ANCIENT KINGDOMS OF &

23 DAYS

Paradores & Pousadas

Tour Price Inclusions Tour Highlights THAI Airways economy class return flights ex Australia, airport check-in assistance (Brisbane). Airport departure SPAIN taxes, convenient 1 night Bangkok airport hotel stopover incl. buffet breakfast and transfers en route to Europe, Segovia • Avila • Lerma • Burgos • Haro meet and greet and assistance during outbound flights. Argomaniz • Pamplona • San Sebastian • Bilbao Airport transfers and airline check-in assistance in Europe. Cangas de Onis • Oviedo • Leon • Astorga Economy class return flights in Europe and 1 night London airport hotel including buffet breakfast at the end of the • tour (if flying THAI). PORTUGAL 19 nights in charming heritage accommodation Valencia do Minho • • (Paradores & Pousadas) including daily buffet breakfast, 3 course dinner (or lunch) with beverages based on typical Ponte de Lima • Guimaraes • Amarante traditional regional cuisine where indicated. Luxury coach travel in Europe, entry fees covering sightseeing and Peso da Regua • Douro Valley entertainment, hotel service charges, city taxes, most Vila Real • Lamego • Porto tipping, baggage handling (1 bag pp), services of a full- time professional tour director and local city guides.

DEPARTURE SCHEDULE Ex: Brisbane Sydney Melbourne Perth Tour Price pp/twin share: AUD $14,295 Departure date: 29 August 2020 Single Supplement: AUD $1,995 Start date Madrid: 31 August 2020 Finish date London: 20 September 2020 Land Only and Business Class pricing upon request

38 Tour Overview ANCIENT KINGDOMS OF SPAIN & PORTUGAL This tour explores elements of Spain's unique pilgrimage N route ‘The Camino’, you will enjoy three relaxing nights in the worlds oldest hotel in Santiago de Compostela. Cangas Santiago de de Onis San Compostela Sebastian Oviedo Bilbao Starting in Madrid we follow in the footsteps of the Romans Lugo Pamplona and conquistadors, visiting several UNESCO protected Leon Argomaniz monuments along the way including the famous aqueduct Viana Valencia Haro in Segovia. Travel through the heartland of Spain's lush do do Minho Astorga Burgos provinces slowly heading north towards the seaside, Castelo Ponte de Lima Lerma admiring some great architecture along the way. Braga Guimaraes Taste the Rioja wine, take in the art and beauty of Spain's Porto Vila Real iconic sites and discover how and why the Romans left Segovia such an imprint on this particular region. World-famous for its modern art, a visit to the Guggenheim Museum in Avila Bilbao is a must. PORTUGAL Madrid Neighbouring Portugal, known for its friendly people, warm hospitality and rich heritage is sure to delight. You will leisurely explore the green northern regions with a SPAIN cruise on the Douro River amongst the many highlights. Lisbon Staying multiple nights in Spain's charming Paradores and Portugal’s Pousadas offers an experience of a lifetime.

39 (B/L/D) Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner included where indicated

The real voyage of discovery consists ‘not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes’ MARCEL PROUST

DAY 1 + 2 - DEPARTURE AUSTRALIA / STOPOVER Airport Stopover (1 night) DAY 5 - SAN LORENZO DE EL ESCORIAL - AVILA Meet with representatives of TIKI TOURS for assistance with your After breakfast and settled in, we start our adventure with a guided airline check-in (for Brisbane passengers). Interstate passengers visit to ‘El Escorial’, a majestic palace and monastery complex. It will meet up at our stopover hotel. Sit back relax and enjoy a good acted as an important intellectual centre at the peak of its time, flight followed by transfer to your airport hotel. Enjoy an overnight offering an impressive library and art collection. stay with breakfast included and access to your room all day until check-out in the early evening. We continue the day to take in the best of the nearby town of Avila. With its eight monumental gates and 88 towers, Avila’s city walls The 24 hours between outbound flights are at your leisure. On day are among the best-preserved defensive Romanesque walls in the 2, there is time to explore the local surrounds on a guided tour, do world. Dinner at the hotel. (B/D) some shopping, visit the day spa at the hotel or simply relax with a book around the pool. TIKI TOURS will offer assistance and advice during your stay. (B/Airline in-flight service) DAY 6 - LERMA Castilla y Leon Region (1 night) DAY 3 - ARRIVAL MADRID After hotel check-out we transfer north to check in at our next Parador Castilla y Leon Region (3 nights) in Lerma where your hotel, a 17th c. ducal palace, is conveniently located on the main square. After hotel check-in, you will have free In Madrid, our modern coach and tour director will be awaiting you time to explore the charming town of Lerma. At night dinner at the at the airport for transfer to your hotel. After hotel check-in the hotel. (B/D) remainder of the day is at your leisure to settle in, relax or explore the local area close to your hotel. DAY 7 - BURGOS - HARO The Parador offers spectacular panoramic views of Segovia, one of the most monumental cities of Spain and officially declared a Basque Region (2 nights) World Heritage Site. At night a special welcome dinner is planned Today we venture further north and break the journey to enjoy a at the hotels charming restaurant offering typical Castilian cuisine guided visit of Burgos, famous for Spain’s greatest Gothic Cathedral. and wine. Bienvenido or welcome as we say in Spain! (D) The massive church dominates the elegant old town centre where houses are characterised by glassed-in balconies.

