Iberian Delights of Spain

Day 1

ARRIVE MADRID (D)
Madrid Welcome to Spain Walk 5 km, rated 1+

Our Adventure on the Iberian Peninsula begins today in Madrid, highest capital in Europe. Depending upon your time of arrival, consider an optional visit this afternoon to the superb Prado Museum (admission not included). A late afternoon walking tour of Madrid is the perfect way to unwind after a long flight and work up an appetite for our “Get Acquainted” dinner.

Day 2

MADRID—SEGOVIA (B,D)
Segovia Aquaduct & Alcazar Trail 10 km, rated 2+

Today's walk in Segovia showcases the city's many archi- tectural delights—a Roman aqueduct, a pervasive Mudejar (Moorish) influence, and a gothic cathedral of stunning proportions. The refreshing nature trail outside the city walls offers views of the many-turreted Alcazar (palace) looming over the valley, which we'll explore later this afternoon.

Day 3

SEGOVIA—TOLEDO (B,D)

Since the days of the Romans, Toledo's strategic position has attracted settlement and development by Visigoths, Moors, Jews, and finally the united Spanish nation under Ferdinand and Isabel. Our hotel is located in the heart of this former capital of Spain, affording great opportunities for a guided walking tour exploring its labyrinth of cobble- stone shopping lanes, museums, and medieval buildings.

Day 4

ACTIVITIES IN TOLEDO (B)
Toledo on the Tajo Walk 10 km, rated 3

A morning walk through Toledo's medieval gates harking back to the days of El Cid sets the tone for today's activities. Outside the gates, we'll enjoy impressive city panoramas from viewpoints across the Tajo River. The afternoon is free to consider the city's rich offerings: the Cathedral, repository of El Greco's great works; two medieval Jewish synagogues; many museums that chronicle the rich treasury of medieval life in Toledo; and shops offering damascened steel in the style inherited from the Moors.

Day 5

TOLEDO—GRANADA (B,D)
Don Quixote Windmill Walk 10 km, rated 2

Our walk in Consuegra begins atop a hill lined with the ruins of a 12th century castle and several picturesque 17th century windmills, reminiscent of the heroic struggle of Don Quixote against the “giants” of the land. From Consuegra, we continue south into Andalucia and the fabled city of Granada, final stronghold of the Moors who were ultimately defeated by Ferdinand and Isabel in 1492.

Day 6

ACTIVITIES IN GRANADA (B)

After breakfast, we'll visit the medieval Moorish fortress called Alhambra, a fairytale world of pools and labyrinth-like rooms and passageways. Explore the charms of Granada on your own this afternoon—check out Granada's cathedral with the tomb of Ferdinand and Isabel or take a stroll in the Albacin, the fascinating labyrinth that was once the Moorish quarter. This evening we'll enjoy the excitement and color of the flamenco—a form of dance originating from Arab and gypsy roots.

Day 7

GRANADA—GIBRALTAR (B,D)
Sierra Nevada Trail 10 km, rating not available

Today's walk explores rural life in the beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains south of Granada. This area of Spain is renowned for its skiing and beautiful mountain scenery. From the Sierra Nevadas, we continue south along the Costa del Sol. Our des- tination is the tip of the peninsula and the Rock of Gibraltar, a name that has become synonymous with security and successful resistance against invaders.

Day 8

ACTIVITIES IN GIBRALTAR (B)
Walk on the Rock 10 km, rated 3+

This morning's walk begins with a stroll through Gibraltar town. We then ride a cable car to the top of the Rock of Gibraltar. After time to savor spectacular views of the Spanish mainland, the Mediterranean Sea, and the coast of Africa, we'll work our way down the Rock with stops along the way to view beautiful St. Michael's Cave and the Great Siege Tunnel. The remainder of the day is free to explore this compact and ethnically diverse community, which has been a protectorate of the United Kingdom since the 18th century.

Day 9

GIBRALTAR—SEVILLE (B,D)

From Gibraltar, our route takes us north through an area known for its bull breeding and picturesque white villages to the town of Jerez de la Frontera. Jerez is known as the home of the Carujana horses, a cross breed of Andalusian, Neapolitan, and German breeds, as well as the only place in the world where sherry is distilled. From Jerez, we continue north to Seville, where you'll have the remainder of the afternoon free to explore this gem of Andalucia.

Day 10

ACTIVITIES IN SEVILLE (B,D)
Charms of Cordoba Walk 10 km, rated 2

A thousand years ago, while the rest of Europe was strug- gling through the Dark Ages, Cordoba was enjoying her golden age during the era of the Moors. Many of Cordoba's historic buildings have been preserved for us in Spain's warm, dry climate. What makes today's walk particularly memorable, however, are the charming “patios”—private courtyards filled with greenery and flowers and lined with ceramic tile work. Following the walk, we'll enjoy a guided tour of the mammoth and intriguing Mosque/Cathedral.

Day 11

SEVILLE—MADRID (B,D)
Spectacular Seville Walk 10 km, rated 1+

The extensive 19th century gardens of María Luisa, with their beautiful pools and fountains, are the setting for the first half of today's walk in Seville. Later we'll explore the Santa Cruz Quarter with its inviting plazas, wrought- iron gates, flower-filled patios, and narrow lanes. Following the walk, we'll be transferred to the train station for a high- speed AVE train ride back to Madrid. We arrive early in the evening for our final night in Spain.

Day 12

MADRID—USA (B)

Our Iberian Adventure draws to a close this morning. After a short coach ride to the airport, we bid farewell to Spain and return home from Madrid with fond memories of this proud and historic land.

Day 1

SEVILLE—ALBUFEIRA, PORTUGAL (B,D)

Following today's walk in Seville (see Day 11 of main tour), we'll enjoy free time for lunch and shopping, then depart for the Algarve—Portugal's southernmost province. Our drive takes us along the scenic Algarve Coast, beside fine beaches, and through villages of whitewashed houses aglow with colorful bougainvilleas, geraniums, and oleanders.

Day 2

ALBUFEIRA—LISBON AREA (B,D)
Mediterranean Algarve Walk 10 km, rating not available

We'll be exploring the Algarve today on a new walk route highlighting the natural beauty of this protected region of the Mediterranean Coast. A pleasant afternoon drive through the Portuguese countryside takes us beyond the capital of Lisbon to the former fishing village of Cascais.

Day 3

ACTIVITIES IN LISBON AREA (B,D)
Taste of Portugal Cascais Stroll 10 km, rated 1+

Today's light and easy stroll will be a welcome change of pace along a seaside walkway and through the shopping streets and picturesque neighborhoods of Cascais. This afternoon, a guided tour through historic Lisbon offers us Manueline Lisbon with the impressive Hieronymite Monastery of Jerome; the Tower of Belém, built in the 16th century to defend the mouth of the Tagus River; and the Monument to the Discoveries, immortal- izing Prince Henry the Navigator, Vasco da Gama, and the incredible era of discovery in the 15th & 16th centuries.

Day 4

LISBON—USA (B)

We complete our Adventure on the Iberian Peninsula this morning with a drive to the Lisbon airport. What an exquisite privilege to explore together the diverse history, culture, and scenery of this unique corner of Europe!