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Compare Tales of Portugal and Spain: A Historic Journey Through Iberia by Road Scholar vs Spain and Portugal Highlights by Eskapas

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Duration 15 days 16 days
Price From $ 3,899 $ 3,305
Price Per Day $ 260 $ 207
Highlights
  • Walking is the best way to get to know a new place
  • I’m energetic and enjoy a good physical challenge, so I’m always ready to spend the day on the move
  • Whether it’s public transit, city streets or village cobblestones, I’m game
  • Be immersed in the cultures of Spain and Portugal
  • Spain and Portugal highlights
  • Fully escorted trip with guaranteed departures
Trip Style Small group tour Group tour
Lodging Level Standard Premium
Physical Level
  • 3- Moderate
  • 2- Easy
Travel Themes
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Culinary & Wine
  • Photography
  • National Parks
  • Yoga, Meditation & Wellness
  • Relaxing Retreats
  • Holy Land
  • Cultural
  • Family Friendly
Countries Visited
Cities and Attractions
  • Granada
  • Seville
  • Ávila
  • Barcelona
  • Coimbra
  • Granada
  • Lisbon
  • Madrid
  • Porto
  • Salamanca
  • Seville
  • Valencia
Flights & Transport No Internal airfare and ground transport included
Activities
  • Nature
  • Photography
  • Relaxing Retreat
  • Wildlife viewing
  • Yoga & Meditation
  • Culture
  • History
  • Ruins & Archaeology
Meals Included
  • Number of Breakfast: 12
  • Number of Lunch: 5
  • Number of Dinner: 10

15 Breakfasts & 3 Dinners

Description Enjoy the opulence and history of grand hotels as you discover UNESCO Heritage Sites, Gothic cathedrals, Moorish palaces and picturesque villages in this unique educational adventure.

Cycladic Explorer: Athens – Mykonos – Santorini – Cobblestone streets, arched white facades, ocean-blue roofs, and larger-than-life windmills are just a few of the picturesque Greek landscapes you can expect to find on this tour. Experience ancient history and open-air museums in the capital of Athens. Then, the quintessential, beautiful Greek islands you’ve been dreaming of come to life on the isles of Mykonos and Santorini. Santorini and Mykonos are the top destinations in Greece. Both located in the Cyclades, Mykonos is famous for the extreme nightlife and the wonderful beaches, while Santorini is famous for the romantic sunset and the impressive caldera. The traditional architecture, the beautiful coastline and the fantastic views are some of the common characteristics that these two islands share. However, each one keeps a different and unique atmosphere that attracts millions of visitors and has made them famous around the world. Easily accessible by ferry or plane from Athens and other islands, Mykonos and Santorini feature regularly in lists with top destinations around the world. Although both tourist developed, they combine the need for relaxation with fabulous environment. Book with a peace of mind.

Itinerary: Tales of Portugal and Spain: A Historic Journey Through Iberia

Day 1 In Transit to Program In Flight

Day 2 Arrive Lisbon, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner Oeiras

Hotel check-in from 2:00 p.m.

Orientation. 6:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

At the hotel, we’ll have a 3-course plated welcome dinner with wine, coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 3 Portuguese History, Cascais Coast, Sintra, Palace of Queluz Oeiras

Getting on/off motorcoach; driving approximately 38 miles total, with stops for field trips; about 2 hours total drive time. Walking between 2 and 3 miles total throughout the day; periods of standing at the palace; steep inclines and cobblestones in Sintra.

We will begin with a lecture given by a historian in the hotel meeting room, which will provide an introduction to the history of Portugal. Afterwards, we will head out via motorcoach along the coast of Lisbon to Sintra’s town center. Upon arrival, our Group Leader will show us around while providing commentary on the area before opening up the rest of the morning for you to enjoy exploring the old village and its narrow streets independently.

