Alaska
Australia, New Zealand & Tahiti
Canada
Central & South America
Eastern USA
Europe, Africa & the Middle East
Hawaii
Southern USA
West & Mid-West USA
View All Destinations
Hosted By: Madison Pitsch
10/11 Evening Anchor
KOLN/KGIN TV
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.
You can earn a $100 Travel Show Credit good for your next trip with Holiday Vacations by simply clicking the photo to watch the online travel show! The show is about 10 minutes long and at the end, you'll have the ability to submit your contact information and receive a travel credit which can be applied to this or any Holiday Vacations tour. Get started now!
April 1st, 2025 - April 11th, 2025
Occupancy
Price Per Person
Double
$7899
Single
$8899
Final Payment Date: 12/27/2024
Day 1 : Fly to Portugal
Our journey begins with a flight across the Atlantic to Lisbon.
Day 2 : Arrive in Lisbon
Upon arriving in Portugal, we begin exploring Lisbon. This vibrant capital city perched on hilltops offers gorgeous coastal views, incredible seafood, and fascinating attractions that are rooted in the country’s heritage. We see the famous 16th-century Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery, as well as the neighborhoods of Baixa, Chaido, Bairro Alto, and Alfama. After checking in to our accommodations for the next two nights, there’s time at leisure to enjoy the city’s charm before gathering for a Welcome Dinner.
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 the first hub of European Romantic architecture. Enjoy a tour of Pena Palace within the Sintra Mountains, one of Europe’s finest palaces. Then, take time to explore Sintra’s eateries, quaint shops, and stunning vistas on your own. Later, we return to Lisbon for a dinner and show at an authentic fado restaurant, a moving cultural representation of Portugal with folkloric music.
Day 4 : Roman Temple & Cathedral of Evora
We depart our hotel this morning and travel to Evora, another UNESCO World Heritage Site partially enclosed by medieval walls. A local guide joins us for a 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 savory cuisine and visit more fascinating attractions. We then travel across the Portugal-Spain border, over the Guadiana River, and check in to our accommodations in 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 Louisa, and the world’s largest Gothic cathedral, which is also the final resting place of the great navigator Christopher Columbus. There’s time at leisure to stroll through orange-scented courtyards, explore the Plaza de Espana, or take a relaxing boat ride down the canal. Tonight, we enjoy an immersive cultural experience at a local restaurant with dinner and a flamenco show that features traditional Spanish music and dancing.
Day 6 : Granada & Historic Palaces
Today, we journey to Granada, nestled within the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Gaze upon the last fortress of the Spanish Moors, Alhambra, and Generalife, a summer escape for Nasrid dynasty rulers. As you explore the city, enjoy its famous free tapas with drinks and admire the ever-present Moorish culture found within the architecture and historic Arab quarter. Later, we get settled at our hotel and gather for dinner. *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. Enjoy a guided tour featuring the Toledo Cathedral with its famous gold monstrance and grandiose chapel. This afternoon, our journey continues to Spain’s capital city of Madrid, our home for the next two nights.
Day 8 : Royal Palace of Madrid
After breakfast, we join our local guide for a tour of Madrid to see its distinguished boulevards, impeccable parks, and European art. We visit 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 its iconic spaces, such as the Throne Room and Hall of Columns. The remainder of the day is yours to relax or explore the unique neighborhoods, food markets, and lively nightlife.
Day 9 : Barcelona
Our morning begins with a high-speed AVE train ride to Barcelona, the final city on our spectacular journey. This cosmopolitan destination offers the finest in everything – art, weather, beaches, cuisine, and architecture. 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 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. We also explore innovative La Sagrada Familia Cathedral, the world’s largest unfinished Catholic church. Our afternoon is free for individual pursuits. You may enjoy revisiting Las Ramblas Boulevard, shopping for souvenirs, or appreciating masterpieces in world-renowned museums. This evening, we celebrate our adventures 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.
KOLN/KGIN TV Pickup Locations:
Grand Island, NE - Quality Inn And Conference Center Grand Island
Lincoln, NE - Country Inn & Suites Lincoln North Hotel And Conference Center
Omaha, NE - Eppley Airfield
York, NE - Best Western Plus York Hotel & Conference Center
Madison Pitsch has been a multimedia journalist with 10/11 since January of 2019. After anchoring the weekend newscasts and 5 p.m. newscasts, she was promoted to 5, 6 and 10 p.m. anchor.
During her time at 10/11, she’s covered severe weather, global pandemics, under-represented populations, economic development and everything in between.
She is originally from Concordia, Missouri, and graduated from Concordia University Nebraska in 2019 with degrees in Journalism, Spanish, Communication and Intercultural Studies. She likes to cook, travel, go for walks, golf, play basketball, do yoga, read, watch movies, call her family on the phone and be with friends.
For Madison, it’s hard to pick a favorite story she’s covered, because she’s met so many amazing people with amazing stories during her time in Lincoln.
Join Madison and 10/11 News viewers on this wonderful tour!
Interested in more travel opportunities? Click here or visit www.holidayvacations.com and enter keyword LINCOLN.
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.