Lisbon to Costa del Sol Escape with Madrid

Welcome to Lisbon! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)

Lovely Lisbon This morning, discover the historic grandeur of Lisbon when you join your Local Guide for a fascinating sightseeing drive complete with photo stops at Belem Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries. See important landmarks including Jerónimos Monastery. Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening to explore more of the city. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORIC SPOT The stunning capital city of Portugal is a treasure trove of historic and architectural masterpieces. Along the banks of the River Tagus see the 16th-century Belém Tower, which served as a fortress and an embarkation point for sailors, it was their last sight of land before the start of their journey. Lisbon’s impressive sculpture, the Monument to the Discoveries pays homage to great Portuguese explorers with a spectacular carved prow of an ancient ship.

Sunny Days & Secret Bays Depart Lisbon and enjoy a scenic drive through central Portugal as you head south to one of Europe’s most recognizable coastlines, the Algarve. Take advantage of an afternoon and evening at leisure to start getting acquainted with the area. (B) 81 mi / 130 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT SUN & SAND One of the sunniest regions in Europe, the Algarve is graced by about 3000 hours of sunshine per year and more “blue flag” beaches than anywhere else in Portugal. It is renowned for its stunning coastline of dramatic cliffs, natural arches, and hidden bays.

Cliffs & Coastlines Today experience Portugal’s most famous coastline with an excursion along the breathtaking Algarve coast. Visit Cape St. Vincent, believed by the Roman’s to be the end of the world! Later enjoy some leisure time to relax and browse. (B) 81 mi / 130 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT PICTURE PERFECT Take in the breathtaking views of the sweeping southern coastline of Portugal in Algarve. Stand on Cape St. Vincent to gaze at the glorious beaches, postcard-perfect fishing ports, and towering cliffs along the sea.

Sensational Spain Bid adeus to Portugal as you cross over the border to Spain. Arrive in stunning Seville and start to discover what makes it so special. Visit the Plaza de España, one of the city’s most famous landmarks before joining your Local Guide for a fascinating sightseeing tour comprising a panoramic drive and a stroll through the charming Santa Cruz Quarter. After some free time, continue to Jerez, the world capital of sherry. This evening enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORIC SPOT Walk through Seville’s picturesque Plaza de España, originally built for Seville's Ibero-American Expo at the 1929 World's Fair, the 540,000-square-foot plaza features a sprawling mosaic patio. Explore the historic Santa Cruz quarter and its magical maze of tapas, flamenco, and cafés.

Coast of the Sun This morning, start your day with an orientation in Jerez including views of some of its important monuments and plazas. Drive to Cadiz, the oldest city in Western Europe, and enjoy free time to discover this charming city; witness the elegant, pastel-colored homes with Mirador windows, plazas decorated with palm trees, and a cathedral by the sea. Perhaps take a stroll around the Old Quarter or along the promenade. Later, arrive at your hotel on the Costa del Sol and enjoy a leisurely evening. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURAL GEM Cadiz might not be Spain’s most famous city, but it definitely packs a punch! From its ancient roots to its lively tapas scene, there’s lots to see and sample. When you walk along the promenades and admire the beaches, you might get that déjà vu feeling as it was a stand-in for Havana as a film location in the James Bond film “Die another Day.”

Sea & Sun Enjoy a free day on the Costa del Sol, take a stroll on the promenade, browse the stores, or try local specialties at a traditional chiringuito (beach bar). (B) ENHANCED FREE TIME EXPLORE MORE of Costa del Sol’s endless beaches to stroll and hidden caves to explore. Here, the white villages that scatter the mountains, historical landmarks with centuries of culture, evenings spent sipping cocktails by the sea, pleasant temperatures all year round, and friendly people are sure to make you feel at home.

Possible Dreams This morning, board a high-speed train, and relax for a scenic journey north to Madrid. In Madrid join your Local Guide for a panoramic drive and discover the city's historic grandeur along the boulevards. Admire elegant buildings and views of legendary landmarks, including the Plaza de España monument to Miguel de Cervantes, author of 'Don Quixote.' Enjoy a guided visit to the world-famous Prado Museum for further glimpses into Spanish culture and history through its art collection. (B,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHT ART & ARCHITECTURE The Prado Museum houses one of the world’s largest art collections, including its amazing assortment of masterpieces by historic artists like Velasquez, Goya, and El Greco. The famous museum also displays the works of renowned European masters, including Rubens and Rembrandt, along with a stunning collection of Greco-Roman statues.

Marvelous Madrid A whole day is yours to enjoy Madrid! Perhaps absorb more art and culture in one of the many museums, browse the stores, stroll the boulevards, sample local specialties, or join an optional excursion to discover further afield. (B,D) ENHANCED FREE TIME EXPLORE MORE The city of Madrid is filled with intriguing stories and hidden secrets. Stroll around the streets and take pictures of “El Oso y el Madrono” (The bear and the strawberry tree), the biggest symbol of the city. Don’t forget to note the statues of the Fallen Angel, representing Lucifer, the Angel who was expelled from Heaven for rebelling against God.

Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)