Compare Treasures of Spain and Portugal - Westbound 2017 by Tauck vs Spain and Portugal Highlights by Eskapas
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
4 | Great
|
5 | Excellent
|
| Duration | 13 days | 16 days |
| Price From | $ 7,690 | $ 3,305 |
| Price Per Day | $ 592 | $ 207 |
| Highlights |
|
|
| Trip Style | Small ship cruise | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Premium |
| Physical Level |
|
|
| Travel Themes |
|
|
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
|
|
| Flights & Transport | No | Internal airfare and ground transport included |
| Activities |
|
|
| Meals Included | N/A |
15 Breakfasts & 3 Dinners |
| Description |
New for 2017! Set sail for a 13-day Barcelona to Lisbon cruise aboard your Windstar yacht as you chart a course for a treasure trove of discoveries along the trade routes of the first Portuguese and Spanish explorers. Two-night stays in Barcelona and Lisbon bookend this Iberian adventure, which visits Palma de Mallorca, Granada, Seville, Gibraltar, Málaga, Portimão and more. |
Cycladic Explorer: Athens – Mykonos – Santorini – Cobblestone streets, arched white facades, ocean-blue roofs, and larger-than-life windmills are just a few of the picturesque Greek landscapes you can expect to find on this tour. Experience ancient history and open-air museums in the capital of Athens. Then, the quintessential, beautiful Greek islands you’ve been dreaming of come to life on the isles of Mykonos and Santorini. Santorini and Mykonos are the top destinations in Greece. Both located in the Cyclades, Mykonos is famous for the extreme nightlife and the wonderful beaches, while Santorini is famous for the romantic sunset and the impressive caldera. The traditional architecture, the beautiful coastline and the fantastic views are some of the common characteristics that these two islands share. However, each one keeps a different and unique atmosphere that attracts millions of visitors and has made them famous around the world. Easily accessible by ferry or plane from Athens and other islands, Mykonos and Santorini feature regularly in lists with top destinations around the world. Although both tourist developed, they combine the need for relaxation with fabulous environment. Book with a peace of mind. |
Day 1 Arrive Barcelona
Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Hotel El Palace Barcelona. A transfer is included from Barcelona Airport to Hotel El Palace Barcelona, located in the center of the city, near the pedestrian thoroughfare of Las Ramblas and your home for two nights. Join us for a welcome reception and dinner tonight at the hotel.
MEALS : D
LODGING : El Palace Barcelona
PORTOFCALL : Barcelona, Spain
Day 2 The best of Barcelona
Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is truly on par with Europe's greatest cities. Here you will find a parade of historical monuments along with outstanding examples of the Modernisme period of art and architecture. Sightseeing this morning begins with visits to the medieval quarter of Barri Gotíc, the historic heart of the city; Gaudi's unconventional, unfinished la Sagrada Familía, begun by the architect in 1882; and Gaudí's whimsical Parc Güell, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of colorful buildings embellished with glass and ceramic mosaics, sculpted animals and creative furnishings, set in a 50-acre garden city. Bring your cameras with you as this afternoon brings you to the site of the 1992 Olympic Games on Montjuic, today towering over the harbor with art galleries and museums, an amusement park, nightclubs and a rose-studded open-air theatre. The views of the city and Mediterranean Sea are wonderful! Enjoy the evening as you wish.
MEALS : B
LODGING : El Palace Barcelona
PORTOFCALL : Barcelona, Spain
Day 3 Catalan culture & embark ship
The day starts with a private visit to the Palau de la Musica Catalana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, that truly is a palace of music. The only concert hall in Europe lit by natural light, it is a Modernista celebration of tile work, sculpture and stained glass. Continue exploring the city's cultural delights on a guided culinary walking tour through the lively village-like neighborhood of Gracia, where you're invited to devour a banquet of Catalan delicacies for an authentic taste of daily life. Embark your Windstar yacht after lunch and dine aboard ship at your leisure tonight.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Star Pride, Breeze or Legend
PORTOFCALL : Barcelona, Spain
Day 4 Pleasures of Palma de Mallorca
Disembark after breakfast for a guided walking tour of the beautiful city of Palma, located on an island exceedingly rich in cultural treasures. Visit the Gothic Cathedral, La Seu, built of golden limestone and standing in a dramatic location near the waterfront; its interior was remodeled by Antoni Gaudí and it's considered to be one of the most breathtaking buildings in all of Spain. A private Windstar event this afternoon in the Old Quarter surprises with a regionally inspired lunch and entertainment. Return to your yacht for dinner.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Star Pride, Breeze or Legend
PORTOFCALL : Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Day 5 A Day at Sea
