Day
1
Overnight flight to Madrid.
Day
2
Welcome to Madrid, the Spanish capital city! The rest of the day is free to relax. Perhaps stroll along wide tree-lined boulevards or shop in elegant boutiques. Tonight we will enjoy a Welcome Drink with our Tour Director and companions.
Day
3
We enjoy a morning drive to the old capital of Castile – Toledo. Here sightseeing with the local guide features the Church of Santo Tomé, which houses the El Greco masterpiece and a Toledo steel workshop. Then we continue south to Roman-founded Cordoba in the heart of Andalusia.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Day
4
The 'Mezquita' which was the Mosque of the Caliphs – today housed in a Catholic Cathedral – forms part of our guided sightseeing tour, which also includes a visit to the remains of the 14th century 'mudejar' style synagogue. Then we drive in the shadow of the Sierra Nevada Mountains to hilltop Granada, where we enjoy a Highlight Dinner tonight.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Day
5
This morning’s sightseeing highlight is a guided visit of the exquisite Alhambra Palace, former residence of the Moorish kings. Admire the incredible lace-like carvings and the quiet courtyards filled with the refreshing sound of playing fountains, before we head south to the famous Costa del Sol and its relaxed resort atmosphere. Later in the afternoon maybe take an optional excursion to the pretty hilltop village of Mijas followed by a Mediterranean dinner?(Buffet Breakfast)
Day
6
A full day to relax. Perhaps take a stroll along the glorious sandy beaches, enjoy a shopping spree or people-watch from an open-air café or perhaps take a full day excursion to Morocco? Later at cocktail hour, why not savour the atmosphere of a tapas bar?(Buffet Breakfast)
Day
7
This morning we drive to La Linea to cross to the Rock of Gibraltar with time for duty-free shopping. Later, on to the sun-drenched sherry wine region of Jerez and to the capital of Andalusia, Seville, where tonight we enjoy a 'Be My Guest' tapas dinner with wine and sherry in a typical bodega restaurant. Later maybe enjoy a fiery Flamenco show - the best in Spain!(Buffet Breakfast / 'Be My Guest' Dinner)
Day
8
Our morning sightseeing tour with a local guide is dominated by the Bell Tower and weather vane of La Giralda, and includes the pools and fountains of the Maria Luisa Park, where we see the elegant pavilions built for the Hispano-American exhibition of 1929. Then we see Christopher Columbus' tomb in the magnificent Cathedral. Tonight there is an opportunity to enjoy an excellent Andalusian dinner in a characteristic restaurant.(Buffet Breakfast)
Day
9
Via the best 'Jabugo' (ham) producing area of Spain, and past the castles of Extremadura we travel to the Portuguese border and to Lisbon for two nights. Tonight, maybe sample Portuguese in a local restaurant whilst listening to haunting Fado melodies?(Buffet Breakfast)
Day
10
We will see the Monument to the Great Explorers, the beautiful suspension bridge, and admire the magnificent Belem Tower on our guided morning sightseeing tour. Your afternoon is at leisure. You may wish to visit nearby Cascais fishing village and shop for pottery, cork and fishermen's sweaters before going to fairy-tale Sintra and visiting its palace.(Buffet Breakfast)
Day
11
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- houses of the Ribeira quarter and the Church of St. Francis before continuing to a port cellar for wine tasting.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)
Day
12
We return to Spain via Salamanca, Spain’s oldest university city, en route to Madrid on the Castilian plateau. This evening, why not try some traditional local at one of the city's many restaurants?(Buffet Breakfast)
Day
13
Our morning sightseeing tour with a local guide includes a visit of the Prado museum with its magnificent Velazquez paintings, as well as views of the Royal Palace, the Puerta del Sol and the Cervantes Memorial in the Plaza de Espana. We will also drive along the Gran Via and the elegant Paseo del Prado where we will see the impressive Cibeles Fountain. Later, why not take an optional excursion to one of the jewels of Spain, the city of Segovia, which is a World Heritage Site. Here you can admire the 2000 year old aqueduct, the fantastic castle, the medieval palaces, the snow-covered mountains and the atmosphere of bygone days. Tonight, we enjoy a Farewell Dinner with wine in a local restaurant with our Tour Director and fellow companions.(Buffet Breakfast / Farewell Dinner)
Day
14
This morning time to say farewell to Spain, our new found friends and Tour Director as the Tour comes to an end. Airport transfers are available. *Important Visa Information The visit to Gibraltar is subject to British and Spanish visa requirements. Visas can be obtained from your Travel Agent for a fee, prior to leaving home.(Buffet Breakfast)