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Iberian Explorer
This all-embracing exploration of Spain visits Barcelona, Seville, Madrid, Costa Del Sol and more.
Add a dash of emoción to your journey across the Iberian Peninsula, following an enticing trail of tapas, architectural triumphs and centuries-old art on this 13-day adventure through Spain and Portugal. You'll ramble through Barcelona and people-watch in Madrid. Other highlights along the way include the troglodyte cave dwellings at Guadix, Lisbon's iconic Belém Tower and the world's greatest Gothic Cathedral in sizzling Seville.
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11 Cities
Select a day
- Day 1 Arrive Barcelona (2 Nights)Navigation Chevron Right Icon
- Day 2 Barcelona Sightseeing and Free TimeNavigation Chevron Right Icon
- Day 3 Barcelona – Peñíscola – Valencia (1 Night)Navigation Chevron Right Icon
- Day 4 Valencia – Guadix – Granada (1 Night)Navigation Chevron Right Icon
- Day 5 Granada – Costa del Sol (1 Night)Navigation Chevron Right Icon
- Day 6 Costa del Sol – Gibraltar** – Seville (2 Nights)Navigation Chevron Right Icon
- Day 7 Seville Sightseeing and Free TimeNavigation Chevron Right Icon
- Day 8 Seville – Lisbon (2 Nights)Navigation Chevron Right Icon
- Day 9 Lisbon Sightseeing and Free TimeNavigation Chevron Right Icon
- Day 10 Lisbon – Fátima – Salamanca (1 Night)Navigation Chevron Right Icon
- Day 11 Salamanca – Madrid Sightseeing (2 Nights)Navigation Chevron Right Icon
- Day 12 Madrid Free DayNavigation Chevron Right Icon
- Day 13 Depart MadridNavigation Chevron Right Icon
The Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive Barcelona (2 Nights)
Bienvenido a España! The golden shores of Barcelona kickstart your exhilarating journey through Spain and Portugal. Check in to your hotel, then take some time to recharge siesta-style before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a glimpse of what lies ahead. There's boundless energy to Barcelona and you'll want to soak it all up on your first evening in the capital of Catalonia. Grab your front-row seat to watch the famous Dancing Fountains on an Optional Experience including a Catalonian feast with drinks.
Trip Summary Accomodation Icon Hotel - Exe Barcelona Gate
Optional Experience
Catalonian Dinner And The Dancing Fountains
Join us for drinks and a Catalonian feast in the bustling city of Barcelona. After dinner, we’ll take you to see the spectacle of the famous Dancing Fountains, which were built for the 1929 World’s Fair and are one of the wonders of the modern world.
Adult Price: €59.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 2
Barcelona Sightseeing and Free Time
Gear up for an exciting morning of sightseeing in Barcelona, joining your Local Specialist who knows all the best spots in town. Capture the sights and sounds of La Rambla, Plaça de Catalunya and the ornate La Sagrada Família as you tour the city, ascending to Montjuïc for sublime views of the skyline. Spend the rest of your day exploring Barna on your own. Head to the Gothic Quarter or seek out the fanciful façades of Spanish Art Nouveau architect Antoni Gaudí, whose plentiful works of art and architecture lend a somewhat fairy-tale aspect to Barcelona's skyline. You may consider joining an Optional Experience to Montserrat with its hidden monastery, home to the revered La Moreneta.
Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Mystical Montserrat
Join an Optional Experience to the enchanting and mystical mountain of Montserrat, with its breathtaking views and spectacular scenery. There we will visit the Benedictine monastery where the Black Madonna can be seen.
Adult Price: €40.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 3
Barcelona – Peñíscola – Valencia (1 Night)
We skirt the gleaming Costa Daurada, past expansive orange groves to Peñíscola. View its imposing 14th-century Templar Castle, the dramatic backdrop for the Hollywood classic El Cid. Then continue to Valencia, catching a glimpse of the iconic highlights of this bustling modern metropolis on our orientation tour. View the Town Hall, the Towers of Serrano and Quart and the impressive Cathedral. Leave the present behind and admire the futuristic 'City of Arts and Science', a cultural complex recessed into the Turia riverbed. You'll have an evening off to find the best paella spot in town for dinner.
