Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1
Board your overnight transatlantic flight.
Day 2 Arrival in Madrid, Spain
Time to rest or to start exploring the Spanish capital. At 6 p.m. meet your Tour Director and traveling companions and have a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
Day 3 Madrid
The capital of Spain since 1561, Madrid today is a strikingly modern city, the showcase of a country resolutely turned towards the future. Your Local Guide takes you to the Puerta del Sol, Plaza de España with its monument to Cervantes, the Parliament, Cibeles Fountain, elegant Calle Alcala, and Paseo de Castellana. Then the highlight: a visit to the palatial Prado Museum with its priceless art treasures. In the afternoon an optional excursion to El Escorial and the Valley of the Fallen can be arranged. (BB)
Day 4 Madrid–Segovia–Salamanca
A day in beautiful Castile. Cross the rugged Sierra de Guadarrama on the way to Segovia, famous for its Alcazar and the 2,000-year-old Roman aqueduct. Next, stop for pictures of the walled town of Avila where St. Theresa founded the Order of Carmelites. Overnight in Salamanca, whose baroque Plaza Mayor is one of the country’s grandest squares. (BB,D)
Day 5 Salamanca–Fatima–Lisbon, Portugal
The majestic scenery of the Serra da Estrela mountain range forms the backdrop of your morning drive into Portugal. Before heading for Lisbon, melt into the stream of pilgrims from all over the world as you visit the sanctuary of our Lady of the Rosary in Fatima. (BB)
Day 6 Lisbon
Portugal’s imperial ambitions date back to Prince Henry the Navigator’s 15th-century discoveries in West Africa and did not subside until the 1970s. Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide features Belem Tower, guarding the estuary of the Tagus River, and Jeronimos Monastery with the tomb of Vasco da Gama. Drive past the bull ring to Pombal Statue and on along the grand Avenida da Liberdade. Then enjoy a walk through the cobbled alleys of Alfama, the quarter of the seamen. Afternoon and evening at leisure. This evening why not sign up for an optional dinner with Fado-style entertainment? (BB)
Day 7 Lisbon–Seville, Spain
Enjoy a scenic drive through the Algarve and reach the vibrant capital of Andalusia. During your guided afternoon sightseeing hear about the city’s role in Roman times, its conquest by the Moors in 712 A.D., and its contribution to the discovery of the New World. Admire Maria Luisa Park. Drive to the Plaza de España, the Gold Tower on the Guadalquivir River, and the university that used to be the tobacco factory of Carmen fame. Visit the cathedral with Columbus’ tomb, the world’s largest gothic edifice. Then stroll through the narrow lanes of the charming Santa Cruz quarter. (BB,D)
Day 8 At Leisure in Seville
All day at leisure with lots of things to do. Your Tour Director will have suggestions how to spend your time. For a truly Andalusian night out, reserve a seat at our optional flamenco show. (BB)
Day 9 Seville–Tangier, Morocco
Through the sunny sherry wine region of Jerez to Algeciras. Board your ferry and sail across the Straits of Gibraltar to Africa. Continue to Tangier, jumping-off point for the Moorish conquest of Spain and home town of the legendary medieval traveler Ibn Batuta. Sightseeing with a Local Guide includes a stop for pictures at the sultan’s palace and a panoramic drive to Cap Spartel, where you will quench your thirst Bedouin-style with a glass of hot mint tea. (BB,D)
Day 10 Tangier–Torremolinos, Spain
Visit Tangier’s colorful Grand Socco market and explore the narrow streets of the Casbah. Then return across the Straits with cameras at the ready as you approach the Bay of Algeciras. The vistas of the Rock of Gibraltar are spectacular! Then a drive to your hotel in Torremolinos along the elegant Costa del Sol. (BB)
Day 11 At Leisure in Torremolinos
A day at leisure. Enjoy the sandy beaches, browse through the trendy boutiques, or join an optional excursion to the Rock of Gibraltar, in British hands since 1704. (BB)
Day 12 Torremolinos–Granada
Into the mountains to history-steeped Granada. Visit its main attraction, the ALHAMBRA, with a Local Guide. A fantasy of “lace in stone” surrounded by arabesque gardens and fountains, it affords superb views of the Old Quarter and Sacromonte, a mountain occupied by Gypsy cave dwellers. Also admire the magnificent Water Gardens of the Generalife, the royal summer residence. (BB,D)
Day 13 Granada–Toledo–Madrid
The olive and orange groves of the rolling Andalusian hills and later the more barren landscapes of Don Quixote’s La Mancha unfold before your eyes on the way north to Toledo, spectacularly situated on a granite hill surrounded by a loop of the Tagus River. A Local Guide takes you to the Moorish bridge, an early synagogue, the 13th-century Gothic Cathedral, and the Church of Santo Tome with one of El Greco’s most famous paintings. Time to visit a Damascene Steel Workshop before returning to Madrid. Tonight why not join an optional dinner outing to celebrate the success of your Iberian vacation? (BB)
Day 14
Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (BB)
