• Portugal
  • Spain

Overview

Experience the wonders of Spain & Portugal. Visit charming towns filled with vibrant culture, fascinating architecture, ancient history, & some of the most amazing views in Southwestern Europe. 

Highlights

  • Historic Accommodations - Enjoy stays in historic buildings, including a 16th century palace.
  • Jerónimos Monastery - Lisbon’s Manueline-styled gem that took an entire century to complete. It's home to the National Archeology Museum & the Maritime Museum.
  • Queluz National Palace – An exquisite example of 18th century Portuguese architecture.
  • Mérida - One of Spain’s architectural hubs, home of Puente Romano, Mérida’s 2,000-year-old bridge.
  • Seville Cathedral - 16th-century Gothic masterpiece, featuring eighty chapels & numerous symbolically-crafted doors.
  • El Tajo - A stunning 500 ft. deep gorge situated in the middle of the town of Ronda.
  • The Alhambra - Islamic palace featuring remains of the ancient citadel & the gorgeous Generalife gardens.
  • Prado Museum - World famous art museum in Madrid, featuring works by Velázquez & Goya.

Itinerary

Day 1: Lisbon

Welcome to lovely, historic Lisbon. Meet a tour representative upon arrival & transfer to tonight’s accommodation. Enjoy Portugal’s capital city today, followed by dinner at the hotel.

Day 2: Lisbon – Queluz

Discover the grandeur of Lisbon on a city tour, with visits to Jerónimos Monastery, a Manueline architectural masterpiece, that took an entire century to complete; the Tower of Belém & the Monument to Discoveries, a 171-foot landmark commemorating Portugal’s role in the Age of Discovery. Next, head for the outskirts of Lisbon to the city of Queluz. Tour the National Palace, an exquisite example of 18th-century Portuguese architecture. Relax under the Mediterranean skies for the remainder of the day.

Day 3: Lisbon – Monsaraz – Évora

Take in the scenic charm of Portugal’s countryside as we venture through the Alentejo district. Savor the tastes of Portuguese cuisine during a lunch visit to the quaint, hilltop town of Monsaraz. Arrive in Évora this afternoon & enjoy lodging at a pousada, one of Portugal’s historic hotels. 

Day 4: Évora

Explore the city bursting with ages of history on a morning walking tour. Visit the famous Chapel of Bones, which features an impressive décor of human skulls & bones. Other highlights include the ancient Roman Temple of Évora, & remains of the city walls from the Roman era. Spend the afternoon at ease.

Day 5: Évora – Mérida – Carmona

Cross the border & enter the land of “La Furia Roja,” Spain. Explore the city of Mérida, a gold mine for archeology enthusiasts. See the beautiful 2,000-year-old bridge, Puente Romano; the remains of the Roman theatre & amphitheater; & the Muslim fortress, Alcazaba. Venture about the city & enjoy a traditional Spanish meal or savor some delicious tapas. After lunch, travel to Carmona. Relax at your  parador, a historic Spanish hotel.

Day 6: Carmona – Seville – Carmona

Feast your eyes upon the magnificent Seville Cathedral, an enormous Gothic structure known for its numerous symbolic entrances. Tour Seville’s Arab quarter & visit the Alcázar of Seville, the elegant royal palace. Explore the town this afternoon, creating your own adventure, before returning to Carmona for dinner at the parador. 

Day 7: Carmona – Cordoba – Carmona

Travel to Córdoba today to visit many famous sites that will illuminate the city’s historical & cultural heritage. Visit the Old Quarter, the Córdoba Synagogue, a bold representation of Islamic-influenced architecture, & the Mezquita, Córdoba’s Mosque-Cathedral. Enjoy free time before heading back to Carmona.  

Day 8: Carmona – Ronda

Arise this morning ready to see an extraordinary sight. Enjoy a walking tour of the scenic town of Ronda, including breathtaking views from the edge of El Tajo, the enormous gorge situated in the middle of the town. Spend the afternoon at leisure. 

Day 9: Ronda

Enjoy Ronda today at your leisure before sampling the tastes of Spain tonight at the parador, the original town hall of Ronda.

Day 10: Ronda – Granada – Ubeda

Learn about Muslim rule in Spain during a visit to Granada. Tour the Alhambra, the 9th-century fortress that became an Islamic palace by the 14th century. See the remains of the citadel & follow the mosaic pathways through the beautiful gardens at the Generalife, the royal summer estate. Afterward, head for the 16th-century palace parador in Ubeda, tonight’s historic accommodation. 

Day 11: Ubeda – Toledo – Madrid

Take in the essence of medieval times on a guided tour of Toledo, featuring a visit to the cathedral, which houses the amazing El Transparente, a famous work of art made visible by the natural light of day. This afternoon, enjoy free time before traveling to Madrid for an overnight stay. 

Day 12: Madrid

Visit the city thriving with art, architecture, culture, history, & a passion for sports. This morning, enjoy a tour of Spain’s capital. Walk through Plaza Mayor, visit the Royal Palace, & enter the magnificent Prado, Spain’s famous national art museum. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. 

Day 13: Madrid

Madrid is at your fingertips today. Relax, explore, or shop. This evening, enjoy the tastes of Spain once more at an arranged farewell dinner.  

Day 14: Madrid

This morning, transfer to the airport & board return flight to USA.

Optional Add-Ons

Available upon request

Includes

  • Round-trip air USA – Portugal – Spain
  • Meet and assist upon arrival by your tours representative
  • Deluxe private air-conditioned motorcoach
  • Expert English speaking licensed guide
  • 10 days of ground touring with entrance fees
  • 13 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 10 dinners included
  • 13 Night accommodations in choice of 4, 5 star hotels & historic 4 star
  • Paradores & Pousadas
  • All transfers
  • Hotel taxes and service charges
  • Porterage of 1 suitcase per person
  • Escrow Protection Plan