So close!

We're in the final stretch... May 13 is almost here!  For some folks, vacation has started early as a few of us are traveling in other countries before we gather in Barcelona. To those lucky travelers- have a safe trip and make sure you save some Europe for the rest of us!


For others, the trip begins when we all gather at the Barcelona Airport on Sunday Morning of the 13th.  So in preparation for this fantastic trip, I thought I'd give you a sneak peak at what we'll be dabbling in on our trip. Here's our itinerary to glance through and daydream about being there with us!  BUT, instead of daydreaming I hope to make you just as much a part of the trip as those of us actually on it.  Below is a brief breakdown of our trip. This will surely be by followed by some fantastic stories and beautiful photos.  


Can't wait to share more with you-
Signing off from Philadelphia International Airport (on my way to Dublin) Happy Holiday All!
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Gardens & Cultures of SPAIN & PORTUGAL

Itinerary

Students leave US on Saturday May 12, Fly to Barcelona (Arrive next day)

Day 1 - Sunday May 13

Arrival in Barcelona early morning
Coach to Lloret de Mar
Visit to town of Blanes & Jardi Marimurta Botanic garden
Welcome Dinner (included) and overnight in Lloret

Day 2 – Monday May 14

Breakfast (included each morning)
Visit to Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia Parque de la Ciudadela Casa Batllo, andParque Guell
Visit Montjuic Parc
Overnight in Lloret

Day 3 - Tuesday May 15

Coach to Zaragoza
Visit Monastery de Piedra
Lunch at Monasterio de Piedra (included)
Coach to Madrid
Overnight in Madrid

Day 4 - Wednesday May 16

Morning panoramic tour of Madrid
Visit Retiro's Gardens
Visit Casa de Campo
Visit parque del oeste
Lunch and afternoon on own
Overnight Madrid

Day 5 - Thursday May 17

Morning tour of Segovia & Alcazar
Visit nearby La Granja Palace & Gardens
Return to Madrid
Overnight Madrid

Day 6 – Friday May 18

Depart for World Heritage city of Toledo
Visit El Greco’s home, the Alcazar, and other heritage sites
Visit to "La Mancha" region (land of Don Quixote)
Coach to Cordoba
Overnight Cordoba

Day 7 - Saturday May 19

Depart for World Heritage city of Toledo
Visit El Greco’s home, the Alcazar, and other heritage sites
Visit to "La Mancha" region (land of Don Quixote)
Coach to Cordoba
Overnight Cordoba

Day 8 - Sunday May 20

Coach to Granada
Lunch stop in Priego de Cordoba
Afternoon visit of Huerta de San Vincente Garcia Lorca Park
Visit to Carmen de los Martires
Overnight Granada

Day 9 - Monday May 21

Morning tour of Palace of the Alhambra
Visit nearby Generalife gardens
Free afternoon in Granada
Overnight Granada

Day 10 - Tuesday May 22

Coach to Seville
Lunch stop in Osuna
Tour of Seville
Visit Royal Alcazar Palace
Dinner & Flamenco show at El Palacio Andaluz (included)
Overnight Seville

Day 11 – Wednesday May 23

Visit Maria Louisa Park & Plaza de Espana
Afternoon tour of Jardines del Guadalquivir
Visit Parque Americano botanic garden
Overnight Seville

Day 12 - Thursday May 24

Coach to Evora
Visit  Capela dos ossos, visit Misericordia, Templo Romano
Tour Estremoz, Portugal and Tower of Torre das Tres Coroas
Overnight Estremoz

Day 13 – Friday May 25

Coach to Lisbon
Visit Lisbon Nationals Park
Visit  Lisbon Botanic garden
Visit Gulbenkian Garden
Overnight Lisbon (hotel near coast)

Day 14 - Saturday May 26

Free day in Lisbon !
Overnight Lisbon

Day 15 - Sunday May 27

Panoramic tour or Belem quarter
Coach to Sintra
Visit Pena National Palace
Coach and visit to gardens of
Queluz National Palace
Farewell dinner in Fado restaurant (included)
Overnight Lisbon

Day 16 – Monday May 28

Early transfer to Lisbon Airport
Fly back to US with great memories of Spain & Portugal!