NOW BOOKING 2024/2025
Spain & Portugal Escape
Gotta Luv Travel in partnership with Globus brings you this exciting tour. This Escape brings together the sights and cultures of Spain's and Portugal’s most famous cities—Barcelona, Madrid, Cordoba, Seville, and Lisbon—and weaves them into one marvelous vacation. Barcelona has so much to offer, during your guided sightseeing see the Sagrada Familia Basilica, Gaudi’s still unfinished masterpiece and explore the charming Barrio Gotico. In Madrid, visit the famous Prado Museum, one of the world's most prestigious art museums. A guided walking tour in Cordoba showcases the sights, including a visit to the magnificent 8th-century Mosque of the Caliphs. In Seville, visit the Casa de Pilatos, with a splendid collection of Roman sculptures. In Seville, enjoy dinner with local specialties and Flamenco entertainment, and in Lisbon, a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Throughout this Spain and Portugal vacation, you'll be accompanied by an expert Tour Director and Local Guides who will bring these destinations to life with in-depth, first-hand knowledge of the cities' histories, sights, cultures, and insider secrets. Magnificent churches and cathedrals, local specialties and wine, and much more...what else could you ask for in a dream vacation and guided tour of Spain’s famous cities and Lisbon?
DAY 1
BARCELONA, SPAIN
Welcome to Barcelona! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for
a welcome dinner at your hotel.
DAY 2
BARCELONA, SPAIN
Gaudi’s Masterpiece BARCELONA Guided sightseeing includes sights of the Columbus Monument, Plaza de Cataluña, and a stop at the Sagrada Familia. Continue on for a panoramic view of the city and harbor from Montjuïc Hill.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURAL GEM The Basilica of the Sagrada Familia stands in Barcelona as a monument to the Holy Family and a testament to the masterwork of Antoni Gaudi. Built on the reliance of donations since the first stone was laid more than 130 years ago, the iconic church remains an unfinished masterpiece and the world’s longest-running construction project—slated for completion in 2026 on the 100th anniversary of the architect’s death.
DAY 3
BARCELONA - MADRID
Splendid Spain Scenic drive through the Catalonian and Aragonian countryside en route to Madrid. (385mi/620 km)
FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE MORE The city of Madrid is filled with intriguing stories and hidden secrets. Stroll around the streets and take pictures of “El Osoy el Madrono” (The bear and the strawberry tree), the biggest symbol of the city. Don’t forget to note the statues of the Fallen Angel, representing Lucifer, the Angel who was expelled from Heaven for rebelling
against God.
DAY 4
MADRID, SPAIN
Masterpieces in Madrid MADRID Guided sightseeing includes the Prado Museum and sights of the Cibeles Fountain, and Calle Alcala.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ART & ARCHITECTURE The Prado Museum houses one of the world’s largest art collections, including its amazing assortment of masterpieces by historic artists like Velasquez, Goya, and El Greco. The famous museum also displays the works of renowned European masters, including Rubens and Rembrandt, along with a stunning collection of Greco-Roman statues.
DAY 5
MADRID–CORDOBA–SEVILLE
Treasures of Cordoba CORDOBA Guided walking tour includes the Mosque of the Caliphs. Free time to browse before departing for Seville. (354mi/570 km)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ANCIENT ARCHITECTURE The Mosque of Córdoba (Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba in Spanish) today is a Catholic cathedral but was originally a mosque built for Muslim prayer by Abd ar-Rahman I in the 8th century. The mosque’s architecture is rich in dazzling detail, with over 800 granite and marble pillars supporting its beautiful brick and stone arches - a major focal point in the mosque along with the soaring bell tower – the tallest structure in the city.
DAY 6
SEVILLE, SPAIN
Dance Steps in Seville SEVILLE Guided sightseeing includes the Casa de Pilatos and a walk through the Santa Cruz Quarter. Dinner includes local specialties at El Palacio Andaluz restaurant with Flamenco entertainment.
LOCAL FAVORITE
CULTURE & TRADITION Feed the gypsy within you with the soulful sounds and steps of the Flamenco. You’ll see the very best display of this passionate Flemish dance performed by award-winning dancers who’ll add some spice to your dinner at El Palacio Andaluz restaurant in Seville. Ole!
DAY 7
SEVILLE–LISBON, PORTUGAL
Lyrical Lisbon A scenic drive en route to Lisbon.
LISBON Free time this evening. (273 mi/440 km)
DAY 8
LISBON, PORTUGAL
Lovely Lisbon LISBON Guided sightseeing includes Jeronimo’s Monastery and its Cloister and a photo stop at Belem Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries. Farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOTS The stunning capital city of Portugal is a treasure trove of historic and architectural masterpieces. Lisbon is home to the 16th-century Monastery of Jerónimos, adorned with its 100-foot façade featuring images of St. Michael the Archangel and Our Lady of Belém. See the 16th-century Belém Tower, which served as a fortress but also as an embarkation point for sailors and was their last sight of land before the start of their journey. Lisbon’s Monument to the Discoveries pays homage to great Portuguese explorers with the spectacular carved prow of an ancient ship.
DAY 9
LISBON - USA
Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. Of course, you have the option to add a couple extra days in Portugal, perhaps go up to Porto and check it out.