DAY 1 USA - Madrid, Spain

Today, fly to Madrid, the first stop in your 12-day voyage around Spain and Portugal.

DAY 2 Madrid

Arrive in Madrid, Spain's capital since 1561 and its largest city. Pulsating with life, the city stands as a perfect testament to the Spanish zest for life, with its unquenchable appetite for art, architecture, dance, and epicurean pleasures. A city rich in beauty and history, it serves up imperious monuments and sites at every turn, from cobbled plazas to grand museums and majestic royal palaces all framing a cosmopolitan modern center. After meeting your Ritz Tours representative at the airport, transfer to your hotel and then enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, with time to explore the city as you choose.

Included: Dinner at hotel

DAY 3 Madrid

Relax over breakfast before taking our sightseeing tour of Madrid. Admire the handsome Plaza de Colon. Next, enjoy a fascinating guided tour of the Royal Palace*, the opulent 18th-century residence of Spain's Bourbon's rulers that boasts a staggering 2,800 rooms. The afternoon is then free for you to explore as you wish, perhaps hunting for souvenirs along Madrid's shop-filled boulevards; or taking an optional excursion to the historic town of Segovia to see its Roman Aqueduct and the UNESCO-listed castle, and enjoy a traditional roasted pig lunch! (Prado Museum will be a substitute if the Royal Palace is not available).
(*Itinerary and free time in Madrid may be adjusted without prior notice due to local attractions’ availability)  

Included: Breakfast at hotel

DAY 4 Madrid - Salamanca - Fatima, Portugal

This morning, travel to the splendid University City of Salamanca, home to one of the oldest universities in Europe. Accompany your guide as you stroll around the arcade-lined Plaza Mayor, an 18th-century square that many consider to be Spain's most beautiful, and see the sculpted facades and sandstone-ocher entrance of the University, founded in 1218. After lunch, continue through pretty countryside into Portugal and on to the religious town of Fatima, for an overnight stay. This evening, after dinner at hotel, if you desire, you may enjoy a stroll along the quaint streets to the world famous Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima.

Included: Breakfast at hotel, Dinner at hotel

DAY 5 Fatima - Lisbon - Sintra - Cape Roca - Cascais - Lisbon

One of Europe's greatest pilgrimage centers, Fatima attracts an annual six million worshippers who come to see the place where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to three peasant children in 1917. Enjoy some time to visit the Shrine of Our Lady on the site of the apparition and then travel by coach to Lisbon, Portugal's capital. Sprawled over seven hills, Lisbon serves up cobbled streets, grand squares and broad avenues. Set out to view the city and its surrounding shores, the latter often dubbed Portugal’s Sunshine Coast. Head first for Sintra, the one-time summer retreat of Portugal’s kings. Admire the mountain-backed setting of the town and visit 14th-century Sintra Palace, famous for its fairy tale-like architecture. Next, drive to Cape Roca, mainland Europe’s westernmost point. See this rugged peninsula before following the coastline to the elegant beach town of Cascais. Visit Estoril, famous for its casino: Europe’s oldest and largest. Admire Estoril beach before returning to Lisbon for a panoramic tour, passing sights such as Restauradores Square with its obelisk and art deco buildings, cafe-lined Rossio Square, Gold and Silver Streets, and grandiose Trade Square, overlooking the River Tagus. 

Included: Breakfast at hotel, Dinner

DAY 6 Lisbon

With a local guide, explore the Belem district that fringes the River Tagus and visit the Monument of the Discoveries, built to commemorate Portugal's 15th-century maritime expeditions. Take photos of the nearby 16th-century Belem Tower, another symbol of the country's Age of Discovery, and head to the ornate Jeronimos Monastery*, to visit its sublime cloisters, built in classic Manueline style. Later, joining us for an optional seafood dinner at a popular restaurant.

Included: Breakfast at hotel

DAY 7 Lisbon - Seville, Spain

Leave Lisbon behind this morning and travel back into Spain to visit the old Moorish city of Seville, situated along the banks of the Guadalquivir River. Discover its highlights on a sightseeing tour, including spectacular Seville Cathedral*, the world's third-largest church, its neighboring Giralda Tower* and the glorious Plaza Espana, the Jewish Quarter of Santa Cruz and Maria Luisa Park. Tonight, don't miss the chance to experience an exciting optional Flamenco dance and dinner show.

Included: Breakfast at hotel

DAY 8 Seville - Granada

Your tour continues southward through Andalusia to Granada, once an Islamic kingdom inhabited by Jews, Christians and Muslims. After enjoying views of the gypsy cave dwellings in the surrounding hills, pay a visit to the Moorish-built Alhambra Palace*, whose sublime patios, cupolas and marquetry date to the 13th century. While you're here, also visit the Generalife Gardens*, whose terraces and promenades offer grandstand views of the city. After dinner, be sure to join our “Journey of Cave Culture” tour to discover the flamenco and culture of the Roma communities that live in the gypsy caves of Granada's Sacromonte neighborhood.

Included: Breakfast at hotel, Dinner at hotel

DAY 9 Granada - Purullena - Alicante

If time did not allow yesterday, visit Alhambra Palace the first thing this morning, then leave Granada and head towards Spain's Mediterranean coast, traveling through beautiful mountain scenery. On route, see the famous cave houses at Purullena before traveling to the picturesque seaside resort of Alicante. Take time out this afternoon to amble down its mosaic-patterned, palm-dotted promenade, perhaps stopping for drinks or to browse for souvenirs at its shops.

Included: Breakfast at hotel, Dinner at hotel

DAY 10 Alicante - Valencia - Barcelona

This morning, continue to Valencia, the birthplace of paella, and known for its commercial fruit and vegetable gardens. Stop along the way at the City of Arts and Sciences, a stunning cultural and science park of innovative buildings by architect Santiago Calatrava. Admire the incredible complex before continuing into downtown Valencia. See the historic Central Market and the UNESCO World Heritage Site - La Lonja (Silk Exchange), and enjoy a walking tour of the center, admiring such landmarks as the cathedral, bullring, and medieval Serrano and Quart Towers, part of the old defensive walls. After free time for lunch at the Cathedral Square - perhaps savoring Valencian paella - relax as we drive along the coast to Barcelona, capital of Spain's Catalonia province, and renowned for its fanciful architecture by Antoni Gaudi.

Included: Breakfast at hotel

DAY 11 Barcelona

Today, drink in the sights of cosmopolitan Barcelona on a panoramic coach tour. Pass by Catalonia Square, the impressive 1992 Summer Olympic site, and take in the city’s iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Gaudi’s Guell Park*. Stop for photos at the Columbus Monument and enjoy some leisure time walking along La Rambla shopping street. As a highlight, admire the exterior of Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece, the breathtaking Holy Family Cathedral (outside), known locally as La Sagrada Familia. Later, visit the world-famous Picasso Museum* before dinner at a local restaurant.

Included: Breakfast at hotel, Dinner

DAY 12 Barcelona - USA

Bid farewell to Spain today as you transfer to Barcelona airport for your homebound flight to the US.

Included: Breakfast at hotel