Iberian Voyage

The itinerary is the starting point to your tour, but it’s not set in stone. Your group leader may make changes leading up to departure.

Day 1, Wednesday July 9: Overnight Flight

Depart on your own flight arrangements for your Creativity Tour through Spain and Portugal.

Day 2, Thursday July 10: Madrid

¡Bienvenidos a España! Arrive in Madrid, meet your ACIS Tour Manager at your hotel and settle in before exploring the wide avenues and open plazas of Spain's capital city. This evening we will meet for Orientation and our first Creative Activity before sharing our first dinner together at a local restaurant. (D)

Day 3, Friday July 11: 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 zip right past any crowds with your timed reservation to visit the magnificent Prado, 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. In the evening, our creative activity is a flamenco lesson, followed by a fiery performance of this dramatic and traditional Spanish dance. (B,D)

Day 4, Saturday July 12: 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. Today's creative prompt is ar/tography as we explore Cordoba and Seville with camera and sketchbook in hand. (B,D)

Day 5, Sunday July 13: Seville

Located in the heart of Andalucía, Seville is the region's capital. During today's sightseeing tour a local expert will show you the city's immense Gothic Cathedral, burial place of Christopher Columbus, and the grand Giralda Tower with its panoramic views. In the afternoon participate in a fan painting workshop with an expert instructor from the Escuela de Bellas Artes. Then stroll the old section of the city, past the Torre de Oro or into the Parque María Luisa in the evening. (B,D)

Day 6, Monday July 14: 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. Enjoy an outdoor creative activity while in Évora. Continue to Lisbon and begin to unlock the secrets of this fascinating city, once the capital of the world's greatest maritime empire. (B,D)

Day 7, Tuesday July 15: 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. (B,D)

Day 8, Wednesday July 16: 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. Tonight, we will gather for our final creative activity together before our delicious final dinner together. (B,D)

Day 9, Thursday July 17: Departure

Return to the airport on your own for your individual flight arrangements back to the USA. (B)