Itinerary - Treasures of Northern Spain - 14 Days

Departing Santiago de Compostela MAY 25 2012 - Guaranteed Departure

 

 

Day 1 – Friday 25 May - Porto - Santiago de Compostela

 

If you have travelled with us through Portugal on our Discover Portugal Tour you will say goodbye this morning to those tour members who are not continuing on to Spain. Between Porto and Santiago you will take in some of the spectacular scenery before arriving later in the afternoon in Santiago de Compostela. 

 

You may of course be joining the tour here in Santiago.  On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

 

Santiago de Compostella is located in the north-west of Spain and is the capital of Galicia. It is famous for the Cathedral of Saint James, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ.

Many visitors come to this area to walk a part of the Camino de Santiago (the Way of St. James) - a large network of ancient pilgrim routes stretching across Europe and coming together at the tomb of St. James (Santiago in Spanish) in Santiago de Compostela   

 

This evening we gather for our first meal together to get to know each other a little better and exchange “travel stories”.

D

 

Day 2 – Saturday 26 May – Santiago de Compostela

 

The magical medieval city of Santiago was until the 18^th century the most popular pilgrimage centre in the entire Christian world.  It remains a bewitching and alluring town that combines majestic medieval architecture with a buzzing café culture and a storybook city centre.

This morning our expert local guide will take us through the ancient lanes, visit the open air markets of Los Abastos and of course the Cathedral where St. James’ remains lie. We visit the museum of Pobo Galego which offers good insight to the Galician way of life and especially the influence of the sea in the Galecian culture

 

This afternoon is free to wander the lanes of Santiago.

B

 

Day 3 – Sunday 27 May – Santiago de Compostela

 

Today with our guide we will learn more of the ancient Camino De Santiago; the walk of St James, a pilgrimage which for many finishes here in Santiago de Compostela.  Today many do this walk for their own sense of achievement and self-reflection.

 

Of course we will have time today for our own explorations and visits to those places we wanted more time in yesterday.

B

 

 

 

 

Day 4 – Monday 28 May – Santiago de Compostela – Ribadeo

 

After breakfast we will continue to Ribadeo along the Costa Lucense, in the Rias Altas (Higher Estuaries) all the way to Ribadeo. Approx. 203 Km.

The headlands and cliffs of the Rias Altas are dotted with many charming fishing villages, such as Ribadeo and the famous beach of “As Catedrais” and Foz. We may also choose to visit the medieval walled town of Viveiro, which still preserves much of its old world charm.  
Our accommodation is in the delightful Lugo’s fishing town of Ribadeo at the wonderful Parador of Ribadeo.

 

The Parador occupies a large Galician house at the mouth of the Eo, a marine and tourist enclave on the border of the Asturian coast. Its magnificent position, on the Asturian outskirts of Galicia, allows us to contemplate unique views of the Galician countryside, the Eo estuary and the small Asturian villages on the other shore; those which can be seen from the dining room are extraordinary. A marine style prevails on the inside, with an air of grace and elegance. The bedrooms are friendly and comfortable, and some have splendid panoramic views. The restaurant offers traditional Galician cuisine with dishes such as savory pies, pork shoulder, seafood and hearty Galician broths.

Dinner will be served at the Parador

B, D

 

 

Cudillero

 

 

Day 5 – Tuesday 29 May – Ribadeo – Cudillero - Gijón

 

This morning we leave Ribadeo and the headlands and cliffs of the Rias Altas and travel to the city of Gijón.

 

On the way we should stop at the small, picturesque fishing port of Cudillero which sits on the side of a mountain!  Outstanding are its hanging houses with eaves and brightly-coloured windows perched on a horseshoe of steep cliffs around the port. Truly unique!

We may also stop in Aviles and enjoy its beautiful old quarter.

 

In the afternoon we arrive in the city of Gijón.    There is time to explore the  Cimadevilla neighbourhood, the Atlantic Botanical Garden and the Laboral Centre, a Classical-style complex, now converted into a major cultural centre. Evening at leisure in Gijón.

B

 

 

Playa de San Lorenzo- Gijón

 

 

Day 6 – Wednesday 30 May – Gijón

 

Today we spend the day discovering the beautiful Asturian Cultural landscape.

 

We visit Covadonga where the Re-conquest began under king Pelayo, whose remains are buried in the cave alongside La Santina (The Little Holy One). In 722, Don Pelayo's small Christian brigade hid there from a much larger Arab army, living on honey in the rocks. As Alkamán's forces approached, Pelayo and his men sent up a continual prayer to the Virgin for help. A wind arose and sent the missiles directed toward the cave back to their source in a thick volley. As the Moors retreated in disarray, Pelayo advanced. Alkamán died along with most of his forces, the rest of which fled to the valley, where they were buried by an avalanche. This legendary Spanish victory, considered the beginning of the Reconquest, made remote Covadonga one of the best known shrines in Spain.  The basilica, alongside the cave where pilgrims venerate the statue of La Santina, is a place of worship and pilgrimage for the people of Asturias.

 

The basilica at Covadonga

 

The basilica is in neo-Romanesque style, with two high towers flanking the main entrance. Inside there are works of great value, such as a canvass by Madrazo. The statue of king Pelayo is in the square by the basilica. The statue of La Santina, the tomb of king Pelayo and that of king Alfonso I, are in a cave, with access via a large staircase. A spring flows out of the cave and below this there is a fountain with seven spouts. On the altar, a gold panel represents the battle of Covadonga.

 

For those who are not interested in the Covadonga cave, this is also the gateway to the Picos de Europa National Park.  Option: Hiking in Picos de Europa

 

Evening at leisure in Gijón

B

 

Day 7 – Thursday 31 May – Gijón – Santillana

 

Today we leave Gijón and continue our travels to Santillana del Mar visiting on the way the Modernist town of Comillas.

 

At the end of the 19th century, Comillas was chosen by the royal family as their holiday destination, and the city was decked out accordingly. In the space of a few years, the town was transformed with buildings by the modernist architects of Catalonia. Amongst these, special mention should be made of Antonio Gaudí, who designed a palace in neo-Arabic style, characterised by its spectacular contrast of colours. It is known as the "Capricho de Gaudí" (Gaudi's whim) in Comillas. When you see it, you will be left in no doubt as to the town's unique charm.

 

El Capricho de Gaudi- Comillas

 

In the afternoon we continue to Santillana del Mar and our hotel the Parador Santillana Gil Blas.

 

The famous Parador Santillana Gil Blas Hotel is in a 17th - 18th Century Stately Home, a lovely mansion of the Barreda-Bracho family, in the square of Santillana del Mar. The mansion has been declared a National Monument, whose origins go back to the 7th century. The grand entrance leads to open, welcoming public spaces, with wooden floors and traditional decoration and furniture.

In the afternoon, you will have time to explore this wonderful city with your guide. 

B

 

Day 8 – Friday 1 June - Santillana – Bilbao

 

This morning we leave Santillana for our journey to Bilbao.  Along the way we stop in the elegant city of Santander.

 

 

Santander extends over a wide bay with views of the Cantabrian Sea. Its historic quarter includes a group of majestic buildings which are situated against an incredible natural backdrop of sea and mountains. Its marine and commercial tradition is linked to a century old history of tourism, which has its main attractions in the famous El Sardinero beach, the promenade and the La Magdalena peninsula.

We will have time to explore this wonderful city with our guide.

 

In the afternoon we arrive in Bilbao and check in at the Hotel Hesperia Bilbao.

 

 

Combining avant-garde design with a superb location across from the Guggenheim, the newly-built Hesperia Bilbao is a luxury hotel just 200 meters from the main shopping area.

You’ll find plenty to do just outside the doors and our evening at leisure in Bilbao.

B

 

Day 9 – Saturday 2 June – Bilbao – San Sebastian

 

This morning we will meet our expert guide for a private tour of the Guggenheim Museum.

 

 

The Guggenheim designed by Frank O. Leary is a masterpiece of design and a wonder of construction.  Our guide will introduce us to this amazing titanium clad building and its extraordinary combination of interconnecting shapes.   The museum is home to an intriguing collection of vanguard works from the 19^th and 20^th centuries.

 

This afternoon is free to continue your visit at the Guggenheim or explore Bilbao further.

B

 

 

Day 10 – Sunday 3 June – Bilbao

 

This morning we tour Bilbao to discover its other treasures beside the Guggenheim.

 

In an amazing short time Bilbao has successfully transformed itself from an industrial city to a buzzing cultural capital.  The Guggenheim is undoubtedly the flagship of this change.

Even with this transformation Bilbao has not lost sight of its roots. We visit the opera house and the Cathedral de Santiago within the historical quarter.

 

This evening we will visit some of the local bars to enjoy a selection of pintxos.  Wherever you go in the Basque region you will be “confronted” by a large array of pintxos.  Similar to the Tapas these are the local equivalent but with a local touch.

B

 

 

Day 11 – Monday 4 June – Bilbao – San Sebastian

 

We leave Bilbao this morning after a leisurely breakfast for our short drive to San Sebastian. 

