2023060 Spain & Portugal Hightlights

Day 1

Board your overnight flight to Europe.

Day 2

Welcome to Portugal! Arrive in Lisbon for a two-night stay and meet your Tour Director. The capital of Portugal has experienced a renaissance in recent years with a thriving contemporary culture. Libson, enchants travelers with its white bleached limestone buildings, intimate alleyways and an easy-going charm that makes it a popular year-round destination.

Day 3

Today enjoy a Lisbon City Tour featuring the Moorish Alfama Quarter, Jeronimo's Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Monument to the Discoveries. Visit the Belem Tower, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to enjoy Lisbon and its culture at your own pace. This evening join your fellow travelers to experience an entertaining Fado Show & Welcome Dinner featuring traditional melancholy music with instruments like guitars and mandolins accompanied by singing poetic lyrics. The word Fado translates to Fate & the music roots trace to early 1800's.

Day 4

This morning say good-bye to Lisbon and travel east to visit Evora, Portugal, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring a Roman Temple and a well preserved old town center still patially enclosed by medieval wall. Enjoy the scenery as you journey south and cross into Spain. Later arrive in wonderful Seville for a two night stay. Known for its many festivals, Moorish architecture and, of course, flamenco, the capital of Spain's Andalusia region is a buoyant city whose many cultures are reflected in its cuisine, buildings, art and history.

Day 5

This morning enjoy a Seville City Tour. Visit the Plaza de Espana in Maria Luisa Park. Then stroll through the fashionable Santa Cruz Quarter with its attractive wrought-iron balconies laden with flowers. See the well preserved Alcazar, a Moorish fantasy in stone, set in richly scented gardens. Visit the massive Seville Cathedral, burial place of Christopher Columbus and enriched with the spoils of the New World. Perhaps you may wish to walk the ramps of the Giralda Tower, the former minaret of the Great Mosque to enjoy panoramic views over the city. This evening enjoy Spain's fiery passion as you experience a Flamenco Show & Dinner including wine with a traditional meal and entertainment.

Day 6

Today travel to Granada in souther Spain in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Enjoy a Granada Tour highlighted by a visit to the Alhambra Palace & Generalife. Granada's main attraction, and one of the most brilliant jewels of universal architecture with its series of palaces and gardens built under the Nazari Dynasty in the 14th Century.

Day 7

Today travel north to visit Toledo, the capital of Spain untill 1560, and one of the most important centers of European medieval history. Toledo was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its extensive cultural and monumental heritage and historical coexistence of Christian, Muslim and Jewish cultures. Visit the Toledo Catherdral, one of the three 13th-century High Gothic cathedrals in Spain. Later arrive in Madrid for a 2-night stay in one of Europe's great capital cities and a center of art, finance, culture and history.

Day 8

The capital since 1561, Madrid is a perfect blend of modern and old world. Today enjoy a Madrid City Tour including the Puerta del sol, Plaza Espana, the Parliament, Cibeles Fountain, elegant Calle Alcala, and Paseo de Castellana. Later visit the Royal Palace, home to the Kings of Spain from Charles III to Alfonso XIII. The Royal Palace takes you on a journey through the history of Spain, and through it is no longer the royal family's home, it continues to be their official residence. This afternoon is at leisure to explore Madrid on your own. Tonight, enjoy a Farewell Dinner featuring a traditional Spanish meal & wine at a local restaurant to experience more of the culture.

Day 9

Transfer to the airport & fly home with wonderful memories of Spain & Portugal or hop on the train to join the optional 2-night Barcelona Extension.

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner