Day 1: Madrid-Segovia-Peñafiel-Ribera del Duero-Tordesillas
At 9:00am, your English speaking driver/guide will pick you up at your Madrid hotel for departure to Segovia, for a walking tour of the city featuring the Alcazar, a unique castle/fortress dating back to the Kings of Castile and filled with interesting stories from the middle ages. You’ll also see the magnificent 2000 year old Aqueduct dating to Roman times.   After the tour, the guide will take you for lunch to a traditional restaurant to enjoy the regional specialties: “cochinillo” (roast suckling pig) or the “asado Castellano” (Castillian roast).

In the afternoon we continue to Peñafiel to visit the Castle, converted to the Provincial Wine Museum to learn about the rich wine culture of the Ribera del Duero region, renowned around the world. We will visit two Ribera del Duero wineries to see firsthand how these wines are elaborated and of course for actual tastings.  In the late afternoon we continue to the historical town of Tordesillas for overnight accommodations at the hotel Torre de Sila or similar. SUPERIOR CLASS INCLUDES ACCOMMODATIONS IN THE PARADOR OF TORDESILLAS.

Day 2: Tordesillas-Ourense-Cañones del Sil-Santo Estevo
After breakfast, meet your driver/guide for departure to Ourense, known as the “thermal capital” for the large amount of thermal hot springs within the city limits. In Ourense we’ll take you on a stroll through the historic old quarter and its unique sights such as the “As Burgas” fountain, the symbol of the city. You’ll also see the hidden Cathedral and perhaps cross the Miño river across some of the many bridges, including the Roman bridge from the 1st century or the ultra-modern Millennium bridge.

At lunchtime you’ll have many options available to you based on fresh and delicious Galician products at one of the typical restaurants in the center of town. Lunch is included.   After lunch we depart by narrow and curvy back roads toward the “Cañones del Sil” (Canyons of the Sil river), you’ll see truly spectacular rural countryside of the Ribeira Sacra: terraced vineyards, mountain scenery and river gorges.  We end our journey at the Parador of Santo Estevo, a Benedictine Monastery dating back to the 10th century, converted into a luxurious hotel. Overnight at the Parador of Santo Estevo.

Day 3: Santo Estevo-Santiago de Compostela
Breakfast at the Parador. Free morning in Santo Estevo. We recommend taking an optional (not included in this program) tranquil Cruise on the Sil River Canyons to marvel at the rock formations, flora and fauna, lush vegetation and impressive sheer cliffs (subject to availability – your driver guide can arrange this option locally).

In the afternoon, meet the driver in the Parador lobby for departure to Santiago de Compostela, the fascinating university city and pilgrimage center of Spain. Arrive in the mid-afternoon and check in to your hotel Virxe da Cerca or similar. SUPERIOR CLASS INCLUDES ACCOMMODATIONS THE PARADOR OF SANTIAGO.

You will have free time to explore the narrow maze of cobblestone streets filled with history of this most beautiful stone city. You’ll have two nights to discover the charms of Santiago, without doubt one of the most special of Spanish cities.

Day 4: Santiago de Compostela
Breakfast at your hotel.  Meet your guide at 9:30am this morning in the lobby of your hotel for a private walking tour including the main monuments of the city. Your guide will take you through the historical old quarter, a Heritage of Mankind site, Visit the interior of the impressive cathedral,  Obradoiro square, the university area, the local main market, and the bustling narrow streets and alleys of Santiago.

This afternoon is free, we suggest getting to know the city on your own: Alameda or Bonaval parks, you can see amazing views of the cathedral from either park.  Perhaps you might want to visit the new “Ciudad de Cultura”, a prestigious architectural marvel by American architect Peter Eisenman which gives form to an entire mountain. For dinner we suggest a restaurant along one of the animated “ruas” (streets) like Franco and A Raiña.  Your driver/guide says goodbye to you late this afternoon.

Day 5: Santiago
Breakfast at your hotel.  Early pick-up at your hotel and transfer to Santiago airport or rail station. End of Tour.