Spain & Portugal

2. Arrive in Lisbon
Arrive in Lisbon, Portugal.   Sightsee this afternoon for a good introduction to this intriguing city and its most famous landmarks including the Belem Tower, guarding the estuary of the Tagus River, Jeronimos’ Monastery with the tomb of Vasco da Gama.  Drive past the bull ring to Pombal Statue and on through the grand Avenida da Liberdade.   Join us for a welcome dinner this evening.
Included Meals: Dinner
Hotel: Hotel Altis

3. Portuguese Riviera
Today we visit the 14th-century Royal Palace of Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage site and sure to be a highlight of your Portugal tour. Travel to the fishing village of Cascais, where you’ll have time to browse the many specialty shops brimming with Portuguese handmade crafts.  If the tide permits, you may be able to watch a new mending demonstation by a lcoal fisherman and some interesting sea stories.  Stop in the well-known resort town Estoril along the Portuguese Riviera today before returning to Lisbon as a delight day comes to an end.  This evening you are special guests as we experience local cuisine, wines and Fado music at famous Adega Machado’s restaurant. An evening you will long remember.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

4.  Lisbon to Algarve
We see our second UNESCO World Heritage site, with a tour of the medieval, walled city of Evora . Its Roman ruins and Moorish arcades create fascinating surroundings including more than 20 churches and monasteries, and the forbidding Capela dos Ossos in the the 15th -century church of Sao Franscisco.  The beautiful Algarve region of Portugal is a favorite destination on any Portugal tour.  Enjoy a restful evening in the famous coastal resort area of Algarve.
Included Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Hotel: Hotel Tivoli Almansor

5. Algarve in Seville
Enjoy breakfast and a leisure morning here in Algarve.  Travel along the famous southern province of Andalucia,  famous for gypsies and flamenco dancing, seaside resorts, and small whitewashed villages. Arrive in the provincial capital of Seville, a beautiful mix of today’s vibrant Spain and centuries of old-world charm. Dinner is on your own to choose from the many choices of excellent cuisine in Seville.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Hotel Bequer

6. Seville
A sightseeing tour takes in many of Seville’s historic and cultural attractions. Walk through old Santa Cruz Quarter and the Parque de María Luisa, the Macarena district,  and visit the world’s largest Gothic cathedral, said to be the final resting place of Christopher Columbus.  A flamenceo dancer is our guest today for lunch as we experience a “tapas lunch” as we learn about the history and culture of Flamenco.  This evening see Seville’s top performers as we enjoy reserved seating at an authentic flamenco show.  A perfect way to end the day.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

7. Seville to Marbella
Journey into the beautiful mountains and visit a scenic village perched high atop rocky cliffs, Ronda which offer sweeping scenic views of the countryside.  Ronda,  has a rich Moorish and Roman heritage amd we’ll discover it on an interesting tour.  Ronda is home of modern-day bullfighting and today we’ll visit the oldest bullring in Spain and learn about it’s interesting history.  Continue on to Marbella, a favored seaside playground of royalty and celebrities. We’ve given you two nights here in Marbella to soak up the atmosphere.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Fuerte Miramar Hotel

8. Marbella
If weather permits, a visit to Gibraltar offers views of the silhouette of the fabled Rock of Gibraltar, which played a major part in both world wars. Gibraltar is a British territory for almost 300 years, and there are some formalities involved in crossing the border from Spain.  Continue on for a scenic drive along the Costa del Sol.  Return to the hotel for the remainder of the day at your leisure.  Swim in the Mediterranean, visit the fashionable shops, or just take in the spectacular scenery that surrounds you!
Included Meals: Breakfast

9. Marbella to Granada
As we ascend into the mountains the views will be breathtaking.   A speical lunch is arranged with local Spaniards at a hoome hosted lunch in a traditonal Andalusian village.  Arrive in Granada, set in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains for a visit to the famed Moorish Alhambra, considered to be one of the world’s most beautiful palaces. Tour the palace and stroll the Generalife, the quartered grounds of the summer palace of former sultans.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Lodging: Hotel Alhambra Palace

10. Granada to Cordoba
Experience some of Spain’s most beautiful landscapes with olive groves that offer breathtaking views of the horizon as we motor to Córdoba, a city rich in ancient Moors influence. A city tour reveals the Córdoba’s Mezquite Cathedral, a masterpiece of architecture. You’ll be amazed as we stroll the narrow cobblestone streets from the alleyways of the Judería during a walking tour through this historic Jewish quarter.  Your evening is at leisure.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Hesperia Córdoba

11.  Cordoba to Almagro
A journey into the mountains leads to the charming village of Montoro, where whitewashed houses seem to cling to the hillside with the beautiful Guadalquivir River below.   A delightful lunch is served along the way as we continue on scenic roads through the mountains to Almagro, a Spanish town offering unique wodden porticoes and green painted balconies. R & J Tours has choosen a stay at the historica Parador de Almagro, a former Franciscan monastery. An experience you will long remember. Dinner is served at your unique hotel this evening.  
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel: Parador de Almagro

12. Almagro to Madrid
Travel the Consuegra region and landscapes of Don Quixote de la Mancha. Desend upon Toledo a spectacularly set village on a granite hill surrounded by the Tagus River.  Enjoy a walking tour in Toledo, considered by many to be the heart and soul of Spain. Visit the Church of Santo Tomé to see The Burial of the Count of Orgaz, said to be the artist El Greco’s finest masterpiece. Continue to Madrid and settle in for two nights.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Melia Madrid Princessa

13. Madrid
A sightseeing tour this morning includes Neptuno and Cibeles fountains, Paseo de la Castellana, the Grand Via and the Royal Palace.  Enjoy a guided tour of Museo del Prado, housing works by Murillo, Goya, El Greco, and Velázques. Art lovers may enjoy exploring other notable museums, such as the Reina Sofía or the private collection of Baron von Thyssen-Bornemisza on your own this afternoon. Others may enjoy free time here in Madrid.  This evening relive the experiences you’ve shared with your new traveling friends at a farewell dinner tonight featuring Spanish cuisine and wine at a favorite Madrid restaurant.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

14.  Madrid to Home
Today we depart for home with memories of a grand Iberian vacation.
Included Meals: Breakfast

2. Lisbon to Madeira
Arrive in Funchal, Madeira and check into your 5 star oceanfront resort ideally located along the island’s sourthern coast.  Enjoy your own private balcony boasting dramatic ocean views.  A welcome dinner awaits you tonight. 
Included Meals: Dinner

3. Madeira
Enjoy breakfast before a full day of sightseeing the island.  Wind along the scenic coastal road to the colorful fishing village of Camara de Lobos.  Take in breathtaking views at Cabo Girao, the second highest sea cliff in the world.  The road takes an impressive turn into the side of a cliff to Porto Moniz, famous for its rock sea pools.  Delight in lunch with wine tasting before returning to your resort for the evening.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

4. Madeira to Lisbon
Enjoy breakfast before today’s Charm of Funchal city tour.  With the beautiful harbor as our starting point we’ll notice the Moorish influences as we walk to the magnificent 15th century cathedral.  Your tour ends with an unforgettable opportunity – the centuries-old tradition of sledge riding in a wicker basket over the cobblestone streets.  Late afternoon fly to Lisbon and join the main tour this evening.  Meet your traveling friends at a welcome dinner here in Lisbon tonight.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Optional Madeira Pre – Tour Price Includes:
~All Flights Needed
~2 Nights at the Deluxe Crowne Plaza
~All Sights, Tours, Wine tasting
~Local Guides
~5 Meals