Madrid, Seville & Lisbon
| Resort: | Madrid, Seville & Lisbon |
| Operator: | |
| Destination: | Europe, Portugal, Spain |
| Price From: | £1619.00 |
OverviewDelve into three grand cities of the Iberian Peninsula, each filled with unique treasures to uncover. Spend time exploring Madrid, Seville and Lisbon with multiple nights in each. In Madrid, its your choice. Join a local expert exploring the priceless masterpieces of the Prado Museum or discover Hapsburg Madrid on a walking tour. Take a journey on the thrilling AVE high-speed train. In Seville, explore the monumental compound of the Royal Alczar and walk the winding narrow streets and quaint courtyards of Barrio Santa Cruz. Converse with a flamenco dancer during a tapas lunch. Then, be treated to reserved seats at a flamenco show. Discover Evora, the Museum City of Portugal. In Lisbon, see one of the world’s finest art collections at the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum. Explore Lisbon your way when you choose between an expertly guided panoramic city tour and a walking tour of the Alfama District. Marvel at five centuries of Portuguese decorative ceramic tiles (azulejos) and enjoy the captivating sounds of Fado music during dinner. From beginning to end, you will have plenty of time to explore, get to know the charms and savor the atmosphere of each of these magnificent cities. ItineraryDay 1: Overnight FlightDelve into three grand cities of the Iberian Peninsula. Each is filled with unique treasures to uncover. You will have plenty of time to explore, get to know their charms and savor the atmosphere of each of these magnificent cities. Day 2: Madrid, Spain – Tour BeginsWelcome to Madrid, Spains dynamic capital city. Tonight, meet your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner. Day 3: Choice of Prado Museum or Hapsburg Madrid Walking TourToday you choose your tour! Join a local expert who introduces you to Madrids architectural treasures on a panoramic tour. Then its off to explore the priceless masterpieces of Madrids Prado Museum which opened in 1819 and boasts the world’s finest collection of art by masters such as Velazquez and Goya. Or, perhaps you will opt for a walking tour of Madrid featuring sites of the Hapsburg era. Discover the Puerta Del Sol, Plaza Mayor and the famous Andalusian tavern “La Torre del Oro;” Mercado San Miguel, the last remaining market constructed in forged iron; Arco de los Cuchilleros (the Arch of the Knifemakers); and Plaza de la Villa with its historic Baroque and Mudjar-style buildings. Your afternoon is at leisure. Day 4: Madrid – AVE High-Speed Train – Cordoba – SevilleSit back and enjoy stunning landscapes as you travel via high-speed train to the Moorish city of Cordoba. Embark on a walking tour of the Mezquita, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Originally built as a mosque, it was converted into the citys cathedral when the Christians conquered the region in 1236. Enjoy a stroll through the streets of the historic Jewish Quarter. Later, arrive in charismatic Seville, the city of Carmen, Don Juan and Figaro. Day 5: Seville – Royal Alcázar – Tapas Lunch – SevilleJoin a local expert in discovering the intriguing myths, stories and legends of Seville. You will be impressed by this historic city’s Mudjar architecture. Tour the Royal Alczar* (UNESCO), where you can stroll through its beautifully decorated courtyards featuring columns and exquisite plasterwork. Then, walk through the sprawling and colorful Alczar gardens discovering one garden after another. Next, see the Giralda Bell Tower and the majestic Seville Cathedral (UNESCO). Continue on to the winding narrow streets and quaint courtyards of Barrio Santa Cruz, the old Jewish Quarter of Seville, with its bright flowers and whitewashed buildings. Join a local flamenco dancer for a traditional tapas lunch (small plates) and discuss the history and artistry of flamenco. Your afternoon is at leisure. This evening you have reserved seats for an authentic flamenco show (UNESCO) featuring Sevilles top performers. Day 6: SevilleEnjoy a day to discover Seville as you choose. Seville exudes an immeasurable beauty and has a rich culture that is sure to dazzle your senses. Take a stroll along the banks of the Guadalquivir River, explore the lively popular quarter of Triana with its charming narrow streets, or enjoy the peaceful serenity of the beautiful Maria Luisa Park, one of the loveliest in all of Europe. Your choices are endless. Day 7: Seville – Evora, Portugal – LisbonSay adios to Spain! Ease your way into the local culture as your Tour Manager teaches you a few keys words of the native language of Portugal. Travel through beautiful countryside, across Alentejos limitless plains and vineyards to historic Evora, Portugal (UNESCO). Known as the Museum City of Portugal, a leisurely paced walking tour reveals a true open-air museum inside Evoras medieval walls. A 2nd-century Roman temple to Diana and well-preserved monuments set the scene. Your day comes to a close in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal and one of Europe’s most beautiful and cosmopolitan cities. Renowned for its warm and sunny disposition, Lisbon is home to a wealth of historic monuments and world-class museums. Day 8: Choice of Lisbon Panoramic City Tour or Alfama District Walking TourThis morning its your choice! You may choose to join a panoramic Lisbon city tour featuring Jeronimos Monastery (UNESCO), Belem Tower (UNESCO), the Monument to the Discoveries, and is capped off with a visit to the National Museum of Coaches. Or, perhaps you will choose to take a walking tour of the historic Alfama District**, Lisbon’s most symbolic quarter: step back in time as you explore this residential neighborhood which is considered a village within a city; stroll through its medieval alleys, narrow streets and small squares; pass by beautiful churches and whitewashed houses with tile panels and wrought-iron balconies adorned with pots of flowers; then, climb the hill to explore the castle that has the most breathtaking panorama of the city. Your afternoon is at leisure. This evening, enjoy the captivating sounds of Fado music (UNESCO) that accompanies your dinner featuring local cuisine. Day 9: Lisbon – Calouste Gulbenkian Museum – National Tile Museum – LisbonStart the day exploring the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, one of the world’s great museums with a priceless private art collection that includes both Western and Eastern art. The worldwide collection spans 4,000 years from the ancient Egyptian period to the late 20th century. Then its on to the delightful National Tile Museum. Home to five centuries of decorative ceramic tiles (azulejos), its the only collection of its kind in the world. Marvel at the spectacular blue and white composition of 1,300 tiles of Lisbon’s cityscape made in 1738. Enjoy another afternoon at leisure. Gather this evening for a delightful farewell dinner. Day 10: Lisbon – Tour EndsYour tour comes to a close today. |
