As early as 450 years ago, pioneer families from Northern Spain began settling in Florida. Each family was personally selected by Pedro Menendez, the founder of St. Augustine, who became the first Governor of Florida (1565-1578). Many descendents of these pioneer families from Northern Spain later settled in Tampa and became leaders in our community – mayors, governors, legislators, educators, journalists, attorneys and judges, physicians, Medal of Honor recipients, Baseball Hall of Fame inductees as well as giants in industry and commerce.
Your tour of Northern Spain will be hosted by E. J. Salcines, a native of Tampa, the son of immigrants from Northern Spain, a former Trustee of the Tampa Bay History Center and an Honorary Trustee of the Archives and Museum of Immigration in Asturias, Spain. As a recognized authority of the Spanish language and culture, he was the Honorary Vice Consul of Spain for Central and West Florida for 18 years and spearheaded the Sister City agreement between Tampa and Ovieda, Spain. He served as the Chairman of Tampa and Hillsborough County's 500th Anniversary of the Discovery of America, bringing replicas of Columbus' three ships to Tampa.
Mr. Salcines served as a visiting lecturer at the University of Oviedo and International University in Santander and was an adjunct law professor from Stetson Law School at the University of Granada. He received the Don Quixote Award from the National Spanish Language Honor Society from the University of Tampa, and received USF's Latin American Studies Award for lifelong contributions to Spanish letters, literature and culture. He was knighted by King Juan Carlos of Spain into the Royal Order of Queen Isabella, and received two additional medals of honor from the Government of Spain.
With E.J. Salcines as your host, Tampa and Florida's heritage in Northern Spain will come alive – from Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao, you'll be immersed in the history that contributed to Tampa's cultural development. Don't miss this exclusive opportunity to discover Northern Spain!
Itinerary:
Upon arrival at Santiago airport, you will be met and transferred to your deluxe historical hotel, perfectly situated in the heart of Santiago. This evening, we gather together for a Welcome Dinner.
Parador de los Reyes Catolicos; Meals D
Early Celtic inhabitants of Galicia lived here before migrating to the British Isles. Santiago de Compostela, named after the patron saint St. James, is Galicia's capital city and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Our full-day tour concentrates on history, art and culture of Santiago de Campostela, which in the Middle Ages was the world's third most important pilgrimage destination (after Jerusalem and Rome). We'll view modern Santiago and explore the Old Town on a walking tour, including the 12th century Romanesque cathedral wrapped with a Baroque exterior that dominates the ceremonial main plaza. The evening is at leisure.
Parador de los Reyes Catolicos; Meals B
This morning we drive to Coruna, a harbor city and the second largest in Galicia. We stop to visit the Tower of Hercules, which is in fact a lighthouse, but one whose origins and physical existence date back to Roman times. Our guided visit of Coruna will include Plaza Maria Pita, the Old Town and Marina Avenue with its galleria-style glass fronted buildings which have given Coruna the name of "the glass city." We'll cointinue on to Cudillero, a picturesque fishing village. Later, we'll travel to Oviedo, a city of great elegance known for its pre-Romanesque art and the well-preserved old quarter.
Hotel de la Reconquista; Meals B
The day is devoted to exploring medieval Oviedo on a guided walk through the historic pedestrian quarter. The streets are littered with statues on sites of historic importance. A visit to Oviedo Cathedral, built in flamboyant Gothic style, is included. The remainder of the day is yours to explore.
Hotel de la Reconquista; Meals B
Following breakfast, we'll drive through the Asturian valleys to the Covadonga National Park to see the Cave and Basilica of Cavadonga where, according to traditiona, the Reconquest was begun by the armies of Don Pelayo. We'll visit the the Sanctuary of Covadonga, where the Christians fought the Moors in the 12th century. Next, we'll continue on to the picturesque village of Cangas de Onis, centered around a medieval "Roman" bridge on the river Sella. The village is linked to the history of the region and the old pilgrimage route. We'll also enjoy the scenic countryside comprising the beautiful National Park of Picos de Europa and the Sierra de Covadonga. Later, we'll arrive at our Parador in time for this evening's included dinner.
