Maximum Spain Our Way 12 Day Luxury Tour - Cuenca Valencia Galicia and Segovia

Maximum Spain Our Way 12 Day Luxury Tour - Cuenca Valencia Galicia and Segovia

We are a boutique tour company run by a Spanish "Foodie" and his American wife. Our goal is to provide a unique, local and authentic experience as we travel through Spain. Our emphasis is always on great regional food, luxurious and often historic accommodations in beautiful locations, with a small group of 6 participants. With us, you will travel through Spain as a group of Spanish friends or a family would travel. We at Spain Our Way feel strongly that where you stay and what you eat are as important as where you go and what you do! Our tour prices include all hotels, all meals including beer and wine, as well as all entry fees for activities, including all ground transportation. Spain Our Way makes it very easy for you to just arrive and enjoy Spain from start to finish!

Itinerary

Day 1: Cuenca - A Medieval Spanish city that reveals its history with a Gothic Cathedral, and its famous hanging houses

Stop At: Cuenca, Cuenca, Province of Cuenca, Castile-La Mancha
Once we collect your group at the airport we travel to Cuenca, a medieval Spanish city known for its
Gothic Cathedral, old cobblestone streets and famous hanging houses which are built into the sides of a
gorge and appear to defy gravity. Upon arrival there will be an informative and fun train ride around the
old city to orient us, before a leisurely lunch of local specialties at a cafe' in the main plaza. After lunch
we will check into the Parador de Cuenca, a luxury Spanish hotel that was formerly a monastery dating
back to the 16th century. The afternoon will be open for people to rest or explore the old city at their
own pace as everything is in walking distance to the Parador. A gourmet dinner of local delicacies
awaits us at the Parador in the evening.
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Lunch: Lunch with the locals at our favorite restaurant in Cuenca's Plaza Mayor- beer, wine coffee & dessert Included
• Dinner: Several course gourmet dinner at The Parador de Cuenca, featuring local Cuencan cuisine including beer & wine
Accommodation included: Overnight at the 4 star Parador de Cuenca (a former 16th century monastery) with a panoramic view of the Hanging Houses

Day 2: The Enchanted City - Famous for its natural sculptures and amazing rock formations

Stop At: Ciudad Encantada, Carretera CM-2104, Km 19, 16146 Valdecabras Spain
We will take a leisurely stroll through the amazing rock formations and natural sculptures formed over time by the elements. Formed from limestone and given names based on their appearances, we will experience Mother Nature's talent!
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: La Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepcion de Cuenca, Padre Aguirre 8-27 In front of Parque Calderon, Cuenca 010150 Ecuador
Our guests can visit Cuenca's Gothic Cathedral right in the Plaza Mayor
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Museo de Arte Abstracto Espanol, Calle Canonigos s/n Casas Colgadas, 16001 Cuenca Spain
This museum is in one of the hanging houses and is a must see for the architecture of the building & the art!
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Beautifully presented, delicious and extraordinary breakfast buffet at the Parador de Cuenca
• Lunch: Another lunch with locals in San Paul's Restaurant in Cuenca's Plaza Mayor - regional specialties including wine & beer
• Dinner: Several course gourmet dinner in the gorgeous dining room of Cuenca's Parador, local cuisine including beer & wine
Accommodation included: Overnight at the 4 star Parador de Cuenca (a former 16th century monastery) with a panoramic view of The Hanging Houses

Day 3: Valencia - Tour of The Albufera Lagoon (Birthplace of Paella!), A Walk through historic old city, tapas, beer & wine

Stop At: Parque Natural de la Albufera, El Saler, 46012 Valencia Spain
Our English speaking guide will take us on a short walking tour of the Albufera, an informative boat ride and a visit to their quaint museum. Before our boat ride we will visit the kitchen where our traditionally cooked paella is made over open fire. Paella and salad with beer & wine is served once on shore.
Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Phenomenal, complete and delicious breakfast buffet at The Parador de Cuenca
• Lunch: Traditionally prepared paella with starters, salad, beer, wine and ice cream.
• Dinner: Tapas in the historic section of downtown Valencia with beer & wine.
Accommodation included: Overnight at the 4 star Hotel NH Valencia Las Artes overlooking futuristic Valencia

Day 4: City of the Arts & Sciences

Stop At: Oceanografic Valencia, Carrer Eduardo Primo Yufera, 1, 46013 Valencia Spain
We will tour the largest aquarium in Europe with over 500 marine species and representations of their required environments. Each building is identified with a specific ocean environment.
Duration: 4 hours

Stop At: Museu de les Ciencies Principe Felipe, Avenida Professor Lopez Pinero 7 Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències, 46023 Valencia Spain
Shaped like a whale's skeleton, this cutting edge science museum is interactive and dedicated to educating the public about the evolution of science and technology.
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Beautifully presented and complete breakfast buffet at the Hotel NH Valencia Las Artes
• Lunch: Lunch at El Corte Ingles-Spain's equivalent of London's Harrods overlooking futuristic Valencia - including wine & beer
• Dinner: We will go to a beach & boardwalk along the Mediterranean Sea & have Tapas, wine and beer at a Chiringuito (beach bar)
Accommodation included: Overnight at the 4 star Hotel NH Valencia Las Artes overlooking futuristic Valencia

