Detailed Itinerary - Heritage Tours Private Travel

JOURNEY ALONG THE CAMINO
(SAMPLE ITINERARY)
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Day 1:
Arrival in Madrid, where you will transfer to your flight to San Sebastian.
Upon arrival at San Sebastian’s airport, you will pick up your mid-size rental
car (manual transmission) and will drive to your hotel.
You will check in at the Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra, a charming and
historic hotel on the seafront. The hotel has been beautifully renovated, but
its old-world elegance still recalls the era of travel by ocean liner and steam
train.
• You will stay in a sea-view room.
You will have the evening at leisure to relax and rejuvenate.
Overnight: Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra – sea-view room.
Day 2:
Breakfast at your hotel.
Today you will enjoy a half-day tour of San Sebastian (increasingly known as
Donostia, its Basque name).
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The elegant buildings along San Sebastian’s promenade recall the 19
century, when the town became Spain’s most fashionable resort and
attracted royalty from all over Europe. Today it continues to attract
vacationers,
vacationers , as well as celebrities who attend the prestigious San
Sebastian International Film Festival each September.
Highlights include the seaside promenade, the picturesque fishing harbor,
and the bustling historic quarter.
You might stroll along the Alameda del Boulevard, a lively area of cafes,
restaurants, and shops.
Farther west, you will find the busy fishing harbor—as well as a contemporary
architectural landmark. Rafael Moneo designed the Kursaal Palacio, a cultural
center made of giant glass cubes.
As evening falls, you will participate in a treasured San Sebastian ritual:
Strolling through town to sample pintxos (as tapas are locally known),
accompanied by Spanish wines and local specialties, such as hard cider and
txakoli, a slightly effervescent dry white wine.
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Day 2 (continued):
The pintxos in San Sebastian are considered to be among the best in Spain,
and you will sample them in some of San Sebastian’s best local
establishments.
Overnight: Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra – sea-view room.
Day 3:
Breakfast at your hotel.
Depart San Sebastian and drive to Bilbao.
Upon arrival, you will meet your expert guide for a two-hour private tour of
the Guggenheim Museum. The collection includes works by major modern
and contemporary artists, such as Kandinsky, Klee, and Warhol.
The spectacular Guggenheim building, created by renowned architect
Frank Gehry, put Bilbao “on the map” after its inauguration in the late
titanium--clad mega1990’s. Posed against a bend in the river, the titanium
mega monument has attracted visitors
vis itors in droves, and has become one of the
world’s “must“must -see” buildings.
It has also sparked a renaissance in Bilbao. Gritty industrial buildings have
been scrubbed clean and converted into highhigh -priced loft apartments.
Great tapas bars and restaurants have opened.
After your tour, you may wish to explore more of Bilbao on your own. Other
renowned architects have designed buildings in Bilbao. Calatrava created
both the Zubi Zuri (white bridge), ten minutes from the Guggenheim, and
the city’s airport. Sir Norman Foster designed Bilbao’s new subway system.
You might visit the Museo de Bellas Artes. The museum houses a collection of
works by Flemish, French, Italian and Spanish painters (including El Greco,
Goya, Velázquez and Zurbaran) as well as modern Basque artists.
You can take a stroll through the casco viejo, or old town.
Near the Zubi Zuri Bridge, you will find the Artxanda funicular; the funicular
will take you uphill for a panoramic view of the city.
When you are ready, you will self-drive south, approximately one hour and 15
minutes.
Upon arrival in Elciego, you will check in at the Hotel Marqués de Riscal, an
architectural masterpiece designed by Frank Gehry, the Canadian-born
architect whose dramatic Guggenheim Museum dominates the cityscape of
Bilbao.
Traveling is like
falling in love,
the world is made
new again.
- Jan Myrdal
Day 3 (continued):
Set within the vineyards of Spain’s oldest wine producer, the hotel unites two
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existing sandstone buildings from the 19 century with a unique, winged,
three-story design in red stone, aluminum and titanium (Gehry’s inspiration
was a wine bottle).
