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BEST OF SPAIN & PORTUGAL 16 DAYS

pain is one of the most favorite tourist destinations of Europe and the Spanish Riviera (Costa Del Sol) is largest in Europe. Spain is a country of tradition, history, architecture. The evenings are extended till late night and nightlife is a unique feature of this fun loving, food loving, merry making and cheerful society. The historical villages of Granada and Cordoba represent Moorish lifestyle. Do not miss a chance to see the foot stomping Flamenco show as well as the bull fights. The island of Ibiza, Tenerife and Canary are idyllic. 
Portugal is also a country that has a lot to offer the capital Lisbon is a beautiful city with ancient monuments and modern buildings. One should make it a point to visit the British Colony of Gibraltar (6.5 sq km) at the southern tip of Spain.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

* Madrid * Salamanca * Oporto * Lisbon * Seville * Gibraltar  * Mijas Excursion * Costa del Sol * Granada * Valencia Barcelona

THE TOUR FEATURES

Day 01 : Madrid at leisure


Your complimentary transfers depart from Madrid Airport at 08.30, 10.30, 13.30 and 15.00 hrs to your hotel. This afternoon is at leisure to relax, or perhaps to begin exploring this vibrant city. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Drink with your fellow passengers and Tour Director. Hotel: Cuzco. 
Day 02 : Madrid Salamanca


This morning we cross the striking Guadarrama Mountains to arrive in the splendid fortified town of Segovia where, towering above us, we see the fabled Alcazar, once home to Isabel, Queen of Castilla. Then we admire the spectacular 2000 year old Roman Aqueduct, still situated within the old city! Later, we pass the ancient walls of St. Teresa's town of Avila, on our way to our hotel in the 'golden' University City of Salamanca. Hotel: Gran.# (BB, D)
Day 03 : Salamanca Oporto


Our orientation tour of Salamanca shows us the Plaza Mayor and honey-coloured cathedral. Now we head for Portugal, enjoying a pleasant drive through the Estrela Mountains. Our destination is the city of Oporto, on the River Douro. With our Tour Director we see the Villa Nova de Gaia wine stores which house the famous port wines. We also admire the picturesque multi-coloured house and churches covered in beautiful glazed tiles. 
Hotel: Meridien Park Atlantic. #(BB, D)
Day 04 : Oporto Lisbon


Today we head south to Fatima where we visit the Pilgrimage Basilica. We continue to Batalha to visit the Royal Chapel, and then drive to the old walled town of Obidos, where we have time to explore the narrow medieval streets. Now it's on to Portugal's capital, Lisbon, for our two night stay. Hotel: Marriott. #(BB)
Day 05 : Lisbon Sightseeing


With our local guide, we visit the quaint streets of the 'Alfama' quarter to view the Monument to the Discoveries and the Belem Tower, the starting point for Portugal's great navigators and explorers. We also see Sao Jorge Castle and then visit Jeronimo's Monastery. This afternoon is at leisure. (BB) 
Day 06 : Lisbon Seville


We leave Lisbon via the amazing modern Tagus Bridge, and bid farewell to the orange, lemon and almond groves of Portugal as we head into the Province of Huelva, Andalucia. Our destination is the lovely Andalucian capital, Seville. A tour with a local guide includes the massive cathedral, burial place of Christopher Columbus. We now pass the Moorish Giralda Tower and the Santa Cruz quarter with its flower-decked balconies, before seeing the Alcazar. Then we see the ultra-modern Expo site and a scale model of the vessel 'Victoria', the first to circumnavigate the globe. This evening, we enjoy a highlight dinner and entertainment featuring a fiery Flamenco show! Hotel: Tryp Macarena.# (BB, HD)
Day 07 : Seville at leisure


A day at leisure for further sightseeing of your choice. Don't miss the chance to take an optional excursion to Cordoba where we can visit the Mezquita, a magnificent 8th century mosque, which has been used as a Christian cathedral since the 13th century. Tonight, perhaps enjoy a typical Sevilliano dinner at a local restaurant, followed by a horse and buggy ride through the city? (BB)
Day 08 : Seville Gibraltar Costa Del Sol


We leave Seville this morning and then cross into Gibraltar, which is attracted to Spain yet has been under British control since 1704. There's time at leisure to explore the shops, or perhaps take a trip to the top of the famed Rock to see St. Michael's Cave? (Passengers who require visas for the UK will also need a separate visa for Giraltar). Then we take the scenic route along the coast to our hotel on the stunning Costa del Sol. Hotel: Melia. #(BB, D)
Day 09 : Mijas Excursion


