Come and experience the sights, sounds and tastes of several of the Iberian Peninsula’s most important and breathtaking cities! Start off in the cosmopolitan Spanish capital of Madrid where you’ll see artwork by El Greco, Dali, Picasso, and Goya.  Wander the streets around La Puerta Del Sol (the Times Square of Madrid) shopping for Europe’s newest fashions and then meet up in the beautiful Plaza Mayor to sample delicious Spanish tapas. You’ll also have the chance to check out the Santiago Bernebeau, home of Real Madrid F.C., the world’s most successful soccer club! 

We then head to southern Spain and the region of Andalusia.  Our first stop is the town of Cordoba where we will see the Mezquita - a unique cathedral built on top of an ancient Moorish mosque.  Next, it’s on to the fabled city of Granada where we will visit the Alhambra palace (a UNESCO world heritage site) and get lost in the maze-like Albaicin neighborhood, once a thriving medieval Moorish town.  From there, we move on to Seville, our final stop in Spain.  This is a fantastically romantic city, rife with history and culture.  See the room where the famed voyage to the New World was planned, then visit Columbus’ tomb in the world’s third largest Cathedral. Walk the labyrinthine streets that date back more than 2,000 years, and then round it all off with an unforgettable and authentic Flamenco show.

Finally, we head west toward the Atlantic where we will finish up in Lagos, the hottest spot in southern Portugal’s Algarve peninsula.  This picturesque beach town is a must-see for travelers and is famous for its water sports and active culture.  You can learn to surf, mountain bike, and fish, or simply chill out on the beach and enjoy the hot Portuguese sun.

Return home with a taste of two of Western Europe’s most influential cultures, or combine this trip with Spain & Portugal II to complete a full, comprehensive circle of Spain and Portugal.