Tours:
Best of Spain & Portugal
Highlights of Spain

Spain

See Spain this year! The season of festivals and fiestas is revving up to full throttle, from streets carpeted in flowers to films-by-the-sea, from the running of the bulls to concerts and ballet in the gardens of the caliphs. Paella and sangría are world-famous, but you should know about an evolving cuisine whose contemporary practitioners are as daring and celebrated as any on the planet. You've heard about the eyepopping Guggenheim Museum that has transformed Bilbao , but learn about Gaudí and the modernista architects who made Barcelona as visually arresting a city as any in Europe. The capital, Madrid , has over fifty museums and a palace with 2,600 rooms. There are tropical islands, hidden hilltowns, and Roman cities. Spain 's mountains have snow past spring and its nightclubs thump on past dawn. Come see for yourself!

Best of Spain & Portugal 17 Days fom $2,199*

Featuring: Madrid, Salamanca, Oporto , Lisbon , Seville, Costa Del Sol, Mijas, Granada, Valencia, Barcelona

Tour Duration: 17 days

Tour Pace

Day 1: Friday - Depart USA Overnight flight to Madrid.

Day 2: Saturday - Madrid at Leisure

Welcome to Madrid ! There are complimentary transfers from Madrid Airport to your tour hotel. This afternoon is at leisure to relax, or perhaps to begin exploring this vibrant city. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Drink with your fellow passengers and Tour Director. Hotel: Cuzco .

Day 3: Sunday - Madrid - Salamanca

This morning we drive to Toledo , former capital of Spain , where we see the 13th century Cathedral and one of Europe's oldest synagogues. We also see the El Greco masterpiece in the chapel of Santo Tome. Later, we pass the ancient walls of St.Teresa's town of Avila , on our way to the 'golden' city of Salamanca . Before reaching our hotel we see the handsome arcaded Plaza Mayor and honey-coloured cathedral. Hotel: Alameda Palace . (Buffet Breakfast, 3 or 4-course or buffet-style Dinner with menu choices)

Day 4: Monday - Salamanca - Oporto

Today we cross the Portuguese border to reach Oporto , celebrated internationally as the Port wine capital. With our Tour Director we see the Vila Nova de Gaia wine stores which house the famous port wines. We also admire the multi-coloured houses and churches covered in glazed tiles. Hotel: Le Meridien Park Atlantic . (Buffet Breakfast, 3 or 4-course or buffet-style Dinner with menu choices)

Day 5: Tuesday - Oporto - Lisbon

Today we head south to miraculous Fatima , where we join the pilgrims flocking into the great Basilica. We continue to Batalha to visit the Royal Chapel in the Gothic monastery. Then we drive to the old walled town of Obidos , where we explore the medieval streets. Later, we continue to Lisbon . Hotel: Marriott. (Buffet Breakfast)

Day 6: Wednesday - Lisbon Sightseeing

With our local guide, we visit the cobbled streets of the 'Alfama' quarter and see Sao Jorge Castle. Now on to the Monument to the Discoveries and the Belem Tower . We then visit Jeronimo's Monastery with its superbly ornate cloister. This afternoon is at leisure. (Buffet Breakfast)

Day 7: Thursday - Lisbon - Seville

We 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. We also tour the fashionable Santa Cruz Quarter with its flower decked wrought iron balconies and we see the Alcazar. This evening, we enjoy a highlight dinner and entertainment featuring a fiery Flamenco show! Hotel: Melia Lebreros. (Full Breakfast, Highlight Dinner)

Day 8: Friday - Seville at leisure

A day at leisure to relax, explore or continue sightseeing! Why not take an optional excursion to Cordoba to visit the magnificent Mezquita? Tonight, perhaps enjoy a typical Sevilliano dinner at a local restaurant? (Buffet Breakfast)

Day 9: Saturday - Seville - Costa Del Sol

We head south to Gibraltar , attached to Spain , yet an independent colony under British control since 1704. There's time at leisure to explore the shops, or perhaps take a trip to the top of the Rock to see St Michael's Cave? Later, we take the scenic route along the Costa del Sol to our hotel. Hotel: Melia Costa Del Sol. (Buffet Breakfast, 3 or 4-course or buffet-style Dinner with menu choices)