Next, we’ll go on an expert-led field trip that will reveal the architectural beauty and history of the Palace of Queluz. Situated just outside of Lisbon, the palace was official residence of the Portuguese royal family throughout the 18th century. The architectural design is an eclectic mix of Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical, whilst the gardens are inspired by the French styles of that period.

At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

At the hotel, we’ll have a buffet featuring a selection of bread and pastries, cereal, yogurt, fruit, and cold cuts, plus coffee, tea, juice, water.

This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

At the hotel, we’ll have a 3-course plated meal with a glass of wine, coffee, tea water; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 4 Portugal's Past, Lisbon, National Tile Museum, To Condeixa Condeixa

Driving approximately 133 miles total; about 3 hours total drive time, with stops for field trips. Walking between 2 and 3 miles throughout the day; cobblestones, some steps, and slopes all around Lisbon; periods of standing up to 1 hour at a time.

Once checked out of the hotel, we’ll drive to Lisbon's Belém neighborhood from where the Portuguese navigators set sail on their expedition and "discovery" of India. While here, a local expert will expand upon Portugal’s seafaring history with mention of great Portuguese navigators. Later, we will enjoy an expert-led exploration of the centuries-old decorative art of ceramic tiles at the Portuguese National Tile Museum, housed at the former "Madre de Deus" Convent. We will continue with our local expert on a walking field trip through Lisbon's historic old quarters and downtown area.

Continuing our discovery of Lisbon with our local expert, we’ll set out for a walk around Chiado, the old neighborhood of the bourgeoisie of the 19th century. Afterwards, we will drive to Condeixa where we will stay for the next two nights.

At leisure.

Hotel buffet.

On your own to sample the local fare in downtown Lisbon.

At the hotel, we’ll have a 3-course plated meal with a glass of wine, coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 5 Coimbra, Fado Performance, Conímbriga Roman Ruins Condeixa

Driving approximately 22 miles total; less than 1 hour roundtrip. Walking approximately 3 miles total throughout the day; periods of standing; hilly terrain with steep slopes, steps, cobblestones; uneven, rugged ground at Conímbriga ruins.

Our first stop of the day will be at the Roman Ruins of Conímbriga, the most important Roman Site of Portugal, where a local expert will lead us through the local museum, the archaeological site and its mosaics, and the important "Casa das Fontes" with its gravitational Roman fountain still in working order. Afterward, we will continue our exploration of Coimbra, the former capital of Portugal and one of the countries oldest cities.

In the afternoon, we will visit the oldest university in Portugal, the University of Coimbra, for an expert-led field trip. Afterward, we will continue our exploration of Coimbra with a performance of fado at a local fado house accompanied by an explanation of the history of this time-honored musical art form, recognized in 2011 by UNESCO on the Representative Lost of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. We’ll enjoy this expressive, often melancholic Portuguese folk music tradition, sometimes referred to as “Lisbon blues” because “fado” means “fate” and songs are often nostalgic or sad. Following the visit, we will return to the hotel.

At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

At the hotel, we’ll have a buffet featuring a selection of bread and pastries, cereal, yogurt, fruit, and cold cuts, plus coffee, tea, juice, water.

On your own to explore the local cuisine.

At the hotel.

Day 6 Portugal’s Countryside, Monastery of Batalha, Ribatejo Evora

Driving approximately 200 miles total throughout the day; about 4 hours total, with stops for field trips. Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day; periods of standing up to 1 hour at a time; some uneven paving at the monastery; flat though slightly rugged terrain at the farmstead.

After checking out of the hotel, we will drive to the "Monastery of Batalha," recognized as an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. One of the pinnacles of Gothic architecture in Portugal, it was built in celebration of the Battle of Aljubarrota which secured Portugal's independence. The highlight, and perhaps the most astonishing parts of the monastery are the "Unfinished" Chapels: seven chapels that radiate from an octagonal rotunda, divided from each other by deeply carved, incomplete pillars that create an effect of oriental exuberance. We will see a very different part of life in Portugal on a field trip to Companhia das Lezírias, the country’s largest farmstead for agriculture, cattle, and forests. As a local expert leads us through wooded groves where olive and cork trees grow, we will learn what’s involved in maintaining the delicate ecosystems of the area. We will also have an opportunity to see the farm's beautiful Lusitano horses. Originally bred for war and bullfighting, they are now highly regarded for their skills in the equestrian sport and art of dressage.

