15-day Spain & Portugal Tour
 along the Mediterranean.jpg "COSTA DEL SOL, SPAIN")
 along the Mediterranean.jpg)
Tour Map
15-day tour featuring Lisbon, Seville, Ronda, Costa del Sol, Granada, Córdoba, Baeza and Madrid. Relax in the delightful climate of the Iberian Peninsula as you explore ancient and modern highlights in these two colorful countries. During this tour, we will adapt to the customary later time schedule of Spain & Portugal by departing at 9:00 a.m. and having dinner at 8:00 p.m. on several tour days.
| 2024 Departure Dates | Price* | |
|---|---|---|
| May-02-2024 | $200PP DISCOUNT | $4,090 pp |
| Oct-17-2024 | $200PP DISCOUNT | $4,090 pp |
Tour Year 2024
DAY 1 - Overnight Flight to Europe.
The Trip Documents will provide guidance for airport check-in. Relax on your transatlantic flight with the assurance that Image Tours has taken care of all the details.
DAY 2 - PORTUGAL . . Arrival at Lisbon Airport.
Upon arrival, clear passport control and collect your luggage. Refer to the “Arrival Instructions” in the Trip Documents for directions on where and when to meet your tour manager. Transfer to your Lisbon hotel to check in and freshen up. An afternoon walk is an excellent way to form first impressions of this vibrant city with its pastel-colored houses, brightly-painted boats, broad boulevards and mosaic sidewalks. This evening, meet your fellow tour members during the “Welcome to Europe” dinner. (Dinner)
DAY 3 - PORTUGAL . . Lisbon.
This morning, get to know Lisbon during the city tour. Highlights include Belem Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries honoring Prince Henry the Navigator. A great way to spend your afternoon is to ride a street car up to São Jorge Castle and to walk the narrow, winding alleys of the Moorish Alfama District. The alluring shops offer fine Portuguese products such as hand painted ceramic tiles, pottery and figurines. Another consideration is to join the optional Cascais & Cape Roca excursion (see Optional Excursions). Return to your Lisbon hotel for an included dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 4 - PORTUGAL . . Algarve Region & SPAIN . . Seville.
During your travels today, keep in mind that more than fifty percent of the world’s cork is supplied by Portugal’s forests. Cross the Sado River at Alcácer do Sal and make a mid-day stop in the Algarve Region. Continue through southwestern Spain, also known as Andalusia, and travel through the province of Huelva. It is from the nearby port of Palos de la Frontera that Christopher Columbus sailed to the Americas in 1492. Your hotel for the next two nights is located in Seville, one of the largest historic Old Towns of Europe. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 5 - SPAIN . . Seville.
During the city tour of Seville, a local guide will introduce you to the Plaza de España, the cathedral housing Columbus’ tomb, Giralda Tower, City Hall, and the tobacco factory of “Carmen” fame. The afternoon allows time to pursue your personal interests. Explore the Alcazar Palace (approximately €10), the Flamenco Museum (approximately €10), or the intriguing alleys and courtyards in the former Jewish Quarter of Barrio de Santa Cruz. Seville’s gardens provide a lovely setting for a picnic lunch. Of particular beauty is the Maria Luisa Park on the Guadalquivir River banks. The friendly neighborhoods and lively cafés of this delightful city invite people to relax and socialize outdoors well into the evening. Tonight, dinner is on your own to experience the regional specialties, or join the optional Flamenco Show with Tapas excursion (see Optional Excursions). (Breakfast)
DAY 6 - SPAIN . . Ronda - Costa del Sol.
Wind your way past thrilling mountain vistas to Ronda, a village whose unique location creates dramatic views over the Tajo Ravine. After an independent lunch, a local guide will share the history of this special place and point out photo opportunities. Today’s final destination is Spain’s Sun Coast, the Costa del Sol, in the province of Malaga. Your seaside resort, in the town of Torremolinos, awaits you with an included dinner upon arrival. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 7 - SPAIN . . Costa del Sol.
Spend the first day of a five-night stay becoming familiar with your Andalusian paradise along the Mediterranean coast. If you join the optional morning Malaga excursion (see Optional Excursions), a local guide will introduce you to the port, castle and city center of the provincial capital, concluding with a tasting of the regional wine. For those desiring additional exploration of the Andalusian countryside, your tour manager will also offer an evening optional Mijas & Country Dinner excursion (see Optional Excursions). (Breakfast)
DAY 8 - SPAIN . . Granada - Costa del Sol.
