The Best Of Spain & Portugal
Starting at: $1,569.00
13 days from Madrid to Madrid
HIGHLIGHTS
Individual headsets
Inside visits and special features:
Shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description including admission charges where
applicable.
Sightseeing:
Visits to Málaga, Ronda, Seville, Evora, Fátima, Coimbra, Oporto, Salamanca, Avila,
Segovia
Scenic Highlights:
Costa del Sol, Andalusia, Douro Valley
Guides:
Local Guides for city sightseeing in Toledo, Granada-Alhambra complex, Lisbon, Madrid;
professional Tour Director while touring
NOTES:
April 12 Departure – Feria in Seville
December 14 Departure – Christmas lunch in Madrid
ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrive in Madrid, Spain.
Check into your hotel. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers. (D)
Day 2 Madrid–Toledo–Granada.
The morning begins with a short drive south to Toledo. Spectacularly situated on a granite
hill surrounded by a loop of the Tagus River, the ancient Castilian capital attracts more
visitors from around the world than any other Spanish town. Time to visit the old walled city
with a Local Guide and visit the 12th-century CHURCH OF ST. TOME, known for its largeformat painting by El Greco of The Burial of the Count of Orgaz. Later, cross the
Guadalquivir River and head for the olive and orange groves that dot the rolling Andalusian
hills. Overnight in history-steeped Granada at the foot of the Sierra Nevada. (B,D)
Day 3 Granada–Malaga.
Today, join a Local Guide for an included visit of the ALHAMBRA, a lavish complex built by
Moorish kings. With construction dating back to 889 AD, you'll marvel at its architectural
beauty and magnificent gardens. Then, through the countryside to the coastal town of
Málaga for an overnight. 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 terrace. (B)
Day 4 Malaga–Ronda–Seville.
Today is an included visit to Ronda, one of the most historic towns in the region. Then,
drive through the stunningly scenic area of Pueblos Blancos—the “White-Washed Villages
of Andalusia.” This picturesque region is famous for the deep El Tajo Gorge that literally
cuts it in two, and is the birthplace of modern bullfighting. On to vibrant, festive Seville.
(B,D)
Day 5 Seville.
Capital of Andalusia and the cultural and financial center of southern Spain, colorful Seville
has much to offer: the Cathedral of Seville, once the third-largest church in the world after
St. Peter's in Rome and St. Paul's in London; the beautiful La Giralda minaret tower, a
symbol of Seville; the Real Alcázar palace with its extravagant architecture and opulent
gardens; Plaza de España, used in the filming of Episodes I and II in the Star Wars trilogy;
and so much more. An optional sightseeing tour of the main highlights provide a great
introduction. (B)
Day 6 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)
Day 7 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)
Day 8 Lisbon–Fátima–Coimbra–Oporto.
Head north this morning by way of Santarém and stop in Fátima for a visit of its worldfamous SHRINE dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Later, continue to Coimbra, known for its
university, one of the oldest in Europe, and to Oporto on the northern bank of the Douro
River. For the perfect way to round out your day, why not join an optional Douro River
cruise and dinner? (B)
Day 9 Oporto.
Included sightseeing with a Local Guide shows off many of the city's highlights this
morning. This afternoon, maybe join an optional excursion to Guimarães, considered the
"cradle" of Portugal and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its magnificent 10th-century
castle in the center of town has been classified one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal.
Tonight, enjoy the included dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
Day 10 Oporto–Salamanca, Spain.
A profusion of woodlands and mountains on your way to Spain along the scenic Douro
Valley. Reach the ancient and beautiful university town of Salamanca in the early evening.
(B)
Day 11 Salamanca–Avila–Segovia–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)
Day 12 Madrid.
Not only is it the capital of Spain, but because it is situated 2,180 feet above sea level, the
Spaniards say Madrid is the nearest thing to Heaven. Enjoy the main highlights on the
included guided sightseeing excursion. (B)
Day 13 Madrid.
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
FOR MORE INFO
Contact Vent Nouveau Travel & Tourism at:
+961 4 712037
+961 70 257682
[email protected]