Home Resumé & Bio Businesses Contact Family Pages Local Info

Spain & Portugal 2022

After a two-year delay caused by the pandemic, we were finally able to complete our tour of the Iberian Peninsula. We stayed overnight in Nashville on 27 April before catching our flight to Madrid's Barajas Airport through Atlanta.

From Madrid, we travelled by bus to Toledo, Segovia, Ávila, Salamanca, and Zamora, Spain before crossing the border into Portugal. In Portugal, we visited Porto, Fatima, ancient Obidos, Sintra, and Lisbon. Crossing back into Spain, we spent time in Seville and Cordoba. On our way to Mijas and the Costa del Sol, we spent a few hours in Gibraltar. After a few days on the Mediterranean coast, we travelled to Peñíscola, Grenada, Valencia, and ended our tour in Barcelona.

We picked up a second tour in Barcelona that continued our counterclockwise tour or the Iberian Peninsula, stopping at Zaragoza, Pamplona (no we didn't run with the bulls), Bilboa, Santander, Oviedo, and Santiago de Compostela, the end of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. From there, we made our way back to Madrid through Zamora and Salamanca.

Along the way, we saw ancient cities and Roman aqueducts, cathedrals, Picasso's birthplace, the barber of Seville's balcony, the Alhambra palace, and Guadi's Sagrada Família. We cracked our own crabs, dined on salt-encrusted sea bass, drank ginga in chocolate cups, ate and learned to make paella (pi-ay-ya), visited Hemingway's favorite café, and learned the flamenco dance. Ron always carries a travel guitar, and he performed a show for each of our two tour groups.

A grueling 6,000 kilometers and 28 days later, we landed at the Nashville International Airport at about 7:30pm on 24 May having circumnavigated the Iberian Peninsula. We stayed overnight in Nashville and got home around 11:30am the next day. We were exhausted, but we look forward to our next international adventure.


Brad Allemand, Tour Director, Insight

Sophie Jane Peacock (Princess Spritz Fairy), Wellness Director, Insight

Tania Csomos, Tour Director, Trafalgar

Our Itinerary

April 29 - Welcome to Madrid

We landed at Madrid's Barajas Airport at 8:45am and caught a shuttle to our hotel. We joined our Travel Director at 18:00 for a Welcome Dinner in a local restaurant and to met our fellow travelers over an evening of delicious food and wine.

Hotel Barceló Emperatriz, Madrid., NH Collection Madrid Suecia.

April 30 - Madrid of the Bourbons

Guided by your Local Expert, we visited the Spanish capital’s most historic neighborhoods. Our drive continued through the Old Quarter, where we discovered the origins of the city. We enjoyed a special visit to the renowned Prado Museum with an art historian who guided us through the collective works of Velázquez, Goya, Titian, Rubens and more.

Hotel Barceló Emperatriz, Madrid., NH Collection Madrid Suecia.

Toledo Archeological excavation near the river Toledo Toledo Toledo
Toledo's cathedral Inside Toledo's cathedral Toledo cathedral's monstrance - front view Toledo cathedral's monstrance - back view About the cathedral's monstrance
Toledo cathedral's alter

May 1 - Segovia and Golden Salamanca

We traveled to the fortified city of Segovia and walked through the medieval streets with a Local Expert to see the magnificent Alcazar fortress, before continuing on to the historic aqueduct. Then we journeyed west, overlooking the ancient walls of Ávila, en route to Salamanca. During our guided sightseeing tour, we saw the golden stone buildings the city is famous for, including the Plaza Mayor, the honey-colored cathedral and the 16th century university buildings.

Hotel Alameda Palace, Salamanca.

