Cruise & Tour: 22 Day Ultimate Mediterranean & Iberia

We make our way to the port of Civitavecchia, the gateway to Rome, and embark the ship. After settling into our cabin, we sail in the afternoon as our Mediterranean voyage to Barcelona begins.Special InformationEmbarkation from 1:00pm; the ship sails at 5:00pm (2 Jul). International airfares and transfers are not included.

We call at Livorno in Tuscany, the gateway to Florence, Pisa and the Tuscan countryside.Special InformationIn port 7:00am to 7:00pm (3 Jul).

We arrive at La Spezia, the gateway to the Cinque Terre, the five cliffside villages of the Ligurian coast.Special InformationIn port 7:00am to 7:00pm (4 Jul).

We call at Monte Carlo in Monaco, known for its harbour, the Casino de Monte-Carlo and the old town of Monaco-Ville.Special InformationIn port 8:00am to 5:00pm (5 Jul).

We arrive at Marseille, the gateway to Provence, with its Old Port, the Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica and nearby Aix-en-Provence.Special InformationIn port 8:00am to 5:00pm (6 Jul).

We call at Sete on France’s Mediterranean coast, a canal-laced fishing port known as the “Venice of Languedoc”.Special InformationIn port 8:00am to 5:00pm (7 Jul).

We arrive at Palamos on Spain’s Costa Brava, a gateway to the coastal towns and coves of Catalonia and to Girona inland.Special InformationIn port 8:00am to 5:00pm (8 Jul).

Our cruise ends this morning in Barcelona, arriving at 8:00am. We disembark and make our way to our hotel near the port for one night.The rest of the day is at leisure, perhaps La Rambla, the Gothic Quarter, the Sagrada Familia or the waterfront at Barceloneta.Special InformationDisembark 8:00am. Transfers from the cruise port to the hotel are not included.

This morning we make our way to the airport for our internal flight to Madrid, where we check in to our hotel for one night before the tour begins tomorrow.The rest of the day is at leisure in the Spanish capital.Special InformationThe internal Barcelona to Madrid flight is included. Airport transfers are included.

Bienvenido! Welcome to Madrid! You will be collected from the airport and transferred to your hotel, where this evening you will meet your tour leader and fellow travellers.The rest of the evening will be spent at your leisure.Special InformationArrival airport transfers are included as part of your package. You will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel.If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.If you are arriving early and have made your own arrangements prior to your tour commencing, airport transfers will not be included. However, if you are purchasing pre-nights accommodation as part of your Inspiring Vacations package, airport transfers will still be provided to the starting hotel.Passengers will be arriving at various times throughout the day. If arriving prior to standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm local time, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available, as there are generally no scheduled activities on Day 1 of the itinerary. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel’s discretion.

This morning, meet your tour guide and the rest of your group. Enjoy breakfast before heading out to explore Madrid on a guided city tour.Explore Barrio de la Morería, the Habsburgs District, Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor and Plaza de la Villa; the Madrid of the Bourbons and the complex town planning schemes of Charles III, the Royal Palace, Cibeles and Neptuno Fountains and the Puerta de Alcalá. We continue on to contemporary Madrid with areas such as Gran Vía, Castellana, the district of Salamanca, Plaza Castilla and Parque del Oeste, as well as commercial and financial areas of Modern Madrid, and the emblematic Las Ventas Bullring.Tonight, join your fellow travellers for an authentic Tapas dinner at a local restaurant.Inspiring HighlightsBarrio de la MoreríaPuerta del SolPlaza MayorPlaza de la VillaGran VíaCastellanaPlaza CastillaParque del OesteLas Ventas BullringTapas Dinner

Your Iberian adventure commences today after breakfast, as we drive into the Castilla region towards Salamanca. En route, the first stop will be the city of Segovia, known for its UNESCO World Heritage Site – the Aqueduct of Segovia, which dates back to Roman times. Whilst here, you will have time to explore at your own pace before we continue west towards Avila. One of the most well-preserved fortifications in Spain, the UNESCO-listed town of Avila has a fully fortified town centre, parts of which can be walked atop. Here you will have enough time to enjoy lunch and explore the fortifications at your leisure. This afternoon, we will arrive in Salamanca – renowned for its architectural heritage, historical University of Salamanca and a popular stop on the Vía de la Plata path of the Camino de Santiago. The night will be spent at your leisure to enjoy this wonderful city. Inspiring Highlights Aqueduct of Segovia Avila Special InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.

Today, Portugal beckons.Departing after breakfast, our first stop in Portugal is the quaint town of Pinhão. Nestled on a bend of the Douro River, surrounded by terraced hillsides, the regions around Pinhão are known as being the centre of port production and home to some of the best wines in the world. It is worth mentioning the beautiful train station ornate with vintage harvest images.Heading west, we will arrive in Porto, one of the oldest European cities. Be in awe of the beautiful buildings that line the Duoro River, the iconic Portuguese trams and the double-deck metal arch Luís I Bridge.Enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure.Inspiring HighlightsPinhãoSpecial InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 5.5 hours.

