Introduction to Dubrovnik Delights

Enjoy a week in the Croatian city of Dubrovnik. Stay in the 3 Star Club Valamar Hotel. You will also have a half day tour, exploring the sights of the city, and a full day tour to the religious shrine of Medjugorje.

Itinerary

Day 1: Fly from Dublin to Dubrovnik and transfer to the 3 Star Club Valamar Hotel.

Day 2 – 7: Day at leisure to enjoy the resort. 2 tours are included during your week (days to be confirmed)

Half Day Dubrovnik City Tour including the old town, towers, statues, Onofrios Fountain, the City Walls and port

Full day tour to the religious shrine of Medjugorje, in the neighbouring country of Bosnia. Included in the tour are St. James’ Church, Apparition Hill and more.

Day 8: Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Dublin.

Price inclusions

• Return flights Dublin – Dubrovnik
• Transfers on luxury coaches throughout
• 7 nights in Croatia, staying in the 3 Star Club Valamar Hotel
• Meals on a full board basis
• Drinks included with meals
• Half Day Tour of Dubrovnik
• Full Day Tour to Medjugorje
• The services of a tour manager
• Taxes and charges included

Booking remarks

• Inclusive of taxes and service charges as indicated
• Includes check in of 1 standard bag per person
• Single room supplement €70 (€270 17 Sep, €220 24 Sep)
• Non refundable or transferable booking deposit €100 per person
• Full payment due on confirmation
• 2% surcharge if balance is paid by credit or debit card (except laser)
• Optional Insurance €20 (conditions apply)

Accommodation details

Club Valamar Hotel – 3***

Within a stunning Mediterranean garden setting, the Valamar Club Dubrovnik sits on the shores of the Babin Kuk peninsula just a few minutes away from the magic of Dubrovnik’s old quarter. With the spotlight on sports, entertainment and non-stop fun in the sun for all ages, this Dubrovnik hotel is the definitive choice for activity-seekers and family holidays in Croatia. For quality leisure time the hotel’s incredible range of facilities offers everything from aerobics to table tennis, swimming lessons to football. Water sports fans can also indulge in swimming, diving in Dubrovnik, sailing and water-skiing from the shores of the lively Copacabana beach. Away from the activities, the Dubrovnik hotel’s spacious double or family rooms provide comfortable havens of peace and feature panoramic vistas of green Mediterranean gardens or the crystal blue sea. After a swim in the sea or a perfect day of diving in Dubrovnik, hunger may strike – pamper your palate with the aromatic flavours of local and international cuisine with Dubrovnik’s only light all-inclusive offer. Children get to eat with their friends at the special kiddies’ corner. Nearby, the wellness centre at the Valamar Dubrovnik President Hotel provides a sanctuary of wellbeing for a little well-deserved ‘me’ time. Just a few minutes away from our hotel in Dubrovnik, the ancient stone walls, terracotta tiled roofs and domed towers of Dubrovnik’s skyline rise above an iridescent sea. Here you can stroll through history in the city’s labyrinth of narrow streets during your family holidays in Croatia. Or pick up traditional crafts and products in local shops and colourful markets before treating yourself to some fish and seafood specialities in the old town.

Dates and Prices

Date	Price
18 Apr 2012	€659
18 Jun 2012	€1,059
27 Aug 2012	€999
17 Sep 2012	€829
24 Sep 2012	€729
03 Oct 2012	€659

Introduction to John Paul II’s Beloved Homeland

Bishop Karol Wojytla, who later became Pope John Paul II, was very fond of his native Poland, visiting often. Having been based in the Krakow area for most of his time in Poland, some of his favourite places are in the region, and you will visit these on your tour.

Itinerary

Day 1: Krakow

Fly from Dublin to Krakow and transfer to the hotel.

Krakow – a city which has strong connections with Pope John Paul II and the only city in the world that includes places that cover almost his entire life.

Dinner at the hotel.

Overnight stay in Krakow.

Day 2: Krakow

You will be given a professional, guided tour of the city, including a visit to the Bishop’s Palace in which the Holy Father Pope John Paul II resided on each of his pilgrimages to Krakow. The programme also includes entry into St. Mary’s Church where John Paul II gave sermons and heard confession and a visit to Wawel Cathedral where Bishop Karol Wojtyła went at Christmas to sing carols. We will also show you the Sukiennice Cloth Hall, one of Krakow’s most notable sites which is recognizable throughout the world and whose beginnings go back to the 13th Century.

Dinner at the hotel.

Overnight stay in Krakow.

Day 3: Krakow – Wadowice – Kalwaria Zebrzydowska – Krakow (98 km)

We begin day three by paying a visit to Wadowice, the family home of Karol Wojtyła. ‘…In this city, in Wadowice everything began. Both life began and my education began and my priesthood began …’ You will see the Basilica of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary on the market square as well as the old building of the secondary school which Karol attended as a teenager. You will visit the Pope’s Family Home (inside now closed for restoration), and the church, where he was baptized. A small exhibition of the objects related with his live can be seen at the chapel near by.

