Spain & Portugal - Lisbon to Barcelona - 13 Days

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Experience Europe's fiery Latin cultures on this trip through Portugal and Spain. From the plaintive Fado music of Portugal to the Flamenco dancing of Spain, visitors will delight in visiting these capitals of Latin culture. See the influence of the Moors on castles and palaces. Be amazed at the breadth and quality of the artworks in the world famous Prado Museum. In Barcelona wonder at the bizarre but mesmerizing influence Gaudi had on the city.

• Guided tour of Lisbon including Jeronimos Monastery and Belem Tower
• Flamenco show
• Sightseeing tour of Seville
• Visit the Prado Museum
• Guided tour of Barcelona's Gothic Quarter and Sagrada Familia Cathedral

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 travelers for a Welcome Drink.

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?

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?

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 dinner and entertainment featuring a fiery Flamenco show!

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?

A day to relax or perhaps enjoy an optional day trip to the sandy beaches of Portugal's Algarve region.

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 we across the Sierra Morena Mountains and the plains of La Mancha to Madrid. This evening we transfer to a local restaurant for a Dinner.

A guided tour this morning takes us along the leafy avenues of the city, seeing the Plaza Espana 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.

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?

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.

Today a local guide takes us to the Gothic Quarter were 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'?

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.

This morning we transfer to Barcelona International Airport with ample time to check your luggage and board your flight back to the USA

• Accommodations: Lisbon 3 nights, Seville 3 nights, Madrid 3 nights, Barcelona 3 nights
• Meals: Continental breakfast daily. Lunch and dinner as noted in itinerary
• Ground transportation via air conditioned luxury coach
• English speaking assistants and guides
• Admission tickets as outlined in itinerary