We will then explore the onsite winery, vineyard, and facilities led by winery staff before enjoying a wine tasting. Afterwards, we will depart for the scenic Alentejo region and check in at the hotel in Évora.

At leisure.

Hotel buffet.

At Companhia das Lezírias – a traditional Portuguese farmstead – we’ll have a buffet meal with wine and water included.

At the hotel, we’ll have a 3-course plated meal with a glass of wine, coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 7 Cromeleque dos Almendres, Historic Evora, Local Cuisine Evora

Driving approximately 28 miles roundtrip; about 1.5 hours total, with stops. Walking between 2 and 3 miles total throughout the day; periods of standing during field tips; cobblestones in Evora; uneven terrain in Cromeleque.

Setting out from the hotel, we will transfer to the prehistoric site of Cromeleque dos Almendres for an expert-led field trip of Portugal's most important megalithic site. Set on a spectacular hillside location among olive and cork trees, multiple circles of ancient stones dating as far back as 6000 B.C.E. stand steadfast in celestial alignment with the moon, sun and stars. Returning to Evora, we’ll visit the historic Old Town with our local expert. One of Europe’s oldest settlements, dating back more than 5,000 years, Evora was conquered over the centuries by Celts, Romans, and Moors before its reconquering by Portugal in the 12th Century.

After some time for independent exploration of the city, we’ll meet at a predetermined time and place before participating in an expert-led, hands-on cooking workshop featuring traditional Portuguese food.

We’ll then return to the hotel via motorcoach. The remainder of the evening will be at leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

At the hotel, we’ll have a buffet featuring a selection of bread and pastries, cereal, yogurt, fruit, and cold cuts, plus coffee, tea, juice, water.

On your own to explore the local cuisine.

At the workshop, we’ll enjoy the food we helped to prepare with a glass of wine and water included.

Day 8 In the Footsteps of the Moors & Arrival in Spain Seville

Driving approximately 210 miles total; about 5.5 hours total drive time, with stops for field trips. Walking approximately 2 miles total throughout the day; some cobblestones and uneven terrain. Spain’s time zone is one hour ahead of Portugal.

Once checked out, we’ll begin our journey following in the footsteps of the Moors as we head to Spain through the east of Portugal, stopping in the quaint riverside town of Monsaraz, a tiny fairytale walled village that maintains a delightful medieval atmosphere. It was originally fortified by the Knights Templar, and today its 150 permanent residents live in ancient white houses with outdoor staircases and wrought-iron balconies. While here, we’ll take some time to climb the castle's battlements with a local expert to enjoy the magical landscape of the surrounding countryside. Then we will cross the border into Spain via the town of Olivença that, between 1297 and 1801, was under Portuguese sovereignty until it was invaded by the Spanish. Spain has since administered the territory and the historic center keeps several monuments as reminders of the Portuguese presence. With our Group Leader, we’ll go on a delightful walk around and feel the local atmosphere, before enjoying some time for independent exploration.

We will continue driving to Andalusia while enjoying commentary given by our Study Leader about similarities, rivalries, and the shared history of Portugal and Spain. We will arrive in the late afternoon in Seville and check in to the hotel. After some time to unpack, our Group Leader will lead us on a short orientation of the downtown area of the city as we walk to dinner.

At leisure.

Hotel buffet.

On your own to enjoy what you like in Olivença.

At a local restaurant, we’ll have a plated 3-course meal with a choice of entrée, a glass of wine, and water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 9 Barrio Santa Cruz, Seville Cathedral, Moorish Alcazar Seville

Walking approximately 3 miles around Seville throughout the day; cobblestones and uneven surfaces; periods of standing up to 1.5 hours at a time at the Alcazar and Cathedral.

