Day 1 |  Tuesday, March 19, 2019

Group flight departure from Edmonton to Lisbon [Flight schedule to be determined] [Overnight - flight (D) and (B) served on board]

 

Day 2 | Wednesday, March 20, 2019

Flight arrival in Lisboa,  to be met by our tour manager & motor coach at the airport. After getting acquainted on the coach, we will take an orientation tour of the city. We will then transfer to our hotel in Lisbon for check-in. Tonight we enjoy our first lively Welcome Dinner before retiring for some rest after our long day of travels. [Overnight – Lisbon (D)]

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Day 3 |  Thursday, March 21, 2019

This morning, we will have the chance to explore the suburb of Belem, where you will visit the Torre de Belem, the Jeronimos Monastery and the Monument to the Discoveries. A gourmet highlight today is a stop at the famous “Casa Pasteis de Belem” to sample a delicious ‘pastel de nata’ - a Portuguese custard tart. Our driver will then take us back to the city centre, to the Castelo San Jorge where you will have free time to enjoy the neighbourhood.  [Overnight – Lisbon (B, D)]

 

Day 4 | Friday, March 22, 2019

After breakfast, we say our farewells to Lisbon, before touring east to reach Evora. [approx 2h - 137km]  In 1986, UNESCO declared Evora a World Heritage Site. The Evora Aqueduct, also called ‘of the silver water’, was built between 1531 and 1537 by the town’s own eminent architect, Francisco de Arruda. Damaged in the 17th century during the Restoration War with Spain, only a surviving stretch - some 9km long - can be seen approaching from the northwest. This afternoon, we take a visit to the eerie Chapel of Bones. [Overnight – Evora (B, D)]

 

Day 5 |  Saturday, March 23, 2019

We visit Monsaraz today [approx. 1h15min - 53.4km]-  The old fortified town sits high over the Guadiana Valley - a strategic position on the border between Portugal and Spain. Rue Direita retains all its original charm as it is still lined by 16th and 17th Century whitewashed houses, many emblazoned with coats of arms and all flanked by outside staircases and balconies with wrought iron grilles. Tonight, we return to Evora for our dinner and overnight. [Overnight – Evora (B, D)]

 

Day 6 | Sunday, March 24, 2019

This morning, we check-out of our hotel in Evora, and head south, through the Alentejo region to Beja, [approx 1h 20min - 81.5km]  where we stop for coffee and to admire the 13th century Castle of Beja. Back on the road, we head to the Algarve coast, [approx 2h - 151km] to spend the next two nights in the atmospheric town of Portimão. [Overnight – Portimão (B, D)]

 

Day 7 | Monday, March 25, 2019

This morning we embark on a tour at the Edge of the World as we travel along the coast to the dramatic cliffs of Cape St Vincent and Sagres, places not easily stumbled upon by aimless travelling. Situated on the most Southwestern point of Europe, the road past is a dead end to the Atlantic Ocean. Home to roughly 2000 people, this place is rich in history that began at a time when exploring the great unknown was a life-long pursuit. This is where Henry the Navigator (responsible for initiating European world explorations) spent the remaining years of his life, before his death in the year 1460).  With its grandiose beaches, massive cliffs, important history, high winds, warm weather, and its 16th century fortress; Sagres, Portugal is a unique and awe-inspiring travel destination. We will also visit nearby Lagos, the most historically interesting coastal town in the Algarve. Its fame derives from its association with Portugal’s 14th and 15th Century Age of Discovery. After a day of exploration and discovery at the end of the world, we return to Portimão for our overnight.  [Overnight – Portimão  (B, D)]

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Day 8 |  Tuesday, March 26, 2019

We depart from Portimão to arrive in Sevilla, the capital of the region of Andalucia, Spain. First, a walking tour of the old Santa Cruz district in the city centre, a fascinating warren of narrow streets and flower-filled plazas, taking in the city’s two main monuments, the extravagant Gothic Cathedral and slender Giralda tower, and the sublime Muslim-Christian fusion of the Alcazar Palaces and Gardens. This evening, we take a lively stroll around the centre with an evening’s Tapas Tour! [Overnight – Sevilla (B, D)]

