Compare Treasures of Spain and Portugal - Westbound 2017 by Tauck vs Spain: Andalusia, Córdoba & Granada by VBT

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: Warm-up ride / Welcome reception

After an included breakfast, meet your VBT trip leaders at the Palma del Rio hotel at 10:00 a.m. Please ask for the exact location of the meeting at the hotel reception desk.

This morning, your trip leaders will host an informative tour overview, as well as a safety and bike-fitting session, followed by a warm-up ride around Palma del Rio. You will be riding on the fertile lowland of the Guadalquivir River. Please be dressed for riding since your warm-up ride begins immediately follows the safety talk and bike-fitting.

After the warm-up ride, you will have time for lunch on your own at the hotel or at one of Palma del Rio’s restaurants. Spend the remainder of the afternoon relaxing by the quiet swimming pool, strolling through the extensive grounds and vegetable gardens, or exploring the town’s sites. Ambitious riders may opt for an afternoon ride toward the foothills of the Sierra Morena.

Tonight, gather with your trip leaders and travel mates for a welcome reception, including tapas and sangria, two of Andalusia’s regional specialties. You’ll learn about the history of Spain and Andalusia before dinner is served.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning: Warm-up Loop — 13 km (8 miles)

Afternoon: Sierra Morena Loop — 27 km (17 miles)

What to Expect:

Your ride in Andalusia starts with an easy warm-up loop. You will cross the Genil River as you exit town. From there, you will see the fertile plain of the Guadalquivir River and pass a typical Andalusian farm called a cortijo. If you choose to ride after lunch on your own, you can cycle out of town toward the foothills of Sierra Morena, looping back down to the Guadalquivir River valley.

Cumulative Distance Range: 13 — 40 km (8 — 25 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 2: Home-hosted picnic lunch with local family

En route to Córdoba, you’ll ride up to the foothills of the Sierra Morena Mountain Range and the Parque Natural de Horanchuelos. Following the Guadalquivir River, you will make your way into the Campiña Cordobesa-Córdoban countryside. Along the way, you’ll stop at a typical Andalusian cortijo, where you’ll meet a local family and enjoy a picnic lunch.

Later in the afternoon, you’ll arrive at your beautiful and centrally located four-star Córdoba hotel. In the 11th century, Cordoba was the largest and most cosmopolitan city in Europe with a well-developed system for running water and streetlights, along with vast libraries where Arabic, Latin, and Greek manuscripts were translated. Jews, Muslims, and Christians all coexisted in this cultural crossroads. Exceptional monuments like the Mezquita of Córdoba are a good representation of the blend of these different cultures. Famous sons of Córdoba include the philosophers Seneca (Roman), Averroes (Arab), and Maimonides (Jewish). Córdoba has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1984.

Your hotel is a few steps from the Mezquita in the Judería—the charming Jewish district and the heart of Córdoba. It consists of ancient, private homes from the 17th and 18th centuries with lovely patios and fountains. The property was carefully restored in 2009.

Spend the rest of the evening at your leisure, enjoying all the amenities of your hotel or venturing out to explore Córdoba’s historic sites. Dinner is on your own.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning: Palma to Posadas (short option) — 33 km (20 miles)

Afternoon: Posadas to Lunch (medium option) — 15 km (9 miles) | Posadas to Lunch and Córdoba (long option) — 33 km (20 miles)

What to Expect:

Today’s ride starts through Palma del Río and continues gently uphill toward Hornachuelos. You’ll leave the Guadalquivir River plain behind as you bike along the border of the Sierra. The ride is mostly easy, but there will be some uphill cycling no longer than 1 kilometer (0.6 mile). By noon, you will approach the quiet town of Posadas for a break. If you are taking the short option, you can take our shuttle to our lunch location. If you continue cycling from the town of Posadas after your break, you’ll cross the Rio Guadalquivir for an easy ride to the Cortijo el Temple for lunch. After lunch, you will shuttle to Córdoba or continue cycling on longer option that includes a series of hills to the outskirts of Córdoba. From there, you will be shuttled to the hotel.

Cumulative Distance Range: 33 – 66 km (20 – 40 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 3: Explore Córdoba

After breakfast, meet your local guide and set out on foot. Start by visiting a nearby synagogue and then continue to the Mezquita.

Originally built as a temple, lighthouse, and warehouse, the Mezquita was once the second-largest mosque in the world and later consecrated as a Christian church after Córdoba was captured by the Spanish in the 12th century. Today, it is considered one of the world’s greatest examples of Moorish architecture. From the Mezquita, you’ll see the Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos, and the Archiepiscopal Palais, the Roman Bridge with 16 arches spanning the Guadalquivir River, as well as the synagogue built in 1315 in La Judería. Córdoba is also an excellent place to shop for pottery, silverwork, abanicos (fans), cotton and leather goods, embroidered mantillas (scarves), shawls, and wooden crafts. A Bullfighting Museum pays homage to the controversial sport.

Take time on your own this afternoon to explore the many sites and shops of Córdoba. You might want to enjoy an ancient local tradition: an Arab bath in one of the nearby hammams. Immerse yourself in its warm waters, followed by a relaxing massage with essential oils.

Tonight, choose a restaurant for dinner on your own in Córdoba. You might visit a flamenco house in front of the Mezquita or one of the restaurants in La Judería, the Jewish district, where you can also taste local specialties like caldereta de cordero, ragout of lamb, or sausages such as morcilla, caña de lomo, and salchichón de Pozo Blanco. Salmorejo and flamenquines are the most famous Cordovan dishes. Arab influences can be found in the sweet alfajores and pestiños with almonds and honey.

