Itinerary

Day 1:
(Sun.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2:
Arrival in Lisbon, Portugal. (Mon.) Free time to rest or start exploring the Portuguese capital. At 6 p.m. meet your Tour Director and traveling companions and have a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)

Day 3:
Lisbon. (Tue.) 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 and did not subside until the 1970s. Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide features Belem Tower, guarding the mouth of the Tagus, and JERONIMOS MONASTERY with the tomb of Vasco da Gama. Drive past the Bull Ring to Pombal Statue and on along the grand Avenida da Liberdade. Then enjoy a walk through the cobbled alleys of quaint ALFAMA, the quarter of the seamen. Afternoon and evening at leisure. Exciting optional excursions to the royal palace of Sintra and dinner at a typical taverna with Fado-style entertainment are available. (BB)

Day 4:
Lisbon–Fatima–Tomar. (Wed.) First stop on your northbound journey is medieval Obidos. Go back in time as you pass the main gate in the impressive perimeter wall and walk along the narrow streets. Continue to Alcobaça to visit the Church of SANTA MARIA MONASTERY, built in the 12th century for 999 Cistercian monks. See the elaborate tombs of King Pedro I and his Castilian lover Inês de Castro and hear how she was murdered at the order of Pedro’s father. The fishing harbor of Nazaré is the perfect place for a leisurely lunch break. In the afternoon mix with the pilgrims at the country’s hallowed national shrine, Fatima’s SANCTUARY OF OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY. Overnight in Tomar, the historic seat of the mighty Order of the Knights of Christ. (BB,D)

Day 5:
Tomar–Oporto. (Thu.) Visit the hilltop CONVENT OF CHRIST with its famous Manueline window. Further north, the ROMAN RUINS OF CONIMBRIGA are eloquent testimony to centuries of Roman influence. Tour the excavations, view the well-preserved mosaics, and visit the excellent MUSEUM. On to Coimbra, strategically situated on a hill overlooking the Mondego River. After a visit to the gilded baroque LIBRARY of its 700-year-old university, drive through the ancient BUÇACO FOREST on your way to Oporto, Portugal’s second-largest city. (BB,D)

Day 6:
Oporto. (Fri.) Sightseeing with a Local Guide includes a panoramic drive to the mouth of the Douro River, the soaring cathedral, the richly decorated CHURCH OF SAO FRANCISCO, and the STOCK EXCHANGE with its contemporary ARABIAN HALL inspired by Granada’s Alhambra. Next, visit a PORT WINE CELLAR where the famous wine produced from grapes of the Douro Valley is aged in huge vats. Afternoon at leisure, and tonight why not join an optional dinner at one of Oporto’s typical restaurants? (BB)

Day 7:
Oporto–Viseu. (Sat.) Head inland to Guimaraes, often referred to as the “Cradle of Portugal” because of its association with the country’s first king, Alfonso Henriques. Next is Vila Real, former capital of Portugal’s northeastern region of Trás-os-Montes. Just outside the town visit the splendid park and manor of PALACIO DE MATEUS, whose picture graces the label of the excellent Mateus rosé wine. From here a scenic road through the port wine vineyards leads to Viseu, believed to have been the home of the Lusitanian leader Viriate who resisted the Roman conquest. (BB,D)

Day 8:
Viseu–Evora. (Sun.) This morning, your first stop is in Belmonte, today a symbol of Jewish awakening, and visit the JEWISH MUSEUM. Afternoon break in Castelo de Vide, an enchanting small town. Time to walk through the Jewish Quarter with its white-washed houses and take pictures of the 14th century castle. Continue to Evora, the cultural center of southern Portugal and a former royal residence. (BB,D)

