European Tours

14 Day Best of Spain & Portugal

Experience the Best of Spain and Portugal on this 14-Day Journey
via Continental Airlines

DAY 01 – DEPART USA
Today we depart aboard our jet flight to Madrid. Dinner and breakfast will be served aboard your over night flight.

DAY 02 – ARRIVE MADRID
You are met at Madrid Airport and transferred to your hotel. The rest of your day is free perhaps to visit one of the museums. Tonight, after a welcome drink with our Tour Director, why not dine in one of the excellent restaurants lining Plaza Mayor?

DAY 03 – MADRID / TOLEDO / CORDOBA
This morning we drive to the ancient captial of Castile, Toledo. Here our sightseeing tour visits the ancient Synagogue, the Church of Santo Tome, a Toledo steel workshop and view the Cathedral. Then we head south to Roman-founded Cordoba for dinner and overnight.

DAY 04 – CORDOBA / GRANADA
Our morning sightseeing includes the Mosque of the Caliphs and Medieval Synagogue. Then past the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the grandeur of Granada, Spain's most beautiful Moorish-influenced city.

DAY 05 – GRANADA / COSTA DEL SOL
Morning sightseeing highlights the exquisite Alhambra Palace, former residence of Moorish kings. Next we head towards Torremolinos, the most popular Mediterranean resort on the Costa del Sol. This evening, perhaps enjoy a delicious fish dinner in the oldest part of town.

DAY 06 – COSTA DEL SOL AT LEISURE
A full day to relax. Why not lounge on the glorious sandy beaches, go on a shopping spree or people-watch from an open-air cafe? Maybe take an optional excursion to the pretty hilltop village of Mijas this afternoon. At cocktail hour, why not savor the atmosphere of a "tapas" bar?

DAY 07 – COSTA DEL SOL / SEVILLE
We drive along the Costa del Sol, passing the millionaires' resort of Marbella and on to La Linea. We cross to the imposing Rock of Gibraltar, with time for duty free shopping. Next, through the sherry wine region of Jerez to the Capital of Andalusia, Seville. This evening, why not enjoy a fiery Flamenco show after our dinner of local Andalusian specialties in a downtown restaurant? (BB, D) We will have a special dinner at a local restaurant.

DAY 08 – SEVILLE SIGHTSEEING
Morning sightseeing is dominated by the Bell Tower and weather vane of Giralda. We also see the pools and fountains of Maria Luisa Park, Christopher Columbus' Tomb and the Cathedral. This grand city is steeped in Moorish history which is reflected in its architecture and culture.

DAY 09 – SEVILLE / LISBON
This morning we drive through the arid country of Estremadura to the Portuguese Border. Then we travel via Setubal en route to the capital of Portugal, Lisbon. Tonight, why not dine on local specialties whilst listening to haunting Fado melodies along the Bairro Alto?

DAY 10 – LISBON SIGHTSEEING
We see the Monuments to the Great Explorers, the beautiful suspension bridge across the Tagus and admire views of the Belem Tower on our morning sightseeing. Later, time at leisure, perhaps to shop for pottery, cork and fishermen's sweaters in the nearby fishing village of Cascais. Or maybe try a lunchtime snack at one of the "tasca" bars.

DAY 11 – LISBON / SALAMANCA
A morning scenic drive takes us via the magnificent Serra d'Aire Mountains to visit the Shrine at Fatima, scene of celebrated religious miracles. We drive across the border and back into Spain to Salamanca, where orientation shows us the Plaza Mayor.

DAY 12 – SALAMANCA / MADRID
Today we drive through the Sierra de Guadarrama Mountains before we return to Madrid, Europe's highest capital city. Tonight is free to perhaps try traditional paella or roast suckling pig specialties for dinner. NOTE: Dining is late and nightlife carries on till dawn.

DAY 13 – MADRID SIGHTSEEING
Our morning sightseeing tour includes the Royal Palace, Puerta del Sol and Cervantes Memorial. The rest of your day is free perhaps to shop for leather, lace or porcelain – Lladro is half the price of anywhere back home. Or maybe take an optional excursion to El Escorial. Tonight, why not join your fellow travelers in a farewell dinner?

DAY 14 – MADRID / USA
Today after breakfast, it's "hasta la vista" to Madrid and your new-found friends as we transfer you to the airport for your return flight to America.

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