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Essence of Northern Spain-Self Drive Journey

Embark on an amazing journey through the Green Spain. This memorable self drive tour starts in fashionable Madrid and takes you to Santiago de Compostela, Gijon, Santander, Bilbao and San Sebastian to name a few. You may visit remarkable sights like the Cathedral in Santiago, the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, the Altamira Museum in Santillana del Mar or enjoy a cruise along the River Eo in Ribadeo.

Itinerary Day 1 - Welcome to Madrid

Our representative meets you at the airport and takes you to your hotel. Day 2 - Travel to Santiago de Compostela

After breakfast your rental car will be available for pick up locally. Travel to Santiago de Compostela (600 km. approx.). Upon arrival you may explore the city and visit the famous Cathedral . (B)

Day 3 - Visit the Tower of Hercules Today travel to La Coruna where you can visit the Plaza de María Pita and the Tower of Hercules. Later visit the city of Ferrol (93 km approx.) and check into the hotel. (B) Day 4 - Visit the White Village of Green Coast

Begin your today's journey with driving across the Rias Altas Galicia until reaching Ribadeo (13 Km approx.) where you enjoy a boat tour around the Ria del Eo. In the afternoon continue to Luarca, (148 Km Km approx.) the White Village of the Green Coast. The next stop is Oviedo, (93 Km approx.) capital of the Principality of Asturias, admire the Romanesque monuments like the San Miguel de Lillo and Santa Maria del Naranco. End your day in the charming town of Gijón (32 km approx. ). (B)

Day 5 - Admire the Picos the Europa This morning enjoy some free time to explore the city and walk along the beach of San Lorenzo before traveling to Ribadesella (70 km approx.) capital of a municipality surrounded by mountains, beaches and cliffs. Visit the Plaza Nueva and the Plaza de la Iglesia, which are full of lively cafes and shops. In the evening check into the hotel located near Cangas de Onis (22 Km approx.) and visit the Sanctuary of Covadonga (11 km approx.) or drive up to the Lagos de Covadonga (12 Km approx.). (B) Day 6 - Sights of Comillas Travel to Liebana Valley in beautiful Cantabria region. You can visit Potes, Fuente Dé (86 m approx.) or the Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liebana (which houses a piece of the Lignum Crucis). In the afternoon drive to Cabezon de la Sal and Comillas (60 km approx) where a local guide takes you on a fascinating city tour.(B) Day 7 - Visit the famous Altamira Neo Caves After breakfast depart for Santillana del Mar (17 Km approx.) where a local guide takes you on a tour of this beautiful medieval town. The tour includes a visit to the famous Altamira Museum. Later continue your journey to Santander.

Essence of Northern Spain-Self Drive Journey(© www.palacetours.com) 1/11 (34 km approx.) (B) Day 8 - Welcome to Bilbao

This day brings you to charming town of Laredo (47 km approx. ). Visit the Old Town and Beach Salvé. You can take a boat ride to Santoña (17 Km approx.) where you can enjoy lunch at any of its great restaurants. In the afternoon arrive in Bilbao (73 Km approx. ) and visit the fascinating Guggenheim Museum. (B) Day 9 - The Glorious Views of San Sebastian

Continue your journey to San Sebastian (99 Km approx.). Relax on the picturesque Playa de la Concha or visit the mountain Urgull and admire the breathtaking views of the city. (B)

Day 10 - Travel to Madrid After delicious breakfast depart for Madrid (451 Km approx.). (B)

Day 11 - Farewell Spain On the last day of your tour our representative meets you at the hotel and takes you to the airport for your flight home. (B) Destination Information A Coruna A Coruña or La Coruña is the second largest city in Galicia in northwestern Spain, second only in size to the port of Vigo in Pontevedra Province. The city is the capital of A Coruña Province. It had been the province capital from 1833 to 1982 before that role was taken over by Santiago de Compostela. A Coruña is a busy port located on a promontory in the entrance of an estuary in a large gulf on the Atlantic Ocean. It provides a distribution point for agricultural goods from the region. Although much of the heavy industry is based on the shipyards and metalworks of the neighbouring city of Ferrol, there is an oil refinery in A Coruña itself.

