Think of Spain, and you’ll probably conjure images of rocky plains and whitewashed villages, rugged castles looming from distant hills, the windmills that taunted Don Quixote, bullrings, the fiery flamenco, and the thrum of the guitar. Portugal might bring to mind bold explorers, colorful ceramics, and close ties to the sea.
You’ll find all this and more on a glorious journey that sweeps from Spain’s vibrant modern capital to the Mediterranean and on to Portugal’s northern landscape. Follow a route traced first by the Romans and Visigoths, and later by the Moors, who left a host of historic cities and architectural wonders in their wake. And venture off the tourist map to the picturesque back roads of Spain, where the everyday life of the countryside is revealed.
Along the way, you’ll delve into 2,000 years of Iberian history. From Madrid, you’ll set off for stunning, medieval Toledo, the storied capital of Spain until the 16th century. Continue on to Cordoba, where you’ll explore the Mezquita—one of the greatest mosques in the world. Another splendid Moorish marvel awaits in Granada: the mighty citadel known as the Alhambra, one of the great architectural wonders of the world, where King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella launched Christopher Columbus on his path to the New World.
Your next stop is Spain’s Costa del Sol, on the Mediterranean coast. Explore Picasso’s home city, Malaga, and visit a family home before journeying on to Ronda, one of the country’s oldest and most spectacular cities. You’ll also visit the quintessentially Spanish city of Seville, birthplace of the flamenco. Add a pre-trip extension to Bilbao in Spain’s Basque Country, and you’ll enjoy a complete overview of Spain, from north to south.
Portugal’s two greatest cities also await your discovery. In Lisbon, pay tribute to the Age of Discovery, when Portuguese navigators set off to explore the world. Venture on to northern Portugal, a region often overlooked by American travelers, and discover Oporto, whose treasures extend far beyond its famous Port wine. Plus, enjoy a stop at Fatima, a famous pilgrimage center, and visit a horse farm on special Discovery Series events. A post-trip stay on the island of Madeira rounds out your Iberian experience.
Summary Itinerary
Itinerary subject to change. Alternate itineraries may be available.
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Day
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1
Fly U.S./Madrid
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2-3
Madrid
: Husa Paseo del Arte or similar
Meals: 1B, 1D
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4
Madrid/Toledo/Cordoba
: Cordoba Center Hotel
Meals: 1B, 1D
-
5
Cordoba
: Cordoba Center Hotel
Meals: 1B
-
6
Cordoba/Granada/Torremolinos
: Melia Costa del Sol
Meals: 1B, 1L
-
7
Torremolinos (Costa del Sol)
: Melia Costa del Sol
Meals: 1B, 1L
-
8
Torremolinos/Optional Morocco tour
: Melia Costa del Sol
Meals: 1B
-
9
Torremolinos/Ronda/Seville
: Hotel Sevilla Center
Meals: 1B, 1D
-
10
Seville
: Hotel Sevilla Center
Meals: 1B
-
11
Seville/Lisbon, Portugal
: Hotel Tryp Oriente
Meals: 1B, 1L
-
12
Lisbon
: Hotel Tryp Oriente
Meals: 1B
-
13
Lisbon/Fatima/Oporto
: Hotel Villa Gale Oporto or similar
Meals: 1B, 1L
-
14
Oporto
: Hotel Villa Gale Oporto
Meals: 1B, 1D
-
15
Fly Oporto/U.S.
Meals: 1B
Itinerary subject to change. Alternate itineraries may be available.
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