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Hosted By: Aimee Granger
Director of Legacy Giving
PBS Wisconsin
View Biography
Discover the fascinating history, vibrant cities, and breathtaking beauty of Europe’s Iberian Peninsula, featuring Portugal and Spain’s top highlights with ample time at leisure throughout. Arrive in the charming city of Lisbon for a guided tour, then travel to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of romantic Sintra and visit Pena Palace. Explore the well-preserved city of Evora and admire its medieval wall enclosure prior to crossing the border into Seville, Spain to marvel at the world’s largest Gothic cathedral. Journey into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains to experience Moorish culture in Granada while viewing spectacular palaces dating back to the ninth century. Immerse yourself in ancient Toledo’s three distinct cultures, medieval Arab, Hebrew, and Christian followed by two evenings in Spain’s vibrant capital city of Madrid. Learn about centuries of Spanish history on a guided tour that includes the Royal Palace of Madrid, the largest palace in Western Europe. Embark on a delightful train ride to cosmopolitan Barcelona and enjoy two full days of soaking up the city’s exceptional attractions before concluding our unforgettable trip with a special Farewell Dinner.
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September 24th, 2024 - October 4th, 2024
Occupancy
Price Per Person
Double
$7199
Single
$8099
Final Payment Date: 06/21/2024
Day 1 : Fly to Portugal
Our journey begins with a flight across the Atlantic to Portugal.
Day 2 : Arrive in Lisbon
Upon arriving at Humberto Delgado Airport, we begin exploring Lisbon. This vibrant capital city perched on hilltops offers gorgeous coastal views and incredible seafood. We visit the famous 16th-century Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery, as well as the neighborhoods of Baixa, Chaido, Bairro Alto, and Alfama. This afternoon, we check in to our beautiful accommodations, then continue enjoying the city’s charm on our own. Tonight, we gather for a delicious Welcome Dinner and get acquainted with our fellow travelers.
Day 3 : Sintra & Pena Palace
After breakfast, we’re off to discover the royal history and magnificent architecture in Sintra. Now a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site, this resort town was once a royal sanctuary. We tour majestic Pena Palace within the Sintra Mountains, one of Europe’s finest palaces. Admire its striking Romanticism, statues, spectacular terraces, and opulent rooms. Then, take time to explore Sintra’s eateries, quaint shops, and stunning vistas. Later, we return to Lisbon for relaxation before tonight’s authentic fado dinner and show, a cultural representation of Portugal with folkloric music.
Day 4 : Roman Temple & Cathedral of Evora
This morning we travel to Evora, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. A local guide joins us for a comprehensive tour of the city’s best sights including its well-preserved historic center that consists of an ancient Roman Temple, aqueduct, and 12th-century Gothic cathedral. The afternoon is yours to try a savory dish at a local restaurant and visit more fascinating attractions. We then travel across the Portugal-Spain border to Seville.
Day 5 : Seville Cathedral & Flamenco Show
Following breakfast, we embark on a city tour of Seville, the capital of Andalusia. Cherish its lively culture as we view the Santa Cruz Quarter, Parque de Maria Luisa, and the world’s largest Gothic cathedral, which is the final resting place of great navigator Christopher Columbus. We also have time at leisure in this delightful city to stroll through its orange-scented courtyards, explore Plaza de España, or take a relaxing boat ride down the canal. Tonight, we enjoy an immersive cultural experience with dinner and a Flamenco show that features traditional music and dancing.
Day 6 : Granada & Historic Palaces
Today we journey to Granada, nestled within the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Remarkable churches, convents, monasteries, and mansions dot the hillsides. We tour the last fortress of the Spanish Moors, Alhambra, dating back to the ninth century. This stunning, expansive complex is an iconic landmark and one of the best-preserved palaces in all of the Islamic world. We also visit Generalife, a summer escape for Nasrid dynasty rulers to find peace while soaking up spectacular views of the city and river valleys below. As you explore the city, enjoy its famous free tapas with drinks and admire the ever-present Moorish culture found within the beautiful architecture and historic Arab quarter. Later, we get settled at our hotel and gather for a fantastic dinner at a local restaurant. *Entrance to the palaces and gardens is not always guaranteed.
Day 7 : Toledo & Madrid
This morning we drive to the ancient hilltop city of Toledo. Known as the “City of Three Cultures,” it has strong influences from medieval Arab, Hebrew, and Christian occupants dating back to the Middle Ages. Admire the area’s profound history during our guided tour, including the Toledo Cathedral with its famous gold monstrance, grandiose chapel, and brilliant paintings. This afternoon, our journey continues to Spain’s vibrant capital city of Madrid.