You will also find time to drop in on St. Peter’s Church, to which the Pope had a close attachment, as well as try the famous papieskie kremówki “cream puff cakes”, a favourite of the Pope as a child. On the way back to Krakow will pray at the Shrine of Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, which Karol Wojtyła visited on many occasions. You will then stop off at the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy in Łagiewniki, which John Paul II consecrated in 2002.

Dinner at the hotel.

Overnight stay in Krakow.

Day 4: Krakow – Częstochowa – Krakow (286 km)

Today we travel to Częstochowa, a town of special importance to John Paul II. He stayed there six times as Pope and chose it as the place for the 6th World Youth Day. It was also the first town in the world whose offer of honorary citizenship he accepted. Jasna Gora “Bright Mount” is the most important Marian shrine in Poland and a destination for hundreds of pilgrimages every year. Its focal point is the Chapel of the Blessed Virgin and its miraculous icon of the Black Madonna. When he came to Jasna Gora, the Pope always fi rst made his way to the Chapel of the Miraculous Image where he would pray for a long time and entrust the Church and the World to the hands of the Mother of God.

Lunch in Czestochowa.

Dinner at the hotel.

Overnight stay in Krakow.

Day 5: Krakow – Zakopane – Krakow (208 km)

After breakfast we will take you to Zakopane, a town lying in the Tatra National Park in the heart of the magnificent Tatra Mountains. Your sightseeing tour of the town will include a funicular train ride to the top of Mount Gubałowka where you will enjoy a panoramic view of the Tatras, as well as a visit to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima, built as a votive offering of thanks to her for saving the Pope’s life after the assassination attempt of 13 May 1981.

Lunch in typical restaurant in Zakopane.

Dinner at the hotel.

Overnight stay in Krakow.

Day 6: Krakow

Breakfast. Transfer to the airport. Departure from Krakow.

Price inclusions

• Flight Dublin to Krakow as outlined above
• Airport transfer to your hotel
• 5 nights accommodation in the 3 star Wyspianski Hotel based on 2 sharing
• Meals: Half Board with 2 lunches
• Half day sightseeing tour of Krakow on day 2 with the entrances to the Wawel Cathedral, St. Mary’s Church and Bishop’s Palace
• Visit to Wadowice, Kalwaria Zebrzydowska and Lagiewniki with the entrance to the small exhibition in the chapel in Wadowice.
• Full day trip to Czestochowa and entrance to the Jasna Gora Monastery
• Full day trip to Zakopane
• Every day Mass
• Return transfer from your hotel to airport
• Flight Krakow to Dublin
• Services of a representative for coach transfers and tour
• Taxes and charges of €108

Booking remarks

• Inclusive of taxes and service charges as indicated
• Includes check in of 1 standard bag per person
• Single room supplement €160
• Non refundable or transferrable booking deposit €200 per person
• Full payment due on confirmation
• 2% surcharge if balance is paid by credit or debit card (except laser)
• Optional Insurance €20 (conditions apply)

Accommodation details

Wyspianski Hotel, Krakow

After a complete modernization of the 40 year old building in 2003, the PTTK Wyspiański hotel received the 3 star category.The hotel ideally meets the needs of the tourist with its fantastic location right in the heart of Krakow. This is a large busy tourist hotel. The hotel has a restaurant and bar and due to the hotels prime location the lobby, restaurant and bar areas are constantly busy with tourists and locals alike.

Dates and Prices

Date	Price
01 May 2012	€819

Introduction to Armenia

Visit the home of Christianity on this tour of Armenia. Based in the capital, Yerevan, you will spend 8 days discovering the diverse history of this fascinating country.

Itinerary

Day 1: Fly from Dublin to Yerevan, via Paris or London. Transfer to the hotel and overnight.

Day 2: Breakfast at hotel in morning.

YEREVAN CITY TOUR:

Yerevan is the capital of Armenia and one of the oldest cities in the world. It stretches under the gaze of biblical mountain Ararat and resembles a beautiful gilt bowl to those flying over it. A basalt slab with an Urartu cuneiform inscription, unearthed by archaeologists in the south-eastern part of the city shows the age of Yerevan to be 2783 years old. Modern Yerevan is mostly a rebuilt colourful city with buildings of unique architecture, constructed from basalt, marble, onyx and volcanic tufa stone and it is a contemporary to such ancient metropolises as Babylon and Nineveh.

“Mayr-Hayastan” (panoramic view of Yerevan), Matenadaran (Depository and Museum of Ancient Manuscripts):

The Matenadaran is one of the oldest and richest book-depositories in the world. Its collection of about 17,000 manuscripts includes almost all of the areas of ancient and medieval Armenian culture and sciences – history, geography, grammar, philosophy, law, medicine, mathematics, cosmography, theory of calendar, alchemy, chemistry, translations, literature, chronology, art history, miniature, music and theatre, as well as manuscripts in Arabic, Persian, Greek, Syrian, Latin, Ethiopian, Indian, Japanese and others.

