Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Escape the cold winter months in the United States by spending two or more weeks in the Costa del Sol, or Sun Coast, of Southern Spain in an oceanfront three-star hotel overlooking the sparkling, blue-green Mediterranean Sea. For a rock-bottom price of approximately $85 a day, including airfare from the United States, you can enjoy the temperate climate of the Costa del Sol, where temperatures range from 60 to 72 degrees in the winter. The two weeks will fly by as you sun on the beach, golf at numerous local courses; bargain shop for Spanish specialties like ceramics, leather, and silver pieces; meet fellow Sun Tour travelers from Europe and the United Kingdom; and eat paella and fresh seafood at nearby fine-dining establishments. You'll stay for two weeks at the Sol Timor apartment-hotel on the beach in Torremolinos for around $1,255 per person in 2010. Rate includes airfare, 13 nights in a studio or one-bedroom apartment with kitchenette, airport transfers, 13 buffet breakfasts, and three guided sightseeing tours around Andalusia. Add an additional week for only $110 more. Unlike other tours, single travelers are welcome with no single supplement, except a $45 registration fee for the 2010 season.
Explore the lush, sub-tropical island of Madeira, then travel to the cosmopolitan capital city of Lisbon on the Atlantic Ocean on the 12-day Sun Holiday Extended Vacation Tour of Portugal. Leave the United States winter behind and relax on the Portugal island of Madeira, known as the "Island of Eternal Spring." Gaze over a pristine sheltered bay from your four-star oceanfront, seaview hotel. Take a frequent shuttle from your secluded resort to the local farmer's markets, and treat yourself with an exotic tropical flower bouquet or a bottle of famous Madeira wine. Don't miss visiting the famous Funchal Botanical Gardens overlooking the Atlantic coast. Next, fly to Lisbon for a four-night stay in a centrally located four-star hotel. In Lisbon, the capital of Portugal since 1147, you'll explore the narrow, medieval streets, and gaze at the intricate mosaics and tiled walls of the buildings. Lisbon is also known as "The White City" because of the pure, unfiltered sunlight washing over this pristine city. In 2010, rates start at $1,975, including airfare, hotel for 10 nights, two sightseeing tours, and 10 meals.
If you wish to see the major cities and tourist attractions of both Spain and Portugal on one trip, book the Sun Holiday's Grand Tour of Spain and Portugal. Prices start at $2,395 per person, including airfare from the United States, 15 nights in first-class hotels, air-conditioned motorcoach travel between cities, escorted sightseeing tours in each city and airport transfers. You'll start your trip in Spain's capital city of Madrid, with free time to explore famous art museums or visit the nearby medieval city of Toledo. After Madrid, visit the medieval cities of Segovia, Avila and Salamanca before traveling through the Portugal frontier to the charming city of Porto. In Portugal, you'll explore small villages and charming cities along the way to the capital city of Lisbon. From Lisbon, circle back into Spain to the Andalusia region and the historic cities of Seville, Cordoba and Granada. Speed up the Spanish coast and relax near the Mediterranean Sea in the cities of Valencia and Barcelona before returning home.