This day focuses on the city of Granada, elegantly enrobed by the surrounding Sierra Navada mountains and crowned by the astounding Alhambra. In Arabic, Alhambra means “Red Castle.” Granada’s Alhambra was in fact a fortified compound, complete with protective walls, lookout towers, two palaces, a garden, and a village for the families of the nobles. Your local guide will share the fascinating stories of this area and reveal the history leading to the interwoven Arabic and Christian influences. After exploring the center of Granada, return to your Torremolinos hotel for an included dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 9 - SPAIN . . Costa del Sol.
A day for relaxation! Walk the beach, swim in the Mediterranean, or lounge at the hotel pool. The airy boutiques along the winding streets leading up to the hilltop village are a shopper’s paradise, selling Mallorca pearls, gold jewelry, cork products and Lladro figurines. Other options include the Botanical Gardens, Butterfly Park and Aquarium. Or perhaps, prior to tour departure, you reserved a full-day optional Morocco excursion for this day (Note: Due to the uncertainty of availability and pricing for your departure, the most current information on independent Morocco excursion providers will be included in the Trip Documents.) For your independent lunch or dinner in Torremolinos, numerous sidewalk cafés offer fresh seafood, paella and tapas. (Breakfast)
DAY 10 - SPAIN . . Costa del Sol.
Enjoy another full day at your resort location along the Mediterranean Coast, with options for swimming, sunbathing, shopping, sampling local cuisine, and exploring one of the neighboring towns. Or, join the full day optional Gibraltar excursion (see Optional Excursions) to visit the caves and meet the Barbary Apes on “The Rock” in the British Overseas Territory. After an included dinner, celebrate your last evening in Torremolinos with tranquil views from the hotel’s rooftop bar or amid the festive atmosphere of the beach boulevard. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 11 - SPAIN . . Córdoba - Baeza.
Travel to Córdoba, where a local guide will explain the cultural landmarks, including the Old Jewish Quarter, La Mezquita (built as an immense mosque in the eighth century and currently used as a cathedral), Viana Palace and the Roman bridge. Take a stroll through the Old Town where splashing fountains decorate the patios and floral aromas fill the air. Depart Córdoba to travel among the infinite olive groves and rolling mountains of Jaén Province. You will overnight in Baeza, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The town is situated on a hill, and a small open-top tram will take you up to the hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 12 - SPAIN . . La Mancha - Madrid.
After learning more about this region during a morning tour at the Museum of Olive Tree Culture, head north through the region of La Mancha, the Arabic name for “parched earth.” Along the way, catch a glimpse of the windmills made famous by Cervantes’ story of Don Quixote. Ahead lies the fascinating city of Madrid, Spain’s modern capital and your final tour destination. Visit the Prado Art Museum with commentary from a local guide before transferring to your Madrid hotel for check-in and dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 13 - SPAIN . . Madrid.
You have a full day in Madrid to pursue your personal interests. Those who prefer more structured sightseeing might consider joining the local guide for an optional Madrid Royal Palace excursion (see Optional Excursions). Three popular choices for your afternoon exploration are the Old Town of Madrid (referred to as Puerta del Sol), EI Retiro Park (where you can rent a row boat on its Great Lake), or the Reina Sofía Museum (home to Picasso’s Guernica). Tonight’s independent dinner allows you to choose between the hotel, an outdoor café, or the optional Madrid Dinner excursion (see Optional Excursions). (Breakfast)
DAY 14 - SPAIN . . Madrid.
For your final tour day in Madrid, choose the Plaza Mayor, in the heart of the city. This lively square attracts a variety of street entertainers and is a favorite spot to finish souvenir shopping. Another possibility for today is the optional Toledo excursion (see Optional Excursions) to experience one of Europe’s most ancient cities. An included “Farewell Dinner” provides a final opportunity to enjoy the company of your fellow tour participants. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 15 - Daytime flight back to U.S.A.
Transfer to the Madrid Airport for your return flight home. (Breakfast)
DAY 1 - Overnight Flight to Europe.
Overnight flight from the U.S.A. to Europe.
DAY 2 - PORTUGAL . . Arrival at Lisbon Airport.
Meet your tour manager and transfer (¾ hr) to your hotel in Lisbon. The afternoon is free for leisure and independent exploration in the attractive and lively Portuguese capital. Tonight, enjoy a "Welcome Dinner" (½ hr drive in each direction). (Dinner)
DAY 3 - PORTUGAL . . Lisbon.
Sightseeing tour by motor coach (3 hrs including a few stops). The afternoon is free, or join the optional Cascais & Cape Roca excursion (¾ hr drive in each direction). Return to your Lisbon hotel for an included dinner. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 4 - PORTUGAL . . Algarve Region & SPAIN . . Seville.