Experience the onboard pleasures of your Windstar yacht today as you spend the day at sea. A lecture by your Tauck Director shares insights about the region you explore on this cruise; a spa visit pampers; and a chance to relax on deck with your favorite book is nothing short of heavenly.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Star Pride, Breeze or Legend
PORTOFCALL : A Day at Sea on Windstar yacht
Day 6 The Alhambra & Granada
Your ship arrives in Almeria this morning for a scenic drive to 13th-century Moorish Alhambra Palace and the Generalife gardens in Granada, created to reflect the Moors' vision of paradise on Earth. Explore them during a guided visit followed by lunch at the Alhambra Palace Hotel. Guitarist Andres Segovia described Granada, nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, as a "place of dreams." Return to your ship late afternoon and enjoy dinner at leisure onboard.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Star Pride, Breeze or Legend
PORTOFCALL : Granada, Spain
Day 7 A Taste of Malaga
The land of dancing Andalucían horses and sherry welcomes you ashore in Malaga and invites you inside a typical manor for a tapas tasting and a private horse show. This afternoon's panoramic tour of Malaga is highlighted by visions of 14th century Gibralfaro Castle; Plaza Merced; the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, where the painter spent his early years, today the headquarters of the Picasso Foundation; and the ruins of the vast 8th century Alcazaba (Moorish castle). Enjoy time at leisure to explore Malaga as you wish, taking advantage of the Tauck shuttle that brings you back to your ship every 30 minutes. Your yacht departs after dinner for Gibraltar.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Star Pride, Breeze or Legend
PORTOFCALL : Malaga, Spain
Day 8 The British Rock
Just 2 ¼ square miles, Gibraltar is a town that is also a British ruled country and has a recorded history that dates from A.D. 711. The massive limestone Rock of Gibraltar rises out of the sea to a height of 1, 396 feet and is often referred to as the gateway to the Mediterranean. In Greek mythology Gibraltar was the northern bastion of the two Pillars of Hercules. Hercules is said to have stood with a foot on each "pillar," pushed them apart, and formed a bridge across the straits. When the Phoenicians ruled here, the town that was called Calpe then, marked the end of the world, the point beyond which no trader should venture. Stay on the Rock this morning as you visit the storied sites of this legendary place, including streets steeped in British traditions and monkeys almost as famous as the Rock where they live. Return to the ship for lunch and spend the rest of the day onboard as we set sail for Seville.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Star Pride, Breeze or Legend
PORTOFCALL : Gibraltar, British Overseas Territory
Day 9 Sights of Seville
After breakfast, head out to the deck to see your ship's arrival in the port of Seville, standing on the banks of the Rio Guadalquivir. Guided exploration includes visits to the pavilions of the 1929 World Fair on the grounds of Maria Luisa Park; the Palacio de San Telmo built as a university in 1682 to train ships' pilots, navigators and high ranking officers; 13th century Moorish Torre del Oro, towering over the port; the bullring; and the tobacco factory of Carmen fame. Walk through Barrio Santa Cruz, Seville's old Jewish Quarter, to the Cathedral to see Christopher Columbus' tomb and visit the royal palaces, Reales Alcazar. This afternoon brings a special dance performance at the Museo del Baile Flamenco, where the passion of the dancers resonates with the soul of Andalusia. Your yacht departs for Portugal after dinner tonight.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Star Pride, Breeze or Legend
PORTOFCALL : Seville, Spain
Day 10 The postcard-perfect Algarve Coast
Disembark in Portimão late morning for a scenic drive into the Algarve countryside. View the sandy coves of Praia da Rocha; the pretty fishing town of Alvor, picturesque with white houses; Lagos, set on one of the largest bays in the Algarve and resplendent with 8th-century Moorish architecture, and the spectacular caves and rock formations of Ponta da Piedade. An afternoon tasting at an award-winning wine estate tempts with locally produced vintages before reboarding your ship for the last night of your cruise.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : Star Pride, Breeze or Legend
PORTOFCALL : Algarve,Portugal
Day 11 Disembark Lisbon; Sintra & Cascais
Disembark ship in Lisbon this morning. A vision of carefully planned, elegant streets steeped in history, Lisbon's city center welcomes with an 18th-century ambiance that bears witness to its days of glory during the Discovery Age. Enjoy a choice of visits to the Maritime or Coach museums, before heading to Sintra for a tour of the eclectic Sintra National Palace. Considered Portugal's best preserved medieval Royal Palace, it was continuously inhabited by Portuguese royalty from roughly the early 15th to late 19th centuries, and is part of the Cultural Landscape of Sintra UNESCO World Heritage Site. Drive to seaside Cascais for lunch as you wish, then head back to Lisbon to check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free to enjoy as you wish.