Alcázar of Segovia Alcázar of Segovia Alcázar of Segovia Segovia's ancient Roman aqueduct Segovia's ancient Roman aqueduct
Stork nests are protected and cannot be removed Segovia's ancient Roman aqueduct Segovia's ancient Roman aqueduct Segovia's ancient Roman aqueduct May Day fair in the shadow of the aqueduct
Segovia Segovia with the mountain source for the aqueduct End of the aqueduct The city wall and the aqueduct Last section of the aqueduct
Segovia from the top of the old city wall Segovia from the top of the old city wall Segovia from the top of the old city wall Segovia from the top of the old city wall Segovia from the top of the old city wall
Looking through an aqueduct arch Segovia's main square May Day parade Ávila‎, best known for its intact medieval city walls Ávila‎, best known for its intact medieval city walls
Ávila‎, best known for its intact medieval city walls Marker for The Way of Saint James (Santiago) pilgrimage Ancient Roman bridge into Salamanca Ancient Roman bridge into Salamanca Salamanca
Salamanca main square Another protected stork's nest Salamanca Salamanca's good luck charm, the frog, hiding on the university's entrance Salamanca's university entrance
Isabella and Ferdinand on the university entrance Salamanca's university entrance Church entrance Anachronistic astronaut on a reconstructed column Dragon eating an ice cream cone
University's square Debi's favorite wine

May 2 - Porto, Grande Dame on the Douro

We crossed the Portuguese border to reach Porto. Situated on the River Douro, the city is celebrated internationally as the capital of Port wine. We visited the Vila Nova de Gaia wine stores and walked along corridors of casks. Then we did a port wine tasting. We continued our exploration of the city, admiring the multi-colored houses, churches adorned with glazed tiles and iconic bridges.

Hotel NH Collection Porto Batalha, Infante Sagres, Porto.

Porto, Portugal waterfront River cruise lines docked side-by-side Porto, Portugal Porto, Portugal Ruby port barrel - less contact with the wood
Tawny port barrels - more contact with the wood Ruby port barrel Porto, Portugal Porto, Portugal

May 3 - Holy Fátima, Ancient Obidos and Lisbon

We headed south for a visit to miraculous Fátima. We saw the Basilica and visited the Chapel of the Apparitions, which commemorates the apparition of the Virgin Mary to three young shepherds in 1917. We journeyed to the fortified town of Obidos and walked inside its walls, exploring the narrow, medieval streets where houses are covered with flowers. Our travels continued to the Portuguese capital, Lisbon.

Hotel Dom Pedro Lisboa, Lisbon., Altis Grand Hotel, Lisbon.

Last look at the bridge in Porto, Portugal Flowering tree at a roadside stop Fatima - where the Virgin Mary allegedly appeared in 1917 Fatima's Catholic Church This is the spot where the Virgin Mary appeared to the sheppard children
Inside the church The alter at Fatima Catholic Church The back of the church The newer basilica opposite the church Sculpture outside the basilica
Statue of John Paul II outside the basilica Inside the basilica Shops outside the church complex Welcome to Óbidos, Portugal - an ancient Roman settlement Entering Óbidos, Portugal
The entrance vestibule The city's main street Pouring ginja into chocolate cups You eat the cup after drinking your ginja The church in Óbidos, Portugal
Óbidos, Portugal Flower's decorating homes Approaching the fort at the end of the street Back side of the fort viewed from the wall View from the wall of the fort
View from the wall of the fort View from the wall of the fort View from the wall of the fort View from the wall of the fort View from the wall of the fort
View from the wall of the fort View from the wall of the fort View from the wall of the fort Last look at the fort An interesting shop in Óbidos, Portugal
Last look at Óbidos, Portugal Wind turbines seen from the coach View from our hotel room in Lisbon, Portugal View from our hotel room in Lisbon, Portugal Boats that passed by as we were dining
Boats that passed by as we were dining Boats that passed by as we were dining Cracking crabs

May 4 - Lisbon and the Age of the Great Discoveries Relaxed Start

We went sightseeing with a Local Expert who took us along the spacious avenues of the Lower Town and beneath the hilltop Bairro Alto to the Terreiro do Paco, the finest square in the city. We visited the Belém Quarter, from where sailing ships once set forth to discover faraway lands. We tasted the famous Pastéis de Belém from a traditional pâtisserie that has managed to hold on to the secret recipe of Portugal's finest pastry for almost 200 years. We view the modern Monument to the Discoveries and the historic Belém Tower. This fortress was originally set in the middle of the river, but is now left high and dry on the riverbank. Next, we visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Jerónimos Church with its beautiful Manueline architecture. That afternoon, we joined an Optional Experience to the Portuguese Riviera, which is often visited by surfers, royalty and occasionally James Bond.

