Portugal and Spain with Fr. Jim McDougall, October 14 - 27, 2024
$4699.00*
3 day optional Marrakesh, Morocco tour add on $ 1299.00*
Itinerary
Day 0: October 14 : Detroit/Lisbon
Leave from Detroit Metro Airport for your overnight flight to Lisbon. Enjoy meals and movies in-flight.
Day 1: October 15 : Lisbon
Upon arrival, you’ll meet your tour escort in the arrivals hall. Starting our day with a sightseeing city tour including a visit to Jeronimos Monastery. Later this afternoon check into the hotel. Welcome Dinner and overnight in Lisbon (D)
Day 2: October 16: Lisbon
Full day tour of the cities highlights, including entrance to Sintra Palace, Codo Da Roca, Cascais. Fado show & dinner, overnight in Lisbon (B, D)
Day 3: October 17: Lisbon to Evora (stop in Fatima)
Journey to Fatima, after visiting this pilgrimage site and spending some time in prayer, we will travel to the medieval town of Obidos. Known as one of the most picturesque and well preserved towns in Portugal. Overnight in Evora (B, D)
Day 4: October 18: Evora to Seville
Morning walking tour of Evora, This small but Ancient Roman town, with lots of ruins remaining from that era. Stop at a countryside winery for a vineyard tour tasting & lunch. Overnight in Seville. (B, L)
Day 5: October 19: Seville
After breakfast this morning and meeting our guide and driver, we will embark on a city tour. We’ll see the Bell Tower of the Giralda and the tiled fountains, pavilions and lush palms in the Maria Luisa Park, renowned for its landscape design. We’ll also visit the tomb of Christopher Columbus in the cathedral. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to rest or explore by your own. Enjoy a bit of free time this afternoon. Before going tonight’s dinner & Falminco show, we’ll join together for Mass. Overnight in Seville (B, D)
Day 6: October 20: Seville to Cordoba
Depart for Cordoba. Visit of the Aljama MOSQUE, one of the most emblematic buildings of Islamic art, whose construction was initiated by Abderramán I in the 8th century. It has a remarkable columns forest and a detailed "mihrab". Overnight in Cordoba (B, D)
Day 7: October 21: Cordoba (day trip to Granada)
After breakfast, depart to Granada to visit The Alhambra together with the Generalife Gardens, which represents the zenith of Moorish art, one of the most visited monuments in the world, and certainly the most visited in Spain. More than eight thousand visitors pass through its doors every day. Overnight in Cordoba. (B, 2nd Meal TBD)
Day 8: October 22: Cordoba to Madrid (stop in Toledo)
Today we move from Cordoba to Madrid, with a stop in the city of Toledo, which is a living monument to Spanish civilization, depicted in hand carved, sun mellowed stone. On a hill overlooking the Tagus River, the ancient city is a fascinating architectural blend of Christian and Moorish elements, especially rich in buildings of the late 15th century. Take a guided walking tour, visit the Old Synagogue, the Church of Santo Tome and the Moorish Bridge. Then on to the Church of Santo Domingo el Antiguo, where El Greco secured his first large commissions in Toledo, view several paintings for Santo Domingo, including The Trinity and The Assumption of the Virgin. These works would establish the painter's reputation in Toledo. Late afternoon arrival in Madrid. Overnight in Madrid. (B, 2nd Meal TBD)
Day 9: October 23: Madrid
This morning we will learn the history and culture of Madrid from a local guide while enjoying a walking tour. The tour combines a walking tour through the old quarter of Madrid: Major Square, Baja Street and a visit to the Royal Palace. Built during the 18th Century, the Royal Palace and is housed in the building of the old Alcázar of Madrid. It is one of the richest in Europe and is very well preserved. It is used by the Spanish Crown in Official Receptions, Presentation of Credentials and Official Events, such as State Meetings. Its rooms are full of artistic works belonging to the Royal Family. This Afternoon we’ll visit Prado Museum.
Dinner in a local restaurant and overnight. (B, L)
Day 10: October 24: Madrid (day trip to Avila & Salamanca)
This morning travel to Avila, a medieval walled city that is one of the best preserved in the world. visit the old town, Cathedral & Church of San Vincente both from the outside. After lunch we visit Salamanca to see Plaza Mayor, University & Casa de las Conchas. return to Madrid for overnight in Madrid. (B,L)
Day 11: October 25: Madrid (day trip to Segovia)
After breakfast depart for a full day tour to Segovia, where in 1985 the old city of Segovia and its Aqueduct were declared World Heritage by UNESCO. Within the environment of the old city, stand diversity of historic buildings both civil and religious, not just Catholic but also the Jewish district that served this minority, which commemorates the different cultures in the city. We will have a special lunch included today that Segovia is famous for, Suckling pig. and overnight (B, L)
Day 12: October 26: Madrid Cooking Class w/ lunch
Relaxed morning. Group cooking class of traditional Spanish dishes and some free time late this afternoon. Gather together for Mass before tonight’s Farewell Dinner and overnight (B, L, D)
Day 13: October 27: Madrid/Depart
Transfer to the airport to take your flight home. (B)
Tour inclusions:
- 12 nights hotel, all accommodations with private bath:
- Deluxe motorcoach
- All guiding and entrance fees per itinerary
- Breakfast and either Lunch or dinner daily
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal headsets where needed
Morocco Optional Add on - $1299.00 p/p * DBL
Included round trip flights Madrid to Marrakesh, Marrakesh to Madrid, 3 nights hotel, daily breakfast, 1 lunch 2 dinners, guided tours, transportation and gratuities.
Day 13: October 27: Madrid to Marrakesh
Transfer to the airport to take your late morning flight to Marrakesh. upon arrival and check into the hotel we will have a afternoon market walk and dinner at a roof top restaurant (B, D)
Day 14: October 28: Marrakesh
Discover the wonders of the Agafay Desert & Atlas Mountains. Admire the magical Kik Plateau and visit local villages to experience the Moroccan Culture. Upon returning to Marrakesh join Mike & Tammy for a walk to the medina. (B, L)
Day 15: October 29: Marrakesh City Tour and travel to Madrid
Morning tour of the Royal Palace and ancient Souk tour. Afternoon check in for Flight to Madrid. Final farewell dinner with wine at the Hotel in Madrid . (B,D)
Day 16: October 30: Madrid/Depart
Transfer to the airport to take your flight home. (B)
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