• Escorted by a professional Tour DirectorLuxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard toilet
• Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
• Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
• Complimentary arrival transfer on Day 2 and departure transfer on Day 11

Quality Dining

• Dine-Around evening at your own choice of restaurant in Barcelona (DA)
• 9 Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 3 three-course table d’hôte Dinners, or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

11 Days ~ Spain

Tour Pace
A well paced tour with two-night stays in the major cities of Madrid, Barcelona and Seville; allowing time to indulge in each city’s treasures. Perhaps become better acquainted with Gaudi in Barcelona? In Seville, you have a whole afternoon to relax or explore.

DAY 1 – THU – DEPART USA
Overnight flight to Madrid.

DAY 2 – FRI – MADRID AT LEISURE
Welcome to Madrid! On arrival at Madrid Airport there are complimentary transfers to your tour hotel. The afternoon is at leisure – relax and settle in. In the evening, join your fellow passengers and Tour Director for a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: Melia Galgos.

DAY 3 – SAT – MADRID – BARCELONA
Follow the wide arid plains of Castille. After passing Guadalajara, follow the Jalón River Valley, dotted with Mudejar Towers which are survivors of the bygone era of Moorish domination in Spain. Continue eastwards, passing Zaragoza in the province of Aragón, before encountering a different culture and language in Catalunya. Your home for the next two nights is the dynamic city of Barcelona.
Hotel: Melia. (BB)

DAY 4 – SUN – BARCELONA SIGHTSEEING
Visit the Gothic quarter on a guided tour and see the ancient cathedral, and see the famous Ramblas, with its open-air markets and cafes. In contrast to the old part of town, drive along the broad, elegant avenues of the Eixample district to admire Gaudi’s extraordinary unfinished creation, the Sagrada Familia church, about which opinions are so strongly divided. Tonight, visit all of Spain in one park at the ‘Pueblo Español’, before your Dine-Around evening, where you can choose from a selection of restaurants. Before returning to your hotel, drive past the Olympic Games site and enjoy glittering views over the harbour. (BB,DA)

DAY 5 – MON – BARCELONA – VALENCIA
Follow the Costa Dorada south, stopping in Peñìscola to view the white-walled cottages clustered around the sea-lapped castle used in the film El Cid. Continue past the famous orange groves to Valencia, your home for the night. An orientation tour with your Tour Director shows you 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: Husa Reina Victoria. (BB,D)

DAY 6 – TUE – VALENCIA – GRANADA
Leave for the Costa Blanca, passing through the stately waving palm tree forests of Elche and past the lemon groves in Murcia. Drive through the superb scenery of the Sierra Nevada with magnificent mountain views on all sides, and cross the Mora Pass to reach glorious Granada. Here, over looking the town, awaits one of the most remarkable fortresses ever built, the Alhambra. 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. Also visit the exotic water gardens of the Generalife, the Royal summer residence.
Hotel: Saray. (BB,D)

DAY 7 – WED – GRANADA – SEVILLE
A beautiful drive through gleaming white villages and brilliant fields of golden sunflowers leads to Seville exquisite capital of Andalucìa, and one of the most charming cities in Spain. You’ll stay in this ‘city of Carmen’ for the next two nights, so settle into your hotel.
Hotel: Melia Lebreros. (BB)

DAY 8 – THU – SEVILLE SIGHTSEEING
Seville has a distinctive character and presence which a local guide will unfold. Visit the massive cathedral, burial place of Christopher Columbus and enriched with the spoils of the New World. Pass the slender Giralda Tower, once the minaret of the Great Mosque, see the Alcazar and tour the fashionable Santa Cruz Quarter with its flower decked wrought iron balconies. This afternoon is at leisure. Tonight, enjoy dinner at your hotel. (BB,D)

DAY 9 – FRI – SEVILLE – MADRID
Set off early along the Guadalquivir valley, past villages and towns studded with Moorish towers and fortresses, stopping in the perfectly preserved Moorish city of Cordoba. 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. Cross the Sierra Morena mountains and the plains of La Mancha, following in the steps of Don Quixote, on your way back to Madrid.
Hotel: NH Eurobuilding. (BB)

