|
|
Worldwide Escorted Bus Tours & River Cruises
Iberian Vacation
This fantastic trip covers three countries—Spain, Morocco, and Portugal—concentrating on the southern part of the Iberian Peninsula. On this tour, you’ll see many of the area’s historic sights, including the Alcazar in Seville, founded in the 11th century as a Moorish fortress, and the Alhambra Complex in Granada. The Alhambra was a palace, citadel, and fortress for the Nasrid sultans and their servants, elite soldiers, and high officials from the 13th to 14th centuries.If you’re interested in religious sights, this tour is not to be missed. Visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Rosary in Fatima, where pilgrims from all over the world visit; Jeronimos Monastery in Lisbon, built to thank the Virgin Mary for Portugal’s success in its voyages around the world; the Church of Santo Tomé in Toledo, which has one of El Greco’s most famous paintings; and more. Ferry crossings over the Strait of Gibraltar afford you spectacular views of the Rock. There’s a full day at leisure at the Costa del Sol, so you can enjoy the sandy beaches, browse the shops, or join an optional excursion to the Rock of Gibraltar. These are just a few of the many highlights on this wonderful trip to Spain, Portugal, and Morocco—a trip of a lifetime!At Globus, we design our journeys around the stories that they will tell. What story will you discover next?
Highlights:
Itinerary:
| Day #1 |
Arrive in Madrid, Spain. Time to rest or to start exploring the Spanish capital. At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D) |
| Day #2 |
Madrid. The capital of Spain since 1561, Madrid today is a strikingly modern city, the showcase of a country resolutely turned towards the future. Your Local Guide takes you to the Puerta del Sol, Plaza de España with its monument to Cervantes, the Parliament, Cibeles Fountain, elegant Calle Alcala, and Paseo de Castellana. Then, the highlight: a visit to the palatial PRADO MUSEUM with its priceless art treasures. In the afternoon an optional excursion to El Escorial and the Valley of the Fallen can be arranged. (B) |
| Day #3 |
Madrid–Segovia–Avila–Salamanca. A day in beautiful Castile. Cross the rugged Sierra de Guadarrama on the way to Segovia, famous for its Alcazar and the 2,000-year-old Roman aqueduct. Next, enjoy a walk through 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. (B,D) |
| Day #4 |
Salamanca–Fatima–Lisbon, Portugal. The majestic scenery of the Serra da Estrela mountain range forms the backdrop of your morning drive into Portugal. Before heading for Lisbon, melt into the stream of pilgrims from all over the world as you visit the SANCTUARY OF OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY in Fatima. (B) |
| Day #5 |
Lisbon. Lisbon was the center of Europe’s longest-lived overseas empire. Portugal’s imperial ambitions date back to Prince Henry the Navigator’s 15th-century discoveries in West Africa. Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide features a drive through the Baxia quarter’s main squares. Then, enjoy a walk through the cobbled alleys of quaint ALFAMA, the quarter of the seamen. Drive past the Bull Ring to Pombal Statue and along the grand Avenida da Liberdade. Stop for pictures of Belem Tower, guarding the mouth of the Tagus, and visit JERONIMOS MONASTERY with the tomb of Vasco da Gama. Afternoon and evening at leisure. This evening, why not sign up for an optional dinner with Fado-style entertainment? (B) |
| Day #6 |
Lisbon–Seville, Spain. Today, enjoy a comfortable drive back into Spain and to the vibrant capital of Andalusia, Seville. (B,D) |
| Day #7 |