Day 9:
Evora–Algarve. (Mon.) A massive wall surrounds Evora’s medieval center, classified as a World Heritage Site. A Local Guide will take you on a walking tour through its narrow alleys to the Roman Temple, the early gothic CATHEDRAL, Portas de Moura Fountain, and SAO FRANCISCO CHURCH. Visit the OSSUARY CHAPEL, whose walls are covered with thousands of human bones and skulls. Next, proceed across the arid Alentejo plain to the Algarve, Portugal’s most popular holiday area. Tonight is your chance to try one of the seafood restaurants for which the Algarve is famous. (BB)

Day 10:
Algarve Excursion. (Tue.) Today you may prefer to relax, explore this beautiful resort at your own pace, or join the included excursion along the enchanting southern coastline. History comes alive as you reach the wind-swept PROMONTORY OF SAGRES, where Henry the Navigator lived and planned his overseas expansion. Only a few miles away is Cape St. Vincent, the southwestern corner of continental Europe, a dramatic cliff defying the waves of an ever-angry Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy a lunch break in pretty Lagos and return to your hotel. (BB,D)

Day 11:
Algarve–Lisbon. (Wed.) North to Setúbal, a major port and industrial center on the north bank of the Sado Estuary. Then the scenic route over the Serra da Arrábida and savor sweeping views of the Tróia Peninsula. Catch glimpses of the castle of Sesimbra, which recall fierce medieval battles between Christians and Moors. After crossing the Bridge of April 25th, you’re back in Lisbon for the last evening of an exciting touring adventure. (BB)

Day 12:
(Thu.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (BB)

Dates & Prices

LISBON
Welcome dinner; guided sightseeing, visit Jeronimos Monastery and the Alfama

OBIDOS
Visit the medieval town

ALCOBAÇA
Visit Santa Maria Monastery

NAZARÉ
Lunch stop

FATIMA
Visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Rosary

TOMAR
Guided visit of the Convent of Christ

CONIMBRIGA
Visit of the Roman ruins and the museum

COIMBRA
Visit the University Library

BUÇACO FOREST
Visit the national park

OPORTO
Guided sightseeing, visit the Church of Sao Francisco, and the Arabian Hall in the Stock Exchange; wine tasting in a port wine cellar

VILA REAL
Visit the Palacio de Mateus

BELMONTE
Visit the Jewish Museum

CASTELO DE VIDE
Afternoon stop

EVORA
Guided sightseeing, visit the Gothic cathedral, the Sao Francisco Church, and the Ossuary Chapel

ALGARVE
Excursion to the Promontory of Sagres
 

Itinerary

Day 1:
(Fri.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2:
Arrival in Madrid, Spain. (Sat.) Time to rest or to start exploring the Spanish capital. At 6 p.m. meet your Tour Director and traveling companions, and have a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)

Day 3:
Madrid. (Sun.) The capital 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. Afternoon at leisure. An optional excursion to El Escorial and the Valley of the Fallen can be arranged. (BB)

Day 4:
Madrid–Toledo–Granada. (Mon.) This morning focus on splendid Toledo. Spectacularly situated on a granite hill surrounded by a loop of the Tagus River, the ancient Castilian capital attracts more sightseers from all over the world than any other Spanish town. A Local Guide takes you to the Moorish bridge, an early SYNAGOGUE, the 13th-century GOTHIC CATHEDRAL, and the Church of SANTO TOMÉ with one of El Greco’s most famous paintings. Also time to visit a DAMASCENE STEEL WORKSHOP before arriving in history-steeped Granada. (BB,D)

Day 5:
Granada–Torremolinos. (Tue.) See the sights of Granada with a Local Guide and visit its main attraction, the ALHAMBRA. The mighty yet graceful citadel was planned by the 13th-century Moorish ruler Al Ahamar. 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 amble through the magnificent WATER GARDENS OF THE GENERALIFE, the royal summer residence. Then turn towards the sea, away from the mountains, to lively Torremolinos on the Costa del Sol. (BB)

