Day 1 Home - Madrid
Day 2 Madrid
Day 3 Madrid
Day 4 Madrid - Salamanca - Fatima (470 km)
Day 5 Fatima - Lisbon (143 km)
Day 6 Belem District Tour + Optional Seafood Dinner
Day 7 Lisbon - Seville (447 km)
Day 8 Seville - Granada (249 km)
Day 9 Granada - Purullena - Alicante (302 km)
Day 10 Alicante - Valencia - Barcelona (467 km)
Day 11 Barcelona
Day 12 Barcelona - Home
Day 1:
Home - Madrid
Today, guests will arrive at the airport in Madrid to join this tour.
Day 2:
Madrid
Breakfast: Excluded|Lunch: Excluded|Dinner: Included (Dinner at hotel)
Today, we will arrive in Madrid and check into the hotel. Then, we will have the rest of the day free to explore this enchanting city at our own leisure.
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Madrid, SPAIN
Madrid is both the capital of Spain and its largest city. A modern city with a historic architecture where you can visit the Royal Palace, Prado Museum, Bernabeu Stadium, Fountain of Cibeles and more.
Day 3:
Madrid
Breakfast: Included|Lunch: Excluded|Dinner: Excluded
Relax over breakfast before taking our sightseeing tour of Madrid. Admire the handsome Plaza de Colon. Next, enjoy a fascinating guided tour of the Royal Palace, the opulent 18th-century residence of Spain's Bourbon's rulers that boasts a staggering 2,800 rooms. The afternoon is then free for you to explore as you wish, perhaps hunting for souvenirs along Madrid's shop-filled boulevards; or taking an optional excursion to the historic town of Segovia to see its Roman Aqueduct and the UNESCO-listed castle, and enjoy a traditional roasted pig lunch! (Prado Museum will be a substitute if the Royal Palace is not available).
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Madrid, SPAIN
Madrid is both the capital of Spain and its largest city. A modern city with a historic architecture where you can visit the Royal Palace, Prado Museum, Bernabeu Stadium, Fountain of Cibeles and more.
Plaza de Colon
The plaza, originally called Plaza de Santiago (St. James Square), was renamed Plaza de Colon in 1893 to honor Christopher Columbus.
Royal Palace of Madrid
This Baroque palace is the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family, although it is only used for state functions. Built in 1738, the palace is nearly 1.5 million square-feet, and contains paintings by many European greats.
Prado Museum will be a substitute if the Royal Palace is not available
Day 4:
Madrid - Salamanca - Fatima (470 km)
Breakfast: Included|Lunch: Excluded|Dinner: Included (Dinner at hotel)
Today, we will drive to the ancient university city of Salamanca, where we will be able to walk around the Plaza Mayor and the University. After lunch, continue through pretty countryside into Portugal and on to the religious town of Fatima, for an overnight stay.
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Salamanca, SPAIN
Salamanca is a major city in Spain that mixes antiquated, medieval architecture with the atmosphere of a college town, with the University of Salamanca leading the way in the teaching of the Spanish language.
Plaza Mayor
Most Spanish cities have a Plaza Mayor, but few are comparable to that of Salamanca. Surrounded by baroque buildings, the centerpiece of this public square is the city hall, with arms of restaurants, cafes, and other shops lining the side.
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Fatima, PORTUGAL
Fatima is a civil parish in the municipality of Ourem, in the Portuguese Santarem District.
Day 5:
Fatima - Lisbon (143 km)
Breakfast: Included|Lunch: Excluded|Dinner: Included
After visiting the Shrine of Our Lady, travel by coach to Lisbon. Explore the capital's key highlights before heading to Sintra to see its famous palace. Continue to Cape Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe, and then to the coastal town of Cascais. Return to Lisbon for a panoramic tour passing its main squares and historic avenues.
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Fatima, PORTUGAL
Fatima is a civil parish in the municipality of Ourem, in the Portuguese Santarem District.
Sanctuary of Fatima
The Sanctuary of Fatima is a large, open public facility dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The site features many buildings, including a minor basilica and two small chapels.
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Sintra, PORTUGAL
Sintra has the most historic buildings and equipped with the natural scenery that signifies the beauty of Portugal. It is approximately 18 miles from Lisbon to Sintra where is also known as the most enchanting city.
Palace of Sintra
Also known as Town Palace, this beautiful palace overlooking Sintra and nearby Lisbon was inhabited by continuously since the 15th century, although now it houses a museum.
Cabo da Roca
Cabo da Roca is the westernmost point in all off Portugal, located in Sintra, one of the suburbs of Lisbon. Just offshore, one can see beautiful granite boulders that rise from the sea.
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Cascais, PORTUGAL
Cascais is a wealthy, coastal suburb of the city of Lisbon. There are many activities to do in the area, from beach sports like surfing and sailing to gold and tennis.
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Lisbon, PORTUGAL
The capital city of Portugal, Lisbon is one of Europe's most important economic centers. It is also one of the most popular tourist destinations. Historically significant locations include Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery, which are recognized by UNESCO.