You will have the remainder of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Marques de Riscal.
Day 4:
Breakfast at your hotel.
Today, you have a full-day to visit the famed Rioja wineries with your
driver/escort host who is knowledgeable about the wines of the region.
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In the 19th century, French vintners fleeing a devastating phylloxera
epidemic brought their aging techniques across the Pyrenees to La Rioja.
Combined with local grapes, these techniques produced deep, oaky red
wines that have made La
L a Rioja a draw for wine lovers from around the
world.
La Rioja is a large area with hundreds of bodegas (wineries). We will select
several of the first-class estates for you to visit.
First you may visit La Rioja’s traditional wine capital Haro. Your first winery of
the day is one of the most historical wineries in Rioja, dating back to the
second half of the 19th century. It has remained in the same family
throughout many generations. The family insists on using only traditional
methods in all facets of the wine making, including employing their very own
in-house barrel makers. Tradition oozes from every nook and cranny here.
Your visit takes you through a labyrinth of underground caves excavated in
the rock, home to more than 15,000 oak barrels that are used for ageing their
wines.
After your tour, enjoy a traditional lunch at the winery.
You will continue to one of Spain’s most modern and innovative wineries,
Ysios. Designed by the Spanish architect, Santiago de Calatrava, the winery
takes the form of an extraordinary, curving and rippling shape that is set
against the backdrop of the wavy Cantabrian Mountains.
Your guide will take you through the wine-making process, including the
carefully monitored stainless steel tanks, their temperature is controlled by a
constant stream of water bathing the exterior of each tank.
Day 4 (continued):
This afternoon, make your way to Lagaurdia, to enjoy a short stroll.
Laguardia is also home to the third, and final, winery visit of the day. Here
you will discover a subterranean wine cellar six yards beneath the historic
home of Félix María Sánchez Samaniego, the famous Spanish writer.
Laguardia is also home to the third and final winery visit of the day. Here
you will discover a subterranean wine cellar six yards beneath the historic
home of Félix María Sánchez Samaniego, the famous Spanish writer.
• If you would like this tour to focus on any specific vintners, please advise
us in advance.
• Please note that the winery visits included may vary depending on
availability.
Following your tour, you will say goodbye to your guide/ driver and have the
remainder of the day at leisure to enjoy your hotel.
Overnight: Marques de Riscal.
Day 5:
Breakfast at your hotel.
After breakfast, begin your journey along the camino toward Leon. The total
driving time is about three hours.
On your way, we suggest you stop in the town of Burgos.
Once the capital of the mighty kingdom of Old Castile, Burgos was an
considered
red one
important stop along the Camino of Santiago. Burgos is conside
of the finest and bestbest -preserved Gothic cities in all of Europe,
Europe, and its
cathedral is considered to be the greatest Gothic cathedral in Spain.
Visit Burgos’ grandest monastery, the Royal Monastery of Santa María la Real
de las Huelgas. This 12th century nunnery admitted only women of the highest
social status. The abbess was second in rank to the Queen of Spain.
You may also wish to visit the famed monastery of La Cartuja de Miraflores.
Built by Queen Isabella as a memorial to her parents, the sculptures of Juan II
and his Queen are considered to be the most elaborate tombs in Europe.
Burgos is also home to an impressive Cathedral, Spain's third largest. The
most famous architects and designers of the 11th century contributed to build
this masterpiece. The cathedral is on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list, and
is one of the jewels of universal Gothic architecture.
Upon arrival in Leon, check into the Parador de Leon, one of the best-loved
paradors in Spain. It was built in 1168 as the Monasterio de San Marcos, for
one of the chivalric orders founded to protect travelers along the Camino.
Settle into this magnificent historic monument and enjoy its cloister and
garden. Your parador also houses major two museums as well!
Overnight: Parador de Leon.