Travel (2½ hrs) making two rest stops and crossing the Sado River near Alcácer do Sal as you head South through Portugal. Continue (1½ hrs) to the lunch stop in the Algarve coastal region. After crossing into Spain travel through the province of Huelva (2¼ hrs) on the way to Seville. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 5 - SPAIN . . Seville.
Three-hour City Tour of Seville by coach and on foot. Time for independent sightseeing in the afternoon. For dinner tonight, try one of the cozy restaurants or join the optional Flamenco Show with Tapas excursion (¼ hr transfer each way). (Breakfast)
DAY 6 - SPAIN . . Ronda – Costa del Sol.
The morning destination (1¾ hrs) is Jerez. After a visit to a Sherry Bodega and independent lunch, continue (2½ hrs) to the picturesque town of Ronda for a walking tour with a local guide. Transfer through the mountains and along the coast (1¾ hrs) to your hotel in the Mediterranean resort town of Torremolinos. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 7 - SPAIN . . Costa del Sol.
Free day for relaxing on the Costa del Sol or choose to take the optional Malaga excursion (¾ hr transfer each way). Late afternoon offers the optional Mijas and Country Dinner excursion (¾ hr transfer to Mijas, between Mijas and Country Dinner restaurant, and on return to hotel). (Breakfast)
DAY 8 - SPAIN . . Granada – Costa del Sol.
Full-day included excursion (2 hrs each way) to Granada, with its astounding Alhambra (Red Castle). Before dinner, return to your resort hotel along the Costa del Sol. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 9 - SPAIN . . Costa del Sol.
Enjoy a relaxing free day in and around Costa del Sol. (Breakfast)
DAY 10 - SPAIN . . Costa del Sol.
Relax on the beach or join the full-day optional Gibraltar excursion (2 hrs each way). (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 11 - SPAIN . . Córdoba – Baeza.
Continue north (2 hrs) to Cordóba, with its magnificent 8th century Mosque. Then, travel (2½ hrs) through the lovely olive groves to your hotel in Baeza. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 12 - SPAIN . . La Mancha – Madrid.
After a short drive (½ hr), tour the Museum of Olive Tree Culture. Head north (2 hrs) through the region of La Mancha for a lunch stop. Continue (2 hrs) to Madrid Center for an interior guided visit of the Prado Art Museum. Transfer (¼ hr) to your Madrid hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 13 - SPAIN . . Madrid.
This day focuses on Madrid starting with a two-hour tour by motor coach. The remainder of the day is yours to pursue personal interests. The tour guide will offer an optional Madrid Royal Palace excursion. This evening dine independently or join the optional Madrid Dinner excursion (½ hr transfer each way). (Breakfast)
DAY 14 - SPAIN . . Madrid.
Spend this day as you wish, with sightseeing, shopping and to pursue your individual interests. Or, consider taking the optional Toledo excursion to one of Europe's most ancient cities (1 hr transfer each way). The "Farewell Dinner" at a restaurant in Madrid affords a final opportunity to enjoy the company of your fellow tour members. (Breakfast, Dinner)
DAY 15 - Daytime flight back to U.S.A.
Transfer (¾ hr) to the Madrid Airport for your return flight home. (Breakfast)
- Admire the mosaic world map at the Monument to the Discoveries
- Stand amid the majestic architecture of Plaza de España in Seville
- View the dramatic Tajo Ravine from the cliff-top village of Ronda
- Sample specially prepared dishes at a private Andalusian restaurant
- Marvel at the fascinating construction within Granada’s Alhambra
- Enjoy captivating sunsets along the Mediterranean's Costa del Sol
- Learn about the cultural background of Spanish olive oil
- Discover the hilltop village of Baeza, a UNESCO World Heritage site
- Receive insight on the masterpieces in Madrid's Prado Museum
- Accommodations in Superior Tourist Class or First Class hotels
- 13 Breakfasts and 9 Dinners in addition to any in-flight meals
- Tour Manager for the full European duration of the tour
- Land Transportation in Europe by deluxe, air-conditioned motor coach
- Image Tours Touroclopedia® trip preparation tips
- Trip Documents with luggage tags, final details and travel guidance
The Availability, Departure Dates, and Rates are for illustration and planning purposes only. Since final pricing and single availability can only be confirmed with a travel agent, steps 4 & 5 of this on-line booking module is reserved for your travel agent only. (Please Call) indicates that we still have some tour availability; however, you should have your travel agent call our office to confirm air availability.
