Spain and Portugal (14 Days) 

     Tour begins: 2:00 pm, Tivoli Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal. A transfer from Lisboa Airport to your hotel, Tivoli Lisboa, is included. The afternoon’s sightseeing provides an introduction to this intriguing city and its most famous landmarks. Meet your traveling companions this evening at our welcome cocktail reception and dinner. (D)

     A UNESCO World Heritage site, the 14th-century Royal Palace of Sintra is a highlight of every Portugal tour. The fishing village of Cascais and the well-known resort town Estoril on the Portuguese Riviera are also visited today. (B)

     A highlight of any Portugal tour is a visit to the medieval, walled city of Evora, also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its Roman ruins, Moorish arcades, churches and monasteries create a fascinating cultural tapestry. Spend the night at a luxury hotel in a picturesque locale that was once a 15th-century convent. (B,L,D)

     As your Portugal tour concludes, your Spain tour heats up! The famous southern province of Andalucía is as famous for gypsies and flamenco dancing as it is for its seaside resorts and small, whitewashed villages; see the Roman ruins of Mérida. The provincial capital of Seville blends the vibrant Spain of today with centuries of history and old-world charm. A private performance of flamenco dancing awaits this evening. (B,L,D)

     A sightseeing tour takes in many of Seville’s historic and cultural attractions. See Carmen’s famous Tobacco Factory, the Parque de María Luisa, the Macarena district, Murillo Gardens and the pavilions that housed exhibits during Expo ’92. Visit Seville's impressive Gothic cathedral, thought to be the final resting place of Christopher Columbus. (B)

     Visit Jerez de la Frontera, known for its sweet wines, sherry, fine horses and flamenco dancers. Visit the palatial Real Escuela Andaluza de Arte Equestre (Royal Andalucían School of Equestrian Art) whre the Andalucían horses are bred and perform their amazing equestrian "ballet." Enjoy a true taste of the region during lunch at a sherry bodega, then on to Gibraltar. Weather permitting, you see the silhouette of the fabled Rock of Gibraltar, which played a major part in both world wars. As Gibraltar has been a British territory for almost 300 years, there are some formalities involved in crossing the border from Spain. Travel to the glamorous coastal resort town of Marbella for a two-night stay at a beachfront resort. (B,L,D)

     A morning tour provides an introduction to Marbella's Old Town (Casco Antigua) – and then it's the entire day as you please enjoying the seaside pleasures of Marbella, Spain's marvelous resort. (B)

     Journey into the mountains to visit scenic Ronda, home of modern-day bullfighting. Sightseeing in Ronda reveals the town’s Moorish and Roman heritage, as well as a visit to one of Spain's oldest bullrings. Continue on to Granada, situated in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, boasting extraordinary Moorish architecture. (B,L,D)

     In Granada, visit the famed Moorish Alhambra; tour the Palace, considered to be one of the world’s most beautiful, and stroll the Generalife, grounds of the summer palace of former sultans. Enjoy some of Spain’s most beautiful landscapes en route to Córdoba, another city heavily influenced by the ancient Moors. (B,L)

     Córdoba’s Mezquite Cathedral is a masterpiece of architecture and art. View its walls and decorative details from the alleyways of the Judería during a walking tour through this historic Jewish quarter. Journey into the Sierra Morena Mountains and view the whitewashed houses clinging to the high hillside. Continue on via these scenic back roads through the mountains to Almagro to enjoy a stay at Parador de Almagro, a former Franciscan monastery. (B,L,D)

     It was in the Consuegra region that Don Quixote de la Mancha fearlessly tilted at windmills. A walking tour in Toledo, considered by many to be the heart and soul of Spain, includes visits to the Church of Santo Tomé to see The Burial of the Count of Orgaz, thought to be the artist El Greco’s finest painting, and a synagogue in the historic Jewish quarter. Arrive in Madrid for three nights in the heart of the city. (B)

     Located at the geographic center of the Iberian Peninsula, cosmopolitan Madrid has many charms. A sightseeing tour this morning includes views of the Royal Palace, great squares, Neptuno and Cibeles fountains, Grand Via and Paseo de la Castellana. The afternoon is free to spend as you please in one of the world's most popular cities. (B)

     Survey the Spanish School of artists during a guided tour of Museo del Prado, housing works by Murillo, Goya, El Greco, and Velázques. Art lovers may enjoy exploring other notable museums, such as the private collection of Baron von Thyssen-Bornemisza this afternoon. Relive the experiences you’ve shared with your new friends at a farewell cocktail reception and dinner tonight. (B,D)

     A transfer from The Westin Palace, Madrid to Barajas Airport is included. Allow a minimum of 2 ½ hours for flight check-in at the airport. Return home. (B)