Trip Summary Accomodation Icon Hotel - Mas Camarena
Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4
Valencia – Guadix – Granada (1 Night)
Hidden in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada is an underground world of cave houses. The trogloditas of Guadix live in these ancient man-made dwellings, skilfully carved into the volcanic rock centuries ago. The only clue to their existence is the white chimneys that rise up from the hills and front doors etched into the rockface. Capture this curiosity on camera then continue across the Mora Pass to Granada, the last stronghold of the Moors in Spain.
Trip Summary Accomodation Icon Hotel - Macia Condor
Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Optional Experience
Albaicín And The Royal Chapel
Enjoy a leisurely walking tour through the Albaicín, UNESCO World Heritage Site, a maze of narrow streets and Moorish splendour. You'll get to explore the Catholic Monarchs' tombs and some of their treasures at the Royal Chapel, and stop off at the picturesque Alcaicería quarter.
Adult Price: €37.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 5
Granada – Costa del Sol (1 Night)
Embrace the laid-back spirit of your Spanish hosts and enjoy a slow start to the day. Spend your free morning exploring Granada and its Moorish influences on your own. There's even time for a quick tea break at a traditional tetería or you may choose to join an Optional Experience to the Albaicín Quarter, one of the oldest centres of Islamic culture in the city. Later, we head to the golden beaches of the Costa del Sol. Set your watch to siesta time or don your sandals and sunglasses for a leisurely stroll to soak up the fresh sea air. Consider joining an Optional Experience this evening to the hilltop village of Mijas offering stunning views of the coast followed by a delicious Mediterranean seafood meal.
Trip Summary Accomodation Icon Hotel - Sol Guadalmar/Tryp Alameda
Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Mijas Andalusian Hilltown & Mediterranean Dinner
Visit this charming hilltop village, perched up high with splendid views of the coastline. Experience its narrow streets with white-washed houses, see oval bullring, or hunt for hidden gems in the shops. Your evening will finish with a Mediterranean dinner at a coastal restaurant.
Adult Price: €62.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 6
Costa del Sol – Gibraltar** – Seville (2 Nights)
Explore a slice of Britain when you cross the border into Gibraltar, the much-contested gateway to the Mediterranean Sea. Maybe join an Optional Experience to get up close to the Barbary apes and visit the cave of St. Michael at the Rock of Gibraltar, the Roman and Greeks' former pillar of the "known world". We return to Spain, travelling north through the Andalusian countryside to sizzling Seville. Arriving just in time for sunset, you'll have an opportunity to join an Optional Experience to see the whirling skirts and fiery passion of a flamenco show with dinner. This foot-tapping extravaganza is not to be missed.
Trip Summary Accomodation Icon Hotel - MA Congresos
Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Optional Experience
A Guided Tour Of The Rock Of Gibraltar
Experience a tour of the Rock of Gibraltar, one of the pillars of Hercules, by private mini bus. You’ll enjoy magnificent views of the meeting of the Atlantic and Mediterranean and the Spanish Sierra, visit St. Michael`s cave and see the famous Barbary apes.
Adult Price: €37.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Flamenco: Experience the Best Show in Town
Discover the passion, rhythm and magic of an Andalusian flamenco show with us this evening. We've organised tickets to the best show in town, where you’ll experience 90 minutes of memorable entertainment with an included drink.
Adult Price: €40.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 7
Seville Sightseeing and Free Time
A Local Specialist is on hand today to reveal Seville's special allure and, standing amidst the pavilions and fountains of Maria Luisa Park, you'll hear all about the elaborate Ibero-American Exposition of 1929 which put this sleepy Spanish city on the global map. See the world's largest Gothic Cathedral and its Giralda bell tower, then consider joining an Optional Experience to the Alcázar, built by a Christian king who loved Mudéjar architecture. This lavish palace complex has witnessed key moments in Spanish history and welcomed great Spanish kings and queens over the centuries. Spend some time exploring the city's Old Quarter on your own and celebrate sunset in Seville in style, sampling the traditional tapas on an optional evening in Old Seville
Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Discover The Origin Of Tapas & Evening In Old Seville
Join us for a dinner of mouth-watering tapas-style specialties. You’ll get the chance to taste different flavours and wines, before taking an atmospheric evening stroll through the charming old quarter of Seville.