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Upcoming Departures
Hotel Mundial
Lisbon, Portugal- hairdryer
- air conditioning
- satellite TV
- mini-bar
- free WI-FI
- in-room safe
- elevator
- restaurant
- bar
- terrace
Hotel Silken Al-Andalus
Seville, Spain- hairdryer
- air conditioning
- TV
- free WIFI
- free in-room safe included for our groups (obtain code at check-in)
- elevators
- restaurants
- bar
- fitness center
Hotel Meliã Costa del Sol
Torremolinos (Costa del Sol), Spain- hairdryer
- air conditioning
- satellite TV
- mini bar
- in-room safe
- free WI-FI
- elevator
- restaurant
- bar
- outdoor swimming pool
- gym
- beach nearby
Hotel Puerta de la Luna
Baeza, Spain- hairdryer
- air conditioning
- satellite TV
- mini bar
- in-room safe
- free WI-FI
- elevator
- restaurant
- terrace
- outdoor swimming pool
Novotel Madrid Center
Madrid, Spain- hairdryer
- air conditioning
- satellite TV
- mini-bar
- free WIFI
- in-room safe
- elevator
- restaurant
- bar
- garden
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS DETAILS
$0.00Our tours are carefully planned to offer a comfortable balance of sightseeing, entertainment and leisure time. Optional Excursions provide the flexibility to choose between leisure time or additional guided sightseeing activities. Unless otherwise noted, optional excursions must be booked with and paid to your tour manager during the tour. Prices are in U.S. Dollars. MASTERCARD®, VISA®, or DISCOVER® (no other credit cards are accepted) are recommended to avoid carrying excessive cash and exchange rate fluctuations. You must be able to present the actual card to your tour manager. If you bring a DISCOVER® card, also bring a VISA® or MASTERCARD®, as DISCOVER® is not widely accepted in Europe. Cash payments during the tour must be in Euros. Personal checks and traveler’s checks are not accepted. The operation of all excursions is subject to sufficient participation, and some excursions are subject to favorable weather conditions. Your tour manager reserves the right to make changes or cancel excursions at their sole discretion.
CASCAIS & CAPE ROCA
12:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. $55.00Travel along the west coast of Lisbon, where you will see the River Tagus and the Atlantic beaches. Shortly after passing the aristocratic resort town of Estoril, stop in the charming fishing village of Cascais for an independent lunch. Continue through Sintra-Cascais Natural Park to Cape Roca, continental Europe’s westernmost point. From here, you can admire the powerful waves pounding against the cliffs and the expansive ocean views.
FLAMENCO SHOW WITH TAPAS
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. $85.00During a dinner of Andalusian Tapas (an assortment of several dishes typical of the area), you will be mesmerized by the performances of skilled Flamenco dancers and their musical accompaniment. The artistically precise combination of singing, dancing, hand clapping and guitar strumming is captivating.
MALAGA
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. $45.00Stop at the tip of Malaga’s famous port for a striking view of the waterfront district. Then, from the castle ruins atop the 400-foot-high Gibralfaro Hill, you will have a bird’s-eye view of the bay. During a walk downtown, accompanied by a local guide, see the Roman Theatre ruins and the Cathedral. Round it all off with a tasting of the famed Malaga wine.
MIJAS & COUNTRY DINNER
4:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. $60.00Step back in time in the whitewashed village of Mijas. Perhaps you will take a ride or photo (approximately €15) with one of the favorite locals, the burro taxi. After exploring, admire the view as the sun starts to set over the Mediterranean. In the cozy setting of a family-operated countryside restaurant, sit down to an Andalusian dinner with wine included.
GIBRALTAR
9:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. $80.00After a two-hour motor coach transfer, walk across the border into the British Overseas Territory. At “The Rock,” a Gibraltar resident will introduce you to the natural formations inside St. Michael’s Cave, the curious Barbary Apes, and the Natural Reserve (maximum elevation 1,000 feet). Extensive views over the Mediterranean and Straight of Gibraltar allow you to see as far as the northern tip of Africa. After the mini-bus tour, you will have time for independent lunch and shopping.
MADRID ROYAL PALACE
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. $35.00Take a guided tour inside the stunning Royal Palace of Madrid. The lavish halls, apartments, banquet rooms and throne room offer insight into the lives of the Spanish Royal Family. Afterwards, study the exterior of the palace with its impressive plaza and expansive views.
MADRID DINNER
6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. $85.00Take a walk through the narrow alleys and charming squares of Old Madrid. On the way to your restaurant, mingle with locals in the colorful Market of San Miguel and on the elegant Plaza Mayor. Dinner includes an appetizer, a choice of local specialties for your main course, wine or soft drink, dessert and coffee.
TOLEDO
9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. $65.00Within the fortified walls of Toledo lie treasured museums, churches, synagogues and mosques, representing the combination of cultures that have thrived here. The walking tour with a local guide includes two interior visits. After an independent lunch, you will have time to explore the narrow streets of this enchanting medieval village built on a hill. During the return trip, make a popular photo stop overlooking Toledo.