Duration: 13 Days 12 Nights

Description: The package offers insightful and detailed tour of the capital cities of Madrid and Lisbon. You will also visit architectural delights like the Church of Santo Tome, Cathedral-Mosque of Cordoba and Alhambra Palace. Tours will also be conducted to the Rock of Gibraltar, Seville, Salamanca in Spain and the Fatima Shrine in Portugal.

Day 1- We arrive at the capital of Spain, Madrid. On the first day, you can either relax or stroll along tree-lined boulevards. After an orientation tour during the evening, end the day with a Welcome Reception with your travelling companions and Travel Director.

Day 2 – Next day, take a guided tour to the Church of Santo Tomé and the Synagogue in Toledo and marvel at El Greco’s masterpiece. You can also enjoy the beautiful landscape during your drive south through the heart of Andalusia to Cordoba.

Day 3 – The local guide will accompany you to the Cathedral-Mosque of Cordoba, which is the former Mosque of the Caliphs. The Mosque is a wonder of Hispano-Islamic art featuring striking arches and Byzantine mosaics. Tourists will also view the remains of the 14th century Mudejar-style synagogue. Later a drive through the Sierra Nevada Mountains will bring you to Granada. At night, you can enjoy a Highlight Dinner with your fellow travelers.

Day 4 – Next day, we visit the incredible 14th century-built Alhambra Palace, which is a magnificent example of Moorish architecture. You can enjoy the ancient filigree, quiet courtyards and colossal walls of the Palace. In the afternoon we will reach Costa del Sol. You can visit the pretty hilltop village of Mijas to taste a typical Mediterranean dinner.

Day 5- You can spend your free day at Costa del Sol by either shopping or strolling along the sandy beaches. If you are in an adventurous mood you can opt for a day excursion to Morocco!

Day 6- Next day we visit the Rock of Gibraltar, where you can stock up on duty-free goods. You can have a good view of this limestone promontory, which was ceded to the British in 1713 and has been a point of contention ever since. On the way to Seville, stop by at the world capital of sherry, Jerez. In the evening, join your travelling companions for a Be-My-Guest dinner at an Andalusian Hacienda.

Day 7- Seville is the Mecca of bullfighting and flamenco. As part of your guided sightseeing tour, pay a visit to the Giralda Bell Tower. You can also visit the Maria Luisa Park, the piece of the 1929 World’s Fair. The Park is built in a Moorish style and features half a mile of fountains, ponds, pavilions and lush plantings. The next place of visit is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, where famous explorer Christopher Columbus is buried. Tonight, you might also want to try out some typical Andalusian cuisine at a local restaurant.

Day 8- On the way to the Portuguese capital, Lisbon, we cross the beautiful province of Huelva, world-famous for its Jabugo ham and copper mines. One will also come across the Extremadura castles on the way.

Day 9- During your orientation tour, the local guide will provide a fascinating insight into the city’s rich cultural heritage. Visit the Monument to the Great Discoverers on the banks of the Tagus River and view the beautiful suspension bridge linking Lisbon with Almada. We will also visit the magnificent Belem Tower. After the tour ends, you are free for the rest of the day. You can visit the nearby Cascais fishing village and shop for pottery, cork and fishermen’s sweaters.

Day 10- A short drive through the magnificent Serra d’Aire Mountains will bring you to the Fatima Shrine, renowned for its religious miracles. Later, we will drive through Portugal and back across the Spanish border to visit Salamanca, home to the country’s oldest university.

Day 11- After visiting Salamanca, we will cross the Castilian plateau to come back to Madrid. The remaining day is free for you to explore the city on your own or feast on local delicacies.

Day 12 – The guided city tour will take you to the Prado Museum, featuring the largest collection of European art in the world, most notably the works of Velazquez. You will also visit the Royal Palace, which is the official residence of the Spanish King. Also drop by at the Puerta del Sol and the Cervantes Memorial in the Plaza de España. One must not miss the impressive Cibeles Fountain on the elegant Paseo del Prado.

You can also consider visiting Segovia, which is famous for its Roman aqueduct and medieval palaces and castles. Enjoy your last night at Madrid with a delightful farewell dinner in the company of fellow travelers and Travel Director.

Day 13 – Say ‘adios’ to your travelling companions and your Travel Director and continue your onward journey. Conditions apply.