To start out the morning, we’ll take a walk to a nearby cultural center where a local expert will give an introductory lecture on contemporary Spain. Afterwards, we’ll enjoy some time for independent exploration.

Upon rendezvousing with our local expert, we’ll stroll along the cobblestone streets of the oldest neighborhood of the city – the Barrio Santa Cruz (Jewish quarter) and visit the Cathedral. Built on the site of a mosque, it is the third largest church, and the largest Gothic building, in Europe. It also boasts the largest altarpiece in the world and the Tomb of Christopher Columbus. Our exploration will finish with a visit to the spectacular Moorish Alcazar Royal Palace and gardens.

At leisure.

At the hotel, we’ll have a buffet featuring a selection of bread and pastries, cereal, yogurt, fruit, and cold cuts, plus coffee, tea, juice, water.

On your own to explore local cuisine.

At a local restaurant, we’ll have a plated 3-course meal, a glass of wine, coffee, tea, and water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 10 Cordoba, La Mezquita, Free Time Seville

Driving approximately 85 miles one way from Seville to Cordoba; about 4 hours roundtrip. Walking approximately 3 miles throughout the day around Cordoba; on cobblestones and uneven terrain; periods of standing up to 2 hours at a time during field trips.

Setting out via motorcoach, we will discover Cordoba, the former capital of the Muslim Caliphate of Al Andalus. Our field trip will include a visit to the cathedral, renowned as the Mosque or the "Mezquita," which stands over a Christian church built in the Visigoth period (5th century). After the Moorish conquest of Spain, it was used as a mosque. In 1236, following Cordoba's fall to Ferdinand and after over 500 years of use as a mosque, the site was re-consecrated Christian and a cathedral was erected in 1523. It is one of the most emblematic Islamic monuments in Spain and a unique example of the interplay of Christian and Muslim cultures in the country. Later, we will continue our study of Cordoba during an expert-led walk through the traditional Patios of the Alcazar Palace.

Free time before rendezvousing at a predetermined time and place for transfer back to Seville. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

Hotel buffet.

At a local restaurant, we’ll enjoy a tapas lunch featuring a glass of wine, and water; other beverages available for purchase.

On your own to enjoy what you like.

Day 11 White Villages of Andalusia, Local Cheese, Ronda Ronda

Driving approximately 105 miles total throughout the day; about 8 hours, with stops for field trips. Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day; periods of standing up to 1 hour at a time; steep slopes in villages, cobblestones, steps without railings.

From Seville, we will journey via motorcoach through the Andalusian countryside of the UNESCO-listed Sierra de Grazalema and its splendid white villages. With a local expert for the day, we’ll learn about the traditional villages and their rural way of life, and make a stop at a local artisan cheesemaker where we’ll have the opportunity to view the premises with the owners and taste the renowned Payoyo cheese.

We will continue through the Sierra Mountains and white villages to Ronda. With whitewashed buildings, red rooftops, hilltop castles and local artisans, it seems that time has stood still here since the medieval ages. After completing our journey to Ronda, we will check in to our hotel and enjoy some time to relax before joining our Group Leader on an orientation walk of the town.

At leisure.

Hotel buffet.

At a traditional restaurant en route, we’ll enjoy a delicious plated, mountain-style lunch, with a glass of wine and water included; other beverages available for purchase.

On your own to sample the local fare.

Day 12 Ronda, Puente Nuevo, Bullring, Flamenco Guitar Ronda

Walking approximately 3 miles throughout the day; very uneven terrain, cobblestones in Ronda.

Renowned for its spectacular setting, Ronda has a rich cultural, historic and literary tradition. Famous for being the home of modern bullfighting, the town was also witness to the horrors inflicted on civilians during the Spanish Civil War, and is believed to be the setting for several of Ernest Hemingway's literary works. Today's field trip will take us on foot through the charming old town to the spectacular Puente Nuevo (the "New" Bridge dating from 1793 and spanning a 300 foot deep gorge) and to the bullring, now a museum to the controversial sport.

