Heritage of Spain and Portugal, Palaces and Patios, and a Douro River Cruise

Arrive in Madrid and transfer from the airport to your hotel. Enjoy some time to settle in before delighting in a traditional Flamenco performance and dinner. Flamenco is one of the most important cultural events in Spain. Composed mainly of singing, guitar and dancing, it has its origins in the ancestral mixture of oriental, Arab, Jewish and Christian cultures. The performance takes place in a 19th-century venue located in Madrid’s historic centre.

We begin our discovery of Madrid with an exclusive behind-the-scenes visit to the Royal Tapestry Factory. Here we see the centuries-old techniques of tapestry restoration and creation still being practiced today. Wander the factory’s garden, which stands as a living archive of the very plants once used to produce natural dyes for these intricate works of art. From there, enjoy a tranquil walk through the Royal Botanical Garden, home to an extraordinary array of native and exotic plant species. We then continue to the lush greenhouse of Atocha Station, a tropical sanctuary housed within the city’s bustling transport hub. Our tour culminates with a visit to CaixaForum, a cultural centre whose facade is adorned with the artist Patrick Blanc’s captivating Vertical Garden. Atocha Station and CaixaForum were both featured in the acclaimed series, Monty Don’s Spanish Gardens.

Depart Madrid this morning for a journey through the heart of Spain, beginning with a stop in the enchanting city of Toledo. After a scenic drive, take time for some independent explorations or else join our guide, wandering the cobbled streets of this UNESCO World Heritage gem. Perhaps visit the majestic cathedral, admire El Greco's masterpieces, or simply soak up the city’s medieval atmosphere. Continue south to Granada, arriving by late afternoon. Here we immerse ourselves in the city's Moorish splendour and timeless charm.

During a full-day tour, we visit the Alhambra and Generalife, as well as the Albayzin district. Strategically positioned upon a hill overlooking Granada, the Alhambra citadel features a collection of lush gardens and resplendent palaces. Our guide – an expert in Islamic Art – reveals the symbolism behind the buildings’ geometry, along with the themes of paradise and fertility implied by the considered use of water and gardens throughout the grounds.

This afternoon, we take in more of Granada's highlights. Explore the Albayzin, Granada’s oldest neighbourhood and a World Heritage-listed site. Its labyrinth of narrow streets, lined with cármenes (traditional houses with gardens), invites us to enjoy striking views over Granada with the mighty peaks of the Sierra Nevada in the background.

Our day concludes with a stroll through the Carmen Garden, which captures the essence of Granada’s garden culture. The urban gardens are surrounded by traditional Andalusian houses that combine Moorish and Christian influences in their design. The arrangement of flowers, fruit trees and fountains here further emphasises Granada’s relationship with nature, beauty, and contemplation.

A scenic drive today takes us through the heart of Andalusia, past rolling hills and olive groves to the city of Córdoba. On arrival, we head to the elegant Hospes Palacio del Bailío, a luxurious hotel nestled in a restored 16th-century palace. The property blends its Roman ruins with modern design and we enjoy a private tour of the first-century Roman village on the grounds of the hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. You may wish to explore the historic city centre, which is just a short stroll away.

Every May, Córdoba invites visitors to experience one of its most enchanting traditions: the Patios Festival (Fiesta de los Patios). During this time, residents open the doors to their beautifully adorned private courtyards, bursting with colourful flowers, intricate tiles, and centuries-old charm. Browse the courtyards at your own pace, soaking in the scents of jasmine and geraniums while enjoying the festive atmosphere and warm local hospitality. After exploring the patios, we continue our discovery of Córdoba, adjourning to its most iconic monument — the Mosque-Cathedral. This architectural masterpiece blends Islamic and Christian influences in a breathtaking display of history and artistry. Walk beneath its successive arches, into richly decorated chapels. This grand edifice lends exquisite contrast to the open-air enchantment of the earlier patios, bringing a remarkable day to a close.

Travel by coach to Seville for a full-day tour. The stately homes here combine the traditions of East and West, and we see elements of Arab culture, as well as the Renaissance, including elegant courtyards and gardens. Our local guide brings us to Casa de Pilatos, the permanent residence of the Dukes of Medinaceli. The 16th-century mansion boasts one of the largest collections of tiles in the world, as well as statues and busts from ancient Rome and Greece, and well-preserved gardens.

At the Palacio de las Dueñas, we see lush gardens and flower-filled courtyards, along with architecture reflecting a blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Mudéjar styles. We complete our discovery of Seville’s noble heritage at the Alcázar Gardens – part of the Royal Alcázar of Seville — one of Europe’s oldest royal palaces and still in use. These magnificent gardens, with their palm-lined avenues, intricate fountains, and fragrant orange trees, offer a serene and regal setting that reflects centuries of Moorish, Gothic and Renaissance influences. Late this afternoon, we make our journey back to Córdoba by coach.

Set off early for a scenic drive from Córdoba to Lisbon, crossing the Spain-Portugal border and winding across the serene landscapes of the Extremadura and Alentejo regions. The journey takes around six hours, offering plenty of opportunities to stop along the way for a leisurely lunch or to take a quick stroll through some charming towns.

Join an enchanting, guided tour of Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site just outside Lisbon. Beginning at the mystical Quinta da Regaleira, we admire the romantic palace and garden estate, which is filled with symbolism and secret tunnels, as well as the captivating Initiation Well. Built in the early 20th century by António Augusto Carvalho Monteiro and Italian architect Luigi Manini, Quinta da Regaleira was designed as a sanctuary for Monteiro’s fascination with mysticism, alchemy, and secret societies.

