DAYS
FROM ONLY £809
SANTIAGO, BILBAO & THE HIGHLIGHTS OF CASTILE & LEÓN
• Return flights plus seven nights' four-star accommodation with breakfast and four dinners
• Visit to Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum • Tour of one of Rioja’s most famous vineyards
• Guided tour of Burgos and visit to the outstanding Gothic Cathedral
• Tour of León, with some of Europe’s earliest Romanesque buildings
• Tour Picos de Europa, a splendid national park with some of Europe’s most breathtaking alpine scenery
• Guided tour of the medieval gem of Santiago de Compostela
• Escorted by our experienced Tour Manager
‘Mariners returning from the New World glimpsed ‘Picos de Europa’ – ‘Europe’s peaks’ and knew they were home! Discover its amazing cities, wonderful Riojas, outstanding art, unique cuisine and you will appreciate why
DAY 1 - ARRIVAL IN BILBAO You should arrive at the airport for your flight to Santander. On arrival a coach will then take you to Bilbao. We stay overnight at the centrally-located, four-star Hotel Hesperia Bilbao.
DAY 2 - BILBAO Previously little known outside its own country, Bilbao exploded onto the cultural map with the opening of the magnificent Guggenheim Museum, nestling on the banks of the River Nervión and we enjoy a visit this morning. Leaving Bilbao, crossing the watershed of the mighty River Ebro we are soon surrounded by vineyards of the legendary Rioja wine region. We have a guided tour of one of Rioja’s most revered bodegas (wineries), Bodegas Bilbaínas, naturally, the tour ends with a tasting! We soon arrive at Burgos staying two nights at the modern, four-star Abba Hotel set in its own gardens, with indoor pool. We dine here this evening.
DAY 3 - BURGOS After breakfast we tour Burgos which began as a 9th century fortress between the Moors to the south and the Kingdom of Navarre. Today Burgos is an incredible revelation, the twisting streets of its old quarter dominated by fine religious buildings, including the huge and imposing Cathedral, a true Gothic masterpiece. This afternoon, you are free
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to explore. This evening we visit a fine restaurant specialising in Castilian dishes.
DAY 4 - PICOS DE EUROPA Today we experience a spectacular scenic drive through the heart of one of Europe’s smallest, yet most spectacular mountain ranges; the Alpine masterpiece of Picos de Europa is a stunning extension of the Pyrenees. Founded by the Romans, Leon was once capital of Christian Spain and during the 10th century spearheaded the country’s re- conquest from the Moors, reaching its zenith 200 years later. Our hotel for this evening is the modern, centrally-located, four-star AC, a member of one of Spain’s most respected hotel companies.
DAY 5 - LEON This morning we include a guided sightseeing tour of the city known by many as the “Cradle of Parliamentarism” because it was here in 1188 that King Alfonso IX held what some describe as Europe’s first Parliament. Due to the city’s strategic location on the Camino de Santiago pilgrim route, León is incredibly well-endowed with fine religious buildings including its superb Cathedral. But León is not all Churches, you will also see the flamboyant Casa Botines – one of only three Gaudi creations outside Catalonia, plus the classic Plaza Mayor main square. This afternoon we drive through increasingly
hilly topography before arriving in Santiago de Compostela late afternoon. Our hotel for the next three nights is either the four-star superior AC Palacio del Carmen Autograph Collection or the NH Collection Santiago depending on your selected date. We dine in the hotel this evening.
DAY 6 - SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA There is no doubt that Santiago de Compostela, has a very special place in the history of tourism. Indeed, it was one of the world’s first “tourist” destinations, hosting more than two million pilgrims annually during medieval times, surpassed only by Rome and Jerusalem. It has to be said though, the actual legend of the burial place of St James the Apostle here really is on shaky ground as you will discover on our guided tour. The rest of today is free for you to explore more of the delightful city centre at your leisure.
DAY 7 - FREE DAY Enjoy a full day exploring more of Santiago. This evening we have arranged an included dinner in one of the excellent local restaurants.
DAY 8 - RETURN FLIGHT Today you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight.
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