SPAIN & PORTUGAL

Saturay. August 6

Arrival to Madrid. If there’s one thing you’ll notice about madrileños, it’s their sociability. Witness it for yourself during our city tour, which includes the Plaza Mayor, the hot gathering spot for locals; the Royal Palace, residence to the King; and El Prado, Spain’s repository of artistic treasures. Tonight, join our special Hermes Welcome Dinner.

Meals Included

1 x Dinner

Sunday, August 7

Venture today to Toledo, city of El Greco. Perched on a dramatic hillside overlooking the Tagus River, Toledo brims with old world charm. You’ll visit the ornate cathedral and St. Thomas Church. En route back to Madrid, you’ll stop at El Escorial, an historic royal residence and monastery, and the Valley of the Fallen, a monument dedicated to those who died in the Spanish Civil War.

Meals Included

1 x Breakfast

Monday, August 8

Drive today to Segovia, in the shadow of the Guadarrama Mountains. After a tour of the medieval and mighty Alcazar, overlooking the Eresma and Clamores rivers, continue to Avila, set on a rocky plateau amidst vast Spanish plains. During our visit, you’ll tour Spain’s first gothic cathedral.

Meals Included

1 x Breakfast

Tuesday, August 9

Travel by train through spectacular Spanish countryside to Cordoba, and take in this fascinating city during a city tour. Marvel at the Islamic-accented Alcazar of Christian Monarchs, and visit the famed Mezquita mosque-cathedral, with its stunning facades and 856 columns of jasper, onyx, marble, and granite.

Meals Included

1 x Breakfast

Wednesday, August 10

Today we’ll transfer to Granada, and get acquainted with its sights during a city tour. The grand highlight today is the hilltop Alhambra Palace. Built by Moors, occupied by Christians, and home briefly to American writer Washington Irving, this is where Columbus received blessings for his explorations from Ferdinand and Isabella. You can also stroll the stunning Generalife Gardens, and admire its stunning views.

Meals Included

1 x Breakfast

Thursday, August 11

Journey to Seville today, birthplace of the flamenco and Andalucia’s artistic and cultural capital. During a city tour, you’ll behold its gothic-baroque cathedral and its Giralda, a minaret-turned-bell-tower built with interior ramps to allow its holy men to ascend on horseback.

Meals Included

1 x Breakfast

Friday, August 12

Today you’ll visit Jerez de la Frontera, world renowned for its production of sherry. Stop at a local sherry cellar for a tasting of the sweet nectar, and enjoy a lunch of regional dishes. The afternoon and evening are free for you to explore Seville on your own.

Meals Included

1 x Breakfast

1 x Lunch

Saturday, August 13

Travel to Evora today, where you’ll contemplate the eerie Chapel of Bones at the Sao Francisco Cathedral. You’ll also visit the imposing Evora Cathedral, perched upon the city’s highest spot.

Meals Included

1 x Breakfast

Sunday, August 14

Drive to Lisbon today, Portugal’s pulsating capital. The city’s wealth was built upon the Age of Exploration, and evidence of its maritime history is everywhere. During our city tour, you’ll explore the Jeronimos Monastery and Belem Tower, and marvel at the resplendent Monument to the Discoveries.

Meals Included

1 x Breakfast

Monday, August 15

This morning, take in the beauty of two coastal gems. First, set foot on mainland Europe’s westernmost point on Cabo da Roca. Continue to Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its plentiful 19th-century Romantic architecture. You’ll visit its fairy-tale National Palace. Your afternoon is free to explore Lisbon’s historic Alfama district and browse its shops. Tonight, celebrate your Iberian journey during our special Hermes Farewell Dinner.

Meals Included

1 x Breakfast

1 x Dinner

Tuesday, August 16

Depart for home

Meals Included

1 x Breakfast

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