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ITINERARY
Tour Pace
This tour moves at a comfortable, leisurely pace with two nights in Lisbon, Santiago, Santander and Madrid and an overnight stay in delightful Oporto. The travelling days are of a comfortable length with frequent stops, and plenty of photo opportunities.
DAY 1 – FRI – LISBON AT LEISURE
On arrival at Lisbon airport there are complimentary transfers to the tour hotel at 09.30 & 13.30hrs. Then time to relax or explore. Later, we enjoy a Welcome Drink with our Tour Director. Hotel: Marriott.
DAY 2 – SAT – LISBON SIGHTSEEING
Our local guide takes us first along the spacious avenues of the Lower Town and across the tree-shaded squares. We pass beneath the hilltop Bairro Alto to the Terreiro do Paco, finest square in the city, named after the palace which was destroyed in the terrible earthquake of 1755. Now our tour continues into the Belem Quarter to visit the 16th century Jeronimos Monastery with its superbly ornate cloister and vaulted church of Santa Maria, and to see the modern Monument to the Discoveries and ancient Belem Tower - a fortress set originally in the middle of the river, but now left high and dry on the riverbank. This afternoon we are at leisure - perhaps take the funicular up into the steep alleyways of the old town, or explore the terraces of the Alfama district? Or maybe join a tour to exotic Sintra and its royal summer residence? (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 3 – SUN – LISBON – OPORTO
Today we head north to the fortified city of Obidos, where we walk inside the walls to explore the craft shops, art galleries and flower decked houses that line the narrow, medieval streets. Now we continue to Batalha to visit the Royal Chapel in the ornate Gothic monastery. We then make our way to miraculous Fatima, where we join the pilgrims flocking into the great Basilica. It is here that a vision of Mary is reputed to have taken place before three local children. We stay tonight in Portugal's second largest city and capital of the north, Oporto. Hotel: Le Meridien Park Atlantic. (Buffet breakfast, Three or four course table d'hote or buffet style dinner)
DAY 4 – MON – OPORTO – SANTIAGO
This morning with our Tour Director we see the Vila Nova de Gaia wine stores which house the famous port wines. We also admire the multi-coloured houses and churches covered in beautiful glazed tiles before heading north to visit the old fishing town of Viana do Castelo. We wander the pedestrian streets of the old quarter and admire the 16 Century buildings, then cross the Spanish border to stay two nights in Santiago de Compostela. Hotel: NH Obradoiro. (Buffet breakfast, Three or four course table d'hote or buffet style dinner)
DAY 5 – TUE – SANTIAGO SIGHTSEEING
According to legend, the tomb containing the remains of the Apostle St James was discovered here in 813, making Santiago De Compostela the third most important city for religious pilgrimage after Jerusalem and Rome. Remaining as one of Spain's most remarkable cities, our local guide will acquaint us with its buildings and heritage. We see the impressive Cathedral, built upon the site of the original basilica erected over the Apostles tomb, with free time to explore in the afternoon. (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 6 – WED – SANTIAGO – OVIEDO
This morning we enjoy a scenic drive along the Costa Verde, the 'Green Coast' of Asturias, with glorious coastal vistas, before reaching its historic capital, Oviedo. This afternoon the local guide will show us one of the city's 9th century churches, built when the city was the capital of Christian Spain, the stately square, Plaza Alfonso II, the cathedral and the nearby streets with the typical 'cider bars'. Hotel: Santo Domingo Plaza. (Buffet breakfast, Three or four course table d'hote or buffet style dinner)
DAY 7 – THU – OVIEDO – SANTANDER
Today we explore the foothills of the superb Picos de Europa National Park where we see the ivy clad 'Roman Bridge' in the lovely resort of Cangas de Onis and visit the striking holy cave of Covadonga, shrine to Pelayo, in the place where this national hero achieved the first Christian victory over the Moors in 722. Later beautiful sandy coves, green hills and snow capped peaks delight us on the way to Santander where our hotel is situated in the elegant resort district of Sardinero. Hotel: Santemar. (Buffet breakfast, Three or four course table d'hote or buffet style dinner)
DAY 8 – FRI – SANTILLANA DEL MAR EXCURSION
We drive along the 'corniche road', with views of the great bay of Santander, before a short drive brings us to Santillana del Mar, which many writers have called 'the most beautiful village in Spain.' Here we stroll through the rustic cobblestone streets with stone houses decorated with carved heraldic symbols and reach the delightful church square. After time to explore we return to Santander where this afternoon there is the opportunity to visit Bilbao and the striking Guggenheim Museum. (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 9 – SAT – SANTANDER – MADRID
We cross the infinite horizons of the northern Meseta this morning. We stop around lunch time at Segovia, perched on its triangular rock. We see the Roman aqueduct, one of the finest in existence, however, it was during the 15th century that Segovia reached its golden age. There is time to explore the old town, before continuing to the spanish capital of Madrid. Hotel: NH Eurobuilding. (Buffet breakfast)
DAY 10 – SUN – MADRID SIGHTSEEING
Our guided sightseeing tour shows us the Gran Via and Paseo de la Castellana, the Cervantes Monument, the Puerta del Sol and the Cibeles Fountain. We then make a highlight visit inside the state apartments of the Royal Palace. Tonight we enjoy a highlight dinner with wine at a local restaurant. (Buffet breakfast, Speciality Highlight Dinner)
DAY 11 – MON – MADRID
Our tour ends with a transfer to the airport. (Buffet breakfast)
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