USD prices listed, please request a full discounted itinerary
DAY 1, Thursday – Arrive in Lisbon
Arrive in captivating Lisbon, one of the oldest cities in Europe, and transfer to your hotel. Balance of the day is at leisure. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Drink and an orientation meeting at approximately 7 PM with your Tour Manager and fellow travelers, followed by a Welcome Dinner. We recommend that you select flights which arrive in your destination no later than 5 PM or earlier, if possible
Overnight: Lisbon
Meals: Dinner
DAY 2, Friday – Lisbon City Tour
In Lisbon, the tour begins with a stop at the top of Edward VII’s Park to enjoy a magnificent view over the hills of Lisbon and the River Tagus. Next, view the treasured 16th century Belem Tower, a monument to Portugal’s Age of Discovery and visit the Jeronimos Monastery, resting place of explorer Vasco da Gama, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afternoon is at leisure or, join the optional tour to quaint Sintra, the “Glorious Eden” of Lord Byron, and ancient summer retreat of the royal court, highlighted by lavish romantic castles and stunning monuments. Visit the Sintra Royal Palace, a 15th-century royal residence, containing one of the largest tile collections in Portugal. Then, spend some free time in the village historic center before returning to Lisbon
Optional: Half Day Sintra Tour (PM)
Overnight: Lisbon
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3, Saturday – Travel to Seville
Depart Lisbon this morning heading south. Cross the region of Alentejo, with its rolling hills, vineyards and cork oak trees. Reach the Spanish border and enter the region of Andalucia. Continue your drive through picturesque Andalucia to Seville. After dinner, opportunity to attend an optional Flamenco Show in Seville, known as the birthplace of Flamenco
Optional: Evening Flamenco Show (PM)
Overnight: Seville
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4, Sunday – Seville City Tour
Begin the day at the beautiful Plaza de España and the fragrant gardens of Maria Luisa Park before enjoying a walking tour in the quaint Barrio Santa Cruz, the former Jewish Quarter of the city with its winding cobblestone streets. Continue with a visit to the Royal Alcázar of Seville and marvel at the many examples of Mudejar architecture in this beautiful palace, built for the Christian king Peter of Castile. The rest of the day is at leisure or, join the fascinating optional tour to Cordoba, founded by the Romans. Visit the astonishing Mezquita de Cordoba, one of the largest mosques in the world, transformed into a soaring cathedral in the 16th century. A walking tour of the city reveals the ancient Jewish Quarter with its labyrinth of winding narrow streets, shady flower filled courtyards, picturesque squares, and view of the 14th century Synagogue on Calle de los Judios
Optional: Half Day Cordoba Tour (PM)
Overnight: Seville
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5, Monday – Ronda Sightseeing En Route to Costa del Sol
This morning, head south to the dramatic cliffside city of Ronda, considered the birthplace of modern bullfighting. Start with a tour of Ronda, home to Spain’s oldest bullring, the Plaza de Toros. Here, you can see the historic stables and museum along with displays of famous Matadors before proceeding to the Costa del Sol
Overnight: Costa del Sol
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 6, Tuesday – Full Day in Costa del Sol
Spend a full day at leisure in Costa del Sol to enjoy all of the delights of this resort area or, join the optional morning tour to Malaga, the birthplace of Pablo Picasso. Visit the Picasso Museum with over 285 works donated by members of Picasso’s family. View the Paseo de la Alameda, Paseo del Parque & the Barrio de la Malagueta. A walking tour through this historical town is accented by views of the Malaga Cathedral, the second highest in southern Spain. Head over to Cathedral Square before heading back. Dinner is together tonight at the hotel
Optional: Half Day Malaga Tour (AM)
Overnight: Costa del Sol
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 7, Wednesday – Excursion to Gibraltar
Journey to the impressive Rock of Gibraltar,* a British colony for over 300 years standing guard over the Strait of Gibraltar, where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean and Europe meets Africa. Take a tour of the area with minibusses climbing up to see St. Michael’s Cave and the famous Barbary apes with dramatic views of both the Spanish and Moroccan coastline. Spend some time in the main street of town with its colonial buildings and duty-free shops. Return to the Costa del Sol for overnight
*Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory independent from Spain and therefore has different entry requirements. Non-US passport holders are responsible to check if a visa is required for Gibraltar in addition to all other countries on their itinerary.
Overnight: Costa del Sol
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8, Thursday – Moorish Influenced Alhambra
Depart the southern coast and journey to Moorish Granada. Your visit is highlighted by a tour of the 13th century Alhambra,* one of Spain’s most celebrated monuments, dramatically perched atop Assabica Hill overlooking the entire city. This imposing hilltop fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the world’s finest examples of Moorish art and architecture. During the reign of the Moors, the Alhambra served as the residence of the royal family. Walk along the lanes of the serene Generalife Gardens with its beautifully designed courtyards, waterfalls and ponds, and views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Tonight, dinner together is at a local restaurant
*Alhambra visiting times, which may include evening hours, and which areas of the complex are accessible on the day of your visit, are determined solely at the discretion of the Alhambra. Your itinerary will be arranged by your Tour Manager to accommodate the designated time of entry.
Overnight: Granada
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 9, Friday – Toledo Sightseeing En Route to Madrid
Travel via the region of La Mancha, legendary home of Don Quixote, featuring panoramic views of its famous windmills. Continue to Toledo, the former capital city of Spain that still retains its medieval atmosphere and charm. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986, Toledo is known for its extensive monumental heritage and historical coexistence of Christian, Muslim and Jewish cultures. A walking tour will include a visit to the Church of Santo Tomé with the masterpiece painting by El Greco and the Synagogue of Santa Maria La Blanca, the oldest synagogue in Europe still standing. Continue to Madrid and enjoy the evening at leisure
Overnight: Madrid
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 10, Saturday – Madrid City Tour
This morning take a sightseeing tour of Madrid. Drive along the Gran Via through the Opera District, Plaza de Colon and view the Royal Palace. Pass by the elegant Plaza de Cibeles and Puerta de Alcala Gate. The tour will end at the world-renowned Prado Museum, where you will be able to view works of art by famous artists such as El Greco, Velázquez, and Ribera. Spend the afternoon at leisure or, join the optional tour to Escorial. Visit what has often been described as the “eighth wonder of the world”. El Escorial is, perhaps, Philip II’s most enduring legacy to Spain. This combination monastery-palace-mausoleum is situated approximately one hour outside of Madrid in the foothills of the Guadarrama Mountains. Bid adios to your fellow travelers and Tour Manager during the Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant
Optional: Half Day Escorial Tour (PM)
Overnight: Madrid
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 11, Sunday – Depart Spain
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
