Treasures of Spain and Portugal - Westbound

Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Hotel Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona. A transfer is included from Barcelona Airport or Barcelona Franca or Sants Train Station to Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona, located on the exclusive Paseo de Gracia and your home for two nights. Join us for a welcome reception followed by dinner tonight at the hotel.

Begin your 13-day journey of Spain and Portugal with visits to Gaudí's whimsical Parc Güell, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of colorful buildings embellished with glass and ceramic mosaics, sculpted animals, and creative furnishings, all set in a 50-acre garden city, and Gaudí's unconventional, unfinished La Sagrada Família, begun by the architect in 1882. After lunch, the rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish.

Your day starts with a private visit to the Palau de la Música 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. A choice of sightseeing excursions includes a visit to the medieval quarter of Barri Gòtic, the historic heart of the city, or a walking tour of Passeig de Gràcia that includes a visit inside Gaudí's whimsical Casa Milà (La Pedrera). Following your choice, bring your cameras as this afternoon brings you to the site of the 1992 Olympic Games on Montjuïc, 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 from here are wonderful (day of visit may vary). Embark your Windstar ship this afternoon and set sail for Mallorca.

Disembark this morning in Palma de Mallorca for a guided walking tour of the beautiful city of Palma, located on an island exceedingly rich in cultural treasures. Visit Gothic-style Bellver Castle as well as 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 one of the most breathtaking buildings in all of Spain. This afternoon you have an opportunity to explore more of Palma as you please. Back onboard, enjoy the captain's welcome reception as you sail to Cartagena.

Experience the onboard pleasures of your Windstar yacht today as you spend the morning at sea. A lecture by your Tauck Director shares insights about the region you're exploring on this cruise; a spa visit pampers; and a chance to relax on deck with your favorite book is nothing short of heavenly. After your ship arrives in Cartagena around midday, walk to the city's Roman Forum to visit the 1st-century thermal baths, atrium, and a temple dedicated to Isis and Serapis; then enjoy a wine tasting inside the Forum and a demonstration of the art of jamón slicing. Your ship sets off again early this evening, bound for Almería.

Your ship arrives in Almeria this morning for a scenic drive to Granada, created to reflect the Moors' vision of paradise on Earth. Explore this wondrous town on a walking tour followed by lunch at a local restaurant. 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.

The land of dancing Andalusian horses, Picasso, and sherry welcomes you ashore in Málaga, where a typical manor opens its doors for a tapas tasting and a private Andalusian horse show. This afternoon, discover Málaga's vibrant market district and stroll through Plaza de la Merced – the birthplace of Pablo Picasso – culminating in a visit to the renowned Picasso Museum. Here, view a collection of works spanning the artist's career, donated by members of his family. Enjoy time to explore Málaga as you wish.

Connecting the Mediterranean to the Atlantic, Gibraltar – a British territory on Spain's south coast – is only 2¼ square miles in size, but is an essential piece of land and base for the Royal Navy, as it is the "Gateway to the Mediterranean." Today, visit the massive Rock of Gibraltar and enjoy sweeping sea views – on a clear day, you can see the shores of Africa. Wander into one of the 150 caves here with a visit to St. Michael's Cave, and visit Apes' Den, named after the Barbary macaques that reside here – normally found only in Northern Africa. Choose to stay in town or return to the ship this afternoon before she sets sail for a day in Seville.

Disembark for a choice of excursions in Seville following a visit to the postcard-worthy Plaza España, a tapas lunch, and a passionate flamenco performance at the Flamenco Museum. One choice is a visit to the 15th-century Seville Cathedral – the largest Gothic church in the world – where you'll see Christopher Columbus' tomb. Alternatively, visit the Royal Alcázar of Seville – Europe's oldest royal palace and former Muslim fortress. Enjoy some time in Seville as you please before charting a course toward Portugal.

Today, you have another full day to enjoy all the amenities of Windstar's 5-masted flagship Wind Surf – the world's largest sailing yacht, and a sight to see with her tall sails billowing – fresh from a recent renovation, as you spend an entire day at sea, bound for Lisbon, Portugal.

Lisbon, Portugal's hilly and coastal capital, is a vision of carefully planned and elegant streets steeped in history. Your introduction to Lisbon begins with a day of sightseeing, showcasing the Baixa area, Praça do Comércio, and Parque Eduardo VII – named in honor of the king of England who visited here in 1902. As exploration continues, learn about Portugal's involvement in trade and navigation at sea with a visit to the Maritime Navy Museum, taste pastries, and view the impressive architecture of the Jerónimos Monastery for insight into Portugal's Age of Discovery – commissioned in 1501 after Vasco da Gama's return from his voyage around the Cape of Good Hope. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy the park and the many restaurants near your hotel.

You'll drive to Sintra early this morning 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 time to explore on your own. Later this evening, join us for an exclusive private farewell evening at the 18th-century Palácio Nacional de Queluz, including a reception and dinner.

Tour ends: Lisbon. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included to Lisbon Airport or Santa Apolonia Train Station from InterContinental Lisbon. Allow three hours for flight check-in.