Sept 17 –Oct 4, 2020, Explore the rich history, architecture, art and stunning scenery across Spain and Portugal with Rev Dr. James & Valerie Clubine.

See craggy, clifftop castles and enchanting cities that blend the medieval and modern together. Join us on this exciting 18-day journey across Spain and Portugal.

TOUR PRICES:

Toronto $7,889

Ottawa $7,939

Halifax $8,039

Calgary $8,089

Other cities are available upon request.

Prices are per person based on double occupancy. Single Supplement $1,329.

Prices are based on exchange rates, tariffs, fees and taxes applicable in June 2019 and are subject to change based on fluctuating costs and other factors beyond our control.

INCLUDED IN YOUR TOUR

Return economy class airfare
Current airline taxes, fuel surcharges and airport fees
Superior Tourist class motorcoach and hotels
Meals as shown (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
Professional tour guide
Sightseeing tours and entrance fees
Luggage handling at hotels
Tipping for all included services
Rostad Tours travel gift
Extensive and personalized tour documentation

NOT INCLUDED

Meals not shown
Other beverages
Items of personal nature
Any airline luggage fees
Increase to surcharges, taxes or fees
Insurance

Itinerary

Day 1: Thursday, September 17 / Departure Day

Today we meet our fellow travelers at the airport to board the departure flight, ready to begin a journey filled with new and exciting experiences.

Day 2: Friday, September 18 / Arrive Barcelona - Montserrat

This morning we arrive in Barcelona, a charming Mediterranean port , and the cradle of Catalan culture. We’ll visit Montserrat, the 1000-year-old monastery located high on a mountain, before checking into our hotel in Barcelona. (D)

Day 3: Saturday, September 19 / Barcelona

This morning we tour Barcelona, which was founded in the third century BC. As the site of the 1992 Summer Olympics, Barcelona went through a major overhaul with older buildings receiving facelifts and impressive new sites constructed. We’ll walk through the Gothic Quarter, the oldest part of the city, where we’ll see many buildings dedicated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites (WHS) The afternoon is free to discover the city on our own. (B,D)

Day 4: Sunday, September 20 / Barcelona - Valencia

We leave Barcelona today and follow the Mediterranean coastline south and west. We pass by Tarragona then Pensicola where the castle used in the film “El Cid” can be seen. We overnight in Valencia, an area well known for it’s oranges.

This afternoon we spend some time learning more about Lladro porcelain. (B,D)

Day 5: Monday, September 21 / Valencia - Granada

Today we travel to Alicante, a resort city located on the Costa Blanca. We climb over the Mora Pass and through some of Spain’s most rugged and scenic areas. We then continue to Granada, located in foothills against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains. (B,D)

Day 6: Tuesday, September 22 / Nazari Dynasty

This morning we are taken on a tour of Granada.

We visit the fascinating Alhambra Palace (WHS), a complex of buildings started in the 13th century. This was the stronghold of the Nazeri Dynasty, the last great Moorish Kingdom. We also see the Generalife summer palace and gardens. After lunch we head inland and north to the historic town of Cordoba. (B,D)

Day 7: Wednesday, September 23 / Cordoba

We’ll tour the historic city centre where we’ll see “Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos” (The Palace of the Christian Kings) and La “Mezquita” (WHS), once one of Islam’s most impressive mosques and now a cathedral. After lunch we head to the sunny south coast of Spain, spending the next two nights in Torremolinos on the Costa del Sol. (B,D)

Day 8: Thursday, September 24 / Gibraltar - Costa del Sol

Today we go on an excursion to visit “The Rock”, the fascinating British colony at Gibraltar. Here we tour St. Michael’s Cave and see the famous colony of Barbary Apes. We’ll return to our hotel and spend a free afternoon on the Mediterranean Coast - relax on the beach, explore or shop to our heart’s delight! (B,D)

Day 9: Friday, September 25 / Ronda - Seville

A morning excursion to Ronda will get us started today. Ronda is a beautiful little town perched on the edge of a deep canyon and provides some marvelous views. After lunch we travel to Seville, host of the World Expo in 1992. We will visit the ornate Cathedral (WHS), the largest in Spain and the site of Columbus’ tomb. We also visit the Giralda Tower (WHS). Tonight we are treated to a Flamenco Show. (B,D)

Day 10: Saturday, September 26 / Seville - Algarve

After breakfast we meet our local guide for a city tour including the fascinating old Jewish Quarter of Santa Cruz. This afternoon we travel to the Algarve region of Portugal and overnight in Albufeira. (B,D)

Day 11: Sunday, September 27 / Algarve

Today is a free day to enjoy the sun and golden beaches of the “Portuguese Riviera”, stroll the lively town with its picturesque white cube houses or catch up on shopping at the well known International Prisunic shopping centre. (B,D)

Day 12: Monday, September 28 / Algarve - Lisbon

Today we travel to the capital of Portugal, Lisbon, which stands on the banks of the River Tagus. Our early arrival will give us time to rest or explore the surroundings. This evening we are treated to a folklore dinner and show. (B,D)

Day 13: Tuesday, September 29 / Lisbon - Cascais - Sintra

This morning we tour this charming city including a visit to the Coach Museum, the Discovery Monument and viewing the riverside Belem Tower (WHS). This afternoon we drive outside the city to visit the quaint fishing village of Cascais. Other visits include Sintra Palace (WHS) and Cabo Da Roca, Europe’s most westerly point. (B,D)

Day 14: Wednesday, September 30 / Lisbon - Salamanca

Today we leave Lisbon on our way back to Spain. During the trip we’ll stop in Fatima, famous as a place of pilgrimage due to the appearance of the Virgin Mary before three children in 1917. From here we leave for Salamanca, a historic university town which today is an architectural delight and the select summer resort for Madrid’s wealthiest. (B,D)

Day 15: Thursday, October 1 / Salamanca - Madrid

This morning we tour the old city of Salamanca (WHS) where we’ll see the main square, Plaza Mayor. It is surrounded by four-story buildings with baroque ironwork, and is one of the most beautiful in Spain. We’ll also see the university, which was founded in 1215 by Alfonso IX. After lunch we depart for Avila, one of Spain’s most interesting cities, which still retains its formidable medieval walls and towers. After a walking tour of the old town (WHS) we head to Madrid. (B,D)

Day 16: Friday, October 2 / Toledo Day Tour

After breakfast this morning we enjoy a full day tour to the ancient Castilian capital city of Toledo (WHS), perfectly preserved with incredibly narrow streets and impressive buildings.

The city is virtually an open-air museum and highlights include visits to the Cathedral, the Church of Santo Tome, the Sinagoga del Transito and, if time permits, the El Greco museum.

After a fascinating day we return to Madrid for overnight. (B,D)

Day 17: Saturday, October 3 / Madrid Tour

This morning we will enjoy a tour of this city, the largest in Spain with a population of over four million. Sites we’ll see include the Cervantes Monument, the Cibeles Fountain and the Puerto del Sol. The highlight of our tour will be a visit to the Royal Palace, with its magnificent marble staircase and scarlet throne room. This afternoon is free to explore other areas of this fascinating city with its many parks or visit the Prado Museum with its fine collection of art.

Tonight we will toast the success of the tour at our farewell dinner. (B,D)

Day 18: Sunday, October 4 / Return home

This morning we gather luggage, souvenirs and memories of new friends and places we have explored. Our return flight home has us anxious to share experiences with family and friends waiting for us back home. (B)

Magnificent Spain & Portugal

TOUR PRICES:

Itinerary

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Tour Host(s)

Rev Dr James & Valerie Clubine