Day 6:
At Leisure in Torremolinos. (Wed.) A day at leisure at your beachfront hotel. Catch up on your postcards, enjoy the sandy beaches, browse through the trendy boutiques, and sample the many fancy restaurants. You may want to join an optional excursion to the Rock of Gibraltar, in British hands since 1704. (BB)

Day 7:
Torremolinos–Ronda–Jerez–Seville. (Thu.) Visit picturesque, historic Ronda, perched on a platform of the Sierra de Ronda and cut in two by a deep ravine, before reaching Jerez, famous for its sherry wines and magnificent horses of mixed Spanish, Arab, and English blood. Highlight today is a visit to a SHERRY BODEGA. Then on to Seville, the vibrant capital of Andalusia. (BB,D)

Day 8:
Seville. (Fri.) Listen to your Local Guide’s account of the city’s role in Roman times, its conquest by the Moors in 712 A.D., and its contribution to the discovery of the New World. Admire MARIA LUISA PARK. Drive to the Plaza de España, the Gold Tower on the Guadalquivir River, and the fine baroque building which is now the university but which used to be the tobacco factory of Carmen fame. Visit the CATHEDRAL with Columbus’ tomb, the world’s largest gothic edifice. Finally, stroll through the narrow lanes of the charming SANTA CRUZ QUARTER. The rest of the day is at leisure. For a truly Andalusian night out reserve a seat at our optional flamenco show. (BB)

Day 9:
Seville–Cordoba–Madrid. (Sat.) Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide in Cordoba. See the Alcazar, the Roman Bridge, and the medieval old Jewish quarter. Tour the magnificent 8th-century MOSQUE OF THE CALIPHS, famous for its 850 pillars of porphyry, marble, and jasper. Motor north from the fertile valley of the Guadalquivir River through the arid landscapes of Don Quixote’s La Mancha back to Madrid. Tonight why not join an optional dinner outing to celebrate the success of this exciting vacation? (BB)

Day 10:
(Sun.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (BB)

Dates & Prices

MADRID
Welcome dinner; guided sightseeing, visit the Prado Museum

TOLEDO
Guided sightseeing, visit an early synagogue, the Gothic cathedral, Santo Tomé Church with one of El Greco’s masterpieces; a Damascene steel workshop

GRANADA
Guided sightseeing, visit the Alhambra and the Water Gardens of the Generalife

RONDA
Orientation

JEREZ
Visit a sherry bodega

SEVILLE
Guided sightseeing, visit Maria Luisa Park, the cathedral with Columbus’ tomb, and the Santa Cruz quarter

CORDOBA
Guided sightseeing, visit the Mosque of the Caliphs
 

Itinerary

Day 1:
(Wed.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2:
Arrival in Madrid, Spain. (Thu.) Time to rest or to start exploring the Spanish capital. At 6 p.m. meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)

Day 3:
Madrid. (Fri.) Morning sightseeing with a 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. The afternoon is at leisure, and an optional excursion to El Escorial and the Valley of the Fallen can be arranged. (BB)

Day 4:
Madrid. Excursion to Toledo. (Sat.) Focus on splendid Toledo, spectacularly situated on a granite hill surrounded by a loop of the Tagus River. A Local Guide takes you to the Moorish bridge, an early SYNAGOGUE, the 13th-century GOTHIC CATHEDRAL, and the Church of SANTO TOMÉ with one of El Greco’s most famous paintings. Also time to visit a DAMASCENE STEEL WORKSHOP before returning to Madrid. The rest of the afternoon is free for independent activities. (BB)

Day 5:
Madrid–Cordoba–Seville. (Sun.) This morning board the exciting high-speed “AVE” TRAIN that whisks you to Cordoba. Your guided sightseeing tour includes the Alcazar, the Roman Bridge, and the medieval old Jewish quarter. Tour the magnificent 8th-century MOSQUE OF THE CALIPHS, famous for its 850 pillars of porphyry, marble, and jasper. Then on to Seville by motorcoach. (BB,D)

