Day 1: Arrive in Madrid, Spain.
Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is for you to relax or start exploring Madrid. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers. Included meals: Dinner
Day 2: Madrid-Toledo-Granada.
Drive south to Toledo. Spectacularly situated on a granite hill surrounded by a loop of the Tagus River, the ancient Castilian capital is a treasure-chest of masterpieces. Visit the walled Old Town with a Local Guide and marvel at the 12th-century Church of St. Tomé, known for its large painting by El Greco of The Burial of the Count of Orgaz. Later, cross the Guadalquivir River and head for the olive and orange groves that dot the rolling Andalusian hills. Overnight in history-steeped Granada at the foot of the Sierra Nevada. Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3: Granada-Montilla-Cordoba.
Granada was the Moors’ most treasured city, and they still mourn its loss in their prayers. With a Local Guide, visit the Alhambra Complex*, built by Moorish kings. On the way to Cordoba, enjoy more idyllic scenery as you reach an olive farm, where you will stop for a local olive oil tasting. Included meals: Breakfast
Day 4: Cordoba-Seville.
With a Local Guide visit the magnificent Mezquita, famous for its 850 pillars of porphyry, marble, and jasper. On to vibrant, festive Seville. Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5: Seville.
Get to know Seville on the included city tour. The capital of Andalusia, colorful Seville has much to offer: the cathedral, the beautiful La Giralda minaret tower, a symbol of Seville; and the Real Alcázar palace, with its extravagant moorish architecture and opulent gardens. Fun fact: the Palace of the Kingdom of Naboo, from Star Wars, and the Palace of the Kingdom of Dorne, from Game of Thrones, were filmed in Plaza de España and the Royal Alcazar of Seville. Included meals: Breakfast
Day 6: Seville-Evora, Portugal-Lisbon.
Enjoy the scenery of the Sierra de Aracena before crossing into Portugal and the fertile plains of the Alentejo. Admire the forest of cork trees and make a stop to visit Evora, a delightfully attractive Moorish city with arches, alleys, flower-decked balconies, brilliant white houses, and the Temple of Diana. Continue to Lisbon. Included meals: Breakfast
Day 7: Lisbon.
Henry the Navigator made Lisbon the 15th-century “Mistress of the Seas.” You’ll see his monument, the Belem Tower, the Moorish Citadel, the impressive Black Horse Square, and other highlights on the guided sightseeing tour. Spend the afternoon at leisure in the Alfama’s tile-decorated streets, or take an optional excursion to the scenic Portuguese Riviera. Included meals: Breakfast
Day 8: Lisbon-Fatima-Coimbra-Oporto.
Stop in Fátima to visit its world-famous Sanctuary, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Continue to Coimbra, known for its university, one of the oldest in Europe, and to Porto on the northern bank of the Douro River. For the perfect way to round out your day, why not join an optional Douro River cruise and dinner? Included meals: Breakfast
Day 9: Porto.
Discover Porto’s highlights on the guided city tour. See its historical cathedral, and visit a Port wine cellar along the banks of the Douro River. This afternoon, consider an optional excursion to Guimarães, called the “cradle” of Portugal and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tonight, enjoy an included dinner at a local restaurant. Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10: Porto-Salamanca, Spain
Enjoy the plentiful woodlands and mountains on your return to Spain via the scenic Douro Valley. Reach the ancient and beautiful university town of Salamanca in the early evening and maybe take a stroll in the Plaza Mayor. Included meals: Breakfast
Day 11: Salamanca Avila-Segovia-Madrid.
Journey to fortified Ávila with its many towers and visit St. Theresa’s Convent before continuing to Segovia, a medieval town picturesquely set on a rocky hill. Spend some time in Segovia before crossing the boundary between new and old Castile to arrive in Madrid. Included meals: Breakfast
Day 12: Madrid
The capital of Spain, situated 2,180 feet above sea level, Madrid is the nearest thing to Heaven according to Spaniards. The day is dedicated to discover Madrid’s main highlights on the included guided city tour. Included meals: Breakfast
Day 13: Madrid
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning.