Bilbao Bilbao is the largest city in the Basque Country and the capital of the province of Biscay. The city has recently undergone major urban renewal, in order to move away from the region's industrial history and instead focus on tourism and services. The developments are centered around the new metro system by Sir Norman Foster and, most of all, the Guggenheim Bilbao Museum by Frank Gehry. Other new landmarks include the Santiago Calatrava- designed Zubizuri Bridge and the Euskalduna Palace, a cultural center, further downstream. The city also acts as home for the Fine Arts Museum recognized as one of Spain's finest art museums and recently refurbished and the Maritime Museum on the Nervión's banks, which recently hosted the RMS Titanic exhibition.

Cangas de Onís Cangas de Onís is a municipality in the eastern part of the autonomous community of Asturias in northwest Spain. It was the site of the first church constructed in post-conquest Iberia, Santa Cruz de Cangas de Onís (737), built on an ancient dolmen. More than 70 square kilometers of Cangas de Onís form part of the Parque Nacional de los Picos de Europa. Within the park is the village of Covadonga, where in In 722 AD, Iberian Christians won the battle over the Moors in the battle of Covadonga. This marked the first significant Christian victory over the occupying Moors; as such, it is often considered to be the start of the Reconquista.

Comillas

Comillas is a small township and municipality in the northern reaches of Spain, in the autonomous community of Cantabria. The Marquisate of Comillas, a fiefdom of Spanish nobility, holds ceremonial office in the seat of power at a

Essence of Northern Spain-Self Drive Journey(© www.palacetours.com) 2/11 small castle which overlooks the town.

Ferrol Ferrol is a city in the province of A Coruña in Galicia. Located on the Atlantic coast in north-western Spain, the city has been a major naval shipbuilding center for most of its history, being the capital of the Spanish Navy's Maritime Department of the North since the time of the early Bourbons. Before that, in the 17th century, Ferrol was the most important arsenal in Europe. Today, the city is also known as the home of the shipbuilding yards of Navantia.

Gijón Gijón is a coastal industrial city and a municipality in Asturias. Gijón keeps its Roman past alive through the actions taken in the Campa de Torres Archaeological Site, one of the main fortified settlements of the north of Spain (before 490 B.C.), and especially in the restored baths complex at Campo Valdés, a public building which dates from the end of the 1st century A.D. Gijón was occupied continuously during the Middle Ages, evident by the Romanesque churches which date from the 12th and 13th centuries. The process of industrialization begun in the mid-19th century changed the city into the industrial center of Asturias, with its leading El Musel Port, shipyards and many manufacturing installations.

Laredo Laredo is a town in the Northern Spanish province and autonomous community of Cantabria. Located between the cities of Santander and Bilbao, Laredo is known in the region and nationally for "La Salvé", its 5 km long beach (7 km at high tide) and for the historic part of town dating back to Roman times. Its festivities in August are also well known due to the main event that occurs every year on the last Friday of August, known as la batalla de flores (the battle of the flowers), during which large floats entirely covered with flowers and petals are paraded along the central streets.

Llanes Llanes is located in the province of Asturias, in northern Spain, on a narrow swath of land beneath the Picos de Europa and the Mar Cantabrico (Bay of Biscay). The region is part of the Costa Verde (Green Coast) of Spain, which is known for its spectacular coastal scenery, beaches, and mountains. The folklore, food, and fiestas of the region are famous for their color and history. Llanes is a traditional fishing port, with an active harbour and many notable monuments and traditions. Although small, Llanes, which is almost suspended above the ocean, is frequented by beach-goers in the summer months, with dozens of small beaches hiding around every corner. Three beaches and a spectacular cliff-top walk, the Paseo de San Pedro, add to the coastal atmosphere.

