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Barcelona to Lisbon

Hop from port-to-port on an extraordinary journey that takes you along the picturesque Andalusian coast and deep into the heart of Spain.

Immerse yourself in Almeria’s Moorish heritage, Costa del Sol’s “white villages,” and Mallorca’s stunning beaches, with plenty of time to enjoy Lisbon’s charming cobblestone streets and funicular-lined hills, and Barcelona’s bold Gaudi architecture and trendy eateries.

Traveling via high-speed train, you’ll have four nights at a 5-star hotel in Madrid to explore the capital’s vibrant culture, with special experiences including early entry to the renowned Prado Museum and a flamenco dinner show at Spain’s only tablao with a Michelin-starred restaurant.

You’ll take a daytrip to admire medieval Segovia’s first-century Roman aqueduct and iconic Alcázar Castle, and spend a night in Barcelona, where you’ll be whisked away to a beautiful 450-year-old winery in the Penedés region to learn the art of making Cava.

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Day 1: Arrive in Madrid

Upon your arrival at Madrid-Barajas International Airport, you’ll pick up your reserved car and drive to your 5-star hotel. Check in and you’ll have the entire afternoon and evening to spend at your leisure with world-class shopping and dining just steps away on the iconic Gran Via (the “Spanish Broadway”).

(includes transfers from the airport to your hotel and overnight in Madrid hotel)

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Day 2: Madrid: Royal Palace and Santiago Bernabéu Stadium

After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll kick off your day with a visit to the Royal Palace, an awe-inspiring architectural wonder and the largest functioning palace in Europe. You’ll learn about the site’s rich history, capture pictures at Armoury Square, get a chance to walk the iconic marble Grand Staircase, and explore majestic rooms and spaces displaying sculptures, paintings, tapestries and jewels offering insight into the 18-century Spanish Monarchy. Next, you’re free to enjoy lunch on your own at any of Madrid’s restaurants. The tour continues at the world-famous Santiago Bernabéu stadium—host to Real Madrid CF since 1947. Fans of the football (aka American soccer) will go wild over the panoramic view of the inside of the renovated stadium, with admission to the Real Madrid CF Museum, where you’ll learn about the history of the club and its members, take pictures next to famous trophies and watch the club’s most iconic moments. In the evening, you’ll head to renowned tablao Corral de la Morería (Madrid’s “Cathedral of Flamenco) to see a fiery flamenco show performed by some of Spain’s top dancers and musicians, while enjoying a three-course gourmet meal created by a Michelin Star chef.

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Day 3: Madrid: Prado Museum and El Retiro Park

After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll head right to the Prado Museum to take in the world’s richest and most comprehensive collection of Spanish works from Spanish masters Valázquez, El Greco, Goya and El Bosco. The museum also houses a vast collection of classical European paintings and sculptures, including the largest collections of Italian art outside of Italy. Next, you’ll be immersed in a unique culinary experience at a boutique cooking school. You’ll learn the art of preparing tapas, then enjoy them along with a chef-prepared entree and two desserts for a 5-course tasting menu served with a bottomless wine pairing of five different Spanish wines. In the afternoon, you’ll head to the famous “El Retiro Park,” a UNESCO World Heritage Site offering a vast green oasis in the heart of the city. Stroll through a variety of gardens with interesting monuments, view a nearly 400-year-old Mexican conifer, sit by the lake or rent a rowing boat, and explore the exhibitions halls, including the Glass Palace, a glass pavilion built in 1887, regarded as one of Spain’s finest examples of cast-iron architecture.

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Day 4: Segovia, Spain

You’ll have breakfast at your hotel in Madrid before taking off for an incredible day in Segovia, a medieval city located in Castile and Leó, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll look back in time as you admire the incredible Roman Aqueduct winding its way around the edge of town. You’ll visit Plaza Mayor, a town square framed by the beautiful pinnacles of the apse of the Cathedral, built in Castilian Late Gothic style, then head inside to meet your guide and tour the Cathedral, learning about its historical significance and architectural highlights that have earned it the name Lady of the Cathedrals. Next, you’ll enjoy a classic Segovian lunch at a delightful restaurant, followed by a stop at the renowned Alcázar of Segovia, a medieval castle built in the 12^th century that has served as home for 22 kings and inspired the design of castles in shows and movies, including Cinderella’s castle. You’ll travel back to Madrid, where you’ll catch the high-speed train to Barcelona, traveling in Comfort Class, with your luggage waiting for you at your hotel Barcelona hotel. Upon arrival, you’ll be driven to your 5-star hotel, where you’ll enjoy a Catalan dinner and can share stories about the day.