Hotel Dom Pedro Lisboa, Lisbon., Altis Grand Hotel, Lisbon.

View from our hotel room in Lisbon, Portugal Belém Tower, this fortress was originally set in the middle of the river Lisbon's Golden Gate Bridge look-alike Monument to the first transatlantic crossing by air Monument to the first transatlantic crossing by air
Lisbon's Monument to the Discoveries Jerónimos Church Lisbon's Monument to the Discoveries Jerónimos Church Jerónimos Church
Lisbon's Monument to the Discoveries Jerónimos Church Jerónimos Church Jerónimos Church Portuguese Riviera
Portuguese Riviera Portuguese Riviera Portuguese Riviera Portuguese Riviera Portuguese Riviera
Palace of Ajuda Palace of Ajuda Palace of Ajuda Palace of Ajuda Palace of Ajuda
Palace of Ajuda Palace of Ajuda Palace of Ajuda Palace of Ajuda Palace of Ajuda
Palace of Ajuda

May 5 - Seville, the City of Carmen

We departed Lisbon via the modern Tagus Bridge and crossed the border to reach Seville. We visited the Seville Cathedral, the burial place of Christopher Columbus. We explored Seville with Insight Choice optional tour. Then we embarked on a walk through the old Jewish Quarter. Next we joined a scenic drive around the city and took a short walk through the narrow lanes of the Santa Cruz Quarter. That evening, we joined an optional dining experience. It was supposed to include a horse-drawn carriage ride, but all the carriages were booked for the fair. Musicians were also in short supply, so Ron played his guitar during a break between dinner courses.

Hotel Ayre Hotel Sevilla, Seville.

Seville Seville Seville Seville Seville
The tomb of Columbus Seville Seville Seville Seville
Inside of an aqueduct Balcony of the Barber of Seville Seville Seville Seville
Seville Seville Seville Seville Seville
Seville Seville Seville

May 6 - Leisure Time and Flamenco in Seville Relaxed Start

We enjoy a relaxed start and a morning to unwind. Then we joined an Optional Experience to the ancient city of Córdoba, where we visited the magnificent Mezquita, saw the old Jewish Quarter, and enjoyed some leisure time to shop or explore. Later that afternoon, we joined a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience to visit the Cristina Heeren Foundation, a flamenco dance school and beneficiary of a TreadRight Foundation grant. Their mission is to promote the teaching and conservation of flamenco. We felt the passion behind the choreography as we put our rhythm to the test with a dance lesson. then we shared in the dancers’ devotion as we witnessed emotions come to life in a flamenco performance. After a show, we were welcome to a party on the terrace. We had some leisure time for dinner, and wander the restaurants in Triana.

Hotel Ayre Hotel Sevilla, Seville.

Ancient Roman water wheel in Córdoba Ancient Roman water wheel in Córdoba Córdoba Córdoba Córdoba
Córdoba Córdoba Córdoba Córdoba Córdoba
Córdoba Córdoba Córdoba Córdoba Córdoba
Córdoba Córdoba Córdoba The world's first commercial concentrating solar power tower operating near Seville The world's first commercial concentrating solar power tower operating near Seville
The world's first commercial concentrating solar power tower operating near Seville We arrived during a fair - horse-drawn carriages and colorful custumes were everywhere Party on the terrace after a flamenco performance Beautiful tile work Beautiful tile work
The Golden Tower - where import duties were collected

May 7 - Head for Gibraltar, Mijas and the Costa del Sol

We headed south to Gibraltar, part of mainland Spain yet an overseas territory under British control since 1704. We visited the Rock of Gibraltar and St. Michael’s Cave with a local expert. We saw the Barbary Apes, legendary guardians of the colony. Then we relaxed as we traveled the scenic route along the Costa del Sol through high-end resorts where the rich and famous holiday. Our journey continued through the green hills to the whitewashed village of Mijas, where we strolled through the old streets and gardens, taking in the views of the coast.