Street tour including Republic Square, Yerevan State University, Victory Bridge, Tsitsernakaberd (1915 Genocide Memorial), Sports & Concerts complex, Kiev Bridge, Parliament, Palace of President, Academy of Sciences, Opera house. State Museum of History of Armenia (founded in 1919).

Evening free or walking in the city centre. Overnight in Yerevan.

Day 3: YEREVAN – KHOR VIRAP – NORAVANK – YEREVAN

Breakfast at hotel. Tour to South Armenia: Khor Virap Monastery:

Khor Virap is a place of pilgrimage for Armenians all over the world. According to history annals, Armenian pagan king Trdat imprisoned Saint Gregory the Illuminator in a cave which became known as Khor Virap. He was the first Patriarch of all Armenians. From here one can enjoy the majestic view of Mount Ararat (where Noah’s ark landed according to the Bible), not too far from the Arax river. Khor Virap is the closest point to Mount Ararat from the territory of Armenia, the most convenient place for observing and taking pictures of the biblical mountain.

Proceed to Noravank Monastery Complex:

Noravank monastery is considered to be the pulpit of Syunik bishops. The main church of St. Karapet was built in 1227. The reliefs on the entrance tympanum and the windows on the western facade are very interesting from an architectural point of view. To the south of the complex one can see a two-storied sepulchre church built in 1339. This tomb monument can be traced to the 4th or 5th centuries. To the right of the entrance of the tympanum, one can find recently discovered stalactite caves. The monastery had been completely reconstructed and reopened in 1999. The magnificent landscape of mountains, surrounding the monastery, display a beautiful array of colours from the sun’s reflection.

Drive back to Yerevan. Areni village and Winery. Tour and tasting. Return to Yerevan. Evening free. Overnight in Yerevan.

Day 4: YEREVAN – DILIJAN SPA – GOSHAVANK – LAKE SEVAN – YEREVAN

Breakfast at hotel. Trip to Dilijan spa. Old District of Dilijan.

Dilijan is a famous spa rich in curative mineral springs, some of which are comparable to those at Vichy in France and Davos in Switzerland. The surrounding mountains are covered by forests and Alpine meadows. The climate is rather mild with cool summers and warm sunny winters. Armenians believe that if there are woods, mountains and mineral springs in paradise, then paradise has to look like Dilijan. Its picturesque locality, healthy climate, mineral springs and rich flora attract many tourists.

Goshavank Monastery Complex. Trip to Sevan Lake – pearl of Armenia. Peninsula and churches of Sevan.

Sevan, this wonder of nature, is 60 Km from Yerevan on a highway which cuts northward through mountains and rocks. Sevan is so austere and majestic that the gentle turquoise waters are astonishing. They fill the gigantic depression situated at the height of almost 2000 m above sea level. Sevan, with its pure air and sandy beaches, is a popular holiday resort. Sevan has always been famous for its fish “Ishkhan” which means “prince-fish” in Armenian. The fish has graced many Lords’ tables in old times.

Return to Yerevan. Evening free. Overnight in Yerevan.

Day 5: YEREVAN – ECHMIADZIN – ZVATNOTS – YEREVAN

Breakfast at hotel. Drive to St. Echmiadzin (Holy See). En route – Hripsime Church:

This is a masterpiece of architecture and a marvellous example of cross-cupola architecture of the 7th century. Weddings and baptisms are performed here on Saturdays and Sundays. Remnants of very old constructions were discovered under the temple in 1959 while the temple was being restored. Virgin’s tomb lies here in the crypt of the church.

Cathedral of St. Echmiadzin (UNESCO World Heritage). Liturgy (on Sundays only).

This oldest Christian temple was founded in 301 and is one of the first churches in the Christian World. Holy Mass takes place on Sundays in the Cathedral. It is an architectural monument of early Christianity. It houses a unique museum of religious artefacts. There is a small altar in the centre of the Cathedral where, according to legend, Christ descended from Heaven and with a golden hammer pointed to the site upon which the Cathedral was to be built.

Return to Yerevan. En route – Zvartnots temple (UNESCO World Heritage):

Zvartnots, built as Armenia’s main cathedral in 641-661, was to suppress Echmiadzin Cathedral by its grandeur and extraordinary artistic splendour. This determined by the size of the temple, its layout and spatial arrangement, its structural features and its decoration which emphasizes the central axis of the building and its upward sweep. The building consisted of three polyhedrons with rich ornamentation of outer walls and capitals.

Return to Yerevan. Overnight in Yerevan.

Day 6: YEREVAN – ARAGATS – HAMBERD – SAGHMOSAVANK – YEREVAN

Breakfast at hotel. Drive north to Aragats Mountain:

Aragats mountain is shaped like an oval shield. A circle of four peaks rises in the middle of the shield. The highest of them has an elevation of 4090 meters. The others are only a few meters lower. This circle of mountains is the remains of a crater from a big volcano. The average temperature is minus 12 degrees C in winter but sometimes the absolute temperature reaches minus 40 degrees C. The snow disappears from the slopes in June. The Stone Lake with the Cosmic Rays’ Scientific Research Centre is situated on the mountain of Aragats.