Day 6:
Breakfast at your hotel.
Enjoy a half-day walking tour of Leon with an expert local guide.
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Highlights of your visit include the beautiful 13 century Gothic Cathedral of
Santa Maria de Regla (famous for its enormous stained glass windows); the
11th century Romanesque church of San Isidro, which contains the Pantheon
of the Kings of Leon (with rare frescos); and the façade of Antonio Gaudi’s
Casa de Botines.
Situated at the convergence the Torío and Bernesga Rivers,
ivers , Leon was the
capital of the
t he powerful kingdom of Leon for three centuries. In the
middle ages it was one of the main staging points for pilgrims traveling
to Santiago de Compostela, who christened it the City of Happiness.
You will have the remainder of the day to explore the area on your own.
We suggest dinner in the heart of the Barrio Humedo, which translates into
the Wet Quarter, because of the amount of bars in the area. Here, many
restaurants use age-old recipes to prepare cochinillo (suckling pig) and
cordero (lamb) in wood-burning ovens.
Overnight: Parador de Leon.
Europe was formed
journeying to
Santiago.
Goethe,
Day 7:
Breakfast at your hotel.
After breakfast, depart Leon for el Bierzo, about an hour and a half away.
Enjoy the panoramic views of the Sierra Mountains and the charming villages
you will pass through.
We suggest you make a few stops along the way, beginning with Astorga,
once the capital of the legendary Iberian tribe of the Astures. It was also an
important Roman city and a key stop along the camino in medieval times.
Highlights include the Cathedral, the Roman walls, and the Bishop’s Palace
built by Gaudi.
Also of note is the Cruz de Ferro (Cross of Iron), one of the Camino’s most
significant monuments. It is located on the Camino’s highest point, dividing
the Maragateria from the Bierzo.
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Upon arrival in el Bierzo, check in at the Palacio de Canedo, located in an 18
century palace with rustic, yet charming, decor.
You will have dinner, and a wine tasting, at your hotel.
Overnight: Palacio de Canedo.
Day 8:
Breakfast at your hotel.
Today, continue driving along the camino to Santiago de Compostela (the
total driving time is about two hours).
We suggest you explore the picturesque town of Villafranca del Bierzo and
the ancient village of O’Cebreiro, where pilgrims are believed to have visited
since the 9th century. Visit the pre-Romanesque church of Santa Maria la Real,
and also make a stop at a prehistoric palloza (Celtic dwelling with thatched
roof) which has been converted into an ethnological museum.
Upon arrival in Santiago, return your rental car.
Day 8 (continued):
Check in at the gorgeous Renaissance parador, Hostal de los Reyes Catolicos,
originally founded in 1499 by Ferdinand and Isabella as a hostel for poor
pilgrims. The hotel is directly across from the towering cathedral, and faces
the main square.
The parador surrounds four cloisters, and is one of Spain’s best (and hardest
to book) paradors. It also has one of the finest restaurants in northern Spain.
The Hostal de los Reyes Catolicos is often described as the “oldest hotel in the
world”.
Overnight: Hostal de los Reyes Católicos.
Day 9:
Breakfast at the Parador de los Reyes Catolicos.
After breakfast, you will enjoy a private half-day walking tour of the city with
an expert guide.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site,
Site, Santiago de Compostela is Spain´s most
famous pilgrimage site and the ultimate destination of the Camino of
Santiago. It was declared a Holy City by Pope Alexander III, third only to
Rome and Jerusalem. Pope Calixto II declared that all pilgrims who went
to Santiago in a Holy Year (Xacobeo) would be absolved of all sins. In its
heyday in the middle ages, more than oneone-half million pilgrims would
flock t here from all corners of Europe.
According to legend, the remains of the Apostle St. James were found in
813,
813, on the site of the present
pr esent Cathedral,
Cathedral, by the bishop of Iria Flavia,
Flavia,
who was guided by a star. The name of Compostela is derived from
Campus Stellae (field of the star). St. James was made patron saint of
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Spain,
Spain, and by the midmid- 10 century, masses of pilgrims were traveling
from
from all over Europe to visit his shrine.