Day 6:
Seville. (Mon.) Your Local Guide explains the city’s role in Roman times, its conquest by the Moors in 712 A.D., and its contribution to the discovery of the New World. Admire MARIA LUISA PARK. Drive to the Plaza de España, the Gold Tower on the Guadalquivir River, and the university that used to be the tobacco factory of Carmen fame. Visit the CATHEDRAL with Columbus’ tomb, the world’s largest gothic edifice, and stroll through the narrow lanes of the charming SANTA CRUZ QUARTER. For a truly Andalusian night out, reserve a seat at our optional flamenco show. (BB)

Day 7:
At Leisure in Seville. (Tue.) A free day to explore the sunny capital of Andalusia or to join an exciting optional excursion. (BB)

Day 8:
Seville–Gibraltar–Torremolinos. (Wed.) Drive south through the sunny wine region on the Costa de la Luz to the ROCK OF GIBRALTAR, in British hands since 1704. Hear about its turbulent history from your Local Guide, see the Moorish Castle, visit ST. MICHAEL’S CAVES and the colony of Barbary apes. Then continue to your beachfront hotel along the elegant Costa del Sol. (BB,D)

Day 9:
At Leisure in Torremolinos. Optional Excursion to Morocco. (Thu.) Day at leisure to enjoy the sandy beaches or to browse through the trendy boutiques. Another possibility: join an optional excursion to Morocco, on the African continent, with sightseeing in Tangier, lunch at a local restaurant, and time to explore the surroundings. (BB)

Day 10:
Torremolinos. Excursion to Granada. (Fri.) Away from the sea and into the mountains to history-steeped Granada. Meet your Local Guide and visit Granada’s main attraction, the ALHAMBRA. The mighty yet graceful citadel was planned by the 13th-century Moorish ruler Al Ahamar. 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 amble through the magnificent WATER GARDENS OF THE GENERALIFE, the royal summer residence. Then time to further discover the beauties of this enchanting city on your own. In the late afternoon, return to Torremolinos. (BB)

Day 11:
(Sat.) Your homebound flight from Malaga arrives the same day. (BB)

Dates & Prices

MADRID
Welcome dinner; guided sightseeing, visit the Prado Museum

TOLEDO
Guided sightseeing, visit an early synagogue, the gothic cathedral, Santo Tomé Church with one of El Greco’s masterpieces; a Damascene steel workshop

MADRID-CORDOBA
By high-speed “AVE” train (first-class)

CORDOBA
Guided sightseeing, visit the Mosque of the Caliphs

SEVILLE
Guided sightseeing, visit Maria Luisa park, the cathedral, and the Santa Cruz quarter

ROCK OF GIBRALTAR
Guided sightseeing, visit St. Michael’s Caves

GRANADA
Guided sightseeing, visit the Alhambra and the Water Gardens of the Generalife
 

Itinerary

Day 1:
Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2:
Arrival in Madrid, Spain. Time to rest or to join the locals in El Retiro Park. At 6 p.m. meet your Tour Director and traveling companions and have a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)

Day 3:
Madrid. The capital since 1561, Madrid today is a strikingly modern city, the showcase of a country resolutely turned towards the future. Morning sightseeing with a 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. The afternoon is at leisure. An optional excursion to El Escorial and the Valley of the Fallen can be arranged. (BB)

Day 4:
Madrid–Segovia–Burgos–Vitoria. Head into beautiful Castile, “the province of the castles.” Cross the rugged Sierra de Guadarrama on the way to Segovia, famous for its Alcazar and the 2,000-year old Roman aqueduct. In Burgos, see the magnificent limestone Cathedral of Santa Maria where the legendary El Cid is buried. Afternoon arrival in Vitoria with time for a stroll through this ancient Basque city’s delightful historic center. (BB,D)

