| 11 Days ~
Portugal ~ Spain
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
Welcome to Portugal! On
arrival at Lisbon airport, there are complimentary transfers to the tour
hotel. There is time to relax or explore before enjoying a Welcome Drink
with your Tour Director. Hotel: Marriott.
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. (Buffet breakfast)
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. (Buffet breakfast, dinner)
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.
(Buffet breakfast, dinner)
DAY 5 – TUE –
SANTIAGO SIGHTSEEING
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.
(Buffet breakfast)
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. (Buffet breakfast, dinner)
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. (Buffet breakfast,
dinner)
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. (Buffet breakfast)
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. (Buffet breakfast)
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. (Buffet breakfast, Specialty
Highlight Dinner)
DAY 11 – MON –
MADRID
Our tour ends with a
transfer to the airport. (Buffet breakfast) |
