Insight > Country Roads of Portugal and Spain

Country Roads of Portugal and Spain
12 Days starting from $1,999

Countries Visited:
Portugal, Spain

 

Length: 12 Days
Type: First Class Tour
Category: Country Roads Tours
Operator: Insight
Tour Code: E931
   
 
About This Tour


This tour moves at a comfortable, leisurely pace with two nights in Lisbon, Santiago, Santander and Madrid, and an overnight stay in delightful Oporto. The travelling days are of a comfortable length with frequent stops and plenty of photo opportunities.
 
  • What's Included
  • Itinerary
  • Dates & Prices
  • Sightseeing Highlights
  • SPECIALS

Insight's First Class Services

  • Escorted by a professional Tour Director
  • Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard toilet
  • Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
  • Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack Complimentary arrival transfer on Day 2 and departure transfer on Day 12

Quality Dining

  • Highlight Dinner at a local restaurant in Madrid (HD)
  • 10 Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 4 three-course table d’hôte Dinners, or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

12 Days ~ Portugal ~ Spain

Tour Pace
 This tour moves at a comfortable, leisurely pace with two nights in Lisbon, Santiago, Santander and Madrid, and an overnight stay in delightful Oporto. The travelling days are of a comfortable length with frequent stops and plenty of photo opportunities.

DAY 1 – THU – DEPART USA
Overnight flight to Lisbon.

DAY 2 – FRI – LISBON AT LEISURE
Welcome to Portugal! On arrival at Lisbon airport, there are complimentary transfers to the tour hotel. There is time to relax or explore before enjoying a Welcome Drink with your Tour Director.
Hotel: Marriott.

DAY 3 – SAT – LISBON SIGHTSEEING
A local guide takes you along the spacious avenues of the Lower Town and across the tree-shaded squares. Pass beneath the hilltop Bairro Alto to the Terreiro do Paco, the finest square in the city which was named after the palace which was destroyed in the terrible earthquake of 1755. The tour continues into the Belem Quarter to visit the 16th century Jeronimo's Monastery with its superbly ornate cloister and vaulted church of Santa Maria. See also the modern Monument to the Discoveries and ancient Belem Tower, a fortress set originally in the middle of the river, but now left high and dry on the riverbank. Spend the afternoon at leisure: take the funicular up into the steep alleyways of the Old Town, explore the terraces of the Alfama district or join a tour to exotic Sintra and its royal summer residence. (BB)

DAY 4 – SUN – LISBON – OPORTO
Head north to the fortified city of Obidos and walk inside its walls to explore the craft shops, art galleries and flower-decked houses that line the narrow, medieval streets. Continue to Batalha to visit the Royal Chapel in the ornate Gothic monastery before making your way to miraculous Fatima to join the pilgrims flocking into the great Basilica. It is here that a vision of Mary is reputed to have appeared before three local children. Stay the night in Portugal’s second largest city and the capital of the north, Oporto.
Hotel: Le Meridien Park Atlantic. (BB,D)

DAY 5 – MON – OPORTO – SANTIAGO
Join your Tour Director to see the Vila Nova de Gaia wine stores which house the famous port wines. Admire the multi-colored houses and churches covered in glazed tiles before heading north to the old fishing town of Viana do Castelo. Wander the pedestrian streets of the old quarter and admire the 16th century buildings before crossing the Spanish border to Santiago de Compostela. One of Spain’s most remarkable cities, a local guide will acquaint you with its buildings and heritage. See the impressive Cathedral, built upon the site of the original basilica erected over the tomb of Apostle St James.
Hotel: NH Obradoiro. (BB,D)

DAY 6 – TUE – SANTIAGO AT LEISURE
Today is at leisure to do as you please! There is the option to take an excursion to the spectacular ‘Rias Altas’ which are green-clad, fjord-like estuaries and the fascinating coastal city of Corunna with its Roman lighthouse. On your return there is still time to explore Santiago’s charming little lanes, squares and shops. (BB)

DAY 7 – WED – SANTIAGO – OVIEDO
Enjoy a scenic drive along the Costa Verde, the ‘Green Coast’ of Asturias, with glorious coastal vistas, before reaching its historic capital, Oviedo. A local guide will show you a 9th century church which was built when the city was the capital of Christian Spain; see also the stately square, Plaza Alfonso II, the cathedral and the nearby streets and their ‘cider bars’.
Hotel: Santa Domingo Plaza. (BB,D)

DAY 8 – THU – OVIEDO – SANTANDER
Explore the foothills of the Picos de Europa National Park and see the ivy clad ‘Roman Bridge’ in the lovely resort of Cangas de Onis. Visit the striking holy cave of Covadonga, shrine to Pelayo, in the place where this national hero achieved the first Christian victory over the Moors in 722. Later, sandy coves, green hills and snow-capped peaks will delight you on the way to Santander, where your hotel is in the elegant resort district of Sardinero.
Hotel: Santemar. (BB,D)