DAY 10 – SAT – MADRID SIGHTSEEING
Enjoy a sightseeing tour along the noble avenues to see the statue of Cervantes’ fictional hero, Don Quixote, in the Plaza de España. Continue past Cibeles Fountain and the Parliament, and cross the Puerta del Sol. Visit the Prado Museum to admire the world famous paintings of Velázquez and Goya. Take time out to relax at a café or shop in the boutiques of Serrano. In the evening, consider joining a farewell dinner in the heart of town, complete with wine and music. (BB)

DAY 11 – SUN – RETURN TO USA
The tour ends with transfers to Madrid Airport. (BB)

• Escorted by a professional Tour Director
• Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard toilet
• Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
• Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack Complimentary arrival transfer on Day 2 and departure transfer on Day 12

Quality Dining

• Highlight Dinner at a local restaurant in Madrid (HD)
• 10 Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 4 three-course table d’hôte Dinners, or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

12 Days ~ Portugal ~ Spain

Tour Pace
This tour moves at a comfortable, leisurely pace with two nights in Lisbon, Santiago, Santander and Madrid, and an overnight stay in delightful Oporto. The travelling days are of a comfortable length with frequent stops and plenty of photo opportunities.

DAY 1 – THU – DEPART USA
Overnight flight to Lisbon.

DAY 2 – FRI – LISBON AT LEISURE
Welcome to Portugal! On arrival at Lisbon airport, there are complimentary transfers to the tour hotel. There is time to relax or explore before enjoying a Welcome Drink with your Tour Director.
Hotel: Marriott.

DAY 3 – SAT – LISBON SIGHTSEEING
A local guide takes you along the spacious avenues of the Lower Town and across the tree-shaded squares. Pass beneath the hilltop Bairro Alto to the Terreiro do Paco, the finest square in the city which was named after the palace which was destroyed in the terrible earthquake of 1755. The tour continues into the Belem Quarter to visit the 16th century Jeronimo's Monastery with its superbly ornate cloister and vaulted church of Santa Maria. See also the modern Monument to the Discoveries and ancient Belem Tower, a fortress set originally in the middle of the river, but now left high and dry on the riverbank. Spend the afternoon at leisure: take the funicular up into the steep alleyways of the Old Town, explore the terraces of the Alfama district or join a tour to exotic Sintra and its royal summer residence. (BB)

DAY 4 – SUN – LISBON – OPORTO
Head north to the fortified city of Obidos and walk inside its walls to explore the craft shops, art galleries and flower-decked houses that line the narrow, medieval streets. Continue to Batalha to visit the Royal Chapel in the ornate Gothic monastery before making your way to miraculous Fatima to join the pilgrims flocking into the great Basilica. It is here that a vision of Mary is reputed to have appeared before three local children. Stay the night in Portugal’s second largest city and the capital of the north, Oporto.
Hotel: Le Meridien Park Atlantic. (BB,D)

DAY 5 – MON – OPORTO – SANTIAGO
Join your Tour Director to see the Vila Nova de Gaia wine stores which house the famous port wines. Admire the multi-colored houses and churches covered in glazed tiles before heading north to the old fishing town of Viana do Castelo. Wander the pedestrian streets of the old quarter and admire the 16th century buildings before crossing the Spanish border to Santiago de Compostela. One of Spain’s most remarkable cities, a local guide will acquaint you with its buildings and heritage. See the impressive Cathedral, built upon the site of the original basilica erected over the tomb of Apostle St James.
Hotel: NH Obradoiro. (BB,D)

DAY 6 – TUE – SANTIAGO AT LEISURE
Today is at leisure to do as you please! There is the option to take an excursion to the spectacular ‘Rias Altas’ which are green-clad, fjord-like estuaries and the fascinating coastal city of Corunna with its Roman lighthouse. On your return there is still time to explore Santiago’s charming little lanes, squares and shops. (BB)

DAY 7 – WED – SANTIAGO – OVIEDO
Enjoy a scenic drive along the Costa Verde, the ‘Green Coast’ of Asturias, with glorious coastal vistas, before reaching its historic capital, Oviedo. A local guide will show you a 9th century church which was built when the city was the capital of Christian Spain; see also the stately square, Plaza Alfonso II, the cathedral and the nearby streets and their ‘cider bars’.
Hotel: Santa Domingo Plaza. (BB,D)

