15 Day Spain & Portugal Tour
DAY 1 - Overnight Flight to Europe.
The Trip Documents will provide guidance for airport check-in. Relax on your transatlantic flight with the assurance that Image Tours has taken care of all the details.
DAY 2 - PORTUGAL . . Arrival at Lisbon Airport.
Upon arrival, clear passport control and collect your luggage. Refer to the “Arrival Instructions” in the Trip Documents for directions on where and when to meet your tour manager. Transfer to your Lisbon hotel to check in and freshen up. An afternoon walk is an excellent way to form first impressions of this vibrant city with its pastel-colored houses, brightly painted boats, broad boulevards and mosaic sidewalks. This evening, meet your fellow tour members during the “Welcome to Europe” dinner. (Dinner)
DAY 3 - PORTUGAL . . Lisbon.
During the morning hours, get to know Lisbon with your tour manager. Highlights include Belem Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries honoring Prince Henry the Navigator. In the afternoon, continue sightseeing in Lisbon. A great way to spend your time here is to go up to São Jorge Castle and to walk the narrow, winding streets of the Moorish Alfama District. In the alluring shops you can browse the finest Portuguese products, such as hand painted ceramic tiles and figurines. Another consideration for your afternoon and evening is to join the optional Cascais & Cape Roca excursion. Return to your Lisbon hotel for an included dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 4 - PORTUGAL . . Algarve Region & SPAIN . . Seville.
Cross the Sado River at Alcácer do Sal. After a lunch stop in the Algarve Region, enter southwestern Spain, also known as Andalusia, and travel through the province of Huelva. It is from the nearby port of Palos de la Frontera that Christopher Columbus sailed to the Americas in 1492. Your day’s journey ends in Seville, one of the largest historic Old Towns of Europe. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 5 - SPAIN . . Seville.
On the city tour of Seville, a local guide will introduce you to the Plaza de España, the cathedral housing Columbus’ tomb, Giralda Tower, City Hall, and the tobacco factory of “Carmen” fame. The afternoon allows time to pursue your personal interests. Explore the Alcazar Palace (€9.00), the Flamenco Museum (€10.00), or the intriguing alleys and courtyards in the former Jewish Quarter of Barrio de Santa Cruz. Seville’s gardens provide a lovely setting for a picnic lunch. Of particular beauty is the Maria Luisa Park on the Guadalquivir River banks. With its cozy streets and outdoor cafés, Seville is a delightful city where people love to relax and socialize outdoors well into the evening. Tonight, dinner is on your own to experience the regional specialties, or join the optional Flamenco Show with Tapas excursion. (Breakfast)
DAY 6 - SPAIN . . Jerez - Ronda - Costa del Sol.
Tour a sherry bodega in Jerez with an explanation on the history and production, as well as a sampling. The Phoenicians introduced wine-making to this area in 1100 B.C., and the distinctive beverage, which later became known as sherry, was further developed through refinements provided by the Romans and Moors. Heading north, wind your way, past thrilling mountain vistas, to Ronda, a village whose unique location creates dramatic views over the Tajo Ravine. A local guide will share the history of this special village and point out photo opportunities. Today’s final destination is Spain’s Sun Coast, the Costa del Sol, in the province of Malaga. Your seaside resort, in the town of Torremolinos, awaits you with an included dinner upon arrival. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 7 - SPAIN . . Costa del Sol.
Use your first day of a five-night stay to become familiar with the resort town of Torremolinos, along the Mediterranean Sea. If you join the optional morning Malaga excursion, a local guide will introduce you to the port, castle and city center of the provincial capital, concluding with a tasting of the regional wine. For those who are eager to see more of the Andalusian countryside, your tour manager will also offer an evening optional Mijas & Country Dinner excursion. (Breakfast)
DAY 8 - SPAIN . . Granada - Costa del Sol.
This day focuses on the city of Granada, elegantly enrobed by the surrounding Sierra Navada mountains and crowned by the astounding Alhambra. In Arabic, Alhambra means “Red Castle.” Granada’s Alhambra was in fact a fortified compound, complete with protective walls, lookout towers, two palaces, a garden, and a village for the families of the nobles. Your local guide will share the fascinating stories of this area and reveal the history leading to the interwoven Arabic and Christian influences. After exploring the center of Granada, return to your Torremolinos hotel for an included dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 9 - SPAIN . . Costa del Sol.
A day for relaxation! Walk the beach, swim in the Mediterranean, or lounge at the hotel pool. The airy boutiques along the winding streets leading up to the hilltop village are a shopper’s paradise, selling Mallorca pearls, gold jewelry, cork products and Lladro figurines. For your independent lunch and dinner, numerous sidewalk cafés offer fresh seafood, paella and tapas. If you have your heart set on adding another country to your travels, book the full-day optional Morocco excursion — Note: This excursion must be reserved prior to and paid with your final tour payment). (Breakfast)
DAY 10 - SPAIN . . Costa del Sol.
Enjoy another full day at your resort location along the Mediterranean Coast, with options for swimming, sunbathing, shopping, sampling local foods, hiking, and exploring one of the neighboring towns. Or, join the full day optional Gibraltar excursion to visit the caves and meet the Barbary Apes on “The Rock” in the British Overseas Territory. After an included dinner, celebrate your last evening in Torremolinos with tranquil views from the hotel’s rooftop bar or amid the festive atmosphere of the beach boulevard. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 11 - SPAIN . . Córdoba - Baeza.
Travel to Córdoba, where a local guide will explain the cultural landmarks, including the Old Jewish Quarter, La Mezquita (built as an immense mosque in the 8th century and currently used as a cathedral), Viana Palace and Roman bridge. Take a stroll through the Old Town where splashing fountains decorate the patios and the scent of flowers fills the air. Depart Córdoba to travel among the infinite olive groves and rolling mountains of Jaén Province. You will overnight in Baeza, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The town is situated on a hill, and a small open-top tram will take you up to the hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 12 - SPAIN . . La Mancha - Madrid.
After learning more about this region at the Museum of Olive Tree Culture, head north through the region of La Mancha, the Arabic name for “parched earth.” Make a morning stop at Valdepeñas, in the south of La Mancha’s wine growing region. Along the way, catch glimpses of the windmills made famous by Cervantes’ story of Don Quixote. Ahead lies Madrid, Spain’s modern capital and your final tour destination. Visit the Prado Art Museum with commentary from a local guide before transferring to your Madrid hotel for check-in and dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 13 - SPAIN . . Madrid.
You have a full day in Madrid to pursue your personal interests. Those who prefer more structured sightseeing might consider joining the local guide for an optional Madrid Royal Palace excursion. Three popular choices for afternoon sightseeing are the Old Town of Madrid (referred to as Puerta del Sol), EI Retiro Park (where you can rent a row boat on its Great Lake), or the Reina Sofía Museum (home to Picasso’s Guernica). Tonight’s independent dinner allows you to choose between the hotel, an outdoor café, or the optional Madrid Dinner excursion. (Breakfast)
DAY 14 - SPAIN . . Madrid.
One last day to explore Madrid. A favorite spot to finish your souvenir shopping is around the Plaza Mayor, in the heart of the city. This lively square also attracts a variety of street entertainers. Another possibility for today is the optional Toledo excursion to one of Europe's most ancient cities. An included "Farewell Dinner" provides a final opportunity to enjoy the company of your fellow tour participants. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 15 - Daytime flight back to U.S.A.
Transfer to the Madrid Airport for the return flight home. (Breakfast)