Destination Itinerary Day 1 Plymouth/Portsmouth to Santander Arrive in Plymouth/Portsmouth for a late afternoon departure to Santander with Brittany Ferries. Day 2 Burgos & Palencia 310km On arrival in Santander, there is a little free time to explore this picturesque coastal resort before we travel to the medieval city of Burgos with its many layers of history and impressive landmarks, before continuing to Palencia for an overnight stay. Day 3 Arrive in Povia de Varzim 437km Travel across northern Spain and into Portugal via the picturesque wine region of the Douro Valley, arriving at your hotel in Póvoa de Varzim in the afternoon with time to relax and settle in. Situated 35km north of Porto on the north west coast of Portugal, Póvoa de Varzim is a traditional fishing town and cosmopolitan summer resort, with a bustling port and picturesque fisherman’s quarter and is ideally placed for exploring the area. Day 4 Povoa de Varzim The Douro Valley ©Turismo de Portugal Today is a free day, allowing you time to explore your new surroundings. Discover the fisherman’s quarter
with its brightly coloured boats and watch the ITINERARIES PACKAGED 10 DAYS from only £484 womenfolk as they mend the nets using centuries old techniques, or take a stroll along the 19th century shopping street. There is a 2km long expanse of sandy beach and the town has a lively entertainment district Axis Hotel and a casino, as Póvoa is one of the few areas where Povoa de Varzim gambling is legal in Portugal. Day 5 Guimarães DOUBLE FOR SEAFRONT SINGLE (Round Trip) 100km LOCATION OCCUPANCY Head inland this morning to the historic town of Guimarães, the first capital of Portugal and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Often referred to as the This purpose built 4 star hotel enjoys a lovely seafront location birthplace of the Portuguese nationality, it is one of the just north of the centre of Povoa. With intimate gardens, a most atmospheric towns in the north of Portugal. Visit large outdoor swimming pool and easy access to the beach, the 10th century castle and the 15th century palace of this hotel makes an ideal holiday venue. Each of the 208 the Dukes of Bragança, from where a 10 minute stroll bedrooms enjoys bright, pleasant décor with TV, hairdryer takes you to the picturesque Praça de Oliveira. and air conditioning. The hotel has a large open plan ground floor restaurant with traditional décor overlooking Day 6 Douro River Cruise the hotel gardens and a separate bar with a dance floor. (Round Trip) 74km Travel to Vila Nova de Gaia to board a riverboat for 12 Lift 15 Bar 13 Restaurant a relaxing full day cruise along the beautiful and interesting Douro River, with row upon row of terraces cultivated with vines following the curves of the Free Onsite 16 mountain and forming intricate patterns. Your coach will be waiting to return you to the resort. 8 Nights Half Board Axis Hotel Day 7 Porto (Round Trip) 74km 2 Nights Room Only (Overnight Ferry) Enjoy a guided tour of the historic town of Porto, Portugal’s second city, with beautiful buildings 01 APRIL 2013 – 31 OCTOBER 2013 and atmospheric squares. In the afternoon, visit a port Twin from £484.00 to £534.00 wine estate and learn the process of producing port Povoa Guimaraes and enjoy a sample or two. de Varzim Double for Sole Use Supplement £149.00
Porto Pricing excludes August, prices available on request Day 8 Porto to Palencia 437km It’s time to leave Portugal and return to Palencia in Spain Inclusions for an overnight stay. PORTUGAL • 2 overnight crossings with Brittany Ferries (based Day 9 Santander to on inside cabins with lower beds, no meals) Plymouth/Portsmouth 201km • 2 overnights half board in Palencia Spend a relaxing morning in the hotel before travelling • 5 nights half board in Povoa de Varzim to Santander to board the ferry for your return overnight • Porterage trip back to the UK. • Welcome glass of port, wine or soft drink • Hot & cold buffet breakfast Day 10 Arrive in UK • Buffet dinners Arrive back in Plymouth/Portsmouth. • ¼ l wine & ½ l water with dinner Lisbon • Tea/coffee after dinner Distances are one way and approximate SPAIN • Live entertainment 3 times weekly including folklore evening (minimum 5 night stay) • Free use of leisure facilities Distances – Port to Resort • Douro River Cruise Santander - Povoa de Varzim (via Palencia) 668km • Step on & walking tour of Porto • Visit to a port wine estate Distances are one way and approximate