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, Tuesday May 26: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2, Wednesday May 27: 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. (D)

Day 3, Thursday May 28: Madrid

Madrid's rich heritage comes alive on a guided morning 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. Later we'll take an evening stroll down to see the artists and street performers in Plaza Mayor. (B,D)

Day 4, Friday May 29: 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—an aromatic 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. (B,D)

Day 5, Saturday May 30: 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. (B,D)

Day 6, Sunday May 31: 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. (B,D)

Day 7, Monday June 1: 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, Tuesday June 2: Lisbon

Today visit the hillside town of Sintra, a summer retreat for Portuguese royals and nobility, where 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 with time to explore more at your own pace. (B,D)

Day 9, Wednesday June 3: Departure

Depart for the USA. (B)