Reservations are done
through Globus & Cosmos
Tours |
16 Day Grand Tour of Portugal & Spain
Tour ZV
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1st Day |
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Board your overnight transatlantic flight.
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2nd Day |
Arrival in Lisbon, Portugal
Free time to rest or start exploring the Portuguese capital. At 6
p.m. meet your traveling companions at a welcome drink hosted by
your tour director.
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3rd Day |
Lisbon
Now the capital of a small country on the western fringe of the
Iberian Peninsula, 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 and
did not subside until the 1970s. History has left its marks on the
city, in striking contrast with modern features. Morning
sightseeing includes two Manueline jewels: BELEM TOWER guarding the
estuary of the Tagus River and JERONIMOS MONASTERY with the tomb of
Vasco da Gama. Drive past the Bull Ring to Pombal Statue and on along
the grand Avenida da Liberdade. Then enjoy a walk through the cobbled
alleys of Alfama, the quarter of the seamen. Afternoon and evening at
leisure. An optional excursion to Sintra and optional dinner with
Fado-style entertainment are available. (BB)
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4th Day |
Lisbon-Oporto
A few miles north of Lisbon leave the highway for a scenic detour
into the vineyards and olive groves of the Serra do Aire hills.
Step back in time as you pass through the main gate in the medieval
perimeter wall of Obidos and stroll along narrow streets lined with
white-washed, flower-adorned houses. Next visit the magnificent
Dominican BATALHA MONASTERY, commemorating a 14th-century victory
in Portugal's fight for independence from Castile. In nearby Fatima,
time for lunch and to join the pilgrims at the country's hallowed
national shrine. In the afternoon, a comfortable drive to the
valley of the Douro River. At Vila Nova de Gaia on the southern
bank, visit the prestigious FERREIRA PORT WINE CELLARS. Hear how
the country's premier export product is made, and taste the strong,
sweet wine. Overnight in Oporto, on the northern bank of the River. (BB,D)
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5th Day |
Vitoria-Bilbao-San Sebastian-Pamplona
Oporto-Santiago de Compostela, Spain. (Tue.) Oporto, which gave the
country its name, is now its center of commerce and industry.
Sightseeing includes a panoramic drive and a visit to the lavish
19th-century STOCK EXCHANGE, whose claim to fame is an ARABIAN HALL
inspired by Granada's Alhambra. Then a change of scenery. Drive
towards the northern border through an area where the rural population
still lives off small patches of land tended with traditional farming
methods. Watch out for black-clad, barefoot women balancing loads on
their heads and bullock carts laden with fresh produce for the market.
Enjoy a leisurely lunch break in the Costa Verde resort and fishing
port of Viana do Castelo before crossing the Rio Miño into Spain's
wild northwestern province. The highway to Santiago de Compostela
offers spectacular views of the Rias Bajas, the deep fjords of
Galicia. (BB,D)
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6th Day |
Pamplona-Saragossa-Barcelona
Santiago de Compostela. (Wed.) Santiago grew around the tomb of St.
James, the Apostle who converted Spain to Christianity, and, according
to legend, delivered the country from Moorish occupation. In the Middle
Ages the shrine attracted millions of pilgrims from all over Europe.
Today's visitors still pray at St. James' tomb in the huge
11th-century Romanesque CATHEDRAL VIEJA with its ornate Baroque facade.
They also come for the unspoiled beauty of the Old Town centering on
Plaza de la Quintana with the Holy Door and Plaza Obradoiro with its
Hospital of the Catholic Monarchs. A local guide accompanies you this
morning to explain the sights. The afternoon is free, and tonight your
tour director will help you find typical Galician fare: lamb, cured
ham, seafood, and cheese. (BB)
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7th Day |
Santiago de Compostela-Leon
Look forward to two days of scenic eastbound travel along the ancient
"Way of St. James." Morning break today is in Lugo, a crossroad town
with a tormented history. A perfectly preserved massive schist wall,
dating back to Roman times, did not protect it from conquest by Moors,
Norsemen, and Napoleon's revolutionary troops. Via a pass in the
broom-clad Cantabrian Cordillera you enter the province of Leon and
head for Ponferrada, where Knights Templars gave shelter to medieval
pilgrims. Their massive castle now lies in ruins, except for the
superb main gate where you stop for pictures. Early afternoon arrival
in Leon, the capital of Christian Spain at the start of the
Reconquest. Guided sightseeing here focuses on what may well be the
most dazzling GOTHIC CATHEDRAL in the world. Daylight filters through
no less than 12,917 square feet of stained glass windows. Also visit
the adjacent MUSEUM with priceless works of art from two millennia
and a complete 17th-century chemist's shop. (BB,D)
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8th Day |
Leon-Madrid
Morning drive through the Tierra de Campos, Spain's rich granary.
