PARADORES & POUSADAS Historic Lodgings of Spain & Portugal

2018

With an Optional Post-Tour Extension: Barcelona – On Your Own

Itinerary and Accommodations

PAP/PPB: Updated September 2017 PARADORES & POUSADAS Historic Lodgings of Spain & Portugal 2018 Day-by-Day Itinerary

DAY 1: Depart the U.S. for Lisbon

This evening we depart for Europe, with a connecting flight to Lisbon.

DAY 2: Arrive Lisbon

We arrive in Lisbon today; as group members’ arrival times may vary greatly, we have no set sightseeing planned during the day and we have the day free to explore Lisbon. Our Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director will be able to suggest several activities, or we may choose to simply relax in a nearby café. After checking in to our hotel mid-afternoon (note: the hotel’s check-in time is 3:00 p.m.), we gather at our hotel prior to dinner with our tour director for a briefing on the journey ahead.

Accommodations: Corinthia Hotel Lisbon Meals: Dinner

DAY 3: Lisbon/Queluz

This morning’s city tour includes a visit to the majestic Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, a monastery built in 1501 and completed 100 years later. The monastery was built on the ruins of an existing church, and it was here, in 1497, that Vasco da Gama and his crew spent their last night in Portugal in prayer before leaving on their historic journey. Da Gama, along with his four ships and a crew of 170 men, became the first Europeans to sail around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope and find a sea route to India. Today, the monastery houses some of Portugal’s treasures from the discoveries of Vasco de Gama and other explorers. We also see the nearby Tower of Belém, a symbol of Lisbon and the most photographed monument in Portugal. We also stop by the inspiring Monument to the Discoveries, commemorating Portugal’s seafaring and literary heritage. Then we head outside the city to tour the lovely National Palace of Queluz, the former summer home constructed between 1658 and 1758 that ultimately became the residence of Portuguese royalty. After returning to Lisbon, the remainder of the day is at leisure to explore as we wish and for dinner tonight on our own. Later we may wish to venture out to a local club to hear Portugal’s haunting traditional Fado music.

Accommodations: Corinthia Hotel Lisbon Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4: Lisbon/Evora

We leave Lisbon this morning for Portugal’s agricultural Alentejo province, a region of olive groves, cork trees, fragrant vineyards, and bountiful wheat fields alive with colorful flowers. We stop for lunch along the way at a local restaurant in Monsaraz, a fortified hilltop town with just 150 permanent residents. After 2 lunch we begin our journey to Evora. En route, we stop at a local winery for a wine tasting. Here we sip on delicious wine, learn about wine making, and enjoy stunning views of the vineyards. We then continue on to Evora, capital of the Alentejo, arriving late afternoon. Here we stay at the lovely Pousada dos Loios, a restored convent considered the finest pousada in Portugal (despite its small guest rooms), where we dine together tonight.

Accommodations: Pousada dos Loios Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5: Evora

This morning’s walking tour introduces us to enchanting Evora, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the architectural gems of Portugal. The tour includes a Roman temple; the Cathedral of Evora, built in the late 12th century; Giraldo Square, one of Evora’s primary town centers; and the Church of St. Francis, home of the Chapel of Bones. An ancient walled town, Evora evokes living memories of both the Roman and Moorish periods of Portuguese history, with many streets so narrow they must be navigated on foot. This afternoon we are free to visit the tiny shops and cafés that line the streets of this “Golden Age” city, and bask in the splendid scenery that surrounds us. Dinner this evening is at our pousada.

Accommodations: Pousada dos Loios Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 6: Evora/Mérida/Carmona

We have a full day of travel ahead as we leave Evora and travel east for Spain through countryside peppered with the ruins of fortresses and castles. Along the way, we stop in the ancient city of Mérida, once the capital of the Roman province of Lusitania (Latin for the kingdoms of Spain and Portugal), and a town that contains more Roman ruins than any other in Spain. We have time here to explore the ruins of an amphitheater, soak in the atmosphere, and enjoy lunch on our own before we continue on to Carmona and our parador, built on the site of the medieval castle of Peter of Castile. We dine there together this evening.

