DAY 1 (Sunday): MADRID / AVILA / SALAMANCA
Depart from our bus terminal at 8:00am. Drive to Avila with free time to explore its magnificent medieval walls and Romanesque and gothic architecture. Next a chance to explore the golden heritage city of Salamanca, listed as the cultural capital of Europe in 2002. The best view of the town is from the Avila Road on the left bank of the Rio Tormes. Visit the Plaza Mayor, one of Spain’s finest plazas, with many terrace cafes providing a chance to sit and enjoy the colourful passing parade of locals and visitors. The narrow streets around the university and the Plaza Mayor, crowded with students, help preserve the atmosphere of the famous university – Salamanca is a lovely city. Consider tapas at “La Covachuela,” located just behind the plaza.

DAY 2 (Monday): SALAMANCA / COIMBRA
After breakfast depart for Coimbra, passing historical Ciudad Rodrigo before crossing the border. Continue via the hill top village of Guarda before your arrival in the charming university town of Coimbra, famous as a centre of learning and culture as seen in ancient streets and architecture. If time permits, visit the Church of Santa Clara, the main buildings of Portugal’s oldest university, the library, the chapel and senate room or perhaps the beautiful botanical gardens, the biggest in Portugal. Accommodation includes dinner.

DAY 3 (Tuesday): COIMBRA / FATIMA / LISBON
After breakfast depart for Fatima, an important centre of pilgrimage for the Catholic faith, the site of the famous apparitions of the Virgin Mary. Statues of saints surround the Neo-Baroque limestone basilica, 65 metre tower and esplanade, which is twice the size of St Peter’s Square. The Chapel of the Apparitions marks the site of the first apparition. Free time has been allocated to visit the shrine. Continue to Lisbon for overnight accommodation.

DAY 4 (Wednesday): LISBON
Breakfast is followed by a half day panoramic sightseeing tour which includes a drive down Liberty Avenue to Rossio, the very heart of the city and Alfama, the oldest and most picturesque quarter. Continue your drive along the river-side to Black Horse Square. Next stop is Belem Tower which includes the chance to enjoy some local food favourites straight from the oven. Next a stopover at the Monument to the Discoveries before continuing to Jeronimos Monastery, a marvel of stone lacework, then the Coach Museum.
An afternoon at leisure allows for your own exploration of the history, culture, excellent restaurants and the style of Lisbon, one of Europe’s oldest cities. Timeless suggests a visit to the Gulnbenkian Foundation, a very highly rated museum of art, sculpture and paintings, etc. This is a must of lovers of museums and culture. Perhaps a tour (optional) to Sintra, Cascais and the Estoril Coast. In the evening consider a club or restaurant to experience the “Fado”, the soulful, almost melancholy unique Portuguese singing style. Accommodation.

DAY 5 (Thursday): LISBON / CACERES / MADRID

After breakfast depart for Caceres, founded by the Romans in 25BC. The old town section of this beautiful city invites travellers to enjoy medieval streets and plazas, towers and battlements, palaces, churches and convents. Free time on arrival allows time for some exploration or perhaps a chance to enjoy the highly regarded local cuisine and wines at one of many inns and restaurants located at the beautiful and monumental Plaza Mayor.
Continue to Madrid – end of trip.

 

Cost Per Person AUD	3*/4* Accomm	4* Accomm
Share Twin	$585	$630
Single Room	$816	$919
Supplement Jul-Oct	$49	$58

TIMELESS COACH TOUR INCLUSIONS