Treasures of Southern Spain and Portugal

Featuring Historic Paradores and Pousadas

15 days from $6,274

Includes airfare, taxes, & all fees

Sept. 11–25, Sept. 28–Oct. 12, Oct. 9–23, Oct. 23–Nov. 6, 2023 & Mar. 25–Apr. 8, Apr. 18–May 2, May 6–20, Sept. 7–21, Sept. 28–Oct. 12, Oct. 12–26, 2024

A riveting history of Romans and Moors, explorers and invaders is etched across the gentle landscapes of the Iberian Peninsula. The interplay of hilltop citadels, ancient Roman cities, Mudejar palaces, and Gothic cathedrals speak of the many cultures that graced Portugal and southern Spain. Trace the Golden Age of Exploration in Lisbon and spend two nights in the delightful town of Évora. Then cross into Spain, discovering World Heritage sites and enchanting towns from Seville and Ronda to Granada and Toledo.

Highlights Include

Paradores and Pousadas: Experience Iberia’s heritage up close while staying in a medieval convent, a Moorish castle, a stately Renaissance palace, and a medieval town hall overlooking a dramatic gorge.

Lisbon and Évora: Admire the architecture of the World Heritage sites of Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery, and visit the Monument to the Discoveries and the National Palace in nearby Queluz. Cross the Alentejo to the university town of Évora, another World Heritage site, and explore the Roman and Moorish sites from your base at one of Portugal’s finest pousadas

Mérida, Seville, and Córdoba: Discover some of Spain’s most wellpreserved Roman ruins in Mérida, touring the amphitheater, temple, and aqueduct. From your parador in the charming town of Carmona, venture to Sevilla to tour the magnificent Gothic cathedral and the Alcázar. Then explore the Mezquita of Córdoba, a city where Moorish, Christian, and Jewish cultures flourished.

Ronda and Granada: Stay at the edge of a plunging gorge in cliff-top Ronda, and discover the town’s impressive Moorish architecture on a walking tour. In Granada, take a guided tour of the World Heritagelisted Alhambra, the legendary palace-fortress that epitomizes Moorish architecture.

Toledo and Madrid: Experience medieval Toledo, the city of El Greco, visiting the Gothic cathedral, the exquisite synagogue, and other sites. Then take a city tour of Madrid, including the Plaza Mayor, the Moorish medieval district, and the Royal Palace; and enjoy time at leisure to discover the city as you wish.

Limited to 24 Smithsonian Journeys guests.

Smithsonian Journeys Expert Lawrence Butler (Oct. 9)–art historian.

Across Northern Spain and Portugal

Featuring Historic Paradores and Pousadas

17 days from $6,974

Includes airfare, taxes, & all fees

Sept. 15–Oct. 1, Oct. 3–19, Oct. 22–Nov. 7, 2023 & Apr. 12–28, May 10–26, May 31–June 16, Sept. 15–Oct.

Travel the breadth of the Iberian Peninsula, crossing Portugal and northern Spain and encountering captivating cities such as Porto and Barcelona, fortified villages and fishing harbors, stunning coastlines and soaring mountain peaks. Visit stops along the legendary Way of St. James pilgrimage route, and explore an array of World Heritage sites. Admire the architecture of Gehry and Gaudí. Spend a day ensconced in Basque Country, and discover the hidden villages and valleys of the Pyrenees. Throughout the trip, stay in historic pousadas and paradores and enjoy free time to pursue your own interests.

Highlights Include

Paradores and Pousadas: Stay in three historic accommodations, including a seaside palace in Porto, a 15th-century hostel established by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, and a mountain lodge in the Pyrenees.

Lisbon and Porto: Discover the treasures of Lisbon, including the rococo-style Queluz Palace, and visit the fortified village of Óbidos and seaside Nazare. In Porto, a World Heritage site, take a city tour and short cruise on the Douro River, and enjoy a special tasting tour at a traditional port lodge.

Santiago de Compostela: Follow in the footsteps of pilgrims who walked the Way of St. James on a tour of the city’s magnificent cathedral, now a World Heritage site.

León and Bilbao: Visit León’s 12th-century basilica and Casa Botines, a fairy-tale building designed by Antoni Gaudí. In Bilbao, stroll through the medieval Old City and see the cathedral. Tour the Guggenheim Museum, designed by Frank Gehry, and admire Spanish and Basque art at the Fine Arts Museum.

Basque Country and the Pyrenees: Stop in poignant Gernika, the town razed during the Spanish

Civil War, and visit seaside villages that reflect Basque culture. Travel through Pamplona on your way to the Pyrenees and spend a day exploring the majestic mountains near Bielsa.

Barcelona: Trace the life and works of architect Antoni Gaudí at Casa Mila, Parc Güell, and his surreal cathedral, La Sagrada Familia. Stroll through the Gothic Quarter and bustling Las Ramblas and enjoy time at leisure to explore this exciting city on your own.

Smithsonian Journeys Experts

Linda Ehrlich (Sept. 2023)–film and art historian.

Dianne Konz (Oct. 3)–expert in Spanish history, culture, and literature. Cameron Watson (Oct. 22)–historian.