Hotel Meliá Costa del Sol, Torremolinos.

Beautiful flowers Beautiful flowers Welcome to Gibraltar Effluent from the desalination plant The lighthouse
Interesting cloud over Gibraltar From the top of the mountain Monkeys are everywhere Another monkey St. Michael's cave
St. Michael's cave Theater inside St. Michael's cave St. Michael's cave Hanging out over the gift shop exit Posing for a photo
Last look at Gibraltar Flowers near our photo stop The Spanish coastline seen from Mijas View from Mijas View from Mijas
Mijas Mijas View from Mijas Horse carriage in Mijas About the Mijas Donkey Movement Project
Mijas taxis View from our hotel room in Costa del Sol Costa del Sol Costa del Sol Barbecue grill in the shape of a boat
Costa del Sol

May 8 - At Leisure on the Costa del Sol Relaxed Start

We enjoy the day at leisure on the sun-drenched Costa del Sol and relaxed by the blue Mediterranean waters. We strolled along the promenade, savored the specialties. Then we took an optional excursion to explore Málaga, the birth city of Picasso.

Hotel Meliá Costa del Sol, Torremolinos.

Roundabouts are always decorated Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle Looking down on the bull ring View of the coast from Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle
Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle The skyline from Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle My sweetheart awaits Flags atop the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle
Picaso's birthplace in Málaga, Spain Picaso's birthplace Picaso Picaso's birthplace
Picaso's birth registration Picaso's birthplace Málaga, Spain A toast from Debi Roman theater in Málaga, Spain
Málaga, Spain Málaga, Spain Málaga, Spain Málaga, Spain Cardinal's Square in Málaga, Spain
Málaga, Spain Beautiful flowers Relaxing in the Costa del Sol Dining entertainment - he was so bad, he was good My senora
Sea bass cooked in sea salt Removing the salt Pealing the skin Ready to serve I met a new friend walking home from dinner

May 9 - Dining with Locals and the Alhambra Relaxed Start

We continued to Alfarnatejo, a quiet whitewashed village, with a population of less than 500 people, surrounded by stunning mountainous landscape. We walked the town center to see the 18th century Iglesia del Santo Cristo de Cabrilla. We stopped at the oldest olive grove in the region and toured the rural mill-factory to taste a selection of different oils, paired with locally made farmer bread. Then we broke into small groups and went into the home of a local family to join them for a delicious Highlight Lunch made of fresh, local produce with flavors typical of the region. Then we continued to Granada to visit the magnificent Alhambra Palace with a Local Expert. Built as a citadel by the Moors in the 13th century, the Alhambra is a wonder of beautiful gardens, fountains and stone cut like lace.

Hotel Vincci Albayzín, Granada.

Coffee stop in Colmernar, Spain Coffee stop in Colmernar, Spain Coffee stop in Colmernar, Spain Alfarnatejo, Spain Alfarnatejo, Spain
Alfarnatejo, Spain Kiss me in this corner Flower garden More flowers Alhambra in Granada, Spain
Alhambra in Granada, Spain Alhambra in Granada, Spain Alhambra in Granada, Spain Alhambra in Granada, Spain Alhambra in Granada, Spain
Alhambra in Granada, Spain Alhambra in Granada, Spain Alhambra in Granada, Spain Alhambra in Granada, Spain Alhambra in Granada, Spain
Alhambra in Granada, Spain Alhambra in Granada, Spain Alhambra in Granada, Spain Alhambra in Granada, Spain Alhambra in Granada, Spain
Alhambra in Granada, Spain Alhambra in Granada, Spain Alhambra in Granada, Spain Alhambra in Granada, Spain Alhambra in Granada, Spain
Alhambra in Granada, Spain The only stained-glass window in Alhambra The sun shining on the wall through the stained-glass window Alhambra in Granada, Spain View from Alhambra in Granada, Spain
View from Alhambra in Granada, Spain The gardens outside Alhambra in Granada, Spain The gardens outside Alhambra in Granada, Spain The gardens outside Alhambra in Granada, Spain The gardens outside Alhambra in Granada, Spain
The gardens outside Alhambra in Granada, Spain The gardens outside Alhambra in Granada, Spain The gardens outside Alhambra in Granada, Spain The gardens outside Alhambra in Granada, Spain The gardens outside Alhambra in Granada, Spain
The gardens outside Alhambra in Granada, Spain The gardens outside Alhambra in Granada, Spain The gardens outside Alhambra in Granada, Spain The gardens outside Alhambra in Granada, Spain The gardens outside Alhambra in Granada, Spain
The gardens outside Alhambra in Granada, Spain The gardens outside Alhambra in Granada, Spain The gardens outside Alhambra in Granada, Spain The gardens outside Alhambra in Granada, Spain The gardens outside Alhambra in Granada, Spain
The gardens outside Alhambra in Granada, Spain