Free time to experience Ronda at your own pace.

After a short walk to the guitar player’s school, we’ll enjoy a flamenco guitar performance given by a local musician. Performance is subject to availability and may be substituted or rescheduled. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

At the hotel, we’ll have a buffet featuring a selection of bread and pastries, cereal, yogurt, fruit, and cold cuts, plus coffee, tea, juice, water.

On your own to explore local cuisine.

At the hotel, we’ll have 3-course plated meals with a glass of wine, coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 13 Olive Oil, Lunch with a Family, Granada Granada

Driving approximately 135 miles total one way from Ronda to Alfarnatejo and Granada; about 7 hours with stops for field trips. Walking approximately 2 miles, some uneven ground in the mountain towns.

Hotel buffet.

Continuing our transfer, we will arrive in Granada in the late afternoon and check in at the hotel. After settling in, we’ll then head out with our Group Leader for an introductory walk around the area.

At leisure.

Hosted by local families in their homes within town, we’ll enjoy a typical homemade plated lunch with a glass of wine and water.

In Granada, our Group Leader will provide us with vouchers for a meal from a choice of local tapas bars. One beverage will be included with others available for purchase.

Day 14 Granada, The Alhambra Granada

Driving approximately 2 miles one way through the city; less than 1 hour roundtrip. Walking up to 3 miles, approximately 3 hours with breaks; many cobblestones, steep slopes, uneven terrain, several flights of stairs without handrails at the Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens. Alhambra tickets are subject to strict regional government quotas and visits may be rescheduled or substituted if necessary.

Arriving via motorcoach, we will visit the Alhambra – a UNESCO Heritage site – led by a local expert. It is more than a just a palace; it is an entire walled city within the city of Granada. There are royal apartments, forts, gardens, pavilions, barracks and sumptuous gardens that offered protection from the summer heat. Our field trip to the Alhambra will end with an expert-led exploration of the Nasrid Palace – the most renowned Islamic building in Europe, which dates back to the 14th Century and is filled with Arabic inscriptions and geometric patterns, perfectly proportioned chambers, and peaceful courtyards.

Free time. You may wish to continue to explore Granada on your own, relax at the hotel, or begin to prepare for departures in the morning. We’ll then rendezvous back at the hotel for a program wrap-up. Share some of your favorite experiences from the program with new Road Scholar friends.

At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and departures in the morning.

At the hotel, we’ll have a buffet featuring a selection of bread and pastries, cereal, yogurt, fruit, and cold cuts, plus coffee, tea, juice, water.

At a local restaurant, we’ll enjoy a delicious plated meal for our farewell lunch, with all beverages included.

On your own to enjoy what you like.

Day 15 Program Concludes Granada

Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m. Airport transfers beginning at approximately 4:00 a.m. See your program’s “Transportation Information” regarding transfers.

If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on another rewarding program in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Hotel buffet, flight times permitting. This concludes our program.

Itinerary: Spain and Portugal Highlights

Day 1: Arrive in Madrid, Spain

Upon arrival at Madrid, meet with our driver and transfer with ourto your hotel in Madrid city-center. late after-noon our guide will pick-you up from your hotel to begin two-and-a-half hour private walking touraround the brightest and most symbolic places in Madrid. Throughout the tour, we’ll tell you the most curious stories and legends of Madrid while we visit, among others, the following points of interest: Plaza de Callao, Gran Vía, Palacio Real, Ópera, Plaza de la Villa, Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, Congreso de los Diputados, Plaza de Cibeles and Puerta de Alcalá.

Overnight: Madrid Meals: Not Available

Day 2: Prado Museum & Royal Palace

After breakfast you will meet our guide at 9:45 am by the statue of Francisco de Goya, just in front of the main ticket offices to the Prado museum. First of all we’ll visit this legendary gallery, home to some of the most important works of art in the world.

