12 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 – THU – DEPART USA
Overnight flight
to Lisbon.
DAY 2 – 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 3 – 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 Jeronimo's 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 4 – 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 5 – 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-colored 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 6 – 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 7 – 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)
DAY 8 – 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 9 – 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 10 – 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 11 – 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 12 – MON – RETURN
TO USA
The tour ends with transfers to the airport. (BB)