Included Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4: Ruta del Vino / La Via Verde / Jaen

After breakfast, you will leave Córdoba and shuttle to the Cordillera Subbética and the Ruta del Vino wine road. As the name suggests, this hilly region is full of olive trees and vineyards, producing and exporting excellent white wines and olive oils. One of the most renowned wines produced in this area is the Pedro Ximénez sweet wine, particularly recommended to complement local postres desserts. For brunch, you will stop at a beautiful bodega and taste locally produced wines with your meal.

From there you will ride toward the Subbética mountain range, where you have the option of cycling on the Via Verde rails-to-trails path. Avid cyclists looking for some hills can opt for a more challenging route.

On your way to the perched village of Zuheros, keep your eyes open for a variety of birds, including two of the many protected species of this area: the peregrine falcon, symbol of the Natural Park of La Sierra Subbética, and the griffon vulture.

Near Luque, you’ll stop at a cortijo for a late picnic lunch, with ingredients sourced almost entirely from the garden of your host, Balbino, who also proudly serves the farm’s prize-winning, organic olive oil.

After lunch, hop on a shuttle to your next hotel. The 18th-century Parador de Jaen, one of Andalusia’s most beautiful castles, sits high above the city of Jaen, atop Santa Catalina Hill, on the site of the former Santa Catalina Castle, an 8th-century Moorish fortress. This evening, you may enjoy an included dinner at your leisure at the hotel.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning: Wine Road to La Primilla — 20 km (13 miles)

Afternoon: La Primilla to Cortijillo on bike path — 41 km (25 miles) | La Primilla to Cortijillo on road PLUS — 45 km (27 miles)

What to Expect:

You will take a bus from Córdoba to the Montilla-Moriles hills, one of the famous wine regions of Andalusia, and start riding from Espejo, passing several lagares, farms where grapes are grown and pressed. You will stay on rolling terrain in the morning with just a few hills, arriving at Lagar La Primilla for brunch and a wine tasting. Afterward, you can shuttle to your starting point on the Vía Verde rails-to-trails path, where you can expect a beautiful easy ride all the way to Cortijillo. Other riders may opt for some hills on the longer moderate ride.

Cumulative Distance Range: 20 – 65 km (13 – 40 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5: Explore Jaen, land of castles and olive groves / Andalusian

Today, your loop ride follows the road to Gardia, the ancient Roman and Visigoth city of Mentesa Bastia, guarded by its 12th-century castle built on a rocky promontory. You’ll also visit the Puente de la Sierra, the so-called entrance to the Sierra de Jaen, the small group of mountains on the old road to Granada. After you pause for lunch on your own in Puente de la Sierra, you may choose to challenge yourself with a ride to the Otiñar Castle, surrounded by stunning mountains and deep limestone canyons. Or return to the Parador and perhaps visit the Santa Catalina castle on your own, just steps from your hotel.

Enjoy time to relax before you meet up with the rest of your group to learn how to make a popular Andalusian dish this evening. Dinner will be served in the Parador’s beautiful dining room with its combination of Moorish and Spanish décor.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning: Jaen to Puente de la Sierra — 35 km (21 miles)

Afternoon: Otiñar Canyon PLUS — 15 km (9 miles)

What to Expect:

Start your ride with a descent and mainly flat road before you begin a long but gradual climb to Guardia, with its castle above. From here, you will continue on a gentle and undulating road with views of the mountains of Jaen, all the way to the main entrance of the Sierra de Jaen mountains. Here you stop for lunch on your own, or if you are looking for more mileage, you may opt for a challenging ride to the castle of Otiñar, rewarding you with probably the most stunning views of the entire trip. Today may offer an additional independent ride for experienced cyclists. Ask your trip leader for details or opt for shuttle back to Parador.

Cumulative Distance Range: 35 – 65 km (21 – 39 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 6: Travel to Granada

After breakfast, you will start your morning ride in the small town of Benalúa de las Villas. Begin with a gradual descent through a valley with the Sierra Nevada mountain range in the distance, and head toward the enchanting city of Granada. You will pedal through towns that were heavily fortified in the Middle Ages prior to the final conquest of Granada in 1492, including Colomera with its castle and towering church. As you continue on the Ruta de las Fortalezas, you will find traces of Roman influence, including a 2,000-year-old bridge. Leaving the mountains and small villages behind, you will enter La Vega Granada’s main valley and finish your ride with lunch and a celebratory toast under the shade of pine trees with a cool breeze coming from the Cubillas Reservoir.

This evening, join your trip leaders for a festive farewell dinner and sample some regional culinary delights.

Today’s Ride Choices

Morning: Ruta de las Fortalezas to Olivares — 25 km (15 miles)

Afternoon: Olivares to Campus Nautico — 21 km (13 miles) | Olivares to Campus Nautico PLUS — 32 km (19 miles)

What to Expect:

Your final ride takes you from the mountains north of Granada down to the Genil River lowlands. Begin by leaving Benalúa de las Villas and heading down a mountain valley with the impressive Sierra Nevada mountain range as the backdrop. You will pass a 2,000-year-old Roman bridge and the towns of Colomera and Moclín with their Arab fortresses and Christian churches. The ride is a gently rolling route with a continuous descent into the valley and along the Genil riverbank. More adventurous riders have the option of a slightly longer, more challenging ride with a few more hills.

Cumulative Distance Range: 25 – 57 km (15 – 34 miles)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7: Alhambra Palace / VBT Bicycling Vacation ends

After breakfast, you will meet your local guide and walk to the Alhambra Palace for an included visit to the Palace and Generalife Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

After your visit to the Alhambra Palace, the rest of the day is yours to explore. VBT provides you with city information that includes recommendations on what to see and do in Granada during your stay.

Included Meals: Breakfast