16 Day Iberia

DAY 1, Saturday - Depart for Spain
Depart for Spain

DAY 2, Sunday - Arrive in Madrid
Welcome to Madrid, Spain's capital city. Transfer to your hotel. Most flights arrive in the early morning and your room may not be ready for you. In this case, leave your luggage with the concierge and your Tour Manager will provide suggestions for you to begin to explore the city on your own. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 7 PM, followed by dinner. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 5 PM
Overnight: Madrid
Meals: Dinner

DAY 3, Monday - Tour of Madrid
The discovery of Madrid begins with a drive along the Gran Via through the Opera District and Plaza de Colon to the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family. View the elegant Plaza de Cibeles and Puerta de Alcala Gate. Then, on to the renowned Prado Museum. Stand before an astonishing collection of masterpieces by Velazquez, Goya, El Greco, and more. The rest of the day is yours to explore this city of great monuments and museums on your own, or, join the optional afternoon tour to Toledo. Take a walking tour among the most famous monuments, visiting the St. Tome Church with its El Greco masterpiece and Santa Maria la Blanca Synagogue with its beautiful Moorish architecture, the oldest synagogue in Europe still standing
Optional: Toledo Tour (PM)
Overnight: Madrid
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4, Tuesday - Segovia, Avila, Salamanca
Traveling across the rugged Sierra de Guadarrama, you reach historic Segovia. View the preserved 1st century Roman aqueduct, symbol of the city, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On to the Gothic cathedral that took almost 200 years to complete before walking through the Jewish Quarter. Afterward, continue to Avila, best known for its imposing city walls, one of Spain's best-preserved bastions; its convent pays homage to St. Theresa, founder of the Order of the Carmelites. The drive then takes you to Salamanca. On the way to the hotel, view the beautiful Plaza Mayor, ancient sandstone buildings, and the striking old 12th century cathedral with its mysterious carvings. Savor dinner in Salamanca
Overnight: Salamanca
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 5, Wednesday - Portugal's Coastal City of Porto
Crossing the border from Spain into Portugal, stop first in Vila Real where you will view the exterior of Casa de Mateus as you stroll around its gardens. Then, arrive in the coastal city of Porto, dramatically set on the banks of the Douro River, a region famed for its production of port stored in the vast cellars stretching along the river banks. Spend leisure time in the afternoon to wander on your own along the narrow cobbled streets in the medieval Ribeira district, past merchants' houses and lively cafes. Tonight, join an optional Douro River Cruise with dinner. Embark on a boat ride that passes under Ponte Luis I Bridge and offers panoramas of the city from a new perspective. A meal of local specialties and drinks follows, at a typical country restaurant
Optional: Douro River Cruise with meal (PM)
Overnight: Porto
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 6, Thursday - Tour Historic Porto
Begin your exploration of historic Porto with a walking tour of the Ribeira district. Visit the Church of Sao Francisco, known for its gilded carvings and the palatial 19th century Palacio de Bolsa, embellished by an neoclassical façade. At a Port wine cellar, stop for a tasting of this Portuguese favorite. Wander on your own this afternoon in Porto, or join the optional Medieval Portugal tour. Head inland to the heart of Minho province to visit the former Roman 'Bracara Augusta'. Here, drive to the top of the 1,300-foot high hill of Bom Jesus, from where you can overlook the city of Braga and admire the famous Holy Way staircase. Proceed to the town of Guimaraes for a stroll through the medieval alleys. Have dinner before returning to the hotel
Optional: Medieval Portugal (PM)
Overnight: Porto
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 7, Friday - Visit Sacred Fatima, Arrive in Lisbon
Today, an inspiring visit to Fatima, a central Portuguese town home to the Sanctuary of Fatima, a Catholic pilgrimage site. Millions of pilgrims visit this sacred sanctuary that attracted the attention of the world when apparitions of Our Lady of the Rosary appeared to three shepherd children in 1917. Here, view the great Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary built in neoclassical style, flanked by colonnades linking it with the extensive convent. Afterwards, travel to Lisbon, built on a series of hills with scenic vistas from every angle. Tonight, attend the optional Dinner with Fado Music. Travel to one of Lisbon's oldest districts for a traditional dinner of Portuguese favorites with entertainment by soulful Fado singers
Optional: Fado Dinner (PM)
Overnight: Lisbon
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 8, Saturday - Lisbon City Tour
In Lisbon, the tour begins with a stop at the top of Edward VII's Park to enjoy a magnificent view over the hills of Lisbon and the River Tagus. Next, view the treasured 16th century Belem Tower, a monument to Portugal's Age of Discovery and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then, visit Jeronimos Monastery, an impressive symbol of the country's power and wealth and resting place of explorer Vasco da Gama. Time for lunch on your own before an afternoon at leisure. Perhaps join the optional tour to quaint Sintra, the "Glorious Eden" of Lord Byron, and summer retreat of the royal court, highlighted by lavish romantic castles and stunning monuments. Visit Sintra Royal Palace, a 15th century royal residence, containing one of the largest tile collections in Portugal. Then spend some free time in the Village Historic Center before returning to Lisbon
Optional: Half Day Sintra Tour (PM)
Overnight: Lisbon
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 9, Sunday - Drive to Seville
