Highlights of Spain and Portugal

HIGHLIGHTS OF SPAIN & PORTUGAL
14 DAYS FROM $2,375 US
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Phone: 1-888-682-6449/1-303-670-5640
Fax: (425) 984-7676

Discover the splendor and beauty of Spain and Portugal with us. Acquaint yourself with the elegant towns and cities of Spain and the changing scenery of Portugal. Soak up the sun on Costa del Sol and enjoy cuisines full of flavor and color.

Day 1- Depart USA
Overnight flight to Madrid.

Day 2 - Arrive Madrid
Welcome to Madrid, the spanish capital! The rest of your day is free perhaps to visit one of the museums or take an excursion to Segovia. Tonight, we will enjoy a Welcome Drink with our Tour Director and fellow traveling companions.

Hotel: Rafael Orense

Day 3 - Madrid - Toledo - Cordoba
This morning we make our way to the ancient capital of Castile, Toledo. On arrival our walking tour with a local guide and audio system includes visits to the ancient synagogue, the Church of Santo Tomé, a steel workshop and views of the cathedral. We continue to Roman-founded Cordoba for dinner and our overnight stay. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)

Hotel: Occidental

Day 4 - Cordoba - Granada
Highlights of our morning sightseeing tour using our audio system include the Mosque of the Caliphs and medieval synagogue. Then we drive past the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the grandeur of hilltop Granada, Spain's most beautiful Moorish-influenced city. This evening, we will enjoy an included Highlight Dinner of local specialities whilst being serenaded. (Buffet breakfast / Highlight Dinner)

Hotel: Gran Luna

Day 5 - Granada - Costa del Sol (2 nights)
Morning sightseeing features a visit to the exquisite Alhambra Palace, former residence of Moorish Kings, using our audio system. From here we will continue towards Torremolinos, the most popular Mediterranean resort on the Costa del Sol for two relaxing nights. This afternoon, perhaps take an optional excursion to the pretty hilltop village of Mijas, and later why not enjoy a delicious fish dinner in the oldest part of town? (Buffet breakfast)

Hotel: Melia Costa Del Sol (2 nights)

Day 6 - Costa del Sol at leisure
After breakfast this morning you can enjoy a full day to relax. You may wish to lounge on the glorious beaches, go on a shopping spree, maybe visit Malaga, the birthplace of Pablo Picasso? At cocktail hour, why not savour the atmosphere of one of the many open air bars? (Buffet breakfast)

Day 7 - Costa del Sol – Gibraltar – Seville (2 nights)
Today our Tour Director will show us a Hidden Treasure! But first we drive to La Linea to cross to the 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. Tonight, why not enjoy a fiery Flamenco show after our tapas dinner with sherry in a typical bodega restaurant. (Buffet breakfast / 'Be My Guest' Dinner)

Hotel: Tryp Macarena (2 nights)

Day 8 - Seville sightseeing & at leisure
Today's morning sightseeing tour with our local guide and audio system 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 the cathedral, and walk through the Jewish quarter. Afterwards enjoy some time on your own in this city steeped in Moorish history and culture. (Buffet breakfast)

Hotel: NH Parque De Lisboa (2 nights)

Day 9 - 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: Marriott (2 nights)

Day 10 - Lisbon sightseeing & at leisure
After breakfast, we will see the Monument to the Discoveries, the beautiful suspension bridge across the Tagus and admire views of the Belem Tower on our guided morning sightseeing tour including our audio system. A highlight of our tour will be a leisurely walk around the quaint Alfama district. Later time at leisure perhaps to shop for pottery, cork and fisherman's sweaters in the nearby fishing villages of Cascais and Sintra. Tonight why not enjoy a typical meal in the old quarter watching Portuguese folk dancing and listening to heart-wrenching and melancholic Fado melodies? (Buffet breakfast)

Day 11 - Lisbon – Fatima – Salamanca
We continue on a scenic drive through the magnificent Serra d'Aire Mountains to visit the Shrine at Fatima, scene of celebrated religious miracles. Then we continue to Oporto, Portugal’s second largest city and the capital of the North. Here, after crossing the Douro River, we see the multi-coloured houses of the Ribeira quarter and the Church of St. Francis before continuing to a port cellar for wine tasting. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)

