Paradors of Northern Spain

PARADORS OF NOTHERN SPAIN
14 DAYS FROM $4,990 US
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Explore the mosaic of diverse regions and cities of the north on this Spain tour that includes a taste of Portugal. Catalonia has a very distinct culture and a proud tradition that differentiates it from other areas of Spain; even its primary language, Catalan, is not spoken elsewhere. The Basque region is fiercely autonomous and also has its own unique traditions, culture and language, and the region of Castile is central to Spain’s medieval history. From the magnificent Pyrenees Mountains to the rugged Basque coast, scenic wonders abound. You’ll enjoy overnight stays in historic paradors – restored palaces, monasteries and castles.

Day 1 – Welcome to Spain
Your Spain tour begins at 6:00 pm at Le Méridien Barcelona. A transfer is included from Barcelona Airport to Le Méridien Barcelona, your hotel for the first two nights of our Spain tour. At a welcome cocktail reception and dinner tonight, we invite you to meet those who will join you to discover the cultural diversity of Spain’s northern regions and Portugal.

Meals: Dinner
Lodging: Le Méridien Barcelona, Spain

Day 2 – Beautiful Barcelona
Barcelona, capital of the unique Catalonia region of Spain, beguiles at every turn. Highlights include La Sagrada Familia, architect Antonio Gaudí's famous gothic-yet-modern cathedral and the Barrio Gótico, which dates from medieval times. In Montjuïc, see the 1992 Olympic Stadium, then spend the rest of the day as you wish in Barcelona.

Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Le Méridien Barcelona, Spain

Day 3 - Captivating Catalonia
Your Spain tour continues as you admire delightful rural vistas of Catalonia when you travel along the Yellow Roads to the amazing mountaintop monastery at Montserrat en route to Cardona, where an ancient castle stands guard over the village. Savor a taste of Catalan cuisine when lunch is served in the medieval ambiance of the dining room of the Parador de Cardona, a 9th-century castle. Journey on to the small town of Castellciutat and Le Seu d’Urgell in the Pyrenees, where you'll overnight at an elegant resort.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: El Castell de Ciutat, Seu d’Urgell, Spain

Day 4 –Pyrenees pleasures
You’ll be inspired by your visit to the 12-century Cathedral of Santa Maria d’Urgell, the only Romanesque cathedral that has been preserved in the Catalonia region of the Pyrenees. After lunch, choices of activities for the afternoon include a cooking demonstration focusing on Catalan cuisine and a spa treatment. A highlight of your Spain tour awaits this evening at a special 7-course dinner at the hilltop 9th-century castle located on the grounds of your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: El Castell de Ciutat, Seu d’Urgell, Spain

Day 5 – The beautiful Basque country
Today your Spain tour takes you through the marvelous mountains of the Basque country to Pamplona, the city best known for the annual running of the bulls. You’ll have time to explore and have lunch on your own before continuing on to the charming seaside town of San Sebastián. Your home for the next two nights is among the most fabulous Belle Époch hotels in all of Spain.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Hotel Maria Cristina, San Sebastián, Spain*

Day 6 – Seaside San Sebastián
While in Spain tour the Old Town of San Sebastián with us if you wish. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy as you please. Further explore the medieval streets of Old Town, or enjoy the city’s many waterfront attractions, not the least of which is the famous beach popular with the international surfing set. You’ll have many opportunities to sample Basque cuisine on your own today.

Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Hotel Maria Cristina, San Sebastián, Spain*

Day 7 – Bilbao and the Guggenheim
Modern art is flourishing at the spectacular Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, as you’ll see during a visit. Continue on up into the magnificent Picos de Europa (“Peaks of Europe”) and admire the scenic views of rural villages, gorges and valleys en route to Fuente Dé. Enjoy dinner à la carte this evening at your parador, set in the foothills of the Picos mountains.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Parador de Fuente Dé

Day 8 – The plains of Castile
Leaving the mountains behind, journey across the flat lands of Castile. Once the capital of the Kingdom of León, the city of León was an important pilgrimage site. A city tour, a visit to its magnificent Gothic Cathedral, and an overnight stay in at the Parador de León, one of the most luxurious in Spain, reveal the fascinating history of the city.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Parador de León, Spain

