On board international flight to Spain.

Home to national quintessence like Flamenco dance, bullfight, Iberian ham and Paella, hometown of Cervantes, Gaudi, Picasso and Dali, paradise for vintage wine, olive oil and soccer lovers, Spain remains a delight in senses. Every year there are over 50 million visitors from all around the world coming to Spain to enjoy the gourmet food, splendid history, quaint architecture, elegant works of art and breathtaking landscape. Today, you will touch down on the passionate Iberian Peninsula.

Upon arrival at Barcelona, meet and greet then transfer to hotel (transfer is not included if you booked the land only package).

Rest up and get ready for your busy sightseeing tomorrow.

Barcelona, the Catalonian seaside city, is the second largest metropolis in Spain with a history of over 2000 years. Known as the “City of Gaudi "", the city has over a dozen eye-catching architectures designed by Antoni Gaudi. Start off the day by visiting the city landmark, the towering La Sagrada Familia which has been built since 1883. This is the only structure that has been listed on the UNESCO  World Cultural Heritage Site even during construction. It is estimated that this giant complex will be finished in 2026 at the final height of 565ft/172m, the tallest church in the world. Biblical stories, curvilinear designs, geometrical patterns, natural elements and the concept of light rays dominate the whole edifice which is considered the masterpiece of Gaudi. Following the construction site, you will also visit Casa Batllo and Casa Mila, both are on the UNESCO  list designed by Gaudi located on the Passeig De Gracia Avenue, a famed upscale commercial boulevard lined with prestigious and posh buildings from different historical periods of time. Stroll along the tree-lined pedestrian La Rambla Street which connects Placa de Catalunya and Columbus Monument. Make a quick stop at the well-known and hustle and bustle Boqueria Market and then move onto the Palace of Guell, another UNESCO  listed must-see sight done by Gaudi. Take pictures of those colorful and enigmatic chimneys on the roof top before stepping in the well-preserved Barrio Gothic Quarter, an ancient Roman district with countless zigzag narrow lanes. Explore the Catedral de Barcelona, a grand Gothic cathedral with 13 white geese kept in the cloister. Proceed to the UNESCO  listed Palace of Catalan Music, celebrated as “one of the most exquisite and elegant concert halls on earth”. This richly decorated auditorium was designed by Gaudi’s teacher, Lluis Domenech I Montaner, who was also active in the Catalan Rebirth movement.

Overnight in Barcelona

After breakfast in the hotel, you will have a chance to visit Guell Park, another UNESCO  listed site belonging to the Gaudi collection. First designed to be part of a higher end residential area and later converted into a public garden, this park was set on top of Carmel Hill overlooking the city where Gaudi spent his last 20 years with his family. Head to the train station and board a bullet train to Madrid (390mi/630km), the capital of Spain and as well as the third largest city in Europe. Upon arrival at Atocha Station, take a look at this 170-year-old railway station with a real forest actually inside the building. Check in your hotel and relax for the rest of the day. For those who cannot wait to marvel at the rousing nightlife of Madrid, we have prepared an optional evening outing for you.

 Optional Tour: Madrid by Night with dinner at U$99/person

Follow our local expert to the Plaza Mayor in the heart of Madrid where you find the surrounding buildings of the square are all lit up at night. In the center of the square stands the statue of Philip III on a horse who observes people shopping, eating and chatting freely and happily here every night. Walk to the nearby San Miguel Market where your eyes will be feasted with delicate ingredients and ornate arrangements, your nose will be filled with aroma from all kinds of local wine, fruits and food. Tonight, you are invited to try the delicious Iberian ham and Spanish wine.