Hotel: Villa Gale Porto

Day 12 - Salamanca - Madrid (2 nights)
We return to Spain and visit Salamanca, Spain’s oldest university city, en route to Madrid on the Castilian plateau. This evening, why not try some traditional paella at one of the city’s many restaurants? (Buffet breakfast)

Hotel: Agumar (2 nights)

Day 13 - Madrid sightseeing & at leisure
Our morning sightseeing tour includes views of the Royal Palace, the Puerta del Sol and the Cervantes Memorial in the Plaza de España followed by a guided visit of the Prado Museum with its fine paintings by Velazquez and Goya among others. The remainder of your day is at leisure perhaps to shop for leather, lace or porcelain – Lladro is half the price of anywhere back home! Tonight, join your fellow travelers and Tour Director for a Farewell Dinner. (Buffet breakfast / Farewell Dinner)

Day 14 - Madrid - USA
This morning it is time to bid farewell to our Tour Director and touring friends as our vacation comes to an end. Airport transfers are available, conditions apply. (Buffet Breakfast)

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 the last touring day will arrive at Madrid Airport at 07.00, 09.00 and 11.00.

Highlights:
Toledo
Cordoba
Granada
Gibraltar
Seville
Lisbon
Fatima
Salamanca
Madrid

Fabulous Sightseeing

Toledo: Sightseeing including the Jewish Synagogue, Church of Santo Tomé, a steel workshop and El Greco masterpiece.
Cordoba: Sightseeing including the Jewish Synagogue, Church of Santo Tomé, a steel workshop and El Greco masterpiece.
Granada: Sightseeing including a visit to the Alhambra Palace.
Gibraltar: Visit the famous Rock.
Seville: Sightseeing including Columbus' tomb and the cathedral, the Bell Tower and weather vane of Giralda and Maria Luisa Park.
Lisbon: Sightseeing including the Monument to the Discoveries and Belem Tower.
Fatima: Visit the celebrated Shrine at Fatima.
Salamanca: See the Plaza Mayor.
Madrid: Sightseeing including the Royal Palace, Cervantes Memorial and
Oporto: See the Church of St. Francis and the Ribeira quarter.

Dining Highlights

12 hot buffet breakfasts.
2 three-course dinners.
Local highlight restaurant dinner with wine in Granada.
‘Be My Guest’ speciality tapas dinner with wine and sherry in bodega restaurant in Seville.
Farewell Dinner with wine in Madrid.
17 meals in total (see day-by-day itinerary)

First Class Travel Highlights

All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes included.
Touring by luxury air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and a washroom onboard.
The services of one top professional multi-lingual Tour Directors.
A qualified local city guide in Toledo, Cordoba, Granada, Seville, Lisbon and Madrid.
You'll stay in twin-bedded rooms with private facilities.
Airport transfers are provided on Day 2 and Day 14.
A stylish wallet, tour documents and map book journal.

Important note:
Visas may be required for this tour. Please speak with your travel agent at time of booking to assess your specific requirements.

Highlights of Spain & Portugal 2010 Optional Excursions

ESP23 - COSTA DEL SOL
Excursion to Mijas and Mediterranean Dinner. On certain departures ESP10 and ESP11 will be combined.
55 (€)

ESP45 - COSTA DEL SOL. Excursion to Malaga and Wine tasting
Should optional ESP42 not be available, ESP 45 below will be offered as an alternative A trip to Malaga, known as the capital of the Costa del Sol, with its palm tree lined avenues, its lively harbour busy with cruise-liners and its long sandy beaches. We visit the Moorish castle of Gibralfaro and admire the splendid views over the city from its parapets. Then we visit the old town and enjoy a guided tour of the house in which Picasso was born. We also visit the old Jewish quarter and admire the 2,000 year old Roman Amphitheatre. We end our excursion at a local winery where we taste some of the local vintages.
34 (€)