The Cathedral, which stands on the Plaza del Obradoiro and dominates
the whole town of Santiago de Compostela,
Compostela, is considered to be one of
the finest achievements of Romanesque architecture.
You will visit the Cathedral, which stands on the Plaza del Obradoiro and
which dominates the whole town. It is considered to be one of the finest
achievements of Romanesque architecture.
You might also stop at the Museo das Peregrinacións, or Museum of
Pilgrimage. Located in a Gothic mansion, the museum presents the history of
the pilgrimage to Santiago through models, displays, and artifacts.
Other sights include the many medieval plazas and monasteries near the
cathedral.
You will have the remainder of the day at leisure to explore, or relax, in this
wonderful pilgrimage town.
You may wish to visit Alvaro Siza’s Galician Museum of Contemporary Art, or
the City of Culture of Galicia complex, designed by Peter Eisenman.
Overnight: Hostal de los Reyes Católicos.
Day 10:
Breakfast at the Parador de los Reyes Catolicos.
This morning, you will meet your private driver and vehicle for a half-day visit
to Pazo de Galegos, situated at the top of the Ribera del Ulla. The winery is
known for its Albarino.
Next, visit the Gardens of Pazo de Oca, which are perhaps the best example
of typical Galician manor house architecture. Although the property
originated in the 13th century, much of what is seen today dates back to the
mid-18th century.
You will return to Santiago de Compostela to rest and rejuvenate.
Overnight: Hostal de los Reyes Católicos.
Day 11:
Breakfast at the Parador de los Reyes Catolicos.
Your private driver and vehicle will meet you at the parador and escort you
to Santiago’s airport where you will board your one hour flight to Madrid.
Upon arrival in Madrid, connect to your departing flight.
¡Adios España!
Included in your land package:
package:
ACCOMMODATION:
Ten nights accommodation in Spain’s charming and atmospheric hotels.
Breakfast served at hotel every morning (deluxe or buffet where available).
Dinner at the Palacio de Canedo with wine tasting.
PRIVATE TOURS AND ACTIVITIES:
San Sebastian: Private tour with expert guide followed by pintxos tour.
Bilbao: Private 2-hour Guggenheim tour with expert guide.
La Rioja: Full-day excursion to local wineries.
Leon: Private half-day tour with expert guide.
Santiago de Compostela: Private half-day tour with expert guide.
Galicia: Half-day excursion to Pazo de Oca and Pazo Galegos.
“In a place where not
everything runs like
clockwork, it was
reassuring to be in
the reliable hands of
experts like Heritage
Tours.”
- Diversion
GROUND TRANSPORTATION:
Seven days use of a mid-size rental car (manual transmission). Pick up San
Sebastian; drop off Santiago de Compostela.
Full-day private car and driver for La Rioja excursion.
Half-day private car and driver for Galicia excursion.
Private transfer: Santiago Hotel-Airport.
OTHER SERVICES:
All admissions while with expert guide.
Value Added Tax and all service charges.
Assistance from our in-country office as needed.
Restaurant reservations (cost of meals not included).
PERHAPS THE MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL:
All the intangibles that come with the connections, knowledge, passion and
experience of one of the premier travel providers to Spain.
Not included in your land package:
package:
Air arrangements.
Sightseeing/admissions when not with an expert guide.
Rental car parking, gas and car extras (additional driver, additional insurance,
etc.)*
Meals other than breakfast, unless specified in included list.
Transport unless listed above.
Gratuities.
THE ABOVE ITINERARY IS ONLY A SAMPLE. ANYTHING CAN BE
MODIFIED TO FIT YOUR WISHES. PRICE
PRICE IS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
AND VARIES BY THE NUMBER OF TRAVELERS AND TIME OF YEAR.