12D Classic Spain and Portugal

HIGHLIGHTS

2 Countries

Spain, Portugal

11 Cities

Barcelona, Valencia, Alicante, Guadix, Granada, Cordoba, Lisbon, Fatima, Salamanca, Segovia, Madrid

Includes

Return economy class airfare with airport taxes & fuel charges

Accommodation, meals & transfers as per the itinerary

Licensed tour guide & driver

Sightseeing & admission fees as per itinerary

Complimentary basic travel insurance plan for Singapore citizens / residents / employment pass holders

ITINERARY

DAY 1: SINGAPORE - BARCELONA

Troop down to Singapore Changi Airport for your flight to Barcelona, Spain.

DAY 2: BARCELONA

Highlights:

Sagrada Familia, Guell Park, Casa Mila, Casa Batllo, Las Ramblas, Plaza Catalunya

Today, say “Hola Barcelona” to the 2nd-largest city in Spain in both size and population. Barcelona has a pleasant Mediterranean climate and stands on a plain that slopes gently down from Sierra de Collserola to the sea. This morning, visit the city’s spectacular icon, Sagrada Familia, a UNESCO WORLD Heritage Site and a grand unfinished magnum opus by renowned Catalan architect, Antoni Gaudi. Thereafter visit Guell Park, a famous park with Gaudi’s works of extraordinary imagination. Next, enjoy an orientation tour and view other Gaudi masterpieces such as Casa Mila and Casa Batllo. In the afternoon if you have time, explore Las Ramblas and Plaza Catalunya, the largest square in Barcelona and home to some of Spain’s most famous streets lined with cafes, restaurants and kiosks.

DAY 3: BARCELONA - VALENCIA - ALICANTE

Highlights:

Central Market, Valencia Cathedral

After breakfast, travel to the 3rd-largest city of Spain, Valencia, which houses the City of the Arts and Science, the city’s most integral tourist attraction. Be amazed by the sight of citrus plantations around the city. Next, view Central Market. This huge iron, glass and tiled Art Nouveau building opened in 1928, is one of the largest and most attractive markets in Europe. Thereafter, visit the Valencia Cathedral, which sits at the heart of the old town of Valencia. This afternoon, look forward to feast on a mouth-watering Valencian specialty, a seafood paella lunch. Next, proceed to Alicante, located in Costa Blanca. It is a city synonymous with fun and relaxation. Bask in the glory of Alicante’s wide boulevards, long white sandy beaches, waterfront and Castillo de Santa Barbara, a 16th-century fortress that dominates the skyline.

DAY 4: ALICANTE - GUADIX - GRANADA

Highlights:

Troglodyte Quarter

This morning, drive to the cathedral town of Guadix, a large bustling country town with a distinctive personality. Among its many interesting features is that almost half of its inhabitants live underground. View the cave houses in the remarkable Troglodyte Quarter, which houses 2000 caves that have been inhabited for many centuries. The inhabitants, known as troglodytes, are very friendly and also house proud, or in this case, cave proud. Continue to Granada, capital of Spain’s last Moorish kingdom. The city lies at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in the autonomous region of Andalusia and served as the Moorish capital of Spain until liberation in 1492. Tonight, indulge in a delectable and moreish spread of a traditional Spanish tapas dinner. And because this is Spain, you may choose to end the night with a fascinating flamenco performance at your own expense.

DAY 5: GRANADA - CORDOBA - SEVILLE

Highlights:

Alhambra, Generalife Gardens, Mezquita, Patio de los Naranjos, Calleja de las Flores

This morning, tour the crown jewel of Granada known as the resplendent Alhambra, a UNESCO WORLD Heritage Site, and the adjoining Generalife Gardens, one of the oldest surviving Moorish Gardens. The palace, an Arabian fantasy of brilliant mosaics and tiles, is one of the greatest accomplishments of Islamic art and architecture. Next, continue your journey in the province of Andalusia, the genesis of Spain’s historically renowned cultural traditions of flamenco dancing and bullfighting. Upon arrival in Cordoba, visit the magnificent Mezquita, a UNESCO WORLD Heritage Site and a marvellous mosque which was later converted into a cathedral after Cordoba was recaptured from the Muslim army by King Ferdinand III of Castile. Patio de los Naranjos, a courtyard with lovely gardens and orange trees, forms part of this grand Islamic monument. Another must-see attraction in Cordoba is Calleja de las Flores or Alley of Flowers, located in the heart of the Jewish quarter. Thereafter, travel to Seville, the 4th-largest city in Spain.

