Itinerary

Day 1:
Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2:
Arrival in Madrid, Spain. 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. 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. (BB)

Day 4:
Madrid–Segovia–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, stop for pictures of 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. (BB,D)

Day 5:
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. (BB)

Day 6:
Lisbon. 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 estuary of the Tagus River, 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 ALFAMA, the quarter of the seamen. Afternoon and evening at leisure. This evening why not sign up for an optional dinner with Fado-style entertainment? (BB)

Day 7:
Lisbon–Seville, Spain. Enjoy a scenic drive through the Algarve and reach the vibrant capital of Andalusia. During your guided afternoon sightseeing hear about 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. Then stroll through the narrow lanes of the charming Santa Cruz quarter. (BB,D)

Day 8:
At Leisure in Seville. All day at leisure with lots of things to do. Your Tour Director will have suggestions how to spend your time. For a truly Andalusian night out, reserve a seat at our optional flamenco show. (BB)

Day 9:
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 the legendary medieval traveler Ibn Batuta. Sightseeing with a Local Guide includes a stop for pictures at the sultan’s palace and a panoramic drive to CAP SPARTEL, where you will quench your thirst Bedouin-style with a glass of hot mint tea. (BB,D)

Day 10:
Tangier–Torremolinos, Spain. Visit Tangier’s colorful GRAND SOCCO market and explore the narrow streets of the Casbah. Then return across the Straits with cameras at the ready as you approach the Bay of Algeciras. The vistas of the Rock of Gibraltar are spectacular! Then a drive to your hotel in Torremolinos along the elegant Costa del Sol. (BB)

Day 11:
At Leisure in Torremolinos. A day at leisure. Enjoy the sandy beaches, browse through the trendy boutiques, or join an optional excursion to the Rock of Gibraltar, in British hands since 1704. (BB)

Day 12:
Torremolinos–Granada. Into the mountains to history-steeped Granada. Visit its main attraction, the ALHAMBRA, with a Local Guide. 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. (BB,D)

Day 13:
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. 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 before returning to Madrid. Tonight why not join an optional dinner outing to celebrate the success of your Iberian vacation? (BB)

Day 14:
Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (BB)

Dates & Prices

MADRID
Welcome dinner; guided sightseeing, visit the Prado Museum

SEGOVIA
Picture stops at the Roman aqueduct and the Alcazar

AVILA
Picture stop

FATIMA
Visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Rosary

LISBON
Guided sightseeing, visit Jeronimos Monastery and the Alfama

SEVILLE
Guided sightseeing, visit Maria Luisa Park and the cathedral with Columbus’ tomb (on Sundays visit the Alcazar instead)

ALGECIRAS-TANGIER
By ferry across the Strait of Gibraltar

TANGIER
Guided sightseeing, panoramic drive to Cap Spartel; enjoy mint tea; visit the Grand Socco market

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

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

Itinerary

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

Day 2:
Arrival in Lisbon, Portugal. (Sat.) 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. (Sun.) Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide of Portugal’s capital features Belem Tower guarding the estuary of the Tagus River and JERONIMOS MONASTERY with the tomb of Vasco da Gama. Drive past the bull ring to Pombal Statue and along the grand Avenida da Liberdade. Then enjoy a walk through the cobbled alleys of the ALFAMA, the quarter of the seamen. An optional excursion to Sintra and optional dinner with Fado-style entertainment are available. (BB)

Day 4:
Lisbon–Fatima–Oporto. (Mon.) A scenic drive through the Serra do Aire Hills. Step back in time as you pass through the main gate in the medieval perimeter wall of Obidos. Next, visit the magnificent Dominican BATALHA MONASTERY before arriving in Fatima. Of course there is time to join the pilgrims to visit the SANCTUARY OF OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY. In the afternoon, drive to the valley of the Douro River and visit the prestigious HOUSE OF SANDEMAN. Hear how port, the country’s premier export, is made and taste the strong, sweet wine. Overnight in Oporto. (BB,D)

Day 5:
Oporto–Santiago de Compostela, Spain. (Tue.) Sightseeing with a Local Guide features a panoramic drive and a visit to the lavish 19th-century STOCK EXCHANGE, whose claim to fame is an ARABIAN HALL inspired by Granada’s Alhambra. Then drive through an area where the rural population still lives off small patches of land tended with traditional farming methods. Enjoy a leisurely lunch break in Viana do Castelo before crossing the Rio Miño towards Santiago de Compostela. (BB,D)

Day 6:
Santiago de Compostela. (Wed.) Santiago grew around the tomb of St. James, the apostle who converted Spain to Christianity and, according to legend, delivered the country from Moorish occupation. Today’s pilgrims still pray at St. James’ tomb in the huge 11th-century CATHEDRAL VIEJA. Sightseeing with a Local Guide focuses on the beautiful Old Town with its Plaza de la Quintana with the Holy Door and Plaza Obradoiro with its Hospital of the Catholic Monarchs. The afternoon is free, and tonight you may wish to try typical Galician fare. (BB)

