Highlights of Spain & Portugal

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- Return flights to Madrid
- Pre-payable airport/security taxes
- Return airport/hotel transfers
- 12 nights hotel accommodation
- Breakfast daily, a lunch & 5 dinners
- Touring by by luxury air-conditioned coach with free WiFi
- Assistance of a Travel Director
- All hotel service charges, local taxes, baggage handling & hotel tips
- Must-see sights with VIP entry & queue jump including unique Insider Experiences
- VISITS: Madrid, Valencia, Granada, Seville, Algarve, Lisbon & Salamanca

Arrive Madrid

Welcome to Madrid, the capital of Spain. Relax or take a stroll along tree-lined boulevards before meeting up with your fellow travellers & Travel Director. Enjoy an evening drive to take in some of the city's main sights followed by a Welcome Reception.

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Madrid – Cuenca – Valencia

In Cuenca view the hanging houses which are built on the edge of the cliffs over the deep gorge. On arrival in Valencia your orientation drive will include views of the Towers of Serrano & Quart. Stop to view the City of Arts & Sciences which is a large-scale urban recreation centre for culture & science and designed by Santiago Calatrava. This complex is also featured in the George Clooney movie 'Tomorrowland'. Tonight why not sample paella, a speciality from this region.

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Valencia – Guadix – Granada

Travel inland through the ‘sierras’ to view the troglodyte cave dwellings at Guadix. Cave houses are common throughout the province of Granada but the highest concentration in this area. Take the jagged Mora Pass to the Moorish city of Granada. Dine tonight in a local restaurant for a special Regional Meal.

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Granada – Córdoba – Seville (3 Nights)

Your Local Specialist takes you on a visit to the incredible Alhambra Palace, built in the 14th century & a magnificent example of Moorish architecture. Admire the ancient stucco, quiet courtyards & colossal walls. In Córdoba visit the Cathedral Mosque of Córdoba, the former mosque of the caliphs, a jewel of Hispano - Islamic art featuring striking arches & Byzantine mosaics with a Local Specialist. Later arrive in Seville, your home for the next three nights.

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Seville Sightseeing

See the Giralda Bell Tower with your Local Specialist during your sightseeing tour of Seville. Visit the Maria Luisa Park, the centrepiece of the 1929 Exposition, built in a Moorish style & featuring half a mile of fountains, ponds, pavilions & lush plantings & walk through the imposing Plaza de España. Visit the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, where the explorer Christopher Columbus is entombed. Tonight why not experience the passion of the flamenco.

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Seville – Jerez & Cadiz Excursion

Start your day in Jerez & gain a Cultural Insight into sherry production which is renowned in this region. Later discover the historic port city of Cadiz. Columbus departed from here on many of his voyages, & the exotic plants & trees dotted throughout the city are said to have been brought here by him upon his return. Once home to the vast Spanish Navy, Cadiz was raided by Sir Francis Drake a year prior to the 1588 Spanish Armada departure.

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Seville – Algarve Region

Cross the border into southern Portugal for a leisurely afternoon on the sunny Algarve. Spend time relaxing by the pool or join an Optional Experience.

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Algarve – Lisbon Sightseeing (2 Nights)

See the Serra de Arrabida mountains & enjoy a Be My Guest lunch at a traditional Stud Ranch where Lusitano horses are reared. This afternoon arrive to Lisbon & visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Hieronymite Monastery as well as see the Belém Tower on your sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist. Tonight why not sample a traditional fado show.

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Lisbon

Enjoy a relaxing free day to explore all of Lisbon's attractions. Why not visit the lively Rossio Square where street cafes overlook the Baroque fountains or the Alfama district with its medieval alleyways & outstanding views? Later perhaps join an Optional Experience to the historic towns of Cascais & Sintra.

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Lisbon – Fátima – Salamanca

Drive north through the magnificent Serra d'Aire Mountains to the Shrine at Fátima, site of celebrated religious miracles. Cross the border back into Spain & arrive later in Salamanca where you view Plaza Mayor during your orientation tour.

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Salamanca – Toledo – Madrid (2 Nights)

See the walled city of Avila before arriving in Toledo. Visit the Church of Santo Tomé, home to one of El Greco's most famous paintings - The Burial of Count Orgaz. Visit the synagogue during your guided walk through the narrow streetswith your Local Specialist. Enjoy a Cultural Insight into the historical steel industry while watching local craftsmen at work. Later arrive in Madrid, your home for the next two nights.

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Madrid Sightseeing

This morning join your Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour of Madrid where you will see the Royal Palace, Puerta del Sol and the Cervantes Monument. This afternoon enjoy free time to explore the city or you can take an Optional Experience to the medieval UNESCO World Heritage City of Segovia. This evening join your fellow companions & Travel Director for a Farewell Dinner.

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Depart Madrid

Say 'adios' to your travelling companions, your Travel Director & these beautiful countries at the end of a memorable holiday. Airport transfers are available. Conditions apply.