Overview
Features
Itinerary
Overview (Return to top)
Experience the grandeur of Spain and Portugal in its paradores and pousadas, which combine architecture, art, history, and tradition to evoke a feeling of the past. Each paradore and pousada is unique, beautiful, and historically important to its locale and will provide the perfect accommodation for your journey through these two spectacular countries. Nearly every city on this trip has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage List site, creating an incredible itinerary of historical and cultural importance. Begin in Ávila, and journey through Spain to cultured Santiago de Compostela, historic Segovia, and lively Salamanca to see the ancient treasures that these towns hold. As you travel into Portugal, history will come alive as you visit the well-preserved city of Guimarães, while a visit to sophisticated Porto will showcase the contemporary side of Portugal. Acquaint yourself with present-day cities of old while discovering the eastern Iberian Peninsula.
Exclusive Highlights:
• Enjoy luxurious, five-star accommodations, renowned for every modern comfort and amenity, in four diverse and historically significant locations
• A uniquely designed itinerary and exceptional opportunities to experience the breadth of culture and landscape of Spain and Portugal
• Discover the highlights of Ávila; revered Santiago de Compostela, the destination of the important medieval pilgrimage route the Way of St. James; and Guimarães, the first capital of Portugal
• Leave the cities to travel off the beaten path as you explore Segovia, Salamanca, and Porto
Priced from $3,395
Alumni Holidays, Inc.
For reservations or additional information, contact:
Jan Breitman [jbreitman@alumni.iastate.edu]
Iowa State University Alumni Association
Phone: (515) 294-6526 direct or (877) ISU-ALUM toll-free
Fax: (515) 294-9402
Features (Return to top)
Transportation:
• Scheduled jet service to Madrid, Spain, with a return from Porto, Portugal.
• Deluxe motorcoach transfers between the airport and hotel in Madrid, and between the hotel in Guimarães and the airport in Oporto, including baggage handling at the hotels.
• Deluxe motorcoach transfers between Ávila and Santiago de Compostela and Santiago de Compostela and Guimarães, including baggage handling
Meals:
• Breakfast buffet each day of the program
• Attend special welcome and farewell receptions and dinners
First, Three Nights in Ávila:
• Deluxe accommodations at the Parador Raimundo de Borgona
Next, Two Nights in Santiago de Compostela:
• Deluxe accommodations at the Parador Dos Reis Católicos
Finally, Three Nights in Guimarães:
• Deluxe accommodations at the Pousada anta Marinha
Many Included Extras:
• Services of a knowledgeable AHI Travel Director throughout your trip
• An AHI Hospitality Desk staffed by local experts, conveniently located in your hotels to assist you in every way
Itinerary (Return to top)
Day 1
Depart your gateway city for Madrid, Spain, aboard scheduled jet service. (Provided for air program participants only.)
Day 2
Ávila
Upon arrival, transfer by deluxe motor coach to Ávila and the Parador Raimundo de Borgoña. (Transfer provided for air program participants only.) This evening, gather with fellow travelers for a welcome reception and dinner.
Day 3
Ávila
Lecture: History of Castile
Excursion: Ávila. Ávila is in the heart of Castile. Take a walking tour of this medieval city, which still stands protected by one of the best-preserved defensive walls in Europe. These 11th-century walls were built after the city was recaptured from the Moors. Visit the 12th-century cathedral. Your afternoon is at leisure to explore Ávila. Dinner is served at the parador.
Day 4
Segovia
Excursion: Segovia. This full-day tour takes you to charming and historic Segovia. See the Cathedral, which took 200 years to build, and the impressive Alcázar. Lunch is served at Mesón de Cándido, which sits next to the city’s first-century Roman aqueduct. It is famous for its cochinilla asada, roast suckling pig. The afternoon is at leisure to explore Segovia on your own. The city is famous for its many churches and grand homes that line its narrow lanes.
Day 5
Santiago de Compostela
Depart Ávila for Santiago de Compostela, a popular pilgrimage destination for countless medieval Christians. Today, thousands of people still follow the routes through France and northern Spain to this beautiful city. On your way to Santiago, stop in Salamanca. See the Plaza Mayor, Cathedral, and the university. Lunch is served in Zamora, a city filled with medieval, Romanesque architecture. Upon arrival in Santiago de Compostela, check in to the Parador Dos Reis Católicos. Dinner is served at the parador.
Day 6
Santiago de Compostela
Excursion: Santiago de Compostela. A walking tour of this unique city includes the famous pilgrimage cathedral of St. James the Apostle. Tour the parador, which opened in 1509 after a decade of construction as a hospital for pilgrims. The afternoon is free for exploring the town at your leisure.
Day 7
Guimarães
Depart Santiago de Compostela for Guimarães, Portugal. Along the way, stop at Bom Jesus do Monte, a spectacular pilgrimage church, for sightseeing and lunch. Upon arrival in Guimarães, check into the Pousada Santa Marinha. Tonight, dinner is at the pousada.
Day 8
Guimarães
Lecture: History of Portugal.
Excursion: Guimarães. Explore the birthplace of Portugal’s first king during a walking tour. See the well-preserved city center and walls. Visit the medieval castle and the palace of the dukes of Braganca. Tonight, dinner is served at the Pousada Santa Maria do Bouro in Amares. This exquisite pousada was built in the 12th century as a Cistercian monastery.
Day 9
Porto
Excursion: Porto. A full-day excursion takes you to Portugal’s second city. Visit the Stock Exchange Palace and the Cathedral. Porto gave its name to the country’s famous export, port wine, as the city was home to a bustling port during the Age of Discovery. Visit a port wine cellar to learn about this sweet, fortified wine. Lunch is served in Porto. Tonight, attend a Farewell Dinner at the pousada.
Day 10
Transfer to the Porto airport for the return flight(s) to your gateway city. (Provided for air program participants only.)
Spain: Paradores & Pousadas