Day 8 : Royal Palace of Madrid
After breakfast, join our local guide for a city tour featuring the Royal Palace of Madrid, the largest in Western Europe and home to several generations of royal families. Discover centuries of Spanish history within these illustrious walls while visiting the Throne Room, Hall of Columns, and more. The remainder of the day is yours to relax or explore.
Day 9 : Barcelona
Our morning begins with a high-speed AVE train ride to Barcelona. A local guide joins us for a tour that includes Las Ramblas Boulevard, Casa Mila, Parc de Montjuic, and the Columbus Monument. Spend the rest of the day enjoying the city’s spirited atmosphere and captivating attractions.
Day 10 : Gaudi’s Masterpieces
We continue sightseeing this morning with attractions such as Park Guell, one of Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi’s most expansive and spectacular designs. Stroll the estate to see “El Drac” or the symbol of Barcelona, the Austria Gardens, Sala Hipostila’s towering pillars, and more. We also view the exterior of innovative La Sagrada Familia Cathedral, the world’s largest unfinished Catholic church. Our afternoon is free for individual exploration, relaxation, or souvenir shopping. This evening, we get together to celebrate our unforgettable trip with new friends at a delicious Farewell Dinner.
Day 11 : Fly Home
We board our flight and return home with fond memories of our time in Spain and Portugal.
PBS Wisconsin Pickup Locations:
Appleton, WI - DoubleTree By Hilton Appleton
Baldwin, WI - WisDOT Park & Ride 55-02
Chicago, IL - O'Hare International Airport
Eau Claire, WI - Holiday Vacations
Fond Du Lac, WI - Radisson Hotel And Conference Center Fond Du Lac
Germantown, WI - Country Inn & Suites
Green Bay, WI - AmericInn By Wyndham Green Bay East
Hudson, WI - WisDOT Park & Ride 55-05
Janesville, WI - Festival Foods
Kenosha, WI - McDonald's
Madison, WI - Baymont By Wyndham Madison West/Middleton WI West
Marshfield, WI - WisDOT Park & Ride 71-01
Milwaukee, WI - WisDOT Park & Ride 40-20 Northeast
Minneapolis, MN - Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport
Oconomowoc, WI - Metro Market
Onalaska, WI - Walmart Supercenter
Oshkosh, WI - Perkins Restaurant & Bakery
Osseo, WI - McDonald's
Portage, WI - Petro Travel Store
Racine, WI - Racine Travel Store
Rockford, IL - Holiday Inn Rockford
South Beloit, IL - Flying J Travel Center
Sparta, WI - Super 8
Stevens Point, WI - Target
Tomah, WI - McDonald's
Wausau, WI - Walmart Supercenter
Wisconsin Rapids, WI - Walmart Supercenter
Aimee Granger is PBS Wisconsin’s Managing Director of Legacy Giving, where she serves devoted viewers who support public media through their estate plans. Growing up in Wisconsin, Aimee is a lifelong PBS viewer, and has enjoyed raising her two daughters with the same love of Sesame Street, Nature, and in recent years, The Great British Baking Show. Her passion for travel and public media have connected her with longtime viewers, and lifelong friends, and she especially loves visiting locations where her favorite PBS programs are filmed!
Aimee lives in Waunakee with her husband, David and two daughters, who have also caught the travel bug. Some of their favorite adventures have taken them to France, Nicaragua, Morocco, Costa Rica, Portugal, Switzerland, England, and Mexico.
Join Aimee and a wonderful group PBS Wisconsin enthusiasts on this exciting tour to Sunny Spain and Portugal!
Interested in more travel opportunities? Click here or visit www.holidayvacations.com and enter keyword PBS WISCONSIN.
Tour days tend to be shorter in length, at a relaxed pace, and include lots of unscheduled time for leisure. Expect standing and walking for extended periods of time on flat surfaces, mostly low altitudes, and consistent temperatures.
Tour days usually move at a leisurely pace. Some days’ scheduled activities last longer than others. Expect standing and walking for long periods of time on occasionally uneven terrain. You may experience changes in altitude or temperature.
Tour days tend to be long, move at a consistent pace, and may include long travel days. Expect standing and walking for long periods of time on uneven surfaces. Some destinations may have changes in altitude and/or temperature.
Tour days tend to be long, move at a brisk pace, and may include lengthy travel days. Expect long periods of walking and standing on uneven surfaces. Scheduled activities may require physical effort or have distinct changes in altitude or temperature.
Tour days tend to be long, move at a vigorous pace, and may include lengthy travel days. Expect long periods of walking and standing on rough surfaces. Scheduled activities may require physical effort or have distinct changes in altitude or temperature.