With a tour lasting an hour and a half, we’ll explore the main halls of the Prado Museum. Among the main works on display are “3 de Mayo en Madrid” by Gayo, “ the Maninas” by Velazquez and “The Garden of Earthly Delights by Bosch. And you’ll also be able to see other works by masters such as El Greco, Rubens, Rembrandt, Sorolla and other greats in the history of art.

With the tour of the Prado museum over at around 11:30 am, we’ll take a walking tour around Madrid, a guided tour on which we’ll see some of the most emblematic spots in the Spanish capital, such as the Congress, the iconic Puerta del Sol and Plaza de Oriente.

Day 3: Madrid – Avila – Salamanca – Porto

Cathedral at Salamanca reflected viewed behind bridge of enrique esteven on river Tormes, Spain.

We’ll leave from central Madrid at 8:30 am, heading to the Castilla-León region, where our first stop will be Ávila. After admiring the impressive Medieval wall that surrounds the old town, you’ll have free time to explore the city.

Continuing onwards, we’ll reach Salamanca, where we’ll leave you discover the beautiful historic centre at your own pace: you’ll soon see why it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon, we’ll head over the border to Portugal and we’ll spend the night in Porto.

Overnight: Porto Meals: Breakfast

Day 4: Porto

After breakfast at the hotel in Porto, we’ll spend the day exploring the city, famous for its magnificent bridges over the Douro River.

Late afternoon at 06:00 pm, you will have a reservation at Fado Show at Ideal Clube. Porto’s famous Ideal Clube de Fado is located on 56, Rua da Galeria de Paris. Enter its doors and immerse yourself in the passion of fado music. This typical Portuguese genre of music has been declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and is a cultural symbol of the country. This is the only show in Porto dedicated exclusively to traditional Fado!

What’s more, this 60-minute show also includes a glass of port wine and a chat with thre musicians! If you wish, although the show starts at 6 pm, you can come half an hour earlier to chat with the musicians and learn more about fado. Overnight: Porto Meals: Breakfast, Fado Show with one glass of Porto.

Day 5 Porto – Coimbra – Fátima

We’ll leave Porto behind and head south to Coimbra a picturesque Portuguese town famous for its traditional music, known as fado. We’ll then make our way to the sanctuary of Fátima, one of the most important Catholic centres of worship in southern Europe, before spending the night in this sacred town.

Overnight: Fatima Meals: Breakfast

Day 6: Fátima – Batalha – Nazaré – Alcobaça – Lisbon

Bright and early on the morning of day four, we’ll leave Fátima behind and head for Batalha, a well-known town that stands out for its Manueline monastery. We’ll continue our tour south visiting Nazaré, one of the most picturesque fishing villages in Portugal, before making a stop in Alcobaça whose Medieval monuments are sure to captivate you

We’ll finish the day in Lisbon, where we’ll spend the night.

Overnight: Lisbon Meals: Breakfast

Day 7: Lisbon

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal at sunset. A popular destination for traveling through Europe, one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

We’ll spend this day , exploring the beautiful city of Lisbon, one of the most beautiful capital cities in Europe.

Overnight: Lisbon Meals: Breakfast

Day 8: Lisbon – Cáceres – Madrid

We’ll leave Portugal behind and travel back to Madrid, stopping on the way in the historically rich Cáceres, packed with Renaissance palaces, Islamic architecture, Medieval fortress-houses, earning its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover the old town, its Medieval neighbourhood and the Plaza Mayor.

Overnight: Madrid Meals: Breakfast

Day 9: Madrid – Cordoba – Seville

After breakfast, depart from Madrid at 8:30a. Admire the landscapes of Castilla La Mancha, Don Quixote’s birthplace, until you get to Despeñaperros, a canyon carved out by a river and entrance into the Andalusian autonomous community.