DAY 4 - SEGOVIA After our guided tour, you will enjoy free time before we visit the Sleep in and enjoy a leisurely breakfast as the morning is at your town of Haro to taste one of Spain’s well known export products, leisure. After lunch, we explore the best of the city of Segovia on the Rioja wine. We continue with check-in at our next Parador, a a guided walking tour. The town is probably best known for its noble, Renaissance palace, located in Argomaniz in the province of spectacular Roman aqueduct towering over this ridge-top city. Navarra. Dinner tonight at the hotel. (B/D) Raised in the 1st c., for almost 2000 years it has withstood the elements. It measures up to 28 metres high and is made up of 163 arches. Dinner at the hotel. (B/D)

40 DAY 8 - PAMPLONA - SAN SEBASTIAN DAY 10 - CANGAS DE ONIS This morning we head towards Pamplona, renowned for its annual Enjoy spectacular scenery as we take in the natural beauty on a ‘Running of the Bulls’ festival each summer when visitors from all over panoramic tour of this lush part of northern Spain. A real treat for the world join in with the local festivities of music, dance, fireworks nature lovers, we follow a scenic route and head for the pristine and processions. We follow with a visit to the seaside town of San lakes of this region, so sit back and relax. Today we also visit the Sebastian. Close to the French border and for a long time little more Covadonga monastery and the old Roman bridge in Cangas de than a fishing village, this picturesque city offers a beautifully shaped Onis. Dinner at the hotel. (B/D) bay, La Concha. We will enjoy a guided tour of the old centre and a drive to Igeldo to take in the views overlooking the bay following free time. At night, we sample some of the famous local cuisine DAY 11 - OVIEDO - LEON during dinner at the tables of our residence. (B/D) Castilla y Leon Region (2 nights) As we transfer between regions, en route we will explore the town DAY 9 - BILBAO of Oviedo, the capital of the Kingdom of Asturias. We continue and head for the town of Leon, our base for the next few days. The Asturias Region (2 nights) Parador in Leon, located on the Plaza de San Marcos, is a 16th c. Lovers of art can delight today as we set out to visit the town of Bilbao monastery–hospital which in times past sheltered pilgrims. Our to take in the famous art this town has on offer. Very different from residence is no doubt one of the most extraordinary historic hotels in other Spanish cities, Bilbao is also known for the Zubiri, a modern this world. Different artists immortalised in wood and stone the spirit bridge built by Calatrava, as well as the Flower Dog Puppy sculpture of times gone by, making this accommodation a living museum. The by Jeff Koons. Today will also include the Guggenheim Museum hotel is a Renaissance jewel and the restaurant is renowned for its designed by architect Frank Gehri, probably best known for its unique excellent regional cuisine. Dinner is planned at the hotel. (B/D) exterior and impressive art collections.

We follow with free time for lunch. The day continues with a drive DAY 12 - LEON to Cangas de Onis, a charming town and our base for the next two nights. Our Parador, a centuries old monastery is located on the After breakfast it is time to explore the Gothic and Romanesque green banks of the River Sella, in the background, guests can view the influences of Leon on a guided tour. One of Spain’s greatest majestic landscape of the Picos de Europa, a national park consisting masterpieces, the Cathedral offers impressive facades, sculptures of three predominantly limestone mountains. At night dinner at the and arches. A good deal of its once exceptional wealth in gold and hotel. (B/D) silver was melted down to finance the good fight against Napoleon. The afternoon is at your leisure. Dinner at our hotel. (B/D)

