Itinerary

• Day 1 - Depart the U.S. for Madrid, Spain.
• Day 2 - Madrid: Arrive in Madrid, the cosmopolitan capital of Spain. Madrid is home to the Prado Museum, one of the world's greatest, which features masterpieces of Goya, El Greco and Velasquez as well as superb works from other European schools. Your professional tour guide will lead you on a brief orientation and sightseeing tour of Madrid, crossing the famed Paseo de la Castellana, Plaza de Colon, Puerta de Alcala and Plaza de Neptuno before transferring to your hotel. Spend the afternoon at leisure. Your tour director will provide information on optional tours available for purchase at the Club ABC Tours hospitality desk at your hotel. Lunch and dinner are on your own. (No Breakfast is provided on Day 2)
• Days 3 & 4 - Madrid: Enjoy two days at leisure. After a buffet breakfast you can visit the Prado Museum, Queen Sofia with the Guernica of Picasso and the Royal Palace of the 18th century built by Charles III, Renaissance style. You can also select an optional excursion to The Escorial, a remarkable 16th century complex that includes a monastery church, library, royal palace and mausoleum. Or you can join the optional morning tour to Moorish influenced city of Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Other optional tours include the old Castilian town of Segovia and the provincial capital of Avila, with its encircling medieval walls and Romanesque churches. (Breakfast)
• Day 5 - Madrid/Seville: After breakfast depart for Seville, Spain's fourth largest city and the capital of the Andalucia region. Situated on the Guadalquivir River, it was in Seville's port that Christopher Columbus docked on returning from America. (Breakfast)
• Day 6 - Seville: After breakfast tour the Romantic city of Seville. Walk the orange tree shaded streets and plazas and visit Seville's gothic Cathedral, the world's third largest after St. Peter in Rome and St. Paul in London. Also visit the Alcazar, a Moorish-inspired residence of Spanish kings. Stroll through the gardens of orange groves, palms, roses and brick walls. (Breakfast)
• Day 7 - Seville: Spend a full day at your leisure to explore the wonders of Seville, one of Spain's most romantic cities, or enjoy an optional tour of the area. Of the Arab legacy, the old minaret is preserved, which nowadays is the famous Giralda, as well as the Patio de los Naranjos (the Courtyard of the Orange Trees). The Fine Arts Museum, one of the most important of its kind in Spain, is located in the 18th century Convent of La Merced and features works by El Greco, Velázquez and Murillo. Another important museum is the Provincial Archaeological Museum with a collection of Roman artifacts found in the nearby city of Italica. You might also visit the Museum of Popular Arts and Customs featuring a collection of antique clothing, lathes and horse-drawn flourmills, as well as popular furniture from the 18th and 19th centuries. (Breakfast)
• Day 8 - Seville/Algarve: Depart Spain along the lush countryside enjoying the views of olive groves and almond trees as you make your way towards Portugal's southern-most province, the Algarve. Bound by the Atlantic Ocean, the mountains of Caldeirao and Monchique, and by the River Guadiana, the coast is shaped by cliffs, grottos and rock formations linked by wide sandy beaches that make this region a scenic oasis. (Breakfast, Dinner)
• Day 9 - Algarve: Spend the day exploring the Algarve and experience the charm of the old legends of bewitching Moorish maidens and the call of the sea that led to the discovery of the new worlds. Visit Lagos, formerly the capital of the southern part of the Iberian Peninsula and was the last port before the Portuguese caravelas set off for their long sea journeys during the great Discoveries of the 16th century. See the Promontory of Sagres, the symbol of the Portuguese epic. Five centuries ago here in Sagres, Prince Henry the Navigator founded the Navigation College, essential to the Portuguese Discoveries and seafaring future. The afternoon will bring an invitation to take a dip in the warm sea. (Breakfast, Dinner)
• Day 10 - Algarve/Lisbon: After breakfast depart through the heart of Portugal and take in the lush beauty of the Estrela Mountain range, the highest point in Portugal. As you arrive in Lisbon, pass some of the city highlights including the Monument of the Discoveries, Avenida da Liberdade and Praça Marquês de Pombal during a brief orientation tour. Transfer to the hotel. (Breakfast)
• Days 11 & 12 - Lisbon: Enjoy the next two days at your leisure in Lisbon, a city spread on seven hills with views over a lively harbor and the Tagus River. Modern life has not invaded this attractive city of pastel hues, black and white paving stones, charming old quarter and grand avenues. Visit the Alfama, the "white town", with a distinctive North African flavor, its medieval Cathedral and Castle of Sao Jorge along with museums. If you are interested in decorative arts, you might want to visit the fascinating Decorative Arts Museum, which features a fine collection of Portuguese furniture and outstanding selection of tapestries, silver and glass. Lisbon also boasts several World Heritage sites including the historic Tower of Belem, a monument to maritime history. Enjoy the lively harbor and beautiful gardens or take one of the available optional tours to places such as Estoril or Sintra. (Breakfast)
• Day 13 - Lisbon/U.S.: Transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (Breakfast)