Day 7:
Santiago de Compostela–Leon. (Thu.) Two days of scenic eastbound travel along the ancient “Way of St. James.” First stop is in Lugo, whose perfectly preserved massive schist wall, dating back to Roman times, did not protect it from conquest by Moors, Norsemen, and Napoleon’s revolutionary troops. Then head for Ponferrada where Knights Templars gave shelter to medieval pilgrims. Their massive castle now lies in ruins, except for the superb gate where you stop for pictures. Guided sightseeing in Leon focuses on the GOTHIC CATHEDRAL, with its no less than 12,017 square feet of stained-glass windows. Also visit the MUSEUM with priceless works of art and a complete 17th-century chemist’s shop. (BB,D)

Day 8:
Leon–Madrid. (Fri.) Drive through the Tierra de Campos to the university town of Salamanca. Time for lunch and a stroll in its baroque Plaza Mayor. On the way to Madrid, stop for pictures of the walled town of Avila where St. Theresa founded the Order of the Carmelites. (BB)

Day 9:
Madrid. (Sat.) A Local Guide takes you to the Puerta del Sol, Plaza de España with its monument to Cervantes, the Parliament, Cibeles Fountain, and a highlight visit to the PRADO MUSEUM. In the afternoon an optional excursion to El Escorial and the Valley of the Fallen is available. (BB)

Day 10:
Madrid–Toledo–Granada. (Sun.) Toledo, the ancient Castilian capital, is spectacularly situated on a granite hill surrounded by a loop of the Tagus River. Sightseeing with a Local Guide features an early SYNAGOGUE, the Church of SANTO TOMÉ with one of El Greco’s most famous paintings, and the Moorish bridge. Visit a DAMASCENE STEEL WORKSHOP before continuing through Don Quixote’s La Mancha and the Andalusian hills to history-steeped Granada at the foot of the Sierra Nevada. (BB,D)

Day 11:
Granada–Cordoba–Seville. (Mon.) Sightseeing with a Local Guide focuses on its main attraction, the ALHAMBRA. The mighty yet graceful citadel was planned by the 13th-century Moorish ruler Al Ahamar. Also amble through the exotic WATER GARDENS OF THE GENERALIFE, the royal summer residence. Later, drive to Cordoba and join your Local Guide for a walk through the magnificent 8th-century MOSQUE OF THE CALIPHS before continuing to Seville. (BB,D)

Day 12:
Seville. (Tue.) Admire MARIA LUISA PARK with a Local Guide; 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. For a truly Andalusian night out, reserve a seat at our optional flamenco show. (BB)

Day 13:
Seville–Algarve, Portugal. (Wed.) Across the Guadiana River to Lagos for a lunch break. History comes alive as you reach the PROMONTORY OF SAGRES, where Henry the Navigator lived and planned his overseas expansion. Then on to Cape St. Vincent, the southernmost corner of continental Europe, and to your hotel. Tonight you may wish to try a local seafood restaurant. (BB)

Day 14:
At Leisure at the Algarve. (Thu.) Enjoy a leisurely day at your beachfront hotel. Stroll to the marina or shop in the fancy boutiques. (BB,D)

Day 15:
Algarve–Lisbon. (Fri.) Head north to Setúbal, a major port and industrial center, and continue over the Serra da Arrábida with sweeping views of the Tróia Peninsula. After crossing the Bridge of April 25th, you’re back in Lisbon and end your exciting touring adventure. (BB)

Day 16:
(Sat.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (BB)

Dates & Prices

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

OBIDOS
Visit the ancient medieval town

BATALHA
Visit the Dominican Monastery

FATIMA
Visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Rosary

OPORTO
Wine tasting in a port cellar; guided sightseeing, visit the Arabian Hall in the Stock Exchange

VIANA DO CASTELO
Lunch stop

SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
Guided sightseeing, visit the Cathedral Vieja

LUGO
Picture stop at the Roman walls

PONFERRADA AREA
Picture stop at the Knights Templars Castle ruins

LEON
Guided sightseeing, visit the cathedral and museum

MADRID
Guided sightseeing, visit the Prado Museum

TOLEDO
Guided sightseeing, visit the synagogue, Santo Tomé Church with one of El Greco''s masterpieces; a Damascene steel workshop

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

CORDOBA
Guided sightseeing, visit the Mosque of the Caliphs

SEVILLE
Guided sightseeing, visit Maria Luisa Park, the cathedral, and the Santa Cruz Quarter

