TRAVEL THROUGH GORGEOUS “NORTHERN SPAIN” WITH INSIGHT VACATIONS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR MORE INFORMATION
November 2011 Contact Arnelle Kendall
www.insightvacations.com (561) 330-0850
Email: arnelle.kendall@travcorpusa.com
TRAVEL THROUGH GORGEOUS “NORTHERN SPAIN” WITH INSIGHT VACATIONS
Insight Vacations takes you on a tour of discovery in stunning Northern Spain. This scenic tour journeys through this beautiful and often forgotten part ofSpain, fromMadrid through the misty green hills ofGalicia andAsturias to the laid back beach resorts of the Basque Country. Finish at the uber-chic Pullman Skipper next to the beach at Barcelona, within walking distance of Las Ramblas and myriad restaurants. This incredible part ofSpain contains some of the most historic cathedrals in the world. Compare the classic ancient churches ofOviedo withBarcelona’s famous, though unfinished, Sagrada Familia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Northern Spain—12 days. In Madrid, see the statue of Cervantes’ fictional hero, Don Quixote, in the Plaza de España. Visit the Prado Museum, a rose-colored palace housing works by Velázquez, Goya, Titian, Botticelli, Rubens, and many others. See the impressive Castillo de la Motta, conquered by Queen Isabella, before arriving in the fortified town of Zamora, where among the famous 12th Century Romanesque churches are cafés and tapas bars. Continue north to Santiago de Compostela, founded in 813 when, according to legend, the tomb containing the remains of the Apostle St James was discovered. For dinner, enjoy the freedom of your Dine-Around program, and choose from a selection of restaurants recommended by your Tour Director.
In the Middle Ages, Santiago De Compostela was the third most important city for religious pilgrimage after Jerusalem and Rome, attracting pilgrims from all parts of Europe. Remaining as one of Spain’s most remarkable cities, your local guide will acquaint you with its buildings and heritage. The majestic Praça do Obradoiro is one of the world’s finest squares. Gaze upon the impressive façade of the Cathedral, built upon the site of the original basilica erected over the Apostles tomb.
Costa Verde, the Green Coast of Asturias, one of Spain’s most beautiful, is named after the color of the sea, and the pine and eucalyptus trees that line the shore. The route reveals glorious coastal vistas before turning inland to the modern town of Oviedo. See the 9th century churches built when the city was capital of Christian Spain. Visit thechurch ofSan Julian covered with 1,000 year old wall paintings and the statelysquare ofPlaza Alfonso II, next to the cathedral. Round off the day with an introduction to “sidra,”Northern Spain’s drink of choice in the “Boulevard of Cider.”
See the unique Roman bridge in Cangas de Onis as you head into the foothills of the Picos de Europa, Spain’s second largest National Park , full of spectacular mountain and gorge scenery. Here visit the holy cave of Covadonga, a shrine to Pelayo, who achieved the first Christian victory over the Moors in 722. Continue to Santillana del Mar, which many writers have called “the most beautiful village inSpain.”
In nearby Bilbao, admire the striking modern architecture of the Guggenheim Museum, one of the world’s most spectacular buildings. Admire the beauty of San Sebastián on a guided walking tour of the Old Quarter. See the numbered balconies of the Plaza de la Constitucion, a reminder of the days when bullfights were held in the square. Stop in Pamplona, the city of the running of the bulls, and perhaps take a stroll to the famous Estafeta Street before moving on past the famous Rioja wine–producing region. Lunch time finds you in the Plaza del Pilar, in the shadow of Zaragoza’s famous Cathedrals.
In Barcelona, join your local guide in the Plaça Nova in the heart of the Gothic quarter. See the cathedral and walk through the Roman gate to tour the narrow lanes and old squares. Drive by the lively Rambla and along the Passeig de Gràcia, adorned with elegant wrought-iron street lamps and the most flamboyant Modernist buildings. Continue through the Eixample district to visit Gaudi’s extraordinary, unfinished Sagrada Familia church. Both inside and out, it defies belief! On your final evening, raise your glasses at a finale Celebration Dinner with wine at a local restaurant.
This fabulous Insight Vacation to Northern Spain is priced from $2835 land only, based on double occupancy. Northern Spain includes 10 Buffet Breakfasts, 3 three-course dinners, a Welcome Reception meal, Dine-Around evening, and Celebration Dinner.
Insight guests enjoy more intimate groups, limited to just 40 passengers, the services of an experienced tour director and the assurance of staying in top selected hotels which are centrally or scenically located. Travel in style on Insight’s luxury reconfigured coaches with more legroom so the journey is as enjoyable as the destination.
Take advantage of the included sightseeing worth hundreds of dollars, ensuring your holiday budget goes further. With so many included meals, quality hotels and sightseeing experiences, you’ll be astounded at the value of an Insight Vacation.
Insight Vacations has accumulated an international following by providing outstanding service and quality tour packages to the savvy traveler who seeks better accommodations, choices in dining, and smaller group sizes all while staying in the most desirable locations. For over 30 years, Insight Vacations has been the leader in premium escorted tours and cruises to Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean, Mexico,Canadaand theUnited States.
For more information, contact your favorite Travel Agent, call Insight Vacations at (714) 937-4990,
or visit Insight Vacations’ at www.insightvacations.com
Arnelle Kendall
Vice President of Public Relations
The Travel Corporation
110 East Atlantic Avenue
Delray Beach, Florida 33444
Telephone: (561) 330-0850
Email: arnelle.kendall@travcorpusa.com
Insight Vacations has accumulated an international following by providing outstanding service and quality tour packages to the savvy traveler who seeks better accommodations, choices in dining, and smaller group sizes all while staying in the most desirable locations. For over 30 years, Insight Vacations has been the leader in premium escorted tours and cruises to Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean, Mexico,Canadaand theUnited States.
For more information, contact your favorite Travel Agent, call Insight Vacations at (714) 937-4990,
or visit Insight Vacations’ at www.insightvacations.com
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