Luarca Luarca is a truly stunning fishing village on the north western coast of Asturias. It is easily reached from Lugo (Galicia) and has one of the most attractive harbors in all of Spain. The best way to view Luarca is from the hills above the town, or on the slopes above from which you can also look out to the open sea. Nearly every harbor-facing building in this quaint town has a white facade and a grey pan tiled roof, which gives Luarca a tidy appearance while still retaining its old world charm.

Madrid

Essence of Northern Spain-Self Drive Journey(© www.palacetours.com) 3/11 Madrid is the capital and largest city of Spain. The culture of Madrid was dominated by its religious and royal history, evident by enormous, monolithic cathedrals and churches, although nowadays Madrid is just as much a cosmopolitan city as Berlin or London, full of new architecture, life style and nightlife. Madrid is best known for its great cultural and artistic heritage, and is considered one of the top European destinations concerning art museums. Best known is the "Golden Triangle of Art," located along the Paseo del Prado and comprising three museums, the Prado Museum, the Thyssen Bornemisza Museum, and the Reina Sofia Museum, which is home to Pablo Picasso's Guernica.

Oviedo Oviedo is the capital city of the Principality of Asturias in northern Spain. It has an interesting old town with various monuments listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, such as the 9th century Cámara Santa de Oviedo. Oviedo's old town, or "Casco Antiguo," is home to many beautifully restored buildings and squares. Some of the most outstanding are the Velarde Palace which hosts part of the Art Museum, the Town Hall, the Plaza del Fontan, the Palace of Torero and the Palace of Camposagrado.

Potes Potes is one of the most attractive villages in the northern Spanish region of Cantabria. The village is in the center of the Liébana region, an area that is surrounded by spectacular mountains, with running streams and rivers. It streets have many bridges, as well as buildings and monuments with centuries of history, such as the Infantado Tower and the Orejón de Lima Tower (15th century). The old part of the village is full of narrow streets and stately houses, witnesses to its former splendor.

Ribadeo Ribadeo is the main town on the deep estuary formed by the river Eo, forming a natural link between Galician territory and the neighboring lands of Asturias on the opposite bank. One of the most beautiful beaches on the Galician coastline is As Catedrais, 'Beach of the Cathedrals.' Its rocks, which form natural arches resembling a cathedral, create a magical landscape which changes with the tides. Seafood taken straight from the estuary, such as cockles, clams and oysters, which, along with salmon, trout and eels from the Eo, are the star ingredients of the local cuisine.

Ribadesella Ribadesella is a small (84 km2) municipality in the Autonomous Community of the Principality of Asturias, Spain. Known for its location on the Cantabrian Sea, as well as for the outlet of the River Sella, Ribadesella is a town that forms part of the Picos de Europa (Peaks of Europe). It is bordered on the east by Llanes, on the south by Cangas de Onís and Parres, and on the west by Caravia.

San Sebastián San Sebastián (Donostia in the Basque language) is a bustling summer resort city surrounded by verdant mountains in the Basque country of Northern Spain, where the Belle Epoque lives on. The area attracts tourists with its three lovely beaches: Ondaretta, Playa de Gros, and Playa de la Concha. To complement the beaches, San Sebastian's charming old quarter abounds with cafés, bars, clubs, and restaurants where you can try their world-renowned tapas. Tradition and modernity coexist harmoniously, as other attractions include the Baroque Church of Santa Maria, the Gothic Church of San Vicente, and the Museo de San Telemo.

Santander

Essence of Northern Spain-Self Drive Journey(© www.palacetours.com) 4/11 Santander is the elegant capital city of Cantabria in northern Spain, extending over a wide bay with views of the Cantabrian Sea. Its historic quarter includes a group of majestic buildings which are situated against an incredible natural backdrop of sea and mountains. Its marine and commercial tradition is linked to the city's main attractions such as the famous El Sardinero beach, the promenade and La Magdalena peninsula. The cultural wealth of Santander is enhanced with the passage of the Pilgrim's Route to Santiago de Compostela and the neighboring Altamira Caves, both of which have been declared World Heritage Sites.

