Day 1 - MADRID AT LEISURE

Welcome to Madrid! Your airport transfers depart from Madrid Airport to the tour hotel at 09:00, 11:00, 13:30 & 16:00 hours. The rest of the day is at leisure. Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Reception and light informal meal.

Hotel: Melia Madrid Princesa

Meals: Welcome Reception

Day 2 - MADRID - TOLEDO - GRANADA

Set off southwards for the city of Toledo, situated high above the River Tagus. Walk through the cobbled streets to visit the great Gothic Cathedral to see its magnificent high altar, the incredible baroque window and El Greco’s famous paintings. Continue on through the dry plains of Don Quixote’s La Mancha, before crossing the Sierra Nevada to reach Granada.

Hotel: Saray

Meals: Buffet Breakfast / Dinner

Day 3 - GRANADA - SEVILLE

Enjoy a guided tour of the Alhambra Palace: a fantasy of stone cut lace, arabesque gardens and fountains. You also visit the exotic water gardens of the Generalife. Relax here in the sunshine before embarking on a scenic drive to Seville.

Hotel: Ayre

Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Day 4 - SEVILLE SIGHTSEEING

Your guided sightseeing tour of Seville shows you the Santa Cruz Quarter, with its narrow lanes and flower decked wrought iron balconies. See the fabulous Alcazar and Giralda Tower before entering the immense 15C Cathedral, the final resting place of Christopher Columbus. The rest of the day is at leisure. Tonight, choose from a selection of local restaurants.

Meals: Buffet Breakfast / Dine Around

Day 5 - SEVILLE - LISBON

Cross the Guadiana river and leave Spain, driving on to Portugal’s beautiful Algarve coast. Around lunch time, stop in one of the pleasant towns of this sun drenched region. Now head for Lisbon, historic capital of Portugal.

Hotel: Marriott

Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Day 6 - LISBON SIGHTSEEING

A panoramic guided tour shows you the modern Monument to the Discoveries and the more ancient Belem Tower. It was erected to protect Jeronimo’s Monastery which you visit next. Take some time to admire the fabulous double tiered cloisters. Then you are at leisure. Perhaps join a tour to the beautiful town of Sintra?

Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Day 7 - LISBON - FATIMA - SALAMANCA

Drive to Fatima to visit the Basilica commemorating the appearance of the Virgin Mary to three children in 1917. Then cross the border back into Spain and continue to Salamanca. During your stay see the handsome arcades of the Plaza Mayor, and Puente Romano bridge.

Hotel: Alameda Palace

Meals: Buffet Breakfast / Dinner

Day 8 - SALAMANCA - AVILA - MADRID

Cross the rock strewn hills of La Morana, towards the city of Avila. Walk awhile within the ancient city walls, before returning to Madrid for a sightseeing tour. With your local guide see the statue of Cervantes in the Plaza de España, the Royal Palace, Cibeles Fountain and Parliament. Tonight, enjoy a Celebration Dinner at a local restaurant.

Hotel: Melia Galgos.

Meals: Buffet Breakfast / Celebration Dinner

Day 9 - MADRID SIGHTSEEING

Visit the Prado Museum, housing works by Velázquez, Goya, Titian, Botticelli, Rubens, and many others. The afternoon is at leisure.

Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Day 10 - MADRID – ZAMORA – SANTIAGO DE

Northwards today through the Guadarrama Mountains. See the impressive Castillo de la Motta, conquered by Queen Isabella, before arriving in the fortified town of Zamora. Continue north to Santiago de Compostela. For dinner this evening, enjoy the freedom of your Dine-Around program, and choose from a selection of restaurants.

Hotel: NH Obradoiro

Meals: Buffet Breakfast / Dinner

Day 11 - SANTIAGO SIGHTSEEING

Your local guide will acquaint you with Santiago De Compostela’s buildings and heritage. The majestic Praça do Obradoiro is one of the world’s finest squares. Gaze upon the impressive façade of the Cathedral. This afternoon there is free time to explore the narrow streets and old squares at your leisure.

Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Day 12 - SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA – OVIEDO

Today enjoy a scenic drive along the Costa Verde, one of Spain’s most beautiful coasts Your route reveals glorious coastal vistas before turning inland to Oviedo. With a local guide visit the church of San Julian covered with 1,000 year old wall paintings and the stately square of Plaza Alfonso II. Round off the day in the ‘Boulevard of Cider’.

Hotel: Silken Monumental Naranco/Silken Gijon

Meals: Buffet Breakfast / Dinner

Day 13 - OVIEDO – SANTANDER

See the unique Roman bridge in Cangas de Onis as you head into the foothills of the Picos de Europa. Here visit the holy cave of Covadonga, a shrine to Pelayo, who achieved the first Christian victory over the Moors in 722. Continue to Santillana del Mar, which many writers have called ‘the most beautiful village in Spain.’ After time to explore, drive along the corniche road to reach the sophisticated beach resort of Santander.

Hotel: Santemar

Meals: Buffet Breakfast / Dinner

Day 14 - SANTANDER – BILBAO – SAN SEBASTIÁN

Drive to nearby Bilbao to admire the modern architecture of the Guggenheim museum. Now drive along part of the Costa Vasca to Zumaia where you can see the mouse shaped rock ‘el ratón’, before continuing to San Sebastián.

Hotel: Barcelo Costa Vasca

Meals: Buffet Breakfast / Dine Around

Day 15 - SAN SEBASTIÁN SIGHTSEEING

Admire the beauty of San Sebastián on a guided walking tour of the Old Quarter. See the numbered balconies of the Plaza de la Constitucion, a reminder of the days when bullfights were held in the square. The afternoon is at leisure to stroll along the boardwalk or ascend Monte Igueldo for views of the town.

Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Day 16 - SAN SEBASTIÁN – PAMPLONA – BARCELONA

First stop is in Pamplona, the city of the running of the bulls. Perhaps take a stroll to the famous Estafeta Street before moving on past the famous Rioja wine-producing region. Lunch time finds you in Zaragoza’s Plaza del Pilar, in the shadow of the famous cathedral. Continue to vibrant Barcelona.

Hotel: Pullman Skipper

Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Day 17 - BARCELONA SIGHTSEEING

Meet your guide in the heart of the Gothic quarter. See the cathedral and tour the narrow lanes. Now drive along the Passeig de Gràcia past the flamboyant Modernist buildings. Continue through the Eixample district to visit Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia church. Both inside and out, it defies belief! The afternoon is at leisure. Tonight, join a finale Celebration Dinner with wine at a local restaurant.

Meals: Buffet Breakfast / Celebration Dinner

Day 18 - DEPART BARCELONA

Your tour ends after breakfast. Departure transfers arrive at Barcelona Airport at 07:00, 09:00 & 11:00. The 09:00 transfer will continue to Madrid, scheduled to arrive early evening.

Meals: Buffet Breakfast