Wheat fields extend to the horizon, occasionally interrupted by
red-brick dwellings clustered around an ancient church. Midday
arrival in the fascinating university town of Salamanca. Time for
a leisurely lunch and a stroll in its Baroque Plaza Mayor, one of
the country's grandest squares. On the way to Madrid, take a
break in walled and turreted Avila, where St. Theresa founded the
Order of Carmelites. (BB)
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9th Day |
Madrid
The capital of Spain since 1561, Madrid today is a world-class
metropolis, the showcase of a country resolutely turned towards the
future. Morning sightseeing with a local guide takes you to the
Royal Palace, Puerta del Sol, Plaza 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 extraordinary collection of masterpieces,
including the best of Goya and Velazquez. Afternoon at leisure, with
the possibility of joining an optional excursion to El Escorial and
the Valley of the Fallen. (BB)
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10th Day |
Madrid-Toledo-Granada
A short morning drive south to Toledo. Spectacularly situated on a
granite hill surrounded by a loop of the Tagus River, the ancient
Castilian capital attracts more sightseers from all over the world
than any other Spanish town. A resident expert takes you to the
Moorish bridge, an early SYNAGOGUE, the fabulously rich 13th-century
GOTHIC CATHEDRAL, and the church of SANTO TOMÉ with one of El
Greco's most famous paintings. There's time to visit one of the
enticing Damascene steel workshops before continuing your southbound
journey through the barren landscapes of Don Quixote's La Mancha.
Cross the Guadalquivir River and head for the olive and orange groves
of the rolling Andalusian hills. Overnight in history-steeped Granada
at the foot of the Sierra Nevada. (BB,D)
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11th Day |
Granada-Cordoba-Seville
Granada sightseeing focuses on its main attraction, the ALHAMBRA. The
mighty yet graceful citadel was planned by the 13th-century Moorish
ruler Al Ahamar. 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 amble
through the exotic WATER GARDENS OF THE GENERALIFE, the royal summer
residence. In the afternoon drive through one of the loveliest areas
of sunny Andalusia to Cordoba, where a knowledgeable guide walks you
through the magnificent 8th-century MOSQUE, famous for its 850
pillars of porphyry, marble, and jasper. On through the fertile
valley of the Guadalquivir River to Seville. (BB,D)
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12th Day |
Seville
Listen to your local expert's account of the city's role in Roman
times, its conquest by the Moors in 712, its contribution to the
discovery of the New World. Admire the pools and fountains of MARIA
LUISA PARK. Drive to the Plaza de España, the Gold Tower on the
Guadalquivir River, and the fine Baroque building which is now the
university but used to be the tobacco factory of Carmen fame. Visit
the CATHEDRAL with Columbus' tomb, the world's largest Gothic
edifice and an undertaking considered sheer madness by its very
planners. Finally stroll through the narrow lanes of the charming
Santa Cruz quarter. The afternoon is free. For a truly Andalusian
night out reserve a seat at our optional flamenco show. (BB)
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13th Day |
Seville-Algarve, Portugal
This morning travel westward, past the port town of Huelva and across
the Guadiana River, which divides Spain from Portugal. Now you are in
the Algarve, Portugal's most popular holiday area. Afternoon at
leisure at your beachfront hotel. Enjoy the sandy beaches, browse in
trendy boutiques, relax by the pool, or take a stroll to the Marina. (BB,D)
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14th Day |
| Algarve Excursion
Today you may prefer to relax, explore this beautiful resort at your
own pace, or join the included excursion along the enchanting
southern coastline. History comes alive as you reach the wind-swept
PROMONTORY OF SAGRES, where Henry the Navigator lived and planned
his overseas expansion. Only a few miles away is Cape St. Vincent,
the southwestern corner of continental Europe, a dramatic cliff
defying the waves of an ever-angry Atlantic Ocean. After a lunch
break in pretty Lagos return to your hotel with time left in the
day to catch up on your postcards and shopping. Tonight is your
chance to try one of the seafood restaurants for which the Algarve
is famous. Your tour director knows the local scene. (BB)
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15th Day |
| Algarve-Lisbon
Head north to Setúbal, a major port and industrial center on the
north bank of the Sado Estuary. From here take the scenic route over
the Serra da Arrábida and savor sweeping views of the Tróia
Peninsula. Catch glimpses of the castle of Sesimbra, which recall
fierce medieval battles between Christians and Moors. After crossing
the Bridge of April 25th you're back in Lisbon for a last evening
with the companions of an exciting touring adventure. (BB)
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16th Day |
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Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (BB)
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Avila |
Barcelona |
Bayona |
Bilbao |
Burgos |
Caceres |
Cadiz |
Cardona |
Carmona |
Cordoba |
Torremolinos |
Benalmadena |
Marbella |
Malaga |
Cuenca |
Granada |
Jean |
Leon |
San Millan |
Madrid |
Olite |
Pamplona |
Ronda |
Salamanca |
Santiago |
Santo Domingo |
Segovia |
Sevilla |
Toledo |
Tortosa |
Ubeda |
Valencia |
Vic |
The Islands
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