Spectacular Spanish Sojourn

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Spectacular Spanish Sojourn May 12 th -22 nd, 2017 Spain is a country of large geographical and cultural diversity and it often surprises tourists who are expecting to find a country mostly known for

1 Spectacular Spanish Sojourn May 12 th -22 nd, 2017 Spain is a country of large geographical and cultural diversity and it often surprises tourists who are expecting to find a country mostly known for beach tourism. Travel to Spain and you will find everything, from lush meadows, green valleys, hills and snowy mountains in the Northern regions to desert zones in the South. Its beautiful beaches definitely live up to the reputation, with small and charming creeks in the North, wide white sand beaches on the South and Western parts of the country and exotic black sand beaches of the volcanic Canary Islands. Spain is a country that is rich in history and culture, inhabited by Romans, Arabs, Celts and many other cultures who all have left their imprint on the country. Today Spain is known for its Flamenco, Bullfighting, Gastronomy, Literature, Art and Architecture among many other distinctive qualities. This tour will give a glimpse of the many different facets of Spain, from the bustling streets of the capital Madrid to the laid back atmosphere of the Spanish countryside. Day 1: Friday, May 12 th Upon arrival at Madrid Barajas Airport, you will be met and escorted to your transportation. You will then be transferred from the airport to the Hotel Wellington in Madrid. The Hotel Wellington greets you with unparalleled luxury in a prime location in Madrid s famed Salamanca neighborhood (not to be confused with the city Salamanca). The hotel is just a few minutes from Buen Retiro Park and is also close to superb shopping and fascinating attractions. The rooms and suites of Hotel Wellington in Madrid boast sophisticated design and a wide range of wonderful amenities from complimentary Wi-Fi access to deluxe marble bathrooms. Additional perks throughout the hotel include the state of the art Le Max Wellness Club Wellington & Spa by Clarins, as well as a sparkling seasonal outdoor pool and terrace. The fabulous poolside bar and casual restaurant, on the second floor, is the perfect place to relax and do a little reading or sun bathing. The gin & tonics, typical of Madrid, are poured table side into giant wine glasses filled to the brim with ice and garnished with your choice of lemon, lime or a variety of fresh fruits. This elegant hotel is the perfect place to begin your grand tour of northern Spain. We will remain here for 3 nights. Enjoy dinner on your own either in the hotel or at one of many nearby restaurants offering the best in Spanish and international cuisine.

Day 2: Saturday, May 13 th The morning is an opportunity for you to explore Madrid on your own as well as to adjust to the time change.

Madrid truly is a wonderful walking city and many of its famous land marks such as the Plaza Mayor and the magnificent Royal Palace of Madrid can easily be reached by foot.

For those not attending the CME Sessions, if you are feeling the effects of jet lag, fully embrace Spanish culture by taking a siesta in the afternoon and getting refreshed for the evening.

2 Day 2: Saturday, May 13 th The morning is an opportunity for you to explore Madrid on your own as well as to adjust to the time change. After enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel take a casual stroll through the beautiful Buen Retiro Park and visit the famous Prado Museum. Madrid truly is a wonderful walking city and many of its famous land marks such as the Plaza Mayor and the magnificent Royal Palace of Madrid can easily be reached by foot. Madrid is known for its Spanish Cuisine, and you will be sure to pass many local cafes and restaurants during your exploration of the city. CME Sessions from 1:30-5:30 pm. Registration begins at 1pm. For those not attending the CME Sessions, if you are feeling the effects of jet lag, fully embrace Spanish culture by taking a siesta in the afternoon and getting refreshed for the evening. We will meet on the Wellington Terrace at 8:00 pm for a cocktail and welcome dinner. Day 3: Sunday, May 14 th After having breakfast at the hotel, we have organized a visit to the world-famous Thyssen Bornemisza Museum. Occupying a Neo-Classical mansion from 1806, many critics see this museum as the world's most important private art collection. Assembled by Baron Heinrich Thyssen-Bornemisza and his son Hans Heinrich, the museum illustrates the history of Western art from the primitive Flemish and Italian painters to 20th century Pop Art. CME Sessions from 1:30-5:30 pm

For those not attending the meetings you will have time to walk and shop in the trendy, upscale Salamanca area of Madrid immediately surrounding the hotel or enjoy the superb spa, gym and outdoor

Day 4: Monday, May 15 th Have an early breakfast in the hotel and we will depart for the Madrid Airport by motor coach at 8:30am.