Hamberd Fortress and Church of Pahlavouni Princes:

Hamberd fortress stands at an elevation of 2300 meters above sea level on the high cape, in the canyon of two rivers high upon the southern slope of Mount Aragats. It is considered to be the only preserved monument of secular type on the territory of Armenia. The fortress, founded in the 7th century by Pahlavouni princes, had its own water-supply pipe which channels springs from the Aragats Mountain. The church inside the fortress was built in 1026 as shown by the date inscribed on the door.

Proceed to Saghmosavan Village. Monastery Complex of Saghmosavank (Psalm Church). Return to Yerevan. Evening free. Overnight in Yerevan.

Day 7: YEREVAN – GARNI – GEGHARD – YEREVAN

Breakfast at hotel. Half-day trip to Garni Pagan Temple and Geghard Monastery.

This pagan temple of Garni was built in 1st. c. AC and was devoted to one of the Armenian Pagan Gods – Mitra. After Armenia converted to Christianity in the 4th c., the rulers of the country used the temple as their summer residence. King Khosrov stayed there often as the area was his favourite hunting ground. Garni was destroyed when the Arabs conquered Armenia but was rebuilt in the beginning of the 10th c. Its final destruction came in 1638 during the Turkish invasion. A violent earthquake buried what remained from it in 1679. The complete restoration of the temple began in 1970 and was over in 1978.

Proceed to Geghard Monastery (UNESCO World Heritage):

Geghard was initially known simply as Ayrivank (Cave Monastery). The present buildings comprising it date back to 10-13th cc., at which time it was renamed as Geghard meaning “lance” (spear) in Armenian. The name refers to the biblical lance used by a Roman soldier to pierce Christ’s body to find out if he was alive or not. The lance was kept in Geghard for a long time before being moved to the museum of Echmiadzin Cathedral. The main church, constructed in 1215, is the oldest building in the monastery complex. Avazan church, 1283, is carved right into the solid rock and is an incomparable work of art. It leads to a rectangular portico and then to another church deeper in the rock.

Return to Yerevan. Agricultural produce market and Vernissage (souvenirs, arts and crafts market). Evening free. Overnight in Yerevan.

Day 8: YEREVAN

Breakfast at hotel. Visit to Cascade Complex to explore the famous Mural by Grigor Khanjyan and Selected Works from the Private Collection of Gerard L. Cafesjian.

Located in Khanjyan Hall is the monumental mural executed by the well-known Armenian painter Grigor Khanjyan (1926–2000). Commissioned for the original Soviet monument but left unfinished at the time of Khanjyan’s death, the three primary scenes of the mural illustrate important events in Armenia’s history: The Creation of the Armenian Alphabet; The Battle of Vardanank in AD 451; and The Rebirth of Armenia. Khanjyan Hall was completely renovated in 2009, and its austere, unadorned interior embodies the reverence many Armenians feel toward one of their country’s artistic treasures. Selections of glass from the Gerard L. Cafesjian Collection are on continuous exhibition on the east wall of the hall.

Walking in city centre and visit to Paintings Vernissage. Evening free and overnight in Yerevan.

Day 9: Transfer to the airport for your return flight to Dublin, via Paris or London.

Price inclusions

• Flight Dublin to Yerevan, Via Paris or London
• Airport transfer to your hotel
• 8 nights accommodation in the 4* Ani Plaza Hotel or similar
• Meals on a B&B basis
• Tours each day, outlined in the itinerary
• The use of luxury coaches throughout
• Return transfer from your hotel to airport
• Flight Yerevan to Dublin, via Paris or London
• Services of guide and local representatives
• Taxes and charges of €200

Booking remarks

• Inclusive of taxes and service charges as indicated
• Single room supplement €200
• Non refundable or transferable booking deposit 10% per person
• Full payment due on confirmation
• 2% surcharge if balance is paid by credit or charge card
• Optional Insurance €48 (conditions apply)
• Taxes, charges or compulsory charges introduced after publication are not included in the above price
• Irish nationals require a visa to enter Armenia. This is available as an eVisa. Cost €30, which can be arranged through Citiescapes

Accommodation details

Yerevan – 4* Ani Plaza Hotel or similar – 8 Nights

Dates and Prices

Date	Price		…..	55Club
18 Apr 2012	€1,399			€1,299
16 May 2012	€1,399
06 June 2012	€1,399
04 July 2012	€1,399
15 Aug 2012	€1,399
05 Sept 2012	€1,399
10 Oct 2012	€1,399

Introduction to The Holy Land of Israel

Explore the Holy Land on this Citiescapes Tour. Discover life in Nazareth, tour the religious sights in Jerusalem and enjoy a relaxing float in the Dead Sea.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, where you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Tel Aviv.