Adult Price: €53.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
The Moorish Alcazar And Plaza América
We'll begin with a visit to the elegant 14th-century Moorish Alcazar, set in its own beautiful gardens. The gardens were recently used as the setting for the Water Gardens of Dorne in the Game Of Thrones series. Then, we'll journey to the famous exhibition site of Plaza América - a must for any visitor to Seville. Cancellation within 24 hours will incur a 50% cancellation fee.
Adult Price: €41.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Flamenco, the Best Show in Town With a Three-Course Dinner
After a three-course dinner of Andalusian specialties with drinks included, you’ll discover the passion, rhythm and magic of flamenco this evening. We've organised tickets to the best show in town, where you’ll experience 90 minutes of memorable entertainment.
Adult Price: €69.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 8
Seville – Lisbon (2 Nights)
For now it's adiós Sevilla and a warm olá to Portugal as we journey through the golden and green plains of the Alentejo to Lisbon. Pastel and azulejo-clad façades line the Portuguese capital's narrow streets which ramble across and over its seven hills from St. George Castle to the Tagus River. You'll be drawn to the city's vibrant nightlife in the Bairro Alto and beyond, so head out with new friends for a night on the town or join your Travel Director for a poignant Optional Experience including a traditional meal accompanied by the melancholic sounds of fado.
Trip Summary Accomodation Icon Hotel - Ramada by Wyndham
Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Portuguese Fado Evening Of Music & Song With Dinner
An evening's entertainment Portuguese style. You’ll savour a typical meal with local aperitifs and wines and hear beautiful, traditional Fado music and singing. Cancellation within 24 hours will incur a 50% cancellation fee.
Adult Price: €66.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Gourmet Dinner, Parliament, Exclusive Estrela and Evening Orientation
Your opportunity to view the exclusive district of Estrela, its park, basilica and the Portuguese Parliament, on the way to a delicious gourmet dinner. You’ll finish the evening with a drive along the banks of the mighty River Tagus.
Adult Price: €53.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 9
Lisbon Sightseeing and Free Time
Visit the banks of the Tagus River this morning, joining a Local Specialist for an included sightseeing tour which will take you past the iconic Hieronymite Monastery and Belém Tower, built in the 16th century to defend the city. Later, you'll want to hop on one of the city's signature trams to explore the city's hilly bairros or find a corner café to sample some of the local pastries - pasteis de nata anyone? You could choose to leave the city limits behind this afternoon and visit the beach playgrounds of Estoril and Cascais, as well as Sintra, on an Optional Experience of the iconic Golden Triangle - the choice is yours.
Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Seafood Dinner By The Tagus River
Take a ferry across the mighty Tagus River and enjoy typical Portuguese seafood and fish specialities at a local restaurant. After dinner, we’ll cross the impressive Suspension Bridge for a sweeping view over the Portuguese capital.
Adult Price: €53.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
The Golden Triangle: Sintra, Cascais & The Estoril Coast
After passing through the fashionable resort of Estoril, we'll explore the picturesque fishing village of Cascais, with its beautiful array of mansions and exclusive residences. To complete the Golden Triangle we'll visit an impressive Royal Palace of Sintra.
Adult Price: €46.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 10
Lisbon – Fátima – Salamanca (1 Night)
Rub shoulders with visiting pilgrims who have made the journey to the Catholic pilgrimage centre of Fátima. It was here in 1917 that the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to three shepherd children. Today this humble village has been transformed into a place celebrating religious miracles. There's time to explore the Basilica and Sanctuary before venturing east and crossing the Spanish border bound for Salamanca. Your Travel Director will take you on an orientation to reveal their favourite spots, followed by an evening on your own amidst the historic monuments and honey-hued façades for which this ancient university town is famous.
Trip Summary Accomodation Icon Hotel - Vincci Ciudad
Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast
Day 11
Salamanca – Madrid Sightseeing (2 Nights)
We leave Salamanca behind, with Madrid firmly in our sights. Our scenic drive takes us through the Sierra de Guadarrama Mountains before arriving in the Spanish capital. With a Local Specialist at your side, you'll embark on a sightseeing tour to view the Cibeles Fountain, the Gran Vía and Paseo de la Castellana. Admire views of the Royal Palace and Retiro Park, originally created as a retreat for the Royal Family. The evening is yours to get to grips with why the Madrileños adore their nightlife, so resist the urge to set an early curfew and perhaps join an optional dinner and discovery in old and new Madrid.
