Itinerary Details
Highlights Of Spain And Portugal With Azores
Day 1 ARRIVE IN BARCELONA, SPAINWelcome to Barcelona! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
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Day 2 BARCELONAGaudi’s Showcase BARCELONA Guided sightseeing includes sights of the Columbus Monument, Plaza de Cataluña, Passeig de Grcia and a photo stop at the Sagrada Familia. Visit the historic concert hall Palau de La Musica and enjoy panoramic views of the city and harbor from Montjuïc Hill. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CITY SIGHTS It won’t take long for you to realise why the motto “Barcelona Inspires” is true. This lively city has so much to offer, from vibrant markets to delicious dishes. This stunning city is a spectacular showcase for Antonio Gaudí’s architectural works of art. Known as “God’s architect,” Gaudí began designing lampposts before designing some of Barcelona’s most famous buildings—the Casa Batló and Casa Mil on the Passeig de Gracia, and the jaw dropping Sagrada Familia - the iconic unfinished church which has become the world’s longest-running construction site!
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Day 3 BARCELONA–MADRIDSplendid Spain Scenic drive through the Catalonian and Aragonian countryside en route to Madrid. (B)
385 mi / 620 km
FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE MORE The city of Madrid is filled with intriguing stories and hidden secrets. Stroll around the streets and take pictures of “El Osoy el Madrono”(The Bear and the Strawberry Tree), the biggest symbol of the city. See the Statue of the Fallen Angel, depicting Lucifer’s expulsion from Heaven.
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Day 4 MADRIDMasterpieces in Madrid MADRID Guided sightseeing includes the Prado Museum and sights of the Cibeles Fountain and Calle Alcala. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ART & ARCHITECTURE The Prado Museum houses one of the world’s largest art collections, including its amazing assortment of masterpieces by historic artists like Velasquez, Goya, and El Greco. The famous museum also displays the works of renowned European masters, including Rubens and Rembrandt, along with a stunning collection of Greco-Roman statues.
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Day 5 MADRID–CORDOBA–SEVILLETreasures of Cordoba CORDOBA Guided walking tour includes the Mosque of the Caliphs. Free time to browse before departing for Seville. (B)
354 mi / 570 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ANCIENT ARCHITECTURE The Mosque of Córdoba (Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba in Spanish) today is a Catholic cathedral but was originally a mosque built for Muslim prayer by Abd ar-Rahman I in the 8th century. The mosque’s architecture is rich in dazzling detail, with over 800 granite and marble pillars supporting its beautiful brick and stone arches - a major focal point in the mosque along with the soaring bell tower – the tallest structure in the city.
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Day 6 SEVILLEDance Steps in Seville SEVILLE Visit Plaza de España. Guided sightseeing includes the Casa de Pilatos and a walk through the Santa Cruz quarter. Enjoy [LF] dinner with local specialties at El Palacio Andaluz restaurant with Flamenco entertainment. (B,D)
LOCAL FAVORITE
CULTURE & TRADITION Be moved by the soulful sounds and steps of the Flamenco. You’ll see the very best display of this passionate Flemish dance performed by award-winning dancers who’ll add some spice to your dinner at El Palacio Andaluz restaurant in Seville. Ole!
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Day 7 SEVILLE–SETUBAL–AZEITÃO, PORTUGAL–LISBONPainting the Town in Portugal SETUBAL Free time for lunch in the vibrant food market.
AZEITÃO [LF] Visit a traditional tile workshop.
LISBON Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening. (B)
273 mi / 440 km
LOCAL FAVORITE
ART & ARTISTRY Enter a world of authentically handmade Portuguese tiles at the São Simão Arte workshop and gallery in Azeitão. It is here that distinguished antique collector Antonio Soares Franco creates his ceramic masterpieces by hand in the style of his ancestors.
