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Castile and Leon welcomes us: one of the most extensive
regions in Europe, a land rich in history and artistic
legacy, contrasting landscapes of high mountains and
vast plains, tilled by centuries old paths such as the
Route of Santiago de Compostela and the Silver Route.
We will discover three of its World Heritage sites,
its people, its towns and its rich and varied gastronomy.
Arrival in Madrid and departure towards Aranda de
Duero, located in the wine-growing region Ribera de Duero, where we will have
the opportunity to taste its high quality wines. Possibility of visiting a cellar
for wine tasting We will spend time in the picturesque historical district of
Aranda de Duero, where we will be able to gaze upon its churches -Santa Maria
and San Juan-, palaces and estates -the Verdugo and the Colmenares Palaces- as
well as the Romanesque bridge. Continue to Burgos for overnight
In the morning we will visit the archeological
area of Sierra de Atapuerca, located in the province of Burgos and declared World
Heritage site by UNESCO in 2000 as it is the only place in Europe where the evolution
of the lifestyle of primitive man to settle in our continent can be studied. In
the afternoon we will devote our time to Burgos, capital of the medieval Kingdom
of Castile and Leon. There we will be able to admire its magnificent Gothic cathedral,
a World Heritage site, as well as nearby estates -including the Casa del Cordon-
and the Royal Monastery of the Huelgas Reales with its prominent Gothic cloister
and Santiago Chapel. Overnight in Burgos .
Today we continue in the footsteps
of the pilgrimages along the Route of Santiago between Burgos and Leon. Fromista
has the beautiful church of San Martin where we will find an intrinsically pure
Romanesque style. Next to San Martin we find the churches of San Pedro and Santa
Maria. Carrion de los Condes is a site of great importance along the Ruta Jacobea
and presents the Church of Santiago with its splendid Pantocrator. Other worthy
sites in the area are the Santa Maria del Camino church, the Santa Clara Convent
and the San Zoilo Monastery. Continue to Leon for overnight
Leon, the former Roman Legio VII Gemina Pia Felix has an
ample legacy of Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance styles which we will appreciate
during our visit. We will pass through the historical district with the charming
Plaza Mayor, the Gothic cathedral with its incomparable stained glass windows,
and the San Isidoro Basilica known as the "Sistine Chapel" of the Spanish Romanesque
style where the Royal Pantheon and magnificent 12th century frescoes are housed.
During our visit we will discover palaces -the Conde Luna, the Guzmanes-, churches
such as San Salvador de Palat del Rey and the modernist Casa de los Botines by
architect Antonio Gaudi. Overnight in Leon
Departure to Astorga, capital
of the Maragateria Region. A point of intersection between such notable routes
as the Path to Santiago de Compostela and the Silver Route, the old Roman city
of Asturica Augusta offers the visitor interesting Roman ruins, an enchanting
Plaza Mayor with the notable Town Hall building, Cathedral, and a Modernist structure
of particular interest: the Episcopal Palace by architect Antonio Gaudi, that
holds the Museum of the Pilgrimages. Today's route takes us to Zamora. Possibility
of visiting a local producer for a cheese tasting The Romanesque City awaits us
on the banks of the Duero River: Zamora and its characteristic Romanesque cathedral
with the Byzantine style cupola. During our visit we will enjoy an impressive
assembly of Romanesque churches: San Ildefonso, La Magdalena or San Cipriano,
as well as the Plaza Mayor. Continue to Salamanca for overnight
Salamanca, this beautiful university city invites us
to discover its rich historical past, wander through its lively streets and experience
the festive atmosphere. Among its notable monuments are the Baroque style Plaza
Mayor, the House of Shells, the two cathedrals, the University, the San Esteban
Convent and the Casa Lis that houses the interesting Art Nouveau and Art Deco
Museum. Overnight in Salamanca
The end of our journey takes us to two monumental
cities, both declared World Heritage sites. Avila, birthplace to the famous Spanish
mystics Santa Teresa de Jesus and Saint John of the Cross, welcomes us with its
impressive walls, its cathedral, the San Vincent Basilica, palaces and family
estates -the Veladas, Valderrabanos, Nunez Velas and Torreon de los Guzmanes-,
as well as the Monastery of the Incarnation. In the afternoon we will visit Segovia
with its spectacular Roman Aqueduct, a jewel of Roman engineering built in the
1st century. As we walk through the Jewish Quarter, we will have the opportunity
to behold the Casa de los Picos, the Alhondiga and the Torreon de los Lozoya fortress.
We will visit the Gothic cathedral known as the "Lady of Cathedrals" as well as
the defensive Alcazar fortress. Overnight in Segovia Possibility of organizing
a special farewell dinner .
Transfer to the Madrid Airport |
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