SEVILLE-ALGARVE
Visit the Promontory of Sagres
 

Itinerary

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

Day 2:
Arrival in Lisbon, Portugal. (Sat.) 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. (Sun.) 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 estuary of the Tagus River and JERONIMOS MONASTERY with the tomb of Vasco da Gama. Drive past the Bull Ring to Pombal Statue and along the grand Avenida da Liberdade. Then enjoy a walk through the cobbled alleys of ALFAMA, the quarter of the seamen. Afternoon and evening at leisure. An optional excursion to Sintra and an optional dinner with Fado-style entertainment are available. (BB)

Day 4:
Lisbon–Setubal–Algarve–Seville, Spain. (Mon.) In Setubal enjoy a WINE TASTING. Next stop is at the Algarve coast, then enter Spain and reach the vibrant capital of Andalusia, Seville. (BB,D)

Day 5:
Seville. (Tue.) 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. 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 6:
Seville–Rabat, Morocco. (Wed.) Travel through the sherry wine region of Jerez to Algeciras and enjoy a FERRY CROSSING across the Strait of Gibraltar to Africa. Along North Africa’s infamous Barbary Coast to Rabat, once a lair of the corsairs and now the country’s capital. (BB,D)

Day 7:
Rabat–Casablanca–Marrakesh. (Thu.) Sightseeing with a Local Guide focuses on the massive medieval battlements, the Royal Palace, MOHAMMED V MAUSOLEUM, Hassan Tower, and the Kasbah of Oudaias. Visit the fine ROMAN RELICS OF CHELLAH. Then leave Rabat and follow the shoreline of the Atlantic Ocean for a visit to Casablanca, Morocco’s modern seaport with a strong French accent. See the Hassan II Mosque, a splendid monument designed to mark the end of the century. Evening arrival in Marrakesh, situated in an oasis with more than half a million palm trees. (BB,D)

Day 8:
Marrakesh. (Fri.) Follow your Local Guide to see BAHIA PALACE, the 16th-century SAADIAN TOMBS, and Djemaa El-Fna, the vibrant town center dominated by the 222-foot-high Koutoubia Minaret. Afternoon at leisure. An exciting optional evening excursion is available. (BB)

Day 9:
Marrakesh–Fez. (Sat.) Journey to Fez today. Blessed with an ample supply of water and strategically situated, Fez became the capital of Morocco when the country shook off foreign rule under the Berber King Idris in the 8th century. To this day, Fez has remained Morocco’s spiritual and artistic center. (BB,D)

Day 10:
Fez. (Sun.) Take pictures of the magnificient entrance to the Royal Palace, drive through the Mellah, the old Jewish quarter, and travel on to beautifully ornate Bab Bou Jeloud, the traditional entrance to old Fez. Your Local Guide also leads you through the labyrinthine FES-EL-BALI, Morocco’s largest medina, to the exquisite MEDERSA ATTARINE. Enjoy a pleasant drive around the ancient fortifications that protect the city. Back to your hotel with plenty of time to relax. Why not sign up for an optional folklore dinner at a Moroccan restaurant? (BB)

Day 11:
Fez–Meknes–Tangier. (Mon.) A morning break at imperial Meknes with its monumental gates and city walls, then continue to Tangier, jumping-off point for the Moorish conquest of Spain and hometown of the legendary Ibn Batuta. Sightseeing with a Local Guide includes the GRAND SOCCO market, then enjoy a panoramic drive to CAP SPARTEL, where you will quench your thirst Bedouin-style with a glass of hot mint tea. (BB,D)

Day 12:
Tangier–Gibraltar–Torremolinos. (Tue.) Board your FERRY for the trip back across the Strait to Europe. Time for a visit to the strategic ROCK OF GIBRALTAR, in British hands since 1704. Hear about its turbulent history, see the Moorish Castle, ST. MICHAEL’S CAVES, and the colony of Barbary apes. Then drive to your hotel at the elegant Costa del Sol. Tonight you have a chance to sample one of the seafood restaurants. (BB)

Day 13:
At Leisure in Torremolinos. (Wed.) A day at leisure to enjoy the sandy beaches, browse through trendy boutiques, or to simply relax. (BB)

Day 14:
Torremolinos–Granada. (Thu.) Away from the sea and into the mountains to history-steeped Granada. In the afternoon savor its main attraction, the ALHAMBRA. 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. Your Local Guide will also take you through the exotic WATER GARDENS OF THE GENERALIFE, the royal summer residence. (BB,D)

Day 15:
Granada–Toledo–Madrid. (Fri.) Through Don Quixote’s La Mancha motor north 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. Visit one of the enticing DAMASCENE STEEL WORKSHOPS. (BB)

Day 16:
Madrid. (Sat.) The capital of Spain since 1561, Madrid today is a strikingly modern city, the showcase of a country resolutely turned towards the future. Morning guided sightseeing features 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. An optional excursion to El Escorial is available. Tonight maybe a special Spanish treat in one of Madrid’s famous restaurants to celebrate the success of a memorable tour? (BB)

Day 17:
(Sun.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (BB)

Dates & Prices