Day 2: Caesarea / Megiddo / Haifa / Acre

Depart Tel Aviv and drive along the coastal plain to Caesarea, capital of Judea under the Romans. Visit the excavations of the ancient city, the Roman theatre and aqueduct. Continue to Megiddo, identified as the site of Armageddon. Visit the archaeological excavations at Megiddo, including the well-preserved water supply system. Drive to Haifa; view the Persian Gardens at the Bahai Temple. From Haifa, drive to Acre to visit the ancient city and harbour. Continue to Kibbutz Lavi for dinner and overnight.

Day 3: Tiberias / Capernaum / Banias

After a short tour of Tiberias, we take a boat ride to Capernaum. Visit the remains of the 2nd century synagogue. Proceed to Tabgha, the site of the miracle of fish and loaves, and visit the Church of Multiplication with its 4th century mosaic floor. Continue to Mount of the Beatitudes, the place where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount. Drive to the Banias Springs and Waterfall and tour the Golan Heights. Return to Kibbutz Lavi for dinner and overnight.

Day 4: Nazareth / Beit Shean

Drive to Nazareth via Cana of Galilee. In Nazareth, visit the Church of the Annunciation, St. Joseph’s Workshop and Mary’s Well. Drive to Yardenit, the baptismal site on the Jordan River. Continue to Beit Shean, a newly excavated city, and visit the Roman theatre. Drive along the Jordan River to Jerusalem for overnight.

Day 5: Jerusalem – Old City

Drive to Mount of Olives for a panoramic view of the city. Visit the Church of All Nations, King David’s Tomb and the Room of the Last Supper on Mount Zion. Enter within the walls of the city and visit the Cardo, Temple Mount (entrance to the mosques not included), Western Wall, Via Dolorosa, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Oriental Bazaar. Visit the Garden Tomb. Overnight in Jerusalem.

Day 6: Jerusalem – New City and Bethlehem

Drive to Ein Kerem to visit the Church of Visitation; proceed to Yad Vashem Memorial to the Holocaust. Visit the Israel Museum, the Shrine of the Book which houses the Dead Sea Scrolls and the miniature model of Jerusalem as it was during the Second Temple period. Proceed to Bethlehem to visit the Church of the Nativity. Overnight in Jerusalem. (Bethlehem visit subject to availability)

Day 7: Dead Sea / Massada

Drive to Qumeran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls where found. Visit the ancient city of Qumeran and drive along the shore of the Dead Sea, the lowest place on earth, to Massada, the last stronghold of the Jews after the destruction of the Second Temple in 73 A.D. Ascend Massada by cable car and visit the food storeroom, water irrigation system and Herod’s Palace. Descend by cable car. Time and weather permitting, an opportunity will be provided to float on the Dead Sea. Return to Jerusalem for overnight.

Day 8: Transfer to Ben Gurion Airport for your return flight to Dublin.

Price inclusions

• Flight Dublin to Tel Aviv, via Paris
• Airport transfer to your hotel
• 7 nights accommodation (see Itinerary)
• Meals on a half board basis
• Tours outlined in the itinerary
• Return transfer from your hotel to airport
• Flight Tel Aviv to Dublin, via Paris
• Services of guide and local representatives
• Taxes and charges of €208

Booking remarks

• Inclusive of taxes and service charges as indicated
• Single room supplement €400 (standard) €530 (superior)
• Non refundable or transferable booking deposit 10% per person
• Full payment due on confirmation
• 2% surcharge if balance is paid by credit or charge card
• Optional Insurance €48 (conditions apply)
• Taxes, charges or compulsory charges introduced after publication are not included in the above price

Accommodation details

Tel Aviv: Dan Panorama Hotel (Superior) or Grand Beach Hotel (Standard)

Galilee: Kibbutz Lavi – Hod Wing (Superior) or Lev Wing (Standard)

Jerusalem: Dan Panorama Hotel (Superior) or Grand Court Hotel (Standard)

Dates and Prices

Date	Hotels	Price
22 Apr 2012	Superior	€2,179
22 Apr 2012	Standard	€1,929
13 May 2012	Superior	€2,179
13 May 2012	Standard	€1,929
27 May 2012	Superior	€2,209
27 May 2012	Standard	€1,959
10 Jun 2012	Superior	€2,179
10 Jun 2012	Standard	€1,929
24 Jun 2012	Superior	€2,179
24 Jun 2012	Standard	€1,929
08 Jul 2012	Superior	€2,179
08 Jul 2012	Standard	€1,929
22  Jul 2012	Superior	€2,179
22 Jul 2012	Standard	€1,929
05 Aug 2012	Superior	€2,329
05 Aug 2012	Standard	€1,999
19 Aug 2012	Superior	€2,329
19 Aug 2012	Standard	€1,999
02 Sep 2012	Superior	€2,179
02 Sep 2012	Standard	€1,929
16 Sept 2012	Superior	€2,229
16 Sept 2012	Standard	€1,979
14 Oct 2012	Superior	€2,179
14 Oct 2012	Standard	€1,929
21 Oct 2012	Superior	€2,179
21 Oct 2012	Standard	€1,929
28 Oct 2012	Superior	€2,179
28 Oct 2012	Standard	€1,929
11 Nov 2012	Superior	€2,179
11 Nov 2012	Standard	€1,929
18 Nov 2012	Superior	€2,179
18 Nov 2012	Standard	€1,929
02 Dec 2012	Superior	€2,079
02 Dec 2012	Standard	€1,919
09 Dec 2012	Superior	€2,079
09 Dec 2012	Standard	€1,919

Introduction to the Pilgrim Road

We have chosen a popular and more convenient way of enjoying the Pilgrim Road; we travel by bus, stay in good hotels and visit the most famous sights.