Overnight in Madrid。

Embark on our bus to the Puerta Del Sol where Old Madrid and Bourbon Dynasty Madrid meet. Tap into the Royal Palace of Madrid, the third largest grand palace in Europe just after Palace of Versailles and Palace of Hofburg featuring fancy decorations, glitzy chandeliers and extravagant paintings. Unlike the Baroque façade of the Royal Palace, the Catedral de la Almudena on the other side of the Plaza de Armas is in neo-Gothic style, making a perfect balance in Old Madrid. A quick photo stop at the nearby Plaza de Oriente before entering into the French section of town and wander around on the mesmerizing Paseo del Prado Boulevard, the main parkway of Bourbon Madrid where you will come across the Spanish Louvre-Museo del Prado, the Spanish Pompidou Center-Centro de Arte Reina Sofia and the Spanish Musée d"Orsay -Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza. Swing by Parque del Buen Retiro, a serene and charming central park full of fountains, sculptures and monuments. The gorgeous glass and iron Palacio de Cristal is believed to be the Spanish version of Crystal Palace in London. Spend some free time on the busy shopping street, the Gran Via which is linking Puerta deAlcala with Plaza de España.

Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure or you may want to participate in our optional evening excursion to appreciate Flamenco dance performance with Spanish flavor dinner

 Optional Tour: Fiery Flamenco Night with dinner at U$99/person

Derived from Andalusia, Flamenco is a combination of dancing, singing and music influenced by Moorish, Jewish and Romany culture. As the Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity declared by UNESCO , Flamenco is considered the national dance of Spain. Tonight, you are welcome to appreciate the fiery Flamenco performance with yummy Paella dinner.

Overnight in Madrid

Set off the day by driving southwards to the ancient city Toledo (43mi/70km), a so-called “City of Three Cultures"" which has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO . Before Felipe II decided to move the capital to Madrid in 1561, Toledo served as the capital city for Visigothic, Arabian and Moorish dynasties for centuries due to its geographic and strategic importance. Christianity, Islam and Judaism have all left a rich and glorious multi-cultural legacy in this Castilla town making it a major cultural center during European Renaissance period. Situated on the hilltop and surrounded by water on three sides, the city has been depending on a 14th century Puente de San Martín as the main entrance with two fortifications on both sides guarding the bridge. At the highest point of the city stands the outstanding Alcázar de Toledo,a quadrangular stone landmark building of the Roman Palace crowned by four towers on each corner.While the facade is in Renaissance style, the interior is a typical Arabian style courtyard. Afterwards, you will admire Catedral Primada Santa María de Toledo, a masterpiece of Gothic church building in Spain. Built between 1227 and 1493, the cathedral was constructed on the basis of a Muslim Mosque. Continue to Segovia (100mi/160km), a 2000 years old city. The first striking and mind-boggling landmark coming to your sight is the 2400ft/728m long, 95ft/29m tall Roman Aqueduct elevated by 120 posts and 20,000 stone bricks without plaster. The whole complex was initially built about 2000 years ago purposed to channel water from about 11mi/18km away to the city and amazingly, it is still standing intact today and functioning well and of course it is on the list of UNESCO  World Cultural Heritage Sites. Proceed to another eminent and enchanting structure, Alcazar de Segovia which was first built in the 12th century as a fortification for Arabs. Hailed as “One of the top ten most appealing citadels in Europe"", this fortress was even imitated by Disney World to be the design model for the Snow-White Castle. Another imposing building is Catedral de Segovia, a Gothic-style Roman Catholic cathedral located in the Plaza Mayor with a 290ft/88m high clock tower and numerous spires on top of the roof. Dinner will be arranged in a local restaurant serving the famous roast sucking pig. After checking in the hotel, you might want to wander around in this peaceful old town with stunning night views.

Morning bus ride to the small walled town of Avila (40mi/66km), built in the 8th century to ward off Moorish attacks. Walking in the well-preserved UNESCO  Old Town of Avila today is like stepping back in time to the medieval period and roaming around in a tiny peaceful European town back then. Continue our rewarding day by driving to Salamanca(68mi/110km), a UNESCO  listed old city featuring sophisticated ancient mansions and Universidad De Salamanca, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities around the world. Known as the “Cultural Capital of Europe"" and “Cradle of Spanish"" , Salamanca was one of the key centers of learning for many centuries in Europe. The 300 plus shells and different window designs on Casa de Las Conchas will for sure leave you with an unforgettable impression. Catedral de Salamanca, consisting of two wings with the old one in Romanesque style and new old one in combination of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles, are the national monuments. Plaza Mayor is believed to be the broadest and most magnificent one in the whole country full of vendors, stalls, cafes and restaurants . After lunch, bid farewell to this “Golden City"", you will hit the road again for the long march to Proto (220mi/350km).