ESP42 - COSTA DEL SOL. Full-day trip to Morocco
Along the Costa del Sol to catch a fast boat across the Mediterranean Straits from Europe to North Africa. Experience Morocco through a guided tour of its most emblematic coastal city, including its medina & casbah, souks and & bazaars, with stops to view some of the most typical handicrafts. Including an authentic Moroccan feast for lunch. We return to the Costa del Sol late this evening. (NB. This optional is weather dependent, and may not be available on all departures)
92 (€)

ESP16 - GRANADA. Albaicin & Royal Chapel
First a leisurely walking tour through the Albaicin World Heritage Site - maze of narrow streets with whitewashed houses and patio gardens of bygone Moorish splendour. Our tour shows us the Catholic Monarchs' tombs, as well as some of their personal treasures, inside the Royal Chapel. We will end at the very picturesque Alcaiceria quarter, right at the heart of town.
32 (€)

ESP22 - GRANADA. Gypsy Night Out
This evening we are taken to the old quarter of Granada, which affords the finest views over the illuminated Alhambra Palace. Here we will enjoy the passionate 'Zambra' dances by Sacromonte's famous gypsies - a fiery emotive performance unique to the gypsies who live in these caves around Granada. One drink is included.
28 (€)

POR1 - LISBON. Fado with Dinner
An evening's entertainment Portuguese style. Savour a typical meal with local aperitifs and wines. Then relish the opportunity of watching the Portuguese demonstrate their folk dancing before listening to the unequalled 'Fado' singing.
51 (€)

POR8 - LISBON. Seafood Dinner by the Tagus River
Take a boat cruise across the mighty Tagus River and enjoy typical Portuguese seafood and fish specialities. After dinner cross the impressive Suspension Bridge for a sweeping view over the Portuguese capital.
46 (€)

POR2 - LISBON. Sintra, Cascais and the Estoril Coast
We leave Lisbon for the slopes of the Sierra de Sintra, an area studded with palaces. After visiting an impressive palace, we see the fashionable resort of Estoril before returning to Lisbon by way of the quaint fishing village of Cascais.
39 (€)

ESP6a - MADRID. El Escorial and the Valley of the Fallen
This guided tour takes us first to the royal city of El Escorial. This great monastery-palace was built in the foothills of the Guadarrama mountains by Philip II, in thanksgiving for his victory over the French at the battle of St. Quentin in 1557. After a break for lunch, we continue to visit the memorial built by Franco to those who fell in the Civil War. High in the mountains, with splendid views, this amazing memorial was cut into the rock face to create the largest basilica ever built. It is surmounted by a cross some 410 feet high.
43 (€)

ESP7 - MADRID. Fountains and Plazas of Madrid with Dinner
This introductory evening tour offers us the chance to admire the elegance of the new city, with its wide, tree-lined avenues and decorative fountains, before we experience the flavour of the old. Join the locals in a little idle chat and "people-watching" as they sip an aperitif before dinner in the old quarter of the city, drinks included.
51 (€)

ESP44 - SEVILLE. Dinner of Andalusian specialties, Plaza Espana & Seville by Night
First we dine on a selection of mouth-watering Andalusian specialties, so popular in this region of Spain. You will be able to enjoy a myriad of different tastes and wines before continuing to the famous exhibition site of Plaza Espana, followed by a tour of Seville by night
46 (€)

ESP9 - SEVILLE. Flamenco Evening
Enjoy a beautiful evening's entertainment in which we will see a varied show of flamenco dancing, Spanish orchestration and the songs of Andalusia. Drink included
36 (€)

ESP19a - SEVILLE. The Moorish Alcazar & Spanish Bullring.
We begin with the elegant Moorish Alcazar, set in its own beautiful gardens. Then, a must for any visitor to Spain, we experience the passion of the Spanish temperament with a visit to the famed Bullring and its echoes of ‘Carmen’.
36 (€)

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Child Prices: Apply to children under the age of 16.

Departures:
April - October

Prices
From $2,375 US approx per person double occupancy

Many other tours of Spain and Portugal and combinations including Morocco and France available
Contact us for more information