Day 5:
Vitoria–Bilbao–San Sebastian–Pamplona. This morning travel to Bilbao, the great port city of the Basque region for a guided visit to the GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM, an amazing feat of construction created by the North American architect Frank O. Gehry. Stop in lovely San Sebastian, the “Pearl of the Cantabrian Coast,” before arriving in Pamplona at the foot of the Pyrenees. (BB,D)

Day 6:
Pamplona–Saragossa–Barcelona. Enjoy vistas of Rioja wine country on the way to Saragossa. Stop on PLAZA DEL PILAR, one of Spain’s grandest squares. Free time to visit the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar where, according to legends, the Virgin appeared to St. James. Then to Barcelona, Spain’s second-largest city and the host of the Olympic Games in 1992. (BB,D)

Day 7:
Barcelona. Sightseeing with a Local Guide features the COLUMBUS MONUMENT, elegant tree-lined Ramblas and Plaza de Cataluna, Paseo de Gracia, the Church of the Holy Family, a panoramic view of the city and harbor from Montjuïc Hill, and a visit to the Cathedral of SANTA EULALIA. Afternoon at leisure. An optional excursion to Montserrat can be arranged. Why not join an optional dinner at a typical Catalonian restaurant? (BB)

Day 8:
Barcelona–Valencia. Along the coast to Valencia, once a royal capital. Valencia’s Roman, Moorish, and Spanish history comes alive when your Local Guide takes you on a tour including the Town Hall, La Lonja, the bull ring, the massive gateway towers of Serranos and Quart, and the new Arts and Science Complex designed by the famous Valencian architect Calatrava. Next, visit awesome LA SEO CATHEDRAL (closed on Sundays for group visits). (BB,D)

Day 9:
Valencia–Granada. Further along the coastline to Alicante, then inland towards the mountains. Pass troglodyte cave dwellings hollowed out of the soft tufa stone near Guadix and Purullena, and cross Mora Pass on your way to the splendors of Granada. (BB,D)

Day 10:
Granada–Torremolinos. Sightseeing with a Local Guide features Granada’s main attraction, the ALHAMBRA, a fantasy of “lace in stone” surrounded by arabesque gardens and fountains. Also amble through the exotic WATER GARDENS OF THE GENERALIFE. Then a short drive down to your hotel at the Costa del Sol. Tonight why not sample the seafood restaurants for which this resort is famous? (BB)

Day 11:
At Leisure in Torremolinos. A whole day at leisure at your beachfront hotel. In the late afternoon why not join an optional excursion for a pleasant drive and meal at a charming Pueblo Blanco overlooking the Mediterranean coast? (BB)

Day 12:
Torremolinos–Gibraltar–Seville. Drive to the ROCK OF GIBRALTAR, in British hands since 1704. Hear about its turbulent history from your Local Guide, see the Moorish Castle, and visit ST. MICHAEL’S CAVES and the colony of Barbary apes. Then on through the sunny sherry wine region on the Costa de la Luz to vibrant, festive Seville. (BB,D)

Day 13:
Seville. Listen to your Local Guide’s account of the Andalusian city’s role in Roman times, its conquest by the Moors in 712 A.D., and its contribution to the discovery of the New World. Admire MARIA LUISA PARK. Drive to the Plaza de España, the Gold Tower on the Guadalquivir River, and the university that used to be the tobacco factory of Carmen fame. Visit the CATHEDRAL with Columbus’ tomb and stroll through the narrow lanes of the charming SANTA CRUZ QUARTER. The rest of the day is at leisure. For a truly Andalusian night out reserve a seat at our optional flamenco show. (BB)

Day 14:
Seville–Toledo–Madrid. Through the arid landscapes of Don Quixote’s La Mancha to Toledo, spectacularly situated on a granite hill surrounded by a loop of the Tagus River. A Local Guide takes you to the Moorish bridge, 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. Tonight, why not join an optional dinner outing to celebrate the success of your Spanish vacation? (BB)

Day 15:
Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (BB)

Dates & Prices