DAY 9 – FRI – SANTILLANA DEL MAR EXCURSION
Drive along the ‘corniche road’, with views of the great bay of Santander, before a short drive leads to Santillana del Mar, which many writers have called the most beautiful village in Spain. Stroll through the cobblestone streets with stone houses decorated with carved heraldic symbols to reach the delightful church square. After time to explore, return to Santander where you will have the opportunity to visit Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum. (BB)

DAY 10 – SAT – SANTANDER – MADRID
Cross the infinite horizons of the northern Meseta and stop to visit Segovia, perched on its triangular rock. See the Roman aqueduct, one of the finest in the world, and immerse yourself in the city’s 15th century golden age. Take time to explore the Old Town before continuing to the spanish capital of Madrid.
Hotel: NH Eurobuilding. (BB)

DAY 11 – SUN – MADRID SIGHTSEEING
A guided sightseeing tour introduces you to the Gran Via and Paseo de la Castellana, the Cervantes Monument, the Puerta del Sol and the Cibeles Fountain. Make a Highlight visit inside the state apartments of the Royal Palace before enjoying a Highlight Dinner with wine at a local restaurant. (BB,HD)

DAY 12 – MON – RETURN TO USA
The tour ends with transfers to the airport. (BB)


To speak to one of our live, experienced travel consultants, Call us now at 1-800-942-3301.

Airfare Disclaimer
A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link.

Documents
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.
         
Touring Date
Land Only
Land + Air
Single
(Land Only)
Single
(Land + Air)
9/4/2008 - 9/15/2008
$1,999
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9/18/2008 - 9/29/2008
$1,999
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10/2/2008 - 10/13/2008
$1,999
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Hotels
The hotels on this tour are all modern and well-equipped, including the Marriott in Lisbon which has an outdoor swimming pool, the NH Eurobuilding in Madrid in one of the newly developed areas of the city and the resort hotel, Santemar, in Santander.

Fellow Passengers
This tour particularly attracts passengers who wish to explore the lesser known area of northern Spain, noted for its remarkably green scenery, while affording the opportunity to revisit the capital cities of Lisbon and Madrid.

Highlights
Highlights include Jeronimo’s Monastery in Lisbon, the pilgrimage city of Santiago de Compostela, the wonderfully scenic Picos de Europa National Park, the ‘Green coast’ of Asturias and the guided visit to the state apartments of Madrid’s Royal Palace.

Enjoy our Premium Highlights plus these extra tour features

Excursions & Sights

  • View the modern Monument to the Discoveries and ancient Belem Tower in Lisbon
  • Visit the ancient fortified city of Obidos
  • Visit the neo-classical Basilica in the pilgrimage town of Fatima
  • See the wine stores of the Vila Nova de Gaia in Oporto
  • Visit the old fishing town of Viana do Castelo
  • See the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
  • See the stately Plaza Alfonso II and see the 9th century churches in Oviedo
  • See the humped back Roman bridge across the Sella in Cangas de Onis
  • Explore Segovia’s Plaza Mayor in the Old Town, dominated by the impressive Cathedral
  • See Madrid’s Cervantes Monument in the Plaza España, Cibeles Fountain & Puerta del Sol
  • Scenic drive along the Costa Verde & Picos de Europa National Park

Guided City Tours

  • In-depth sightseeing tours with audio headsets where appropriate in Lisbon, Santiago de Compostela, Oviedo & Madrid
  • Orientation tours in Oporto and Segovia

Insight's First Class Services

  • Escorted by a professional Tour Director
  • Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard toilet
  • Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
  • Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack Complimentary arrival transfer on Day 2 and departure transfer on Day 12

Quality Dining

  • Highlight Dinner at a local restaurant in Madrid (HD)
  • 10 Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 4 three-course table d’hôte Dinners, or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

CURRENT SPECIALS:

Great Savings and Discounts

EARLY PAYMENT DISCOUNTS

SAVE UP TO 10%: Insight sells its tours in many countries worldwide so the most popular tours fill very quickly. Don’t be disappointed, book early! You’ll be assured of the tours you want, andthe earlier you pay, the more you SAVE!

Here’s how...

Pay 4 months prior to tour departure date to SAVE 2.5%

Pay 7 months prior to tour departure date to SAVE 5%

Pay 10 months prior to tour departure date to SAVE 7.5%

Pay 12 months prior to tour departure date to SAVE 10%

Tours must be paid in full for this discount to apply. Discounts apply to the land-only portion of your tour. Tour prices may change in future brochures. Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension, and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise. 2. Does not apply to tours with River Cruises.