May 10 - On to Valencia

We journey to Valencia and passed through the Old City to see its ancient gates, and the City of Arts and Sciences. The museum is built in the old river bed. They diverted the river to prevent flooding in the city. The museum had a large reflecting pond that includes several water activities. Our Travel Director, Brad, convinced our Wellness Director, Sophie, to try out the water pedal boards. Sophie did very well. Brad, … not so much. Valencia is home to one of the world's greatest dishes, paella (pi-ay-ya). We meet the chef of a local family-run restaurant in the heart of the Old City and learn how to make paella. The Cooking Demonstration allowed us to indulge in the delicious flavors of this classic dish and glasses of sangria and wine.

Hotel Barceló Valencia.

Valencia's Museum of the Sciences Valencia's Museum of the Sciences Valencia's Museum of the Sciences Valencia's Museum of the Sciences Sophie tries the water board
Brad tries the water board Valencia's Museum of the Sciences Valencia's Museum of the Sciences Valencia's Museum of the Sciences Valencia, Spain
Valencia, Spain Valencia, Spain Valencia, Spain Valencia, Spain Valencia, Spain
Valencia, Spain Valencia, Spain Paella (pi-ay-ya) cooking demonstration Paella is a rice dish originally from Valencia It takes two hours to prepare
The finished paella ready to serve Old city gate Museum of the Sciences seen from our hotel Museum of the Sciences seen from our hotel Museum of the Sciences seen from our hotel at night
Museum of the Sciences seen from our hotel at night Museum of the Sciences seen from our hotel at night

May 11 - Along the Coast to Peñíscola and on to Barcelona

We followed the coast to Peñíscola to view the sea-lapped castle used in the film 'El Cid'. Then we continued along the Costa Dorada to the Cava Bodegas at Sant Sadurni d'Anoia. During a delicious light lunch, we enjoyed a tasting as you learn the sparkling secrets of Spanish bubbly, called cava. Then we continued along the coast to Barcelona.

Hotel Meliá Barcelona Sarrià, Barcelona.

Peñíscola, Spain El Cid's fortress in Peñíscola, Spain The beach in Peñíscola, Spain Sand castles in Peñíscola, Spain Peñíscola, Spain
Peñíscola, Spain El Cid's fortress in Peñíscola, Spain Peñíscola, Spain Peñíscola, Spain Cava (Spanish sparkling wind) tasting
Cava (Spanish sparkling wind) tasting Cava (Spanish sparkling wind) tasting Cava (Spanish sparkling wind) tasting Park Güell, designed by Antoni Gaudí Park Güell, designed by Antoni Gaudí
Park Güell, designed by Antoni Gaudí Park Güell, designed by Antoni Gaudí Park Güell, designed by Antoni Gaudí Park Güell, designed by Antoni Gaudí View from Park Güell, designed by Antoni Gaudí
Park Güell, designed by Antoni Gaudí Park Güell, designed by Antoni Gaudí The only house ever built in Park Güell World's longest bench in Park Güell, designed by Antoni Gaudí World's longest bench in Park Güell, designed by Antoni Gaudí
Park Güell, designed by Antoni Gaudí Park Güell, designed by Antoni Gaudí Park Güell, designed by Antoni Gaudí Park Güell, designed by Antoni Gaudí Park Güell, designed by Antoni Gaudí
Desalination tower in Barcelona

