| 1 | ARRIVAL IN LISBON, PORTUGAL.
Free time to rest or start exploring the Portuguese capital. At 6 p.m. meet your Tour Director and travelling companions and have a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D) |
| 2 | LISBON.
Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide of Portugal's capital features Belem Tower guarding the estuary of the Tagus River and JERONIMOS MONASTERY with the tomb of Vasco da Gama. Drive past the bull ring to Pombal Statue and along the grand Avenida da Liberdade. Then enjoy a walk through the cobbled alleys of the ALFAMA, the quarter of the seamen. An optional excursion to Sintra and optional dinner with Fado-style entertainment are available. (B) |
| 3 | LISBON - FATIMA.
A scenic drive through the Serra do Aire Hills. Step back in time as you pass through the main gate in the medieval perimetre wall of Obidos. Next, visit the magnificent Dominican BATALHA MONASTERY before arriving in Fatima. Of course there is time to join the pilgrims to visit the SANCTUARY OF OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY. In the afternoon, drive to the valley of the Douro River and visit the prestigious HOUSE OF SANDEMAN. Hear how port, the country's premier export, is made and taste the strong, sweet wine. Overnight in Oporto. (B,D) |
| 4 | OPORTO - SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA.
Sightseeing with a Local Guide features a panoramic drive and a visit to the lavish 19th-century STOCK EXCHANGE, whose claim to fame is an ARABIAN HALL inspired by Granada's Alhambra. Then drive through an area where the rural population still lives off small patches of land tended with traditional farming methods. Enjoy a leisurely lunch break in Viana do Castelo before crossing the Rio Minoo towards Santiago de Compostela.(B,D) |
| 5 | SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA.
Santiago grew around the tomb of St. James, the apostle who converted Spain to Christianity and, according to legend, delivered the country from Moorish occupation. Today's pilgrims still pray at St. James' tomb in the huge 11th-century CATHEDRAL VIEJA. Sightseeing with a Local Guide focuses on the beautiful Old Town with its Plaza de la Quintana with the Holy Door and Plaza Obradoiro with its Hospital of the Catholic Monarchs. The afternoon is free, and tonight you may wish to try typical Galician fare. (B) |
| 6 | SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA - LEON.
Two days of scenic eastbound travel along the ancient "Way of St. James." First stop is in Lugo, whose perfectly preserved massive schist wall, dating back to Roman times, did not protect it from conquest by Moors, Norsemen, and Napoleon's revolutionary troops. Then head for Ponferrada where Knights Templars gave shelter to medieval pilgrims. Their massive castle now lies in ruins, except for the superb gate where you stop for pictures. Guided sightseeing in Leon focuses on the GOTHIC CATHEDRAL, with its no less than 1, 116.415 square metres (12,017 square feet) of stained-glass windows. Also visit the MUSEUM with priceless works of art and a complete 17th-century chemist's shop. (B,D) |
| 7 | LEON - SALAMANCA - AVILA - MADRID.
Drive through the Tierra de Campos to the university town of Salamanca. Time for lunch and a stroll in its baroque Plaza Mayor. On the way to Madrid, visit the walled town of Avila where St. Theresa founded the Order of the Carmelites. (B) |
| 8 | MADRID.
A Local Guide takes you to the Puerta del Sol, Plaza de Espana with its monument to Cervantes, the Parliament, Cibeles Fountain, and a highlight visit to the PRADO MUSEUM. Exiciting optional excursions are available. (B) |
| 9 | MADRID - CORDOBA - SEVILLE.
South to Cordoba, where your Local Guide will take you for a walking tour through the magnificent 8th-century MOSQUE OF THE CALIPHS before continuing to Seville. (B,D) |
| 10 | SEVILLE.
Admire MARIA LUISA PARK with a Local Guide; drive to the Plaza de Espana, the Gold Tower on the Guadalquivir River, and the university that used to be the tobacco factory of Carmen fame. Visit the CATHEDRAL with Columbus' tomb and stroll through the narrow lanes of the charming SANTA CRUZ QUARTER. For a truly Andalusian night out, reserve a seat at our optional flamenco show. (B) |
| 11 | SEVILLE - ALGRAVE, PORTGUAL.
A comfortable drive across the border into Portugal. Then, arrive at your beachfront hotel at the Algarve. Balance of the day is at leisure. Stroll to the marina or shop in the fancy boutiques. Tonight you may wish to try a local seafood restaurant. (B) |
| 12 | AT LEISURE AT THE ALGRAVE.
Enjoy a leisurely day or join an exciting optional excursion to the Promontory of Sagres, where Henry the Navigator lived and planned his overseas expansion. (B,D) |
| 13 | ALGRAVE - LISBON.
Head north and continue over the Serra da Arrabida with sweeping views of the Troia Peninsula. After crossing the Bridge of April 25th, back in Lisbon for the end of your exciting touring adventure. (B) |
| 14 | LISBON.
Your tour ends this morning with breakfast. (B) |