Several times during the trip there is the opportunity for some light hiking (without luggage) so that we can blend in with some “real” pilgrims on this famous route.

On our version of the Pilgrim Road there is a broad selection of different sights and experiences which are not necessarily associated with the religious origins of the pilgrimage. We experience not only beautiful and varied countryside along the Way but also bustling towns and cities. We come across many great architectural styles including Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Art Nouveau, culminating in the absolutely spectacular modern Guggenheim Museum, now the emblematic building of the city of Bilbao.

We also get to visit a “bodega” (a winery) in La Rioja, the most famous wine area in the whole of Spain. We are given a tour of the installations, explanations of the whole process and, of course, opportunities for wine-tasting.

This journey passes through four distinct Spanish autonomous regions which in the past were different countries, with very different cultural backgrounds still evident in their different language, traditions and gastronomy.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Bilbao

On arrival at Bilbao airport you will be met by your English speaking guide and transferred to your hotel in the centre of the city.

Day 2: Bilbao and the Guggenheim

In the morning we take a walk along the banks of the River Nervión, cross the Calatrava bridge and then visit the Guggenheim Art Museum, the world-famous masterpiece of the Canadian-born architect Frank Gehry. The opening of this iconic construction in 1997 marked the beginnings of a radical change in the face of this great Basque city. Until then it had been a grimy, heavily industrialized city with absolutely no tourist-appeal at all. Now the old factories have been demolished, the industry has been moved out of town to new modern installations and Bilbao has become an attractive clean and interesting city which welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.

After the museum you have plenty of leisure time to have lunch (Bilbao is a perfect place to experience “el tapeo” – you go from bar to bar tasting different wines and tapas in each one. This is more typical of this part of Spain than anywhere else and definitely should not be missed!).

After this there is plenty of time to wander around the old town and enjoy the atmosphere and the many small, specialist shops before returning to the hotel for dinner.

Day 3: The Wine District of “La Rioja”

Today we leave the Basque country and head for the most prestigious wine area in Spain, “La Rioja”. We are soon passing through the extensive vineyards whose position and orientation have proved so perfect for the growing of wine-grapes. After only one hour, we arrive in Haro, the capital of this world-famous wine region where we are given a tour of one of the local wineries (bodega). We learn all about the processes involved in the making of the wine, methods of storage and even how to taste it!

After the bodega there is time at leisure in the Centre of Haro for lunch and a stroll around the town and then we head out to Santo Domingo de la Calzada, a milestone on the Pilgrim Road.

A thousand years ago a hermit called Domingo had a bridge built over the River Oja and built a refuge for the travelers on the Way. His contributions to the welfare of the pilgrims was recognized by the church and he was canonized, thus giving the name to the village and providing one of the many legends about the Road. On the way to Burgos, those who wish to, have their first opportunity to actually walk along a section of the Pilgrim Road. Continue on to our hotel in Burgos.

Day 4: Burgos

Burgos is indoubtedly the most important city historically which is traversed by the Pilgrim Road, not least because it was the birthplace of the powerful Kingdom of Castile. We take some time to admire the Casa del Cordón, a beautiful 15th century palace where Ferdinand and Isabella welcomed Columbus back from his second journey to the New World. A walk along the gracious, plane-tree-lined promenade by the River Arlanzón takes us to the unique city gate, Arco de Santa María. From here onto one of the most impressive Gothic cathedrals in Spain, inspired by Notre dame in Paris. Here is the tomb of El Cid, the national hero who liberated Valencia from the Moors in the 11th century.

In the afternoon there is the option to go for a walk along the river as far as the monastery of Miraflores where the parents of Isabel la Católica (Isabella of Castile) are laid to rest. Hotel in Burgos.

Day 5: León

As we drive into the region of León today, there is another opportunity to take a short walk along the Pilgrim Road. Travelling along the plain “Tierra de Campos” we come to Fromista where we stop at the Castile Canal which was built in the 18th century to ship corn and wool from Castile to the coast for export, especially to northern Europe. There is free time here to take in the local atmosphere and perhaps visit the church of San Martín.

We continue on to the city of León which was the capital of the kingdom of the same name. We take a tour on foot of the old part of the town with its narrow streets and many beautiful buildings. This part is known as “the thirsty part of town” due to the amazing number of bars here. We visit the well-preserved market square which dates from mediaeval times and the cathedral which has 18.000 square metres of leaded glass windows. Hotel in León.

