Are you a devotee of delicious food? Are you smitten by innovative art and architecture, which ranges from Arabic to avant-garde? Like fiery Flamenco itself, you’ll be forever inspired by the Iberian zest for life while touring Portugal and Spain on this A.C.T. autumn vacation. On the Iberian Peninsula, there is an amalgam of fiercely independent regions, each with its own culture, folklore, gastronomy, and language. Combining the countries’ most popular attractions, you will build memories that will last a lifetime: Lisbon’s and Evora’s World Heritage sites, Madrid’s lively, splendid and timeless treasures; Seville’s unique blending of culture, art and natural beauty; and in western Spain, Costa del Sol’s Andalusia villages and hip Mediterranean beach towns like Torremolinos. History abounds at every corner, and that is why we are offering an optional day excursion to the White City of Tangier, Morocco’s great port in northern Africa (yes, you would step foot on that continent). Arabesque touches proliferate in Portugal and Spain, from tiled courtyards to the famous gardens at the Alhambra Palace in Granada. If weather over the Straits of Gibraltar permits, you will have the opportunity to take a memorable ferry crossing to Morocco and experience the actual Moorish architecture and designs that indelibly influenced Iberia. |
Day 1: DEPART USA.
Board your flight and fly overnight to Lisbon, capital of Portugal. ~ AIRFARE TBA FROM LAX! ~
Day 2: ARRIVE IN LISBON.
Welcome to captivating Lisbon, one of the oldest cities in Europe with its Moorish and Roman ruins. Transfer to your first-class hotel. Later, your Tour Manager presents an orientation meeting. Hotel Olissipoo Marques de Sa’ (D)
Day 3: LISBON.
Your city tour begins with a stop at the top of Edward VII's Park to marvel at the magnificent view over the hills of Lisbon and the River Tagus. Next, view the treasured 16th century Belem Tower and the Jeronimos Monastery, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afterwards, visit the Cathedral of Lisbon and enjoy the elegant Liberdade Avenue. Afternoon is at leisure. Alternately, you may take an optional tour to quaint Sintra, the ancient summer retreat of the royal court. (B)
Day 4: EVORA AND SEVILLE
Travel from Lisbon to enchanting Evora, the walled UNESCO World Heritage Site, considered one of Portugal's most beautifully preserved medieval towns. Inside the town's 14th century walls, you find an elaborate cathedral and cloisters, columns of a Roman Temple and the Sao Francisco Church and Ossuary Chapel, whose walls are decorated with thousands of human bones and skulls. Then, head to Seville, capital of the scenic Andalucia region on Spain's southern coast. Tonight, optional Flamenco Show in this city known as the birthplace of Flamenco. NH Collection Sevilla (B,D)
Day 5: SEVILLE.
Begin the day at the beautiful Plaza de España and the fragrant gardens of Maria Luisa Park before enjoying 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, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and 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. (B)
Day 6: RONDA/COSTA DEL SOL.
Your travels take you to the dramatic cliffside city of Ronda, home to the Plaza de Toros, the oldest bullring in the country. Ronda, considered the birthplace of modern bullfighting in the 18th century, was once a horsemanship training facility. View the historic stables and its interesting museum with exhibits of some of Spain's most famous Matadors. Later, a scenic drive to the lovely resort area of the Costa del Sol. Dinner together this evening. Melia Costa del Sol, Torremolinos (B,D)
Day 7: COSTA DEL SOL.
A full day at leisure to enjoy the Costa Del Sol, renowned for its gorgeous Mediterranean beaches, glamorous clubs, restaurants and cafes. Unwind at your resort, or choose to take an optional tour to Malaga, home town of Picasso. (B)
Optional Day trip to Tangier, Morocco (weather permitting). This morning, transfer by bus to Tarifa, the nearest point between Europe and Africa. A 35-minute ferry ride takes you across the Straits of Gibraltar to Morocco in northern Africa. On arrival, you will tour Tangier by motorcoach, crossing different quarters. A fascinating walk through the Kasbah (walled city), the Medina (old city) and the souks (outdoor markets) will follow. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant. Later, return to the harbor, re-cross the Straits and travel by motorcoach back to your hotel in Torremolinos. (B, L)
Day 8: MOORISH GRANADA.
This afternoon's journey takes you from Spain's southern coast to Moorish Granada. Here, visit the 13th century Alhambra Palace, one of Spain's most celebrated monuments, dramatically perched atop Assabica Hill overlooking the entire city. This imposing hilltop fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the world's finest examples of Moorish art and architecture. Return to Torremolinos on the Costa del Sol for the rest of the day to enjoy the city independently. (B)
Day 9: AVE HIGH SPEED TRAIN TO MADRID.
At the train station, board the AVE high speed train to Madrid that travels via the region of La Mancha, storied home of Don Quixote. View some of his legendary windmills before arriving in the lively metropolis of Madrid, birthplace of many of the world's greatest writers and painters. An orientation sightseeing tour begins with a drive along the Gran Via through the Opera District and Plaza de Colon, stopping for spectacular views of the magnificent Royal Palace. On to the world-renowned Prado Museum; stand before astonishing masterpieces by El Greco, Velázquez, and Goya. In the evening, experience on your own some of the tapas bars that have made this capital of Spain famous. Sample specialties at each café and then continue on your tasting tour throughout the night! Sercotel Gran Hotel Conde Duque, Madrid (B)
Day 10: MADRID.
Spend a full day at leisure in Madrid for independent discoveries. Alternatively, join the optional tour to Toledo, the former capital of Spain that still retains its medieval atmosphere and charm. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Toledo is known for its unique historical coexistence of Christian, Muslim, and Jewish cultures. (B,D)
Day 11: MADRID/LOS ANGELES.
Your memorable tour of Portugal and Spain ends today when you transfer to the airport for your flight back to Los Angeles. Arrive the same day. (B)
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