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ITINERARY Insight Vacations - Best of Spain and Portugal
Tour Pace
This tour moves at a comfortable leisurely pace with five two night stays in Lisbon, Seville, the Costa del Sol, Barcelona & Madrid and overnight stays in the four other cities. Driving days are not too long and with frequent stops.
DAY 1 – SAT – MADRID AT LEISURE
Welcome to Madrid, Europe's highest capital, occupying the very centre of the Iberian peninsula! There are complimentary transfers from Madrid Airport to your tour hotel. This afternoon is at leisure to relax, or perhaps to begin exploring this vibrant city. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Drink with your fellow passengers and Tour Director. Hotel: Cuzco.
DAY 2 – SUN – MADRID – SALAMANCA
This morning we drive to Toledo, former capital of Spain, where we see the 13th century Cathedral and one of europe's oldest synagogues. We also see the El Greco masterpiece in the chapel of Santo Tome. Later, we pass the ancient walls of St.Teresa's town of Avila, on our way to the 'golden' city of Salamanca. Before reaching our hotel we see the handsome arcaded Plaza Mayor and honey-coloured cathedral. Hotel: Alameda Palace. (Buffet breakfast, Three or four course table d'hote or buffet style dinner)
DAY 3 – MON – SALAMANCA – OPORTO
Today we cross the Portuguese border to reach Oporto, celebrated internationally as the Port wine capital. With our Tour Director we see the Vila Nova de Gaia wine stores which house the famous port wines. We also admire the multi-coloured houses and churches covered in glazed tiles. Hotel: Le Meridien Park Atlantic. (Buffet breakfast, Three or four course table d'hote or buffet style dinner)
DAY 4 – TUE – OPORTO – LISBON
Today we head south to miraculous Fatima, where we join the pilgrims flocking into the great Basilica. We continue to Batalha to visit the Royal Chapel in the Gothic monastery. Then we drive to the old walled town of Obidos, where we explore the medieval streets. Later, we continue to Lisbon. Hotel: Marriott. (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 5 – WED – LISBON SIGHTSEEING
With our local guide, we visit the cobbled streets of the 'Alfama' quarter and see Sao Jorge Castle. Now on to the Monument to the Discoveries and the Belem Tower. We then visit Jeronimo's Monastery with its superbly ornate cloister. This afternoon is at leisure. (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 6 – THU – LISBON – SEVILLE
We leave Lisbon via the modern Tagus Bridge, and cross the border to reach Seville. A tour with a local guide includes the immense 15th century Cathedral, burial place of Christopher Columbus, and the slender Giralda Tower. We also tour the fashionable Santa Cruz Quarter with its flower decked wrought iron balconies and we see the Alcazar. This evening, we enjoy a highlight dinner and entertainment featuring a fiery Flamenco show! Hotel: Melia Lebreros. (Buffet breakfast, Speciality Highlight Dinner)
DAY 7 – FRI – SEVILLE AT LEISURE
A day at leisure to relax, explore or continue sightseeing! Why not take an optional excursion to Cordoba to visit the magnificent Mezquita? Tonight, perhaps enjoy a typical Sevilliano dinner at a local restaurant? (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 8 – SAT – SEVILLE – COSTA DEL SOL
We head south to Gibraltar, attached to Spain, yet an independent colony under British control since 1704. There's time at leisure to explore the shops, or perhaps take a trip to the top of the Rock to see St Michael's Cave? Later, we take the scenic route along the Costa del Sol to our hotel. Hotel: Melia Costa Del Sol. (Buffet breakfast, Three or four course table d'hote or buffet style dinner)
DAY 9 – SUN – MIJAS EXCURSION
Today a leisurely drive through green hills above the Costa del Sol takes us to the white-washed village of Mijas. There is time to stroll through the old streets and pleasant gardens with views of the Mediterranean coast. The rest of the day is at leisure on the Costa del Sol. (Buffet breakfast, Three or four course table d'hote or buffet style dinner)
DAY 10 – MON – COSTA DEL SOL – GRANADA
We see some of Spain's most exclusive resorts as we make our way to Granada, capital of the Moorish Kingdom of Spain till the Moors' defeat in 1492. We visit the fabulous Alhambra Palace with its famous Lion Court. We also visit the exotic water gardens of the Generalife, the royal summer residence, where we can relax in the sunshine, and enjoy the fine views over the town. Hotel: Saray. (Buffet breakfast, Three or four course table d'hote or buffet style dinner)
DAY 11 – TUE – GRANADA – VALENCIA
We drive over the Mora Pass with views over the Sierra Nevada. We pass through palm forests and lemon groves as we travel to Valencia, the favourite city of 'El Cid'. Our orientation tour shows us the Generalidad Palace, El Miguelete Cathedral, gates of Serranos and Cuarte and the modern Centre for Arts and Sciences, before we check into our hotel. Hotel: Reina Victoria. (Buffet breakfast, Three or four course table d'hote or buffet style dinner)
DAY 12 – WED – VALENCIA – BARCELONA
We follow the coast to Peñíscola to view the sea-lapped castle used in the film 'El Cid'. We continue along the Costa Dorada (Gold Coast) to Barcelona. Here, our local guide shows us the Gothic Quarter, where we visit the cathedral andwe view the lively Ramblas. Now we tour the modern Eixample District to see Gaudi's famed Sagrada Familia church. Why not dine out 'Catalan style' tonight? Hotel: Melia. (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 13 – THU – BARCELONA AT LEISURE
Today is at leisure in this vibrant city. Why not take an optional excursion to the great Monastery of Montserrat to see the Black Madonna and enjoy the fine views? (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 14 – FRI – BARCELONA – MADRID
This morning we pass the city of Zaragoza in the province of Aragón. Then we drive along the Jalón Valley, past Guadalajara on our way back to Madrid. Hotel: Cuzco. (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 15 – SAT – MADRID SIGHTSEEING
Our guided sightseeing tour takes us to the Gran Via and Paseo de la Castellana. We see the Cervantes Monument on the Plaza España, the Puerta del Sol and Cibeles Fountain. Then we visit the Prado Museum to admire the paintings of Velázquez. Maybe join your new found friends for a celebration dinner tonight? (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 16 – SUN – MADRID
Our memorable tour ends this morning after breakfast with a transfer to the airport. (Buffet breakfast)
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