Spain & Portugal with A&K Chairman’s Ambassador

Upon arrival in Lisbon, capital of Portugal, you are met by an Abercrombie & Kent representative and transferred to your hotel. This evening, step aboard a historic Lisbon tram and traverse the city on a unique private welcome experience before gathering for dinner in a local restaurant. Stay: Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon (D)

This morning, discover the Museu Calouste Gulbenkian — one of the world's most important private art collections — during a before-hours private opening. Then, explore Lisbon with a local expert, discovering the charm of this city on the Tagus and entering the Jeronimos Monastery, burial place of the Portuguese royal family. After an afternoon at leisure for further exploration, gather for cocktails at the Palace of the Marqueses de Fronteira, a National Monument of Portugal and one of the finest 17th-century palaces in Europe. Stay: Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon (B)

Journey to Évora, a beautifully preserved medieval city, stopping at Jose Maria da Fonseca for a premium wine tasting and lunch en route. On arrival, visit the historic town centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to view an ancient Roman Temple, the Gothic 13th-century Sé Cathedral with its Romanesque architectural influences, and the striking city walls. Stay: Convento do Espinheiro (B/L/D)

Today, drive eastward into Spain, stopping in Mérida to view its Roman amphitheatre, inaugurated in 8 BC to host theatrical performances and gladiatorial combat. Also see an ancient 82-foot-tall aqueduct built from stone and brick. Afterward, continue into Spain's storied Andalusia region for a two-night stay in vibrant Seville. Once there, ride a horse-drawn carriage to a palace where the owners host your private dinner, followed by a performance of flamenco dancing and singing on the patio of this historic home. Stay: Hotel Alfonso XIII (B/D)

This morning, experience an A&K-exclusive before-hours visit to the Baroque Hospital de la Caridad and hear Gregorian chant performed live. Then, set out on a guided excursion through Seville, including a visit to the largest Gothic cathedral in the world. Proceed to the Jewish Quarter, with its labyrinth of narrow streets dating to the time of Moorish rule. Then, relax during an afternoon at leisure. Later, enter the Royal Alcázar — a monumental palace — for a special after-hours visit. Finish the evening with a dinner of authentic local fare. Stay: Hotel Alfonso XIII (B/D)

After breakfast, travel to Granada and take in the city. Visit Alhambra, a vast palace and UNESCO World Heritage Site that exemplifies Moorish architecture. Tonight, attend a feast where ancient Moorish cooking techniques are demonstrated alongside a performance of traditional Sephardic music. Stay: Hotel Palacio de Santa Paula (B/L/D)

Travel to Córdoba, where you visit this city's historic Jewish neighbourhood and roam its narrow streets, and then enter the former Great Mosque, now known as the Mezquita, to view its breathtaking Moorish-influenced interior. Enjoy time to explore before boarding a high-speed AVE train to Ride Like a Local to Madrid. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel. Cap off your day of exploring with a fun tapas tour for dinner. Stay: Palacio de los Duques Gran Meliá (B/D)

This morning, enjoy exclusive before-hours access to the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, one of the world's leading galleries. Then, set out on a city tour that includes the Royal Palace, with its rich decor comprised of marble, stucco and mahogany. Break for lunch at a local restaurant. Enjoy the afternoon and evening at leisure. Stay: Palacio de los Duques Gran Meliá (B/L)

Today, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities, arranged for you by your Resident Tour Director.

• See Madrid on a Relaxing Bike Tour, discovering the city centre's handsome architecture, historic neighbourhoods and beautiful Retiro Park.
• Discover Toledo, a place in medieval Europe where Muslim, Jewish and Christian communities coexisted.
• Tour the Prado Museum, viewing works by El Greco, Velázquez and Goya, guided by a local expert.

This evening, gather for an A&K exclusive private visit and aperitif at the Liria Palace, the Madrid residence of the Dukes of Alba. Stay: Palacio de los Duques Gran Meliá (B)

Today, journey to La Rioja, stopping en route for a tour of the Vivanco Museum of Wine Culture, which includes a Chef's Table experience featuring a gourmet lunch with wine pairings. Proceed to Elciego and check in to the Hotel Marqués de Riscal. Settle into your luxurious room and admire the hotel's amazing design, created by master architect Frank Gehry. Gaze out upon the vineyard-covered hills surrounding this contemporary retreat from one of its eight terraces and enjoy dinner overlooking the view. Stay: Hotel Marqués de Riscal (B/L/D)

This morning, explore Spain's storied Rioja region, visiting an olive oil mill and sampling their oils, walking through Laguardia, and tasting wine with tapas in one of the village cellars. Return to your hotel to relax in the lush surroundings before diving into a cooking experience and dinner at a local gastronomical society, an A&K exclusive. Stay: Hotel Marqués de Riscal (B/L/D)

Drive to Bilbao today, where you tour galleries devoted to modern and contemporary art, including the monumental sculpture The Matter of Time, at the Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. After lunch at a local restaurant, fly to Barcelona, settle into your hotel and then enjoy a light dinner. Stay: Almanac Barcelona (B/L/D)

This morning, set out on a panoramic city tour. See the Barcelona Pavilion, a study in minimalism built for the 1929 International Exposition, and then explore the Sagrada Família, a spectacular basilica designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. This amazing structure features eight towering spires outside and an incomparably detailed vaulted ceiling inside. Begun in 1882, parts of it are still under construction.

Enjoy time for lunch at leisure in the Central Market, also known as La Boqueria, one of the city's many vital marketplaces for fish, meat and produce. Spend your afternoon with time to relax or explore this colourful, vibrant city on your own. Tonight, join your Resident Tour Director and fellow guests for a Scenic Sundowner followed by a festive farewell dinner. Stay: Almanac Barcelona (B/D)

Today you are transferred to the airport to board your departure flight. (B)