Itinerary:
Day 1 USA - Madrid (Spain)
Our 12 days vacation begins as we board the flight bound for Madrid, the Europe's highest capital.
Day 2 Madrid
Spain, one of the great holiday countries of the world, has seemingly endless beaches, spectacular castles and plazas with proud heritages. Our orientation tour of Madrid begins right upon arrival It will show us Plaza Espana, Puerta Del Sol and Columbus Fountain. Perhaps check with the tour director for an optional adventure after sunset. (D)
Day 3 Madrid
After breakfast, continue our city tour of Madrid with a visit to the Bourbon's Royal Palace, a bustling architecture with 2800 rooms, built in the 18th century and one of the best-preserved palaces in Europe. The afternoon is free for your own exploring and Madrid¡¦s fabulous shopping. Why not enjoy an optional bullfight show tonight. (B)
Day 4 Madrid - Salamanca - Coimbra (Portugal) - Fatima
Drive up to the ancient university city of Salamanca where we will visit the fabulous Plaza Mayor, and the university, one of the oldest in Europe and a notable example of Renaissance and Plateresque architecture. Continue drive through the beautiful countryside into Portugal and on to Coimbra. The city tour takes us to the University Town built in 12th century on a hill. Arrive Fatima in the evening for overnight accommodation. (B, D)
Day 5 Fatima - Lisbon
Fatima, the noted shrine city of the holiest sites for Roman Catholics where the Virgin Mary appeared. Free time to visit the Shrine and enjoy our lunch. In the afternoon we proceed to Lisbon, a city built on hills overlooking the Tagus River, and the capital city of Portugal. Travelers are amazed to see the enchanting tile works of the city. (B, D)
Day 6 Lisbon - Cascais - Sintra - Lisbon
A panoramic city tour shows us main squares and avenues and visits to the Discovery Monument, 16th century,s Belem Tower, and Jeromino Monastery. Afterwards, an unforgettable scenic drive takes us through the Sunny Coast and its beaches, villages, oak forests, cork tree groves, and the colorful bay of Cascais, for Sintra where we will visit the charming Palace and Gardens. Return to Lisbon in the late afternoon. (B)
Day 7 Lisbon - Seville (Spain¡^
Depart Lisbon and cross the border for the Moorish city of Seville located in the valley of the Guadalquivir. Upon arrival our sightseeing tour features the dramatic Seville Cathedral, Plaza Espana, Murillo Park, the Jewish Quarter of Santa Cruz, the colorful Maria Luisa Park, and the Giralda Tower. Tonight, you may want to experience the excitement of the traditional Flamenco Dance (optional). (B)
Day 8 Seville - Granada
Proceed south through the typical Andalusia landscapes of olive groves and cornfields amidst mountains to the 14th century Nazari kingdom of Granada, the last Islamic Kingdom inhabited jointly by Jews, Christians and Muslims. You may see the unforgettable view of gypsy cave dwellings on the hills along the drive. The highlight of today,s tour is the Moorish Palace Alhambra, and the Generalife Garden. (B, D)
Day 9 Granada - Alicante
Today we depart Granada towards the Mediterranean coast through the breathtaking mountains landscapes along the picturesque villages to Alicante, a city which is famous for its beaches and year round sun-shine. (B, D)
Day 10 Alicante - Valencia - Barcelona
Valencia is not only a sizable industrial city but its surrounding areas are also the vegetable and fruit gardens of Spain. An orientation tour of Valencia shows us the Silk Exchange and the Indoor Food Market. Afternoon continue drive along the coast to Barcelona, the second largest city in Spain in both size and population and a vital Mediterranean port. Barcelona is renowned as the city of Gaudi and the capital of Catalonia. (B, D)
Day 11 Barcelona
A panoramic drive takes us to all the most important sights of the city: the Rambla Street, Catalonian Square, Columbus Monument at the pier, the 1992 Summer Olympic Site, Gaudi's stunningly unique and still unfinished Holy Family Church (outside visit). In the afternoon, we have an opportunity to visit the famous Picasso Museum. (B)
Day 12 Barcelona - USA
Our tour ends as we are transfer to the airport for our homebound flight. (B)
