 |
 |
|
|
DAY 1
Depart the United States via overnight flight to Barcel
DAY 4
Motorcoach travel today as we continue exploring Barcelona*s
Modernism era. Today we especially pay tribute to one of the
greatest architects of this era, Antonio Gaudi. We begin taking
a ride through Graci with our first stop to visit the casa Mila,
one of Gaudi’s show pieces. Ample free time for you to visit
and to enjoy a quick refreshment. We then continue to Sagrada
Familia, the project that took up most of Gaudi’s time until his
death. We visit the Sagrada Familia and have our lunch break in
the area of the temple. Our afternoon continues with a visit to
Park Guell, one of Gaudi’s more adventurous projects. Overnight
Barcelona.
DAY 7
Today's excursion takes us back to the times of Phillip II. We
will visit the monumentous Escorial Monastery, largest monument
in Spain and resting place of Spain*s Monarchy from the 16th
century. Free time for lunch. Our afternoon visit is to The
Valley of the Fallen, just a short drive from the Escorial.
This resting place for thousands of Civil War soldiers,
including General Franco himself is an imposing monument,
excavated into the rock by prisoners of war, and will leave no
one indifferent. Overnight Madrid.
today is to the picture book town of Sintra.
Firstly, a visit to the Pena Palace and then free time in the
town for lunch. Continue on in the afternoon down the
mountainside to the coast stopping of at the Cabo da Roca
lighthouse, Boca da Infierno and the seaside resort of Cascais.
Check into our Lisbon hotel. Overnight Lisbon.
The Camino
de Santiago, or the way of St James begins in St Jean de Port,
France and continues some 500 miles to Santiago, the believed
burial site of St James. This same path has been taken for
hundreds of years by the faithful making their holy pilgrimage
to Santiago de Compostela. The path was also used by Roman,
Moor and Saracen invaders, the Knights Templar and the armies of
Charlemagne and Napoleon. This journey is steeped in spiritual
significance, as well as much historical and cultural
significance.
DAY 2
Upon arrival in Madrid we will meet our driver and guide and
drive to Sarria. We will visit the Samos Monastery, an active
Benedictine Monastery originally founded in the 6th century.
The architect for the monastery was one of its own monks, Juan
Vazquez. Dinner and overnight near Sarria.
DAY 3
Today we begin with Morning Prayer before we start our
approximately 72 mile walk to Santiago, taking in the sites of
the small country churches, oak and chestnut groves and farm
life along the way.
DAY 4
Today*s hilly walk continues through field and forest filled
with countless examples of Galician vernacular architecture *
wayside crosses, granaries, and medieval bridges. Upon arrival
in Palas de Rei we will take a short bus trip to the Villa de
Donas Church to see its beautiful frescoes. Overnight Palas de
Rei. 
DAY 5
Today's walk take us through the small bustling town of Melide
where we will visit the small Ethnographic Museum. Our
afternoon excursion takes us to the Portodemouros Reservoir
where we can rent kayaks on our own or visit the Museo de Mel
(Honey Museum). 
by 12
noon. We will stop and reflect on the Monte del Gozo (Mount Joy)
from which the spires of the Cathedral can be seen. As we will
have walked more than the necessary 62 miles, the motorcoach
will take us to the starting point of today's walk thus ensuring
that we arrive in Santiago on time to attend the Pilgrim's
Mass. The Botafumeiro, a four-foot incense burner that is swung
across the cathedral, will be used in 2010. In the medieval
days, the incense was burned to mask the smell of the pilgrims
in the church. We will also go to the Pilgrim's Office where
we will turn in our Pilgrim*s Passport in exchange for our Compostela Certificates and enjoy an orientation tour of
Santiago. There will be some free time to enjoy the city in the
afternoon. We will have our farewell dinner 
DAY 8
Depart from Santiago airport
DAY 3 Our City guide takes
us on a tour of London highlighting the West End with it's parks
and gardens, Parliament, Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, a visit to
Westminster Abbey, and finishing with the Changing of the Guard
ceremony at Buckingham Palace (if held). In the heart of the
city of London we visit Wesley’s Chapel and Museum. This was
the home of John Wesley, the founder of Methodism and we can
also see his grave. See the plaque nearby entitled 'Aldersgate'
marking the site of the conversion of John and Charles Wesley,
situated between St Paul’s and the British Museum. Overnight
London.
DAY 7 This morning we will
drive to York to visit this old Roman City, enjoying a look
inside the magnificent Minster and stroll in the Shambles unique
shopping lanes. Return to Lincoln for dinner and overnight.
DAY 9 We drive to Holyhead
and take the morning ferry to Dun Laoghaire. Evening free.
Overnight Dublin.
DAY 12 Ferry ride across
the sea to Fishguard on the south west coast of Wales.
Overnight Bristol area. 
