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Green Spain & The Pilgrims' Way


Lush forests, green meadows, dramatic coastlines, Celtic folklore – this is a Spain full of surprises




Lush folds, fairytale fishing villages, fine art and Celtic folklore abound in the timeless, rural northwest of Spain, known as ‘Green Spain’ for its fertile natural environment. It’s also renowned for Frank Ghery’s shimmering architectural wonder, the Guggenheim Museum at Bilbao. A building that perhaps surpasses the masterpieces it houses, it befits the broader local landscape with aplomb – the soaring peaks of the Picos de Europa Mountains, the green pastures of Asturias and the coastline between Galacia and Basque Country are similarly striking. Celtic traditions are still strong in Gaelic Spain and they resonate with the quaint hamlets on the Cabo de Peñas coast and the mists rolling in from the sea. Prehistoric caves and megaliths reinforce the visual timelessness of the region too, though you’ll be just as enamoured with the local culinary delights –seafood specialities and Cabrales cheese are but two of Green Spain’s taste-bud treats. We complete our journey in Galacia’s capital, Santiago de Compostela. The medieval masterpiece has long attracted pilgrims travelling The Way of St James (El Camino de Santiago) and on this trip you’ll surely see why it’s a worthy finale for such a grand foray through Spain.



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Tour Highlights

  • Santiago de Compostela - UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cathedral and beyond
  • Picos de Europa National Park
  • Guggenheim Museum
  • Bilbao - the Biscay capital of Basque country
  • Asturias' coastal towns

Inclusions

  • Peregrine tour leader, transport, sightseeing and entrance fees.