Cordoba is a city where many civilizations once flourished including the Moors, the Romans, Jews and Christians. Follow your guide into the impressive multiarched Mosque-Cathedral, symbol of the sophistication of the Islamic Spain. Next, you’ll visit the old Jewish Quarter which is packed with pretty white house full of plants and flowers hanging from the balconies and peaceful interior patios.

In the evening, you’ll head to Seville.

Overnight: Seville Meals: Breakfast-Dinner

Day 10: Seville

Today, you’ll discover Seville’s most symbolic landmarks and learn why it is one of the most-visited cities in Spain. You’ll stroll to the cathedral and its renowned bell tower called Giralda.

Afterwards, you’ll enjoy the charming Santa Cruz neighborhood and wander through the lush María Luisa park and admire the surprising Plaza de España. After the guided tour, you’ll have to time to walk around and try the region’s delicious gastronomy.

At nightfall, and after enjoying dinner at your hotel, you can delight in a Flamenco show (optional).

Overnight: Seville Meals: Breakfast-Dinner

Day 11: Seville – Granada

Board the coach and head east to<strong> Granada</strong>, through the route of the Caliphate, the last bastion of the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada. Upon arrival, you’ll walk through the charming streets and admire its many palaces, monuments and landmarks and you’ll visit one of the country’s iconic symbols, the renowned Alhambra and the gardens of the Generalife.

Overnight: Granada Meals: Breakfast-Dinner

OPTIONAL: Afterwards, enjoy a panoramic tour of Granada and delight in a Zambra show, a type of Flamenco dance, typical of the Gypsies of Granada in the Sacromonte neighborhood (optional).

Day 12: Granada – Valencia

After breakfast, continue the journey to Valencia, by crossing Murcia and Alicante. Discover this charming city full of contrasts with a monumental historic center and fabulous Modernista architecture, like the City of Arts and Sciences.

At night time, you’ll have time to amble around the city and try one of its traditional Valencian paellas.

Overnight: Valencia Meals: Breakfast </span></div>

Day 13: Valencia – Barcelona

In the morning, you’ll continue to explore Valencia, the third-largest city in Spain and its most impressive landmarks.

In the afternoon, you’ll hop on a luxury air-conditioned coach and head north to Catalonia, crossing Tarragona, until you get to Barcelona where you’ll spend the night.

Overnight: Barcelona Meals: Breakfast </span></div>

Day 14: Barcelona

After breakfast, you’ll discover this captivating seaside city accompanied by your English-speaking guide and penetrate its old town to understand why it is one of the most visited destinations in Spain. Packed with Modernista landmarks and Antoni Gaudí’s emblematic buildings, including Casa Milá, La Pedrera and Casa Batlló, you’ll not want to leave. Then, you’ll head to the Parque Montjuïc, where you’ll enjoy some stunning views of the city>

View of the entrance to the Park Guell by Antoni Gaudi. Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

Wander along the medieval streets of the Gothic Quarter and you’ll have the afternoon free to keep on exploring the city but at your own pace. We recommend going to its beaches, trying its typical dishes and then enjoying the city’s lively night life.

Overnight: Barcelona Meals: Breakfast

Day 15: Barcelona – Zaragoza – Madrid

After a whole day in Barcelona, you’ll get on the coach and drive to Zaragoza, situated on the banks of the Ebro River, which is the Iberian Peninsula’s largest river. Upon arrival, you’ll have free time to discover its cultural heritage and walk back in time to when the Iberians, Romans, Moors, Jews and Christians erected the city little by little. The city’s most emblematic buildings are: </span><span data-offset-key="cc25b-0-5">the Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar the Lonja Cathedral of the Savoir.

Day 16: Madrid Departure

After breakfast, private transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule. Please note that check-out time is usually noon. End of our services.

Overnight: Not Available Meals: Breakfast

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"Two roads diverged in a wood and I - I took the one less traveled by."
Robert Frost
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