DAY 5
Today we tour Salisbury and visit the cathedral which has the
highest spire of any in Great Britain and contains an original
copy of the Magna Carta. Around the medieval cathedral are the
quaint cobbled streets which make this market town so
picturesque. We will visit Winchester, capital of England for
more than four centuries. We explore Winchester Cathedral, the
longest medieval church in England which was begun in 1079 and
consecrated in 1093. We see the Great Hall, the remains of the
city's castle, the place where the English Parliament first met
in 1246 and where Sir Walter Raleigh was tried for conspiracy
and sentenced to death. Also housed here is the reputed
mystical Round Table of the Knights of King Arthur. We return to
the Salisbury area to attend Evensong at the Cathedral. 
DAY 6 We
leave Salisbury this morning and travel along a route that will
allow us to see a White Horse carved in the chalk hills to
Glastonbury, where, according to legend, Joseph of Arimathea
brought the Chalice of the Last Supper. A primitive church was
built and legend has it that the Glastonbury Thornbush sprang
from St Joseph*s staff and offshoots from the original bush can
be seen on the abbey grounds. We will continue to Wells,
England*s smallest cathedral city. Here we will see St Andrew*s
Well within the grounds of the Bishop*s Palace and the famous
Cathedral Church of St Andrew. Overnight in the Bath area.
DAY
1 Depart the United for States for overnight flight to
Scotland.
came from the Irish monastery of Iona and, with the
support of King Oswald (based at nearby Bamburgh), worked as
missionaries among the pagan English of Northumbria. In time,
Lindisfarne became
known for its skill in Christian art of which
the Lindisfarne Gospels are the most beautiful surviving
example. You are free to have lunch on your own and further
explore. We will have dinner and overnight on Lindisfarne/Berwick
on Tweed.
island to the second ferry that will take us to the Holy Island
of Iona. We will have a guide from the island join us and
introduce us to the history and importance of Iona. We will
explore the Abbey, visit St Oran’s Chapel, Cemetery (the burial
ground of forty-eight Scottish Kings including Duncan who was
killed by MacBeth), Nunnery Church and Church of St Ronan. We
will have Evening Prayer in St Michael’s Chapel and attend the
9:00 pm services at Iona Abbey together. We will have dinner and
overnight on Iona. 
DAY 6 Today we will take a boat
tour around the Treshnish Islands to the Isle of Staffa. This
balsaltic wonder harbors Fingal’s Cave, formed within tertiary
basalt lava flows which cooled to form hexagonal columns. The
island itself is a bird sanctuary harboring many types of sea
birds. We will return to the Island of Iona to continue our
exploration there. Dinner and overnight Isle of Iona. 
DAY 7 A three-hour walking tour
of Machair and Columba's Bay, said to be where St Columba landed
from Ireland in 563 AD. We will visit a marble quarry which is
no longer in use although pieces of stones with green marble may
still be found. The rest of the day will include a combination
of free time with a possible visit to the Iona Heritage Center
and the St Columba welcome Center as we continue our
introduction to Celtic Christianity and spirituality. Overnight
Isle of Iona. 
DAY 8 After breakfast take the
foot passenger ferry back to the Isle of Mull and then the bus
ride to Craignure. Return ferry to Oban. Short stop in Oban to
stroll in the harbor and sample the local fish and then either
bus or train from Oban to Edinburgh. We arrive in time for a
short evening stroll before dinner. Overnight Edinburgh.
XIV, and is open to visitors
when the Queen is not in residence. Walk the Royal Mile seeing
its quaint streets and alleyways where we may have lunch.
Afternoon free for exploring on your own before our farewell
dinner this evening. Overnight Edinburgh.
Dinner and
overnight Mont St Michel. 
DAY 9
Full day to enjoy our last day in Paris. Overnight Paris.
DAY 12
This morning we depart for Avignon, the fascinating town in
southern France. Ramparts enclose Avignon which is dominated by
Palais des Papes. In 1309, Pope Clement V moved the papal
palace and which reflects the violent nature of 14th century
religious life. We will visit the Palais des Papes and Pont St-Benezet,
according to legend, a shepherd boy name Benezet built it in the
12th century acting on orders from heaven. Now onto Les-Baux-De-Provence,
a tiny village with medieval ruins from the days when the town
had 6,000 residents. Our final destination today is Nice for a
late afternoon walking tour. Dinner and overnight Nice.
DAY 5 Morning check out and then
we continue on to our next destination, Cascais. Check in and
afternoon orientation walk of Cascais. Overnight Cascais.
Castle. Overnight Cascais.
DAY 8 Free day. Overnight
Cascais.
DAY
1 Depart the United States via overnight flight to Madrid.
DAY 4 We
venture to Aranjuez, home to one of Madrid's most famous
palaces. We begin with a visit to the Palace followed by free
time in the acres of gardens and free time for lunch. On the
way back to Madrid we make a short stop in Chinchon. Overnight
Madrid. 
Phillip II.
Upon arriving in Madrid we will visit the monumental Escorial
Monastery, the largest monument in Spain and resting place of
Spain's Monarchy from the 16th century. Free time for lunch in
this delightful city. Our afternoon visit is to the Valley of
the Fallen, just a short drive from the Escorial. The resting
place for thousands of Civil War soldiers as well as Franco
himself, this imposing monument, excavated into the rock by
prisoners of war, will leave no one indifferent. Overnight
Madrid.
