Welcome to Barcelona! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
Includes meal(s): Dinner
Gaudi’s Showcase The morning is yours to explore independently or join an optional excursion. This afternoon, discover Barcelona with your Local Guide on a sightseeing tour to see the Columbus Monument, Plaza de Cataluña, and Passeig de Gràcia. Enjoy a photo stop outside the Sagrada Familia and head to Montjuïc Hill for panoramic views of the city and harbor. This evening, spend time discovering more of this incredible city. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CITY SIGHTS It won’t take long for you to realize why the motto “Barcelona Inspires” is true. This lively city has so much to offer, from vibrant markets to delicious dishes. This stunning city is a spectacular showcase for Antonio Gaudí’s architectural works of art. Known as “God’s architect,” Gaudí began designing lampposts before designing some of Barcelona’s most famous buildings—the Casa Battló and Casa Milà on the Passeig de Gracia, and the jaw dropping Sagrada Familia - the iconic unfinished church which has become the world’s longest-running construction site!
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Splendid Spain Today, sit back and relax for a scenic drive through the Catalonian and Aragonian countryside en-route to Madrid. Enjoy an evening at leisure to get your first taste of Spain’s capital city. (B)
385mi/620 km
ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE The city of Madrid is filled with intriguing stories and hidden secrets. Stroll around the streets and take pictures of “El Oso y el Madroño” (The Bear and the Strawberry Tree), the biggest symbol of the city. Don’t forget to see the statues of the Fallen Angel, representing Lucifer, the Angel who was expelled from Heaven for rebelling against God
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Masterpieces in Madrid Discover the city's historic grandeur along the boulevards. Admire elegant buildings and views of legendary landmarks, including the Plaza de España monument to Miguel de Cervantes, author of "Don Quixote." Visit the world-famous Prado Museum for further glimpses into Spanish culture and history through its art collection. Enjoy an afternoon and evening at leisure to explore more of this captivating city. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ART & ARCHITECTURE The Prado Museum houses one of the world’s largest art collections, including its amazing assortment of masterpieces by historic artists like Velasquez, Goya, and El Greco. The famous museum also displays the works of renowned European masters, including Rubens and Rembrandt, along with a stunning collection of Greco-Roman statues
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Treasures of Cordoba Enjoy a scenic drive south into the region of Andalusia. This afternoon, visit the magnificent city of Cordoba, follow your Local Guide on a walking tour to see the Jewish Quarter, the Roman Bridge, and the remains of the Alcazar. The tour highlight is a visit of the Mosque of the Caliphs, one of the Twelve Treasures of Spain. Enjoy some free time to browse the narrow streets before continuing to the vibrant city of Seville. (B)
354mi/570 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ANCIENT ARCHITECTURE The Mosque of Córdoba (Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba in Spanish) today is a Catholic cathedral but was originally a mosque built for Muslim prayer by Abd ar-Rahman I in the 8th century. The mosque’s architecture is rich in dazzling detail, with over 800 granite and marble pillars supporting its beautiful brick and stone arches - a major focal point in the mosque along with the soaring bell tower – the tallest structure in the city
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Dance Steps in Seville This morning, discover what makes Seville so special! Start with a visit to the Plaza de España, one of the city’s most famous landmarks. Then, join your Local Guide for a fascinating sightseeing tour featuring a panoramic drive, a visit to the Casa de Pilatos, and a stroll through the charming Santa Cruz Quarter. This evening, delve deeper into Sevillian culture and [LF] enjoy dinner with local specialties at El Palacio Andaluz restaurant accompanied by authentic Flamenco entertainment. (B,D)
LOCAL FAVORITE
CULTURE & TRADITION Feed the gypsy within you with the soulful sounds and steps of the Flamenco. You’ll see the very best display of this passionate Spanish dance performed by award-winning dancers who’ll add some spice to your dinner at El Palacio Andaluz restaurant in Seville. Ole!
Includes meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
Lyrical Lisbon Bid adios to Spain as you cross over the border to Portugal. Arrive in Lisbon this afternoon and enjoy free time to start getting acquainted with the city. This evening, why not join an optional excursion to discover more of Lisbon’s traditions. (B)
273 mi/440 km
ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE Stroll the cobblestone alleys of Lisbon’s charming Alfama district, the popular quarter of seamen and Fado singers. Fado is a style of Portuguese folk music, with distinct Moorish and African influences, it is played in the traditional Fado restaurants and can be enjoyed while tasting local specialties
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Soaring Sights & Seafarers This morning, discover the historic grandeur of Lisbon when you join your Local Guide for a fascinating sightseeing drive complete with photo stops at Belem Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries. See the magnificent Jerónimos Monastery with its 100-foot façade featuring images of St. Michael the Archangel and Our Lady of Belém. Enjoy free time this afternoon to explore more of the city before joining your travel companions for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOTS The stunning capital city of Portugal is a treasure trove of historic and architectural masterpieces. Lisbon is home to the 16th-century Monastery of Jerónimos, adorned with its 100-foot façade featuring images of St. Michael the Archangel and Our Lady of Belém. See the 16th-century Belém Tower, which served as a fortress but also as an embarkation point for sailors and was their last sight of land before the start of their journey. Lisbon’s Monument to the Discoveries pays homage to great Portuguese explorers with a spectacular carved prow of an ancient ship
Includes meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
