YOUR ITINERARY

Day 1: Depart USA. Your exciting journey to Spain and Portugal begins as you board your overnight flight to Europe.

DAY 2: Lisbon (Portugal). Arrive in enchanting Portugal, renowned for its beautiful handpainted azulejo tiles that adorn houses and shops. After landing in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal and an important port for fishing and seafaring through the ages, you'll be met and transferred to your centrally located hotel. This evening, your tour director hosts an orientation and a welcome drink. Mundial Hotel

Day 3: This morning, enjoy a guided tour of Lisbon. Visit the quaint riverside district of Belem, view the Belem Tower and visit the Jeronimos Monastery with the Tomb of Vasco da Gama. Walk through the narrow streets and cobbled alleys of Alfama, the old fishermen's quarter. During your afternoon at leisure, find a little cafe and relax while taking in the charm of this magical and pulsating city. (B)

Day 4: Lisbon/Seville ( Spain). Today, you’ll drive through southern Portugal and cross the border into Spain. Continue to Seville, the romantic and splendid Andalucian capital. Enjoy the balance of the day at leisure. Relax or stroll the lovely streets lined with palm trees and fragrant orange trees. This evening we suggest an optional show of Spain's famous dance, the Flamenco. ($55) Seville Center Hotel or Melia Lebreros Hotel. (B,D)

Day 5: View the charms of Seville on a guided morning tour. See the Moorish architecture of the Giralda bell tower and visit the breathtaking Gothic Cathedral which contains the tomb of Christopher Columbus. Drive to the Plaza de España, passing the elegant Maria Luisa Park. Explore the narrow streets and many plazas of the well preserved and charming Santa Cruz quarter dating back to the Middle Ages. Afternoon at leisure to explore Seville on your own or you may take an optional tour of Cordoba where you will view the magnificent Mezquita, formerly a Moorish Mosque and visit the Jewish Quarter ($49). (B)

Day 6: Seville/Costa Del Sol. This morning head south and enjoy a visit to the impressive Rock of Gibraltar, standing guard over the Strait of Gibraltar, where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean and Europe meets Africa. Enjoy a tour of the area with mini buses climbing up to see St. Michael's Cave and the famous Barbary Apes with dramatic views of both the Spanish and Moroccan coastline. Then proceed to Costa del Sol. Melia Hotel (B,D)

Day 7: A full day at leisure to fully enjoy Costa del Sol. Your hotel is located on the promenade and is facing the sea. Relax, swim or stroll along the promenade. You may also join an optional excursion to Malaga, the birthplace of Pablo Picasso. ($55). (B)

Day 8: Morocco excursion. Today, enjoy an exciting full day excursion across the Strait of Gibraltar to explore the bazaars and kasbah of Tangier, Morocco. Lunch with local entertainment is included before returning to Costa del Sol later today. (B,L)

Day 9: Costa del Sol/Granada. Today, depart for Granada and visit the magnificent Alhambra. A 13th- and 14th-century complex of palaces, fortifications and gardens, the Alhambra is a fairy-tale labyrinth of quiet courtyards, serene pools, sparkling fountains, opulent harem rooms, and lavish baths. Marvel at the elegantly arched patios, and the extravagant gardens. View the Old Quarter, and stroll through the Water Gardens of the Generalife. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Saray Hotel (B,D)

DAY 10: Granada/Toledo/Madrid. Drive north through the region of La Mancha, legendary home of Don Quixote. A stop in Consuegra provides a panoramic view of its famous windmill. Continue to Toledo, capital of medieval Spain. Visit the Cathedral, the Church of Santo Tomé and the Synagogue of Santa Maria La Blanca. Continue to Madrid, the grand capital of Spain and settle into your hotel. Agumar Hotel. (B)

DAY 11: On this morning's guided tour of Madrid drive along the Grand Via through the Opera District and view the opulent 18th-century Royal Palace. See Puerto del Sol Plaza and Plaza España with its monument to Cervantes. The tour will end at one of the world’s greatest museums, the Prado, where you may view treasured paintings by some of Spains greatest artists. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure. (B)

Day 12: Madrid/USA. Transfer to the airport and board your return flight, arriving back later today. (B).

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