DAY 1 Arrive in Madrid, Spain
Time to rest or to start exploring the Spanish capital. At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (Dinner)
DAY 2 Madrid
The capital of Spain since 1561, Madrid today is a strikingly modern city, the showcase of a country resolutely turned towards the future. Your Local Guide takes you to the Puerta del Sol, Plaza de España with its monument to Cervantes, the Parliament, Cibeles Fountain, elegant Calle Alcala, and Paseo de Castellana. Then, the highlight: a visit to the palatial PRADO MUSEUM with its priceless art treasures. In the afternoon an optional excursion to El Escorial and the Valley of the Fallen can be arranged. (Breakfast)
DAY 3 Madrid–Segovia–Avila–Salamanca
A day in beautiful Castile. Cross the rugged Sierra de Guadarrama on the way to Segovia, famous for its Alcazar and the 2,000-year-old Roman aqueduct. Next, enjoy a walk through the walled town of Avila, where St. Theresa founded the Order of Carmelites. Overnight in Salamanca, whose baroque Plaza Mayor is one of the country’s grandest squares. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 4 Salamanca–Fatima–Lisbon, Portugal
The majestic scenery of the Serra da Estrela mountain range forms the backdrop of your morning drive into Portugal. Before heading for Lisbon, melt into the stream of pilgrims from all over the world as you visit the SANCTUARY OF OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY in Fatima. (Breakfast)
DAY 5 Lisbon
Lisbon was the center of Europe’s longest-lived overseas empire. Portugal’s imperial ambitions date back to Prince Henry the Navigator’s 15th-century discoveries in West Africa. Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide features a drive through the Baxia quarter’s main squares. Then, enjoy a walk through the cobbled alleys of quaint ALFAMA, the quarter of the seamen. Drive past the Bull Ring to Pombal Statue and along the grand Avenida da Liberdade. Stop for pictures of Belem Tower, guarding the mouth of the Tagus, and visit JERONIMOS MONASTERY with the tomb of Vasco da Gama. Afternoon and evening at leisure. This evening, why not sign up for an optional dinner with Fado-style entertainment? (Breakfast)
DAY 6 Lisbon–Seville, Spain
Today, enjoy a comfortable drive back into Spain and to the vibrant capital of Andalusia, Seville. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 7 Seville
During your sightseeing tour with a Local Guide hear about the city’s role in Roman times, its conquest by the Moors in 712 AD, and its contribution to the discovery of the New World. Admire Maria Luisa Park, the Golden Tower on the Guadalquivir River, and the university that used to be the tobacco factory of Carmen fame. Then, stroll through the narrow lanes of the charming SANTA CRUZ QUARTER. Highlight is a visit to the ALCAZAR, founded in the 11th century as a Moorish fortress, with its Palacio de Don Pedro. End your tour on Cathedral Square. The rest of the day is at leisure. For those interested, an optional extended guided visit to the cathedral is available. Tonight, for a truly Andalusian night out, reserve a seat at the optional flamenco show. (Breakfast)
DAY 8 Seville–Tangier, Morocco
Through the sunny sherry wine region of Jerez to Algeciras. Board your FERRY and sail across the Straits of Gibraltar to Africa. Continue to Tangier, jumping-off point for the Moorish conquest of Spain and home town of legendary medieval traveler Ibn Batuta. Sightseeing with a Local Guide includes a panoramic drive to CAP SPARTEL, where you will quench your thirst Bedouin-style with a glass of hot mint tea. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 9 Tangier–Costa del Sol, Spain
Visit Tangier’s colorful GRAND SOCCO square and explore the narrow streets of the Casbah. Return across the Straits and back in Spain, drive to your hotel in Torremolinos at the elegant Costa del Sol. (Breakfast)
DAY 10 At Leisure on the Costa del Sol
Enjoy the sandy beaches, browse through the trendy boutiques, or join an optional excursion to the Rock of Gibraltar, in British hands since 1704. (Breakfast)
DAY 11 Costa del Sol–Granada
Into the mountains to history-steeped Granada. Enjoy a walking tour with a Local Guide and visit its main attraction, the ALHAMBRA COMPLEX. A fantasy of “lace in stone” surrounded by arabesque gardens and fountains, it affords superb views of the Old Quarter and Sacromonte, a mountain occupied by Gypsy cave dwellers. Also admire the magnificent WATER GARDENS OF THE GENERALIFE, the royal summer residence. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 12 Granada–Toledo–Madrid
The olive and orange groves of the rolling Andalusian hills and later the more barren landscapes of Don Quixote’s La Mancha unfold before your eyes on the way north to Toledo, spectacularly situated on a granite hill surrounded by a loop of the Tagus River. Your walking tour with a Local Guide features the Moorish bridge and visits to an early SYNAGOGUE, the 13th-century gothic CATHEDRAL, and the CHURCH OF SANTO TOMÉ with one of El Greco’s most famous paintings. Time to visit a DAMASCENE STEEL WORKSHOP before returning to Madrid. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner with wine at a local restaurant. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 13 Madrid |