DAY 8 – THU – OVIEDO – SANTANDER
Explore the foothills of the Picos de Europa National Park and see the ivy clad ‘Roman Bridge’ in the lovely resort of Cangas de Onis. Visit the striking holy cave of Covadonga, shrine to Pelayo, in the place where this national hero achieved the first Christian victory over the Moors in 722. Later, sandy coves, green hills and snow-capped peaks will delight you on the way to Santander, where your hotel is in the elegant resort district of Sardinero.
Hotel: Santemar. (BB,D)

DAY 9 – FRI – SANTILLANA DEL MAR EXCURSION
Drive along the ‘corniche road’, with views of the great bay of Santander, before a short drive leads to Santillana del Mar, which many writers have called the most beautiful village in Spain. Stroll through the cobblestone streets with stone houses decorated with carved heraldic symbols to reach the delightful church square. After time to explore, return to Santander where you will have the opportunity to visit Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum. (BB)

DAY 10 – SAT – SANTANDER – MADRID
Cross the infinite horizons of the northern Meseta and stop to visit Segovia, perched on its triangular rock. See the Roman aqueduct, one of the finest in the world, and immerse yourself in the city’s 15th century golden age. Take time to explore the Old Town before continuing to the spanish capital of Madrid.
Hotel: NH Eurobuilding. (BB)

DAY 11 – SUN – MADRID SIGHTSEEING
A guided sightseeing tour introduces you to the Gran Via and Paseo de la Castellana, the Cervantes Monument, the Puerta del Sol and the Cibeles Fountain. Make a Highlight visit inside the state apartments of the Royal Palace before enjoying a Highlight Dinner with wine at a local restaurant. (BB,HD)

DAY 12 – MON – RETURN TO USA
The tour ends with transfers to the airport. (BB)

• Escorted by a professional Tour DirectorLuxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard toilet
• Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
• Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
• Complimentary arrival transfer on Day 2 and departure transfer on Day 14

Quality Dining

• Highlight Dinner and Flamenco show in Seville (HD)
• Dine-Around evening at your own choice of restaurant in Madrid (DA)
• Highlight Dinner of Catalan specialities in Barcelona (HD)
• 12 Buffet Breakfasts and 1 three-course table d’hôte Dinner, or Buffet, plus tea or coffee (D)

14 Days ~ Portugal & Spain

Tour Pace
This is a relaxed tour with three-night stays in the major cities of Lisbon, Seville, Madrid and Barcelona. This allows you to get acquainted with each destination on included city sightseeing tours, which leaves time to revisit any places of interest on your own.

DAY 1 – FRI – DEPART USA
Overnight flight to Lisbon.

DAY 2 – SAT – LISBON AT LEISURE
Welcome to Portugal! On arrival at Lisbon airport there are complimentary transfers to the tour hotel. Take time to relax or explore before joining your fellow travelers for a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: Marriott. (D)

DAY 3 – SUN – LISBON SIGHTSEEING
A guided tour takes you along the avenues of the Lower Town and across the tree-shaded squares. Pass beneath hilltop Bairro Alto to the Terreiro do Paco, the finest square in the city. Visit Jeronimo’s Monastery with its superbly ornate cloister. Nearby, see the modern ‘Monument to the Discoveries’ and ancient Belem Tower. The afternoon is at leisure. Why not consider spending the evening enjoying dinner to the haunting sound of ‘Fado’ music? (BB)

DAY 4 – MON – LISBON AT LEISURE
The day is free for you to explore the Portuguese capital at your own pace. Take the funicular up to the steep alleyways of the Old Town, explore the terraces of the Alfama district or join an optional tour to Fatima and Obidos. (BB)

DAY 5 – TUE – LISBON – SEVILLE
Travel over the modern Tagus Bridge and cross the wide Alentejo plateau to the Spanish border. Continue through the green slopes of the Sierra Morena to Seville, the exquisite capital of Andalusia and the setting for the opera Carmen. This evening, enjoy a Highlight Dinner and entertainment featuring a fiery Flamenco show.
Hotel: Barcelo Gran Hotel Renacimiento. (BB,HD)

DAY 6 – WED – SEVILLE SIGHTSEEING
A sightseeing tour introduces the immense 15th century cathedral, burial place of Christopher Columbus, the Alcazar and the slender Giralda Tower. Tour the Santa Cruz Quarter, with its flower-decked wrought iron balconies, before taking time to relax or explore on your own. Consider visiting Maria Luisa park with its archeological museum. (BB)