Heading south, cross over the border into Spain and arrive in the city of Seville with its fascinating history. Leisure time upon arrival. Afterwards, attend the optional Flamenco Show. Seville is the birthplace of Flamenco
Optional: Evening Flamenco Show (PM)
Overnight: Seville
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 10, Monday - Seville City Tour
Begin the day at the beautiful Plaza de España and the fragrant gardens of Maria Luisa Park before a walking tour in the quaint Barrio Santa Cruz, the former Jewish Quarter of the city with its winding cobblestone streets. Continue with a visit to the Cathedral of Seville, legendary burial site of Christopher Columbus. The rest of the day is at leisure, or join the fascinating optional tour to Cordoba, founded by the Romans. Visit the astonishing Mezquita de Cordoba, transformed into a soaring cathedral in the 16th century. A walking tour of the city reveals the ancient Jewish Quarter with its labyrinth of winding narrow streets, shady flower filled courtyards, picturesque squares, and view of the 14th century Synagogue on Calle de los Judios. Tonight, dinner at a local restaurant
Optional: Half Day Cordoba Tour (PM)
Overnight: Seville
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 11, Tuesday - Moorish Influenced Alhambra
The drive today takes you from Seville to Granada. Here, the highlight of your sightseeing is a visit to the 13th century Alhambra,* one of Spain's most celebrated monuments, dramatically perched atop Assabica Hill overlooking the entire city of Granada. This imposing hilltop fortress, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the finest examples in the world of Moorish art and architecture. During the reign of the Moors, the Alhambra served as the residence of the royal family. Walk along the lanes of the fragrant Generalife Gardens with its beautifully designed courtyards, waterfalls, ponds, and views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Tonight, dinner is at a local restaurant
*Alhambra visiting times, which may include evening hours, and which areas of the complex are accessible on the day of your visit, are determined solely at the discretion of the Alhambra. Your itinerary will be arranged by your Tour Manager to accommodate the designated time of entry
Overnight: Granada
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 12, Wednesday - The "Garden City" of Valencia
Today, head north through fragrant groves of olives, almonds, lemons, and oranges to the city of Valencia. Known as the "Garden City" of Spain, it is situated on the Orange Blossom Coast where the Turia River meets the Mediterranean Sea. There are few cities like Valencia that are able to combine remnants of its past, dating back to 138 BC, with innovative and avant-garde buildings from the new millennium. Have dinner in this coastal city
Overnight: Valencia
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 13, Thursday - Valencia City Tour
On today's tour of Valencia, listen to tales about "El Cid," Spain's national hero who fought here against the Moors. Discover this treasure trove of Roman and Arabic architecture before continuing to the gates of the city, City Hall, and the Gothic cathedral. Arrive at the dramatic Arts and Science City, an outstanding scientific and cultural complex with futuristic architecture, designed by local architect Santiago Calatrava. The rest of the day is yours to linger at this incredible site, or wander on your own. Later, perhaps participate in the optional Paella Cooking Class that includes dinner. Learn how to prepare Paella Valenciana, the popular regional dish in the city where it was created
Optional: Paella Cooking Class with Dinner (PM)
Overnight: Valencia
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 14, Friday - Fairy-tale Peñíscola, Penedes Wine Tasting, Barcelona
Head along the Mediterranean coast to the fortified fairy-tale city of Peñiscola crowned by the Peñiscola Castle, built by the Knights Templar. The castle stands on the highest point of a rocky headland, featured in the movie "El Cid". View the lighthouse and the lighthouse keeper's cottage with its winding steps leading down to the sea. Then, continue through the Costa Dorada to the renowned wine region of Penedes, where a wide range of wine styles are produced including traditional (sparkling) white and rosé Cava. Visit one of the wine cellars for a tasting of the local wines before proceeding to sensational Barcelona. Upon arrival, perhaps stroll along Las Ramblas, Barcelona's most famous pedestrian walkway with its life-size animators, and stalls. Tonight, leisure time to enjoy Barcelona's vibrant nightlife and tapas bars
Overnight: Barcelona
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 15, Saturday - Barcelona City Tour, Gaudi's Architecture
Begin with a drive along the Old Harbor to the Plaza Catalunya, the city's bustling main square. Pass the famous works of Antoni Gaudi, the master architect, including the Casa Batllo, seemingly constructed from skulls and bones. Then, continue on to view the iconic symbol of Barcelona, Gaudi's masterpiece, La Sagrada Familia, a colossal church that is legendary and still unfinished*. Ascend Montjuic Hill, home to the Olympic Complex, a number of sports facilities built for the 1992 Summer Olympics. The balance of the day is at leisure to explore the many galleries, museums, and sights in this city. Perhaps partake in the optional tour to Montserrat that begins with a scenic drive past picturesque villages to Montserrat Mountain. Here, visit the Royal Basilica to see the famous 12th century Romanesque sculpture of "Virgen Moreneta." Celebrate your last night in Spain with dinner, and bid farewell to your Tour Manager
*Entrance to La Sagrada Familia is not included. Passengers can visit on their own and are advised to book tickets in advance.
Optional: Half Day Montserrat Tour (PM)
Overnight: Barcelona
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 16, Sunday - Depart Spain
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast