Day 1 Saturday
Departure day
Depart the USA on your overnight flight for Santiago de Compostela, Spain, via Madrid.

Day 2 Sunday D
Arrive Santiago de Compostela
Arrive in Santiago de Compostelo, holy city and impressive sight of religious pilgrimage since the Middle Ages. Your luxury hotel, the former Convent Las Obtalas, is part of the historic and artistic heritage of the city. You may take a rest after your flights or, for those who are eager to begin their explorations, a two-hour city orientation tour will begin at 4:00PM. Later join the get-acquainted reception and dinner at the hotel. AC PALACIO DEL CARMEN

Day 3 Monday BL
Santiago de Compostela
Take a walking tour this morning to visit the great cathedral with its wonderfully ornate entrance. The sheer size of the opulent building is awe-inspiring. The Portico de la Gloria by Maestro Mateo is one of the crowning achievements of the 12th century sculptor. According to legend the bones of St. James were transported here after his martyrdom and became the patron saint of Spain. Pilgrims by the thousands from all over Europe came along the Way of St. James to visit his shrine. The old town is a maze of plazas and narrow streets. Big gray granite blocks are the primary building material for the archways, streets and buildings, tinted green with moss. Later drive into the Galician countryside dotted with tiny farms and rich albarino vineyards. Sample some of the vintages then enjoy fresh seafood delicacies of the region. Return to Santiago de Compostela and the AC PALACIO DEL CARMEN.

Day 4 Tuesday BD
Astorga/Leon
Depart this morning Astorga, where the pilgrimage roads from France and Portugal merged, and its Archbishops palace. The Palacio Episcopal was designed by Gaudi. Here you can view the standard pilgrim garb. Sample the delicious manetcadas (butter buns), one of the most famous delicacies in Spanish pastry making. Continue to Leon, on the high plains of Old Castile and once the capital of Christian Spain with a history going back to Roman legions who camped here beside the Bernesga River. Your distinguished hotel is the former convent hospital whose origins go back as far as 1151. HOTEL DE SAN MARCOS.

Day 5 Wednesday B
Leon
Today's sightseeing in this sedate old city shows you the magnificent cathedral with its beautiful 13th-century stained glass windows and the 11th century Church of San Isidoro Real. The afternoon is free so that you may explore further on your own. Take a stroll through the Plaza Major with its many simple half-timbered houses. You might like to join the locals and orchestrate your own tapas progressive dinner this evening around the Plaza San Martin. HOTEL DE SAN MARCOS.

Day 6 Thursday BD
Salamanca/Avila
Head south this morning to Salamanca, one of Spain's most enchanting and historic cities, dating back to the time of Hannibal. Sightsee the university, founded by Alfonso XI of Leon in 1223, the arcaded buildings, old town hall and Salamanca's greatest jewel, its Plaza Major, Spain's most perfect square. Then drive east to first enjoy a panoramic view of the fortress walled city of Avila, highest provincial capital and once the most complete military installation in Spain during the Middle Ages. Stay for two nights in the former 16th century palace of Piedras Albas adjacent the city wall. Dine on local Castilian specialties this evening. PARADOR DE AVILA.

Day 7 Friday BL
Avila/Segovia
Start the day off with a walking tour of ancient Avila before driving to Segovia. Outstanding Roman and medieval monuments, embroidery and textiles, and excellent cuisine make beautifully situated Segovia one of the most popular destinations for excursions. See the Roman aqueduct, which ranks with the Pont du Gard in France as one of the greatest surviving examples of Roman engineering. The massive granite blocks that make up the vast structure are held up by neither mortar nor clamps, but nonetheless have managed to remain standing from the time of Emperor Augustus in the 3rd century BC. Visit the royal glass factory, located in the Royal Palace de La Grandja gardens designed by some of Europe's best landscape designers. Enjoy the intricacies of Spanish classical guitar this evening. PARADOR DE AVILA

Day 8 Saturday BD
El Escorial/Madrid
Journey to El Escorial, King Phillip II's great monastery palace and burial place of Spanish kings and queens. Tapestries woven from cartoons by Goya, Rubens and El Greco cover almost every inch of wall space in huge sections of the building. Continue on to Madrid in the afternoon. There is time for a little last minute shopping before the farewell dinner at the PALACE HOTEL.

Day 9 Sunday B
Conclude Madrid
Your adventure has passed all too quickly. Transfer to the airport for your flights home. Join us soon for other explorations of the Iberian Peninsula.