15 Days: April 16 - 20, 2024
HIGHLIGHTS… Barcelona, La Sagrada Familia, Valencia, Paella Experience, Granada, The Alhambra, Seville, Choice on Tour, Flamenco Show, Cordoba, Madrid, The Prado Museum, Toledo, Elvas, Lisbon, Jeronimo’s Monastery, Belém, Obidos
Jan and Vince are your hosts. Offered in conjunction with Collette Tours
April 06 - 20, 2024
$8,848 based on single occupancy
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*If the tour is SOLD OUT, please contact us to be added to the waitlist.
Start your morning with a walk from your hotel to some of
Barcelona’s main sights, getting to experience this amazing city as it
was meant to be explored - on foot. After some free time for lunch on
your own, embark on a panoramic tour of Barcelona, showcasing the
Columbus Monument, Parc de Montjuic, and Antoni Gaudi’s Batllo
House and Casa Mila building (UNESCO). A local expert will
accompany you on a visit to the awe-inspiring La Sagrada Familia*
(UNESCO), considered to be the most famous of Gaudi’s work.
Work on the basilica began in 1882, and it is scheduled to be
completed in 2026 on the 100th anniversary of the architect’s death.(B)
Today you’ll make your way to Granada, the last great capital of the Moors in Spain before it fell to the Catholic monarchs in 1492. Tonight, join your fellow travellers for dinner at a nearby restaurant. (B, D)
This morning, join a local expert for a tour of the world-famous Alhambra** (UNESCO,) a stone fortress overlooking the entire city and serving as a mesmerizing example of Islamic architecture. End your day in Seville, considered Spain’s “cultural capital.” (B, D)
Decide how you see Seville because it’s your choice! Walk the Santa Cruz Quarter with an expert guide, admiring the orange trees and white-washed houses before continuing to the Plaza de España -ORsee the city from a different perspective with a boat ride on the Guadalquivir River, drifting by timeworn bridges and towers. Later, visit the Seville Cathedral*** (UNESCO) – the largest gothic church in the world – and see Columbus’ tomb and the Giralda Bell Tower. End the afternoon with a light tapas lunch, overlooking the cathedral. This evening, enjoy an authentic flamenco show (UNESCO) featuring Seville's most famous traditions. (B, L)
Travel to the extraordinary Moorish city of Cordoba. Upon arrival, embark on a walking tour of La Mezquita (UNESCO), an 8th-centurymosque that was converted into the city’s cathedral in the 16th century. Continue your exploration of Cordoba in the city's well preserved and historical Jewish Quarter. Then, board the AVE high speed train to Spain’s capital city, Madrid! Arrive in the late afternoon and enjoy some free time to rest or venture out and explore on your own. (B)
During a locally guided panoramic tour of Madrid’s historic centre, see iconic sites such as the Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor, where events have been held since the 17th century. Join a local expert to explore the priceless masterpieces of the Prado Museum, which opened in 1819 and boasts some of the world's finest collections of art by masters such as Velazquez and Goya. Your afternoon will be free to explore this fascinating city further. (B, D)
Travel to Toledo (UNESCO), the capital of medieval Spain until 1560. Embark on a comprehensive tour, highlighting the magnificent Gothic cathedral. Then, visit the Church of Santo Tome and view El Greco’s masterpiece painting, The Burial of Count Orgaz. Bid Spain adios and cross the border into Portugal, arriving in the off-the-beaten-path town of Elvas, a garrison town recognized as a World Heritage site. (B)
After enjoying a relaxing morning in Elvas, make your way to Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. Spend your day uncovering legends of the country’s past, including visits to Jeronimo’s Monastery (UNESCO), the Monument to the Discoveries, and the Tower of Belém (UNESCO). Enjoy time in the evening to settle into your new home for the next 3 nights. (B) Day 13: Thursday, April 18, 2024 Lisbon The day is yours! Discover the capital city on your own. Cons
The day is yours! Discover the capital city on your own. Consider tasting the city’s mouthwatering cuisine or taking the historic tram to the vibrant Alfama district. Perhaps you will go on an optional excursion to the Portuguese Riviera, visiting the picturesque towns of Cascais and Sintra. (B)
Today, visit one of Portugal’s most famed towns – Obidos! With its labyrinth of cobblestoned streets and whitewashed houses, this medieval town beckons you to linger and enjoy its charm. You may choose to try one of the local delicacies – sour cherry liquor served in chocolate cups, or simply enjoy the narrow streets and picture perfect alleyways. Gather this evening for a farewell dinner celebrating the end of an unforgettable trip to Spain and Portugal. (B, D
Return home with memories of a beautiful land and a diverse cultural heritage. (B)
Included in Price: Cancellation Waiver and Insurance of $499 per person, Round Trip Air from Toronto Intl Airport, Air Taxes and Fees/Surcharges of $150 per person (subject to increase until paid in full), Hotel Transfers; 13 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 5 dinner.
