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:
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

MADRID
Welcome dinner; guided sightseeing, visit the Prado Museum

SEGOVIA
Picture stops of the Alcazar and the Roman aqueduct

BURGOS
Orientation

BILBAO
Guided visit of the Guggenheim Museum

SAN SEBASTIAN
Afternoon stop

SARAGOSSA
Visit Plaza del Pilar

BARCELONA
Guided sightseeing, Columbus monument; visit the Cathedral of Santa Eulalia

VALENCIA
Guided sightseeing, visit La Seo Cathedral

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

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

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

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

Dates & Prices

• Madrid
• Toledo
• Barcelona
• Arles
• Les Baux
• Aix-en-Provence
• St. Tropez
• Ste. Maxime
• Cannes
• Nice
• Monaco
• Pisa
• Florence
• Rome

Itinerary

Dates & Prices

• Toledo
• Cordoba
• Granada
• Gibraltar
• Seville
• Lisbon
• Fatima
• Salamanca
• Madrid