Accommodations: Parador de Carmona Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 7: Carmona/Seville

Today we travel to Seville, the capital of Spain’s Andalusia region and perhaps the greatest city of the Spanish south. This is a place of beauty and romance, the “home” of Carmen, Don Juan, and Figaro; where fragrant orange trees and flower-bedecked balconies delight the senses. One of the earliest Moorish conquests in 712, Seville has a number of excellent examples of Moorish art and architecture. Our morning tour here passes by the renowned 16th-century Catédral, the world’s largest Gothic building and third largest church; and visits the Alcázar, the palace noted for its signature mudejar (Moorish) architecture. Then we enjoy free time on our own for lunch and independent exploration before we head back to Carmona and our parador late this afternoon. Dinner tonight is at the parador.

Accommodations: Parador de Carmona Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

3 DAY 8: Carmona/Cordoba

Today’s excursion is to Cordoba, once the capital of the Moorish kingdom of El-Andalus. It was here that the Moors ruled from the 8th to the 11th centuries and fostered a culture of learning and religious harmony known the world over. Our walking tour takes in many of the highlights, including the atmospheric Old Quarter with its narrow, winding streets, whitewashed houses, and the revered Mezquita Mosque-Cathedral. With more than 500 columns and graceful arches, the Mezquita incorporates Roman and Gothic elements into its architecture. Cordoba also is home to one of Andalusia’s synagogues to survive the expulsion of Spain’s Jews in the 15th century. Following our tour we have free time for lunch and to explore on our own. We return to our parador late this afternoon and dine there tonight.

Accommodations: Parador de Carmona Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 9: Carmona/Ronda

We travel south today to the charming, unspoiled town of Ronda, located in a dramatic natural setting. Ronda is built atop the isolated perimeter of a high sierra at the edge of a dramatic gorge, with tall white- washed houses forming a majestic skyline. But perhaps the most wonderful sight of all is the view from our parador, Ronda’s restored medieval city hall, at the edge of El Tajo Gorge, more than 500 feet deep and 300 feet wide. After our arrival, we have the remainder of the afternoon at leisure to rest and relax or explore as we wish; we enjoy dinner together at our parador tonight.

Accommodations: Parador de Ronda Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 10: Ronda

This morning we set out to explore on a walking tour of Ronda, taking in the graceful cathedral of Santa Maria Mayor in the town’s Old Quarter; two 17th-century bridges; and the Casa de Mondragon, which legend holds was once home to Moorish kings. Midday we enjoy regional specialties at a tapas lunch at our parador, Ronda’s original town hall. This afternoon and evening is at leisure to relax and enjoy this delightful town – one of Spain’s oldest and most aristocratic – on our own. Dinner is on our own tonight.

Accommodations: Parador de Ronda Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 11: Ronda/Granada/Úbeda

Leaving Ronda this morning, we travel to Granada to experience perhaps the most extraordinary and best- preserved Moorish monument in existence: the Alhambra, the grand palace-fortress of Spain’s last Moorish rulers. In addition to its exquisite architecture, the Alhambra enjoys a unique setting high on a hilltop above the Darro River with magnificent vistas at every turn. Upon arrival in Granada there’s time for lunch on our own before we begin our tour of the Alhambra. We also visit the Granadian-style Generalife, the palace’s acclaimed gardens. Late afternoon we travel north to Úbeda and our next parador, where we dine tonight.

4 Please note: In addition to your one piece of checked luggage, you also will need to bring along a smaller, soft-sided carry-on or duffel bag for your overnight stay at Parador de Úbeda. This bag should be small and flexible enough so that you can pack it inside your checked luggage.

