Depart from USA for overnight transatlantic flight to Barcelona, Spain.

Welcome to Barcelona! Spain’s second most important city with its unending choice of museums, galleries, and cafes. Upon arrival meet your tour Director and driver for transfer to your hotel. The balance of the afternoon is at leisure. In the evening, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers to enjoy a Welcome Dinner and orientation on the sensational journey that lies ahead. (D)

Overnight: Barcelona (2 nights)

This morning’s tour of Barcelona begins with a drive along the old Harbor to the Plaza de Catalunya, the city’s bustling main square. In the charming Ribera district, visit the beautiful Santa Maria del Mar basilica. Afterward, pass the famous works of Gaudí, the master architect, including the Casa Batlló, seemingly constructed from skulls and bones. Then, view the iconic symbol of Barcelona, La Sagrada Familia, a colossal church that is legendary and still unfinished. Ascend Montjuic Hill, home to several sports facilities built for the 1992 Olympics with the Olympic Stadium at its center. Evening at leisure to explore on own. (B)

Today head north through the groves of olives, almonds, lemons and oranges to the garden city of Valencia. Discover this treasure trove of Roman and Arabic architecture before continuing to the City Gates, City Hall and Gothic Cathedral. Arrive at the huge Arts and Science City designed by contemporary artist Santiago Calatrava, with its extraordinary avant-garde architecture that includes impressive buildingssuch asthe Hemisfèric and Oceanogràfic. In the afternoon continue to Madrid. Upon arrival check-in at your hotel followed by dinner. (B,D)

Overnight: Madrid (2 nights)

This morning, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Madrid. Drive along the Gran Via through the Opera District, Plaza de Colon and view the Royal Palace. Pass through Puerta del Sol Plaza and Plaza España with its monument to the author Cervantes. The tour will end at the Prado Museum, where you will be able to view works of art by famous artists such as El Greco, Velázquez, and Ribera. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. In the evening, experience some of the “tapas” bars that have made Madrid famous. Sample specialties at each café and then continue your tasting tour throughout the night! (B)

After breakfast, departure for Salamanca. En route, admiring the ancient walls of Avila, our journey continues to Salamanca with its handsome arcaded Plaza Mayor, honey-colored cathedral and 16th century university buildings. Time for lunch followed by check in at your hotel. In the afternoon, at leisure to explore Salamanca & Plaza Major. (B)

Overnight: Salamanca (1 night)

Morning departure for Portugal, once we cross the Portuguese border we reach The Douro Valley, celebrated internationally for the Port Wine and where Portugal’s most outstanding red table wines are produced. Enjoy the spectacular scenery where verdant terraced hills and colorful fields dotted by almond trees meet the vast Douro River. Enjoy a wine tasting followed by lunch. Taste local products from farm to table. In the afternoon we will continue to Porto, check in at your hotel. This evening, we will explore Porto’s old town is the Ribeira district, an unesco World Heritage Site where locals mingle on the river Douro. (B,L)

Overnight: Porto (2 nights)

Today, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Porto with a local guide. Take a panoramic drive to the mouth of the Douro River and visit the Church of Sao Francisco by the Stock Exchange, admire the renowned exquisite neoclassical façade. Finish the tour with a visit to a Port Wine Cellar for a tasting. This afternoon participates in the optional Douro River Cruise. Cruise along the colorful river valley, viewing the city from a new perspective. Pass by the numerous port wine cellars and under the magnificent bridges and experience the Foz do Douro. This evening, enjoy a special cooking class with local products. The outcome of your culinary experience will be your dinner tonight! (B,D)

Optional: Douro River Cruise

This morning, start a drive south to Coimbra, the third-largest city in Portugal, famous for the university, among the oldest universities in Europe, with more than 700 years of history. We then drive to Fátima, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. The Sanctuary welcomes millions of pilgrims from all over the world. Fátima’s fame is due to the Apparitions of Our Lady of the Rosary that appeared to three shepherd children in 1917. Here, visit the great Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary built in neoclassical style, flanked by colonnades linking it with the extensive convent. Continue your journey to Lisbon, Portugal’s Capital for overnight. (B)

Overnight: Lisbon (2 nights)

Today’s tour of Lisbon highlights the variety of heritage and styles that makes this one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Begin with the treasured 16th century Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery, the city’s most prominent monument, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, the monastery serves as a reminder of Portugal’s wealth and power during the Age of Discovery. Then, to the dramatic Monument of Discoveries, built in honor of Henry the Navigator, instrumental in the success of Portuguese explorations during the 15th century. His monument stands majestically at the marina in Belém, the starting point for many of the country’s explorers. Walk through the cobbled alleys of Alfama, the seaman’s quarter, and admire the wide Liberdade Avenue. Time for lunch on your own before an afternoon at leisure. Perhaps join the optional tour to quaint Sintra, the “Glorious Eden” of Lord Byron, and ancient summer retreat of the royal court, highlighted by lavish romantic castles and stunning monuments. Visit the Sintra Royal Palace, a 15th-century royal residence, containing one of the largest tile collections in Portugal, before returning to Lisbon. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers. (B,D)

Optional: Half Day Sintra Tour (PM).

Morning transfer to Lisbon airport for your departure flight home. (B)