Day 5: The Road North to Astorga

Stop At: Astorga, Astorga, Province of Leon, Castile and Leon
Today is our big travel day as we journey from Valencia to Astorga. We will break the 6 ½ hour drive
up with coffee and lunch breaks and some sightseeing, arriving at our 4 star Hotel in Astorga in the late afternoon. After freshening up and having some rest, we will convene for dinner in the main plaza where we will be treated to Astorga’s rich regional cuisine, wines & majesty.
Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Beautifully presented and complete breakfast buffet at the Hotel NH Valencia Las Artes
• Lunch: Complete lunch in a nice village en route to Astorga including beer & wine and all coffee stops en route to Astorga
• Dinner: A several course gourmet meal in a cozy restaurant in Astorga's Historic Plaza Mayor, including beer, wine & dessert
Accommodation included: Overnight at 4.5 star Hotel Via De La Plata Spa, known for it's proximity to all attractions, and a European style spa.

Day 6: The Chocolate Museum, The Roman Museum, Gaudi's Episcopal Palace & Astorga Cathedral

Stop At: Astorga Cathedral, Plaza Catedral S/N, 24700 Astorga Spain
In Astorga, there is a lot to see and do in a small area, and we will see and do it all today! Our tour of Astorga will include a visit to The Gothic Cathedral of Astorga. The Cathedral was constructed on the site of a former Roman Church and some of the original stonework was incorporated into the design -a must see!
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Palacio De Gaudi, Plaza de Eduardo Castro 15, 24700 Astorga Spain
Designed by Antonio Gaudi and built between the late 1800's and 1936, Gaudi's episcopal palace today houses a museum of the Camino de Santiago, and contains a stunning selection of religeous artifacts. The architect's use of light and height makes this a spectacular attraction.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Museo Romano de Astorga, Plaza San Bartolome 2, 24700 Astorga Spain
The Roman Museum is constructed around a Roman built archway, with a screening section at the end of the arched tunnel where we will be shown an artistic film which creates a history for the artifacts on the first floor. The second floor displays artifacts from everyday life and dioramas of the sewer and water systems.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Museo del Chocolate, Calle Jose Maria Goy 5 Palacete Magin Rubio. Próximo a la Estacion de Tren, 24700 Astorga Spain
The Chocolate Museum (my favorite!) is a well curated, small quirky museum set up in an old mansion, painted yellow with edible looking chocolate colored brown trim! It contains an eclectic collection of old machinery, colorful advertising and lithographs. The museum has a short film describing the process of making chocolate back in the day. Best of all there are free samples at the end of the tour and bars for sale.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Delicious, complete and beautifully presented breakfast buffet in our hotel.
• Lunch: Tapas in Astorga's Plaza Mayor complete with wine and beer.
• Dinner: Multi course gourmet dinner at the famous Restaurante La Paseta, founded in 1871. Meal includes beer, wine and dessert
Accommodation included: Overnight at 4.5 star Hotel Via De La Plata Spa, known for its European style spa and proximity to all local attractions

Day 7: The Ortegal region of Northern Coastal Galicia - (The Rias Altas) and the Bay of Biscay

Stop At: Ortigueira, Ortigueira, Province of A Coruna, Galicia
Today we travel northwest for 3 hours to the Ortegal region of Galicia where the scenery along this
stretch of The Bay of Biscay is breathtaking. Our view at lunch looks out over the Cantabrian Sea, close
to where it joins with the Atlantic Ocean. Here we will enjoy delicious, fresh and traditional seafood
specialties. En-route to our rural accommodations, we will visit the highest cliffs in southern Europe and
the Ortegal cape and lighthouse. Stepping back in time, we will check into a Casa Rural (rural house),
a 700-year-old former gristmill, lovingly restored with exposed stone and wood into “country chic”
accommodations with modern conveniences. Each room is thoughtfully decorated with antiques and its
own beautifully tiled bathroom. Here we will be pampered by Vicente who will pour the regional wine
and serve their house specialties - delicious meals prepared on their antique wood cookstove. This is an
unforgettable experience that is only possible with a small group such as ours.
Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Delicious, complete and beautifully presented breakfast buffet in our hotel.
• Lunch: Lunch of seafood cooked the regional way, served with salad, wine and beer at a seaside Chiringuito - a local favorite.
• Dinner: Casa Rural meal by Vicente and family. Regional specialties prepared traditionally,beer, wine dessert & liqueur included
Accommodation included: Award winning Casa Rural - 700 year old former gristmill complete with antiques and pretty tiled private bathrooms.

Day 8: San Andres Teixido, Morozous Beach Ortigueira, The most beautiful bench in the world in Loiba!