 

Just 40 kilometres from San Sebastian we stop for a visit to a family run winery, in this, the smallest wine region producing region in Spain.  Produced on the breathtaking Basque coast the Txakoli wine makers have to fight the elements (salt air, Atlantic winds, and cold temperatures) to make their white wines.  Txakoli are a genuine Basque product and proud of it.

 

In the afternoon we arrive in wonderful San Sebastian.  Situated on the coast, surrounded by rolling hills, the attractive city of San Sebastián (or Donostia) sits on a stunning circular bay known as La Concha. La Concha is in fact just one of four beaches in the city, but La Concha remains the undisputed sovereign.

 

We join our local guide tonight for an “Insiders Pintxos Tour” of San Sebastian.  Such is the fervour of the residents of this city for Pintxos and their gastronomy, each year they have a big competition amongst the man bars to see who can design the tastiest and most original pintxos.   The winner proudly displays they award and certain bars are well known for one particular pintxos.

B, Pintxos Tour

B,D

 

Day 12 – Tuesday 5 June – San Sebastian

 

Basque men gather at sociedades gastronómicas to cook, eat, drink, sing, and socialize. (Until recently, women were excluded). These clubs have nurtured the Basque culinary tradition, resulting in the current proliferation of top restaurants in and around San Sebastian. It is estimated that over 160 sociedades gastronómicas co-exist and today we have arranged private access to the most prestigious gastronomic society of them all.

Accompanied by our guide and translator, we will enter and learn about the society from the inside.

 

The afternoon is free for our own adventures and you might like the optional hiking along the Basque coastline.

 

This wonderfully inviting hike takes you from the heart of San Sebastian to the fishing village of Pasajes de San Juan. As you climb up the Monte Ulia overlooking the city, the views of the city and its spectacular situation become more and more glorious. Behind the beautiful beaches and the historic centre of San Sebastian, you’ll be able to appreciate the mountainous landscape of the Basque Country which many talk about but few are able to see at first hand.
B,L

 

Day 13 – Wednesday 6 June – San Sebastian – La Rioja

This morning we travel to La Rioja’s traditional wine capital Haro. 

 

Our first winery of the day is one of the historical wineries in Rioja, dating back to the second half of the nineteenth century. It has remained in the same family for many generations with Don Rafael Lopez de Heredia and his sons and daughters currently steering it successfully into the 21st century.

 

Astonishingly, as you will see, the family absolutely insists on and firmly believes in employing traditional methods in all facets of the wine making, including their very own in-house coopers or barrel makers – a sight to behold! Indeed, tradition oozes from every nook and cranny here… very unique in every way.

And who’s to blame them, their trademark wine, the famous Viña Tondonia, has an avid base not only in Spain but worldwide.  It remains one of the few wineries still producing aged white wines.

 

The tour takes you through a labyrinth of underground caves excavated in the rock, home to more than 15,000 oak barrels used for ageing their wines.  This is a fascinating visit which culminates in the stunning new reception area, where you can enjoy a short tasting of two of its most emblematic wines.

 

Tonight is our last evening before each of us leave for new adventures. 

This is time to exchange stories, talk about what we loved of this unique part of Spain and enjoy a final dinner in this remarkable country.

B,L

 

 

Day 14 – Thursday 7 June – San Sebastian

 

Today we say goodbye to this wondrous region of Spain; richer for the experience of the country and new friends.

B

 

Costs and Additional Details

 

 

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch and D=Dinner

When the above abbreviations follow the Itinerary Description it denotes that these meals are included in the cost of the Tour.

 

 

Tour Inclusions

 

Meals                          As listed in Itinerary - All Breakfasts - Lunches and Dinners as noted.

 Services                       An Australian Tour Manager and a Registered English speaking Spanish guide plus Expert local guides

                                                          

 Fees                Excursions and Tours (As per Itinerary)

                        All Entrance Fees (As per Itinerary) unless otherwise noted.

                       

Costs               Based on Share Twin/Double room
Single cost option subject to availability of single rooms.

Tour Exclusions

 

Meals                Other than those listed in Itinerary

 

Tips                  It is custom to tip both the Guide and the Driver.  Guidelines will be advised with departure documents.

 

Airfares             Group Airfare is available for those departing Australia on the group departure date if there are sufficient numbers.  Alternatively we can assist with the airfare most suited to your needs.

 

Options             We can assist with a custom designed itinerary to meet your needs for you time overseas

Misc.                 Items of a personal nature such as laundry, dry cleaning, personal accident and medical expenses, incidental expenses, taxi fares (where not part of a regular transfer), telephone and internet communication charges, excess baggage.