Iberian Voyage

This itinerary is the starting point for your tour, but it’s not set in stone. If there are days you would like to change, or specific places you’d like to go, we can work with you to create a personalized program that fits the needs of you and your students.

Day 1: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2: Madrid

¡Bienvenidos a España! Arrive in Madrid, meet your ACIS Tour Manager and settle in before exploring the wide avenues and open plazas of Spain's capital city.

Day 3: Madrid

Madrid's rich heritage comes alive on your guided sightseeing tour of classic Spanish boulevards, grand plazas, and the diverse architecture of modern-day Madrid. Highlights include the Plaza de España with its statue of Don Quixote, the majestic Alcalá Gate, and the famous bullring Las Ventas. Then visit the magnificent Prado (skipping the lines with a timed reservation), one of the world's premier art museums. Here, an expert provides illuminating commentary on the artwork of Velázquez, Goya, Raphael, Rubens, and Bosch. Even the 18th-century Neo-Classical building that houses the collection is stunning. Later we'll take an evening stroll down to see the artists and street performers in Plaza Mayor.

Day 4: Seville

Sweep across the golden plains of La Mancha and into Andalucía on the high-speed AVE train. Arrive in Córdoba in time for a guided sightseeing tour of the city, including a visit to the candy cane arches and 4,000 copper lamps of the great Mezquita, using audio guides. Then spend time exploring the old Jewish quarter with its flower-filled patios. Continue on to Seville, where a traditional Spanish paella dinner awaits—a spicy tango of rice, seafood and vegetables considered by many as Spain's national dish. Enjoy an evening paseo along the river to see the Torre del Oro and colorful Barrio de Triana.

Day 5: Seville

Discover Andalucía's prettiest city on a morning sightseeing tour, including Christopher Columbus' tomb in the Cathedral, and enjoy views from the grand Giralda Tower. During your free afternoon wander the streets of the Santa Cruz quarter. Tonight at a flamenco lesson, you'll learn the steps to this famous dance from professionals, and then see your instructors perform it at a show.

Day 6: Lisbon

Drive through the province of Extremadura, birthplace of Spain's conquistadores including Cortés, Pizarro and Balboa and cross the border into Portugal. Visit enchanting Évora with time for lunch and a walking tour that shows you the highlights of this UNESCO walled city, such as the Roman Temple, cathedral and main square. Continue to Lisbon and begin to unlock the secrets of this fascinating city, once the capital of the world's greatest maritime empire.

Day 7: Lisbon

In the morning a sightseeing tour with a local expert shows you the Monument of the Discoveries, Alfáma district, Rossio Square and St. George's Castle before you enjoy a visit inside Jerónimos Monastery. Then in the afternoon you'll learn more about the famed Portuguese ceramic tiles, or azulejos, that you've been seeing across the city—decorate your own piece during a hands-on ceramic tile workshop.

Day 8: Lisbon

Today visit the hillside town of Sintra and the colorful Palacio Nacional da Pena, which was the summer residence of Portuguese kings and is famed for its tilework. This 19th century Romanticist castle sits atop a rocky outcrop at one of the highest points in Sintra and offers stunning panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding area. Then return to Lisbon with time to explore more at your own pace.

Day 9: Departure

Depart for the USA.