3 For those not attending the meetings you will have time to walk and shop in the trendy, upscale Salamanca area of Madrid immediately surrounding the hotel or enjoy the superb spa, gym and outdoor pool/terrace right in the hotel itself. You will have the opportunity to have dinner on your own in one of the many great restaurants in the area. Day 4: Monday, May 15 th Have an early breakfast in the hotel and we will depart for the Madrid Airport by motor coach at 8:30am. *Make sure you bring all of your bags onto the coach as we will not be going back to the Hotel Wellington. Our flight departs at 10:40am and arrives in Vigo at 11:50am. After landing in Vigo, a city located in the province of Galicia on the Atlantic coast of Spain, our coach will take us to where we will be staying, the spectacular Parador de Baiona. This lovely hotel will be our abode for the next 4 nights. In a medieval fortress overlooking the sea, this chic and historic hotel is close to the yacht club Monte Real Club de Yates de Bayona as well as the beautiful Playa del Abra beach. The Hotel offers a fine old-world restaurant serving regional cuisine and a quaint dining area on a veranda with an extensive bar. The airy garden features courtyards with fountains, a seasonal pool and a tennis court. After checking in, we will head down the road to the Restaurante Rocamar for lunch. We will gather for dinner in the hotel at 8:00 pm. Day 5: Tuesday, May 16 th CME session from 8:30 am to 12:30pm After breakfast, there will be a CME session for Doctors in the Hotel from 8:30 am 12:30 pm. The rest of our travelers will be invited to travel down the coast of Spain to the amazing Celtic Ruins, the archaeological site and museum of Santa Tecla at La Guarda which is the southernmost seaside

village in Spain. Settlement here dates back over 2,000 years. We will go back to the hotel at 12:30 pm to meet the doctors and to change into comfortable clothing.

These beautiful islands were declared a Nature Reserve in 1980 and are included in the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park, which was established in 2002.

This amazing beach measures more than half a mile long and 200 feet wide and consists of fine, white sand and crystal clear, emerald waters.

4 village in Spain. Settlement here dates back over 2,000 years. We will go back to the hotel at 12:30 pm to meet the doctors and to change into comfortable clothing. We will take a short walk to the adjacent Monte Real Yacht Club where we will board our privately chartered Catamaran and depart for the Cies Islands. These beautiful islands were declared a Nature Reserve in 1980 and are included in the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park, which was established in The beach of Rodas on the island of Monteguado was called the best beach in the world, by the British Newspaper The Guardian in This amazing beach measures more than half a mile long and 200 feet wide and consists of fine, white sand and crystal clear, emerald waters. A simple but delicious lunch of regional specialties including cured meats and cheeses, accompanied by local Albarino wine will be served along the way. We will return to the hotel at 5:30 pm. We will gather in the hotel lobby at 6:30 pm to depart for dinner. We will depart by motor coach for dinner at the remarkable Lagar de Cervera Winery located just 10 km. from the Mino River and the northern border with Portugal. Lagar de Cervera is also owned by the La Rioja Alta S.A. group, the same company that owns and operates Bodegas Aster, which we will visit on Friday. Located in a series of inlets called Rias Baixas, the winery produces white wines from the classic Galician grape called Albarino. 100% of the grapes used in the wines are grown in their own vineyards. The new winery which opened in 2013 is one of the most modern and beautiful wineries of the region. It was named one of the Wine Spectator s top 100 wineries of the world in 2004 and it has received critical praise from all over the world ever since. You will be able to observe many facets of the beautiful winery as you enjoy a wonderful dinner. We will return to the hotel at 10:30 pm.

Day 6: Wednesday, May 17 th CME sessions from 8:30 am-12:30 pm Following breakfast at the hotel, there will be CME sessions from 8:30 am-12:30 pm Our non-medical guests will be invited to enjoy the

For dinner we will walk over to the nearby Monte Real Yacht Club which is a prestigious sailing club with beautiful facilities and excellent service.

5 Day 6: Wednesday, May 17 th CME sessions from 8:30 am-12:30 pm Following breakfast at the hotel, there will be CME sessions from 8:30 am-12:30 pm Our non-medical guests will be invited to enjoy the beautiful amenities of the hotel or take a taxi to the nearby Playa del Abra beach. We will meet for a light lunch in the hotel at 1PM. The group will meet in the lobby to go to dinner at 8:00 pm. For dinner we will walk over to the nearby Monte Real Yacht Club which is a prestigious sailing club with beautiful facilities and excellent service. The presence of the Monte Real Club in the international sailing community has gained it worldwide recognition. Its long tradition and the welcoming seafaring atmosphere of its facilities causes sailors from all over the world to journey to this spectacular port. The restaurant will provide an extravagant meal with an amazing view of the Atlantic coast. We will head back to the hotel at 10:30pm. Day 7: Thursday, May 18 th Meet the group in the hotel lobby at 8:30 am. Today the entire group will board our coach and head north to the famous city of Santiago de Compostela, a stunningly beautiful UNESCO world heritage site. The old town together with the outlying Santa Maria del Conxo Monastery, combine to create an extraordinary ensemble of distinguished monuments. The squares and narrow streets of the old town contain Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassicist buildings. The town is not only a harmonious and well preserved historical city but also a place deeply instilled with religion. The Pórtico de la Gloria cathedral, considered a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture is a jewel of medieval sculpture. There are numerous terrific restaurants in the city centre and everyone will have ample time to explore and have lunch on your own. We will go back to the hotel at 4:00 pm. so you can enjoy a Spanish siesta or free time. We will gather in the hotel lobby at 8:30 pm to meet for dinner.

El Mosquito still serves its signature Spanish tapas, but has moved on to include a variety of dishes like mussels, empanadas, steaks, fish filets and home style desserts.

