12 Night Spain & Portugal Holiday

Formerly a sleepy Spanish city, Barcelona has recently been reborn as an eclectic fusion of the modern and medieval. Seek inspiration from the creations of its modernist architect, Antonio Gaudí, or the Picasso Museum. Or, take in the breathtaking cathedrals in the Gothic Quarter.

Best known as the birthplace of paella, Valencia has steadily moved onto the radar of savvy travelers. It's a vibrant, friendly, mildly chaotic place with two outstanding fine-arts museums, an accessible old quarter, Europe's newest cultural and scientific complex – and one of Spain's most exciting nightlife scenes. Whole sections of the old city, for example the Carmen Quarter, have been extensively renovated. One of the best spots for exploring Valencia's history is at the museum L'Almoina, which opened three years ago in the Carmen on the site where Valencia was founded by the Romans in 138 B.C. Here, you can walk over glass floors, looking down at a stunning assemblage of ruins excavated in the area. The exhibition includes Roman baths, tombs and a medieval Moorish ward for plague victims.

Funchal, the largest city on Madeira island, is known as the “Floating Garden” because of its remarkable variety of vegetation, fruit, and flowers. Everywhere you look you’ll find sprawling scenic splendor, from the deeply gouged cliffs to the lush, verdant valleys reminiscent of parts of Hawaii.

Funchal, the largest city on Madeira island, is known as the “Floating Garden” because of its remarkable variety of vegetation, fruit, and flowers. Everywhere you look you’ll find sprawling scenic splendor, from the deeply gouged cliffs to the lush, verdant valleys reminiscent of parts of Hawaii.

The extreme and varied micro-climates and vegetation are what have earned this lovely island, "The Small Continent." Here you will find mountains, desert land and tropical forests in amazingly close proximity; it's not at all rare to see mountain peaks of snow as you're basking in the sun on a beautiful beach.

The largest Canary Island is dominated by 12,198-foot Mount Teide. The cuisine features locally grown fruits (banana, mango, and papaya) and fresh fish. Clean, sandy beaches offer chances for windsurfing, surfing, snorkeling and diving. You’ll find everything from lush vegetation to water parks and interesting shopping.

With its beachy landscapes and more than 300 volcanoes, plus perfect weather all year round, you'll quickly see why Lanzarote is an award-winning destination. The island's dedication to the environment and tourism has even resulted in recognition from the World Tourism Organization as a universal model of sustainable development. In addition, the island has gone to considerable lengths to preserve its own history, culture and heritage.

Formerly a sleepy Spanish city, Barcelona has recently been reborn as an eclectic fusion of the modern and medieval. Seek inspiration from the creations of its modernist architect, Antonio Gaudí, or the Picasso Museum. Or, take in the breathtaking cathedrals in the Gothic Quarter.