17 Days ~ Spain ~ Portugal

Tour Pace
This tour moves at a comfortable leisurely pace with five two-night stays in Lisbon, Seville, the Costa del Sol, Barcelona & Madrid and overnight stays in the four other cities. Driving days are not too long and with frequent stops.

DAY 1 – FRI – DEPART USA
Overnight flight to Madrid.

DAY 2 – SAT – MADRID AT LEISURE
Welcome to Madrid! There are complimentary transfers from Madrid Airport to your tour hotel. The afternoon is yours to relax or to begin exploring this vibrant city. Enjoy a Welcome Drink with your Tour Director as night falls.
Hotel: Melia Galgos.

DAY 3 – SUN – MADRID – SALAMANCA
Drive to Toledo, former capital of Spain, to see the 13th century Cathedral and one of Europe’s oldest synagogues, as well as the El Greco masterpiece in the chapel of Santo Tomé. Later, pass the ancient walls of St Teresa’s town of Avila en route to the ‘golden’ city of Salamanca. Before reaching your hotel, see the handsome arcaded Plaza Mayor and honey-colored cathedral.
Hotel: Alameda Palace. (BB,D)

DAY 4 – MON – SALAMANCA – OPORTO
Cross the Portuguese border to reach Oporto, celebrated internationally as the Port wine capital. With your Tour Director, see the Vila Nova de Gaia wine stores which house the famous port wines. Also admire the multi-colored houses and churches covered in glazed tiles.
Hotel: Le Meridien Park Atlantic. (BB,D)

DAY 5 – TUE – OPORTO – LISBON
Head south to Fatima to join the pilgrims flocking into the great Basilica. Continue to Batalha to visit the Royal Chapel in the Gothic monastery before driving to the old walled town of Obidos to explore the medieval streets. Later, continue to Lisbon.
Hotel: Marriott. (BB)

DAY 6 – WED – LISBON SIGHTSEEING
Today’s sightseeing with a local guide shows you Sao Jorge Castle, the Monument to the Discoveries and the Belem Tower. Later, visit Jeronimo’s Monastery with its superbly ornate cloister. The afternoon is at leisure to explore at your own pace. (BB)

DAY 7 – THU – LISBON – SEVILLE
Leave Lisbon via the modern Tagus Bridge and cross the border to reach Seville. A tour with a local guide includes the immense 15th century Cathedral, burial place of Christopher Columbus, and the slender Giralda Tower. Tour the fashionable Santa Cruz Quarter with its flower-decked wrought iron balconies and see the Alcazar. Enjoy a Highlight Dinner and entertainment featuring a fiery Flamenco show.
Hotel: Melia Lebreros. (BB,HD)

DAY 8 – FRI – SEVILLE AT LEISURE
The day is yours to relax, explore or continue sightseeing. Why not take an optional excursion to Cordoba to visit the magnificent Mezquita? Afterwards, consider enjoying a typical Sevilliano dinner at a local restaurant. (BB)

DAY 9 – SAT – SEVILLE – COSTA DEL SOL
Head south to Gibraltar, attached to Spain, yet an independent colony under British control since 1704. There’s time to explore the shops or take a trip to the top of the Rock to see St Michael’s Cave. Later, take the scenic route along the Costa del Sol to your hotel.
Hotel: Melia Costa del Sol. (BB,D)

DAY 10 – SUN – MIJAS EXCURSION
A leisurely drive through green hills above the Costa del Sol leads to the white-washed village of Mijas. There is time to stroll through the old streets and pleasant gardens and take in the views of the Mediterranean coast. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy the Costa del Sol. (BB,D)

DAY 11 – MON – COSTA DEL SOL – GRANADA
See some of Spain’s most exclusive resorts before turning inland to Granada, capital of the Moorish Kingdom of Spain until the Moors’ defeat in 1492. Visit the Alhambra Palace, a complex of magnificent buildings begun by the Moors and built over the centuries. Sightseeing includes the famous Lion Court as well as the exotic water gardens of the Generalife, the royal summer residence, where you can relax in the sun and enjoy the fine views over the town.
Hotel: Saray. (BB,D)

DAY 12 – TUE – GRANADA – VALENCIA
Drive over the Mora Pass, enjoying views over the Sierra Nevada en route. Pass through palm forests and lemon groves as you travel to Valencia. On an orientation tour, see the Generalidad Palace, El Miguelete Cathedral, gates of Serranos, Cuarte and the modern Centre for Arts and Sciences before checking into your hotel.
Hotel: Husa Reina Victoria. (BB,D)

DAY 13 – WED – VALENCIA – BARCELONA
Follow the coast to Peñìscola to view the sea-lapped castle used in the film El Cid. Continue along the Costa Dorada (Gold Coast) to Barcelona. A local guide will show you the Gothic Quarter, where you will visit the cathedral and view the lively Ramblas. Tour the modern Eixample District to see Gaudi’s famed Sagrada Familia church. As night falls, why not dine out ‘Catalan style’?
Hotel: Melia. (BB)

DAY 14 – THU – BARCELONA AT LEISURE
The day is free for you to explore this vibrant city. Take an optional excursion to the great Monastery of Montserrat to see the Black Madonna and enjoy the fine views. (BB)

DAY 15 – FRI – BARCELONA – MADRID
Pass the city of Zaragoza in the province of Aragón as you make your way along the Jalón Valley, past Guadalajara and back to Madrid.
Hotel: NH Abascal. (BB)

DAY 16 – SAT – MADRID SIGHTSEEING
A guided sightseeing tour takes you along the Gran Via and Paseo de la Castellana. See the Cervantes Monument in the Plaza España, the Puerta del Sol and Madrid’s most famous fountain in the Plaza de la Cibeles. Visit the Prado Museum to admire the paintings of Velázquez and Goya. Perhaps enjoy a farewell dinner in the evening with your fellow passengers. (BB)

DAY 17 – SUN – RETURN TO USA
The tour ends with transfers to the airport. (BB)