Accommodations: Parador de Úbeda Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 12: Úbeda/Toledo/Madrid

We leave Úbeda this morning for Toledo, capital of medieval Spain. Home of the renowned artist El Greco (“The Greek”) who immortalized the city in many of his paintings, Toledo has changed little in looks since the Middle Ages. The city commands an incomparable hilltop setting overlooking the Castilian plains and surrounded on three sides by the Tagus River. Declared a Spanish National Landmark, Toledo is filled with testaments to its Roman and Moorish heritage, and boasts some of the greatest architecture in Spain. After lunch on our own here, we visit Toledo’s most impressive monument: the Gothic Cathedral, which was constructed over a period of more than 250 years, from 1226 to 1493. We also call on the Sinagoga del Tránsito which was erected in 1357 with imported cedars from Lebanon, just as Solomon requested when constructing the First Temple in Jerusalem. Our tour of Toledo concludes with a stop at Santo Tomé, home of El Greco’s most famous painting, “The Burial of Count Orgaz.” Leaving Toledo, we continue on to Madrid, arriving late afternoon. After checking in at our hotel, we are free for dinner on our own. And remember, Spaniards dine quite late, especially in Madrid.

Accommodations: Wellington Hotel Meals: Breakfast

DAY 13: Madrid

Both historic and cosmopolitan, Madrid boasts an eclectic architecture to match. This morning’s panoramic city tour includes Plaza Mayor, the grand square in the heart of the city; the medieval district; and majestic Palacio Real (Royal Palace), a 2,800-room rococo residence that was home to the Bourbon kings from Charles III in 1759 to Alfonso XIII, whose abdication in 1931 preceded the rise of Francisco Franco. Today the palace is used only for state occasions. Among the attractions here: the oddly decorated private apartments, two-ton crystal chandelier, 140-seat banquet hall, and grand throne room. Then we enjoy a tapas lunch together at a local restaurant. Our tour concludes at the Prado, one of the world’s greatest museums of fine art, where we are free to explore on our own. Besides housing the most important collection of Spanish masters anywhere, the Prado also boasts a superb collection of works by Italian and Flemish masters. The remainder of the afternoon and evening is at leisure for independent exploration and dinner on our own in this cosmopolitan city.

Accommodations: Wellington Hotel Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 14: Madrid

Today is free to enjoy the Spanish capital as we wish. Stroll along the city’s broad boulevards; see Picasso’s famed painting “Guernica” at the Reina Sofia Museum; poke around the weekly El Rastro Market; visit the

5 renowned Thyssen-Borneisza museum; or simply take in the vibe at a local café. Tonight we gather to bid “Adios” to Spain and our fellow travelers at a festive farewell dinner.

Accommodations: Wellington Hotel Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 15: Madrid/Return to U.S.

This morning, we depart Madrid for our connecting flight to the United States.

Meals: Breakfast

PLEASE NOTE

This trip involves considerable walking up hills or stairs, and on uneven or cobblestone streets. In addition, one of the hotels (Pousada dos Loios) does not have elevators. You should be in good physical condition to enjoy the tour to the fullest.

Odysseys Unlimited provides state-of-the-art audio headsets for all guests to use on this tour. These devices enable you to hear the commentary offered by your tour director or guide during visits to museums, historic sites, and other stops on your tour where crowds may make it difficult to hear. They also allow you to stay a few steps behind as your group moves forward. Please note that a limited number of hearing aid- compatible induction loops will be available as well.

We will do our best to adhere to our printed itinerary. But sometimes unexpected obstacles – or opportunities – may arise that will force us to deviate from the itinerary as written. We would ask you to be open-minded and flexible should we vary the itinerary slightly. In addition, please note that airline schedules are subject to change. We will provide you with updated flight information closer to your departure.

A Note about Dinner in Spain

Because Spaniards typically take a lengthy mid-day lunch break, many people do not get out of work until around 8 pm. At that time, they often will have a small snack (merienda) to get them through until dinner time, which is a late affair normally served from 9 to 10:30 p.m. While we have worked with our Spanish vendors to offer dinner a little earlier, please be prepared to dine later than you typically would at home or in other parts of the world.

