Spain and Portugal. - 12 days
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Day 1
Arrive into Madrid Guided City
Tour of Madrid
Welcome to Madrid, one of Europe's most vibrant cities. Check into your hotel on your own, anytime after 1500hrs. Contact the SOTC Tour Manager at the number given on your Tour Information sheet. Later, in the afternoon at 1630hrs., we take you on a panoramic city tour of Madrid conducted by a local Guide. See the Royal Palace, Puerta del Sol, Cibeles Squares and Plaza Espana. For a taste of the real Spain we drive through the main streets and see the Neptune Fountain, Alcala Street and Gran Via, the most popular commercial street. Overnight at hotel Auditorium or similar in Madrid. (D)  |
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Day 2
Visit to Prado Museum and Royal
Palace
After a continental breakfast, we take you to visit the world famous Prado museum. It is Madrid's number one cultural site, one of the world's most important art museums. Get mesmerized by viewing the paintings of El Greco, Velazquez, Goya, Peter Paul Rubens, Hieronymus Bosch and numerous other famous artists. Later, we also take you to visit the Royal Palace, residence of the Royal family. The Royal Palace of Madrid is a towering structure that already has 250 years of history and it is considered one of the best in Europe. The Palace has an immaculate appearance both inside and outside. The palace is built entirely of stone - granite from the Sierra de Guadarrama and white Colmenar stone. Several royal collections of great historical importance are kept at the palace, including the Royal Armoury and its weapons dating back to the 13th century. Overnight at hotel Auditorium or similar in Madrid. (B, D) |
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Day 3
Onto Salamanca Guided City Tour of
Salamanca
After a continental breakfast, we check out of the hotel and journey to 'The Province of Salamanca' situated in the Southwest corner of Castile & León on the borders with Extremadura and Portugal. Relax in the comfort of your coach and enjoy the scenic drive. Salamanca is an ancient and gorgeous city, and even your first glimpse of it is bound to be unforgettable. Upon arrival, we take you on a city tour of Salamanca conducted by a local guide. See the Plaza Mayor which is the city's crowning glory. Built by Alberto and Nicolas Churriguera, it is widely thought the most beautiful Plaza Mayor in Spain. Overnight at hotel Stil Salamanca or similar in Salamanca. (B, D) |
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Day 4
Visit the Shrine of Fatima Onto
Lisbon
After a continental breakfast, we check out of the hotel and journey towards Portugal. The majestic scenery of the Sierra da Estrela mountain range forms the backdrop of your morning drive into Portugal. Before heading for Lisbon, melt into the stream of pilgrims from all over the world as you visit the Sanctuary of our Lady of the Rosary in Fatima. Fatima is one of the most important shrines of the world dedicated to the Virgin Mary. We then proceed towards Lisbon, capital of Portugal, located on the north bank of the river Tagus. A city set on seven hills, as the legend tells, with its cobble stoned pavements and narrow streets full of Art Nouveau cafés promises a lot to discover. Overnight at hotel Radisson SAS or similar in Lisbon. (B, D) |
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Day 5
Guided City Tour of Lisbon Visit
to the Lisbon Oceanarium Boat Cruise on the Tagus River
After a continental breakfast, we take you on a city tour of Lisbon conducted by a local guide. We take you to visit the Jeronimos Monastery, regarded as Lisbon's most important landmark. The construction of this stunning monastery began in 1502 and was completed before the end of the century. It managed to survive the great earthquake in 1755, unlike most of the city. Also see the The Belém Tower which is located on the banks of the Tagus River. Built in 1521 as a monument to the Portuguese discoveries and as a lookout tower, it resembles a miniature castle. See Lisbon's cathedral which was built by Portugal's first king, Dom Afonso Henriques (1109-1185). It was damaged extensively during the great earthquake of 1755 and rebuilt in an earlier style. Later, in the afternoon, we take you to visit Portugal's largest Aquarium which was opened in 1898 during the Expo events in Lisbon. It houses more than 200 species. There are exhibitions of aquatic life from all over the world as well as a special exhibition on invertebrates from the Portuguese coastline. We then take you on a mini cruise on the picturesque Tagus River which flows through the capital city of Lisbon. Enjoy the panoramic sights of Lisbon, a city that overlooks the river and the ocean. Overnight at hotel Radisson SAS or similar in Lisbon. (B, D) |
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Day 6
Onto Seville Guided City Tour of
Seville
After a continental breakfast, we check out of the hotel and journey to Seville - Spain's fourth largest city and the capital of Andalusia. It is one of the most alluring cities in Europe. Upon arrival, we take you on a city tour of Seville conducted by a local guide. We begin with a visit to the cathedral, which is the largest and highest cathedral in Spain. It is also the largest gothic building in the world, and the world's third largest church after St. Peter's in Rome and St. Paul's in London. You get an opportunity to pay respect to Christopher Columbus, whose mortal vestiges are said to be enshrined in the flamboyant mausoleum in the south aisle. We also see the Giralda, adjacent to the cathedral, a splendid example of Moorish art and now a symbol of Seville. You also get some time to stroll along the busy Santa Cruz quarter. It is impossible to resist the charm of this district with its winding alleys, its picturesque lime-washed houses, its delicate hardly visible flowery patios and its small squares. The evening is free for you to relax and explore this fascinating city on your own. Overnight at hotel TRH Alcora or similar in Seville. (B, D) |