DAY 7 – THU – SEVILLE AT LEISURE
The day is reserved for relaxing, shopping or enjoying an optional day trip to the sandy beaches of Portugal’s Algarve region. (BB)

DAY 8 – FRI – SEVILLE – MADRID
Drive along the Guadalquivir valley to the perfectly preserved Moorish city of Cordoba. 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. Cross the Sierra Morena mountains and the plains of La Mancha to Madrid. Tonight, you and your fellow travelers are offered a choice of restaurants for your dining pleasure.
Hotel: NH Alcala. (BB,DA)

DAY 9 – SAT – MADRID SIGHTSEEING
A guided tour takes you along the leafy avenues of the city, seeing the Plaza España with its Cervantes Monument, the grandiose Cibeles Fountain and Puerta del Sol. See also the Parliament and Royal Palace before a Highlight visit to the magnificent Prado museum, one of the great art galleries of Europe. This afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. (BB)

DAY 10 – SUN – MADRID AT LEISURE
Explore the city at your own pace. There is also an optional excursion into the Guadarrama Mountains to visit the austere Escorial Palace and the amazing Valley of the Fallen. (BB)

DAY 11 – MON – MADRID – BARCELONA
Travel through Castille, where the legendary Don Quixote ‘tilted at windmills’ to reach the Ebro River at Zaragosa where the Virgin is said to have appeared to St James the Apostle. Enter Catalunya, a land that retains its own distinctive language and traditions, and stay in the vibrant Mediterranean port of Barcelona.
Hotel: 987 Barcelona. (BB)

DAY 12 – TUE – BARCELONA SIGHTSEEING
A local guide introduces you to the Gothic Quarter where, among the narrow streets, you visit the ancient Cathedral. In complete contrast, drive out to the Eixample District to see some of Gaudi’s extraordinary architecture, including the unfinished Sagrada Familia Cathedral. In the afternoon, stroll along the leafy Ramblas with its market stalls and buskers, or take an optional excursion to the ancient Monastery of Montserrat, dedicated to the ‘Black Madonna’. (BB)

DAY 13 – WED – BARCELONA AT LEISURE
The day is set aside for you to explore this amazing city at your leisure: visit shops, stroll the streets of the Spanish Village or visit the Bullfighters’ museum. As night falls, enjoy a Highlight Catalan dinner at a local restaurant. (BB,HD)

DAY 14 – THU – RETURN TO USA
The tour ends with transfers to the airport. (BB)

• Escorted by a professional Tour Director Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard toilet
• Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
• Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
• Complimentary arrival transfer on Day 2 and departure transfer on Day 17

Quality Dining

• Highlight Dinner featuring a Flamenco Show in Seville (HD)
• 15 Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 6 three-course table d’hôte Dinners,or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

17 Days ~ Spain ~ Portugal

Tour Pace
This tour moves at a comfortable leisurely pace with five two-night stays in Lisbon, Seville, the Costa del Sol, Barcelona & Madrid and overnight stays in the four other cities. Driving days are not too long and with frequent stops.

DAY 1 – FRI – DEPART USA
Overnight flight to Madrid.

DAY 2 – SAT – MADRID AT LEISURE
Welcome to Madrid! There are complimentary transfers from Madrid Airport to your tour hotel. The afternoon is yours to relax or to begin exploring this vibrant city. Enjoy a Welcome Drink with your Tour Director as night falls.
Hotel: Melia Galgos.

DAY 3 – SUN – MADRID – SALAMANCA
Drive to Toledo, former capital of Spain, to see the 13th century Cathedral and one of Europe’s oldest synagogues, as well as the El Greco masterpiece in the chapel of Santo Tomé. Later, pass the ancient walls of St Teresa’s town of Avila en route to the ‘golden’ city of Salamanca. Before reaching your hotel, see the handsome arcaded Plaza Mayor and honey-colored cathedral.
Hotel: Alameda Palace. (BB,D)

DAY 4 – MON – SALAMANCA – OPORTO
Cross the Portuguese border to reach Oporto, celebrated internationally as the Port wine capital. With your Tour Director, see the Vila Nova de Gaia wine stores which house the famous port wines. Also admire the multi-colored houses and churches covered in glazed tiles.
Hotel: Le Meridien Park Atlantic. (BB,D)