DAY 6
Today's visit has one name, SANTA TERESA. Named the first woman
Doctor of the Catholic Church, Santa Teresa of Avila was without
doubt born before her time. Incorporated into our day is a
visit to the Convent where Santa Teresa started her Religious
life and where many of her Visions took place. Its is also from
here where she went to begin her own Religious order, the
Barefoot Carmelites. We continue our visit in the city of Avila
itself. Surrounded totally by Medieval walls, it's cobble
stoned streets and ancient noble houses are a delight. Free
time for lunch before heading back to Madrid. Overnight Madrid.
Palaces, La Granja.
Known as Petit Versalles, La Granja, is not only one of Spain's
most important Palaces, but the area itself housed at one time a
major glass making industry where glass making still continues
today and, depending on dates, we may be able to visit the glass
works. We continue on to Segovia, where we have a free
afternoon to enjoy the delights of this city, such as the Roman
Aquaduct, fairytale architecture of its Alcazar and beauty of
its cathedral. Overnight Madrid.
DAY 8
Today's journey takes us to Toledo, capital of Visigothic Spain
and homeland to many Jewish and Moorish ancestors. A panoramic
tour of Toledo is how we are introduced to this important city
followed by a stop at one of it's main sword manufacturers.
Steel works have been important to Toledo for many centuries and
still exist today, but in a more artesian way. Still alive too,
is it's Damask trade. We can see examples of this being made.
We then continue our visit with an orientation walk through the
Medieval streets of Toledo and visit the Cathedral. Free time
for lunch and to continue exploring Toledo. Overnight
Madrid.
DAY 9
Depart from Madrid airport.
DAY 1
Depart the United States via overnight flight to Malaga.
DAY 4 A
full day visit to the Imperial City of Fez today with our local
guide. Starting with a panoramic and contemplating the facade of
the royal palace, the doorway of Bab Buylud, the exterior of the
Mausoleum of Mulay Idriss II, the artesan's quarter, the Mosque
of the university Medersa Karauyin and the Jewish quarter Mellah.
We make various stops to see the artesans at work, including the
tanneries, the potteries, the artesan metalworkers, artesan
carpet makers, traditional dress shop, etc. Overnight Fez.
Casablanca where we
will enjoy a panoramic tour of the country's economic capital.
We will make a stop at the Mosque of Hassan II and enjoy a free
time period in Casablanca. Early afternoon we continue on to
Rabat. Overnight Rabat.
DAY 1 Depart the United States
via overnight flight to Rome. 
DAY 4 Today we visit Eremo Delle
Carceri, a monastery in the dense woodlands on the side of Monte
Subasio. Here, on the slope of the mountain in caves, St
Francis and his followers established their first home and to
which he returned often during his lifetime to pray and
meditate. Then we travel on to La Verna visiting the site
where St Francis received the stigmata, and finally to Isola
Maggiore where St Francis went on retreat for forty days.
Overnight Assisi. 
DAY 8 This morning we will tour
the Vatican City, an area of one hundred nine acres, ruled by
the Pope, with its own postage stamps, coinage, anthem and
Flag. We visit St Peter's Basilica, built on the site where St
Peter was buried after he had been martyred in Nero's Circus.
The first chapel on the right as you enter St Peter's contains
the Pieta', the moving and powerful masterpiece carved by
Michelangelo. We will then visit the Vatican Museums and at the
end of the tour, see the Sistine Chapel created by Michelangelo
on it's ceiling. Overnight Rome.
DAY 
DAY 4
Travel through Switzerland into Austria via the Arlberg Tunnel,
taking us under the Arlberg Pass en route to Innsbruck, where we
take a short walk and then to Salzburg. Overnight Salzburg.
DAY 5
Traditional walking tour of the Old Town of Salzburg, seeing
Mozart’s birthplace, followed by a Sound of Music excursion,
seeing Leopoldskron Palace, Hellbrunn Palace (Gazebo), Lake
Fuschl, St Gilgen, Mondsee (Wedding Church). We suggest lunch
in the delightful town of St Gilgen at Restaurant Fisherwirt.
Overnight Salzburg.
DAY 6 A
day excursion to Vienna, meeting our city guide to visit St
Stephen’s Cathedral, stroll in the old town with coffee and cake
at one of the fabulous Viennese coffee shops, and see the
magnificent Schoenbrunn Palace. Return to Salzburg. This
evening may be a night of Mozart’s music! Overnight Salzburg.
DAY 7
From Salzburg we journey to the Oberammergau area where we stop
for two nights in local lodges to participate in the Passion
Play performed every ten years by the local villagers as a
celebration of their town’s release from the plague. Overnight
Oberammergau. 
structure was home to the mad King
Ludwig and was Disney’s inspiration for Cinderella’s castle. We
shall also pass by the Castle of Linderhof before we drive into
Munich, Bavaria’s capital. 
DAY 10
Depart from Munich airport.
|
© Creative Destinations Europe 2008, All rights reserved. email: tours@creativedestinationseurope.com TOLL FREE 1-800-828-5941 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
© Creative Destinations Europe 2008, All rights reserved. email: tours@creativedestinationseurope.com TOLL FREE 1-800-828-5941 |
|
