Tour EU03 - Spain and Portugal 7-Day Tour

Highlights: Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Lisbon
Duration: 7 days - 6 nights

SATURDAY

Day 1: Madrid - Zaragoza

The tour starts from the capital of Spain, Madrid, where you will pass by the Cibeles Fountain, and then arrive and visit Plaza Mayor, Piazza di Spagna, and the Royal Palace of Madrid. The Royal Palace of Madrid was built by the Spanish Royal Family, showing the magnificent and splendid former empire and its historical grandeur. Then you’ll arrive at the Puerta del Sol, a public square in Madrid. You can find the Km 0 square tile on the pavement, which represents the Puerta del Sol, the center of the radial network of Spanish roads.

In the afternoon, we say farewell to Madrid and head to Zaragoza. After arriving in Zaragoza, you'll visit the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, which is a Roman Catholic Church in the city. The Basilica venerates the Blessed Virgin Mary, praised as the "Mother of the Hispanic People". It is reputed to be the first church dedicated to Mary in history. There are a lot of coffee shops and restaurants around the Basilica.

SUNDAY

Day 2: Zaragoza - Barcelona

In the morning, we drive directly to the Spanish warm and charming coastal city of Barcelona. After arrival, we will visit the Columbus Monument and La Rambla, followed by Sagrada Família, the monumental Roman Catholic Church designed by Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí. Gaudí’s unique vision and out-worldly decoration can be seen throughout the city and makes it feel like one is entering the Artist’s mind.

Our next photo stop is Camp Nou, the home grounds of FC Barcelona since 1957. We’ll also visit Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, the main stadium where the 1992 Summer Olympics were located from Montjuïc, a large hill to the southwest of Barcelona which overlooks the city views. Any remaining leisure time is taken at the bustling Plaza Catalonia, where you can eat, drink and shop as the locals do.

MONDAY

Day 3: Barcelona - Alicante

After having breakfast at the hotel, we leave Barcelona for Spain’s third largest city, Valencia. Valencia forms the gateway to North Africa. With a history of affluent commerce and cultural ties to Moorish and Arab culture, Valencia enjoys a level of prosperity and depth thanks to its advantageous geographical location. Despite Valencia's understated position in these recent times, the port and its businesses still attract traders from all continents throughout the year.

Upon arrival, we will visit the Modernisme Plaza of the City Hall of Valencia, the Ancient City Gates, and the grand Valencia Cathedral, where you can see the true Holy Grail.

The day is completed with a drive into our next stop Alicante.

TUESDAY

Day 4: Alicante - Granada

In the morning, you depart for the city of Granada on the plateau of the Andalusian province.

This historic city has been ruled by the Visigoths and Arabs. It became the last stronghold of the Arab dynasty during its eight-hundred-year-long rule of the Iberian Peninsula. In the 15th century, King Ferdinand successfully expelled the Arabs and managed to unite Spain. You will have a picture moment in front of the Alhambra, a Moorish citadel and palace, also known as the Red Palace.

Then you will continue to tour the old city of Granada, with its exquisite and delicate architecture.

WEDNESDAY

Day 5: Granada - Seville

In the morning, we go northbound to the largest city of the autonomous community of Andalusia, Seville. This city was the capital of the Muslim dynasty, considered to be the guardian angel of culture in Andalusia, and the birthplace of the flamenco dance. Seville is the primary setting of many operas, the best known of which is Bizet’s Carmen. As the fourth largest city in Spain, it hosted the World’s Fair in 1992. Upon arrival, we visit Seville Cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral and the third-largest church in the world. Its completion was back to the early 16th century and now the cathedral halls are dedicated as the Royal Chapel, the burial place of the kings’ mausoleum for over a century, and also the tomb of Christopher Columbus who discovered the New World as a credit to the great navigator.

From there onwards we see the Alcázar of Seville, which used to be a Muslim palace and the Spanish Royal Palace. The upper levels of the Alcázar are still used by the royal family as the official Seville residence, which is the oldest royal palace still in use in Europe and was registered in 1987 by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, along with the Seville Cathedral.

Then we walk through Santa Cruz, Torre del Oro (the Tower of Gold), and Maria Luisa Park, where the 1992 World Expo was located. In Plaza de España (Spain Square), we can admire a crafted porcelain painting, detailing the history and elegance of old Spain.

THURSDAY

Day 6: Seville - Lisbon

Today we depart for the capital and the largest city of Portugal, Lisbon. We are expected to arrive in Cabo da Roca (Cape Roca) in the afternoon, which forms the westernmost extent of mainland Portugal and continental Europe. The cape displays the voluminous Atlantic surrounded by endless scenery. Don’t forget to buy the remembrance certificate to prove once footstep was on the west point as it will be a memorable souvenir to keep.

Later we will be back to the Lisbon city center and visit Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, both of which were classified as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Belém Tower played a significant role in the Portuguese maritime discoveries of the era of the Age of Discoveries. Jerónimos Monastery is one of the most prominent examples of the Portuguese Late Gothic Manueline style of architecture in Lisbon.

You will pass through Marquis of Pombal Square and then stop at Rossio Square for some free time to sample authentic Portuguese custard tarts at the century-old bakery.

FRIDAY

Day 7: Lisbon - Madrid

Today we will drive back to Madrid via Toledo, a World Heritage Site declared by UNESCO in 1986 for its extensive cultural and monumental heritage. This old city is located on a mountaintop, surrounded on three sides by a bend in the Tagus River, and houses many historical sites.

We stroll across the city, overlooking the Alcázar of Toledo and visiting the grand structure of Toledo Cathedral, you will feel the grandeur of Spain of old times.

The day is concluded with a well-earned rest as you recline in our coach to catch a breathtaking landscape of Spain and enjoy its rich palette of colors in natural surroundings while on the journey to Madrid.

Notice:
The fares displayed are for information only and are subject to change according to the season. Fares cover domestic transportation, tour guide, and hotel accommodation. The Fares do not include international airfare, admissions, meals, gratuities for the driver and tour guide, and travel insurance. MidEarth Travel reserves the right to cancel or amend the schedule when necessary. For customers wishing to arrange their own travel insurance, our staff will be happy to assist.

Cancellation Police
0 to 15 days prior to the tour start, 100% of the payment is non-refundable;
16 to 30 days prior to the tour start, 75% of the payment is non-refundable;
31 to 45 days prior to the tour start, 50% of the payment is non-refundable;
40 to 90 days prior to the tour start, a $150 dollar service fee will be applied.

Tour Fare:
Quad:	$1198.00
Triple:	$1198.00
Double:	$1198.00
Single:	$1998.00
Child:	$1048.00
Departure Dates:
Depart throughout the year

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