May 12 - Barcelona Sightseeing Relaxed Start

A Local Expert joined us for a drive along the Passeig de Gràcia, adorned with elegant wrought-iron streetlamps and some of the most flamboyant Modernist buildings. We continued through the Eixample district to visit Gaudi’s extraordinary masterpiece, the Sagrada Família. We saw the central nave with its giant, tree-like pillars, spectacular vaulting and the beautiful rainbows flooding in through the intricate stained-glass windows. At a local restaurant, we joined our fellow travelers to toast newfound friends and a wonderful journey, enjoying a Farewell Celebration Dinner with wine.

Hotel Meliá Barcelona Sarrià, Barcelona.

Montserrat, a spectacularly beautiful Benedictine monk mountain retreat Montserrat, a spectacularly beautiful Benedictine monk mountain retreat Montserrat, a spectacularly beautiful Benedictine monk mountain retreat Creeping statue with eyes that follow you Rocks shaped like giant people
Montserrat, a spectacularly beautiful Benedictine monk mountain retreat The Black Madonna up close The Black Madonna seen from the church Montserrat, a spectacularly beautiful Benedictine monk mountain retreat Montserrat, a spectacularly beautiful Benedictine monk mountain retreat
Montserrat, a spectacularly beautiful Benedictine monk mountain retreat Montserrat, a spectacularly beautiful Benedictine monk mountain retreat la Sagrada Família la Sagrada Família la Sagrada Família
la Sagrada Família la Sagrada Família Inside the la Sagrada Família Inside the la Sagrada Família Inside the la Sagrada Família
Inside the la Sagrada Família The side door for la Sagrada Família la Sagrada Família la Sagrada Família Garden near la Sagrada Família
la Sagrada Família Garden la Sagrada Família

May 13 Depart Barcelona

After breakfast we had a free day to do laundry and relax. Our wellness director, Sophie, put together this video collage of pictures she took during our trip.

May 14 Welcome to Barcelona

We changed hotels and joined the Trafalgar tour to complete our loop around the Iberian Peninsula. We joined our fellow travelers and Travel Director for a Welcome Reception and evening drive to see the city's iconic sights.

Hotel Condal Mar

Barcelona, Spain Barcelona, Spain Barcelona, Spain Barcelona, Spain

May 15 Discover Vibrant Barcelona

We joined a Local Specialist to visit the Plaça de Catalunya and pay tribute to Christopher Columbus at the monument that bears his name. Later, we spent the rest of the day on your own to explore the city’s enchanting barrios.

The beach in Barcelona, Spain The Gothic District in Barcelona, Spain The Gothic District in Barcelona, Spain The Castle of the Three Dragons The Castle of the Three Dragons
Ancient Roman ruins found under the market square in Barcelona Ancient Roman ruins found under the market square in Barcelona Barcelona, Spain Barcelona, Spain Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona, Spain Barcelona, Spain

May 16 Journey to Pamplona

The feisty former capital of Navarre takes center stage. We followed in the footsteps of thousands of exhilarated runners and hot-blooded bulls today. We saw Pamplona's ancient city walls and Plaza del Castillo, the heart of the city where markets, tournaments and even bullfighting have taken place.

Hotel Tres Reyes

Square of Our Lady of the Pillar Church of Our Lady of the Pillar Square of Our Lady of the Pillar Square of Our Lady of the Pillar Square of Our Lady of the Pillar
Bridge into Pamplona Pamplona map Pamplona main square Pamplona main square - the trees are trimmed to maximize shade when they grow back Pamplona main square
Monument to the running of the bulls Monument to Earnest Hemingway near the bullring entrance Pamplona bullring The final street where the bulls run into the bullring The second street of the bull run
City hall, the first turn of the bull run The first street of the bull run The well where the early Christians were baptized Fencing used to keep the bulls in the street Hotel where Hemingway stayed
Hemingway's balcony Coffee shop frequented by Hemingway

May 17 Off to Culinary San Sebastián and on to Santander

Today, we journeyed to the sophisticated culinary capital of San Sebastián. We saw the beautiful Bahía de la Concha beach and strolled along la calle 31 de Agosto in the Old Town. Next we stopped is Bilbao to view the modern Guggenheim Museum, designed by talented architect Frank Gehry. We arrived in Santander later that afternoon for a two-night stay.