Hotel Parador Cangas de Onis; Meals B,D
After breakfast, we'll depart for the Green Coast (Costa Verde), stopping at the summer resort of Ribadesella and, if available, visiting the Tito Bustillo caves. In Colombres, we'll enjoy an educational visit to its Museo de la Emigracion, which is preserving the legacy of the Spaniards who immigrated to America. Our final destination is the delightful medieval village of Santillana del Mar, a beautifully preserved medieval town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its rows of storybook farmhouses and mansions.
Hotel Parador de Santillana; Meals B,D
This morning is at your leisure. At noon, we'll depart for the famous caves of Altamira (UNESCO World Heritage Site) which contain some of the world's best prehistoric paintings. Our local guide will explain the importance of this cultural landmark in the history of mankind. (Note: only archaelologists are allowed inside the Caves since it has been determine that human breath is damaging the 20,000-year-old paintings). Next, we'll travel to the picturesque town of Comillas where we will view Capricho, one of the rare examples of Gaudi's work in this part of Spain, and visit Sobrellano Palace. Later, we'll continue to Torrelavega and finally to Santander, a beautiful coastal town located between the mountains and the sea on the northern rim of the Bay of Santander which opens out to the Cantabrian Sea.
Hotel Real; Meals B
On our morning guided sightseeing tour, we'll explore Santander and its coastal vistas. King Alfonso XIII chose Santander and this part of the Cantabrian coast as his summer retreat in the early part of the 20th century, transforming the town into one of the most desirable residential and vacation destinations in Northern Spain. We'll admire Santander's grand architecture from the 19th and 20th century, and drive along wide tree-lined boulevards with street cafes, elegant plazas, a bustling waterfront promenade and beautiful parks and gardens. The balance of the day is yours to explore at leisure.
Hotel Real; Meals B
Our morning departure takes us to Laredo where we view the exterior of the Indiano buildings, the city hall and local justice court. You'll have plenty of time to enjoy an optional lunch on your lown. Our final destination today is Bilbao on the Bay of Biscay, one of the most architecturally progressive towns in Spain.
Carlton Hotel; Meals B
Once an industrial town, Bilbao today is re-energized with delightful squares, shopping streets and the renowned Guggenheim Museum. Our morning guided tour highlights Bilbao's Old Town, a labyrinth of narrow pedestrian streets branching out from the Plaza Nueva. We'll see the Gothic St. James Cathedral and other major city sites and visit the world-renowned Guggenheim Museum, a stunning building of swooping titanium curves designed by Frank Gehry. After a privately guided tour of the museum's art collection, the afternoon is at leisure to enjoy Bilbao further on your own. This evening, we gather together for a Farewell Dinner.
Carlton Hotel, Meals B,D
This morning we bid farewell to the Basque country as you are transferred to the Bilbao airport in time for your flights home.
Meals B
Hotel Information:
Santiago de Compostella • Parador de los Reyes Catolicos (5-star)
One of the oldest and most luxurious in Europe, originally a pilgrim's hospital next to the impressive Cathedral of Santiago. It has four gorgeous cloisters, elegant public rooms, spectacular bedrooms and a luxurious dining room.
Oviedo • Hotel de la Reconquista (5-star)
In the center of Oviedo, this 17th century building is considered a national monument with its beautiful courtyards and elegant rooms. Each year the hotel hosts the guests of the Prince of Asturias and the Spanish Royal Family.
Santander • Hotel Real (5-star)
A beautiful palatial building with great views, situated on a hill that dominates the Bay of Santander that is surrounded by its own park. This totally refurbished hotel is in the city's most select and quietest residential area.
Bilbao • Carlton Hotel (5-star)
In the very center of Bilbao and declared an Architectural, Historical, Artistic and Cultural Monument, the hotel's rooms have been completely refurbished and decorated in a refined classic style and fitted with the latest technological advances.
Cangas de Onis • Parador Cangas de Onís (4-star)
The magnificent Picos de Europa is the beautiful backdrop for this delightful parador. The Parador Cangas de Onis has 64 rooms, each offering modern and comfortable accommodations.
Santillana del Mar • Parador de Santillana (3-star)
The parador, built in manor house style in the main square of Santillana del Mar, conserves the traditional architecture of the region while accommodating 54 guests.