Join us as we visit the beautiful city of Lisbon and then explore the rich and diverse wonders of Spain.  We may not be on the same quest as Don Quixote but we are on a quest to discover the wonders of Spain, past and present.  From medieval castles, walled cities, Moorish influences to modern metropolitan areas like Madrid and Barcelona. Spain’s diverse past has produced a culture of passion for the enjoyment of life that makes it one of the most exciting places in the world.  Spain was the second most visited country in the world in 2017; and once you have seen Spain, you’ll know why.

​

​

TOUR ITINERARY

Day 1
Overnight flight to Lisbon

Day 2

Once in Lisbon, we will board our private coach and take a panoramic tour of the city, led by our personal guide. This short tour will include Alfama, the oldest district of Lisbon.  We will check into our hotel by 3 pm and take a short rest.  Those who wish may eat dinner at the hotel or one of many restaurants nearby.  Dinner on our own.

 

Day 3

Our day begins shortly after breakfast when we set out on a full day excursion of Sintra and the Cascais Region.  Here we will find a charming village and a region dotted with villas and palaces nestled along the beautiful coastline. We will return to Lisbon where we will have dinner on our own, and then enjoy a two-hour sunset cruise on the Tagus River.

​

​

Day 4

This morning we board our private coach for the drive to Seville, Spain.  In Seville we will be met by our guide for a two- hour driving and walking tour of this historic city. We will then check into our hotel and enjoy a provided dinner tonight.

​

Day 5:

Today we will take a more in depth look at Seville before driving to Ronda, which sits on top of a rocky plateau and provides spectacular picturesque views.  Because of its location, Ronda was one of the last Moorish strongholds to fall during the Catholic Reconquest of Spain. Ronda is easily explored on foot which also makes shopping a little more exciting. Dinner on our own

​

Day 6:

Today we will take a 3-hour walking tour of Ronda led by our local guide.  There is plenty of time to rest.  No matter where you go, you are never more than 30 minutes walking distance from our hotel. Ronda is a great place to relax and enjoy the breath-taking views and quaint village atmosphere.  Ronda has many restaurants, tapas bars, and plenty of shopping.  And, for those with an adventuresome spirit, there is a hiking trail that leads down from the plateau to the plain below.  Dinner on our own.

​

Day 7

This morning we board our coach for the drive to Granada.  In 1492 King Ferdinand and Queen Isabela drove the Moors from the city of Granada and made the Alhambra their home. It was at the Alhambra that Christopher Columbus met Isabela seeking her patronage for a venture finding a western route to the East Indies.  Once again, absolutely beautiful architecture and views overlooking the sea. The Alhambra was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.After a short coach tour of Granada we continue on to Cordoba where we will check into our hotel.  Dinner on our own.

​

Day 8

Today we enjoy Cordoba, the focal point of Moorish influence in Spain that is so prominent in its history and architecture.  The highlight of this visit is certainly the Mezquita-Catedral, otherwise known as the Mosque of Cordoba.  It is an amazing structure that astonishes the observer with its light and color effects as well as nearly a thousand decorated columns. Dinner on our own.

​

Day 9

This morning you can take a little extra time to rest, walk around Cordoba or perhaps just sit at a sidewalk café drinking coffee until we board our late morning high-speed train to Madrid.  We will arrive in Madrid’s Atoche Station, 245 miles from Cordoba in about 2 hours!  Again, we will take a short coach tour of this crowded city and then check into our hotel. There will still be plenty of time to get acquainted with the city before dinner on our own.

​

Day 10

After an early breakfast we travel an hour and a half north of Madrid to the historic and fairytale-like city of Segovia.  A UNESCO world Heritage City, Segovia features the Castle of Segovia, the walls surrounding the old city, the cathedral, many Romanesque churches, convents, and an impressive Roman aqueduct.  Upon our return to Madrid, we will visit the Prado Museum. You can linger as long as you want as our hotel is only 4 blocks from the Prado. Dinner on our own.

​

Day 11

This morning we ride an hour south of Madrid to tour Toledo, immortalized in art by El Greco.  Toledo, however, is more noted for its diversity; known as “City of Three Cultures” during the Middle Ages, Toledo was a place where Christian, Muslim and Jewish communities existed peacefully, side by side.  Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Toledo features mosques, Sephardic synagogues, and a huge Gothic cathedral, all within the old city walls.  This evening we will enjoy a provided dinner together at a local restaurant.

​

Day 12

Today we turn our attention to the last destination on our tour of Spain.  We will depart Madrid on a high-speed train and travel 315 miles in 2 ½ hours to BARCELONA.  We will be met by our private coach and spend the next couple of hours getting an overview of this vibrant city.  After dinner on our own-there are many very good seafood restaurants here-you may want to stroll along the boardwalk, amble down Las Ramblas or just sit and watch the people go by. 

​

Day 13

Today you become the main feature.  We begin our day with a short tour of Barcelona and then take a couple of hours out to attend a cooking class.  Not only will you learn to prepare paella, but that will be our lunch for today, paired with wine, mineral water and a glass of cava.  Following lunch there will be no time to nap as we are off to visit the Sagrada Familia, and then back to our hotel.  After dinner tonight you may want to return to Las Ramblas where you can look, shop, or pick up a pastry.

​

Day 14

On our way to Park Guell this morning, otherwise known to Americans as Gaudi Village, we will see the Batilo House and Casa Vicens.  We will return to our hotel by 2:30 and you will have the rest of this day at your leisure.  Tonight, we will all gather for a provided, Farewell Dinner.

​

Day 15

Transfer to airport for flight home.