Hotel Santemar

San Sebastián, Spain San Sebastián, Spain San Sebastián, Spain San Sebastián, Spain San Sebastián, Spain
Water fountains like this are everywhere San Sebastián, Spain San Sebastián, Spain San Sebastián, Spain Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain
Waterfront in Santander, Spain Our ride to dinner View from the boat View from the boat The boat only took us across the river. The rest of the trip was by coach.
Scenery at the restaurant Scenery at the restaurant Monument to the people of the sea Really big, farm-raised lobsters Baked Alaska for dessert

May 18 Sophisticated Santander Your Way

We spent the day at leisure in elegant Santander, relax on the sun-kissed shores of one of the nearby playas, ambled through the charming Old Town, and joined an Optional Experience to the coastal town of Comillas, with its cobbled streets. Here we explored Gaudí's El Capricho, built in the late 19th century as a summer villa. Then we travelled on to Santillana del Mar to visit the museum dedicated to the impressive UNESCO-listed Altamira Caves.

Museum of Altamira, an exact replica of the Altamira Caves and the Paleolithic cave paintings To preserve the caves, only a few people are allowed to visit These are extremely precise replicas of the paintings Altimira cave painting replicas Altimira cave painting replicas
Altimira cave painting replicas Altimira cave painting replicas Altimira cave painting replicas Altimira cave painting replicas Altimira cave painting replicas
Altimira cave painting replicas Altimira cave painting replicas Altimira cave painting replicas Comillas, Spain Comillas, Spain
Comillas, Spain Comillas, Spain Comillas, Spain Comillas, Spain House designed by Antoni Gaudi
House designed by Antoni Gaudi House designed by Antoni Gaudi House designed by Antoni Gaudi House designed by Antoni Gaudi House designed by Antoni Gaudi
House designed by Antoni Gaudi House designed by Antoni Gaudi House designed by Antoni Gaudi House designed by Antoni Gaudi Bee playing guitar, and a bird playing piano
House designed by Antoni Gaudi House designed by Antoni Gaudi House designed by Antoni Gaudi House designed by Antoni Gaudi Santander, Spain
Santander, Spain Santander, Spain Santander, Spain

May 19 Scenic Landscapes, Quaint Towns and Oviedo

Spectacular scenery awaited us as we travelled through the dramatic Picos de Europa which sits between two main pilgrim routes where we encountered several quaint historic market towns. We visit the grotto of 'Our Lady of Covadonga', a famous Marian pilgrimage site, and the pink-hued basilica made from the marble of the surrounding hills. Later, we connected With Locals and enjoy a traditional lunch and cider tasting at a Be My Guest experience with the Castañón family at their Cider Mill. That evening we explored Oviedo at our leisure.

Hotel Silken Monumental Naranco

Scenic bus stop Scenic bus stop Scenic bus stop The church of Covadonga The grotto of Our Lady of Covadonga
The grotto of Our Lady of Covadonga The church of Covadonga The church of Covadonga The church of Covadonga The church of Covadonga
The bell at Covadonga An ancient Roman bridge A lovely fountain Beautiful Roundabout Beautiful Roundabout

May 20 Pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela

This Asturian fishing village of Luarca was our first stop today. We soak in its seafaring atmosphere en route to the pilgrim city of Santiago de Compostela, renowned as the end of the 'camino' pilgrimage route that has its origins dating as far back as the 9th century.

