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ITINERARY
Tour Pace
A relaxed tour with three night stays in the major cities of Lisbon, Seville, Madrid, & Barcelona. This allows you to get acquainted with each destination on your included city sightseeing tour but still leaves time for you to revisit any places of interest on your own.
DAY 1 – SAT – LISBON AT LEISURE
On arrival at Lisbon airport there are complimentary transfers to the tour hotel. Then time to relax or explore. Tonight, before dinner, join your fellow travellers for a Welcome Drink. Hotel: Marriott. (Three or four course table d'hote or buffet style dinner)
DAY 2 – SUN – LISBON SIGHTSEEING
Our guided tour takes us along the avenues of the Lower Town and across the tree-shaded squares. We pass beneath hilltop Bairro Alto to the Terreiro do Paco, finest square in the city. Now we visit Jeronimos Monastery with its superbly ornate cloister. Nearby we see the modern 'Monument to the Discoveries' and ancient Belem Tower. This afternoon we are at leisure. Tonight, why not enjoy dinner to the haunting sound of 'Fado' music? (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 3 – MON – LISBON AT LEISURE
A day in the Portuguese capital to spend as we wish! Perhaps take the funicular up to the steep alleyways of the old town, or explore the terraces of the Alfama district? Or maybe join an optional tour to Sintra and its royal summer palace? (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 4 – TUE – LISBON – SEVILLE
Leaving Lisbon this morning we travel over the modern Tagus Bridge and cross the wide Alentejo plateau to the Spanish border. Then we continue through the green slopes of the Sierra Morena to Seville, exquisite capital of Andalusia. This evening, we enjoy a highlight dinner and entertainment featuring a fiery Flamenco show! Hotel: Grand Hotel Renacimiento. (Buffet breakfast, Speciality Highlight Dinner)
DAY 5 – WED – SEVILLE SIGHTSEEING
Our sightseeing tour this morning shows us the immense 15th century cathedral, burial place of Christopher Columbus, the Alcazar and the slender Giralda Tower. We then tour the Santa Cruz Quarter, with its flower decked wrought iron balconies before time at leisure. Perhaps explore Maria Luisa park with its archeological museum? (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 6 – THU – SEVILLE AT LEISURE
A day to relax or perhaps enjoy an optional day trip to the sandy beaches of Portugal's Algarve region? (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 7 – FRI – SEVILLE – MADRID
We set off early this morning, driving along the Guadalquivir valley, to stop in the perfectly preserved Moorish city of Cordoba. We see the famous 2000 year old bridge before a guided visit to the magnificent Mezquita, an 8th century mosque with a Christian church built inside it. Then across the Sierra Morena mountains and the plains of La Mancha to Madrid. This evening we transfer to a local restaurant for a Highlight Dinner. Hotel: NH Alcala. (Buffet breakfast, Speciality Highlight Dinner)
DAY 8 – SAT – MADRID SIGHTSEEING
A guided tour this morning takes us along the leafy avenues of the city, seeing the Plaza Espaņa with its Cervantes Monument, the grandiose Cibeles Fountain and Puerta del Sol. We also see the Parliament and Royal Palace. Our highlight visit is to the magnificent Prado museum, one of the great art galleries of Europe! This afternoon is at leisure. (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 9 – SUN – MADRID AT LEISURE
Another day to enjoy as we please! Perhaps take an optional excursion into the Guadarrama Mountains to visit the austere Escorial Palace and amazing Valley of the Fallen? (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 10 – MON – MADRID – BARCELONA
An early start takes us through Castille where the legendary Don Quixote 'tilted at windmills'. We reach the Ebro River at Zaragosa where, the Virgin appeared to St. James the Apostle. Then we enter Catalunya, a land that retains its own distinctive language and traditions. We stay tonight in the vibrant Mediterranean port of Barcelona. Hotel: Melia. (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 11 – TUE – BARCELONA SIGHTSEEING
Today a local guide takes us to the Gothic Quarter where amongst the narrow streets we visit the ancient Cathedral. In complete contrast, we drive out to the Eixample District to see some of Gaudi's extraordinary architecture, including the unfinished Sagrada Familia Cathedral. In the afternoon, stroll along the leafy Ramblas with its market stalls and buskers, or perhaps, take an optional excursion to the ancient Monastery of Montserrat, dedicated to the 'Black Madonna'? (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 12 – WED – BARCELONA AT LEISURE
Today we are free to explore this amazing city, visit the shops, or perhaps you may wish to stroll in the streets of the Spanish Village and visit the Bullfighters museum? Tonight we enjoy a highlight Catalan dinner at a local restaurant. (Buffet breakfast, Speciality Highlight Dinner)
DAY 13 – THU – BARCELONA
Our tour ends today after breakfast with a transfer to the airport. (Buffet breakfast)
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