Then head to Palácio de Seteais for a picnic lunch with a backdrop of breathtaking landscapes. This afternoon, explore the iconic Pena Palace, perched dramatically above the clouds in the Sintra Mountains. Originally the site of a medieval monastery, the palace was transformed in the 19th century by King Ferdinand II. Inspired by the Romantic ideals sweeping Europe, Ferdinand commissioned the palace’s whimsical design, which blends Manueline Gothic, Moorish, and Bavarian styles to create a vibrant, fairytale-esque masterpiece. Our guide leads us through richly decorated rooms and the surrounding Park of Pena, curated with plants from around the world. Wander winding paths, immersed in the king’s dreamlike vision.

Fly from Lisbon to the lush island of Madeira and the subtropical haven of Funchal. Known as the ’Garden Island’, for its year-round bloom and dramatic landscapes, Madeira enchants us with its terraced hillsides, vibrant botanical gardens, and wild laurel forests. While here, we stay at the contemporary five-star oceanfront property Saccharum by Savoy. Enjoy time to settle in before dinner this evening, selecting from the hotel’s three restaurants.

Discover the lush beauty and artistic elegance of Madeira during a tour of the village of Monte. Begin with a scenic drive from Funchal into nearby hills, stopping at the remarkable Monte Palace Madeira. Nestled in a subtropical garden, this former palace houses an impressive collection of African sculptures, precious minerals, and decorative Portuguese tiles. The surrounding gardens are a tranquil haven, with koi-filled ponds, waterfalls, and ornate pagodas offering a peaceful setting for exploration. At the adjacent Madeira Botanical Garden, a colourful showcase of more than 2,000 plant species from around the world can be seen. Meander along beautiful, landscaped terraces, adorned with orchids, azaleas and tree ferns. The grounds also feature native Laurissilva, a type of subtropical forest unique to Madeira and the Macaronesia region. While exploring, enjoy the sweeping views over Funchal and the coastline below. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to spend at leisure.

Enjoy a free morning before visiting the Palheiro Gardens, whose variety of plants is supported by the area’s abundance of fresh air, often moistened by fog, which encourages their rapid growth. Some of the garden’s first trees, planted by the original owner – the first Count of Carvalhal – date back 200 years and can still be seen here. The grounds include the Main Garden, the Sunken Garden, the Ribeira do Inferno, the Jardim das Rosas, the Jardim da Senhora, and the Tea House area, where you can see an Araucaria from Brazil and a magnificent New Zealand Metrosideros. Elsewhere, see lakes adorned with water lilies, a curious family of chickens carved from boxwood, and beds of purple and orange flowers.

Bid farewell to the lush landscapes and ocean breezes of Madeira as we board our flight back to Lisbon. Upon arrival, settle in for a final night in Portugal’s vibrant capital.

Discover the exquisite Fronteira Palace today. Built by the 1st Marquis of Fronteira, the palace grounds are a masterpiece of Portuguese landscape design, whose fountains, statues, and azulejos exhibit its heritage of nobility and national pride. These gardens, classified as a National Monument, offer a tranquil escape and a glimpse into Portugal’s artistic and historical legacy. Afterwards we continue our journey north to Porto, passing through Portugal’s scenic heart. Upon arrival, embark MS Estrela, our river ship and home for the next seven nights.

This morning you may wish to explore Porto's Old Town and delight in its 16th-century buildings and Baroque churches. See the iron bridge built by Gustave Eiffel, then enjoy a tasting at a local port house in Gaia. Alternatively, choose to visit the garden of Parque de Serralves, one of Portugal’s finest private gardens. Afterwards, head to the Palácio da Bolsa for a guided tour, followed by a cocktail reception and traditional fado performance in the Arabian Hall.

Today visit Quinta da Aveleda, a renowned winery. The estate is also known for its parks and gardens, where rare species of trees can be found, while also showcasing its artistic follies.

This morning, disembark in Entre-os-Rios to spend time at Biscainhos Palace Museum, a delight for lovers of Baroque architecture. Experience what life must have been like for the Portuguese nobility during a tour inside the palace and along its tiered gardens, which are embellished with an abundance of flowerbeds and fountains. This afternoon, arrive in the sun-drenched town of Regua.

Today you have the choice to opt for a guided tour of Lamego, a charming city nestled among the vineyard-covered hills of the Alto Douro region. Visit the striking Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies and sample the local delicacy, Bola de Lamego. Otherwise, join an excursion to the elegant Palácio de Mateus, near Vila Real, a Baroque masterpiece designed in the 18th century, in part by Portuguese architect Nicolau Nasoni. The palace may be recognised from its placement on the Mateus Rosé wine label. After enjoying your choice of sightseeing, relax aboard the ship as we cruise toward the town of Pinhão.

Visit Pinhão Railway Station, known as one of the most beautiful railway stations in Portugal. Built in the 19th century, its tiled walls depict the production of port. Then venture to a local quinta, before being treated to a Captain’s Farewell Dinner this evening.

During a tour of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, we stop to explore the castle ruins. Return to the ship and savour a delectable dinner. We overnight in our final port, Vega de Terron.

Disembark MS Estrela and travel to the ancient Spanish city of Salamanca for a tour. See the University of Salamanca and the House of Shells before continuing to Madrid where our tour concludes at the post-tour hotel.