FAMILY SAVINGS

YOUNG TRAVELLERS SAVE 10% AGED 5-17 YEARS :Travel broadens the mind and enhances those special relationships. Insight offers you the opportunity of

sharing your happy holiday memories with your children or grandchildren. This discount applies to the Land Only portion of your tour. Young Travellers must be under the age of 18 years old on the tour departure date, and MUST be accompanied by an adult (limit of one Young Traveller Discount per room). On all escorted tours, children under 5 years old are NOT accepted. The Young Traveller must be the specified age at the time of travel to be eligible for this discount. This discount cannot be combined with our Groups Discount. Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension,

and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise. 2. Does not apply to tours with River Cruises.

GROUP DISCOUNTS

5 OR MORE – SAVE 5%: If a group of 5 to 8 people travel together a discount of 5% per person applies to the Land Only portion of your tour. So it pays to get together with your family and friends!

SAVE $$$ FOR 9 OR MORE : If you have a group of 9 or more people travelling together on the same scheduled tour, then you automatically qualify for big savings! Your savings will be determined by the number of people travelling so ask call for details. You may also reserve a tour departure exclusively for your group! Some restrictions apply. Please contact our Groups Department 1-866-475-7023.

These discounts cannot be combined with Frequent Traveller, Family Savings or Triple Room Discounts. To qualify, names of all passengers travelling must be advised to Insight at the time of booking. Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension,

and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise. 2. Does not apply to tours with River Cruises.  

SINGLE TRAVELLER SAVING

SAVE UP TO $2850 PER PERSON with Insight’s Room Mate Matching service Insight believes travelling solo should not cost you more! That’s why for people travelling alone on an Insight coach tour, we'll match you with someone of the same gender, so you don't have to pay the single room supplement. If we fail to match you, we'll provide a single room at no extra cost. Please note there is a no-smoking policy in all shared rooms. Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension, and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise. 2. Does not apply to tours with River Cruises. 3. Does not apply to Irish Elegance.

TRIPLE ROOM DISCOUNTS: When three people travel together and share one room,

each of the three enjoys a discount off the tour price. See the Triple Room Reductions on the itinerary of your choice. This discount only applies to tours featuring the “Share a Triple Room” reduction on the itinerary pages. Note the third bed will, on occasions, be a foldaway.

FREQUENT TRAVELLER SAVING

SAVE 5% OFF YOUR NEXT TOUR: Most first-time travellers go on vacation with Insight again and again. In recognition of our loyal customers, Insight now extends to all clients automatic membership into our Premier Plus Club, as well as a 5% Discount off the Land portion of their next Insight trip. Insight’s Premier Plus Club & 5% Discount is not available retroactively. Only one voucher is available per person, per tour, per year and only one voucher can be redeemed against each further tour

booking. This discount cannot be combined with our Groups Discount.  Exceptions: 1. Does not apply to additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Easy Pace London & Countryside, Easy Pace London & Paris, Easy Pace London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, the 3 Night Greek Island Cruise & Athens Extension, and Greek tours which include a Mediterranean cruise.

EXTRA TOUR DISCOUNTS

SAVE $$$ON YOUR 2ND TOUR: Book two Insight vacations, each 7 days or longer and you will receive a reduction of 5%off the cheaper of the two tours. Both tours must be booked at the same time. This discount is per person.

COMPLIMENTARY TRANSFERS: Save up to $135 per couple on LONDON taxi fares

FREE LONDON RETURN : Passengers taking the 'Land only' option on our Discovery

tours may return to London by Insight motorcoach at NO EXTRA CHARGE, instead of departing from Paris. Offer applies to the final day of the following Discovery tours:  E920, E910, E933, E914, E912, E913, E916 & G916. Accommodations will be

required, as arrival in London is late afternoon/early evening.

SMALL GROUPS ADVANTAGE : Many tour operators fill their tours with up to 53 passengers. This means more congestion and less leg room on the coach as seats are configured more closely. At Insight we have a

maximum of only 40 guests per tour.

INSIGHT'S GUARANTEES

PRICE GUARANTEE: With Insight, you don’t need to worry about currency fluctuations. Once we receive your full deposit, your land tour price is guaranteed and protected against any increases. (Excludes pre-registration for tours in future brochures and any imposed fuel surcharges or Government Taxes.

TOUR GUARANTEE FOR LAND TRAVEL: To assist you when booking our airline offers and taking our great early payment savings, Insight has designated a large number of tours which we guarantee will operate on the scheduled date, unless circumstances occur beyond our control. Look for Tour Guarantee (TG symbol) on the itinerary of your choice indicating applicable dates. All other featured departures are planned to operate however, for operational reasons, may be subject to re- scheduling with at least 50 days notice (between May 1st & September 30th).


   
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