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 fellow passengers and 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-coloured 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-coloured 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
With a local guide, visit the cobbled streets of the ‘Alfama’ quarter, and see Sao Jorge Castle, the Monument to the Discoveries and the Belem Tower. Visit Jeronimo’s Monastery with its superbly ornate cloister. The afternoon is at leisure. (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: Reina Victoria. (BB,D)
DAY 13 – WED – VALENCIA – BARCELONA
Follow the coast to Peñíscola 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: Melia Galgos. (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 spend the evening enjoying a farewell dinner with your fellow passengers. (BB)
DAY 17 – SUN – RETURN TO USA
The tour ends after breakfast with transfers to the airport. (BB)
Hotels
An excellent mixture of both modern and traditional hotels; with the modern and luxurious Lisbon Marriott and Melia Costa del Sol, the Saray in Granada designed in the style of the Alhambra, and the more traditional Reina Victoria in Valencia.
Fellow Passengers
This tour is popular with both the first time visitor, as well as experienced travellers, as it is a classic tour of the Iberian peninsular, visiting the major centres of both Spain and Portugal, with particular emphasis on the art, architecture and cultural history.
Highlights
The visit to the Palace & Gardens of the Alhambra in Granada and the stunning scenery of the Costa del Sol are always impressive; but the beauty, culture, and discovery of the lesser known delights of Portugal, make this tour even more memorable.
Enjoy our Premium Highlights plus these extra tour features
Excursions & Sights
- See the Plaza Mayor and cathedral in the university town of Salamanca
- See the walled town of Avila
- See the wine stores of the Vila Nova de Gaia in Oporto
- Visit the neo-classical Basilica in the pilgrimage town of Fatima
- Visit the ancient fortified city of Obidos
- View the modern Monument to the Discoveries and ancient Belem Tower in Lisbon
- View the Alcazar, Giralda Tower, and the fashionable Santa Cruz quarter in Seville
- Visit Gibraltar to see the famous Rock
- See Valencia’s Gothic Generalidad Palace, octagonal El Miguelete Tower & Cathedral
- See the City Gates and the Centre for Arts & Sciences in Valencia
- See the white walled cottages and stone castle of Peñìscola
- Drive through Barcelona’s modern Eixample District to view Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia
- Visit the Cathedral in the Gothic Quarter & Barcelona’s most famous street, Las Ramblas
- See Madrid’s Cervantes Monument, Cibeles Fountain & Puerta del Sol
Scenic drives
- across the Guadarrama Mountains, Mora Pass and along the Costa del Sol
Guided City Tours
- Indepth sightseeing tours in Lisbon, Seville, Barcelona, Toledo & Madrid
- Orientation tours in Salamanca, Oporto, Mijas, Granada, Gibraltar & Valencia
Insight's First Class Services
- Escorted by a professional Tour Director
- Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard toilet
- First-class hotels with all service charges, taxes and porterage
- Travel bag, document wallet, map book journal and information pack
- Complimentary arrival transfer on Day 1 and departure transfer on Day 16
Quality Dining