MEALS : B
LODGING : InterContinental Lisbon
PORTOFCALL : Sintra ,Portugal
Day 12 Lovely Lisbon
A guided tour of the city this morning showcases the downtown Baixa area and Trade Square and visits Edward VII Park, named in honor of the king of England who visited here in 1902, and Mosteiro dos Jeronimos. The monastery, commissioned in 1501 soon after Vasco da Gama's return from his historic voyage around the Cape of Good Hope, was built with "pepper money," profits made from the spice trade. Stop for a picture of 16th century Belém Tower, built as a fortress in the middle of the Tagus River, before returning to your hotel. Spend the remainder of the afternoon at your leisure. Join us tonight for a very special farewell reception and dinner at the 18th century National Palace of Queluz.
MEALS : B, D
LODGING : InterContinental Lisbon
PORTOFCALL : Lisbon,Portugal
Day 13 Journey Home
Tour ends: Lisbon. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included to Lisbon Airport from the InterContinental Lisbon. Allow three hours for flight check-in.
MEALS : B
Day 1: Arrive in Madrid, Spain
Upon arrival at Madrid, meet with our driver and transfer with ourto your hotel in Madrid city-center. late after-noon our guide will pick-you up from your hotel to begin two-and-a-half hour private walking touraround the brightest and most symbolic places in Madrid. Throughout the tour, we’ll tell you the most curious stories and legends of Madrid while we visit, among others, the following points of interest: Plaza de Callao, Gran Vía, Palacio Real, Ópera, Plaza de la Villa, Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, Congreso de los Diputados, Plaza de Cibeles and Puerta de Alcalá.
Overnight: Madrid Meals: Not Available
Day 2: Prado Museum & Royal Palace
After breakfast you will meet our guide at 9:45 am by the statue of Francisco de Goya, just in front of the main ticket offices to the Prado museum. First of all we’ll visit this legendary gallery, home to some of the most important works of art in the world.
With a tour lasting an hour and a half, we’ll explore the main halls of the Prado Museum. Among the main works on display are “3 de Mayo en Madrid” by Gayo, “ the Maninas” by Velazquez and “The Garden of Earthly Delights by Bosch. And you’ll also be able to see other works by masters such as El Greco, Rubens, Rembrandt, Sorolla and other greats in the history of art.
With the tour of the Prado museum over at around 11:30 am, we’ll take a walking tour around Madrid, a guided tour on which we’ll see some of the most emblematic spots in the Spanish capital, such as the Congress, the iconic Puerta del Sol and Plaza de Oriente.
Day 3: Madrid – Avila – Salamanca – Porto
Cathedral at Salamanca reflected viewed behind bridge of enrique esteven on river Tormes, Spain.
We’ll leave from central Madrid at 8:30 am, heading to the Castilla-León region, where our first stop will be Ávila. After admiring the impressive Medieval wall that surrounds the old town, you’ll have free time to explore the city.
Continuing onwards, we’ll reach Salamanca, where we’ll leave you discover the beautiful historic centre at your own pace: you’ll soon see why it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon, we’ll head over the border to Portugal and we’ll spend the night in Porto.
Overnight: Porto Meals: Breakfast
Day 4: Porto
After breakfast at the hotel in Porto, we’ll spend the day exploring the city, famous for its magnificent bridges over the Douro River.
Late afternoon at 06:00 pm, you will have a reservation at Fado Show at Ideal Clube. Porto’s famous Ideal Clube de Fado is located on 56, Rua da Galeria de Paris. Enter its doors and immerse yourself in the passion of fado music. This typical Portuguese genre of music has been declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and is a cultural symbol of the country. This is the only show in Porto dedicated exclusively to traditional Fado!
What’s more, this 60-minute show also includes a glass of port wine and a chat with thre musicians! If you wish, although the show starts at 6 pm, you can come half an hour earlier to chat with the musicians and learn more about fado. Overnight: Porto Meals: Breakfast, Fado Show with one glass of Porto.
Day 5 Porto – Coimbra – Fátima
We’ll leave Porto behind and head south to Coimbra a picturesque Portuguese town famous for its traditional music, known as fado. We’ll then make our way to the sanctuary of Fátima, one of the most important Catholic centres of worship in southern Europe, before spending the night in this sacred town.
Overnight: Fatima Meals: Breakfast
Day 6: Fátima – Batalha – Nazaré – Alcobaça – Lisbon
Bright and early on the morning of day four, we’ll leave Fátima behind and head for Batalha, a well-known town that stands out for its Manueline monastery. We’ll continue our tour south visiting Nazaré, one of the most picturesque fishing villages in Portugal, before making a stop in Alcobaça whose Medieval monuments are sure to captivate you
We’ll finish the day in Lisbon, where we’ll spend the night.
