Day 1 – Depart USA
Overnight flight to Madrid.

Day 2 – Arrive Madrid (2 nights)
Welcome to Madrid, the Spanish capital city! Time to relax or explore this lively Spanish capital. Later enjoy a Welcome Drink with your Tour Director and fellow travelers. 

Hotel: Rafael Atocha (2 nights)

Day 3 – Madrid Sightseeing
This morning our guided sightseeing tour introduces us to Madrid which King Philip II made the capital of the empire in 1561. We drive along the leafy avenues to see the statue of Cervantes’ fictional hero, Don Quixote, in the Plaza de España. Then we continue past the Cibeles Fountain and the Parliament, and cross the Puerta del Sol. Finally we see the Royal Palace, the largest royal palace in Western Europe with more than 2,800 rooms, which is the official residence of King Juan Carlos and the Royal Family and is now used only for state occasions. The Royal Family choose to live in the smaller Palacio de la Zarzuela on the outskirts of the city. Then we have time at leisure to relax or perhaps take an excursion to see the Valley of the Fallen which commemorates all those who died on both sides during the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939), and general Franco is buried inside the impressive basilica. (Buffet breakfast)


Day 4 – Madrid – Toledo – Granada
This morning we travel to Toledo, capital of Castile. On our arrival a guided walking tour highlights the Jewish Synagogue and the church of Santo Tome. Next into Andalusia to hilltop Granada with its views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. This evening dinner is included in our hotel. (Buffet breakfast Dinner) 

Hotel: Gran Luna

Day 5 – Granada – Costa del Sol
Our morning sightseeing tour visits the Alhambra Palace, Spain’s most beautiful Moorish building and former residence of the Moorish Kings. Then on to the Costa del Sol where tonight you may wish to sample the nightlife of this lively resort area. (Buffet breakfast) 

Hotel: Crowne Plaza

Day 6 – Costa del Sol (Estepona) – Gibraltar – Seville (2 nights)
Today we continue along the Costa del Sol to La Linea where we cross to the imposing Rock of Gibraltar, with time for duty free shopping. Next our journey takes us through the sherry wine region of Jerez to Seville where we spend the next two nights. (Buffet breakfast Dinner) 

Hotel: Zenit (2 nights)


Day 7 – Seville Sightseeing & at leisure
Today’s morning sightseeing with our local guide is dominated by the Bell Tower and weather vane of Giralda. We will also see the pools and fountains of Maria Luisa Park, Christopher Columbus’ tomb and enjoy a walking tour of the Jewish quarter. Tonight we enjoy an authentic tapas dinner in a typical bodega restaurant and learn about the local sherry, manzanillo. (Buffet breakfast 'Be my guest' Dinner)


Day 8 – Seville – Lisbon (2 nights)
Our journey today takes us via the ‘Jabugo’ (ham centre) of Spain and past mighty castles. Later we enter the Alentejo region of Portugal with its many cork forests. We continue from here to Lisbon, the capital, for the next two nights. You may wish to dine on local specialities this evening. (Buffet breakfast) 

Hotel: NH Parque De Lisboa (2 nights)

Day 9 – Lisbon Sightseeing & at leisure
Our guided tour shows us the Monument to the Discoveries, the beautiful suspension bridge across the Tagus and the Belem Tower. Then time at leisure perhaps to shop for pottery, cork and fisherman’s sweaters in the nearby fishing villages of Cascais and Sintra. Tonight we enjoy a Farewell Dinner with our Tour Director and fellow travellers. (Buffet breakfast Farewell Dinner)

Day 10 – Lisbon – Porto
This morning, after breakfast, our coach tour comes to an end and you will be transferred to Porto to join your river cruise ship and you will be met by your Cruise Director. (Buffet breakfast)

Day 11 – Porto – Bitetos
The “City of Bridges,” Porto, is Portugal’s second largest city. Its charm stems from its dramatic position above the river, with gabled houses closely terraced on the hill. You’ll be guided through the medieval city centre, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, then on to see the Romanesque cathedral. During the afternoon, we’ll sail to Bitetos, where you’ll spend an evening dining at the former 14th–century Benedictine Monastery of Alpendurada, perched high above the river in a stunning setting. (Breakfast Lunch Dinner)


Day 12 – Bitetos – Régua (Lamego) – Pinhão
This morning, after breakfast, we can relax and enjoy the truly breathtaking scenery of the picturesque Douro Valley as we cruise from Bitetos to Régua. During the afternoon we tour the old Episcopal city of Lamego, with a wealth of baroque buildings, including the 18th–century pilgrimage church, Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, and an 11th–century castle. Later we return to our river cruise ship for dinner and to reflect on a beautifully scenic day. (Breakfast Lunch Dinner)


Day 13 – Pinhão – Barca d’Alva
The small town of Pinhão is the epicenter of the Port wine–making area, and a place where the soil and climatic conditions are considered to be at their very best. Visit the famous Wine Academy at the Vintage House and learn more about the history of Port which goes back to the 17th century. Find out about the unique climate conditions of the Douro Valley and the Port wine–making process, and of course, you'll get to indulge in some of this country's most celebrated beverage. You’ll have some leisure time before sailing to Barca d’Alva in the afternoon. (Breakfast Lunch Captain's Dinner)


Day 14 – Salamanca (Vega de Terrón)
The ship will dock in Vega de Terrón, Spain, in the morning, and from here, you’ll travel overland to the Spanish city of Salamanca, one of the best preserved medieval cities in Spain. You’ll visit the historic university founded in 1218 by Alfonso IX of León, and you’ll stroll through one of Spain’s largest and grandest squares – Plaza Mayor with its warm, gold–colored sandstone. After a typical Spanish lunch at one of the city’s wonderful restaurants, enjoy some free time before returning to the ship in Vega de Terrón. (Breakfast Lunch Dinner)


Day 15 – Vega de Terrón and Pinhão
Visit the small town of Castelo Rodrigo, a medieval walled city with a parish church perched high on a hilltop that dates back to the 12th century. In the evening, you’ll visit the Vintage House Hotel, set in a magnificent 18th–century mansion overlooking the Douro River. Here you’ll be treated to a delicious and hearty dinner. (Breakfast Lunch Dinner)


Day 16 – Régua (Vila Real)
Today, you’ll be enchanted with a visit to the Mateus Palace and Gardens, a perfect example of baroque architecture, with an impressive facade made up of beautiful pinnacles on the roof and an ornate stairway, all reflected in a pond in front. The gardens are among the most beautiful in Europe, with a tunnel of cypress trees shading the path. (Breakfast Lunch Dinner)

Day 17– Porto – USA 
You disembark the ship and transfer to the Porto Airport for your flight home to America.

Free airport transfers
Transfers on Day 2 at Madrid Airport will operate at 09.30,12.30, 15.00 and 17.30. Passengers arriving later should make their own way to the first hotel. Return transfers on Day 17 to Porto Airport will be provided.