Day 6:
Belem District Tour + Optional Seafood Dinner
Breakfast: Included|Lunch: Excluded|Dinner: Excluded
With a local guide, explore the Belem district that fringes the River Tagus and visit the Monument of the Discoveries, built to commemorate Portugal's 15th-century maritime expeditions. Take photos of the nearby 16th-century Belem Tower, another symbol of the country's Age of Discovery, and head to the ornate Jeronimos Monastery, to visit its sublime cloisters, built in classic Manueline style. Later, joining us for an optional seafood dinner at a popular restaurant.
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Lisbon, PORTUGAL
The capital city of Portugal, Lisbon is one of Europe's most important economic centers. It is also one of the most popular tourist destinations. Historically significant locations include Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery, which are recognized by UNESCO.
Tower of Belem
This fortified tower off the coast of Lisbon, also known as the Tower of St. Vincent, was built to defend the city in the 16th century. It was built in the Portuguese Manueline style of architecture of the 16th century.
Monument of Discoveries
This monument is located at the mouth of Lisbon harbor, commemorating the age of exploration, when ships bound for the American continents in the west would pass through the Tagus estuary.
Jeronimos Monastery
The Jeronimos Monastery in Lisbon was once the home of the city's Hieronymite religious order, and one of the best examples of the Portuguese Manueline style of architecture. Today, the facility houses the National Archaeology Museum and the Marine Museum.
Day 7:
Lisbon - Seville (447 km)
Breakfast: Included|Lunch: Excluded|Dinner: Excluded
Today, we will cross into Spain as we make our way to Seville, where we will embark on a sightseeing tour, which will take us to the Sevilla Cathedral, , its neighboring La Giralda, and the glorious Plaza Espana, the Jewish Quarter of Santa Cruz and Maria Luisa Park. Tonight, don’t miss the chance to experience an exciting optional Flamenco dance and dinner show.
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Seville, SPAIN
Seville is the capital of Andalucia and the cultural and financial centre of southern Spain. A city of just over 700,000 inhabitants (1.6 million in the metropolitan area, making it Spain's 4th largest city), Seville is Andalucia's top destination, with much to offer the traveler.
Seville Cathedral
The third-largest church in the world (and the largest cathedral), the Seville is a massive Gothic building. Each of its facades has multiple entrances that are all exquisitely and ornately adorned. It was built over an old mosque.
La Giralda
La Giralda was once a minaret for the Muslim population in medieval Sevilla, but was converted to a church bell tower after Christian forces had regained power in Iberia. Its design has influenced many other towers around the world.
Plaza de Espana
A large section of Maria Luisa Park in Sevilla, the Plaza de Espana is a large open space featuring buildings of Renaissance revival architecture. Most of the buildings are currently used for government purposes.
Santa Cruz (Jewish Quarter)
The barrio of Santa Cruz in Sevilla was once the city's Jewish Quarter, and is now the most popular tourist are in the city. The narrow, winding streets and alleyways of this neighborhood remind visitors of a labyrinth.
Parque de Maria Luisa
On the riverbanks of Sevilla, Maria Luisa Park is a large public area that features lovely foliage, fountains, and walkways in the middle of this beautiful city. Within the park are many statues of famous Spanish figures.
Day 8:
Seville - Granada (249 km)
Breakfast: Included|Lunch: Excluded|Dinner: Included (Dinner at hotel)
Today, we will journey to Granada, where we will absorb memorable views of the gypsy cave dwellings that are carved into the hills around the city. We will enjoy a tour to the glorious Alhambra and the Generalife Gardens. After dinner, be sure to join our “Journey of Cave Culture” tour to discover the flamenco and culture of the Roma communities that live in the gypsy caves of Granada’s Sacromonte neighborhood.
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Granada, SPAIN
Granada is a mid-sized provincial capital in the Andalucia region of Spain. Rich in history and culture, Granada is arguably the single most worthwhile city in Spain for visitors. Spring and autumn are also both excellent times to visit.
Alhambra
The Alhambra is a massive complex consisting of multiple palaces and fortresses. It originated as a Spanish-Muslim fortress in the 9th century, but subsequent rulers, both Muslim and Christian, continually added additions and renovations.
Generalife
Built in the 14th century as the summer palace of Nasrid Emirs of Grananda, the name of this palace means "Architect's Garden" for the extensive gardens on its grounds, which are world renowned for their exquisite beauty.
Tablao Flamenco Zambra Gitana
Discover Granada's ancient Moorish culture on this evening tour of the city's lovely Albaicin neighborhood. With a tour guide to explain the area's history and architecture, delve into this charming UNESCO-listed Arabic Quarter, where narrow cobbled lanes thread past white-washed houses and birdsong-filled gardens. Admire stunning views of the twilit Alhambra and visit the former Gypsy neighborhood of hillside Sacramonte district to watch an exotic "zambra" (gypsy flamenco) show performed in one of the old cave dwelling carved into the slopes.