Santiago de Compostela Santiago de Compostela is the capital city of Galicia, Spain, and is the jewel in its historic and medieval crown. The city has world heritage status, and the 9th century Cathedral itself is the final destination for thousands of Christian pilgrims who traverse the "Way of St. James (Camino de Santiago)" pilgrimage across Galicia in order to reach this impressive city and visit the tomb of the saint himself. Santiago's old town is also full of dazzling examples of Gothic, Neo-classical, Romanesque and Baroque design and nearly all are on a grand or monumental scale.

Santillana del Mar Santillana del Mar is a historic, picturesque town situated in Cantabria, Spain, renowned for its medieval architecture. The area around Santillana del Mar has been populated for thousands of years and there are traces of some of the earliest inhabitants at the Altamira Caves about two kilometers from the town.

Price Chart

Your tour cost includes the following: 10 nights accommodation at moderate hotels as per itinerary 11 day car rental with GPS Meals as specified in the itinerary (B=breakfast; L=lunch; D=dinner) Airport transfers Guided sightseeing tours in Comillas and Santillana del Mar Guggenheim and Altamira Museums entrance fees Boat ride in Ribadeo Your tour cost excludes the following: International and domestic airfare Travel insurance and visa fees Any additional hotel accommodation Beverages, gratuities, telephone bills, or other items of a personal nature Any item not specifically mentioned as "included"

Accommodation Abba Parque Hotel , Bilbao (3-star) C/ Rodriguez Arias, 66, 48013 Bilbao A hotel in a class of its own, located right in Bilbao's lively shopping and business district. 3 minutes from the Palacio de Congresos y de la Música Euskalduna (exhibition centre and music hall), and close to the Museo Guggenheim, Museo de Bellas Artes and Museo Marítimo. For football fans, the Estadio San Mamés is less than 250 metres away.

Essence of Northern Spain-Self Drive Journey(© www.palacetours.com) 5/11 Facilities Parking Garage • Breakfast Buffet • Fitness Center • Solarium • Turkish Bath • Indoor Pool • Restaurant • Meeting Rooms • Wi-Fi Internet Access

Casa de Campo Hotel , Cangas de Onís (3-star) Celorio s/n 33550 Cangas de Onís Hotel Casa de Campo is the ideal place for those entering the region of Picos de Europa, one of the most spectacular places of Principado de Asturias. Placed in the gates of the Picos de Europa National Park, it's a newly constructed building with a private 25.000 square metre estate. It's in the right side of the Güeña River, a tributary of the Sella, allowing the visitors to enjoy a myriad of spare time activities all around the region, as well as resting and relaxing in the various private facilities that the hotel offers.

Facilities Restaurant ? Bar/Cafeteria ? Terrace ? Reading & TV Lounge ? Meeting and Dinning Halls ? Air Conditioning ? Outdoor Swimming Pool ? Outdoor Jacuzzi (heated) ? Free parking ? Access for the Handicapped ? Room service ? Garden ? Free National Press ? Free Wi-Fi Internet Connection ? Laundry ? Luggage Hold Service ? Equestrian Centre

El Tejo de Comillas Hotel , Comillas (3-star) Paseo Solatorre 3 39520 Comillas The Hotel El Tejo de Comillas, is in a strategic position in the tourist and seafaring Villa de Comillas, near the Natural Park of Oyambre, Santander, Natural Reserve of Saja, Winter Alto Campo Station, National Park Peaks Europe, Santillana del Mar, or the beautiful Cave Soplao, unique in the world.

