DAY 1, Thursday - Depart for Portugal
Depart for Lisbon, Portugal

DAY 2, Friday - Arrive in Lisbon
Welcome to Lisbon, founded in the 12th century. Transfer to your hotel. Most flights arrive in the early morning and your room may not be ready for you. In this case, leave your luggage with the concierge and your Tour Manager will provide suggestions for you to begin to explore the city on your own. Tonight, attend an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 7 PM, followed by a light dinner at a local restaurant. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 5 PM
Overnight: Lisbon
Meals: Dinner

DAY 3, Saturday - Lisbon City Tour, Sintra Tour
Today's tour of Lisbon begins with a stop at the top of Edward VII's Park to enjoy a magnificent view over the hills of Lisbon and the River Tagus. Next, view the treasured 16th century Belem Tower. Then, tour Jeronimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, that today serves as a reminder of Portugal's wealth and power during the Age of Discovery. This amazing structure is considered the most prominent achievement of the Manueline style of architecture (Portuguese late-Gothic). Proceed to the dramatic Monument of Discoveries, built in honor of Henry the Navigator, instrumental in the success of Portuguese explorations during the 15th century. Standing over 171 feet tall, the monument, shaped like a ship's prow, stands majestically at the marina in Belem, starting point for many of Portugal's explorers and where Vasco da Gama embarked on his voyage to India. In the afternoon, drive to quaint Sintra, the Glorious Eden of Lord Byron, and ancient summer retreat of the royal court. The city is highlighted by lavish romantic castles and stunning monuments. Visit the magnificent 18th century Palacio de Queluz and its graceful gardens, one of the last Rococo buildings to be designed in Europe and former summer residence to the royal family. Afterward, spend leisure time in Lisbon. Tonight, travel to one of Lisbon's oldest districts for an unforgettable Fado performance of local songs accompanied by guitars, while enjoying a typical Portuguese dinner
Overnight: Lisbon
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 4, Sunday - Enchanting Evora
Departing Lisbon, head south to the heart of Alentejo province. Evora, one of Portugal's most enchanting cities, rose to prominence under the Romans and was later patronized by a succession of Portuguese kings. Discover the town's massive walls and Roman Temple, early Gothic Cathedral, and Sao Francisco Church that is famous for its Ossuary chapel, whose walls are decorated with thousands of human bones and skulls. Proceed to view Evora's main square, the Praça do Giraldo, and the cobbled streets of this former royal town
Overnight: Evora
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 5, Monday - Zafra en route to Seville
Today, journey through the rolling hills of the Portuguese wine region and cross the border into Spain. The drive is highlighted by the picturesque Andalucian scenery. En route, stop at the town of Zafra with its 15th century Alcazar (fortress). After an orientation tour, head to Spain's energetic city of Seville, capital of the scenic Andalucia region with its fascinating layers of Roman and Moorish history. Check into your hotel and spend the evening at leisure. Tonight, dinner is at a local restaurant
Overnight: Seville
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 6, Tuesday - Seville's Treasures, Flamenco Lesson & Show
This morning, admire the beautiful Plaza de España and the fragrant gardens of Maria Luisa Park by the Guadalquivir River. Explore the narrow streets and the many beautiful plazas of the quaint old Santa Cruz Quarter. Continue with a visit to the Cathedral of Seville, home to the burial site of Christopher Columbus. Built on the site of the former great mosque, its original minaret, the Giralda Bell Tower, still stands. Lunch on your own in the bustling downtown area. In the afternoon, participate in a Flamenco lesson to acquaint yourself with this passionate dance, along with its history and artistry. After your lesson, attend a traditional Flamenco Show, along with drinks, featuring some of Seville's leading artists, performing their emotional songs. Flamenco dancing, along with bullfighting, are popular symbols of Spain's culture
Overnight: Seville
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 7, Wednesday - Olive Oil Tasting en route to Ronda, Wine Tasting
Head south this morning to dramatic Ronda, spectacularly located atop El Tajo gorge. En route, stop at an olive oil mill, to hear about the gastronomy of extra virgin olive oil, the technical aspects for producing it and later enjoy an olive oil tasting. Afterward, continue the drive to Ronda. Upon arrival, savor lunch at a traditional restaurant. In the afternoon, visit a winery to learn about the harvesting, winemaking process and taste some of the excellent wine
Overnight: Ronda
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 8, Thursday - Ronda City Tour, Home Hosted Lunch
Begin the city tour at the Plaza de Toros, Spain's oldest bullring. Ronda is considered the birthplace of modern bullfighting which began in the 18th century as a training facility for developing horsemanship. Here, you can see the historic stables and museum, part of this complex along with displays of famous Matadors. Enjoy a traditional home hosted lunch with a local family and experience a unique opportunity to learn about their values and traditions. Afterwards, spend free time
Overnight: Ronda
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 9, Friday - Moorish Influenced Alhambra, Granada
Depart Ronda for Moorish Granada with Spain's foremost monument, the Alhambra,* built atop one of the Granada Hills overlooking the city, named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the reign of the Moors, this imposing hilltop fortress was the residence of the royal family. Walk along the lanes of the serene Generalife Gardens with its beautifully designed courtyards, waterfalls and ponds. Have lunch at a local restaurant in Granada. Free time to relax before dinner tonight*Alhambra visiting times, which may include evening hours, and which areas of the complex are accessible on the day of your visit, are determined solely at the discretion of the Alhambra. Your itinerary will be arranged by your Tour Manager to accommodate the designated time of entry.
