Portugal, Galicia and Madrid

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: Lisbon

Welcome to Portugal. Arrive in Lisbon, meet your ACIS Tour Manager, and begin to unlock the secrets of this fascinating city, once the capital of the world's greatest maritime empire.

Day 3: 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 entrance to Jerónimos Monastery. An afternoon excursion brings you to the hillside town of Sintra, a summer retreat for Portuguese royals and nobility. Here you will enjoy entrance to the historic National Palace, one of the country's best-preserved medieval royal residences. Located in the heart of the old center, its conical kitchen chimneys are an iconic part of Sintra's skyline and its lavishly decorated interior features stunning tilework. Then return to Lisbon for the evening.

Day 4: Porto

Journey today to riverfront Coimbra, one of Portugal’s most history-rich cities and known for its vibrant student culture. Guided sightseeing of this former capital shows you the highlights of its historic center and includes a tour of the famed University of Coimbra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to Porto for the evening and catch your first glimpse of the gorgeous Duoro River.

Day 5: Porto

This morning enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of the city, including entrance to the iconic Palácio da Bolsa, Porto’s must-see old Stock Exchange Market, and the Porto Cathedral. The rest of the day is yours to explore more of its maze of cobblestone streets at your own pace.

Day 6: Santiago De Compostela

Depart Porto and cross into Spain’s Galicia region. Visit Baiona, a popular stop on the Portuguese Coastal Way, and learn about its ties to Columbus’ discovery of the "New World" as you explore this small, charming, medieval seaside village. Then continue your journey to Santiago de Compostela for the evening.

Day 7: Santiago De Compostela

Enjoy a day to explore this Galician capital, which boasts one of the oldest universities in Spain and a beautiful, historic city center that combines Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architecture. The faithful also recognize Santiago de Compostela as the burial site of St. James the Apostle, which leads to its role as an important center for Christian traditions and the final destination on the Camino de Santiago, or Way of St. James, pilgrimage route. A guided sightseeing tour in the morning includes a visit inside the famed Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, beneath which lies the tomb of St. James, as well as stops at the city’s lively market and Obradoiro Square, the cultural heart of Santiago.

Day 8: Madrid

This morning head for Madrid on the high-speed AVE train. Upon arrival Madrid's rich heritage comes alive on a guided walking tour that showcases classic Spanish boulevards, grand plazas and the diverse architecture of modern-day Madrid. Highlights include the Teatro Real Opera House, Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol and Neptune Fountain. You'll also go inside the magnificent Prado (skipping the lines with a timed reservation), one of the world's premier art museums. Here an expert will provide illuminating commentary about the artwork of Velázquez, Goya, Raphael, Rubens and Bosch. Even the 18th-century neo-classical building that houses the collection is stunning.

Day 9: Madrid

Today is yours to discover more of Madrid's engaging museums and parks at your own pace. Or you may opt to take a full-day excursion to nearby Toledo, the city where the world-famous artist El Greco made his home and created his most famous works. Toledo offers a rich mix of cultures, thanks to a unique blend of Christian, Jewish and Muslim heritages. The excursion includes lunch at a spot with a lovely panoramic view over the city.

Day 10: Departure

Depart for the USA.