Highlights of Spain & Portugal
Day 1
MADRID
Arrival and leisure time.
Day 2
MADRID – TOLEDO – GRANADA – 450KM
After breakfast, we will drive south to Toledo, the capital of Castile, which is situated in a granite hill surrounded by a loop of the Tagus River. Here our local guide will take us to a Moorish bridge, we will visit the Cathedral and an early Synagogue.
The city made famous in El Greco’s painting, is a unique open-air museum of Spanish history. From here we continue through the olive and orange fields of Andalusia to the Moorish hilltop town of Granada, with an extraordinary view of the Sierra Nevada Mountain.
Day 3
GRANADA – COSTA DEL SOL – 150KM
After breakfast, our local guide will show us the wonders of Alhambra Palace, summer palace built by the Moorish kings. In the afternoon we will travel to Torremolinos, one of the most popular Mediterranean resorts on the Costa del Sol.
Why not take an optional excursion to the hilltop village of Mijas.
Day 4
COSTA DEL SOL
A day at leisure to enjoy the sandy beaches and boutiques and many local restaurants.
Day 5
COSTA DEL SOL – GIBRALTAR – SEVILLE – 330KM
After breakfast we drive along the Costa del Sol and the millionaires resorts of Marbella. First visit today the impressive and strategic fortress Rock of Gibraltar, with time for duty free shopping.
Afterwards we will be heading through the sherry wine region of Jerez to Seville, where we will stay two nights. After our dinner in a local restaurant, why not enjoy a typical Flamenco show ?
Day 6
SEVILLE
After breakfast prepare yourself to discover this beautiful city with our local guide who will take us to visit the Cathedral (the largest in Spain), Giralda Tower and the 12th century Alcazar which was originally developed by Moorish Muslim kings.
We will also have the opportunity to see the pools and fountains of Maria Luisa Park and Christopher Columbus tomb.
In the afternoon why not enjoy a river cruise through the Guadalquivir River.
Day 7
SEVILLE – EVORA – LISBON – 400KM
After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive through Andaluzia and Extremadura regions.
We enter in Portugal through Alentejo Region with its many cork forests.
Stop in Evora to visit this beautiful city, with its fortified walls, cobbled streets, arches and brilliant white houses. After lunch, continue to Lisbon.
Why not enjoy a typical meal in the old quarter watching Portuguese folk dancing and listening Fado melodies ?
Day 8
LISBON
After breakfast, our local guide will take us on a tour through the Monument of Discoveries, Belem Tower, the Moorish Citadel and Black Horse Square. In the afternoon don't miss the excursion to Cascais, Estoril and Sintra.
Day 9
LISBON – FATIMA – COIMBRA – OPORTO – 330KM
After breakfast, we head to Fatima to visit its world famous sanctuary. We will take a break in Coimbra for lunch and to visit the University town. Continue to Oporto and we will visit the city with our local guide and opportunity to taste the world famous Porto Wine.
Tonight why not enjoy a river cruise through the Douro River and have a typical meal in a local restaurant on the northern bank of River Douro ?
Day 10
OPORTO – GUARDA – SALAMANCA – 350KM
After breakfast, we will be heading southeast crossing a profusion of woodlands and mountains on the way to Spain. Short break in Guarda, the highest town in Portugal. Continue direction Fuentes de Onoro and Ciudad Rodrigo.
We reach the ancient and beautiful university town of Salamanca in the end of the afternoon. On arrival, an orientation tour will show you the Plaza Mayor.
Day 11
SALAMANCA – AVILA – SEGOVIA – MADRID – 262KM
After breakfast, we head for the fortified Avila for an orientation tour and then proceed to Segovia. Stop for lunch and to visit this medieval town picturesquely located on a rocky hill. Then continue to Madrid.
Tonight, why not enjoy an evening tour to admire the elegance of the city and have a meal in the Plaza Mayor, which is the most perfect of Spanish squares ?
Day 12
MADRID
After breakfast, our local guide will take you on a guided tour that includes the Royal Palace, Puerta del Sol, and Cervantes Memorial as well as a guided visit of the world famous Prado Museum with its paintings by Velasquez and Goya among others.
This afternoon, free time at leisure for shopping or why not joining an excursion to El Escorial and the Valley of the Fallen ?
Day 13
MADRID
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Madrid Airport for your return flight.