DAY 1 – FRI – DEPART USA

Over night flight to Lisbon.

DAY 2 – SAT – ARRIVE LISBON

Welcome to Lisbon! If you have purchased our Air & Land package you are transferred to the tour hotel. Then time to relax or explore. Tonight, join your fellow travellers for a Welcome Drink. Hotel: Marriott. (D)

DAY 3 – SUN – LISBON SIGHTSEEING

Our guided tour takes us along the avenues of the Lower Town and across the tree-shaded squares. We pass beneath hilltop Bairro Alto to the Terreiro do Paco, finest square in the city. Now we visit Jeronimos Monastery with its superbly ornate cloister. Nearby we see the modern 'Monument to the Discoveries' and ancient Belem Tower. This afternoon we are at leisure. Tonight, why not enjoy dinner to the haunting sound of 'Fado' music? (BB)

DAY 4 – MON – LISBON AT LEISURE

A day in the Portuguese capital to spend as we wish! Perhaps explore the terraces of the Alfama district? Or maybe join an optional tour to Sintra and its royal summer palace? (BB)

DAY 5 – TUE – LISBON – SEVILLE

This morning we travel over the modern Tagus Bridge and cross the Alentejo plateau to the Spanish border. Then we continue through the Sierra Morena to Seville, exquisite capital of Andalusia. This evening, we enjoy a highlight dinner and entertainment featuring a fiery Flamenco show! Hotel: Gran Hotel Renacimiento. (BB,HD)

DAY 6 – WED – SEVILLE SIGHTSEEING

Our sightseeing tour this morning shows us the immense 15th century cathedral, burial place of Christopher Columbus, the Alcazar and the slender Giralda Tower. We then tour the Santa Cruz Quarter, with its flower decked wrought iron balconies before time at leisure. Perhaps explore Maria Luisa park with its archaeological museum? (BB)

DAY 7 – THU – SEVILLE AT LEISURE

A day to relax or perhaps enjoy an optional day trip to the sandy beaches of Portugal's Algarve region? (BB)

DAY 8 – FRI – SEVILLE – MADRID

We set off early this morning, driving along the Guadalquivir valley, to stop in the perfectly preserved Moorish city of Cordoba. We see the famous 2000 year old bridge before a guided visit to the magnificent Mezquita, an 8th century mosque with a Christian church built inside it. Then across the Sierra Morena mountains and the plains of La Mancha to Madrid. This evening we transfer to a local restaurant for a Highlight Dinner. Hotel: NH Eurobuilding. (BB,HD)

DAY 9 – SAT – MADRID SIGHTSEEING

A guided tour this morning takes us along the leafy avenues of the city, seeing the Plaza España with its Cervantes Monument, the grandiose Cibeles Fountain and Puerta del Sol. We also see the Parliament and Royal Palace. Our highlight visit is to the magnificent Prado museum, one of the great art galleries of Europe! This afternoon is at leisure. (BB)

DAY 10 – SUN – MADRID AT LEISURE

Another day to enjoy as we please! Perhaps take an optional excursion into the Guadarrama Mountains to visit the austere Escorial Palace and amazing Valley of the Fallen? (BB)

DAY 11 – MON – MADRID – BARCELONA

An early start takes us through Castille where the legendary Don Quixote 'tilted at windmills'. We reach the Ebro River at Zaragosa where, the Virgin appeared to St. James the Apostle. Then we enter Catalunya, a land that retains its own distinctive language and traditions. We stay tonight in the vibrant Mediterranean port of Barcelona. Hotel: Melia Barcelona. (BB)

DAY 12 – TUE – BARCELONA SIGHTSEEING

Today a local guide takes us to the Gothic Quarter where amongst the narrow streets we visit the ancient Cathedral. In complete contrast, we drive out to the Eixample District to see some of Gaudi's extraordinary architecture, including the unfinished Sagrada Familia Cathedral. In the afternoon, stroll along the leafy Ramblas with its market stalls and buskers, or perhaps, take an optional excursion to the ancient Monastery of Montserrat, dedicated to the 'Black Madonna'? (BB)

DAY 13 – WED – BARCELONA AT LEISURE

Today we are free to explore this amazing city, visit the shops, or perhaps you may wish to stroll in the streets of the Spanish Village and visit the Bullfighters museum? Tonight we enjoy a highlight Catalan dinner at a local restaurant. (BB,HD)

DAY 14 – THU – RETURN TO USA

Our tour ends after breakfast. Transfers to the airport are included in the Air and Land package. (BB)