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Day 8 LISBON Spend your day your way in Lisbon LISBON Guided sightseeing includes a photo stop at Belem Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries. Explore more of Lisbon with your choice of included Globus Choice excursions. Join a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
TAKE YOUR PICK
LEGENDARY LISBON: Travel back in time to experience the sights and sounds that make Lisbon stand out. Hop on one of Lisbon’s legendary trams to soak in the lively rhythm of the city and walk the narrow streets, alleyways, and cobblestones to discover old taverns in centuries-old squares. Find a fascinating world full of stories and bookmarks in history!
OR:
PORTUGUESE RIVIERA: CASCAIS, CAPE ROCA & QUELUZ
Leave Lisbon from your hotel and drive along the coast to Cascais. After the city tour drive along the coast to Cascais where you will have time to enjoy your lunch (not included). In the afternoon continue along the scenic road to Guincho a beautiful coast beach area, where the waves are spectacular and is worldwide known among professional windsurfers and kite surfers. The excursion continues up the mountain of Sintra to Cabo da Roca. Cabo da Roca is considered as one of the most, if not the best, scenic coastal walks in Europe. Located on the westernmost point of mainland Portugal, it therefore acts as continental Europe and the Eurasian landmass’ westernmost point as well. Across the mountain of Sintra, we will finish with the visit of the Palace of Queluz.
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Day 9 LISBON–PONTA DELGADA The European Hawaii LISBON Fly to Ponta Delgada.
PONTA DELGADA Orientation walk. Free time. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PURE & NATURAL Mother Nature has created a land full of natural beauty, ready to be explored, in the blue immensity of the Atlantic. Waterfalls tumble down basalt cliffs, rainforest-covered hills are topped by spectacular crater lakes and pale-green pastures are hedged by a kaleidoscope of hydrangeas. Dive into the rich cultural heritage as well with warm welcomes by local residents who graciously share stories of proud history and traditions.
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Day 10 PONTA DELGADA. EXCURSION TO THE CENTER OF THE ISLAND Volcanic Craters & Cups of Tea RIBEIRA GRANDE Stop at the top of Pico da Barrosa mountain and take in views of the volcano’s crater and the ocean.
MAIA Visit the oldest and only tea plantation in Europe.
FURNAS See geothermal activity in the area. Enjoy included lunch at a local restaurant. Visit the botanical gardens.
PONTA DELGADA Dinner at a local restaurant. (B,L,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
EUROPE’S CUP OF TEA
Visit the oldest (and currently the only) tea plantation in Europe. Today the Tea Factory produces 40 tons of tea every year from 37 hectares of plantations without the use of chemicals products. One lump or two?
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Day 11 PONTA DELGADA Forbidden Fruit & Fruitful Landscapes PONTA DELGADA Enjoy the morning at leisure before an afternoon drive to visit a pineapple .in the afternoon visit a pineapple plantation. Continue then drive to Pico do Carvao viewpoint and take in the region’s belvedere houses. Next drive to the bridge of Sete Cidades. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS Sete Cidades Lake is located in a volcanic crater about 4 kilometres long by 2 kilometres wide with a depth of 30 metres. The lake is one of the seven Natural Wonders of Portugal and the largest natural freshwater reservoir in the Azores. The lake is actually two lagoons, called Green Lake (Lagoa Verde) and Blue Lake (Lagoa Azul), linked by a shallow channel. The differing hues of each lake are the natural result of varying reflected light, or it could be the legend of a blue-eyed shepherd and a green-eyed princess whose tears filled each lake with tears of forbidden love. You decide!
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Day 12 PONTA DELGADA–LISBON Leisure Time in Lisbon Say goodbye to the magical of San Miguel with a flight to Lisbon.
PONTA DELGADA Fly to Lisbon.
LISBON Free time. (B)
ENHANCED FREE TIME
LINGER IN LISBON Enjoy free time to relax and reminisce over your stunning adventure. Your Tour Director has tips to enjoy your free time.
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Day 13 LISBONSafe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
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