Trip Summary Accomodation Icon Hotel - Tryp Airport Suites
Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Dinner and Discovery in Old and New Madrid
This evening you'll have the chance to admire the elegance of Madrid's new city, with its wide, tree-lined avenues and decorative fountains, before experiencing the traditional flavour of the old city. We'll see where the locals come together and have a chat over their aperitifs, before enjoying a delicious dinner.
Adult Price: €61.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 12
Madrid Free Day
There's every excuse to rise with the Madrileños and enjoy a leisurely start to your morning. You'll have a full free day to discover the legacy of 'Madrid's Best Mayor', which installed Madrid as one of the most gracious capitals across Europe. King Charles III's desire to 'beautify' Madrid can be seen around every turn, from the Puerto de Alcalá to the treasures displayed in the Prado Museum, which you could choose to visit today. Perhaps take an opportunity to join an Optional Experience to the medieval city of Toledo, the country's sword-making centre. Celebrate with new friends this evening as your enchanting journey through the Iberian Peninsula comes to a close with a farewell dinner.
Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Optional Experience
Spectacular Toledo: Spain's Ancient Capital
Visit the ancient capital of Spain, which sits above the River Tagus and is home to the nation's principal cathedral and El Greco's famous views. Learn about Moorish and Jewish cultures, and how the area is famed for the production of Damascene work: intricate inlaid gold jewellery and craftwork.
Adult Price: €46.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 13
Depart Madrid
Keep that Spanish gusto in your step as you prepare to close the curtain on your epic journey through Spain and Portugal. It's time to say a final hasta la vista to new friends and your Travel Director, before taking your transfer to Madrid airport. Conditions apply.
Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast
All optional experiences for this trip
Book with your travel director when you travel
Available on day 1
Catalonian Dinner And The Dancing Fountains
Join us for drinks and a Catalonian feast in the bustling city of Barcelona. After dinner, we’ll take you to see the spectacle of the famous Dancing Fountains, which were built for the 1929 World’s Fair and are one of the wonders of the modern world.
Adult Price: €59.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 2
Mystical Montserrat
Join an Optional Experience to the enchanting and mystical mountain of Montserrat, with its breathtaking views and spectacular scenery. There we will visit the Benedictine monastery where the Black Madonna can be seen.
Adult Price: €40.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 4
Albaicín And The Royal Chapel
Enjoy a leisurely walking tour through the Albaicín, UNESCO World Heritage Site, a maze of narrow streets and Moorish splendour. You'll get to explore the Catholic Monarchs' tombs and some of their treasures at the Royal Chapel, and stop off at the picturesque Alcaicería quarter.
Adult Price: €37.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 5
Mijas Andalusian Hilltown & Mediterranean Dinner
Visit this charming hilltop village, perched up high with splendid views of the coastline. Experience its narrow streets with white-washed houses, see oval bullring, or hunt for hidden gems in the shops. Your evening will finish with a Mediterranean dinner at a coastal restaurant.
Adult Price: €62.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 6
A Guided Tour Of The Rock Of Gibraltar
Experience a tour of the Rock of Gibraltar, one of the pillars of Hercules, by private mini bus. You’ll enjoy magnificent views of the meeting of the Atlantic and Mediterranean and the Spanish Sierra, visit St. Michael`s cave and see the famous Barbary apes.
Adult Price: €37.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 6
Flamenco: Experience the Best Show in Town
Discover the passion, rhythm and magic of an Andalusian flamenco show with us this evening. We've organised tickets to the best show in town, where you’ll experience 90 minutes of memorable entertainment with an included drink.
Adult Price: €40.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 7
Discover The Origin Of Tapas & Evening In Old Seville
Join us for a dinner of mouth-watering tapas-style specialties. You’ll get the chance to taste different flavours and wines, before taking an atmospheric evening stroll through the charming old quarter of Seville.