Day 6: The Wine District of El Bierzo

On the way to El Bierzo, we have a stop in Astorga which, with its 24 refuges, was a very important city on the Pilgrim Road during the Middle Ages. It has a beautiful 17th century baroque town hall and is one of the few places outside of Catalonia that is home to a building by Antoni Gaudí the famous Catalonian architect of the Art Nouveau period – the Bishop’s Palace. We resume our journey travelling across the Castilian Plain until we come to Monte Irago. Here there is yet another opportunity to take a short walk along the pilgrim road. We arrive in El Bierzo, one of the many “official” wine districts in Spain. French monks came to the area in the past and not only built monasteries here but also planted extensive vineyards which have continued to thrive and be expanded up until the present day. Hotel in El Bierzo.

Day 7: Last Stretch to Santiago de Compostela

Today we go along the last stretch of the pilgrim road into Santiago. As we cross into Galicia, known for being the wettest and therefore the greenest region in Spain, we stop in Cebreiro which is 1300 metres above sea level and affords wonderful views over the countryside. We can see many examples of the characteristic straw-roofed huts of Celtic origin which were inhabited until quite recently. We visit one of the oldest village churches in Spain, Santa María la Real, dating back to the 9th century. We continue our journey along some picturesque backroads until we stop in Portomarín, beautifully situated by the river Miño. We can see here the 12th century fortress-cum-church and a typical Galician mansion. The speciality of the town is aquavit. We then carry on until we arrive at our hotel in Santiago de Compostela.

Day 8: Santiago de Compostela

Now we have reached the end of the Pilgrim Road The city has arisen around the grave of St. James (Santiago) the Apostle which was famously discovered by a farmer named Pelayo in a field in 813 a.d. In the morning we visit the historic centre which is one big outdoor museum full of small, winding streets, pretty squares, old monasteries, mansions, typical Galician houses and the very old university. The tour ends at the cathedral where St. James is buried under the main altar. The afternoon is at leisure for you to explore this amazing city which is now visited by 10 million people every year!.

Hotel in Santiago de Compostela.

Day 9: Day at leisure

You might want to do a final bit of shopping and don’t forget to try the speciality of the city – Santiago tart and the local Ribeiro wine. Overnight in your Hotel

Day 10: Departure

Transfer from the hotel to Santiago airport for your flight back to Dublin

Price inclusions

• Flight Dublin to Bilbao
• All transfers as per itinerary.
• 9 Nights in carefully selected hotels
• Meals on a Half Board Basis
• Flight from Santiago de Compostela to Dublin
• Taxes and Charges of €107

Booking remarks

• Inclusive of taxes and service charges as indicated
• Single room supplement €300 for the duration
• Non refundable or transferrable booking deposit of €200 per person
• Full payment due on confirmation
• 2% surcharge if balance is paid by credit or charge card
• Optional Insurance €30 (conditions apply)

Accommodation details

Bilbao,  Hotel Nervion ***
The Barceló Nervión***, situated right in the center of Bilbao just 200 meters from the Guggenheim Museum and the old city, is one of the city’s most emblematic hotels.
The hotel features WiFi for wireless broadband Internet access.
The high quality of the facilities and services offered by this completely renovated hotel makes it far superior to its official categorization. It was awarded with the Ekoscan Diploma in 2004 for environmental improvement, being the first hotel in Vizcaya to obtain it.

• Located in Bilbao
• It is less than 14 minutes from the airport
• 15 kilometers from the port
• 200 meters from the railroad station and the Bilbao Subway
• The hotel offers panoramic views of the bay, the Calatrava pedestrian bridge and the Guggenheim Museum

Double

• Enjoy these spacious rooms with two beds or double bed. The fixtures and fittings are completed with WiFi Internet connection, air conditioning, heating, bath and shower, hairdryer, telephone and satellite TV.

Single

• These are single rooms with single beds. They include WiFi Internet connection, air conditioning, heating, bath and shower, hairdryer, telephone and satellite TV.

Bars & Restaurants

• Menu / buffet / a la carte Restaurant Ibaizabal
• Cafeteria and Piano Bar

Additional Services

• Currency Exchange
• Hairdresser (close to the hotel)
• Tours
• Bicycle Rental
• Professional Massage Service
• Fax and Photocopy Services
• Doctor
• Cyber Corner
• Safe
• Accessible to the physically handicapped

Burgos,  Hotel Norte y Londres **

The oldest of the Camino de Santiago

The Hotel Norte y Londres ** is in the heart of Burgos, in the pedestrian plaza de Alonso Martínez, just 150 meters from the Cathedral, the statue of El Cid and the shopping and tapas area.

Receive a friendly, polite and cozy welcome, without sacrificing the demands of today, in a hotel ideally located to enjoy all the sights, shops, rides and food from Burgos.

Rooms:

• Full bathroom
• Hair dryer
• Telephone
• TV
• Internet and Free Wifi
• Desktop
• Central Heating
• Bath Kit

Leon,  Hotel Conde Luna ****

Located in heart of the Leon Capital, at the front of the Emperador Theatre, next to the Plaza de Santo Domingo, in the midst of financial corporations, fashion stores, and in the tourist and monumental circuit of the city.

