Spain and Portugal

Sightseeing

Witness magnificent Moorish architecture in the south of Spain which reached its zenith with the Alhambra Palace. Memories of Spain’s days of Empire live on at El Escorial and the Palacio Real while Barcelona reflects more modern tastes. Like the Kings of Portugal before you, experience hilltop Sintra or the glamorous resort of Cascais. Take in magnificent views from the castle of Sao Jorge before exploring the stairways and narrow streets of the old Alfama quarter.

Shopping

Spanish leather goods still offer excellent value and up to the minute styling. Look out for Damascene ware from Toledo, Lladro figurines, fans and wicker work. Hunt for collectable oddities in Lisbon’s flea markets. Moroccan invaders introduced the craft of filigree jewellery. Other characteristic souvenirs include painted tiles embroidery, and the many styles of local pottery - Coimbra is particularly colourful.

Entertainment

Flamenco is a tradition that gets close to the heart of Spain, with its throbbing guitars, stamping heels and proud passionate gestures. Portuguese bullfighting has elements of a circus - and the bull survives. But the most characteristic Portuguese entertainment is the sad, haunting, sound of Fado, traditionally sung by a woman accompanied by two guitarists. Not to be missed!

Specialties

Spanish food is distinctively Mediterranean, rich in olive oil, herbs and spices. Think paella, gazpacho, or chorizo sausage. Join in the Spanish obsession for Tapas - the ubiquitous bite sized morsels eaten at cafés and bars. A fine Rioja is a match for any wine in the world, while the word ‘sherry’ originates from Jerez. In Portugal, all seafood is excellent. Vinho Verde is a refreshing white wine and the world famous port can be enjoyed before and after the meal.

5 Fun Things To Do

1. Bars are popular meeting places in Spain. Join your friends at lunchtime for a glass of wine and tapas - a well established tradition.

2. Ascend Lisbon’s iconic elevadores (three funiculars and one Eiffel Tower-esque lift) which connect down town areas with the hilly districts and lead to fine viewpoints over the city.

3. Go mad for art in Spain! And you can’t get madder than Miró, Gaudi, Dali, Goya, Picasso, Valazquez and El Greco (even though he was Greek).

4. Walk the Way of St James, follow fervid processions during Semana Santa or run with the bulls in Pamplona!

5. If it’s the Age of Discovery that has always spurred your imagination, drop anchor at Belem, where Magellan and da Gama once prepared for their New World voyages.