the historic Jewish neighbourhood of Granada. Sit down to a delicious tapas meal at one of the many restaurants or enjoy a glass of wine at a local bar. Keep an eye out for the stunning 16th century architecture of the Palace of La Casa de los Tiros.
• Church of San Juan de Díos: If you find yourself walking through a cathedral adorned with golden glittering embellishments at every corner, you are likely visiting the Basílica San Juan de Díos. Climb the stairs behind the alter to visit the site of the saint's remains.
• Flamenco Show: Sit down to dinner and enjoy a traditional flamenco performance. Be swept away by the flamenco's passion, fire, and grit! (20-60 EUR per person)
• Granada Cathedral (Cathedral of the Incarnation) Visit: Be taken by the beauty of one of the largest cathedrals in Spain on this visit to the Cathedral of Granada. Tour its beautiful facades and interiors that house a grand altar and numerous chapels. Built by Queen Isabella, it is a masterpiece of Spanish-Renaissance style.
• Granada Hammam Visit: Relax in one of the many hammam baths around town. Ranging in services depending on the establishment, some offer massages and serve mint tea, but all have amazing architecture and are a perfect place to soak and unwind. (30-55 EUR per person)

Journey to Seville, one of Spain’s most colourful and beautiful cities, with a walking tour of Ronda on the way. Upon arrival in Seville, set out on a National Geographic Expedition Leader led orientation walk and choose to climb the cathedral Giralda’s bell tower or visit Casa Pilatos, a prototypical Andalusian palace that combines Italian Renaissance and Spanish Mudéjar architectural styles. Get a glimpse of traditional gypsy culture by opting to witness a soulful performance of flamenco dance.

Included Experiences

• Santa Cruz Quarter Visit: Visit the true heart of Seville, the Santa Cruz quarter. A charming area with winding alleys, picturesque lime-washed houses, flowery patios, and small squares, you can wander, shop, or just soak in the neighbourhood's quaint atmosphere while enjoying a refreshing drink (sangria, perhaps) at one of the local restaurants.
• Orientation With National Geographic Expedition Leader: Enjoy a brief walk with your National Geographic Expedition Leader. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
• Free Time: Start wandering around this charismatic city.

Optional Experiences

• Casa de Pilatos: Take a visit to marvel at one of the grandest mansions in Seville. The home is still inhabited by the Medinaceli family, but remains open to visitor tours during operating hours. (10-12 EUR per person)
• La Giralda Visit: Climb the tower known as La Giralda, adjacent to the world's largest Gothic cathedral, for spectacular views and a walk among historic walls. The 76m (249 ft) Giralda was constructed by the Moors as a mosque between 1184 and 1197. In 1568, after the reconquest, Christians fit the minaret with its bell tower.

Enjoy some free time to follow your impulses in Seville. Lose yourself among the winding alleys, flower-draped patios, and picturesque squares of the charming Santa Cruz quarter. Opt to visit the ornate Mudéjar palace and gardens of Real Alcázar de Sevilla, a World Heritage site and former filming location for Game of Thrones. Here, in the birthplace of flamenco, take a private dance class in a professional studio. This evening, put your new moves to practice as you experience the city’s upbeat nightlife on your own. Have a chance to savour some tapas at the city's many bars and cafés.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Take in all this great city has to offer.
• Flamenco Dancing Experience: As the birthplace of flamenco, Spain is the perfect place to learn some new steps. Flamenco is one of the most recognizable elements of Spanish culture and incorporates three key elements: guitar, song and dance. Embrace the culture as we visit a studio to enjoy a private lesson from a professional dancer – the perfect introduction for when you head out later that evening.

Optional Experiences

• Casa de Pilatos: Take a visit to marvel at one of the grandest mansions in Seville. The home is still inhabited by the Medinaceli family, but remains open to visitor tours during operating hours. (10-12 EUR per person)
• Alcázar Palace Visit: Explore the wonderful interiors and gardens of the Alcázar, a royal palace that was originally a Moorish fort. Arrive during the evening in the summer months (until mid-September) and enjoy a series of concerts in the beautiful setting of the Reales Alcázares.
• La Giralda Visit: Climb the tower known as La Giralda, adjacent to the world's largest Gothic cathedral, for spectacular views and a walk among historic walls. The 76m (249 ft) Giralda was constructed by the Moors as a mosque between 1184 and 1197. In 1568, after the reconquest, Christians fit the minaret with its bell tower.

Depart at any time.