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Country
Roads of Portugal & Spain
11 Days
Highlights This tour moves at a comfortable,
leisurely pace with two nights in Lisbon, Santiago, Santander
and Madrid and an overnight stay in delightful Oporto.
Country Roads of Portugal & Spain
- Itinerary
DAY 1 – FRI – UK –
LISBON Welcome to Portugal!
After your scheduled flight to Lisbon airport, there are complimentary
transfers to the tour hotel at 09.30, 11.30, 13.30 & 15.30
hours. There is time to relax or explore before enjoying a
Welcome Drink with your Tour Director. Hotel: Marriott.
DAY
7 – THU – OVIEDO - SANTANDER Explore the foothills
of the Picos de Europa National Park and see the ivy clad
‘Roman Bridge’ in the lovely resort of Cangas de Onis. 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, sandy coves, green hills
and snow-capped peaks will delight you on the way to Santander,
where your hotel is in the elegant resort district of Sardinero.
Hotel: Santemar. (BB,D)
DAY 2 – SAT – LISBON
SIGHTSEEING A local guide takes you
along the spacious avenues of the Lower Town and across the
tree-shaded squares. Pass beneath the hilltop Bairro Alto
to the Terreiro do Paco, the finest square in the city which
was named after the palace which was destroyed in the terrible
earthquake of 1755. The tour continues into the Belem Quarter
to visit the 16th century Jeronimos Monastery with its superbly
ornate cloister and vaulted church of Santa Maria. See also
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. Spend the afternoon
at leisure: take the funicular up into the steep alleyways
of the Old Town, explore the terraces of the Alfama district
or join a tour to exotic Sintra and its royal summer residence.
(BB)
DAY
8 – FRI – SANTILLANA DEL MAR EXCURSION Drive along the ‘corniche road’, with views of the great bay of Santander, before a short drive leads to Santillana del Mar, which many writers have called the most beautiful village in Spain. Stroll through the cobblestone streets with stone houses decorated with carved heraldic symbols to reach the delightful church square. After time to explore, return to Santander where you will have the opportunity to visit Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum. (BB)
DAY
3 – SUN – LISBON - OPORTO Head north to the fortified city of Obidos and walk inside its walls to explore the craft shops, art galleries and flower-decked houses that line the narrow, medieval streets. Continue to Batalha to visit the Royal Chapel in the ornate Gothic monastery before making your way to miraculous Fatima to join the pilgrims flocking into the great Basilica. It is here that a vision of Mary is reputed to have appeared before three local children. Stay the night in Portugal’s second largest city and the capital of the north, Oporto. Hotel: Le Meridien Park Atlantic. (BB,D)
DAY
9 – SAT – SANTANDER - MADRID Cross the infinite horizons of the northern Meseta and stop to visit Segovia, perched on its triangular rock. See the Roman aqueduct, one of the finest in the world, and immerse yourself in the city’s 15th century golden age. Take time to explore the Old Town before continuing to the spanish capital of Madrid. Hotel: NH Eurobuilding. (BB)
DAY
4 – MON – OPORTO - SANTIAGO Join your Tour Director to see the Vila Nova de Gaia wine stores which house the famous port wines. Admire the multi-coloured houses and churches covered in glazed tiles before heading north to the old fishing town of Viana do Castelo. Wander the pedestrian streets of the old quarter and admire the 16th century buildings before crossing the Spanish border to Santiago de Compostela. One of Spain’s most remarkable cities, a local guide will acquaint you with its buildings and heritage. See the impressive Cathedral, built upon the site of the original basilica erected over the tomb of Apostle St James. Hotel: NH Obradoiro. (BB,D)
DAY
10 – SUN – MADRID SIGHTSEEING A guided sightseeing tour introduces you to the Gran Via and Paseo de la Castellana, the Cervantes Monument, the Puerta del Sol and the Cibeles Fountain. Make a Highlight visit inside the state apartments of the Royal Palace before enjoying a Highlight Dinner with wine at a local restaurant. (BB,HD)
DAY 5 – TUE – SANTIAGO
AT LEISURE Today is at leisure to do as you please! There is the option to take an excursion to the spectacular ‘Rias Altas’ which are green-clad, fjord-like estuaries and the fascinating coastal city of Corunna with its Roman lighthouse. On your return there is still time to explore Santiago’s charming little lanes, squares and shops. (BB)
DAY
11 – MON – MADRID - UK The tour ends with transfers
to the airport at 0700, 0900, 1100 (BB)
DAY
6 – WED – SANTIAGO - OVIEDO Enjoy a scenic drive along the Costa Verde, the ‘Green Coast’ of Asturias, with glorious coastal vistas, before reaching its historic capital, Oviedo. A local guide will show you a 9th century church which was built when the city was the capital of Christian Spain; see also the stately square, Plaza Alfonso II, the cathedral and the nearby streets and their ‘cider bars’. Hotel: Santa Domingo Plaza.
(BB,D)
Highlights
of Spain
Departure Dates & Prices 2008 - Tour Code E931
A 7% discount pp can be claimed off the brochure prices
below
WHEN BOOKING Quote Travel 55 Ref T55IN plus the Tour Code E931 Contact Insight Vacations on 01475 741203
To book or to check availability Contact Insight Vacations on 01475
741203
Quote Travel 55 Ref T55IN plus the Holiday Code
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