Iberia: Portugal & Spain - Itinerary
Visit the gracious and charming countries of Spain and Portugal on this grand Iberian Peninsula adventure. Barcelona offers a wealth of sites: Las Ramblas Boulevard, Columbus Monument, Parc Montjuic, Antonio Gaudi’s “La Sagrada Familia,” Parc Guell, and Mila House, demonstrating a wide variety of artistic and architectural flair. Absorb Madrid’s distinctive culture as you visit the world-famous Prado Museum and the splendid Royal Palace. In Toledo, view the Gothic Cathedral, El Greco’s masterpiece The Burial of Count Orgaz, and the 13th century synagogue.
Venture through the wine country of Valdepenas and into Cordoba, the Moor’s Mecca of the West. Here sits one of the world’s largest mosques, the Mezquita. Tour the stunning Alhambra, an immense hilltop palace fortress. Relax in the tropical playground of the Costa del Sol. Gaze in awe at the immense Rock of Gibraltar, and continue to Seville for a walking tour of the quaint old Santa Cruz Quarter and a flamenco show performance. Drive past charming farming villages and olive plantations on your way to Lisbon, where your see the Moorish Alfama Quarter, Jeronimo’s Monastery, and the Tower of Belem. Enjoy a special farewell dinner featuring local cuisine and Fado music.
The sequence of touring and days may be altered to adjust to religious holidays, special closings of sites, air schedule changes, etc. Hotels listed subject to availability. Meal inclusions may vary by departure.
Day 1: Overnight Flight
Welcome to a grand tour of Spain and Portugal. Your vacation begins with an overnight flight to Barcelona, Spain.
Day 2: Arrive Barcelona, Spain
Arriving in Barcelona, you will have some free time to relax before tonight’s welcome dinner. (D)
Day 3: Barcelona
Get an in-depth look at Barcelona with a tour that showcases Las Ramblas Boulevard, Columbus Monument, Parc Montjuic, Antonio Gaudi’s “La Sagrada Familia,” Parc Guell and Mila House. An optional tour to the quaint mountain village of Montserrat will also be offered. (B)
Day 4: Barcelona - Madrid
Depart Barcelona for the capital city of Madrid, one of the great cultural capitals of the world. Enjoy a special dinner, featuring Spanish cuisine at a popular local restaurant. (B, D)
Day 5: Madrid
Your tour of Madrid features the world-famous Prado Museum as well as the splendid Royal Palace. The remainder of your day is at leisure. (B)
Day 6: Madrid - Toledo - Cordoba
A visit to the ancient capital of Toledo features a medley of sites including the Gothic Cathedral, 13th century Synagogue, and El Greco’s masterpiece painting, “The Burial of Count Orgaz." Later, you depart the “land of castles” and travel to Don Quixote’s “La Mancha,” continuing through the wine country of Valdepenas and into Cordoba. (B, D)
Day 7: Cordoba - Granada
In Cordoba, the Moor’s Mecca of the West, you will visit the old Jewish Quarter, the 14th century Synagogue and the Mezquita, one of the world’s largest mosques. Later, depart for Granada, traveling along the panoramic Sierra Nevada. (B, D)
Day 8: Granada - Alhambra - Estepona (Costa Del Sol)
Begin the day with a visit to Alhambra and Generalife, and see the world-famous Arab Palaces. Next, you arrive in the tropical playground of the Costa del Sol where you will enjoy a stay in Estepona, one of the most famous resorts on the Costa del Sol. (B, D)
Day 9: Estepona
The day is yours to discover this beautiful resort. Swim in the Mediterranean, visit nearby Marbella or take an optional tour to the Moroccan city of Tangiers. (B, D)
Day 10: Estepona - Seville
Your day is highlighted by a visit to the majestic Rock of Gibraltar. Later, depart for the beautiful Andalusian city of Seville, your home for the next two nights. (B, D)
Day 11: Seville
Today you will see Columbus’ tomb, the ornate cathedral and Giralda Bell Tower. After a walking tour of the quaint old Santa Cruz Quarter and the beautiful Maria Luisa Park, enjoy an afternoon of leisure. This evening, enjoy an authentic flamenco show featuring Seville's top performers. (B)
Day 12: Seville - Lisbon, Portugal
En route to Lisbon, you pass charming farming villages and cork and olive tree plantations. (B)
Day 13: Lisbon - Fatima - Nazare - Obidos - Lisbon
Your day on Portugal’s “Silver Coast” begins in the pilgrimage town of Fatima. See the Batalha Monastery, an example of Manueline architecture, and travel to the quaint towns of Nazare and Obidos. (B)
Day 14: Lisbon
A tour of Lisbon features the Moorish Alfama Quarter, Jeronimo’s Monastery, Monument to the Discoveries, and the Tower of Belem. An optional trip to the Estoril Coast will be offered. Tonight, join us for a farewell dinner complete with local cuisine and Fado music at Adega Machado’s restaurant. (B, D)
Day 15: Lisbon - Depart for Home (B)
