Sightseeing Highlights
• Royal Palace, Madrid
• Cathedral of Avila, Avila
• Carmelite Convent, Alba de Tormes
• Old & New Cathedral, Salamanca
• Santa Maria de Leon Cathedral, Leon
• Mass at St. James Cathedral, Santiago de Compostela
• Gothic Cathedral, Burgos
• Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, Zaragoza
• Benedictine Monastery, Montserrat
• Sagrada Familia Basilica, Barcelona

Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival
Depart the USA to Spain. Your flight includes meals, drinks, and in-flight entertainment for your journey.

Day 2: Madrid
Arrive and transfer to your hotel. Balance of the day at leisure. This evening, enjoy an orientation meeting with your tour escort, followed by a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 3: Madrid
This morning, enjoy a panoramic sightseeing tour of Madrid. On this exciting drive through Spain's Capital, you'll pass the decorated avenues of Gran Via and Castellana, as well as the world-famous squares of Plaza de Espana, de Oriente, Plaza Mayor Puerta del Sol, Atocha, Neptuno, Cibeles, Puerta de Alcala, Colon, and Plaza Castilla. The tour continues on a guided visit of Madrid's Royal Palace, considered by many one of the finest palaces in Europe. The afternoon is free at leisure to explore Madrid on your own.

Day 4: Salamanca
Today, depart Madrid and drive to the ancient city of Avila, birthplace of St. Teresa of Avila. Upon arrival, enjoy a tour of the city, including a visit to the Gothic Cathedral, believed to be the oldest in Spain, and the convents of La Santa and La Encarnacion. After lunch at local restaurant, continue to Alba de Tormes where you will visit the Tomb of St. Teresa of Avila and the Carmelite Convent. Proceed to the autonomous community of Salamanca, the University city which nutured such students as Ignatius Loyola, the founder of the Jesuit order, Servantes, and St. John of the Cross.

Day 5: Leon
This morning's tour of Salamanca takes you into the heart of the city. Considered one of the most fascinating Renaissance cities in Europe, Salamanca is home to Spain's oldest Christian university, founded in 1218 by Alfonso IX of Leon. Here, you'll tour the Old and New Cathedrals, as well as the University, before continuing to the celebrated city of Leon.

Day 6: Leon
On this morning's tour of Leon, view the old quarter, San Marcos Hospital, the Old Town Hall, and the Roman Walls. Continue to visit San Isidro Church and the Santa Maria de Leon Cathedral. A true masterpiece of Gothic architectural design, the Leon Cathedral features some of the finest stained glass window work in the world. Continue to Santiago de Compostela

Day 7: Santiago de Compostela
Attend morning Mass at St. James Cathedral, followed by a tour of the cathedral, one of history's true pilgrimage destinations. View the relics of St. James the Apostle, then continue on an orientation tour of the city. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to explore Santiago on your own.

Day 8: Santander
Today, depart Santiago and drive along the Cantabrian Coast, stopping in La Coruna and Oviedo, where you will visit two of the most magnificent pre-Romanesque churches: Santa Maria del Naranco and San Miguel de Lillo. After lunch, proceed to Gijon, Asturias' largest city, well-known for its beautiful beaches. Continue to Santander this afternoon.

Day 9: Burgos
Depart Santander for Burgos. Founded in the 9th century, Burgos was the seat of a Catholic bishop since the 10th century and later became the capital of the Kingdom of Castile. Situated in the Pilgrim's Road to Santiago de Compostela, Burgos still preserves its medieval splendor, as it is home to more ecclesiastical monuments than any other Spanish city. Upon arrival, enjoy a panoramic tour of the city, followed by Mass at the Cathedral of Burgos, the only cathedral to be designated a stand-alone UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 10: Pamplona
Today we travel to Pamplona, the most important pilgrimage stop on the Road to Santiago. Today, the city is also famous for the annual encierro, or "running of the bulls." After lunch at local restaurant, enjoy a tour of this charming medieval town. Proceed to Zaragoza for dinner and overnight.

Day 11: Zaragoza
After morning mass, enjoy an orientation of the city including a visit to the one of the world's largest Marian Shrines, the Gothic Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar. This impressive structure, built in the Baroque style, is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, as she appeared in the flesh before the apostle St. James the Greater alongside the River Ebro. Depart Zaragoza and enjoy a relaxing drive along the picturesque villages of the province to reach Montserrat. Upon arrival, you will visit the Monastery and listen to the famous Basilica choir boy performances of Gregorian chants and choral music (subject to scheduling). Enjoy lunch on your own before continuing to Barcelona.

Day 12: Barcelona
This morning's city tour of Barcelona includes panoramic views of the Harbor area, Montjuic, Plaza de España, and Plaza de Catalunya. Afterwards, continue on a guided walk through the Gothic Quarter to visit the cathedral and to view Gaudi's Sagrada Familia, a beautiful, unfinished Roman Catholic basilica of impressive proportions. Spend the afternoon at leisure exploring the colorful markets of Las Ramblas.

Day 13: Departure
Transfer to the airport for your return flight home.


Tour Pricing

Rates are per person for double occupancy. Single and triple occupancy rates available on request.

By e-mail:
marylyn@casaq.com

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