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Day 5: Barcelona to Ship

After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll be driven to the Penedés Region in Catalonia, where almost all cava and wine is produced due to the region’s favorable climate for growing grapes—mild temperatures, intense sunshine and moderate rainfall. This also makes it great region to visit. This tour will bring you to one of the most renowned Spanish wine cellars: Codorniu. You’ll learn the traditional process of how a bottle of cava is created and the history of the cellars dating back 450 years. Surrounded by the winery’s beautiful architectural complex and gardens, you’ll take an intensive wine tasting course. By the time you head to a delicious three-course lunch, you’ll have learned the art of wine tasting and discovered the secrets of Cavas Codorniu. Later, you’ll travel to Barcelona and take a panoramic tour of the city before embarking on the ship.
(Includes breakfast, lunch, wine tasting, transfer to the ship)

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Day 5: Barcelona

The old meets the new in this sunny Catalan metropolis, where narrow alleyways contrast with grand boulevards, trendy cuisine meets homemade tapas, and everywhere you’re greeted by the warm, welcoming smiles of the fashionable locals. Don’t miss UNESCO sites like the mind-boggling architecture of Antoni Gaudí or La Sagrada Familia Cathedral, with its eight decorative spires soaring hundreds of feet into the sky.

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Day 6: Palma de Mallorca

Mallorca is steep, green, and fringed with enticing coves and more than 200 lush beaches. But all that natural beauty is just the beginning. Stroll along the tree-shaded Paseo de Born in search of tapas. Shop for a Siurell; a traditional red, green, and white clay whistle dating back to the time of the Moors. Watch the street performers on the piazza around the church, or cross the island to beautiful Sóller. Not to be missed is the cultural landscape of the Serra de Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Day 7: Cartagena

The walled town of Cartagena is a popular seaport with a large naval shipyard. The seashore offers a wide range of activities from windsurfing to good snorkeling to sailing. From Cartagena you can easily explore the ancient city of Murcia, the coastal resorts of Mazarrón, Cala Cortina, and Cabo de Palos or a little further north, the world famous resort of Mar Menor.

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Day 8: Almeria, Spain

Enjoy a walking tour of this ancient city. If you prefer, opt for a beautiful drive through the Andalusian countryside to Granada and the magnificent UNESCO site, the Alhambra Palace. Built in the 14th century, this breathtaking example of Moorish architecture combines intricate mosaics and stone-cast latticework in a tapestry of grace and sophistication unparalleled in western civilization. Or take an optional excursion into nature at one of three UNESCO Biosphere Reserves.

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Day 9: Málaga

Here, on the shores of Costa del Sol, the Andalusian spirit thrives. Be sure to include an optional visit to see the brilliant and comprehensive collection of Picasso’s work at Museo Picasso Málaga, a tribute to this artistic genius in the city of his birth. Or you may choose to opt for a visit to the beautiful village of Mijas, where picturesque Andalusian country life creates some of the world’s best wines.

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Day 10: Gibraltar

It’s an odd bit of Britain here at the toe of Spain, with Barbary apes and miles of tunnels as well as traditional red phone boxes. Legend says Gibraltar was one of the two pillars erected by Hercules to mark the edge of the world. Take the cable car to the top to see if you can see it from here. No, that’s not it. That’s just Africa. What a view.

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Day 11: Cádiz

Cádiz is the most southern province of the Iberian Peninsula. It is extremely rich in natural beauty and some of the most important Natural Parks of Spain and Europe are found here including Sierra de Grazalema and los Alcornocales. Both are rich in flora and fauna, including species under threat of extinction. Many birds find their resting and feeding place here just after or before making the jump from or to Africa.

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Day 13: Lisbon

The rhythm of Lisbon invites you to join its captivating dance. This splendid capital city on the banks of the Rio Teja offers a warm welcome and an unparalleled blend of architectural styles. Elegant outdoor cafés line the cobbled sidewalks. Turn-of-the-century funiculars climb the scenic hills. Find the UNESCO sites of the Tower of Belem and the Monastery of the Hieronymites. And, everywhere, the city engages you with its easy style and remarkable charm.

What’s Included?

New Madrid Cruise Tours – 4 night (5 day) pre- or post-cruise tour available on select itineraries starting or ending in Barcelona, Spain. This tour is also available on select 2025 itineraries.

9 Meals included – breakfast (4), lunch (3), dinner (2)

4 Nights at a 5-Star hotel

All Entrance fees, including insider tour of the Real Madrid CF Museum and Bernabéu Stadium, and entrance to the Prado Museum – known for its comprehensive collection of work by Spanish masters from El Greco to Goya.

Traditional Cava tasting at the renowned Codorniu wine cellar and an in-depth tour explaining the intricacies of the traditional cava bottling process.

Innovative Flamenco show at the world’s most famous Flamenco Tablao, Corral de la Moreria, while enjoying a three-course gourmet meal created by a Michelin Star chef.

Tour of the countryside town of Segovia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and medieval city characterized by its iconic Roman aqueduct and Alcazar de Segovia, the oldest active royal palace in Europe.

Experience high speed train travel like the locals, as you opt for this mode of transportation after a full day of touring.

All transfers from yacht to hotel, to and from sites and to the airport, so you can relax and enjoy your intentionally planned days without hassle.

Spanish Symphony Cruise