Tour Fee (Optional): Adult $37; Child $37; Includes: Roundtrip transfers, Tour guide, Night tour, Show ticket, 1 Glass of wine or other beverage per guest, Tips|Duration: Approx. 3 Hours
Day 9:
Granada - Purullena - Alicante (302 km)
Breakfast: Included|Lunch: Excluded|Dinner: Included (Dinner at hotel)
Today, we will head for the Mediterranean Coast. On the way, we will stop at Purunella to see its famous cave homes before continuing to Alicante. In the afternoon, we will have some free time to stroll along the mosaic-pattern, palm-dotted promenade of Alicante.
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Purullena, SPAIN
This small Spanish town in the province of Granada has a population of 2,286. It is most famous for the local cave homes, which were built into the the rocky hills in the area.
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Alicante, SPAIN
A city and port in Spain on the Costa Blanca. It is also a historic Mediterranean port. Amongst the most notable features of the city are the Castle of Santa Barbara, which sits high above the city, and the port of Alicante.
Day 10:
Alicante - Valencia - Barcelona (467 km)
Breakfast: Included|Lunch: Excluded|Dinner: Excluded
This morning, continue to Valencia. Stop along the way at the City of Arts and Sciences, a stunning cultural and science park of innovative buildings by architect Santiago Calatrava. Admire the incredible complex before continuing into downtown Valencia. See the historic Central Market and the UNESCO World Heritage Site - La Lonja (The Silk Exchange), and enjoy a walking tour of the center, admiring such landmarks as the cathedral, bullring, and medieval Serrano and Quart Towers, part of the old defensive walls. After free time for lunch at the Cathedral Square - perhaps savoring Valencian paella - relax as we drive along the coast to Barcelona, capital of Spain's Catalonia province, and renowned for its fanciful architecture by Antoni Gaudi.
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Valencia, SPAIN
Valencia is the capital of the autonomous community of Valencia and the third largest city in Spain after Madrid and Barcelona. The Port of Valencia is the 5th busiest container port in Europe and busiest container port on the Mediterranean Sea.
City of Arts and Sciences
This entertainment is made up of several buildings, all of them state of the art examples of postmodern architecture. Within the facility is an IMAX theater, an oceanography museum, an opera house, concert hall, and much more!
Day 11:
Barcelona
Breakfast: Included|Lunch: Excluded|Dinner: Included (Dinner at hotel)
Today, drink in the sights of cosmopolitan Barcelona on a panoramic coach tour. View the La Rambla shopping street, Catalonia Square, Columbus Monument and impressive 1992 Summer Olympic site, and take in the city’s iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Gaudi's Guell Park. As a highlight, admire the exterior of Gaudi's unfinished masterpiece, the breathtaking Holy Family Cathedral (outside), known locally as La Sagrada Familia. Later, visit the world-famous Picasso Museum before dinner at local restaurant.
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Barcelona, SPAIN
This gorgeous Spanish city on the Mediterranean is one of the world's most popular tourists destinations due to its rich cultural heritage. Visitors can see medieval buildings or admire modernity at the Museum of Contemporary Art.
La Rambla (Passing By)
This centrally-located street in Barcelona is a tree-lined pedestrian walkway that covers 1.2 kilometers from the port to Place de Catalunya. There are many cafes and shopping kiosks along the street, which can get crowded during the busy tourist seasons.
Columbus Monument (Passing By)
Christopher Columbus is immortalized with a towering monument on Barcelona's famous walkway, La Rambla, depicting the famed explorer pointing out towards the sea. Visitors can take an elevator to the top, which offers a thrilling view of the city.
Placa de Catalunya (Passing By)
Placa de Catalunya is a square and cultural hub in Barcelona and is well known for its iconic fountain and the Francesc Macia monument, as well as its proximity to many of Barcelona's most popular attractions. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of local cafes, restaurants, and theatres.
Anella Olimpica (Passing By)
Barcelona's Anella Olimpica, the series of athletic facilities in the park atop Montjuic hill, was the site of the 1992 Summer Olympics. The complex was designed in a contemporary minimalist style, and the individual facilities are connected by a plaza.
Parc Guell
Park Guell is a garden which contains several sculptures by Antoni Gaudi, perhaps Barcelona's best known artist and architect. The Guell is home to some of his best work, like his sculpture of a salamander and the functional birds nests.
Sagrada Familia (Outside Visit)
Designed by Antoni Gaudi, Barcelona's most famous architect, construction of the Sagrada Familia began in 1882 and continues to this day, a perfect synthesis of the 19th-century Gothic and 20th-century Modernist styles, a blend of religion and fantasy.
Picasso Museum
It houses one of the most extensive collections of artworks by the 20th-century Spanish artist Pablo Picasso. With 4,251 works exhibited by the painter, the museum has one of the most complete permanent collections of works.
Day 12:
Barcelona - Home
Breakfast: Included|Lunch: Excluded|Dinner: Excluded
Today, guests will transfer to the airport in Barcelona for their departure flights. Please see "Departure and Return" for more detailed information regarding when to schedule flights.
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