Day 10: Sunday - Mijas excursion

Today a leisurely drive through green hills above the Costa del Sol takes us to the white-washed village of Mijas . There is time to stroll through the old streets and pleasant gardens with views of the Mediterranean coast. The rest of the day is at leisure on the Costa del Sol. (Buffet Breakfast, 3 or 4-course or buffet-style Dinner with menu choices)

Day 11: Monday - Costa Del Sol - Granada

We see some of Spain 's most exclusive resorts as we make our way to Granada , capital of the Moorish Kingdom of Spain till the Moors' defeat in 1492. We visit the fabulous Alhambra Palace with its famous Lion Court . We also visit the exotic water gardens of the Generalife, the royal summer residence, where we can relax in the sunshine, and enjoy the fine views over the town. Hotel: Saray. (Buffet Breakfast, 3 or 4-course or buffet-style Dinner with menu choices)

Day 12: Tuesday - Granada - Valencia

We drive over the Mora Pass with views over the Sierra Nevada . We pass through palm forests and lemon groves as we travel to Valencia , the favourite city of 'El Cid'. Our orientation tour shows us the Generalidad Palace , El Miguelete Cathedral, gates of Serranos and Cuarte and the modern Centre for Arts and Sciences, before we check into our hotel. Hotel: Reina Victoria . (Buffet Breakfast, 3 or 4-course or buffet-style Dinner with menu choices)

Day 13: Wednesday - Valencia - Barcelona

We follow the coast to Peñíscola to view the sea-lapped castle used in the film 'El Cid'. We continue along the Costa Dorada (Gold Coast) to Barcelona . Here, our local guide shows us the Gothic Quarter, where we visit the cathedral andwe view the lively Ramblas. Now we tour the modern Eixample District to see Gaudi's famed Sagrada Familia church. Why not dine out 'Catalan style' tonight? Hotel: Melia. (Buffet Breakfast)

Day 14: Thursday - Barcelona at leisure

Today is at leisure in this vibrant city. Why not take an optional excursion to the great Monastery of Montserrat to see the Black Madonna and enjoy the fine views? (Buffet Breakfast)

Day 15: Friday - Barcelona Madrid

This morning we pass the city of Zaragoza in the province of Aragón . Then we drive along the Jalón Valley , past Guadalajara on our way back to Madrid . Hotel: Cuzco . (Buffet Breakfast)

Day 16: Saturday - Madrid sightseeing

Our guided sightseeing tour takes us to the Gran Via and Paseo de la Castellana. We see the Cervantes Monument on the Plaza España, the Puerta del Sol and Cibeles Fountain . Then we visit the Prado Museum to admire the paintings of Velázquez. Maybe join your new found friends for a celebration dinner tonight? (Buffet Breakfast)

Day 17: Sunday - Return to USA

Our memorable tour ends this morning after breakfast with a transfer to the airport. (Buffet Breakfast)

Highlights of Spain 11 Days from $1,499*

Featuring: Madrid , Barcelona , Valencia , Granada , Seville , Madrid

Tour Duration: 11 days

Tour Pace

Well paced tour with two night stays in the major cities of Madrid , Barcelona & Seville ; allowing you time to indulge in each city's treasures. Perhaps become better acquainted with Gaudi in Barcelona? In Seville , you have a whole day (Day 8) to relax or explore.

Day 1: Thursday - Depart USA Overnight flight to Madrid.

Day 2: Friday - Madrid at leisure

Welcome to Spain! On arrival at Madrid Airport there are complimentary transfers to your tour hotel. This afternoon is at leisure to relax and settle in. This evening join your fellow passengers and Tour Director for a Welcome Drink. Hotel: Cuzco .