Seville. During your sightseeing tour with a Local Guide hear about the city’s role in Roman times, its conquest by the Moors in 712 AD, and its contribution to the discovery of the New World. Admire Maria Luisa Park, the Golden Tower on the Guadalquivir River, and the university that used to be the tobacco factory of Carmen fame. Then, stroll through the narrow lanes of the charming SANTA CRUZ QUARTER, and see the cathedral. Highlight is a visit to the ALCAZAR, founded in the 11th century as a Moorish fortress, with its Palacio de Don Pedro. For a truly Andalusian night out, reserve a seat at our optional flamenco show. (B) |
| Day #8 |
Seville–Tangier, Morocco. Through the sunny sherry wine region of Jerez to Algeciras. Board your FERRY and sail across the Straits of Gibraltar to Africa. Continue to Tangier, jumping-off point for the Moorish conquest of Spain and home town of legendary medieval traveler Ibn Batuta. Sightseeing with a Local Guide includes a panoramic drive to CAP SPARTEL, where you will quench your thirst Bedouin-style with a glass of hot mint tea. (B,D) |
| Day #9 |
Tangier–Costa del Sol, Spain. Visit Tangier’s colorful GRAND SOCCO square and explore the narrow streets of the Casbah. Return across the Straits and back in Spain, drive to your hotel in Torremolinos at the elegant Costa del Sol. (B) |
| Day #10 |
At Leisure on the Costa del Sol. Enjoy the sandy beaches, browse through the trendy boutiques, or join an optional excursion to the Rock of Gibraltar, in British hands since 1704. (B) |
| Day #11 |
Costa del Sol–Granada. Into the mountains to history-steeped Granada. Enjoy a walking tour with a Local Guide and visit its main attraction, the ALHAMBRA COMPLEX. 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. Also admire the magnificent WATER GARDENS OF THE GENERALIFE, the royal summer residence. (B,D) |
| Day #12 |
Granada–Toledo–Madrid. The olive and orange groves of the rolling Andalusian hills and later the more barren landscapes of Don Quixote’s La Mancha unfold before your eyes on the way north to Toledo, spectacularly situated on a granite hill surrounded by a loop of the Tagus River. Your walking tour with a Local Guide features the Moorish bridge and visits to an early SYNAGOGUE, the 13th-century gothic CATHEDRAL, and the CHURCH OF SANTO TOMÉ with one of El Greco’s most famous paintings. Time to visit a DAMASCENE STEEL WORKSHOP before returning to Madrid. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner with wine at a local restaurant. (B,D) |
| Day #13 |
Madrid. Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B) |
Hotels:
Madrid Agumar (F), Salamanca Alameda Palace (SF), Lisbon Mundial (F), Seville Ayre Sevilla (SF), Tangier El Minzah (F), Torremolinos Melia Costa del Sol (SF), Granada Saray (SF)
|
Pricing Options:
| Depart US | Land-Only |
|---|
| 03/04/2011 | $1,989.00 | | 03/11/2011 | $1,999.00 | | 03/18/2011 | $1,999.00 | | 03/25/2011 | $1,999.00 | | 04/01/2011 | $1,999.00 | | 04/08/2011 | $1,999.00 | | 04/15/2011 | $1,999.00 | | 04/22/2011 | $1,999.00 | | 04/29/2011 | $1,999.00 | | 05/06/2011 | $1,999.00 | | 05/13/2011 | $1,999.00 | | 05/20/2011 | $1,999.00 | | 05/27/2011 | $1,999.00 | | 06/03/2011 | $2,019.00 | | 06/10/2011 | $2,019.00 | | 06/17/2011 | $2,019.00 | | 06/24/2011 | $2,019.00 | | 07/01/2011 | $1,999.00 | | 07/08/2011 | $1,979.00 | | 07/15/2011 | $1,979.00 | | 07/22/2011 | $1,979.00 | | 07/29/2011 | $1,979.00 | | 08/05/2011 | $1,979.00 | | 08/12/2011 | $1,979.00 | | 08/19/2011 | $1,979.00 | | 08/26/2011 | $1,999.00 | | 09/02/2011 | $2,019.00 | | 09/09/2011 | $2,019.00 | | 09/16/2011 | $2,019.00 | | 09/23/2011 | $2,019.00 | | 09/30/2011 | $1,999.00 | | 10/07/2011 | $1,999.00 | | 10/14/2011 | $1,999.00 | | 10/21/2011 | $1,999.00 | | 10/28/2011 | $1,989.00 |
|
|
|
©2005 Flamingo Travel Group
All Rights Reserved
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |