DAY 1: UK - Madrid.
Fly to Madrid where you'll be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay. (D)
DAY 2: Madrid - Toledo - Granada.
A short drive to Toledo, the ancient Castilian capital, which is spectacularly situated on a granite hill surrounded by a loop of the Tagus River. Enjoy sightseeing with a local guide in the old walled city, made famous in El Greco's painting. Even now it is like a great open-air museum of Spanish history and art. Cross the Guadalquivir River for the olive and orange groves of the rolling Andalucian hills and on to Granada at the foot of the majestic Sierra Nevada. Overnight in Granada. (B, D)
DAY 3: Granada - Costa del Sol.
This morning enjoy a visit with a local guide, to the Alhambra, a summer complex built by Moorish kings. This afternoon enjoy a scenic drive along the Costa del Sol via Malaga. From here it is only a few miles to your hotel for two nights. Don't miss out on the optional excursion to Mijas, a typical Andalucian market town with enchanting views of the coast from its upper terraces. (B)
DAY 4: Costa del Sol. At leisure.
A day at leisure for you to enjoy the sandy beaches, browse through the trendy boutiques or sample the many restaurants. (B, D)
DAY 5: Costa del Sol - Gibraltar - Seville.
First today, a visit to the strategic rock fortress of Gibraltar. Then on through the sunny sherry region on the Costa de la Luz to Seville for two nights. (B)
DAY 6: Seville. At leisure.
One of Spain's most colourful cities. Perhaps join an optional sightseeing tour of the main highlights of this vibrant city. (B, D)
DAY 7: Seville - Evora - Lisbon.
This morning cross into Portugal and the fertile plains of the the Alentejo, heading to the beautiful hilltop town of Evora. With its fortified walls, cobbled streets, arches and brilliant white houses, Evora is a delightful Moorish city. Continue to Lisbon for two nights. (B)
DAY 8: Lisbon.
Henry the Navigator made Lisbon the 15th century 'mistress of the seas'. You'll see his monument, the Belem Tower, the Moorish Citadel, the impressive Black Horse Square and other highlights on the sightseeing excursion with local guide. In the afternoon why not make an optional trip to Sintra and coastal Cascais? (B)
DAY 9: Lisbon - Fatima - Oporto.
This morning visit Fatima and its world famous sanctuary, then later on to Oporto on the banks of the River Douro, for overnight and an optional sightseeing tour with local guide. (B)
DAY 10: Oporto - Salamanca.
Return to Spain by way of Fuentes de Onoro and Ciudad Rodrigo. Reach the ancient and beautiful university town of Salamanca in the early evening. Stay overnight. (B, D)
DAY 11: Salamanca - Avila - Segovia - Madrid.
Leave Salamanca and its charming Plaza Mayor for fortified Avila and an orientation tour and visit to St Theresa's convent. Continue to Segovia, a medieval town picturesquely located on a rocky hill. Cross the boundary between new and old Castile to arrive in Madrid for two nights. (B)
DAY 12: Madrid.
Not only because it is the capital of Spain, but because it is situated 2,180 feet above sea level, the Spaniards say Madrid is the nearest thing to heaven. Enjoy the main highlights with a local guide. (B)
DAY 13: Madrid - UK.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)