Today a leisurely drive through green hills above the Costa del Sol takes us to the white washed village of Mijas. There is time to stroll through the old streets and pleasant gardens with views of the Mediterranean coastline. Little shops, sidewalk cafes, 'burro taxis', and a cavern with a shrine dedicated to our Lady are among the attractions of this charming corner of Andalucia. The rest of the day is yours to relax on the Costa de Sol. (BB, D)
Day 10 : Costa del Sol Granada


We see some of Spain's most exclusive resorts as we continue to Granada, capital of the Moorish Kingdom of Spain until their defeat in 1492. We visit inside the Alhambra Palace with its famous Lion Court. We also visit the water gardens of the Generalife, the royal summer residence, and enjoy the fine views over the town. Hotel: Saray. #(BB, D) 
Day 11 : Granada Valencia


This morning's drive over the Mora Pass shows us views over the Sierra Nevada. We pass through palm forests and lemon groves as we travel from Andalucia to Valencia, the favourite city of 'El Cid'. 
Hotel: Reina Victoria. #(BB, D) 
Day 12 : Valencia Barcelona


Our orientation tour Valencia shows us the Generalidad Palace, El Miguelete Cathedral, gates of Serranos and Cuarte and the Church of Our Lady of the Forsaken. Now it's on to Peniscola to view the white walled cottages clustered around the sea-lapped castle used in the film 'El Cid'. We continue to Barcelona. Hotel: Melia. #(BB)
Day 13 : Barcelona Sightseeing


Our local guide shows us the lively Ramblas and then the Gothic Quarter where we visit the cathedral. Now we see Gaudi's famed Sagrada Familia church. This afternoon is at leisure. (BB)
Day 14 : Barcelona Madrid


This morning we head to Aragon and the city of Zaragoza. Here we visit the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar. Then we drive past Guadalajara on our way to Madrid. Hotel: Cuzco. #(BB)
Day 15 : Madrid Sightseeing


Our guided sightseeing tour takes us to the Gran Via and Paseo de la Castellana. We see the Cervantes Monument on the Plaza Espana, the Puerto del sol and Cibeles Fountain. Then we visit the Prado Museum to admire the paintings of Velazquez. Later, perhaps visit the Valley of the Fallen and Escorial Palace? (BB)
Day 16 : Madrid


Our memorable tour ends this morning after breakfast. (BB)

PORTUGAL
Land Area 92,389 sq km
Climate 
Lisbon elev.110 m Jan 11 C(52 F) Jul 22 C(72F) 
Rain 708 mm
Major Physical features
Highest point (mainland) Serra del Estrela 1991 m (Azores) Ponta do Pico 
Longest river Tagus 1010 km 
Population (1990) 10,285,000
Form of Govt: Multiparty republic with one legislative house.
Armed forces: army 44,000 navy 13,000 air force 11,000
Largest cities: Lisbon (Capital 1,612,000) Oporto (1,315,000)
Official language: Porutguese
Official religion none
Currency 1 escudo (Esc) = 100 centavos

Spain
Land Area 504,750, sq km 
Climate Temperatures
Santander 64m Jan 9C(48F) Jul 19C(66F) 1,208mm
Madrid 660m Jan 5C(41F) Jul 25C(77F) 419mm
Seville 13m Jan 10C(50F) Jul 26C (79F) 259mm
Major Physical feature
Highest point: (mainland) Mulhacen 3,482 m (11,408 ft); (Canaries) 
Pico de Teide 3,718 m (12,195 ft) longest river : Tagus 1,010 km 
Population (1990) 39,187,000 
Form Of Government multiparty constitutional monarchy with two 
legislative house 
Armed forces army 201,200; navy 39,500; air force 33,800 
Largest Cities Madrid (Capital - 3,101,000); Barcelona (1,704,000); Valencia (732,000); 
Seville (655,000); Zaragoza (575,000); Malaga (566,000); Bilbao (382,000); 
Official languages Spanish 
Official Religious none 
Currency 1 peseta (pta) =100 Centimos 

HANDY MEDICINE KIT
It is advisable to keep the following medicines in your travel pouch. However individuals with allergies to these drugs may consult their family doctor.
Tab Zupar/Tab Combiflam for fever, pain, Bodyache
Tab Meftal spas for abdominal pain, painful menses, loose motions 
Tab Avomine for nausea, vomitng, motion sickness, giddiness
Tab Ulzol for hyper acidity and vomiting
Tab Zyrtec D for common cold, rhinitis and sneezing, allergy, insect bites
Accessories like Band-aid, waterproof , inhaler, eye drops and painkiller ointment.
A course of antibiotic from your family physician. 
Patients on regular medications like asthmatics, diabetics and so on should carry their medicines 
along with them and also carry a weeks surplus stock.
For travel health queries/vaccination info email us on travel_medicine@dzinerholidays.com