Hotel Tryp Santiago

Scenic stop on the drive to San Sebastián Scenic stop on the drive to San Sebastián Scenic stop on the drive to San Sebastián Scenic stop on the drive to San Sebastián Scenic stop on the drive to San Sebastián
Scenic stop on the drive to San Sebastián A coffee stop in Luarca, Spain Another scenic stop on the drive to San Sebastián Another scenic stop on the drive to San Sebastián Another scenic stop on the drive to San Sebastián
Another scenic stop on the drive to San Sebastián Another scenic stop on the drive to San Sebastián Another scenic stop on the drive to San Sebastián Another scenic stop on the drive to San Sebastián Another scenic stop on the drive to San Sebastián
basilica in Santiago de Compostela Debi wants me to build one of these

May 21 Explore Santiago de Compostela

A Local Specialist shared insights into the 'Way of Saint James' and explained why thousands of people attempt the life-changing pilgrimage every year. We visited the vast Cathedral, reputed to be the final resting place of Saint James the Great, and the Praza do Obradoiro, a square dominated by four architectural styles. Then we joined an Optional Experience to the Rías Baixas for soul-stirring views of the Galician coast. The region has long waterways stretching inland that are said to be the mark left by God's hand when he cleansed himself after creating the world.

Santiago de Compostela Santiago de Compostela Santiago de Compostela Santiago de Compostela Santiago de Compostela
Santiago de Compostela Santiago de Compostela Santiago de Compostela Santiago de Compostela Santiago de Compostela
Santiago de Compostela Santiago de Compostela Santiago de Compostela main square as seen from the basilica Commercial mussel, oyster, and scallop farming in the Rías Baixas Commercial mussel, oyster, and scallop farming in the Rías Baixas
Commercial mussel, oyster, and scallop farming in the Rías Baixas Commercial mussel, oyster, and scallop farming in the Rías Baixas Commercial mussel, oyster, and scallop farming in the Rías Baixas Commercial mussel, oyster, and scallop farming in the Rías Baixas Commercial mussel, oyster, and scallop farming in the Rías Baixas
Dining on mussels One OCD passenger stacked his shells An unwelcomed passenger Commercial mussel, oyster, and scallop farming in the Rías Baixas Commercial mussel, oyster, and scallop farming in the Rías Baixas
Sailboat on the Rías Baixas Fishing boat on the Rías Baixas Monument to the fishermen in the Rías Baixas One more scenic stop at a beach in the Rías Baixas One more scenic stop at a beach in the Rías Baixas
We ran into a Renaissance Faire at one stop We ran into a Renaissance Faire at one stop

May 22 Onwards to Artistic Zamora and Salamanca

We journeyed through the lush Galician landscape and Castile-Leon to Zamora, a veritable open-air museum of Romanesque art. We continued to Salamanca – its golden-hued façades providing an air of mystery and majesty. We skipped the included tour because we had already seen the sights with our previous tour group. Instead, we settled down for a great meal on the main square. The waiter, Moses, remembered us from our last visit nearly four weeks earlier. We had two bottles of Debi's favorite wine, Lagrima (teardrop). Our new friends, Andrew and Janet, joined us for after dinner drinks.

Hotel Gran Corona Sol

May 23 Venture to Stylish Madrid

Travelling east, we arrived in the fiery Spanish capital, Madrid, for an afternoon of sightseeing with a Local Specialist. We visited the Prado Museum, which houses the largest collection of European art in the world. Then, we saw the Royal Palace, Gran Vía and the neoclassical Cibeles Fountain that has become an iconic symbol for the city of Madrid. That night, we joined our Travel Director and fellow companions for a memorable Farewell Dinner with wine, and toasted our magnificent journey through northern Spain. Ron ended the day with a 40-minute solo guitar performance in the hotel lobby for our fellow travelers.

Hotel AC by Marriott Cuzco

Madrid's market square Madrid, Spain Madrid, Spain Madrid, Spain Madrid, Spain
Madrid, Spain

May 24 Adiós Madrid

We bid a fond hasta luego to your newfound friends as our Spanish adventure came to an end. We traveled to Madrid's international airport to catch our flight back to Nashville through New York's JFK airport.

Terms & Conditions  |  Privacy Policy

HISE Logo Copyright © 2024
Hackett Information Systems Engineering
All rights reserved.
YouTube Facebook LinkedIn