Overnight in Proto.

Proto is the second largest city in Portugal famous for its picture-perfect scenery and port wine. Douro River is the mother river of Porto which empties itself in the Atlantic Ocean. With lush terraced vineyards on both sides, Douro River Valley has been designated as a UNESCO site. Take a cruise on the Douro River and navigate through the rolling city dotted with historical monuments and 6 bridges including the well-known Dom Luis Bridge. Disembark and arrive at the popular and lively historical core of the city called Ribeira District that also has UNESCO World Heritage status where you find narrow cobblestone lanes, taverns, bistros and shops all over the place. Join our local expert for a walking tour covering many historical relics including one of the most important local Romanesque monuments, Se do Porto built in 12th century and the city landmark, Igreja dos Clerigos, the tallest Baroque style light tower in ancient time and city square, Praca da Liberdade.

Waving off Porto and we continue onto Lisbon (190mi/310km) with a quick stop in the sacred Fatima, one of the four Catholic pilgrimage sites worldwide which attracts millions of pilgrims from home and abroad every year as they believe religious miracles have happened in this revered town.

Overnight in Lisbon

Ola! Welcome to the westernmost city in Europe.

Having been the capital city for Portugal since 1256, Lisbon was also the capital of one of the largest empires in the world with prosperity, vitality and aspiration during the big maritime navigation era. The fearless Portuguese have never shown a lack of courage and wisdom to explore the unknown ocean by setting sail on their voyage from Lisbon. Torre de Belem, erected from 1514 to 1520 to commemorate Vasco da Gama’s arrival in India, is the symbol of Lisbon and protected by UNESCO . The tower is in Portuguese Manueline style about 98ft/30m tall built on a small island in the Tagus River near the shore and served mainly as a ceremonial gateway indicating the embarkation and disembarkation location for the Portuguese explorers at the time of the Age of Discoveries. You will also be introduced to view Padrao dos Descobrimentos, the symbol of Portugal which was finished in 1960 in memory of the 500 years of anniversary of the death of Prince Henry the Navigator. There is a group of 32 other celebrities aside from Henry on this 171ft/52m high monument who are also honored to be the key historical figures who devoted themselves to the Age of Exploration. Following the two unforgettable monuments, you will arrive at the remarkable ancient sites, Mosteiro dos Jeronimos, the best-preserved 16th century Portuguese Manueline style construction protected by UNESCO and then Se do Lisboa, a cathedral combined with Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque styles built on the basis of a Muslim mosque in 1147 when the first king of Portugal, Afonso Henriques, took over the power of the whole nation. Walk around the old neighborhood at Bairro Alto, Arco da Rua Augusta, Elevador de Santa Justa, Av. da Liberdade and Praça Dom Pedro IV to catch the dynamic pulse and rhythm of Lisbon. Ascend to the city’s highest point at Castelo de São Jorge. Once a Moorish fort nestled on a hilltop, this location is the best spot to enjoy the bird’s eye view of the huge Cristo Rei and Ponte 25 de Abril over the Tagus River.

Enjoy your relaxing evening for free or you are welcome to join us for an optional excursion to enrich your last evening in Lisbon with the national treasure of Fado performance, dinner and port wine tasting.

 Optional Tour: Lisbon by Night with dinner at U$99/person

Fado has been popular in Portugal for 200 years, originally derived from Arabian, Roman and African cultures. Fado songs are usually composed of folk music, ballads and performed by a solo singer traditionally accompanied by a pear-shaped Portuguese guitarra. The tunes are often filled with mournful nostalgia and the lyrics are often sentimental story telling of the homesick sailors. In 2011, Fado was added to the UNESCO list of World Oral and Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity because of its national status and Portuguese identity symbol.

Overnight in Lisbon.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport and board the flight back to your home (transfer is not included if you booked the land only package).

*Please note: Depending on the air scheduling and availability, your flight back to USA/Canada may depart in very early morning the next day (00:00 am-03: 00 am).

For your final day, you may explore the city on your own and transfer to the airport in the evening. Hotel check-out is before noontime. (Late check-out may be available for a fee subject to the hotel policy).