Day 9 – In the footsteps of pilgrims
When the grave of Saint James was discovered in the ninth century, hundreds of thousands made the arduous pilgrimage along El Camino de Santiago on foot to visit it. In Santiago de Compostela, enjoy a guided walking tour of the historic quarter and a visit to the world-famous cathedral prior to an overnight stay at a remarkable parador that began accommodating travelers in the 15th century – a highlight of your Spain tour with us.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Parador de Santiago de Compostela, Spain

Day 10 – Prosperous Porto
After a morning at leisure and lunch in Santiago de Compostela, your Spain tour crosses the border into Portugal, bound for the medieval port city of Porto. Today, Porto is Portugal’s second-largest city and offers much to interest visitors.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Sheraton Porto Hotel & Spa, Porto, Portugal

Day 11 – How Porto got its name
Port wine is at the heart of the matter. Porto has long been known for the quality of its port and this wine has been an economically important export for centuries. At the end of a morning sightseeing tour of the city’s intriguing sights, spend time exploring on your own. This evening, sample Porto’s pride during a wine tasting dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Sheraton Porto Hotel & Spa, Porto, Portugal

Day 12 – Perspectives of Portugal
Delve into Portugal’s history today as you visit Coimbra, liberated from Moorish occupation in 1064 and the site of oldest seat of higher learning in Portugal, founded by King Dinis in 1210. Journey on to Fatima, home to the famous pilgrimage shrine commemorating the reputed appearances of the Virgin Mary to three children in 1917.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Lodging: Tivoli Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal

Day 13 – Lisbon discoveries
Everywhere you look in Lisbon, Portugal’s beguiling capital city, you’ll see reminders of the “Great Period of Discoveries” when Portuguese mariners set sail to explore the then-unknown world and found what is now Brazil, among other notable places. During a sightseeing tour, visit Mosterio dos Jerónimos and the unique National Coach Museum, and view the Tower of Belém and the Discoveries Monument. Join us tonight to share your Spain tour memories with your traveling companions at a farewell cocktail reception and dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Tivoli Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal

Day 14 - Homeward bound
Your Spain tour comes to an end in Lisbon. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from the Tivoli Lisboa to Lisbon International Airport. Please allow 2 1/2 hours for airport check-in formalities. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey home.

Meals: Breakfast

*Note: Tour of September 18 will stay at the Sheraton Bilbao in Bilbao on nights 5 & 6.

Night 1 & 2: Le Méridien Barcelona
Barcelona, Spain

Located in the very center of Barcelona on world-famous Las Ramblas, Le Méridien Barcelona is convenient to many of the city’s most intriguing sights. Long a favorite of celebrities, its guests have included the likes of Pavarotti, Rostropovich, Bruce Springsteen, Madonna and the Rolling Stones. A newly redone and fully equipped fitness center and an Internet center are available for guests’ use. Le Patio restaurant evokes the atmosphere of a peaceful Catalan patio and offers Mediterranean-style cuisine.

Night 3 & 4: El Castell de Ciutat
Seu d'Urgell, Spain

A member of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux, this small, elegant hotel occupies a hilltop in the heart of the high Catalan Pyrenees, thus providing commanding scenic views from its Panoramic Terrace. Guest rooms are spacious and comfortable. El Castell de Ciutat offers an elegant fitness complex with facilities that include an outdoor swimming pool, a beautiful indoor swimming pool, an outdoor Jacuzzi and hot tub with stunning views of the region and a gym equipped with cardiovascular and weight machines.

Night 5 & 6: Hotel Maria Cristina
San Sebastian, Spain

The Hotel Maria Cristina is a most impressive Belle Époque beauty located in the city center, just blocks from the beach. Beautifully appointed guest rooms offer every amenity that sophisticated travelers expect. An indoor swimming pool and the Hydra Wellness Center & Spa beckon during leisure hours. The beautiful Easo Restaurant offers classic Basque cuisine while the Café Saigon features a Vietnamese-styled menu. The readers of Condé Nast Traveler have awarded the Hotel Maria Cristina a place on the 2008 Gold List.