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Day 7
Onto Granada Visit Alhambra Palace
and Generalife Gardens
After a continental breakfast, we check out of the hotel and drive to Granada, home to Spain's greatest Moorish monuments. Splendid Moorish palaces and fortifications contrast sharply with churches of more recent origin. Upon arrival, we take you to visit Alhambra Palace, Spain's outstanding symbol of Moorish heritage. It is one of the country's most visited tourist attractions. Walk around the fortress, palace, patios and gardens which are undoubtedly some of the greatest accomplishments of Islamic architecture. There is also time to amble through the magnificent Water gardens of Generalife, the royal summer residence. The outstanding Gardens of Generalife are hailed among the most beautiful gardens in the world and are filled with water springs, gardens and architecture of indescribable beauty. Overnight at hotel Corona De Granada or similar in Granada. (B, D) |
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Day 8
Onto Malaga Guided City Tour of
Malaga
After a continental breakfast, we drive towards Malaga, the ultimate tourist paradise. It is located in southern Spain and port city of Andalusia particularly in the Costal del Sol coast of the Mediterranean. The city of Malaga is very popular tourist's destination, because of its proximity to Costa del Sol. It is also the birth place of Pablo Picasso, renowned Spanish painter and sculptor. Upon arrival, we take you on an orientation tour of the city conducted by a local guide. We take you to visit the Cathedral which was built between 1528 and 1782. Admire the architectural beauty with influences of the Renaissance and baroque styles. You have free time to stroll around the beach front. We then drive back to Granada for our overnight stay. Overnight at hotel Corona De Granada or similar in Granada. (B, D) |
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Day 9
Onto Valencia Guided City Tour of
Valencia
After a continental breakfast, we check out of the hotel and drive towards Valencia which is located on Spain's eastern Mediterranean coast. Through out history, Valencia was one the most important sea ports of the Iberian Peninsula. We take you on an city tour, accompanied by a local guide. See the Town Hall, the Bull Ring, the massive Gateway Towers of Serranos and Quart, and the new Arts and Science Complex designed by the famous Valencian architect Calatrava. We also see the imposing La Seo Cathedral. The evening is free to explore the city on your own. Overnight at hotel Husa Mas Camarena or similar in Valencia. (B, D) |
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Day 10
Onto Barcelona
After a continental breakfast, we check out of the hotel and drive to Barcelona, one of the best spots in the Mediterranean. Due to its superb location on the Mediterranean, its vibrant street life, fascinating Gaudi architecture, superb cuisine and its world famous football team, Barcelona has become Europe's one among most popular destinations. Overnight at your hotel Tryp Barcelona Aeropuerto or similar in Barcelona. (B, D) |
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Day 11
Guided City Tour of Barcelona
After a continental breakfast, proceed for a city tour of Barcelona conducted by a local guide. See the magnificence of the 14th century gothic cathedral, the unfinished glory of Gaudi's controversial Sagrada Familia. Stroll through the lively Ramblas, the city's most spirited street with its colorful flower stalls and markets to the Christopher Colombus monument near the waterfront. Also see Plaza de Cataluna, the largest and busiest square in the city centre. We also take you to visit the Barcelona Olympic Stadium originally built in 1927 to host the 1929 Barcelona World's Fair. Later we continue to the Montjuich Mountain for a breathtaking view of the city and harbour. Overnight at your Hotel Tryp Barcelona Aeropuerto or similar in Barcelona. (B, D) |
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Day 12
Return home with wonderful
memories
Enjoy a continental breakfast. Your ‘Best of Spain an Portugal’ tour ends as you check out of the hotel in Barcelona. Its time to say goodbye to all the new friends you have made. We hope you take back many happy memories of your SOTC tour. (B) |
What your Tour
Price includes
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What your Tour
Price does not include
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Your
Sightseeing Includes:
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Enjoy a
Continental Breakfast Everyday
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Visa
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Ticketing
Requirements
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Note
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Departure Dates
| Starts | Ends | ||
| MADRID | BARCELONA |
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16 May 10 | 27 May 10 |
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30 May 10 | 10 Jun 10 |
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13 Jun 10 | 24 Jun 10 |
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27 Jun 10 | 08 Jul 10 |
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11 Jul 10 | 22 Jul 10 |
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25 Jul 10 | 05 Aug 10 |
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08 Aug 10 | 19 Aug 10 |
Tour Price
all prices are in US $
| Adult in Twin/Triple | Regular Price | 2399 |
| Offer Price | 2199 | |
| Child no bed sharing twin rm | Regular Price | 1799 |
| Offer Price | 1599 | |
| Sgl Supplement | 650 |
Tour price rate may differ based on departure dates