Day 1 — Lisbon, Portugal

Arrive in Portugal's capital, Lisbon, and meet your private driver for the transfer to your hotel. Set on seven hills at the edges of an estuary, Lisbon is a city of grand squares and intimate cobblestoned neighborhoods that descend steeply toward the waterfront. Set off into these picturesque hills on a city tour by tuk tuk. Later, we recommend a walk up to Castelo São Jorge for breathtaking views of the city at sunset. 

Day 2 — Sintra/Lisbon

Meet your private driver this morning and venture outside of Lisbon to Sintra, a town of misty forests and lavish palaces that tells the story of Portugal’s past. Once inhabited by the ancient Celts, who found it to be a place of spiritual power, Sintra bears traces of its Moorish occupation and its days as a 19th-century resort that enchanted the likes of Lord Byron. Explore the sites of the town as you wish today: some of your options include the ornate Quinta da Regaleira, steeped with mysticism and surrounded with hidden grottos and lush gardens; the historic National Palace; or whimsical Peña Palace, a confection of Romanticist architecture high in the hills above the town. You might also opt to hike to the ruins of the Moorish castle where you can climb the ramparts for a view all the way to the coast. Back in Lisbon this evening, sit down to a special dinner accompanied by a live performance of fado, Portugal's melancholy traditional music. (D)

Day 3 — Lisbon

Spend your final day in Lisbon at leisure. You might visit the Belém district to see the World Heritage-listed Tower of Belém and the Jerónimos Monastery, an exquisite example of Portugal’s unique Manueline architecture, which incorporates nautical symbols. Or take a walk in the Alfama neighborhood for a glimpse of everyday life.  Tonight, enjoy a sunset cruise on the River Tagus accompanied by wine and canapés.  

Day 4 — Seville, Spain

Journey east across Portugal on your way to Spain, and stop for lunch in lovely Évora. You’ll have time to explore the historic center, including the Temple of Diana, a Roman ruin in the heart of the city.  Continue to Seville, the capital of Andalusia, and settle into your hotel.  (L)

Day 5 — Seville

This morning, set out on a walking tour of Seville’s highlights, including the World Heritage sites of La Giralda, once a Moorish minaret and now a belltower, and Real Alcázar, a home of Spanish monarchs for many centuries. The afternoon is yours to explore as you wish. Consider taking a walk through the winding medieval streets of Barrio de Santa Cruz, the old Jewish quarter. This evening, take a tapas tour of the city, ending with a special flamenco performance. (D) 

Day 6 — Córdoba and Seville

Embark on a full-day excursion to Córdoba with your private guide. As the capital of Muslim Spain for some 300 years, Córdoba was a center of scholarship and culture until the 11th century. Step into a mesmerizing maze of archways at La Mezquita, a sprawling mosque with a Roman Catholic cathedral built right at its center. Continue to Almodóvar Castle, a hilltop Moorish castle originally built in 760 and painstakingly restored by a renowned Spanish architect at the turn of the 20th century. 

Day 7 — Coastal Andalusia and Seville

Head toward Spain’s southern coast. Visit a prestigious equestrian school to witness a traditional Andalusian horse-riding exhibition. Then stop for lunch by the sea. Later, enjoy a sherry tasting in Jerez, where the fortified wine originated. Return to Seville in the late afternoon. (L)

Day 8 — Seville

Delve into the flavors of Andalusia today during a cooking class with a local chef. Learn how to prepare some of the region’s most beloved dishes—and then sit down to eat them for lunch.  Enjoy an afternoon at leisure in Seville. (L)

Day 9 — Ronda and Granada

Journey through southern Spain to Ronda, set dramatically above plunging gorges. Visit its Roman bridge and its historic center before continuing east to Granada. Nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Granada was the last stronghold of the Moors, finally retaken by Ferdinand and Isabella in 1492. Check in to your hotel here and take in views of the stunning Alhambra fortress-palace as it lights up at night.  

Day 10 — Granada

Witness the majesty and artistry of the Alhambra up close as you explore its courtyards and chambers on a private guided tour. Enjoy lunch on the palace grounds and then descend into the city center with your guide, exploring its highlights from the baroque cathedral to the whitewashed lanes of the old Muslim quarter of Albaicín. (L)

Day 11 — Sierra Nevada Mountains and Málaga

Explore a different side of Andalusia today with a hike through the Alpujarras, part of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. After your hike, continue on to the seaside town of Málaga to spend your final night in Spain at leisure. 

Day 12 — Return Home

Make your way to the airport today to catch your onward flight.