Compare Treasures of Spain and Portugal - Westbound 2017 by Tauck vs The Sound and City of Granada by Iberian Escapes

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: Airport Pick Up + Hotel Check In

Welcome to a city of fascinating history and beauty - Granada - one of Spain's most cherished treasures known as the "Moorish jewel." Situated in the southeastern part of beautiful Andalucía, Granada comprises an important pillar of Spain's most folkloric region.

Hotel Alhambra Palace

Welcome to the most wonderful hotel in Granada - The 5-star Hotel Alhambra Palace. The oldest five-star hotel in Spain, with its 109 years of history, we can assure you will be transported to a world of unique art. Luxury from the moment you step into the reception of this breathtaking building. Here, at your Classic Bedroom - with a room overlooking the lovely Alhambra Gardens and Granada town, you'll have an experience of a lifetime, with a promise you'll be treated like royalty (quite in the literal sense of the word). The Spanish royals such as King Alfonso XIII,  King Juan Carlos I, Queen Sofia, and the new King Felipe VI de Bourbon have stayed at the Hotel Alhambra Palace. Additionally, the kings of Belgium, Sweden, Saudi Arabia, the Princes of Persia and Iran, the Duke of Windsor & the Prince of Wales among many others. And just to feed the most curious, other personalities such as the Dalai Lama, John D Rockefeller, and Stephen Hawking have also stayed.

Overnight: Granada

Day 2: One and Only Alhambra and Nasrid Palace Guided Tour

Meals included: Breakfast

During today, you will visit one of the most important monuments of the Nasrid Empire in the Iberian Peninsula, the Alhambra in Granada. Known as "The Jewel of Muslim origin" and one of the 'new' seven wonders of the modern world. It is listed as one of the most beautiful places on the planet and is the biggest tourist attraction in Spain. Its huge gardens and its different rooms reflect the legacy of the different religions and cultures that passed through Granada. This tour, inside the Alhambra, will be chaired by an official Tour Guide who will accompany visitors during the four hours of the visit. The Palace of Carlos V, the Fountain of the Lions, the Generalife Gardens and the impressive Nasrid Palaces are some of the jewels that compliment this architectural marvel and that will surly fulfill all your expectations!

Overnight: Granada

Day 3: Albayzin and Sacromonte Guided Walking Tour

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

In the Morning:  You'll discover two of Granada’s most atmospheric quarters on a 2.5-hour walking tour of Albayzín and Sacromonte. Throughout the morning, you'll be exploring the cobblestoned lanes of Albayzín, the medieval Moorish quarter, and view its whitewashed houses, patios, fountains, and churches as your guide shares its history. Admire the views of the Alhambra Palace from the top of the hill, and delve into the neighbouring gypsy enclave of Sacromonte, famous for its traditional cave houses, flamenco dancing and handicrafts heritage.

Spanish Traditional Gastronomic 3-Course-Dining + Live Flamenco Show Experience

In the Evening: We have reserved a unique, one-of-a-kind experience inviting you to a traditional Gastronomic 3 Course Dining experience whilst being transported to a world of bright polka-dot dresses, clacking heels, and heart-stirring music in one of Granada's myriad of flamenco show venues. Since flamenco started in Andalucía it's become one of the most genuine manifestations of this unique form of art, which we can guarantee you'll feel welcomed into a intimate performance, right in the heart of the caves of Sacromonte.

Overnight: Granada

Day 4: Departure

Meals included: Breakfast

Today you are scheduled to be checking out of your hotel. Depending on your availability, feel free to explore and discover a little more of what Granada has to offer. Either going for a lovely walk downtown or simply spending your day relaxing by the town's square with a lovely glass of Andalusian Wine, enjoying the sunshine. Or, if you'd like any further experiences or tours, feel free to contact your Concierge - Iberian Escapes - we happy to assist at any time.  Since it's time to say goodbye - We believe you are now richer in experiences and emotions and have, hopefully, made unforgettable memories for the rest of your life. Promise yourself “I’ll be back” – as we will be waiting for you for your next adventure around the Iberian Peninsula.