Day 3: Saturday - Madrid - Barcelona

This morning we follow the wide arid plains of Castille. After passing Guadalajara , we follow the Jalón River Valley , dotted with Mudejar Towers which are survivors of the bygone era of Moorish domination in Spain . Now we continue eastwards, passing Zaragoza in the province of Aragón , before encountering a different culture and language in Catalunya. Our home for the next two nights is the dynamic and stimulating city of Barcelona . Hotel: Melia Barcelona. (Buffet Breakfast)

Day 4 : Sunday - Barcelona sightseeing

We visit the Gothic quarter on our guided tour and see the ancient cathedral. Then we see the famous Ramblas, with its open-air markets and cafes. In contrast to the old part of town, we drive along the broad, elegant avenues of the Eixample district to admire Gaudi's extraordinary unfinished creation, the Sagrada Familiachurch, about which opinions are so strongly divided. Tonight we enjoy a highlight dinner with wine and entertainment, and visit all of Spain in one park at the ' Pueblo Español'! Before returning to our hotel, we drive past the Olympic Games site and enjoy glittering views over the harbour. (Full Breakfast, Highlight Dinner)

Day 5: Monday - Barcelona - Valencia

Sadly, we bid farewell to Barcelona as we follow the Costa Dorada south. We stop in Peñíscola to view the white walled cottages clustered around the sea-lapped castle used in the film 'El Cid'. We continue past the famous orange groves to Valencia , our home for the night. An orientation tour with our Tour Director shows us the City Gates of Serranos and Cuarte, the Gothic Generalidad Palace ,El Miguelete Cathedral with its octagonal bell tower, and the ultra modern Centre of Arts and Sciences. Hotel: Reina Victoria . (Buffet Breakfast, 3 or 4-course or buffet-style Dinner with menu choices).

Day 6: Tuesday - Valencia - Granada

Leaving Valencia this morning we head toward the Costa Blanca. We pass through the stately waving palm tree forests of Elche and then past the lemon groves in Murcia . We then drive amid the superb scenery of the Sierra Nevada with magnificent mountain views on all sides, as we cross the MoraPass to reach glorious Granada . Here, over looking the town, awaits one of the most remarkable fortresses ever built, the Alhambra . We explore this exquisite palace; a fantasy of stone cut lace, arabesque gardens and fountains, built as a citadel by the Moors in the 13th century. We also visit the exotic water gardens of the Generalife, the royal summer residence. Hotel: Saray. (Buffet Breakfast, 3 or 4-course or buffet-style Dinner with menu choices)

Day 7: Wednesday - Granada - Seville

This morning a beautiful drive through gleaming white villages and brilliant fields of golden sunflowers brings us to Seville , capital of Andalucía and one of the most charming cities in Spain . Seville has a distinctive character and presence which our local guide unfolds for us. We visit the massive cathedral, burial place of Christopher Columbus and enriched with the spoils of the New World . We pass the Moorish Giralda Tower and the Santa Cruz quarter with its flower-decked balconies, before seeing the Alcazar. Now on to our hotel in time for dinner.  Hotel: Melia Lebreros. (Buffet Breakfast, 3 or 4-course or buffet-style Dinner with menu choices)

Day 8: Thrusday - Seville at leisure

Today we are at leisure in Seville . Perhaps explore the peaceful Maria Luisa park with its archeological museum, or visit the museum of fine art inside a glorious former baroque convent? Or ask your Tour Director about an optional day trip to the superb sandy beaches of Portugal 's Algarve region. Tonight, perhaps do as the locals do, and eat at a traditional tapas bar? (Buffet Breakfast)

Day 9 : Friday - Seville - Madrid

We set off early, driving along the Guadalquivir valley, past villages and towns studded with Moorish towers and fortresses, to stop in the perfectly preserved Moorish city of Cordoba . We see the famous 2000 year old bridge before a guided visit to the magnificent Mezquita, an 8th century mosque with a Christian church built inside it. Then across the Sierra Morena mountains and the plains of La Mancha , following in the steps of Don Quixote, on our way back to Madrid . Hotel: NH Eurobuilding. (Buffet Breakfast)

Day 10: Saturday - Madrid sightseeing

This morning we enjoy a sightseeing tour along the noble avenues to see the statue of Cervantes' fictional hero, Don Quixote in the Plaza de España. We continue past Cibeles Fountain and the Parliament, and cross the Puerta del Sol. We then visit the Prado Museum to admire the paintings of Velázquez. Now time to relax at a café or shop in the boutiques of Serrano? Tonight, why not join a farewell dinner, in the heart of town, with wine and music? (Buffet Breakfast)

Day 11: Sunday - Return to USA

Our tour ends with a transfer to Madrid Airport . (Buffet Breakfast)

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