Facilities

Essence of Northern Spain-Self Drive Journey(© www.palacetours.com) 6/11 Coffe Bar • TV Lounge • Wifi Internet • Free Private Parking • Internet corner • Laundry and Ironing Service • Newspaper

Husa Odeon Hotel , Ferrol (3-star) ESTRADA DE CASTELAO, 17 15570 Narón, Spain HUSA Hotel Odeón is located in the A Gándara business park, close to the Narón leisure and shopping centre as well as Pazo de la Cultura, which are all in the middle of the A Gándara residential area. The hotel is strategically connected to the main roads and is just 3km away from the centre of Ferrol and 10 minutes from the region's unbeatable beaches. The hotel has 83 rooms, 6 of which have been adapted for disabled guests. All the rooms are well-appointed and have Wi-Fi connection, flat-screen TV, satellite TV, fax, DIGITAL +, security deposit box, telephone, heating, air conditioning and an en-suite bathroom with hairdryer.

Facilities Parking Garage • Cafeteria • Bar • Conference Rooms • Banquet Hall • Fax and Photocopying Services • Free Wi-Fi Internet Access • Concierge • Car Rental • Fitness Center • Room Service

GSM Celuisma Pathos Hotel , Gijón (3-star) Santa Elena, 6, 33201 - Gijon Asturias , Spain Pathos Hotel, fully renovated in 2000, is located in the city centre, only some metres away from Roman Hot Springs, Saint Catalina Hill and the Sport Harbour where is possible to practice sports activities and several courses. The Hotel has 56 rooms with full bathroom. Moreover the hotel has TV room, reading room, café with restaurant, Wireless System zone and agreement with two near garages.

Facilities

Disabled Facilities • Bar-Cafeteria • Laundry Wardrobe • Wi-Fi Zone • Secretarial Services • Audiovisual Equipments • Interpreters • Room Service Taxi Service • Car Rental

ABBA CASTILLA PLAZA , Madrid (4****) Paseo de la Castellana,220 - Facilities

Essence of Northern Spain-Self Drive Journey(© www.palacetours.com) 7/11 H10 VILLA DE LA REINA , Madrid (4****) C/ GRAN VIA,22 Staying at this enchanting hotel means forgetting your daily routine for a few days. Perfect for a weekend getaway. Its 74rooms are spaces where guests will find the comfort and peace they require to rest. Reception personnel will advise customers with tourist information about the area.

Facilities Bellboy, Coffee-Maker/Teapot, Coffee-Shop, Hairdryer, Heating in Public Areas, Information Bureau, Internet Corner, Lifts:, Magnifiying Mirror, Safety Deposit Box, Satellite TV, Sofa-Bed

Avenida Hotel , San Sebastián (3-star) Paseo Igeldo / Igeldo Pasealekua, 55 20008 San Sebastián The Hotel Avenida is located in a privileged site, in the slopes of the Monte Igeldo, a few metres from the residential area Ondarreta and its beach. It has an outdoor swimming pool and garden, and free outdoor parking. The hotel has 47 fully-equiped rooms and a conference and meeting room for up to 70 people with natural daylight.

Facilities Free Wi Fi internet • Free Parking • 24 hr Reception • Multilingual Personnel • Internet Corner • Luggage Storage • Breakfast Buffet • Daily Newspapers • Conference/Meeting Rooms • Outdoor Pool • Fitness Room • Laundry Service

NH Ciudad de Santander Hotel , Santander (3-star) Menéndez Pelayo, 13-15. 39006 Santander The contemporary-styled NH Ciudad de Santander is perfectly located between the Santander city center and Sardinero Beach. An easy walk from the hotel will put you in the middle of great shopping and dining districts, and on the steps of the city's historic cathedral. The Plaza Cañadio, Palacio de Festivales Convention Center and the city's vibrant nightlife are just minutes away.

