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Awash with history and natural wonders, Spain and Portugal cry out to be explored. Discover these sun-kissed lands on this captivating 12-day vacation that starts in Spain and takes you to historical Madrid, flamenco-fueled Seville, the exquisite Alhambra in Granada and Catalonia’s proud capital of Barcelona. Along the way, venture into Portugal to experience its gentler charms and cities such as beautiful Lisbon, magical Sintra and Fatima, a city of holy shrines.
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Itinerary at a glance:
Your customized trip will draw on the expertise of our travel consultants, each of whom has a deep knowledge of the places you wish to explore.
SalamancaFatima (1 nt) Lisbon (2 nts) SintraCascaisSeville (1 nt) Granada (1 nt) PurullenaAlicante (1 nt) ValenciaBarcelona (2 nts)
Today, fly to Madrid, the first stop in your 12-day voyage around Spain and Portugal.
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 Peony 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
Relax over breakfast before taking our sightseeing tour of Madrid. Admire the handsome Plaza Espana. 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).
Included: Breakfast at hotel
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
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. On arrival, enjoy lunch independently before a city sightseeing tour. 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, choose to celebrate your arrival in Lisbon by joining us for an optional seafood dinner at a popular restaurant.
Included: Breakfast at hotel
Sprawled over seven hills, Lisbon serves up cobbled streets, grand squares and broad avenues. This morning, set out on a full-day tour 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. Have lunch here before visiting 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
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
Your tour continues southward through the olive groves and Sierra Nevada mountains of 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
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
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
Today, drink in the sights of cosmopolitan Barcelona on a panoramic coach tour. View the La Rambla shopping street, Catalonia Square, Columbus Monument and impressive 1992 Summer Olympic site, and take in the city's iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Gaudi's Guell Park*. 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 local restaurant.
Included: Breakfast at hotel, Dinner
Bid farewell to Spain today as you transfer to Barcelona airport for your homebound flight to the US.
Included: Breakfast at hotel
10 Nights hotel accommodation at deluxe 4-star hotel
10 hotel breakfasts, 6 dinners at hotels or restaurants
Admission fees for sightseeing attractions as denoted by an asterisk* in tour itinerary:
Madrid - Royal Palace (or Prado Museum)
Sintra - Sintra Palace
Seville - Seville Cathedral, Giralda Tower
Granada - Alhambra Palace, Generalife Gardens
Valencia – La Lonja (Silk Exchange)
Barcelona - Park Guell, Picasso Museum
Professional Tour Director throughout the trip
Sightseeing with specialist local guide in selected cities
Private comfortable coach with the professional and experienced driver
Group airport transfers in Europe on arrival in Madrid and departure in Barcelona for Land+Air guests.
Audio headset throughout the trip
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
The Silken Puerta Madrid Hote is located in the San Blas district, in a business district close to IFEMA and the Adolfo Suárez - Madrid Barajas Airport, the Silken Puerta Madrid offers a free shuttle service to and from Madrid airport. The Hotel has spacious rooms, all outward-facing and with lots of light. They are equipped with Wi-Fi, trouser press, safe and a large desk.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
With a prime location, just 2 minutes walk from the Sanctuary of Fatima, Hotel Santa Maria follows the most modern concepts of architecture and contemporary design, providing the guest's peace and tranquility.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Portugal's spectacular capital city beckons at the Lisbon Marriott Hotel, a leading 4-star destination. Once you've checked in, relish in a 4-star experience in our hotel rooms, all of which feature floor-to-ceiling windows, high-speed Wi-Fi.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Located in the village of Monachil, Hotel Granada Palace combines Moorish-style architecture with modern interior design. Its stylish air-conditioned rooms feature free Wi-Fi, equipped with satellite TV and a mini-bar. Granada Palace has an outdoor pool and sun terrace. The hotel also has a spa, with a water circuit and massage service. A varied breakfast is served daily in the hotel’s Restaurante Palatium.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
AC hotel AIicante conveniently located near the commercial area, the busy city center, Paseo de la Explanada and the Postiguet Beach. After an adventure in Alicante, make our hotel your home base and share your feed in social media with our free Wi-Fi: relax in our guest rooms, with sleek design and the amenities you need. Enjoy Alicante’s Sun in our rooftop pool with panoramic views of Santa Barbara’s Castle with a delicious smoothie and drop by our on-site NEW AC Lounge.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
