Region: Europe Type: Guaranteed Departures, Scheduled Tours Length: 16 Days Tap Rating: TAP Superior
This is a fascinating tour of two colorful countries. Learn about ancient cultures, explore modern cities and relax in the delightful climate of the Iberian Peninsula. During this tour, we will adapt to the customary later time schedule of Spain by departing at 9:00 a.m. and having dinner at 8:00 p.m. on several days.
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DAY 1 – Overnight Flight to Europe.
The Trip Documents will provide guidance for airport check-in. Relax on your transatlantic flight with the assurance that Image Tours has taken care of all the details.
DAY 2 – PORTUGAL . . Arrival at Lisbon Airport.
Upon arrival, clear passport control and collect your luggage. Refer to the “Arrival Instructions” in the Trip Documents for directions on where and when to meet your tour manager. Transfer to your Lisbon hotel to check in and freshen up. An afternoon walk is an excellent way to form first impressions of this vibrant city with its pastel-colored houses, brightly-painted boats, broad boulevards and mosaic sidewalks. This evening, meet your fellow tour members during the “Welcome to Europe” dinner. (Dinner)
DAY 3 – PORTUGAL . . Lisbon.
This morning, get to know Lisbon during the city tour. Highlights include Belem Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries honoring Prince Henry the Navigator. A great way to spend your afternoon is to ride a street car up to São Jorge Castle and to walk the narrow, winding alleys of the Moorish Alfama District. The alluring shops offer fine Portuguese products such as hand painted ceramic tiles, pottery and figurines. Another consideration is to join the optional Cascais & Cape Roca excursion (see Optional Excursions). Return to your Lisbon hotel for an included dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 4 – PORTUGAL . . Algarve Region & SPAIN . . Seville.
During your travels today, keep in mind that more than fifty percent of the world’s cork is supplied by Portugal’s forests. Cross the Sado River at Alcácer do Sal and make a mid-day stop in the Algarve Region. Continue through southwestern Spain, also known as Andalusia, and travel through the province of Huelva. It is from the nearby port of Palos de la Frontera that Christopher Columbus sailed to the Americas in 1492. Your hotel for the next two nights is located in Seville, one of the largest historic Old Towns of Europe. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 5 – SPAIN . . Seville.
During the city tour of Seville, a local guide will introduce you to the Plaza de España, the cathedral housing Columbus’ tomb, Giralda Tower, City Hall, and the tobacco factory of “Carmen” fame. The afternoon allows time to pursue your personal interests. Explore the Alcazar Palace (approximately €10), the Flamenco Museum (approximately €10), or the intriguing alleys and courtyards in the former Jewish Quarter of Barrio de Santa Cruz. Seville’s gardens provide a lovely setting for a picnic lunch. Of particular beauty is the Maria Luisa Park on the Guadalquivir River banks. The friendly neighborhoods and lively cafés of this delightful city invite people to relax and socialize outdoors well into the evening. Tonight, dinner is on your own to experience the regional specialties, or join the optional Flamenco Show with Tapas excursion (see Optional Excursions). (Breakfast)
DAY 6 – SPAIN . . Ronda – Costa del Sol.
Wind your way past thrilling mountain vistas to Ronda, a village whose unique location creates dramatic views over the Tajo Ravine. After an independent lunch, a local guide will share the history of this special place and point out photo opportunities. Today’s final destination is Spain’s Sun Coast, the Costa del Sol, in the province of Malaga. Your seaside resort, in the town of Torremolinos, awaits you with an included dinner upon arrival. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 7 – SPAIN . . Costa del Sol.
Spend the first day of a five-night stay becoming familiar with your Andalusian paradise along the Mediterranean coast. If you join the optional morning Malaga excursion (see Optional Excursions), a local guide will introduce you to the port, castle and city center of the provincial capital, concluding with a tasting of the regional wine. For those desiring additional exploration of the Andalusian countryside, your tour manager will also offer an evening optional Mijas & Country Dinner excursion (see Optional Excursions). (Breakfast)
DAY 8 – SPAIN . . Granada – Costa del Sol.