  • 7 breakfasts, 3 dinners

Green Spain & The Pilgrims' Way

Day 1
Bilbao
Meals Privided:
, Dinner
Your trip starts today with your arrival in Bilbao, the Biscay capital of the Basque country. Bilbao has much to offer from historic monuments, theaters and galleries. There are no activities planned today so you may arrive at any time. Please make your own way to the joining hotel (details are in your travel documents). Our hotel is located 3kms out of the town of Bilbao on the slopes of Mount Artxanda with great views over the city of Bilbao. In the evening we meet our tour leader and our fellow travelling companions at a Welcome Meeting at around 5pm (but you will be advised as to the exact time and place in a notice, located near the reception at our hotel), where our leader will give us a briefing on what lies ahead on our tour.
Day 2
Bilbao - Santillana del Mar - Comillas - San Vicente - Picos de Europa - Cosgaya
Meals Privided:
Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast we transfer to the city centre and visit of the interior of the Guggenheim museum where you will be given an audio guide to explore the exhibits. With our guide we then embark on a guided tour of the interior and exterior of the incredible Guggenheim museum to learn more about this architectural gem designed by Frank Gehry. A spectacular structure made of titanium, glass and limestone; it was considered the most important building of its time. This modern museum building is a fine example of revolutionary 20th century architecture and is an important landmark of the city. The exhibition is unique with the use of space, light, colour and titanium elements. From its inauguration in 1997, the museum has acquired a range of art from the mid 20th century to present day. The collection includes an array of singular examples and signature pieces by top postwar and contemporary artists. There is also a collection of modern and contemporary works by Basque and Spanish artists reflecting the cultural heritage of the area We then walk along the river Nervión bring to Bilbao's old quarter known as “Siete Calles” (Seven Streets), the perfect place to sample some of famous Basque cuisine. There is free time for lunch and our guide will be able to offer suggestions on some local dishes to try. After lunch, we drive towards the Picos de Europa National Park, stopping en route we discover Santillana del Mar and the perfect replica of the world famous Prehistoric cave in Altamira. We pass by the fishing villages of Comillas, with Gaudí's “Capricho” and San Vicente de la Barquera before we reach our hotel in Cosgaya, our base for the next two nights. Our hotel, built from stone and wood is a typical example of local architecture of the area. .
Day 3
Cosgaya - Fuente Dé - Potes - Cosgaya
Meals Privided:
Breakfast
After breakfast, we journey to the top of the Picos de Europa to Fuente Dé. Covering some 647 square kilometres, Picos de Europa is Spain's second largest national park, spanning across the three provinces of Asturias, Cantabria and Leon. The park is made up of the three large massifs Andara, Urrielles and Cornión. The geological formations that we see are caused by the glacial erosion in the limestone massifs that form the Cantabrian Mountains. From Fuente De, there is the option to enjoy the impressive mountain scenery by cable car. We further explore the natural beauty of the Picos de Europa National Park on an interesting walk (2-3 hours). In the afternoon, we visit the Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liébana. This Roman Catholic monastery founded before the 6th century venerates a piece of the Lignum Crucis (the largest known piece of the True Cross upon which Jesus Christ was crucified on). The relic was bought there in the 7th century by Saint Toribio to protect it from possible invasion by the Moors. We visit the picturesque mountain village of Potes. Brimming with centuries' of history, the quaint old town is a tapestry of bridges, narrow winding streets and splendid old houses. We then transfer back to the comfort of our hotel in Cosgaya and have the evening to relax and unwind after a full day of activity. This evening you may choose to dine in the hotel restaurant which offers wonderful cuisine produced from local produce, or venture out to another local restaurant in the town
Day 4
Cosgaya - Arenas de Cabrales - Covandonga - Cangas - Oviedo
Meals Privided:
Breakfast
Today we journey to Oviedo. Along the way, we pass the charming hillside town of Arenas de Cabrales where there is the opportunity to taste the famous 'Cabrales' cheese. A natural blue cheese, produced by rural farmers using a traditional artisan method, the cheese is matured for up to six months in the natural caves of the area's limestone mountains. Leaving the mountains behind, we head down to the Cangas de Onís area, where we explore the sanctuary of Covadonga– an impressive Holy cave built into the rock. Continuing on the road to Covadonga we visit the two glacial lakes of Ercina and Enol which were the original crater of the Picos de Europa National park. We travel on to Cangas de Onís and view its historic Roman bridge. We have some free time here to wander around the town and explore before continuing on to the capital of Asturias, the classy city of Oviedo. Upon arrival in Oviedo, we have free time to explore the town and for those who wish, there is the option to walk to a typical Asturian Sidrería (cider house) and enjoy a special dinner.
Day 5
Oviedo - Luanco - Cabo de Peñas - Cudillero - Luarca
Meals Privided:
Breakfast
This morning we enjoy a guided walk around old Oviedo with its many fine monuments including the cathedral – Catedral de San Salvador, an impressive Gothic structure built between the 14th and 16th centuries. On the outskirts we have the chance to see a sample of Asturian Art in Santa María del Naranco. We then visit the charming village of Luanco followed by the dramatic and rugged cliffs of Cabo de Peñas, home to an impressive lighthouse built in 1852. Next, we enjoy a visit to the Avilés old city. This lovely hamlet possesses one of the Asturias most attractive old towns with a wealth of historical architecture dating back centuries. It's then on to the small and colourful town of Cudillero. Arguably the prettiest coastal village in northern Spain, Cudillero is an old fishing port which sits on the side of a mountain. The port is surrounded by brightly coloured hanging houses perched on steep cliffs. After our visit of Cudillero we drive on to the fishing village of Luarca, our base for the evening.
Day 6
Luarca - Camino Primitivo - Pola de Allande - Lugo - Santiago de Compostela
Meals Privided:
Breakfast
After breakfast we travel along the green Asturian landscape to the village of Pola de Allande. We explore the mysterious Megalithic monuments and Castros (Celtic fortified settlements) in and around Pola de Allande. We then have the opportunity to walk a few kilometres of the Camino de Santiago along the 'Camino Primitivo' route (the Primitive route), which was founded by Alfonso II in the 9th. We then travel across the Galician border, passing the town of Fonsagrada before heading downhill to the town of Lugo with its impressive Roman city walls. The walls span over 2km and are as high as 10 to 15 metres in parts and are ringed with 71 towers. The walls are considered the most intact and best example of their kind in all of Europe. Dating back to the 3rd century, these walls are UNESCO World Heritage Listed. A climb to the top of the walls takes us on a circular walk around the city. We leave Lugo and transfer to the charming city of Santiago de Compostela, our base for the next two nights. The balance of the day and evening are free to explore and make your own discoveries.
Day 7
Santiago de Compostela
Meals Privided:
Breakfast, Dinner
This morning we discover the secrets of beautiful Santiago de Compostela on a guided walking tour of Santiago including a visit to the likely local market. There will be free time to also wander through the magnificent Catedral de Santiago – finishing point for Pilgrim's on the Camino de Santiago. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to absorb the charms of this medieval masterpiece city – both culinary and visual. This evening we bid farewell to newfound friends at a farewell dinner in a lively local restaurant.
Day 8
Santiago de Compostela
Meals Privided:
Breakfast
Our tour ends this morning, after breakfast, in Santiago de Compostela. For those wishing to spend more time in Santiago de Compostela, additional accommodation can be booked here - please enquire at time of booking. Santiago is well serviced by bus, train and air connections to onward destinations in Spain including Barcelona and Madrid.

IN A NUTSHELL

8 days
from $2,795
15

TOUR INFORMATION

Start End Price
05/05/201212/05/2012 $2,795
26/05/201202/06/2012 $2,895
09/06/201216/06/2012 $2,895
08/09/201215/09/2012 $2,795
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