41 Visit Casa de Mateus - Day 19

DAY 13 - LUGO - ASTORGA DAY 16 - VALENCIA DO MINHO Galicia Region (3 nights) Northern Portugal Region (2 nights) After breakfast and hotel check-out, we slowly head towards the Today we cross the border and arrive in Portugal. We start the day Portuguese border for our final stop in Spain. En route, we visit with a visit to Valencia do Minho, a hilltop 17th c. fortified citadel the town of Lugo and the Roman influenced town of Astorga. The located on the left bank of the Minho river. Being a typical border Episcopal Palace, a building by Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi built town surrounded by walls, its role was to defend the country from between 1889 and 1913. invaders, it was once one of the best–preserved military fortresses in Europe. These days it is known for its local textile shops, selling We continue our day and arrive in the well known town of Santiago mostly to the Spanish. This area of Portugal is also known for its de Compostela, located in Galicia. Once a royal hospital founded charming ‘Solares’, 17th and 18th century estates where mainly the by Catholic monarchs at the end of the 15th century to satisfy the aristocracy lived. medical needs of pilgrims, this majestic building now houses one of Spain’s most famous Paradores and is considered to be the oldest After lunch, we will view one of these elegant mansions, the nearby hotel in the world. In the evening, dinner in the elegant dining room Palacio da Brejoeira and have a tasting of the refreshing ‘Alvarinho’ of the hotel. (B/D) wine, a variety of the famous Vinho Verde ‘green wine’. Today we also visit the church of Our Lady of Santa Luzia. Dinner at the hospitable tables of our Pousada in Viana do Castelo, an elegant coastal town DAY 14 - SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA of Manueline, Renaissance houses and Rococo palaces, famous for its traditional festivals and a perfect base to explore this fascinating Settled in, we explore the best of the old town of Santiago de region. (B/D) Compostela on a guided visit. Best known for the final stop of the famous pilgrimage walk ‘The Camino’, today includes a visit to the Cathedral and tomb of St James the Apostle. The tomb was DAY 17 - PONTE DE LIMA - BRAGA discovered in the year 813 and from that moment, the pilgrimages started. Dinner again at the tables of our ancient hotel. (B/D) After breakfast, we head for the town of Ponte de Lima to enjoy the atmosphere of the International Garden Festival, elegant houses, gardens and statues. We will also discover the Roman influences on DAY 15 - A DAY AT YOUR LEISURE this old town, crossed by the river Lima. We can still see the bridge built in ancient times. We continue with a visit to Braga, one of the Indulge in a late start and a relaxing breakfast as today is at your oldest settlements in Portugal with genuine Celtic roots but probably leisure. Enjoy the unique atmosphere of this fascinating pilgrimage best known as the religious capital. site. At night, try one of the nearby local restaurants for dinner. (B) Today will take in visits to the Cathedral, the oldest in Portugal, made up of Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque styles. After lunch and free time, we will visit the fascinating sanctuary of Bom Jesus de Braga, located on top of a hill. Dinner at the hotel. (B/D)

42 DAY 18 - GUIMARAES - AMARANTE DAY 21 - PORTO Northern Portugal Region (2 nights) Today is planned for a visit to Porto, the nations second largest city. After hotel check-out, we visit the historic town of Guimaraes, another A trading agreement with England in 1703, created the wealth of UNESCO Site and birthplace of Afonso Henriques, the first king of the town and the birthplace of the famous port wine trade from Portugal. Known as the cradle of the Portuguese nation, today we grapes produced on the slopes of the Douro Valley. We will enjoy visit its well-preserved former Duques Palace and the beautifully a city bus tour and continue the day with a visit to the cellars of one restored old centre. We continue with a drive to ‘Senhora da Pena’ of the nations famous port making families located at Vila Nova di to take in some amazing views of the local countryside before we Gaia. The bunches of grapes are crushed, the wines fermented and head for Amarante, a picturesque town known for its egg pastries. only then commences the amazing marriage between the wood of Enjoy the stunning scenery while driving through the heartland of noble oak and the immature wine. After a guided tour of the cellars the Douro region, a definite highlight of your trip. Dinner at the hotel naturally a tasting will follow and an opportunity to buy a special gift tonight. (B/D) for your friends back home. Dinner at the hotel. (B/D)

DAY 19 - LAMEGO - VILA REAL - PESO DA REGUA DAY 22 - LISBON AIRPORT Airport Stopover (1 night) Relax and enjoy as we explore the best of the lush Douro region starting with a visit to Lamego, a rich handsome town surrounded Enjoy a sleep-in and a leisurely breakfast before hotel check-out by terraced hills, vineyards and orchards. The towns wealth grew and transfer by coach to Lisbon International Airport for our flight to from its position on east-west trading routes and from wines, already London. Upon arrival in the UK, we check-in at our airport hotel. (B) famous in the 16th c. The day continues with a visit to Vila Real, a busy university town surrounded by splendid mountainous scenery. Today will also include some time at the Port Wine Museum in Peso da DAY 23 - LONDON HEATHROW AIRPORT Regua, capital of this precious commodity. Dinner at the hotel. (B/D) All good things come to an end, after breakfast and hotel check-out, we head for London Heathrow Airport for airline check-in. (B/Airline in-flight service) DAY 20 - CRUISING THE DOURO VALLEY Northern Portugal Region (2 nights) A trip highlight, experience this spectacular part of Portugal as we sail into Porto on a river cruise, over some of the highest locks in the world. This is the region where this destination really shines, the Douro Valley is one of Portugals most popular tourist destinations. Rising in Spain, the River Douro (River of Gold) defines the Spain- Due to the heritage nature of the Paradores and Pousadas, hotels Portugal border and it is in this area that the famous port-wine grapes included on this tour may undergo renovations throughout the are grown on steep terraced hillsides of schist trapping the regions year. In this instance a hotel may be replaced with a property of intense summer heat. The Douro Valley is an official UNESCO World the same standard in the same region. The content of the tour Natural Site, the unique beauty will make this a day to remember. itinerary/inclusions will not change (or as little as possible). Dinner at the hotel. (B/D) 43