Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is for you to relax or start exploring Madrid, taking advantage of the CosmosGO app. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and travel companions
Drive south to Toledo. Spectacularly situated on a granite hill surrounded by a loop of the Tagus River, the ancient Castilian capital is a treasure-chest of masterpieces. Visit the walled Old Town with a Local Guide and marvel at the 12th-century Church of St. Tomé, known for its large 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.
Today’s Distance: 298 mi/ 480 km (B,D)
Includes meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
Granada was the Moors’ most treasured city, and they still mourn its loss in their prayers. With a Local Guide, visit the Alhambra Complex*, built by Moorish kings. On the way to Cordoba, enjoy more idyllic scenery as we reach an olive farm, to learn about olives and enjoy a local olive oil tasting.
Today’s Distance: 118 mi/ 190 km (B,D)
NOTE:
*Alhambra complex: Entrance to Nasrid Palace is not guaranteed
Includes meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
With a Local Guide visit the magnificent Mezquita, famous for its 850 pillars of porphyry, marble, and jasper. The Mosque-Cathedral (UNESCO World Heritage site since 1984) is arguably the most significant monument in the western Muslim world and an amazing building in its own right. The complete evolution of the Omeyan style in Spain can be seen in different sections, alongside the Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles of the Christian part. On to vibrant, festive Seville. During an optional outing to a fascinating Flamenco Show, feel the passion and pride of Seville with every click of the heels and castanets.
Today’s Distance: 93 mi/ 150 km (B,D)
Includes meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
Get to know Seville on the included city tour. The sunny capital of Andalusia has much to offer: the cathedral, the beautiful La Giralda minaret tower, a symbol of Seville; and the Real Alcázar palace, with its extravagant Moorish architecture and opulent gardens. Fun fact: the Palace of the Kingdom of Naboo, from Star Wars, and the Palace of the Kingdom of Dorne, from Game of Thrones, were filmed in Plaza de España and the Royal Alcazar of Seville. (B)
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
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 to visit Evora, a delightfully attractive city. Among the highlights are the architecture of the white houses, tiles, and balconies. The city, designated UNESCO World Heritage site, inspired the style in which some Brazilian cities, such as Salvador de Bahia, were built. Continue to Lisbon.
Today’s Distance: 295 mi/ 475 km (B)
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Henry the Navigator made Lisbon the 15th-century “Mistress of the Seas.” You’ll see his monument, the Belem Tower, the Moorish Citadel, and other highlights on the guided sightseeing tour. Spend the afternoon at leisure in the Alfama’s tile-decorated streets or take an optional excursion to the scenic Portuguese Riviera, head to the coast to immerse yourself in the picturesque countryside and coastline outside Lisbon. You’ll be all the richer with sights of elegant villas, palaces, and manor houses. (B)
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Stop in Fátima to visit the world-famous Sanctuary, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Continue to Coimbra, known for its university, one of the oldest in Europe, and to Porto on the northern bank of the Douro River. For the perfect way to round out your day, join an optional evening excursion, with a leisurely cruise on the Douro River, followed by a hearty traditional Portuguese dinner.
Today’s Distance: 224 mi/ 360 km (B)
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
On your included sightseeing tour of Porto, a local guide will show you the highlights of the city. Look out for the painted tiles decorating the city, the colorful houses along the riverbanks, the cheerful souvenir shops, and much more. Later, visit a Port wine cellar along the banks of the Douro River, for a Port wine tasting. This afternoon, go medieval on an optional excursion to Guimarães, called the “cradle” of Portugal and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (B)
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Enjoy the plentiful woodlands and mountains on your return to Spain via the scenic Douro Valley. Reach the ancient and beautiful university town of Salamanca in the early evening, the best time to take a stroll in the Plaza Mayor.
Today’s Distance: 236 mi/ 380 km (B)
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Journey to fortified Ávila with its many towers and visit St. Theresa’s Convent before continuing to Segovia, a medieval town picturesquely set on a rocky hill and famous for its impressive Roman Aqueduct. Some say that the beautiful castle inspired Disney’s “Cinderella.” Enjoy some free time exploring the old town before crossing the historic boundary between new and old Castile to arrive in Madrid.
Today’s Distance: 193 mi/ 310 km (B)
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Built 2180 feet above sea level, Madrid, capital of Spain, is the nearest thing to Heaven, according to Spaniards. Discover the main highlights of this aristocratic city on the included guided tour. (B)
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