Hotel Maria Cristina
*Sheraton Bilbao
Bilbao, Spain

At the Sheraton Bilbao Hotel, with its wonderful collection of contemporary art and Spanish ship models, you’ll be right in the heart of vibrant Bilbao’s leisure and cultural center on the banks of the Nervion River. Guest rooms feature Sheraton Sweet Sleeper® beds, air conditioning, 25-inch color TV with cable and satellite channels, high-speed Internet access (at a fee), mini bar and a marble bathroom with bathrobes and hairdryer. A heated outdoor swimming pool and a well-equipped Fitness Facility are available to hotel guests. The Café Chillida offers light fare throughout the day and the smart-casual Aizian Restaurant features a menu of regional and local Basque cuisine. Enjoy your favorite beverage on the outdoor terrace overlooking the Doña Casida Park at the Café Chillida Bar.

*Tour of September 18 will stay at the Sheraton Bilbao
Sheraton Bilbao

Night 7: Parador de Fuente Dé
Fuente Dé, Spain

This fine mountain retreat is nestled in the foothills of the Picos de Europa and is the terminus for a mountain cable car which travels up to the Aliva viewpoint high above. Surrounded by forests and scenic hillsides, its décor of warm wood and leather furniture, creates a welcoming ambiance. Its restaurant offers traditional Cantabrian cuisine. Guest rooms are well appointed and most comfortable.

Night 8: Parador de León
León, Spain

Gracefully housed in a monastery dating back to 1515 when its room sheltered pilgrims traveling to Santiago de Compostela, this luxurious five-star hotel shelters today’s sophisticated travelers in stately surroundings. filled with paintings, tapestries and carvings. Its impressive Gothic architecture, and its wealth of ancient carpets, clocks and furniture create a museum-like ambiance that is sure to please. Museum lovers will enjoy the easy access to both the Provincial Archaeological Museum and the Fine Arts Museum, which lie within its walls. All guest rooms have air conditioning, radio and satellite TV, telephones and a safe. A bar/café and a lovely terrace garden beckon during leisure time.

Night 9: Parador de Santiago de Compostela
Santiago de Compostela, Spain

Having first opened its doors to shelter pilgrims in 1499, the Parador de Santiago de Compostela is reputed to be the oldest hotel in the world. Enjoying a superb location next to the glorious cathedral of St. James, today this Santiago landmark retains much of its medieval magnificence while offering every comfort and amenity that 21st-century travelers demand. Lovely guest rooms, elegant living rooms, four extraordinary cloisters and a wonderful dining room surround today’s guests with beauty and luxury at every turn.

Nights 10 & 11: Sheraton Porto Hotel & Spa
Puerto, Portugal

The stunningly modern Sheraton Porto Hotel & Spa offers the convenience of being just a short walk away from the Modern Art Museum and the Casa da Musica in the heart of Porto. Spacious guest rooms feature TV with cable channels, air conditioning, hairdryer, in-room safe, mini bar and the Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Bed®. Take a dip in the indoor swimming pool, keep up with your workouts or soak in the hot tub in the Fitness Facility or enjoy a pampering spa treatment during leisure time. Relax over a casual meal in the Restaurant Porto Novo, sip your favorite beverage in the New Yorker Bar or refresh yourself with something tasty at the Juice Bar.

Nights 12 & 13: Tivoli Lisboa
Lisbon, Portugal

Located in the very heart of Lisbon, the prime location of the Tivoli Lisboa makes it the ideal address from which to explore this fascinating city. Comfortable guest rooms feature individual air conditioning, satellite TV, video channels, mini bar and in-room safe. A heated swimming pool awaits at the Tivoli Club set in hotel’s gardens and there is a gymnasium available to guests. The Terrace Restaurant offers both superb views of Lisbon and an intriguing menu. Welcoming guests with warm and genuine hospitality since 1933, the Tivoli Lisboa earned a place on the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler Gold List in 2006.

Departures:
April - October

Prices
From $4,990 US approx per person double occupancy

Many other tours of Spain and Portugal and combinations including Morocco and France available
Contact us for more information