From the Hotel Conde Luna you can walk to the well-known district called Barrio Hamedo, the narrow side streets and the Plaza mayor, as well as:

• Catedral
• la Casa Botines
• Bascilica de San Isidoro

The privileged location of the Hotel Conde Luna, facilitates the visitors access to the city for sight-seeing without the need of using a vehicle

All rooms and rest-rooms of the Hotel Conde Luna were totally refurbished during 2004, and installations as well as equipments were fully renovated, which clearly contributes towards a great improvement in the quality of the services offered.

142 ample rooms

Services

• Hair dryer
• Air Conditioner
• Mini bar
• Telephone
• Internet wifi
• Television
• Room service

Ponferrada,  Hotel Temple ****

Because of its setting and architecture, the Hotel Temple Ponferrada is seamlessly integrated into the medieval spirit that gives charm to the city. Strategically located in the Camino de Santiago , is the ideal option for pilgrims seeking comfort and convenience.

Rooms:

• Wi-Fi
• En-Suite bathroom
• Fax
• Laundry
• Room Service
• Hair dryer
• Music
• Writing desk
• Telephone
• TV
• Canal +
• Satellite TV
• Heating
• Air conditioning
• Safe
• Non-Smoking Rooms
• Mini bar

Santiago, Hotel  San Lorenzo ***

Hotel San Lorenzo is located in a privileged area, just 5 minutes walking up to the Obradoiro square, where the Cathedral is

The hotel is surrounded of centuries of stone and green spaces so you can enjoy your stay in a relaxing environment after walking along the streets of Santiago, a city full of charm and history.

Rooms:

• Air conditioning
• Central heating
• Complete bathroom with amenities
• Hair-dryer
• Direct dial telephone
• Safe box
• Satellite TV
• Canal +
• Alarm clock service
• Laundry service

Dates and Prices

Date	Price
08 May 2012	€1,499
05 June 2012	€1,499
04 Sep 2012	€1,499

Introduction to Santiago De Compostela

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela (also Saint James of Compostela) is the capital of the autonomous community of Galicia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

During our 3 1/2 hour walk we will visit the museum Pobo Galego (The Galician People). This Ethnographic museum gives the visitor a good insight into the Galician way of life. We walk though the ancient streets of Santiago dicussing the cities history then reaching the open-air market of Plaza Los Abastos.

Next off to the Cathedral, where we will see: the silver crypt where St. James’s remains lie, the statute of St. James the Apostle sitting on the high alter. We will exit the cathedral through the 12th century Baroque Portico de la Gloria (Port of Glory). From here we will walk down the front stairs into the centre of Plaza de Obradoiro where the Raxoi Palace, Hostal de los Reyes Catolicos and the College of San Jeronimo all stand.

After the tour you will be free to explore. As well as being a wonderful historical city to expolre, Santiago de Compostela has many vibrant cafes and restaurants where you can sample the delicious Galician cuisine, and a great variety of nightlife.

Itinerary

Day 1: On arrival you will be met by our guide and transferred to your hotel

Day 2: During our 3 1/2 hour Insiders Walking Tour we will visit the museum Pobo Galego (The Galician People). This Ethnographic museum gives the visitor a good insight into the Galician way of life. We walk though the ancient streets of Santiago dicussing the cities history then reaching the open-air market of Plaza Los Abastos.

Day 3: Day at leisure

Day 4: Transfer from your hotel to the airport.

Price inclusions

• Flight Dublin to Santiago de Compostela
• Airport transfer to the hotel
• 3 nights accommodation in the 3 star Hotel Hesperia Gelmirez
• Bed and Breakfast basis
• Transfer from the Hotel to the airport
• Services of a tour manager for coach transfers and tours
• Flight Santiago de Compostela to Dublin
• Taxes and charges of €86

Booking remarks

• Inclusive of taxes and service charges as indicated
• Includes check in of 1 standard bag per room
• Non refundable or transferable booking deposit €100 per person
• Full payment due on confirmation
• 2% surcharge if balance is paid by credit or charge card
• Optional Insurance €17 (conditions apply)
• Single Supplement €99
• Prices are correct at time of going to press, flight supplements may apply depending on availability of negotiated airfares

Accommodation details

Hotel Hesperia Gelmirez

This cosy hotel is situated in the heart of Santiago de Compostela, near the railway station and just 10 kilometres from the airport. An ideal base from which to tour the splendid historical and cultural features of the city.

The hotel boasts 138 fully-equipped rooms with heating, telephone, television and satellite TV.

Moreover, guests will enjoy a cafeteria and 2 convention rooms that hold up to 150 people.

 

Rooms

All rooms have a functional and elegant design and rooms for disabled guests are available upon request. All rooms come with the following amenities:

• Heating
• TV
• Direct line telephone
• Satellite dish
• Safe (on request)
• Room Service (19h – 23h)
• Breakfast Buffet
• Snack Bar
• Conference rooms
• Laundry

Dates and Prices

Date	Price
09 Jun 2012	€399
08 Sep 2012	€399