President’s Trip – The Best of Spain and Portugal

Your journey begins with a motorcoach transfer from Central, PA to a local international airport for an overnight flight* to Barcelona, Spain.

*Air schedule will be shared once released from the airline. Group air schedule is in economy class. Seat assignments are controlled by the airline. Specific seat requests cannot be guaranteed. Air upgrades may be available and are by request only and are not guaranteed. Any air upgrades or deviations must be requested at the time the initial deposit is made.

Upon arrival in Barcelona, transfer to your hotel. If the rooms are not ready yet, stretch your legs and grab a quick bite for lunch. Relax a bit and this evening meet our Tour Director and enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Hotel: Meliá Barcelona Sarrià (Dinner with wine or beer included)

Barcelona features a striking Old Town, but it’s the bold creativity of Catalan Art Nouveau that truly defines the city. Your sightseeing experience with a Local Expert starts with a drive along the elegant Passeig de Gràcia en-route to Gaudí’s iconic Sagrada Família. Step inside this monumental landmark of the Eixample, where soaring, tree like stone columns support the ceiling and sunlight streams through vibrant stained glass. Afterward, you’re free to discover the city’s many charms at your own leisure. (Breakfast)

Travel along the sun kissed Costa Dorada, past the rice fields of the Ebro Delta. Pause at the seaside resort of Peñíscola to admire its dramatic hilltop castle, famously featured in the film El Cid. Continue through fragrant orange groves on the way to Valencia, where you’ll view the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences. Later, explore the historic Old Town and soak up its medieval atmosphere. In the heart of the Old City, meet the chef of a family run restaurant for a paella making demonstration, then savor this iconic dish paired with a glass of wine. Hotel: Melia Plaza Valencia (Breakfast, Dinner with wine or beer included)

*Please note the hotel is in the city to provide you with the best cultural experience. Due to the hotel’s location the bus will not be able to access the hotel. The group will be dropped off approximately 2 blocks away. Porterage is not available at this hotel, but the AAA Journey Manager will assist in bringing the luggage from the bus to the hotel for your convenience.

Travel through Andalucía toward Granada, passing Lorca’s castle and the cave dwellings near Guadix, with views of the Sierra Nevada mountains along the way. Once in Granada, explore the magnificent Alhambra* (UNESCO), a 13th century Moorish palace famed for its intricate stonework and serene gardens, then stroll through the elegant Generalife, once the royal summer residence. Hotel: Barcelo Carmen Hotel Granada (Breakfast, Dinner with wine or beer included)

*Please note that all efforts will be made to include the Alhambra as part of the tour, however it is not guaranteed as it can only be booked 100 days prior to travel.

The morning visit the Albaicín Quarter with a Local Expert. Here, in addition to falling in love with Granada, you will also uncover its pivotal role in European history. Then continue your travels to Seville, past gleaming white villages and olive groves that stretch as far as the eye can see. Hotel: NH Collection Sevilla (Breakfast)

Today, explore the Alcázar of Seville and Plaza de América with a Local Expert. Then continue discovering the city by joining a guided walk through the old Jewish quarter. Later, marvel at the soaring vaulted ceilings of the Seville Cathedral, the world’s largest Gothic cathedral and Columbus’s burial site. In the evening, enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® flamenco experience at the Cristina Heeren Foundation, including a dance lesson and a powerful live performance. (Breakfast)

Today we leave Spain behind and continue to the lively university town of Évora, one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Portugal, with architectural styles dating back to Roman times. Visit the fascinating Capela dos Ossos, a chapel decorated with 5,000 bones, before making your way to Lisbon. Hotel: Dom Pedro Lisboa Hotel (Breakfast)

Explore Lisbon’s Lower Town, passing Pombal Square before heading to the historic Belém quarter, once the departure point of Portugal’s great explorers. Sample the famed Pastéis de Belém from a traditional patisserie, then view the Monument to the Discoveries, Belém Tower, and the National Coach Museum. Travel along the Portuguese Riviera with a Local Expert, taking in stylish Cascais and elegant Estoril, before concluding at the splendid Queluz Palace, one of Portugal’s royal treasures. (Breakfast)

Journey to the fortified town of Óbidos and walk within its walls, exploring the narrow, medieval streets. Perhaps stop for a tasting of locally made cherry liqueur. Continue to Fátima, Portugal’s most renowned place of pilgrimage. Then it’s on to Porto for the night. This evening take a cruise along the Douro River, on your way to dinner. Hotel: Mercure Porto Centro Santa Catarina (Breakfast, Dinner with beer or wine included)

*Please note the hotel is in the city to provide you with the best cultural experience. Due to the hotel’s location the bus will not be able to access the hotel. The group will be dropped off approximately 1 block away.

Today relax and enjoy the scenery as we travel back to Spain, to the city of Madrid for the next 2 nights. Hotel: Radisson Red Madrid (Breakfast)

Enjoy sightseeing with a Local guide as they take us along the main historical areas in the capital city of Spain, Madrid! Drive through Madrid’s historic heart to the city’s charming Old Quarter, tracing its rise from modest origins to a major European capital. A highlight is a visit to the Prado Museum, where a local art historian brings masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, Titian, and Rubens to life with engaging insights and stories. This evening share memories of your journey with fellow travelers at a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (Breakfast, Dinner with wine or beer included)

Today marks the end of this truly memorable journey through Spain and Portugal. Transfer to the airport for a flight* and transportation back to Central PA. (Breakfast)

*Air schedule will be shared once released from the airline. Group air schedule is in economy class. Seat assignments are controlled by the airline. Specific seat requests cannot be guaranteed. Air upgrades may be available and are by request only and are not guaranteed. Any air upgrades or deviations must be requested at the time the initial deposit is made.

**All itinerary inclusions are subject to availability. The itinerary is subject to change at any time without advanced notice and/or compensation.

***Please note this tour includes a considerable amount of walking. All participants should be prepared to be standing for longer periods of time and walking longer distances on uneven cobblestone surfaces.