6 We will take a motor coach to the fantastic El Mosquito restaurant in nearby Vigo. For the past 80 years, El Mosquito has enjoyed fanfare amongst locals and international food critics alike for its delectable Galician cuisine in a classy environment. El Mosquito still serves its signature Spanish tapas, but has moved on to include a variety of dishes like mussels, empanadas, steaks, fish filets and home style desserts. Fresh seafood served from La Ria river is among the most popular choices. We will go back to the hotel at 11:00 pm. Day 8: Friday, May 19 h After breakfast, we will depart the hotel by motor coach at 6:30am. *Make sure you bring all of your bags onto the coach as we will not be going back to the Parador de Baiona Hotel. Our flight departs at 8:55am and we arrive in Madrid at 10:00am. Our coach will take us directly to Bodegas Aster where we will arrive around noon and enjoy a tour and luncheon at this famous winery. After this, we will depart by coach at 3pm for Haro. We will be making a short stop in beautiful Ezcaray before proceeding to Haro, the capital of Rioja, where we will arrive about 6:00pm. We will be staying for the next two nights at the marvelous Hotel Los Agustinos, which is steeped in history. Since its inauguration in 1373, it has successively been a convent, a military garrison, a jail and a hospital. In 1989, the building was turned into a magnificent hotel with 62 spacious and functional rooms. The guestrooms feature a rustic style décor, in keeping with the rest of the hotel facilities to create a distinctive setting which brings its history to life. There is also a beautiful fitness gym located 50 meters from the hotel that is free for all guests. Guests are free to explore Haro and have dinner on their own at one of many restaurants located in the city centre. Day 9: Saturday, May 20 th After breakfast, we will depart by motor coach at 9:00 am for our day of touring. Rioja is arguably the most famous wine region in Spain and one of the most illustrious wine producing areas of the world. We will visit two of the leading producers of Rioja and taste some of the world s most celebrated wines. Beginning at the venerable cellars of Bodegas Lopez de Heredia, founded by Rafael Lopez de Heredia y Landeta in 1877, it has withstood the tide of corporatization and

epitomizes timeless, artisan winemaking in their own individual and unique manner. The winery uses noticeably little technology in their production.

7 epitomizes timeless, artisan winemaking in their own individual and unique manner. The winery uses noticeably little technology in their production. For example, to control the temperature during fermentation instead of modern heating and cooling equipment the winery merely opens the doors and windows. This classical method reflects the ideals of the winery that by taking the long way and putting the effort in, the best tasting wine will be produced. The winery is also known for the extraordinary charisma of the employees. This would count for nothing if their wines were not distinguished, individual and above all, delicious. We will then walk the short distance from Lopez de Heredia to the neighbouring cellars of La Rioja Alta S.A. where we will enjoy a tour followed by a tasting of these great Rioja wines and a wonderfully prepared lunch. La Rioja Alta was founded in the town of Haro in They own 450 hectares of vineyard from which their entire portfolio is sourced. Their wine is predominantly Tempranillo complemented by Graciano, Mazuelo and Garnacha. Another tenet is their use of American rather than French oak. The wood is cured for two years outdoors before being shaped and hammered into barrels at their own cooperage. Simply put these are some of the finest wines that can grace your cellar. The coach will return to the hotel following our visit though some may prefer to walk if the weather permits as it is just a 15-minute walk from the vineyard to the hotel. We will be back at the hotel at 5:30 pm. We will meet in the lobby at 8:00 pm to transfer for dinner. This evening, we will enjoy a very special farewell dinner at the Echaurren Restaurant in Ezcaray. We will be back at the hotel around 11:00pm. Day 10: Sunday, May 21 st CME sessions from 8:00-12:00 noon. Please bring all of your belongings with you as you will not be returning to Hotel Los Agustinos. This morning following breakfast, our doctors will have their final CME sessions. We will board the coach by 12:45pm and head for the wonderful Calle del Laurel in the city of Logrono for an afternoon Pinchos Crawl! There are 50 different bars in a stretch of about 150 meters on the Calle del Laurel.

8 It is the perfect place to sample and sip the delicious flavours of northern Spain. Each small bar along the Calle del Laurel features a unique food specialty accompanied with a type of wine, beer or cider to sip with it. Whether it is Patatas Bravas, Foie Gras on toast, Octopus and pickles, Grilled Oyster Mushroom on toast, Artichokes and Jamon Iberico or any one of 50 other delicious bites your taste buds will be satisfied. Simply wandering from bar to bar is a remarkable experience in itself. We will leave the town of Logrono at 4:00 pm for our drive to the Hilton Airport Hotel near Madrid Airport. This will ensure a smooth transfer if your flight is early the next morning. Dinner will be on your own. Day 11: Monday, May 22nd After breakfast in the hotel there are free shuttles that quickly take you from the airport hotel right to the airport.

The Rioja In Winter What to do with 3 days in the Rioja from late January to early March. Culture, Wine and Gastronomy at its best!

The Rioja In Winter What to do with 3 days in the Rioja from late January to early March. Culture, Wine and Gastronomy at its best! If you are arriving to the Rioja from Bilbao, you will have sufficient