Essence of Northern Spain-Self Drive Journey(© www.palacetours.com) 8/11 Facilities Parking Garage • Café • Bar • Meeting Rooms • Luggage Storage Facility • Fax and Photocopying Services • Wi-Fi Internet Access

Husa Ciudad de Compostela Hotel , Santiago de Compostela (3-star) Avenida de Lugo, 213 15703 Santiago de Compostela This charming hotel is just a 10-minute walk from the city's historic centre, which can be reached by following the well- known Rúa de San Pedro, the last section of the French Camino de Santiago, which has been the natural entrance for pilgrims coming to Santiago for many centuries. The Fontiñas shopping and leisure area, where guests will find numerous shops, a cinema, an urban spa, hairdressers and the Sar sports centre (where they can take part in sports activities and enjoy the open air pool in summer), is just 5 minutes away. It is also close to the bus and train stations.The hotel opened in April 1999. It offers 30 attractive rooms, all with views of the surroundings such as Avenida de Lugo and the back of the building.

Facilities Parking Garage • Café • Bar • Conference Rooms • Luggage Storage Facility • Fax and Photocopying Services • Free Wi-Fi Internet Access • Concierge • Car Rental

** The above accommodations are for reference and all efforts will be made to give these accommodations. In some circumstances if they are not available, alternate arrangements will be made in similar hotels Travel Tips & FAQ's What are the passport/visa requirements for travel to Spain? Please ensure that your passport has at least three blank pages and that it is valid for at least six months beyond your departure date from Spain. Please check with your local embassy regarding visa requirements.

What type of clothing is recommended based on the local weather conditions? As most of the tours are during the spring, when the weather is warm, leisure style clothing is recommended. Please bring along a jacket or coat for chilly evenings and windy days, and sun protection for warm afternoons. Comfortable walking shoes are a must.

What kind of cuisine is served? Meals are buffet-style with a good variety of fresh local fare, and there are always vegetarian options available. If you have any special requests, we will try our best to accommodate them.

Essence of Northern Spain-Self Drive Journey(© www.palacetours.com) 9/11 Is the tour accessible to wheelchairs / physical challenges? Please know that not all hotels/sights are wheelchair accessible; please check with us at the time of booking. Wheelchairs for sightseeing excursions can be made available upon request; kindly advise our office as soon as possible.

What happens during the "panoramic tour"? For the panoramic city tours, clients remain seated on the coach and are driven around the popular city sights.

How much should I expect to tip? Tipping is not mandatory, and is left to the sole discretion of the traveler. This is a decision that should be made based on your enjoyment of the journey and the service; however the customary gratuity is around 10%. Terms & Conditions PAYMENT TERMS: 10% of total tour cost due at the time of booking 90% or balance no later than 60 days prior to tour departure date

CANCELLATION FEES: (i) 5% of the total tour value if cancelled more than 60 days prior to date of first service sold by TRAVBUZZ / PALACE TOURS (ii) 10% of the total tour value if cancelled 30 days prior to date of first service sold by TRAVBUZZ / PALACE TOURS (iii) 20% of the total tour value if cancelled 15 days prior to date of first service sold by TRAVBUZZ / PALACE TOURS (iiii) 100% of the total tour value if cancelled less than 14 days prior to date of first service sold by TRAVBUZZ / PALACE TOURS

We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover the losses incurred in case of cancellation. For information on available plans or to purchase travel insurance, please visit www.palacetours.com/insurance.

Essence of Northern Spain-Self Drive Journey(© www.palacetours.com) 10/11 Palace Tours Contact Information

Our Corporate Offices are located in Miami, FL. Click here to schedule a phone call or visit to our Miami Office You can contact us by Phone or live chat on the website or feel free to walk in to our office where our Luxury Travel Experts are available to assist you during business hours. Office: Palace Tours 12000 Biscayne Blvd. Suite #107 Miami, FL 33181 WEB: www.palacetours.com EMAIL: [email protected] PHONE: 1-800-724-5120 USA: Miami, FL: 786-408-0610 Princeton, NJ: 1-609-580-1372 New York, NY: 1-212-920-2543 Houston, TX: 1-832-446-2709 INTERNATIONAL: United Kingdom: 0330 808 4654 Australia: 1-800-156-671 New Zealand: 0800-442-510 FAX: 1-609-683-9772

Essence of Northern Spain-Self Drive Journey(© www.palacetours.com) 11/11