DAY
1, SATURDAY: EN ROUTE
Depart your home city, possibly via connection,
on an overnight trans-Atlantic flight.
DAY
2, SUNDAY: MADRID
Arrival at Madrid airport. You will be transferred
to your First Class hotel. In the early evening,
enjoy an "Illuminated Madrid" drive
through the bustling streets of the old city,
ending at the historical and impressive Plaza
Mayor. This area is home to some of the most
typical restaurants and taverns, which serve
the delicious "tapas". Premium
Package includes a Tapas Dinner tonight.
Return to your hotel at your own convenience.
Accommodations.
DAY
3, MONDAY: MADRID
Buffet breakfast. This morning's escorted
sightseeing tour will allow you to get a glimpse
of some of Madrid's most outstanding attractions,
like the Puerta del Sol, the magnificent fountains
of Neptune and Cibeles, Alcala Gate, the Plaza
de Espaņa and the Plaza de Oriente. Free time
for luncheon on your own.
Premium Package includes a Paella Lunch
today. Highly recommended this
afternoon, is an optional
(included in Premium Package) tour
to the Imperial former capital city of Toledo,
where you will be escorted through its narrow
cobblestone streets. Touring will include
the interior of the magnificent Gothic cathedral
and a visit to St. Tome Church, where El Greco's
masterpiece painting is displayed. Return
to Madrid for accommodations
DAY
4, TUESDAY: MADRID-SEGOVIA-AVILA-SALAMANCA
Buffet breakfast. Departure by private, luxury
air-conditioned motorcoach. Your knowledgeable
and experienced accompanying guide will point
out sights of interest as you cross Guadarrama
mountains into old Castile. In Segovia, admire
the 2000-year-old Roman aqueduct and the spectacular
Alcazar Castle. Continue to Avila, completely
encircled by 11th century city walls. Free
time for luncheon on your own and exploring
its historical quarter. Premium
Package includes luncheon today.
Continue to Salamanca for overnight accommodations.
DAY
5, WEDNESDAY: SALAMANCA-ZAMORA-LEON
Buffet breakfast. Morning walking tour including
the university and the House of Shells. Depart
to pre-Roman Zamora, with free time in its
historical quarter for exploring and lunch
on your own. Premium
Package includes luncheon today.
Later, continue to aristocratic Leon for overnight
accommodations.
DAY
6, THURSDAY: LEON-OURENSE-RIAS BAIXAS
Buffet breakfast. Departure westward into
Galicia, part of Green Spain. Continue to
the lower Rias. Overnight will be in one of
the picturesque towns typical of the region.
Accommodations. Premium
Package includes dinner tonight.
DAY
7, FRIDAY: RIAS BAIXAS-SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA-RIAS
BAIXAS
Buffet breakfast. Departure to Santiago de
Compostela, destination for pilgrims since
medieval times. Enjoy an escorted tour of
the old quarter. Free time to explore its
quaint arcaded streets and have lunch on your
own, enjoying the delicious Galician cuisine
(strong on seafood). Premium
Package includes luncheon today.
Later, return to the hotel in the Rias Baixas
area. Accommodations.
DAY
8, SATURDAY: RIAS BAIXAS-GUIMARAES- PORTO
Buffet breakfast. Crossing the Miņo River
into Portugal for a brief visit to the shrine
town of Braga. Continue to historical Guimaraes.
Free time to explore. Later, continue to Oporto,
Portugal's second city, on the banks of the
Douro River. Free afternoon. Premium
Package includes dinner tonight.
DAY
9, SUNDAY: OPORTO - COIMBRA - FATIMA - OBIDOS
- LISBON
Buffet breakfast. Departure to Coimbra, site
of one of the world's oldest universities.
Free time and continue south to the famous
shrine, Fatima. Free time, perhaps to visit
the huge basilica and have lunch on your own.
Premium Package includes luncheon in Fatima.
Later, visit the walled village of Obidos,
before continuing to Lisbon. Accommodations.
DAY
10, MONDAY: LISBON
Buffet breakfast. Morning tour of beautiful
Lisbon, including the Tower of Belem, the
Monument to the Discoverers and the inspiring
Jeronimos Monastery. Afternoon free, with
an optional tour to the charming villages
of Sintra (in the hills) and Cascais (seaside).
Premium Package includes
this afternoon tour.
This evening, in Lisbon, there will be an
optional opportunity to visit a Fado Restaurant
and Show, where you will hear the plaintive
folk music sung. Fado
Show and dinner included in Premium Package.
Accommodations.
DAY
11, TUESDAY: LISBON - ELVAS - MADRID
Buffet breakfast. Departure eastward, pausing
in the medieval fortress city of Elvas. Free
time for exploring and for lunch on your own.
Premium Package includes
luncheon today. Continue to Madrid.
Accommodations.
DAY
12, WEDNESDAY: EN ROUTE
Buffet breakfast. Transfer to Madrid airport
at the proper time for return flight home.
|
