​ITINERARY

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Day 1    

Overnight flight from USA to Porto, Portugal

 

Day 2

Today we explore Porto and the surrounding region.  Porto captivates with its dramatic riverside scenery, grand bridges, and renowned port wine cellars.

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Braga’s old town, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, invites visitors to discover one of Portugal’s oldest cities through its charming streets and historic old town. The city center is fully pedestrianized, making it a pleasure to stroll through lively plazas, shops, restaurants, and bars. Nearby Guimarães offers a more relaxed pace, emphasizing its rich history and tourism. Known as the cradle of the nation, Guimarães features a medieval castle and a picturesque walled old town, providing a unique window into Portugal's past.

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Day 3

This morning begins with our departure to Lisbon.   Taking the scenic route from Porto to Lisbon transforms the trip into a richer experience, revealing diverse landscapes and offering opportunities for exploration. The true enchantment of the journey lies in discovering smaller towns like Aveiro, Coimbra, and Nazaré. These destinations showcase Portugal’s vibrant culture and natural splendor, providing a unique perspective on the country’s traditions and scenic wonders

 

Day 4

We begin our tour of  Lisbon this morning, one of the oldest cities in the world.  Lisbon has been shaped by various cultures, including the Phoenicians, Celts, Romans, and Moors, each leaving distinct marks on its architecture, traditions, and daily life. The city’s captivating hillsides are crowned with pastel-colored buildings and limestone alleyways, while the Tagus River glimmers in the southern sun, providing a breathtaking backdrop to its vibrant neighborhoods. As we explore, you will get visions of Portugal's Age of Discovery, Gothic cathedrals, and intricate tilework.

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Day 5

 Today we visit the region that surrounds Lisbon. Our journey takes us from the lush, fairytale palaces of Sintra through the sun-drenched coastal charm of Cascais and Estoril, famous for their elegant promenades and storied pasts. At Cabo da Roca, where cliffs meet the Atlantic, you stand at the edge of the continent, gazing westward into an endless sky.   Along the way, we will experience picturesque villages, dramatic landscapes, and hints of Portugal’s maritime past.

 

Day 6

This morning, we begin a bit to travel in our luxury coach to Sevilla; a city that comes alive with color, music, and the scent of orange blossoms. Its winding medieval lanes, ornate palaces, and sun-drenched plazas offer a rich tapestry of history, artistry, and tradition. Sevilla promises to enchant you at every turn. Especially impressive is The Plaza de España, a spectacular semicircular complex of buildings, bridges, and fountains, wrapped around a moat.  Seville is a good place to stop for a little grooming at the barber of Seville.  Sorry about that but I couldn’t resist.

 

Day 7

Today we will attend an immersive Spanish cooking class, where you will learn to prepare traditional dishes and create your own lunch. This hands-on experience offers a unique opportunity to engage with the local culinary culture.

 

After the class and lunch, the remainder of the day is reserved for individual pursuits. You may choose to rest and rejuvenate, explore local shops, or enjoy sightseeing at your own pace.  

 

Day 8

We begin the day by boarding our coach and setting out on a journey toward Granada.  Along the way we will pause in Cordoba to explore its remarkable sights. The main highlight is a tour of the Moorish cathedral, Real Alcazar, renowned for its breathtaking blend of architectural styles. You will be amazed with examples of Moorish, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque design, all integrated into the cathedral's impressive structure. Following the visit to Alcazar, the journey continues, arriving in Granada in late afternoon.

 

Day 9

In Granada we begin with a guided coach tour through the city.  The highlight of this day is an extended stop at the Alhambra, allowing time to explore this iconic landmark and appreciate its historical significance. FYI; the Alhambra is where Christopher Columbus met and received support from Queen Isabella to sail from Spain in 1492 in search of a westward passage to Asia.

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Day 10

This morning, we leave Granada and set off on a scenic journey to Madrid.  During the six-hour coach ride, we pass through regions famed for their cinematic history. Notably, Clint Eastwood's iconic spaghetti westerns were filmed primarily in the desert landscapes surrounding Madrid.  Upon arrival in Madrid, we will check into our hotel and prepare for a provided dinner.

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Day 11

After a morning spent discovering the city's historic landmarks and hidden gems with our guide, you'll have a deeper appreciation for the local culture and architecture. Following the guided tour, you will have free time.   You can enjoy shopping,  just relax again at a tapas bar, or pursue other interests at your leisure.  I recommend visiting the Prada, my favorite art museum in the world.

 

Day 12

This morning, we switch from our coach to the high-speed train between Madrid and Barcelona.    Reaching speeds up 193 mph we pass through an array of sunlit fields, rolling hills, and ancient towns nestled in the landscape. We will cover the distance of over 380 miles in just about 2 ½  hours.  And even better than the thrill of the train is landing in a city renowned for its vibrant mix of cultures, stunning architecture, and golden Mediterranean beaches. Barcelona is one of the most interesting and fun cities in Europe. From the whimsical works of Antoni Gaudí to the bustling energy of La Rambla, Barcelona pulses with life, where you can lose yourself (not really lose) in its streets and winding alleys.

 

Day 13

We will continue our exploring this morning touring Barcelona and you will have the afternoon free.  You must walk down La Rambla the most famous street in Barcelona, lined with shops, restaurants, markets and street performers crossed by smaller streets filled with more of the same, but different.

 

Day 14

Flight home from Barcelona.