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1 MADRID, SPAIN.
Check into your hotel. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow
travellers. (D)
2 MADRID - TOLEDO - GRANADA.
A short morning drive south to Toledo. Spectacularly situated on a
granite hill surrounded by a loop of the Tagus River, the ancient
Castilian capital attracts more sightseers from all over the world than
any other Spanish town. Time to visit the old walled city, which was
made famous in El Greco's paintings. Even now it's like a great open-air
museum of Spanish history and art. Cross the Guadalquivir River and head
for the olive and orange groves of the rolling Andalusian hills.
Overnight in history-steeped Granada at the foot of the Sierra Nevada. (B,D)
3 GRANADA - COSTA DEL SOL.
Take advantage of the included visit with a Local Guide of the Alhambra,
a summer complex built by the Moorish kings. You'll treasure the memory
of its architectural beauty, and magnificent gardens. This afternoon,
enjoy a scenic drive along the Costa del Sol via Malaga to your
overnight hotel. (B)
4 COSTA DEL SOL.
A day at leisure to enjoy the sandy beaches, browse through the trendy
boutiques, or sample the many fancy restaurants. Don't miss out on the
optional excursion to Mijas, a typical Andalusian market town with some
enchanting views of the coast from its upper terraces. (B,D)
5 COSTA DEL SOL - SEVILLE.
First today, a visit to the strategic rock fortress of Gibraltar, in
British hands since 1704. Then, on through the sunny sherry wine region
on the Costa de la Luz to vibrant, festive Seville. (B,D)
6 SEVILLE.
One of Spain's most colourful cities. Perhaps you'd like to spend this
morning enjoying an optional sightseeing tour including the main
highlights of the vibrant city. (B)
7 SEVILLE - EVORA, PORTUGAL - LISBON.
This morning, enjoy the scenery of the Sierra de Aracena before crossing
into Portugal and the fertile plains of the Alentejo. Admire the forest
of cork trees and make a stop in Evora, a delightfully attractive
Moorish city with arches, alleys, flower-decked balconies, and brilliant
white houses. Take the motorway for the drive into Lisbon for two
overnights. (B)
8 LISBON.
Henry the Navigator made Lisbon the 15th-century mistress of the seas.
You'll see his monument, the Belem Tower, the Moorish Citadel, the
impressive Black Horse Square, and other highlights on the guided
sightseeing excursion. Spend the afternoon in the Alfama's
tile-decorated streets, or take an optional excursion along the Estoril
Coast to Cascais and Sintra. (B)
9 LISBON - OPORTO.
North this morning by way of Santarem, using the motorway to reach
Fatima for a visit of its world famous sanctuary. Later, Oporto on the
northern bank of the River Douro. Optional sightseeing with a Local
Guide takes in many of the city's highlights. (B)
10 OPORTO - SALAMANCA, SPAIN.
A profusion of woodlands and mountains on your way to Spain by way of
Fuentes de Onoro and Ciudad Rodrigo, located high above the Rio Agueda.
Reach the ancient and beautiful university town of Salamanca in the
early evening. (B,D)
11 SALAMANCA - MADRID.
Leave Salamanca this morning, still visualizing its charming Plaza
Mayor. Journey to fortified Avila with its many towers for an
orientation tour. Visit St. Theresa's convent before continuing to
Segovia for a visit of this medieval town picturesquely set on a rocky
hill. Cross the boundary between new and old Castile to arrive in
Madrid. (B)
12 MADRID.
Not only is it the capital of Spain, but because it is situated 2,180
feet above sea level, the Spaniards rightly say Madrid is the nearest
thing to heaven. Enjoy the main highlights on the included guided
sightseeing excursion. (B)
13 MADRID.
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B |