Adult Price: €53.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 7
The Moorish Alcazar And Plaza América
We'll begin with a visit to the elegant 14th-century Moorish Alcazar, set in its own beautiful gardens. The gardens were recently used as the setting for the Water Gardens of Dorne in the Game Of Thrones series. Then, we'll journey to the famous exhibition site of Plaza América - a must for any visitor to Seville. Cancellation within 24 hours will incur a 50% cancellation fee.
Adult Price: €41.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 7
Flamenco, the Best Show in Town With a Three-Course Dinner
After a three-course dinner of Andalusian specialties with drinks included, you’ll discover the passion, rhythm and magic of flamenco this evening. We've organised tickets to the best show in town, where you’ll experience 90 minutes of memorable entertainment.
Adult Price: €69.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 8
Portuguese Fado Evening Of Music & Song With Dinner
An evening's entertainment Portuguese style. You’ll savour a typical meal with local aperitifs and wines and hear beautiful, traditional Fado music and singing. Cancellation within 24 hours will incur a 50% cancellation fee.
Adult Price: €66.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 8
Gourmet Dinner, Parliament, Exclusive Estrela and Evening Orientation
Your opportunity to view the exclusive district of Estrela, its park, basilica and the Portuguese Parliament, on the way to a delicious gourmet dinner. You’ll finish the evening with a drive along the banks of the mighty River Tagus.
Adult Price: €53.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 9
Seafood Dinner By The Tagus River
Take a ferry across the mighty Tagus River and enjoy typical Portuguese seafood and fish specialities at a local restaurant. After dinner, we’ll cross the impressive Suspension Bridge for a sweeping view over the Portuguese capital.
Adult Price: €53.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 9
The Golden Triangle: Sintra, Cascais & The Estoril Coast
After passing through the fashionable resort of Estoril, we'll explore the picturesque fishing village of Cascais, with its beautiful array of mansions and exclusive residences. To complete the Golden Triangle we'll visit an impressive Royal Palace of Sintra.
Adult Price: €46.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 11
Dinner and Discovery in Old and New Madrid
This evening you'll have the chance to admire the elegance of Madrid's new city, with its wide, tree-lined avenues and decorative fountains, before experiencing the traditional flavour of the old city. We'll see where the locals come together and have a chat over their aperitifs, before enjoying a delicious dinner.
Adult Price: €61.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 12
Spectacular Toledo: Spain's Ancient Capital
Visit the ancient capital of Spain, which sits above the River Tagus and is home to the nation's principal cathedral and El Greco's famous views. Learn about Moorish and Jewish cultures, and how the area is famed for the production of Damascene work: intricate inlaid gold jewellery and craftwork.
Adult Price: €46.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
All Optional Experiences
The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
About this trip
About this trip
What's included
12 nights
Accommodation
16 Meals
12 Breakfasts, 4 Three-course dinners
On-trip Transport
All transport shown
Sightseeing highlights
Barcelona
Sightseeing with your Local Specialist includes views of Gaudi's La Sagrada Familia, La Rambla and views from Montjuïc
Costa Del Sol
Visit this renowned resort area
Fátima
Visit the celebrated Shrine
Gibraltar
Visit the famous Rock of Gibraltar
Granada
Enjoy a scenic drive to this Moorish city
Guadix
View the cave homes in "Barrio Troglodyte"
Lisbon
View Belém Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries on your sightseeing tour with your Local Specialist
Madrid
Sightseeing with your Local Specialist includes views of the Royal Palace, Retiro Park and the Cibeles Fountain
Peñiscola
See the ancient castle overlooking the Mediterranean Sea
Salamanca
Orientation of this university city includes views of the Plaza Mayor
Seville
Sightseeing with your Local Specialist includes views of the Cathedral, Plaza de Espana and Giralda Tower
Valencia
Orientation tour includes the Cathedral, Town Hall, Towers of Serrano and Quart and City of Arts and Sciences
On every trip
Audio Headsets provided throughout your holiday to enhance your included sightseeing experiences
Luxury air-conditioned coach
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Variety of Optional Experiences
City orientation tours
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes
Airport transfers are provided on the first and last travel day. Conditions apply
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Trip Notes
Trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.
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Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA) as well as Panama, the Canal & Beyond (LPAN).
For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless travelling as part of a family group.