This day focuses on the city of Granada, elegantly enrobed by the surrounding Sierra Navada mountains and crowned by the astounding Alhambra. In Arabic, Alhambra means “Red Castle.” Granada’s Alhambra was in fact a fortified compound, complete with protective walls, lookout towers, two palaces, a garden, and a village for the families of the nobles. Your local guide will share the fascinating stories of this area and reveal the history leading to the interwoven Arabic and Christian influences. After exploring the center of Granada, return to your Torremolinos hotel for an included dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 9 – SPAIN . . Costa del Sol.
A day for relaxation! Walk the beach, swim in the Mediterranean, or lounge at the hotel pool. The airy boutiques along the winding streets leading up to the hilltop village are a shopper’s paradise, selling Mallorca pearls, gold jewelry, cork products and Lladro figurines. Other options include the Botanical Gardens, Butterfly Park and Aquarium. Or perhaps, prior to tour departure, you reserved a full-day optional Morocco excursion for this day (Note: Due to the uncertainty of availability and pricing for your departure, the most current information on independent Morocco excursion providers will be included in the Trip Documents.) For your independent lunch or dinner in Torremolinos, numerous sidewalk cafés offer fresh seafood, paella and tapas. (Breakfast)
DAY 10 – SPAIN . . Costa del Sol.
Enjoy another full day at your resort location along the Mediterranean Coast, with options for swimming, sunbathing, shopping, sampling local cuisine, and exploring one of the neighboring towns. Or, join the full day optional Gibraltar excursion (see Optional Excursions) to visit the caves and meet the Barbary Apes on “The Rock” in the British Overseas Territory. After an included dinner, celebrate your last evening in Torremolinos with tranquil views from the hotel’s rooftop bar or amid the festive atmosphere of the beach boulevard. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 11 – SPAIN . . Córdoba – Baeza.
Travel to Córdoba, where a local guide will explain the cultural landmarks, including the Old Jewish Quarter, La Mezquita (built as an immense mosque in the eighth century and currently used as a cathedral), Viana Palace and the Roman bridge. Take a stroll through the Old Town where splashing fountains decorate the patios and floral aromas fill the air. Depart Córdoba to travel among the infinite olive groves and rolling mountains of Jaén Province. You will overnight in Baeza, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The town is situated on a hill, and a small open-top tram will take you up to the hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 12 – SPAIN . . La Mancha – Madrid.
After learning more about this region during a morning tour at the Museum of Olive Tree Culture, head north through the region of La Mancha, the Arabic name for “parched earth.” Along the way, catch a glimpse of the windmills made famous by Cervantes’ story of Don Quixote. Ahead lies the fascinating city of Madrid, Spain’s modern capital and your final tour destination. Visit the Prado Art Museum with commentary from a local guide before transferring to your Madrid hotel for check-in and dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 13 – SPAIN . . Madrid.
You have a full day in Madrid to pursue your personal interests. Those who prefer more structured sightseeing might consider joining the local guide for an optional Madrid Royal Palace excursion (see Optional Excursions). Three popular choices for your afternoon exploration are the Old Town of Madrid (referred to as Puerta del Sol), EI Retiro Park (where you can rent a row boat on its Great Lake), or the Reina Sofía Museum (home to Picasso’s Guernica). Tonight’s independent dinner allows you to choose between the hotel, an outdoor café, or the optional Madrid Dinner excursion (see Optional Excursions). (Breakfast)
DAY 14 – SPAIN . . Madrid.
For your final tour day in Madrid, choose the Plaza Mayor, in the heart of the city. This lively square attracts a variety of street entertainers and is a favorite spot to finish souvenir shopping. Another possibility for today is the optional Toledo excursion (see Optional Excursions) to experience one of Europe’s most ancient cities. An included “Farewell Dinner” provides a final opportunity to enjoy the company of your fellow tour participants. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 15 – Daytime flight back to U.S.A.
Transfer to the Madrid Airport for your return flight home. (Breakfast)
Tour Highlights:
- Lisbon
- Seville
- Ronda
- Costa del Sol
- Granada Alhambra
- Cordoba
- Baeza & Olive Press Museum
- Madrid