Day 1 & 2

Depart the U.S. en route to Madrid, the vibrant and beautiful capital of Spain. Arrival the next morning at Barajas International Airport. After check in to our centrally located hotel, we have free time to begin exploration of this historic city. Maybe we'll make our way to the elegant Royal Palace, one of Europe's most opulent royal abodes. This evening we will join together for a welcome dinner.
(Hotel: Agumar - Included meals: Airline meals & dinner)

Day 3

After breakfast our coach will pick us up for a tour of this modern city which has served as Spain's capital since 1561 and is the showcase of a country resolutely turned towards the future. Our local guide takes us to the Puerta del Sol, Plaza Espana-with its monument to Cervantes, the Parliament Buildings, Cibeles Fountain, chic Calle Alcala, and Paseo de Castellana. Then the highlight: a visit to the palatial Prado Museum with its priceless treasures. This afternoon we have included a tour outside of Madrid to regal El Escorial where many Spanish Kings are buried, and the towering Valley of the Fallen, a national monument in honor of those who have died for this proud nation. Your evening is free and you might want to try one of the very popular "tapas bar/restaurants where dinner is a variety of Spanish delicacies from which you pick and choose.
(Hotel: Agumar - Included meals: Buffet breakfast)

Day 4

Much of this day will be spent driving through the lovely countryside os Castile. Cross the rugged Sierra de Guadarrama on the way to Segovia, famous for its Alcazar (castle) and the 2,000 year-old Roman aqueduct. Next, stop for pictures of the walled town of Avila where St. Theresa founded the Order of Carmelites. Overnight in Salamanca, whose baroque Plaza Mayor is one of the country's grandest squares. Dinner is included tonight.
(Hotel: Alameda Palace- Included meals: Buffet breakfast & Dinner)

Day 5

The majestic scenery of the Serra da Estrela mountain range forms the backdrop of our morning drive into Portugal. Before heading for Lisbon, melt into the stream of pilgrims from all over the world as we visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of The Rosary in Fatima. We continue on to Lisbon where we will spend the next two nights.
(Hotel: Lisbon Marriott - Included meals: Buffet breakfast )

Day 6

Portugal's imperial ambitions date back to Prince Henry the Navigator's 15th century discoveries in West Africa and did not sbside until the 1970's. Morning sightseeing with a local guide features Belem Tower, guarding the estuary of the Tagus River, and Jeronimos Monastery with the tomb of Vasco de Gama. We drive past the bull ring to Pombal statue and on along the grand Avenida da Liberdade. Then enjoy a walk through the cobbled alleys of Alfama, the quarter of the seamen. Afternoon and evening at leisure. Tonight we may take in an optional dinner with Fado-style entertainment.
(Hotel: Lisbon Marriott - Included meals: Buffet breakfast - possible optional Dinner)

Day 7

We enjoy a scenic drive through the Algarve and reach Seville, considered on of Spain's most beautiful cities and the capital of Andalucia. During our guided afternoon sightseeing hear about the city's role in Roman times, its conquest by the Moors in 712 A.D., and its contribution to the discovery of the New World. Admire Maria Luisa Park, then 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 towering Cathedral with Columbus' tomb, the world's largest gothic edifice. Then stroll through the narrow lanes of the charming Santa Cruz quarter. Dinner is included tonight..
(Hotel: Hesperia Sevilla - Included meals: Buffet breakfast & Dinner)

Day 8

This day is totally at leisure and it couldn't happen in a more lovely city. There are an abundance of sights to see and the shopping is fabulous. Many choices will be pointed out and everyone can explore their own favorite corners and scout out the perferct eating place. Tonight, you will have the opportunity to attend a great dinner and flamenco show.
(Hotel: Hesperia Sevilla- Included meals: Buffet breakfast - possible optional dinner).

Day 9

This morning we travel through the sunny sherry wine region of Jerez to Algeciras where we board our ferry and sail across the straits of Gibralter to Africa. It is like walking into another world as we continue on to Tangier, jumping off point for the Moorish conquest of Spain and the home of the legendary medieval traveler Ibn Batuta. Our sightseeing with a local guide includes a stop for pictures at the sultan's palace and a panoramic drive to Cap Spartel where we can quench our thirst Bedouin-style with a glass of hot mint tea. You will find wonderful, high-quality crafts throughout our tour, but the products available in the local souks are not to be found across the water in Europe. Dinner is included this evening.
(Hotel: El Minzah- Included meals: Buffet breakfast & Dinner)

Day 10

Time to visit Tangier's colorful Grand Socco market and explore the narrow streets of the Casbah this morning. Then return across the straits with cameras at the ready as we approach the Bay of Algeciras. The vistas of the Rock of Gibralter are spectacular! Continue on to our hotel on the shore of the mediterranean Sea on the Elegant Costa del Sol.
(Hotel: Melia Costa del Sol - Included meals: Buffet breakfast )

Day 11

Today is a day of relaxation. We can enjoy the sandy beaches, browse the beautiful and trendy shops that surround us, or take an optional excursion to the Rock of Gibralter, in British hands since 1704.
(Hotel: Melia Costa del Sol - Included meals: Buffet breakfast )

Day 12

We set off into the mountains to history-steeped Granada. We visit the magnigicent Alhambra with a local guide. A finalist among world sites for the 7 Wonders of the Modern World, it is a fantasy of "lace in stone" surrounded by arabesque gardens and fountains. IT affords superb views of the Old Quarter and Sacromonte, a mountain occupied by gypsy cave dwellers. We will also admire the magnificent Water Gardens of the Generalife, part of the royal summer residence. Enjoy an included dinner tonight.
(Hotel: Saray or Carmen- Included meals: Buffet breakfast & Dinner)

Day 13

The orange and olive groves of the rolling Andalucian hills and later the more barren landscapes of Don Quixote de la Mancha fame unfold before our eyes on the way north to Toledo, spectacularly located on a granite hill surrounded by a loop of the Tagus River. We will be guided to the Moorish Bridge, an early Synagogue, the 13th - century gothic Cathedral and the Church of Santo Tome with one of El Greco's most famous paintings. Time to visit a Damascene steel workshop before driving on to Madrid. Tonight is our last opportunity to buy those special Spanish wares or dine on a famous Spanish paella.
(Hotel: Agumar- Included meals: Buffet breakfast & Dinner)

Day 14

Say a sad goodbye to the wonderful sights and unique culture of this area today. We will wing towards home, however, knowing we have experienced a grand two weeks, and will never forget the special experiences we have enjoyed.
(Hotel: Saray or Carmen- Included meals: Buffet breakfast & Dinner)