Coach Tour – Highlights Of Spain & Portugal – 12N/13D

Highlights of Spain & Portugal:
13days Tour (Trafalgar)

This trip shows Spain and Portugal at their best – the Hanging Houses of Cuenca, Alhambra Palace, the historic port of Cadiz and vibrant cities like Madrid, Valencia and Lisbon.
You’ll enjoy Insider moments like…finding out why a metal feather-plumed opera house, eye-shaped planetarium and ‘water lily’ aquarium emerged from a riverbed, as you walk around Valencia, City of Arts and Science.

Day :  ARRIVE MADRID
Welcome to the Spanish capital, Madrid. Relax or take a stroll along tree-lined boulevards before meeting up with your fellow travellers and Travel Director. Enjoy an evening drive to take in some of the city’s main sights followed by a Welcome Reception.
Meal(s)
Welcome Reception
Hotel : NH Collection Eurobuilding

Day 2 : 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 and Quart. Stop to view the City of Arts and Sciences which is a large-scale urban recreation centre for culture and 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?
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast
Hotel : Primus

Day 3 :  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 is 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.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast
Regional Meal
Hotel : Carmen

Day 4 :  GRANADA – CÓRDOBA – SEVILLE (3 NIGHTS)
Your Local Specialist takes you on a visit to the incredible Alhambra Palace, built in the 14th century and a magnificent example of Moorish architecture. Admire the ancient stucco, quiet courtyards and 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 and Byzantine mosaics with a Local Specialist. Later arrive in Seville, your home for the next three nights.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast
Dinner with wine
Hotel : Melia Lebreros

Day 5 :  SEVILLE SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME
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 and featuring half a mile of fountains, ponds, pavilions and lush plantings and 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?
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast
Hotel : Atlas Volubilis

Day 6 :  SEVILLE – CADIZ AND JEREZ EXCURSION
Start your day in Jerez and gain a Cultural Insight into sherry production which is renowned in this region. Later visit the historic port city of Cadiz. Columbus departed from here on many of his voyages, and the exotic plants and 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.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast
Be My Guest Dining

Day 7 : SEVILLE – ALGARVE
Cross the border into southern Portugal for a leisurely afternoon on the sunny Algarve. Spend time relaxing on the beach or take a stroll along the harbour of Vilamoura.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast
Dinner with wine
Hotel : Pestana Vila Sol

Day 8 :  ALGARVE – LISBON SIGHTSEEING (2 NIGHTS)
See the Serra de Arrabida mountains to Lisbon. On your included sightseeing with a Local Specialist visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Hieronymite Monastery as well as seeing the Belem Tower. Tonight why not sample a traditional fado show?
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast
Hotel : Olissippo Marques De Sa

Day 9 :  LISBON FREE DAY
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 and outstanding views? Later perhaps join an Optional Experience to the historic towns of Cascais and Sintra.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast

Day 10 :  LISBON – FATIMA – SALAMANCA
A scenic drive north through the magnificent Serra d’Aire Mountains brings you to the Shrine at Fatima, site of celebrated religious miracles. Cross the border back into Spain and arrive later in Salamanca where you view Plaza Mayor during your orientation tour.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast
Hotel : Gran Corona Sol

Day 11 :  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 streets with 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.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast
Hotel : Ayer Gran Colon

Day 12 :  MADRID SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME
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 and Travel Director for a Farewell Dinner.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast
Farewell Dinner

Day 13 :  DEPART MADRID
Say ‘adios’ to your travelling companions, your Travel Director and these beautiful countries at the end of a memorable holiday. Airport transfers are available. Conditions apply.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast

INCLUSIONS:

Sightseeing Highlights:
City tour in Cordoba, Seville, Lisbon, Toledo and Madrid
Orientation of Valencia, Cadiz, the Algarve Region and Salamanca
Visit the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Cathedral Mosque in Cordoba, Seville Cathedral, the Hieronomyte Monastery in Lisbon, the Shrine at Fatima, Plaza Mayor in Salamanca, Santo Tom茅 and Synagogue in Toledo
View the Hanging Houses of Cuenca, the Towers of Serrano and Quart, the City of Arts and Sciences complex designed by Santiago Calatrava in Valencia and The Cave Houses of Guadix
Dining
12 hot buffet breakfasts.
6 dinners
(including Be My Guest).