Overnight: Lisbon Meals: Breakfast
Day 7: Lisbon
Lisbon, the capital of Portugal at sunset. A popular destination for traveling through Europe, one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
We’ll spend this day , exploring the beautiful city of Lisbon, one of the most beautiful capital cities in Europe.
Overnight: Lisbon Meals: Breakfast
Day 8: Lisbon – Cáceres – Madrid
We’ll leave Portugal behind and travel back to Madrid, stopping on the way in the historically rich Cáceres, packed with Renaissance palaces, Islamic architecture, Medieval fortress-houses, earning its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover the old town, its Medieval neighbourhood and the Plaza Mayor.
Overnight: Madrid Meals: Breakfast
Day 9: Madrid – Cordoba – Seville
After breakfast, depart from Madrid at 8:30a. Admire the landscapes of Castilla La Mancha, Don Quixote’s birthplace, until you get to Despeñaperros, a canyon carved out by a river and entrance into the Andalusian autonomous community.
Cordoba is a city where many civilizations once flourished including the Moors, the Romans, Jews and Christians. Follow your guide into the impressive multiarched Mosque-Cathedral, symbol of the sophistication of the Islamic Spain. Next, you’ll visit the old Jewish Quarter which is packed with pretty white house full of plants and flowers hanging from the balconies and peaceful interior patios.
In the evening, you’ll head to Seville.
Overnight: Seville Meals: Breakfast-Dinner
Day 10: Seville
Today, you’ll discover Seville’s most symbolic landmarks and learn why it is one of the most-visited cities in Spain. You’ll stroll to the cathedral and its renowned bell tower called Giralda.
Afterwards, you’ll enjoy the charming Santa Cruz neighborhood and wander through the lush María Luisa park and admire the surprising Plaza de España. After the guided tour, you’ll have to time to walk around and try the region’s delicious gastronomy.
At nightfall, and after enjoying dinner at your hotel, you can delight in a Flamenco show (optional).
Overnight: Seville Meals: Breakfast-Dinner
Day 11: Seville – Granada
Board the coach and head east to<strong> Granada</strong>, through the route of the Caliphate, the last bastion of the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada. Upon arrival, you’ll walk through the charming streets and admire its many palaces, monuments and landmarks and you’ll visit one of the country’s iconic symbols, the renowned Alhambra and the gardens of the Generalife.
Overnight: Granada Meals: Breakfast-Dinner
OPTIONAL: Afterwards, enjoy a panoramic tour of Granada and delight in a Zambra show, a type of Flamenco dance, typical of the Gypsies of Granada in the Sacromonte neighborhood (optional).
Day 12: Granada – Valencia
After breakfast, continue the journey to Valencia, by crossing Murcia and Alicante. Discover this charming city full of contrasts with a monumental historic center and fabulous Modernista architecture, like the City of Arts and Sciences.
At night time, you’ll have time to amble around the city and try one of its traditional Valencian paellas.
Overnight: Valencia Meals: Breakfast </span></div>
Day 13: Valencia – Barcelona
In the morning, you’ll continue to explore Valencia, the third-largest city in Spain and its most impressive landmarks.
In the afternoon, you’ll hop on a luxury air-conditioned coach and head north to Catalonia, crossing Tarragona, until you get to Barcelona where you’ll spend the night.
Overnight: Barcelona Meals: Breakfast </span></div>
Day 14: Barcelona
After breakfast, you’ll discover this captivating seaside city accompanied by your English-speaking guide and penetrate its old town to understand why it is one of the most visited destinations in Spain. Packed with Modernista landmarks and Antoni Gaudí’s emblematic buildings, including Casa Milá, La Pedrera and Casa Batlló, you’ll not want to leave. Then, you’ll head to the Parque Montjuïc, where you’ll enjoy some stunning views of the city>
View of the entrance to the Park Guell by Antoni Gaudi. Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
Wander along the medieval streets of the Gothic Quarter and you’ll have the afternoon free to keep on exploring the city but at your own pace. We recommend going to its beaches, trying its typical dishes and then enjoying the city’s lively night life.
Overnight: Barcelona Meals: Breakfast
Day 15: Barcelona – Zaragoza – Madrid
After a whole day in Barcelona, you’ll get on the coach and drive to Zaragoza, situated on the banks of the Ebro River, which is the Iberian Peninsula’s largest river. Upon arrival, you’ll have free time to discover its cultural heritage and walk back in time to when the Iberians, Romans, Moors, Jews and Christians erected the city little by little. The city’s most emblematic buildings are: </span><span data-offset-key="cc25b-0-5">the Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar the Lonja Cathedral of the Savoir.
Day 16: Madrid Departure
After breakfast, private transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule. Please note that check-out time is usually noon. End of our services.
Overnight: Not Available Meals: Breakfast
