Spain & Portugal

DAY 1 DEPARTURE

Meet your group at the airport for your international flight to Madrid, Spain. On-board meals are included.

DAY 2 MADRID

¡Bienvenidos a España! Your guide awaits to escort you on a Madrid City Tour. See the Plaza de España, the statue of Cervantes, the Royal Palace, the Plaza Mayor and other highlights. Later enjoy a guided tour of the Prado Museum. While at the Prado, don’t miss Goya’s Majas, Rubens’ The Three Graces, and Spain’s favorite painting, Las Meninas by Velázquez. Dinner at a local restaurant. D

DAY 3 MADRID

Journey to El Escorial, site of the beautiful Monastery of San Lorenzo el Real, and visit the Valley of the Fallen, a monument built to honor those slain in the Spanish Civil War. On to the historic city of Segovia to see its magnificent Roman aqueduct. Built during the reign of Trajan in the first century, it is almost 2,000 years old and is still in operation! Visit the imposing Alcázar of Segovia, standing on a steep-sided crag. Visit the ancient walled city of Ávila. The 12th century walls are amazingly well preserved; for the best view try Quatro Postes, or Four Posts. Return to Madrid for a tapas dinner. B, L, D

DAY 4 MADRID - CÓRDOBA

Travel through La Mancha to picturesque Toledo, a town situated on a granite hill with a ring of Gothic and Moorish walls. See the masterpieces by El Greco in the splendid Cathedral. Also visit the Old Synagogue and the Church of Santo Tomé. See the Royal Palace, and visit a sword workshop. The city is renowned for its damascene ware—black steel inlaid with gold, silver and copper thread. Near Toledo, see the famous Castilian windmills immortalized in Miguel de Cervantes’ Don Quixote. Before continuing, sample some of Toledo’s famous marzipan dessert. On to Córdoba. B, D

DAY 5 CÓRDOBA - GRANADA

On our guided tour of Córdoba, see the Roman Bridge, built after Caesar’s triumph over Pompey, the Old Jewish Quarter and the Calahorrra Tower. See the Alcázar of Catholic Kings, and visit the famous mosque cathedral (Mezquita). Travel through the olive groves of Andalusia to Granada. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided tour of the city. B, D

DAY 6 GRANADA - MARBELLA

On your guided Granada tour continued, visit the Royal Chapel, with amazing views of the Alhambra and Generalife. The Alhambra is a fantasy of “lace in stone,” surrounded by arabesque fountains and gardens. See the gardens of Generalife, the summer palace of the Kings of Granada, and enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding Sierra Nevada Mountains. Spend the night in Costa del Sol city of Marbella. This beautiful coast is punctuated by the ruins of Moorish towers. B, D

DAY 7 MARBELLA

Today is free for you to enjoy the sun, sand, and surf of the Costa del Sol’s world-famous beaches. Relax on the beach, enjoy water sports, shop, and explore in this coastal city on the Costa del Sol. Called the “Sunshine Coast,” this Mediterranean region is a popular vacation spot for tourists and Spaniards alike. B

DAY 8 MARBELLA - SEVILLA

Travel to Rhonda for a guided tour. Continue on to visit the small island of Gibraltar, a British territory that acts as a gateway between Europe and Africa. Maybe enjoy some famous fish & chips cuisine at a local restaurant. Explore the Rock of Gibraltar and the resident population of Barbary macaques (monkeys). On to Sevilla. B, D

DAY 9 SEVILLA

Begin a guided Seville City Tour which takes you through the city and its parks, including Parque Maria Luisa. See the Torre del Oro, the Santa Cruz Quarter, the Bull Ring Maestranza, the Alcázar, and Casa de Pilatus, a palace that is mixture of Mudejar, Renaissance and gothic styles. Visit Seville’s famous Giralda and its 15th century cathedral, the final resting place of Christopher Columbus. B, D

DAY 10 SEVILLA

Today is a free day to explore the city and its neighborhoods. Enjoy a private ride on the Guadalquivir River with the group. This evening, enjoy a flamenco dance dinner show. B, D

DAY 11 SEVILLA - LAGOS

Tour the famed Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art and the exhibition Como Bailan los Caballos Andaluces. Depart for Portugal to visit the famed Algarve beaches and the town of Lagos. Along the way, stop at the Roman ruins of Italica and the famed Ponte de Piedade beach. B, D

DAY 12 LAGOS - LISBON

Take a boat tour from Lagos to explore the coastline and caves. On to Lisbon. B, D

DAY 13 LISBON

Join us for a locally guided tour of Lisbon including Jeronimos Monastery and St. George Castle. This evening attend a Fado dinner and show with the group. B, D

DAY 14 LISBON

Guided full day excursion to Sintra to visit the park and Pena National Palace, the Moorish Castle, Cabo Roca, Cascais, Estoril and other highlights. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner. B, D

DAY 15 LISBON - USA

Flight back to the USA with many new friends and wonderful memories of your adventures in Europe. B