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Program Itinerary | |
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| | Day 4 Wed, Sept. 28 B/L/D
Altamira Neo Cave – El Pindal Cave – Gaudi’s El Capricho | |
| |  | | We’ll begin our day with a visit to the new Altamira Museum, where we’ll gain a greater appreciation of the complex lives of the prehistoric people who lived in the region more than 12,000 years ago. During our visit to the Altamira Neo Cave, we’ll see an exact replica of the colorful cave paintings found in the original Altamira caves (now closed to the public).
Upon leaving the Museum, our drive west along the coast highway takes us past small fishing villages along the Bay of |
Biscay to El Pindal Cave, dramatically situated above a narrow, deep cove that’s pounded by the tides. The images at this site include a very rare engraving of a fish as well as an elephant outlined in red.
After lunch, we will drive through scenic countryside to the seaside resort of Comillas, notable for its beautiful beaches and an astounding architectural creation by Antonio Gaudi: El Capricho
(a recreational villa). | |
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| | Day 5 Thu, Sept. 29 B/L
Valladolid - Salamanca | |
| |  | | This morning we leave the northern coastal region and drive through the Picos de Europa National Park toward Valladolid and Peñafiel, where we’ll have lunch at a local winery.
In the afternoon we’ll arrive in beautiful Salamanca, one of Spain’s most beloved cities. During our walking tour of the old city we’ll see numerous Spanish Renaissance sandstone buildings, the 15-arch Roman bridge over the |
Tormes River, and numerous old and new cathedrals. This evening you’re free to have dinner on your own; the picturesque Plaza Mayor is just a short walk from our hotel. | |
| | Overnight: Abba Fonseca Hotel | |
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| | Day 6 Fri, Sept. 30 B/D
Avila – Madrid | |
| | After checkout we’ll travel to toward the Sierra de Gredos mountains and
to the spectacular, beautifully preserved 11th-century walled city of Ávila. We’ll walk the medieval city to see its impressive wall featuring numerous gates, cylindrical towers, and a 12th-century cathedral built into it.
This afternoon, we’ll arrive in the capital city of Madrid. Join us this | |  |
evening for dinner at one of our favorite local restaurants. | |
| | Overnight: Hotel Bauza (4 nights) | |
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| | Day 7 Sat, Oct. 1 B/L
Madrid | |
| | After breakfast we’ll take a walking tour of Madrid’s historic area, including the Royal Palace, Puerta del Sol, and the Plaza Mayor. We’ll have a late-afternoon lunch at one of our favorite restaurants. The remainder of the day is yours to explore Madrid on your own; consider visiting the famous Prado and Thyssen-Bornemisza art museums. | |
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