Travel Highlights:
Luxury air-conditioned coach with WiFi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Hand-picked 4 and 5 star accommodation
Hand-picked Insider Experiences
Optional Experiences and free time
All porterage and restaurant gratuities
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
An expert Travel Director and separate Driver
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
VIP entry to many sights
Audio Headsets for flexible sightseeing
Airport Transfers

Highlights of Spain & Portugal:
13days Tour (Trafalgar)

This trip shows Spain and Portugal at their best – the Hanging Houses of Cuenca, Alhambra Palace, the historic port of Cadiz and vibrant cities like Madrid, Valencia and Lisbon.
You’ll enjoy Insider moments like…finding out why a metal feather-plumed opera house, eye-shaped planetarium and ‘water lily’ aquarium emerged from a riverbed, as you walk around Valencia, City of Arts and Science.

Day : ARRIVE MADRID
Welcome to the Spanish capital, Madrid. Relax or take a stroll along tree-lined boulevards before meeting up with your fellow travellers and Travel Director. Enjoy an evening drive to take in some of the city’s main sights followed by a Welcome Reception.
Meal(s)
Welcome Reception
Hotel : NH Collection Eurobuilding

Day 2 : 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 and Quart. Stop to view the City of Arts and Sciences which is a large-scale urban recreation centre for culture and 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?
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast
Hotel : Primus

Day 3 : 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 is 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.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast
Regional Meal
Hotel : Carmen

Day 4 : GRANADA – CÓRDOBA – SEVILLE (3 NIGHTS)
Your Local Specialist takes you on a visit to the incredible Alhambra Palace, built in the 14th century and a magnificent example of Moorish architecture. Admire the ancient stucco, quiet courtyards and 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 and Byzantine mosaics with a Local Specialist. Later arrive in Seville, your home for the next three nights.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast
Dinner with wine
Hotel : Melia Lebreros

Day 5 : SEVILLE SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME
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 and featuring half a mile of fountains, ponds, pavilions and lush plantings and 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?
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast
Hotel : Atlas Volubilis

Day 6 : SEVILLE – CADIZ AND JEREZ EXCURSION
Start your day in Jerez and gain a Cultural Insight into sherry production which is renowned in this region. Later visit the historic port city of Cadiz. Columbus departed from here on many of his voyages, and the exotic plants and 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.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast
Be My Guest Dining

Day 7 : SEVILLE – ALGARVE
Cross the border into southern Portugal for a leisurely afternoon on the sunny Algarve. Spend time relaxing on the beach or take a stroll along the harbour of Vilamoura.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast
Dinner with wine
Hotel : Pestana Vila Sol

Day 8 : ALGARVE – LISBON SIGHTSEEING (2 NIGHTS)
See the Serra de Arrabida mountains to Lisbon. On your included sightseeing with a Local Specialist visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Hieronymite Monastery as well as seeing the Belem Tower. Tonight why not sample a traditional fado show?
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast
Hotel : Olissippo Marques De Sa

Day 9 : LISBON FREE DAY
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 and outstanding views? Later perhaps join an Optional Experience to the historic towns of Cascais and Sintra.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast

Day 10 : LISBON – FATIMA – SALAMANCA
A scenic drive north through the magnificent Serra d’Aire Mountains brings you to the Shrine at Fatima, site of celebrated religious miracles. Cross the border back into Spain and arrive later in Salamanca where you view Plaza Mayor during your orientation tour.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast
Hotel : Gran Corona Sol

Day 11 : 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 streets with 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.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast
Hotel : Ayer Gran Colon

Day 12 : MADRID SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME
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 and Travel Director for a Farewell Dinner.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast
Farewell Dinner

Day 13 : DEPART MADRID
Say ‘adios’ to your travelling companions, your Travel Director and these beautiful countries at the end of a memorable holiday. Airport transfers are available. Conditions apply.
Meal(s)
Buffet Breakfast

INCLUSIONS:

Sightseeing Highlights:
City tour in Cordoba, Seville, Lisbon, Toledo and Madrid
Orientation of Valencia, Cadiz, the Algarve Region and Salamanca
Visit the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Cathedral Mosque in Cordoba, Seville Cathedral, the Hieronomyte Monastery in Lisbon, the Shrine at Fatima, Plaza Mayor in Salamanca, Santo Tom茅 and Synagogue in Toledo
View the Hanging Houses of Cuenca, the Towers of Serrano and Quart, the City of Arts and Sciences complex designed by Santiago Calatrava in Valencia and The Cave Houses of Guadix
Dining
12 hot buffet breakfasts.
6 dinners
(including Be My Guest).

Travel Highlights:
Luxury air-conditioned coach with WiFi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Hand-picked 4 and 5 star accommodation
Hand-picked Insider Experiences
Optional Experiences and free time
All porterage and restaurant gratuities
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
An expert Travel Director and separate Driver
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
VIP entry to many sights
Audio Headsets for flexible sightseeing
Airport Transfers