Overnight: Granada
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 10, Saturday - Ubeda City Tour, Travel to Madrid
This morning, explore the lovely historic hilltop town of Ubeda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you will see some of the best-preserved examples of Spanish Renaissance architecture in Spain. Its splendid legacy of monuments comprises churches, palaces and aristocratic houses including the sacred chapel of El Salvador and the Santa Maria Church, circled by white-washed houses. Surrounded by Europe's largest olive tree plantation, Ubeda today is a major center of olive oil export in Spain. Continue to Madrid, Spain's capital for overnight
Overnight: Madrid
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 11, Sunday - Magnificent Toledo, Madrid City Tour
Journey to Toledo, former capital of Spain. Here, visit the most famous monuments, such as St. Tome Church, which houses El Greco's "The Burial of Count Orgaz" and the Santa Maria la Blanca Synagogue. Admire its famous handcrafted work, the "damasquinado", before returning to Madrid. Tour this energetic city's impressive architecture, beginning at the Plaza de Cibeles with its striking buildings. View the magnificent Royal Palace. Then, on to the world-renowned Prado Museum. Stand before the astonishing masterpieces by Velazquez, Goya, El Greco and others. Tonight, dinner is at a local restaurant
Overnight: Madrid
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 12, Monday - Travel to Barcelona, Barcelona City Tour, Visit Montjuic
Depart Madrid by train to sensational Barcelona. Upon arrival, time to freshen up before your exploration of the city. Begin with a visit to the Montjuic recreational area that houses the National Palace originally built as the central pavilion for the 1929 International Exhibition. Montjuic is home to the Olympic complex, a number of sports facilities built for the 1992 Summer Olympics. Tonight, enjoy your first taste of Catalan cuisine at a local restaurant
Overnight: Barcelona
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 13, Tuesday - Gaudi Monuments
Begin the day in this artistic city with the famous works of Gaudi, the master architect. Visit the most unforgettable symbol of Barcelona is Gaudi's masterpiece, La Sagrada Familia, a colossal church that is legendary and still unfinished, although it was started in 1882. Along the Paseo de Gracia see the unique La Pedrera (Casa Mila) with its stone-like facade and Casa Batllo, which appears to have been made from skulls and bones. Continue with a visit to the Hospital de Sant Pau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, designed by Catalan modernist architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner. It served as a functioning hospital until 2009, when it was restored as a museum and cultural center. Spend the afternoon at leisure
Overnight: Barcelona
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 14, Wednesday - Excursion to Girona, Visit Dali Museum in Figueres
Depart dynamic Barcelona to the cultural center of Girona in northern Catalonia. Discover the historic quarter, with its medieval mansions and courtyards crowned by a gorgeous cathedral on the eastern bank of the River Ter. In the Old City, see the Roman walls, Arabic-style bathhouses and the Jewish Quarter. In the background, you can see the peaks of the Pyrenees. After lunch on your own in Girona, continue to the Salvador Dali Theater and Museum in his hometown of Figueres in Catalonia. The building once housed the town's theater when Dali was a child. It was here that one of the first public exhibitions of young Dali's art was shown. Return to Barcelona. Tonight, share wonderful memories of your journey and bid adios to your Tour Manager at dinner
Overnight: Barcelona
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 15, Thursday - Depart Spain
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast