Splendours of Spain and Portugal
Guided tour of Toledo, Granada, Seville, Lisbon and Madrid. Orientation tours of Fatima, Salamanca and Avila.
VISITING MADRID, GRANADA, SEVILLE, LISBON AND SALAMANCA
Day 1 – Madrid at Leisure
Welcome to Madrid, capital of Spain. Though an historic city founded in the 10th century, it has become a 20th century capital built round a 17th century core. On arrival at Madrid Airport you are transferred to your hotel. Then relax and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure before a Welcome Meeting with your Tour Director.
Hotel: Florida Norte.
Day 2 – Madrid – Granada
Leave Madrid and head south to the town of Toledo, where you will walk the ancient cobbled streets to see the Gothic cathedral. Afterwards, continue through the mountains to Granada, the former capital of the Moorish Kingdom of Spain.
Hotel: Nevada Palace. (B,D)
Day 3 – Granada – Seville
Spend the morning sightseeing. You can also join an optional excursion to the Alhambra Palace and the gardens of the Generalife, known as the gardens of Paradise. A beautiful drive through white villages and brilliant fields of golden sunflowers brings you to Seville, the capital of Andalucìa and one of Spain’s most charming cities. Consider spending the evening enjoying a Flamenco show after dinner.
Hotel: Alcora. (B,D)
Day 4 – Seville Sightseeing
This fascinating town has historic associations Julius Caesar, Sultan Yacoub Al Mansur, Don Juan and Carmen. See the massive Cathedral on your guided tour, which houses the tomb of Christopher Columbus. Nearby stands the Moorish Giralda Tower (originally a minaret), the Alcazar, and the adjoining Santa Cruz quarter, with its flower-decked balconies. The rest of the day is yours to relax or sightsee. (B,D)
Day 5 – Seville – Lisbon
Travel into the heart of Portugal, across the modern Tagus Bridge to the Portuguese capital, Lisbon.
Hotel: Costa Da Caparica. (B)
Day 6 – Lisbon Sightseeing
A panoramic guided tour along the spacious avenues takes you to the Terreiro do Paco, finest square in the city. See the modern Monument to the Discoveries and ancient Belem Tower – a fortress originally set in the middle of the river, but now high and dry on the riverbank. Spend the afternoon at leisure: shop for pottery or join an optional excursion to Sintra, once the summer residence of the Kings of Portugal. (B)
Day 7 – Lisbon – Salamanca
Head north this morning to visit the Basilica at Fatima, commemorating the Virgin Mary’s appearance before three children in 1917; it is one of the most important centres for Roman Catholics worldwide. Cross the border back into Spain and continue to the ‘Golden City’ of Salamanca. Hotel: Vincci Ciudad de Salamanca. (B,D)
Day 8 – Salamanca – Madrid
Sightseeing in Salamanca shows you the handsome Plaza Mayor, and the Puente Romano bridge across the river Tormes - 15 of its 26 arches still date from the time of the ancient Romans! Now cross the rock strewn hills of La Morana towards St Theresa's city of Avila, still entirely enclosed within 11th century walls. Walk awhile within the ancient city, before crossing the wild Guadarrama Mountains back to Madrid.
Hotel: Abba Madrid. (B)
Day 9 – Madrid Sightseeing
Your guided tour shows you the Royal Palace, Plaza de Espana and Cervantes statue. Pass the Cibeles Fountain, Parliament and cross the Puerta del Sol. This afternoon is at lesure. Why not celebrate this evening with a farewell dinner at a restaurant in the Plaza Mayor? (B)
Day 10 – Madrid
The tour ends after breakfast, with transfers to Madrid Airport. (B)
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