Day 1 - UK to Faro
Today, you fly to Faro in Portugal. On arrival you'll transfer to your hotel, just across the border on Spain's Costa de la Luz. We'll gather as a group this evening for a welcome drink before dinner. D
Day 2 - Punta Umbria at leisure
Spend today at leisure, enjoying the facilities at your hotel, maybe take a refreshing dip in the pool. You could also stroll onto the magnificent unspoilt beach on which your hotel is situated. B,L,D
Day 3 - Seville
Today we include an excursion to the beautiful city of Seville, the regional capital of Andalucia. Take a stroll along citrus-lined streets, admire mighty churches, and visit the Alcazar, the royal palace built on the site of a Moorish fort. Along the way, we will be tasting a 'cortadillo' a sweet made in convents throughout the province of Seville. Then you could choose to head to the Plaza de Espana, a semi-circular complex which is home to monumental staircases, fountains and a beautifully tiled alcove for each of Spain’s provinces. If you’re feeling peckish, be sure to dip into some of the many tapas bars here. B,L,D
Day 4 - The Columbus Trail
Andalucia was a hugely significant location for Christopher Columbus, and the aptly named Columbus Trail pinpoints the main sites connected with this great explorer. On an included tour today, we will visit La Rabida Monastery, where Columbus stayed whilst waiting for financial backing from the Catholic monarchs for his voyage to the New World in 1492. We'll also head to the Harbour of the Caravels, to see full-size replicas of the three vessels that made this historic journey, the Santa Maria, Pinta and Niña. B,L,D
Day 5 - Punta Umbria - at leisure
As we're so close to the border with Portugal, we have the ideal opportunity today to join an optional excursion to Tavira, on the beautiful Algarve. The town's origins date back to around 2000 BC but, in 1755, virtually all of its buildings were destroyed by an earthquake. However, it was rebuilt and is now home to fine 18th century architecture displaying Roman, Arab and Christian influences, as well as 37 churches. On our visit, we can admire the Roman bridge which spans the River Gilao, stroll along the river bank, or perhaps enjoy a refreshing drink and lovely views from one of the pavement cafés. B,L,D
Day 6 - Punta Umbria at leisure
Spend today at leisure enjoying the facilities at your hotel. You might choose to relax by the swimming pool, treat yourself to a spa treatment or head to the beach. B,L,D
Day 7 - Punta Umbria at leisure
If relaxing by the hotel or seaside is not for you today, then why not join our optional excursion to Huelva, perhaps one of the oldest settlements in Spain, with a history dating b ack more than 5,000 years. This evening, we'll gather as a group to enjoy a farewell get-together before dinner. B,L,D
Day 8 - Faro to UK
We'll transfer to the airport today for the flight back to the UK. B