 

Day 9 |  Wednesday, March 27, 2019

This morning we tour to Cadiz, to see houses that were at one time home to rich merchants, and to hear of the legends surrounding the buildings of the city’s important monuments and quarters such as the market, the Plaza de las Flores, Plaza de San Antonio, Plaza Mina, the main museum, and the lookout towers. Cádiz was a key city in trade with America during the 17th and 18th centuries. This contributed to the wealth of Cádiz and unique architectural style. Then we drive through Jerez, home to Sherry and onto Arcos de la Frontera, considered to be one of the most beautiful "White Villages" in all of Andalusia. We explore this lovely city and perhaps enjoy a coffee break in the Parador, with a view over the Guadalete River below. Tonight, we return to Sevilla for our dinner and overnight. [Overnight – Sevilla (B, D)]

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Day 10 | Thursday, March 28, 2019

We depart from Sevilla to discover the cultural melting pot of Cordoba - as we follow our guide through the ambient tangle of whitewashed courtyards, cobbled lanes and fascinating landmarks including UNESCO World Heritage-listed wonders like the Mezquita and the Alcazar. We visit Spain’s oldest synagogue and amble along the medieval streets of the Jewish Quarter while gaining fascinating insight into the history of the city - home to the second-largest old town in Europe. We then make our way to Malaga on the Costa del Sol for our dinner and overnight.  [Overnight – Malaga (B, D)]

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Day 11 | Friday, March 29, 2019

After breakfast, we tour to Ronda, to find a city whose long history includes important Roman and Arab settlements as well as the fascinating links of its nobility with the Americas. You’ll want to visit its showpiece monument, one of the oldest bullrings in Spain. The spiritual home of bullfighting, this is a place sought out by the rich and famous in times gone by. Step inside the former city jail and tour other pueblos blancos, such as the Setenil de las Bodegas (where houses are encrusted into the rock face). Tonight we return to Malaga for our dinner & overnight. [Overnight – Malaga (B, D)]

 

Day 12 | Saturday, March 30, 2019

Today we discover the scenic and highlights of Gibraltar to experience the best of this famous British territory. We will meet and take snaps with the cheeky semi-wild Barbary macaque monkeys known locally as the Barbary Monkeys, visit St Michael's Cave, and much more. We take you 426-meters high as our guide describes the age-old legends that surround Gibraltar. The ancient Romans and Greeks considered it one of the two Pillars of Hercules that stood at the edge of the world. At the summit, you can gaze out over the Spanish coast, across the Strait of Gibraltar towards Morocco. Tonight we return for our final night in Malaga [Overnight – Malaga (B, D)]

 

Day 13 | Sunday, March 31, 2019

This morning we take an early High Speed AVE train to Madrid. Upon arrival, we will meet our local guide and driver for a sightseeing tour of the city to include Plaza Mayor where we’ll have the chance for lunch - .the area is famous for their savoury Paella! We will also see Casa de la Panaderia, Puerta de Europa, Prada and the Royal Palace. In the late afternoon we take a train to Barcelona for our check-in and overnight. [Overnight - Barcelona (B, D)].

 

Day 14 | Monday, April 01, 2019

A full day to see La Sagrada, Passeig de Gracia (Barcelona's most luxurious strip) as well as Plaza Catalunya, the famous plaza at the heart of Barcelona. We will also go to Monjuic for great city views, history and a view of the port. We will also take a walk down Las Ramblas to spend some time in the historical centre before our Farewell Dinner together in a local restaurant. [Overnight - Barcelona (B, D)].

 

Day 15 | Tuesday, April 02, 2019

After an early breakfast this morning, Our manager & motor coach will be waiting to take us to the airport. Upon our arrival at Barcelona -- El Prat  International Airport, give your tour manager a warm farewell before your departure home. [(B) Flight Home- (Beverages, Snacks & Meal Service on-board)].

 

Tour End.

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Daily itinerary is still subject to changes

 

This itinerary has been custom created for a specific group in mind. Activities on this itinerary may change due to 2019 schedules which are yet to be finalized.

 

Flight schedules for this itinerary are now available!

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