DAY 6: SEVILLE - LISBON

Highlights:

Royal Bullring, Plaza de Espana

This morning, visit Royal Bullring or the Plaza de Toros de la Real Maestranza de Cabelleria de Sevilla. It was here that the corrida, or bullfight, moved from horseback to foot, and many of the cherished theatrical traditions of the matador evolved. Not to be missed is Plaza de Espana with its 58 benches around the square representing the different provinces of Spain. For its sheer scale and grandeur, this massive building is by far one of Seville’s pride and glory. Continue to Lisbon, the capital of Portugal.

Note

If Royal Bullring is closed, it will be replaced with a visit to Seville Cathedral.

DAY 7: LISBON - FATIMA - LISBON

Highlights:

Shrine of Fatima, Monastery of Jeronimos, Rossio Square, Discovery Monument, Belem Tower

After breakfast, depart Lisbon for the township of Fatima to witness and revel in the splendidly divine and holy Shrine of Fatima, where apparitions of Lady Mary were reported during World War I. In the afternoon, commence on a city tour of Lisbon, former European Capital of Culture in 1994. Visit Monastery of Jeronimos, a world-class masterpiece of late-Gothic architecture that was constructed in 1496. Plus, immerse in other well-preserved and noteworthy attractions such as Rossio Square, Discovery Monument and a 16th-century Belem Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

DAY 8: LISBON - SALAMANCA

Highlights:

University of Salamanca, Plaza Mayor, Salamanca Cathedral

Continue your journey back towards Spain to the city of Salamanca, also known as the Golden City due to its majestic sandstone buildings. Pay your homage at University of Salamanca, the oldest university in Spain, the handsome arcaded Plaza Mayor, the heart of Salamanca and one of the most beautiful plazas in all of Spain, and the honey-colored Salamanca Cathedral.

DAY 9: SALAMANCA - SEGOVIA - MADRID

Highlights:

Aqueduct of Segovia, Alcazar, Las Rozas Village Shopping

Start your day with a visit to Segovia, a veritable treasure trove of historical, civil and religious monuments and a UNESCO WORLD Heritage Site. Your tour will include one of the city’s famous landmarks, the 2,000-year-old Aqueduct of Segovia that cuts right through the centre of the town. Its image has served as the mint mark on all coins produced in Segovia for over 400 years. Next, you will visit the majestic royal palace, Alcazar, which was the source of inspiration for Walt Disney’s Snow White castle at Disneyland Paris. This afternoon, taste a Segovian delicacy, roast suckling pig lunch or “cochinillo” in Spanish. After lunch, proceed to Madrid, the capital of Spain. On the way, visit Las Rozas Village Shopping where previous seasons’ collection from the world’s leading Spanish and international luxury fashion and lifestyle brands are reduced by up to 60 percent all year round.

DAY 10: MADRID

Highlights:

Plaza Mayor, Cibeles Fountain, Royal Palace, Puerto del Sol

Situated at 2,000 feet above sea level, Madrid is Europe’s highest capital city. Housing a wealth of palaces, castles and museums, your guided tour will bring you to the old and new sections of Madrid such as Plaza Mayor, Cibeles Fountain and Royal Palace, where plush decorations, furnishings and frescoes will fascinate you. Later, stroll along the shopping district of Puerto del Sol to purchase some local branded fashion labels and sample local cuisines. In the afternoon, you may opt to visit the amazing Toledo, the former capital city of Spain, at your own expense.

Note

If Royal Palace is closed, it will be replaced with a visit to Prado Museum.

DAY 11: MADRID - SINGAPORE

If time permits, of course there is always last-minute shopping before bidding “Hautu Luego Espana” to Madrid as you transfer to the airport for your flight home.