Stop At: San Andres de Teixido, Sierra de Capelada, Cedeira Spain
This morning our group visits the seaside village, church and sanctuary of San Andres Teixido, a Christian pilgrimage site with Pagan roots. Perched on a hill overlooking the open Atlantic, this beautiful stone church and surroundings captures the essence of mystical Galicia. If the weather is warm, we will have a picnic of local delicacies (purchased at the open market when possible) and also take a walk on lovely Morozous Beach. We'll take another scenic drive to the best bench in the world before retiring back to the Casa Rural, for another restful evening of rural pampering by our oh so capable host Vicente!
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Casa Rural breakfast with hearty servings of cured ham, cheese, toast, cake, homemade jam, and lots of good hot coffee!
• Lunch: If the weather is warm, we will have a picnic at Morozous Beach with local cheeses, meats, bread, wine and beer.
• Dinner: Another amazing, several course, traditionally prepared feast at the Casa Rural including wine, beer, dessert & liqueur
Accommodation included: Award winning Casa Rural - a 700 year old former gristmill, complete with antiques and pretty, tiled & private bathrooms

Day 9: The World's Oldest working Lighthouse in La Coruna, Magical Muxia, Santiago

Stop At: Tower of Hercules (Torre de Hercules), Dr. Vazquez Iglesias s/n, 15002 La Coruna Spain
In La Coruna we tour the Roman built “Tower of Hercules” – the oldest functioning lighthouse in the world, dating back to the 2nd century. We will tour the quaint museum and climb the tower (or not!).
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Santuario da Virxe da Barca, A Coruna / Costa da Morte / Muxia / Rua Punta da Barca, 15124, Muxia Spain
In Muxia we will visit the seaside church Senora de la Barca (Our lady of the Boat), and walk along the coastal part of the Camino de Santiago in Muxia from the Marina to the point. We will take in the wild Costa del Morte section of the Atlantic Ocean and feel the power and mystery of magical Muxia
2 hours , Admission is free
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Casa Rural breakfast with hearty servings of cured ham, cheese, toast, cake, homemade jam, and lots of good hot coffee!
• Lunch: Lunch in La Coruna after visiting the tower of Hercules, local,delicious cuisine served promptly - beer & wine included
• Dinner: Seafood and Tapas at the Marina in Muxia overlooking the harbor, beer and wine included
Accommodation included: Overnight at the 5 star Hotel NH Collection de Santiago or The 4 star centrally located Hotel Virxe Da Cerca in Santiago

Day 10: Tour of Santiago and The Cathedral de Santiago

Stop At: Cathedral De Santiago de Compostela, Praza do Obradoiro S/N, 15704, Santiago de Compostela Spain
We will have the whole day to explore Santiago’s cobblestone streets, shops, parks and the amazing
Cathedral of Santiago where it is believed the bones of Christ’s Apostle James are interred. For
centuries people have walked the Camino to absolve their sins and it is more popular today than ever
before. We will have the opportunity to see emotional pilgrims arrive at their hard-earned destination,
and to experience the powerful energy of this historic and fascinating capital of Galicia.
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Complete, delicious and beautifully presented breakfast buffet at our hotel
• Lunch: Local lunch at our favorite neighborhood restaurant tucked away in the alleyways of Santiago, wine and beer included
• Dinner: Multi course dinner in a historic restaurant off from the Plaza Mayor in Santiago. Wine, beer and dessert included
Accommodation included: Overnight at the 5 star Hotel NH Santiago, or the 4.5 star, centrally located Historic Hotel Virxe Da Cerca

Day 11: Travel to Segovia visiting Sanabria on the way

Stop At: Castillo de Los Condes de Benavente, Plaza Castillo 1, 49300 Puebla de Sanabria Spain
After parting ways with beautiful Santiago, we take our last big journey to Segovia. En route to Segovia we will visit the delightful village of Sanabria and tour their amazing castle before a delicious lunch with the locals
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Delicious, complete and beautifully presented breakfast buffet in our hotel in Santiago before departing for Segovia
• Lunch: Lunch at Restaurante de Puebla de Sanabria with locals - delicious, beautifully presented meals including beer and wine
• Dinner: Several course gourmet dinner at the Parador de Segovia, including wine, beer and dessert overlooking historic Segovia
Accommodation included: Overnight at the luxurious 4 star Parador de Segovia with a panoramic view of historic Segovia

Day 12: Roman Aqueduct, Cathedral of Segovia, Alcazar Castle

Stop At: Alcazar of Segovia, Plaza Reina Victoria Eugenia, S/N, 40003 Segovia Spain
We will tour Segovia's famous Alcazar Castle, visit the tower and see what provided Walt Disney with his inspiration for his trademark Disney Castles.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Cathedral of Segovia, Plaza Mayor s/n, 40001 Segovia Spain
We will tour and be astounded by this enormous and beautiful 16th century Gothic Cathedral right off the main square in Segovia's historic district
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Complete, delicious, beautifully presented breakfast buffet at the Parador de Segovia
• Lunch: Lunch at the famous Meson de Cocido Since 1905, located alongside the 2000 year old Roman Aqueduct. Beer & Wine included
• Dinner: Multi course gourmet dinner at the Parador de Segovia, featuring regional cuisine & including beer, wine and dessert
Accommodation included: Overnight at the luxurious, 4 star Parador de Segovia featuring Panoramic views of historic Segovia