Portugal & Spain Tour with Flights

Depart Australia for flights to Lisbon, Portugal

Arrive in captivating Lisbon, and make your way to the hotel. Balance of the day is at leisure. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 7 PM, followed by a light dinner. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 5 PM
Overnight: Lisbon
Meals: Dinner

Today’s tour 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 and the Jeronimos Monastery, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afterwards, visit the Cathedral of Lisbon and enjoy the elegant Liberdade Avenue. Afternoon is free, or join the optional tour to Sintra, the "Glorious Eden" of Lord Byron, and ancient summer retreat of the royal court, highlighted by lavish romantic castles and stunning monuments. Visit the Sintra Royal Palace, a 15th-century royal residence, containing one of Portugal’s largest tile collections. Enjoy free time in the Village Historical Center before returning to Lisbon
Optional: Half Day Sintra Tour (PM)
Overnight: Lisbon
Meals: Breakfast

Depart Lisbon this morning heading south. Cross the region of Alentejo, with its rolling hills, vineyards and cork oak trees. Reach the Spanish border and enter the region of Andalucia. Continue your drive through picturesque Andalucia to Seville. After dinner, opportunity to attend an optional Flamenco Show in Seville, known as the birthplace of Flamenco
Optional: Evening Flamenco Show (PM)
Overnight: Seville
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Begin the day at the beautiful Plaza de España and the fragrant gardens of Maria Luisa Park before taking a walking tour in the quaint Barrio Santa Cruz, the former Jewish Quarter of the city with its winding cobblestone streets. Continue with a visit to the Cathedral of Seville, legendary burial site of Christopher Columbus. The rest of the day is at leisure or, join the optional tour to Cordoba, founded by the Romans. Visit the Mezquita de Cordoba, one of the largest mosques in the world, transformed into a soaring cathedral in the 16th century. A walking tour of the city reveals the ancient Jewish Quarter with its labyrinth of winding narrow streets, picturesque squares, and view of the 14th century Synagogue on Calle de los Judios
Optional: Half Day Cordoba Tour (PM)
Overnight: Seville
Meals: Breakfast

This morning, head south to the dramatic cliffside city of Ronda, considered the birthplace of modern bullfighting. Start with a tour of Ronda, home to Spain's oldest bullring, the Plaza de Toros. Here, you can see the historic stables and museum along with displays of famous Matadors before proceeding to the Costa del Sol
Overnight: Costa del Sol
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Spend a full day at leisure in Costa del Sol to enjoy all of the delights of this resort area or, join the optional morning tour to Malaga, the birthplace of Pablo Picasso. Visit the Picasso Museum with over 285 works donated by members of Picasso's family. View the Paseo de la Alameda, Paseo del Parque & the Barrio de la Malagueta. A walking tour through this historic town is accented by views of the Malaga Cathedral. Head over to Cathedral Square before heading back. Dinner tonight is at the hotel
Optional: Half Day Malaga Tour (AM)
Overnight: Costa del Sol
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Journey to the impressive Rock of Gibraltar,* a British colony for over 300 years standing guard over the Strait of Gibraltar, where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean and Europe meets Africa. Take a tour of the area with minibuses climbing up to see St. Michael's Cave and the famous Barbary apes with dramatic views of both the Spanish and Moroccan coastline. Spend some time in the main street of town with its colonial buildings and duty-free shops. Return to the Costa del Sol for overnight
*You may experience delays at border crossing into Gibraltar, which is a British Overseas Territory independent from Spain and therefore has different entry requirements. Travellers are responsible to check if a visa is required for Gibraltar in addition to all other countries on their itinerary.
Overnight: Costa del Sol
Meals: Breakfast

Depart the southern coast and journey to Moorish Granada. Your visit is highlighted by a tour of the 13th century Alhambra,* one of Spain's most celebrated monuments, perched atop Assabica Hill overlooking the entire city. This imposing hilltop fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a fine example of Moorish art and architecture. During the reign of the Moors, the Alhambra served as the residence of the royal family. Walk along the lanes of the Generalife Gardens with its beautifully designed courtyards, waterfalls and ponds and views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Tonight, dinner together is at a local restaurant
*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, Dinner

Travel via the region of La Mancha, legendary home of Don Quixote, featuring panoramic views of its famous windmills. Continue to Toledo, the former capital city of Spain that still retains its medieval atmosphere and charm. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Toledo is known for its extensive monumental heritage and historical coexistence of Christian, Muslim and Jewish cultures. A walking tour will include a visit to the Church of Santo Tomé with its masterpiece painting by El Greco and the Synagogue of Santa Maria La Blanca. Continue to Madrid and enjoy the evening at leisure
Overnight: Madrid
Meals: Breakfast

This morning, take a sightseeing tour of Madrid. Drive along the Gran Via through the Opera District, Plaza de Colon and view the Royal Palace. Pass by Plaza de Cibeles and Puerta de Alcala Gate. The tour will end at the world-renowned Prado Museum, where you will be able to view works of art by famous artists such as El Greco, Velázquez, and Ribera. Spend the afternoon at leisure or, join the optional tour to Escorial. Visit what has often been described as the "eighth wonder of the world". El Escorial is, perhaps, Philip II´s most enduring legacy to Spain. This combination monastery-palace-mausoleum is situated approximately one hour outside of Madrid in the foothills of the Guadarrama Mountains
Optional: Half Day Escorial Tour (PM)
Overnight: Madrid
Meals: Breakfast

This morning, transfer to Madrid's train station and board the exciting AVE high-speed train to Barcelona with its unending choice of museums, galleries, and cafes. Upon arrival, embark on an orientation tour of the city and Montjuic Hill, home to the Olympic Complex, a number of sports facilities built for the 1992 Summer Olympics. Transfer to your hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure. Perhaps stroll along Las Ramblas, Barcelona's famous pedestrian walkway with its life-size animators, stalls and people watchers
Overnight: Barcelona
Meals: Breakfast

This morning's tour of Barcelona begins with a drive along the old Harbour to the Plaza de Catalunya, the city's bustling main square. Afterward, pass the famous works of Gaudi, the master architect, including the iconic symbol of Barcelona, La Sagrada Familia* as well as Casa Batllo, seemingly constructed from skulls and bones. Spend the afternoon at leisure to explore the many sights Barcelona has to offer
*Entrance to La Sagrada Familia is not included. Passengers can visit on their own and are advised to book tickets in advance.
Overnight: Barcelona
Meals: Breakfast

Spend a full day at leisure to explore Barcelona independently or, join the optional guided morning tour to Montserrat. Enjoy a relaxing drive passing picturesque villages before reaching Montserrat Mountain. On arrival, visit the Royal Basilica, where you will see the famous 12th-century Romanesque sculpture of "Virgen Moreneta." This evening, bid farewell to your Tour Manager at dinner
Optional: Half Day Montserrat from Barcelona (AM)
Overnight: Barcelona
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

It’s time to check out of your hotel in the morning then make your way to the airport for your departure flight. As this journey ends, the memories begin!
Meals: Breakfast