Today after breakfast, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Porto. The tour starts at Avenida dos Aliados, heading toward the iconic Clérigos Tower and the famous Livraria Lello for an outside view and historical introduction to both sites. You will then pass by the University of Porto and the lush Cordoaria Garden, continuing past the historic old Relação Prison before reaching the breathtaking lookout at Miradouro da Vitória. From there, take a scenic walk down Rua das Flores to São Bento Railway Station to admire its world-renowned tilework and learn about its history. The guided portion concludes at the magnificent Porto Cathedral (view from outside). The remainder of the day will be free to further explore this beautiful city, and enjoy all that it has to offer.Inspiring Highlights Porto Walking Tour: Avenida dos Aliados, Clérigos Tower (exterior), Livraria Lello (exterior), University of Porto, Cordoaria Garden, and Miradouro da Vitória viewpoint.

Departing Porto after breakfast, we head south en route to Lisbon via Coimbra – birthplace of the folk music genre, fado. Whilst in Coimbra, embrace the historic centre, the cathedral and famous University of Coimbra, all whilst hearing the traditional music through the city. In Coimbra you will witness how student traditions and symbolic practices are preserved. Students in their long black coats enter monumental buildings that still serve as study houses. Walk through the narrow beautiful streets and admire the Roman ruins, the city walls and the special nooks and crannies of the typical neighbourhoods of the historical centre. Continue onto Lisbon. Spread across seven hills and known for its decorative arts, Lisbon is one of Europe's most interesting capital cities. This afternoon is at your leisure, however we recommend venturing to the Alfama Quarter, the old city, and marvelling at the Arco da Rua Augusta. Inspiring Highlights Coimbra University of Coimbra Lisbon Special InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

After breakfast, join a city sightseeing tour of the ancient Olissipo. Drive through Lisbon's main squares and avenues, visiting Belem Tower, Jeronimos Monastery, the Coach Museum, Monument to the Discoverers, Marquis of Pombal Square and Liberty Avenue. Spend the afternoon at your leisure. Inspiring Highlights Belem Tower Jeronimos Monastery Coach Museum Monument to the Discoverers Marquis of Pombal Square Liberty Avenue

Today after breakfast, we bid farewell to Portugal as we make our way to Seville via Merida. Enjoy the heritage bequeathed by the city's inhabitants over the centuries. Its streets and buildings reflect the passage of Roman, Visigoth, Arab and Christian culture, transporting us to the past. Augusta Emerita archaeological site stands a symbol of great Roman city features, including the amphitheatre, the circus and the theatre. In the afternoon, our journey continues towards Seville, capital of Andalucía, and the essence of Spanish tradition. On arrival (approx. 5:30pm), you will have the remainder of the day at your leisure to explore this wonderful city. Inspiring Highlights Merida Special InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 5.5 hours.

Explore the city on a morning tour of the Andalusian capital, Seville. Today you'll explore romantic Seville on a city tour, including the largest Gothic cathedral in the world (please note, the visit will be limited to the exterior unless an optional interior tour is booked). It is a testament to the historic health and importance of Seville. Continue to the barrio de Santa Cruz, the former Jewish quarter of Seville. From here, we continue to Maria Luisa Park and Plaza de España. This afternoon is at leisure for you to enjoy the city of light. Inspiring Highlights Sevilla Cathedral (outside) Barrio de Santa Cruz Maria Luisa Park Plaza de España

We will leave Seville after breakfast, with a stop at Cordoba to explore its Jewish Quarter, narrow winding streets and also Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba. Afterwards, we continue onto Granada at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains. On arrival (approx. 5pm) the remainder of the day will be yours to explore. Inspiring Highlights Cordoba Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba Special InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours.

The time has come to explore the famous Alhambra and Generalife Gardens. Given the vastness of this sprawling complex, this involves approximately three hours on foot – don't forget your walking shoes! The Alhambra is the contemporary history of Granada's Arab past. Its buildings, towers, palaces, patios and gardens make this palace and fortress complex one of the most visited monuments in Spain. It towers over Granada's historic Arabic quarter. Within the fortress you'll find exquisite palaces and serene pathways weaving through amazing gardens and courtyards. The detail is next level – sumptuous interiors, beautiful Islamic geometric patterns, exquisitely carved wood, incredible ornamental features. First built by the Moors as a fortress during the Muslim rule of Spain, the complex is testament to their decadent lifestyle. The rest of the day is free for you to see more of Granada at your own pace. The city is home to a huge number of tapas bars – what better way to pass the time? Inspiring Highlights Alhambra

Today after breakfast, we bid farewell to Granada, and set our sights on Madrid, but not before stopping in Toledo en-route. The Imperial City of Toledo, where the Moors, Christians and Jews have lived together for centuries, invites you to a guided city tour, including its iconic Old Town. Inspiring Highlights Toledo Special InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 5 hours. Today will be the last full day as a group, as some travellers will complete their journey with Inspiring Vacations tomorrow, while others will continue onwards to Morocco. Tonight you will enjoy a farewell group dinner to bid farewell to Spain and to the group members who will be departing.

Today marks the end of your trip. Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience. Special InformationDeparture transfers are included as part of your package. You will be collected from your hotel at the appropriate time and transferred to the airport to meet your flight.If you choose to extend your stay (e.g., departing after the final tour date) and have booked your additional accommodation independently, this included service will be forfeited and no refund will be issued. If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.