Essential France, Spain & Portugal - 17 Days

Arrive at any time. After a welcome briefing, set off with your CEO on a orientation walk to explore Paris at night on the way to an optional dinner out.

Set off by public transport this morning for a trip to Montmartre, where artists thrive and city views are abundant. Sample a mouth-watering croissant or pain au chocolat, then take to the streets with a CEO-led walking tour. Once oriented, explore however you wish with a free afternoon - perhaps book onto a river cruise to see the city from a different perspective, visit the colossal Louvre, or get your blood pumping with a walk up the Eiffel Tower.

Lyon is considered to be an economic and cultural hub in France and is home to several historical landmarks; ancient Roman theatres, the Medieval-Renaissance District of Old Town, etc. Picture cobblestone streets, secret passage ways called 'Traboules', and picturesque viewpoints.

Take advantage of a free day to explore Lyon. Wander the picturesque streets and visit some of the historic landmarks of the city, take an optional food tour or just relax at one of the many quaint cafes and watch the world go by. Lyon has become famous as a gastronomical capital of not only France, but of the world.

Depart Lyon for the Occitanie region of France and to the city of Nîmes, known as the "French Rome." Drop off your bags at the hotel, then set out on a walking tour of the old part of the city. Marvel at the Roman amphitheater, stroll around the UNESCO World Heritage monument of Maison Carrée and observe the Tour Magne, a vestige of Gallic Nîmes overlooking the Jardins de la Fontaine. The rest of the afternoon and evening is free.

Head out on a drive from Nimes to the magnificent Pont du Gard. Standing at an impressive 49 meters tall, this is the highest Roman aqueduct bridge in the world and is the only example of an ancient three-tier bridge still standing today. Later, stop for a delicious farm-to-table lunch in a small village before returning to Nîmes in time to catch the train to Barcelona.

Set off on foot with a local guide on a walking tour of Barcelona, enjoying the sights and sounds of this iconic and vibrant Spanish metropolis. The rest of the day is free for individual exploration of the city's many museums, parks and plazas before regrouping in the evening for an optional dinner out.

All aboard! Settle in and watch the world go by on a train ride from Barcelona to Madrid. Enjoy free time to explore the city upon arrival.

Today is yours to explore however you wish. Check out some of local museums and art galleries, explore how the nobles lived, or spend time people watching and sampling local flavours at one of the countless restaurants and cafes.

Get ready for a full travel day. Journey to Porto, including a quick lunch stop in charming Salamanca. Arrive in Porto by the early evening.

Head down Allies Avenue to see the French-inspired buildings. Bargain at the Bolhão Market. Wander the city's World Heritage-listed Ribeira district, visit São Francisco church, the palatial former 19th-century stock market Palácio de Bolsa or head to the Clerigos Tower for a panoramic view of the city.

Journey to Portugal's capital city, Lisbon, and take in your surroundings on an orientation walk.

Opt to take a day trip into the foothills of the surrounding mountains to Sintra. Get lost in the city's winding streets lined with pastel coloured houses, palaces, majestic gardens and lush forests. It doesn't get more postcard-worthy than this.

Travel to Evora in the heart of the Alentejo region. Enjoy an included tour to the haunting, but mesmerizing Chapel of Bones. Opt to visit Diana's Temple, one of the best preserved Roman temples in the Iberian Peninsula.

Journey to the Algarve coast to the small fishing village of Olhão. Explore its bustling fish market, active waterfront and white washed laneways. Continue to Seville and enjoy an orientation walk on arrival.

Take the time to see all this great city has to offer. Opt to explore the interiors and gardens of the Alcázar, a magnificent palace dating from Moorish times, or the true heart of Seville, the Santa Cruz quarter— a charming area with winding alleys, picturesque lime-washed houses, flowery patios, and small squares.

Seville is home to the world’s largest gothic cathedral — climb the adjoining tower for great views of the city. Other attractions include the Museo Arqueológico, the Casa de Pilates and the Parque de María Luisa, which has a maze of paths, garden beds, pretty little patios, fountains, and shaded lawns.

Depart at any time.