For Land Only Guests

When you purchase Paradores & Pousadas as “land only,” you will be making your own flight arrangements and joining the tour at the first hotel. While airport transfers and luggage handling at the arrival and departure airports are not included when you purchase a tour as land only, should you be at the arrival airport concurrent with the group of arriving Odysseys Unlimited travelers and see the signs for our motorcoach transfer, you are welcome to transfer with the group at no charge, provided additional seating is available. However please note that the motorcoach cannot wait for you; you must be aboard when the coach is leaving.

It is important to note, however, that a motorcoach may not be used for transfers in all cases. Depending on the number of guests arriving or departing, we may utilize taxis or smaller vans. At such times, we regret that space restrictions will preclude your joining the group transfer and you will be responsible for your own transportation to or from the airport.

6 Should you require information about the arrival and departure times of our air-inclusive flights, please contact our Customer Service department no sooner than 75 days prior to departure: by email at [email protected] or toll-free at (888) 370-6765, Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Eastern Time.

For Guests Taking Odysseys Unlimited’s "BARCELONA – ON YOUR OWN" OPTIONAL POST-TOUR EXTENSION

DAY 15: Madrid/Barcelona

You take an included transfer to the Madrid airport this morning for the flight to Barcelona. Upon arrival in Barcelona, you are transferred to your hotel. After checking in, you are free to explore as you wish, at your own pace, for the remainder of your stay.

Accommodations: Hotel Avenida Palace Meals: Breakfast

DAYS 16–17: Barcelona

Enjoy two days experiencing the energy of this trendy, vibrant city on your own. Seemingly everywhere, you will find unusual buildings with the distinctive stamp of the architect Antoni Gaudí, Barcelona's favorite son. His life’s work was La Sagrada Familia, a church with awe-inspiring spires that was left unfinished when he died in 1926. Another Gaudí masterpiece is La Pedrera, whose stone façade seemingly ripples, wave-like, around a street corner.

The city’s focal point is Las Ramblas, a pedestrian boulevard packed with entertainers and merchants. Spend some time meandering there and through Bari Gòtic, the nucleus of old Barcelona. Within its cluster of Gothic buildings, mazelike streets, and public squares you will find the Catedral, one of Spain’s greatest Gothic buildings. Art lovers – and even nonaficionados – won’t want to miss the city’s most-visited museum, the Museu Picasso, housed in three beautiful medieval mansions. If time remains, visit Montjuïc, overlooking Barcelona. Here you can visit the Palau Nacional, with the largest collection of Catalan art in the world, along with the Olympic site of 1992.

Accommodations: Hotel Avenida Palace Meals: Breakfast

DAY 18: Return to the U.S.

Early this morning, you are transferred to the Barcelona airport for your connecting flight to the United States.

Meals: Breakfast

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PARADORES & POUSADAS 2018 Accommodations

PORTUGAL

Corinthia Hotel Lisbon

Av. Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro 1051099-031 Lisbon Portugal Phone: 011-351-21-723-63-63 Fax: 011-351-21-723-63-64 www.corinthia.com

Situated a short distance from Monsanto National Park, the Corinthia Hotel Lisbon features two restaurants and an indoor/outdoor lounge, indoor swimming pool, gym, spa with massage treatments, complimentary Wi-Fi internet access, solarium, jewelry shop, and laundry and dry cleaning services. Air-conditioned guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, minibar, tea- and coffee-making facilities, in-room safe, TV, and phone. Please note that a bath cap is required for use of the swimming pool. Guests may bring their own, or the hotel will provide them at a cost of 5.00 euros per cap.