DAY 5 – TUE – OPORTO – LISBON
Head south to Fatima to join the pilgrims flocking into the great Basilica. Continue to Batalha to visit the Royal Chapel in the Gothic monastery before driving to the old walled town of Obidos to explore the medieval streets. Later, continue to Lisbon.
Hotel: Marriott. (BB)

DAY 6 – WED – LISBON SIGHTSEEING
Today’s sightseeing with a local guide shows you Sao Jorge Castle, the Monument to the Discoveries and the Belem Tower. Later, visit Jeronimo’s Monastery with its superbly ornate cloister. The afternoon is at leisure to explore at your own pace. (BB)

DAY 7 – THU – LISBON – SEVILLE
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. Tour the fashionable Santa Cruz Quarter with its flower-decked wrought iron balconies and see the Alcazar. Enjoy a Highlight Dinner and entertainment featuring a fiery Flamenco show.
Hotel: Melia Lebreros. (BB,HD)

DAY 8 – FRI – SEVILLE AT LEISURE
The day is yours to relax, explore or continue sightseeing. Why not take an optional excursion to Cordoba to visit the magnificent Mezquita? Afterwards, consider enjoying a typical Sevilliano dinner at a local restaurant. (BB)

DAY 9 – SAT – SEVILLE – COSTA DEL SOL
Head south to Gibraltar, attached to Spain, yet an independent colony under British control since 1704. There’s time to explore the shops or take a trip to the top of the Rock to see St Michael’s Cave. Later, take the scenic route along the Costa del Sol to your hotel.
Hotel: Melia Costa del Sol. (BB,D)

DAY 10 – SUN – MIJAS EXCURSION
A leisurely drive through green hills above the Costa del Sol leads to the white-washed village of Mijas. There is time to stroll through the old streets and pleasant gardens and take in the views of the Mediterranean coast. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy the Costa del Sol. (BB,D)

DAY 11 – MON – COSTA DEL SOL – GRANADA
See some of Spain’s most exclusive resorts before turning inland to Granada, capital of the Moorish Kingdom of Spain until the Moors’ defeat in 1492. Visit the Alhambra Palace, a complex of magnificent buildings begun by the Moors and built over the centuries. Sightseeing includes the famous Lion Court as well as the exotic water gardens of the Generalife, the royal summer residence, where you can relax in the sun and enjoy the fine views over the town.
Hotel: Saray. (BB,D)

DAY 12 – TUE – GRANADA – VALENCIA
Drive over the Mora Pass, enjoying views over the Sierra Nevada en route. Pass through palm forests and lemon groves as you travel to Valencia. On an orientation tour, see the Generalidad Palace, El Miguelete Cathedral, gates of Serranos, Cuarte and the modern Centre for Arts and Sciences before checking into your hotel.
Hotel: Husa Reina Victoria. (BB,D)

DAY 13 – WED – VALENCIA – BARCELONA
Follow the coast to Peñìscola to view the sea-lapped castle used in the film El Cid. Continue along the Costa Dorada (Gold Coast) to Barcelona. A local guide will show you the Gothic Quarter, where you will visit the cathedral and view the lively Ramblas. Tour the modern Eixample District to see Gaudi’s famed Sagrada Familia church. As night falls, why not dine out ‘Catalan style’?
Hotel: Melia. (BB)

DAY 14 – THU – BARCELONA AT LEISURE
The day is free for you to explore this vibrant city. Take an optional excursion to the great Monastery of Montserrat to see the Black Madonna and enjoy the fine views. (BB)

DAY 15 – FRI – BARCELONA – MADRID
Pass the city of Zaragoza in the province of Aragón as you make your way along the Jalón Valley, past Guadalajara and back to Madrid.
Hotel: NH Abascal. (BB)

DAY 16 – SAT – MADRID SIGHTSEEING
A guided sightseeing tour takes you along the Gran Via and Paseo de la Castellana. See the Cervantes Monument in the Plaza España, the Puerta del Sol and Madrid’s most famous fountain in the Plaza de la Cibeles. Visit the Prado Museum to admire the paintings of Velázquez and Goya. Perhaps enjoy a farewell dinner in the evening with your fellow passengers. (BB)

DAY 17 – SUN – RETURN TO USA
The tour ends with transfers to the airport. (BB)