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Saturday, September 19

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Depart Elite Coach, 1685 West Main Street, Ephrata at 11:00 AM. British Airways (BA). Flight #184 departs Newark (EWR) at 5:55 PM and arrives at London Heathrow (LHR) at 5:50 AM. Multi-meals.

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Sunday, September 20

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BA Flight #300 departs LHR at  7:20 AM and arrives at Paris (CDG) at 9:40 AM…3 hour drive to Bruges, our home for the next 3 nights... Bruges features fabulous medieval market places, cobbled streets, belfries, and begijnhoven… and, oh, we will sample the best cuisine and beer in Europe… its beautiful Bruges that steals the show with its atmospheric, picture-perfect waterways lined with step-gabled houses… These 3 days will include time to explore Bruges, with and without guides… we will stay at the 4 star Dukes Academy Hotel (www.dukesacademie.com)

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Monday, September 21

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            Breakfast at hotel…All day to explore Bruges… overnight in Bruges

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Tuesday, September 22

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Breakfast at hotel…30 minute train ride to Ghent… Ghent is a vibrant, beautiful city with a rich history and culture, offering a unique blend of old and new. Whether you're interested in art, architecture, or just soaking up the atmosphere, Ghent has something for everyone. Ghent boasts a well-preserved medieval city center, with iconic landmarks like Gravensteen Castle, St. Bavo's Cathedral, and the Graslei and Korenlei harbors. The city is home to the famed "Ghent Altarpiece" (or "The Mystic Lamb") by the Van Eyck brothers, a must-see for art lovers. 

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The historic city center is relatively small and easy to explore on foot, making it a great place to wander and discover hidden gems. Ghent has a relaxed, human-scale feel, making it a welcoming and enjoyable destination… overnight in Bruges. 

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Wednesday, September 23

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            Breakfast at hotel…1.5 hour bus ride to Antwerp, our home for the next 2 nights… Antwerp  is Belgium’s second city and biggest port.  In the mid-16th century it was one of Europe’s most important cities and home to baroque superstar painter Pieter Paul Rubens – as many a museum will regularly remind you. Despite many historical travails thereafter, and severe WWII bombing, Antwerp retains an intriguing medieval heart with plenty of café-filled cobbled lanes, a riverside fortress and a truly impressive cathedral. Today, however, Antwerp’s top drawcards are its vibrant fashion and entertainment scene, along with its startling architectural and cultural contrasts. we will stay 2 nights at the 4 star Hyllit Hotel (www.hyllit.com)

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Thursday, September 24 

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Breakfast at hotel…More time in Antwerp… 15 minute train ride to Mechelen… Mechelen has a walkable centre, welcoming atmosphere, and rich history make it a must-visit for travellers seeking an authentic taste of Belgium… overnight in Antwerp.

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Friday, September 25 

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Breakfast at hotel…1 hour bus ride to Leuven, our home for the next 3 nights… Leuven combines the charm of a small town with the intellectual vibrancy of a renowned university. Leuven has more famous art, beautiful churches, peaceful parks, and amazing architecture than you will expect. Visiting Leuven for one day allows for true Belgian cultural immersion with absolutely no crowds… we will stay 3 nights at the 4  star Martins Klooster Hotel (www.martinshotels.com)

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Saturday, September 26 

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Breakfast at hotel…1 hour train ride to Tongeren… Tongeren, the oldest city in Belgium, offers a rich history, particularly its Gallo-Roman heritage, and a charming atmosphere. The city's main attractions include the Gallo-Roman Museum, the Beukenberg ruins (a Roman aqueduct), and the Béguinage (a UNESCO World Heritage Site).  Tongeren also has a famous market on Saturday… overnight in Leuven. 

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Sunday, September 27 

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Breakfast  at hotel…30 minute train ride to Brussels… Brussels is renowned for its rich history, diverse architecture, and culinary delights. It's famous for the iconic Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the futuristic Atomium, offering panoramic city views. Brussels is also celebrated for its gastronomy, particularly its Belgian waffles, chocolate, and French fries.  Here's a more detailed look at what makes Brussels famous:

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Grand Place is a magnificent square surrounded by ornate buildings, serving as the heart of Brussels. 

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Art Nouveau Architecture Brussels is often considered the birthplace of this architectural movement, showcasing its unique styles. 

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Gothic Cathedrals and Guild Houses: .These structures contribute to the city's unique architectural landscape… overnight in Leuven.

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Monday, September 28 

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·   Breakfast at hotel…2 hour bus ride to Lille, in Northern France, our home for the next 3 nights… first, we visit the famous battlefield of Waterloo…Lille offers a delightful mix of history, culture, and vibrant city life, with something to interest a variety of travelers….we will stay 2 nights at the 4 star Grand  Hotel Bellevue (www.grandhotelbellevue.com)  Lille's location in northern France gives it a distinct Flemish influence in its cuisine, making it a foodie paradise. This part of France  was named Gastronomic region of the year in 2023…Local Specialties include  regional dishes like carbonnade flamande (beef stew) and waffles

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Tuesday, September 29 

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Breakfast in hotel…All day to explore Lille, a very walkable city…Old Town (Vieux Lille): Explore the charming, pedestrian-friendly streets, colorful buildings, and historic architecture of Vieux Lille. 