Pousada dos Loios

Largo Conde Vila-Flor 7000-804 Evora Portugal Phone: 011-351-266-73-00-70 Fax: 011-351-266-70-72-48 www.pousadas.pt

A former 15th-century convent lovingly converted into a hotel, this building features fine architectural details including decorative arches, a marble staircase, a cloistered garden, and frescoed walls and ceilings. Amenities include a restaurant, complimentary Wi-Fi internet access, and laundry service. Converted from monastic cells, the small but comfortable guest rooms have modern amenities including private bath with hair dryer, air conditioning, in-room safe, TV, and phone. The pousada has no elevators.

8 SPAIN

Parador de Carmona

Alcázar, S/N 41410 Carmona, Sevilla Spain Phone: 011-34-95-414-1010 Fax: 011-34-95-414-1712 www.parador.es/en

Converted from a 14th-century Moorish castle and overlooking the scenic plains of Carmona, this hotel features complimentary Wi-Fi internet access, an Andalusian courtyard with Moorish columns and a fountain, a stone-vaulted restaurant, laundry service, swimming pool, and garden. Your room is equipped with a private bath with hair dryer, air conditioning, safe, minibar, TV, and phone.

Parador de Ronda

Plaza de España, S/N 29400 Ronda, Málaga Spain Phone: 011-34-95-287-75-00 Fax: 011-34-95-287-81-88 www.parador.es/en

Originally a medieval town hall, this parador boasts a stunning location on a cliff overlooking a dramatic gorge. It features a restaurant, complimentary Wi-Fi internet access, laundry service, and gardens with footpaths and sweeping vistas of the gorge and surrounding mountains. Air-conditioned guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, minibar, in-room safe, TV, and phone. Please note that guest rooms have either gorge or garden views.

Parador de Úbeda

Plaza de Vázquez Molina, S/N 23400 Úbeda, Jaén Spain Phone: 011-34-953-75-03-45 Fax: 011-34-953-75-12-59 www.parador.es/en

Located in the main square in historic Úbeda, this parador is a former 16th-century Renaissance palace that has been converted to an intimate and lovely lodging. A beautiful inner courtyard highlights the parador’s public rooms; other amenities include a restaurant featuring Andalusian specialties, a bar, laundry service, and complimentary Wi-Fi internet access. Air-conditioned guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, in-room safe, minibar, TV, and phone. Your accommodation will be located in the newer wing of the hotel.

9 Wellington Hotel

C/ Velázquez, 8 28001 Madrid Spain Phone: 011-34-91-575-44-00 Fax: 011-34-91-576-41-64 www.hotel-wellington.com

This old-world style hotel is located in the Salamanca neighborhood, near several of Madrid’s most prestigious boutiques. The hotel features a swimming pool with terrace, complimentary Wi-Fi internet access, laundry and dry cleaning services, wellness center with sauna and massage, hair salon, snack bar, and two restaurants, including a Michelin-rated Japanese restaurant and a grille room. Air-conditioned guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, mini-bar, in-room safe, TV, and phone.

A Note About Air Conditioning

Hotels in Spain generally adhere to guidelines issued by the government regarding the availability of air conditioning. Many lodgings provide air conditioning in guest rooms only from late April or May until late September/early October.

“BARCELONA ON YOUR OWN” 2018 OPTIONAL POST-TOUR EXTENSION Accommodations

Hotel Avenida Palace

Gran Vía de les Corts Catalanes, 605 08007 Barcelona Spain Phone: 011-34-93-301-96-00 Fax: 011-34-93-318-12-34 www.avenidapalace.com

Built in 1952, Hotel Avenida Palace stands in the heart of Barcelona and offers an excellent location from which to explore. The 151-room hotel is just minutes from Las Ramblas, the Picasso Museum, and the museum housing the works of modern architect Antoni Gaudí. The hotel features a restaurant and bar, complimentary Wi-Fi internet access, and laundry and dry cleaning services. Air-conditioned guest rooms offer private bath with hair dryer, in-room safe, minibar, TV, and phone.

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