Spain & Portugal - Iberia at a Human Pace

Met at the airport and driven to the hotel. The afternoon is yours to sleep off the flight. We meet at seven for dinner by the river, and nobody is asked to do anything else.

A slow morning walk through the Ribeira, then a port lodge across the river. The tasting is seated and shaded. The evening is free.

A late-morning train south. Bags are handled at both ends. The afternoon is a gentle orientation walk and an early night.

Belem in the morning while it is quiet, the tower and the monastery, and the original pasteis. Trams back. The afternoon is free.

Across the border by coach, the one long drive of the trip, broken with a proper lunch stop. Seville by evening, when it is finally cool.

Both booked for the morning slots. Seats are found at every stop. Flamenco in a small room after dinner, for those who want it.

A high-speed train the length of the country, in reserved seats with a table. Lunch on board. Barcelona by late afternoon.

Timed entry mid-morning, lifts booked. Park Guell after the heat has gone. Both at a pace that allows sitting down.

Deliberately empty. The Gothic Quarter, the market, or the hotel terrace. We suggest three things and book none of them.

Mid-morning train. The afternoon is a walk through Retiro when the light is long, and dinner near the hotel.

A guide who knows what to skip. Two hours inside, seats found throughout, and lunch afterwards rather than a rushed sandwich.

A half day in Toledo with the coach waiting at the top rather than the bottom. Back for the farewell dinner.

Checkout is held until the afternoon. Transfers timed to each flight, in small groups rather than one coach at dawn.