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Vieille Bourse: Visit the old stock exchange building, now a vibrant book market

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·         Palais des Beaux-Arts: Discover one of France's largest art museums, housing a diverse collection. 

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·         Beffroi de Lille: Climb the belfry for panoramic city views.  Overnight in Lille

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Wednesday, September 30 and Thursday, October 1 

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Breakfast in hotel…40 minute bus ride to Arras…day trip in Arras Arras offers a unique blend of history, culture, and charming architecture The city's two main squares, the Grand'Place and Place des Héros, are known for their Flemish Baroque architecture and lively atmosphere. Arras played a crucial role in World War I, and the city offers tours of the Wellington Tunnels, a network of underground tunnels used by soldiers. The city also has military cemeteries and memorials that are of interest to those studying the war. The Belfry of Arras is a prominent landmark offering panoramic views. Arras boasts museums, galleries, and the Vauban citadel, catering to culture and history enthusiasts, according to Visit Pas-de-Calais… we will stay 2 nights in the 3 star Hotel Le Prieure (www.hotel-prieure-amiens.com) in Amiens, Amiens is known primarily for its impressive cathedral and charming canals.

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Breakfast in hotel… Amiens has a natural beauty, and a relaxed ambiance, making it a rewarding destination for many travelers The city is known for its welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. Amiens is a relatively green city with numerous parks and gardens

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We will visit:

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·         Amiens Cathedral: A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, the Cathedral is a major highlight and a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

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·         Hortillonnages: Explore the unique floating gardens, a network of canals and market gardens, by boat or bike. 

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·         St. Leu District: Wander through the picturesque old quarter with its canals and colorful houses. 

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·         Jules Verne's House: Visit the former residence of the famous author. Overnight in Amiens

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·         Overnight in Amiens.  

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Friday, October 2 

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Breakfast in hotel… We will visit some WW1 historical sights and interesting towns on our way to the airport…we will stay 1 night in the 4 star Melia Paris airport hotel www.melia.com

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Saturday, October 3 

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Transport to Paris airport…BA Flight #315 departs CDG at 8:15 AM (yikes!!) and arrives at LHR at 8:35 AM… BA Flight #185 departs LHR at 11:10 and arrives at EWR at 1:55 PM. Multi-meals. Return to Ephrata.

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Flight arrives in Madrid at 8:10 AM Flight arrives in Madrid, Spain at 8:05 AM.

2.5-hour (130 miles) drive to Salamanca, but first a 1.25-hour charter bus ride to Segovia, Spain. We will have 2-3 hours in this UNESCO World Heritage listed small city. We will visit the Roman Acueducto, the fairytale Alcazar and the Catedral. 1.25-hour ride to Salamanca, Spain. Salamanca is a truly special place. It's perfect mix of eye-catching architecture and animated streets make it a favorite among Spanish cities. The city is at its best as day turns the corner into night. Whether floodlit by night or bathed in the sunset, there’s something magical about Salamanca. This is a city of rare beauty, awash with golden sandstone overlaid with ochre-tinted Latin inscriptions; an extraordinary virtuosity of plateresque and Renaissance styles. The monumental highlights are many, with the exceptional Plaza Mayor an unforgettable highlight. But this is also Castilla’s liveliest city; home to a massive Spanish and international student population that throngs the streets at night and provides the city with so much youth and vitality. Built between 129 and 1755, Salamanca’s exceptional Plaza Mayor is widely considered to be Spain’s most beautiful central plaza.

Stay 2 nights at 5-star Hospes Palacio de San Esteban (www.hospes.com/es/salamanca-palacio_esteban)

Day to explore Salamanca. Organized walks and independent exploration. Overnight in Salamanca.

2-hour (120 miles) drive to Caceres, in Extremadura. Extremadura offers visitors an incredible wealth of historical and cultural century-old heritage and truly gorgeous, unencumbered natural beauty. The homeland of some of the most legendary conquistadors has many UNESCO Heritage SITES.

We will visit the village of Hervas and the town of Plasenica. Plasencia has a distinctively medieval old town to meander along the narrow streets, flanked by historic palaces, convents, churches, and sections and gateways from a 12th-century defensive wall.

Drive to Caceres, where we will stay for 3 nights at the 4-star NH Palacio Oquendo (www.nh-hotels.com)

All day to explore Càceres. Caceres is the thrilling, small and very likeable capital of Extremadura. Protected by defensive walls, it has survived almost intact from its 16th-century period of splendor and it’s a place that demands you slow down and explore it with an ear to the stories of the stones.

And once you’re done with exploring the town’s medieval history, check out its contemporary food scene. The collection and quality of the restaurants and tapas bars here is as good as it gets in this already food-obsessed part of the country

6–8-hour day trip that will visit Trujillo. Trujillo’s main square, the 16th century Plaza Mayor, which is one of the most impressive in Spain. It has churches, statues of the powerful, magnificent palaces and mansions, castle ramparts and café tables laid out under ancient arches. Many of its majestic civil buildings were commissioned by local conquistadors who returned wealthy from the New World. The town’s most legendary conquistador is Francisco Pizarro. Climb up to Cabeza del Zorro to visit the 10th-century Moorish fortress. From atop the battlements, you will be treated to sweeping views of the lush countryside. Other not-to-be-missed monuments include the churches of Santa María la Mayor, San Martín and San Francisco. Drive 1 hour to Guadalupe.

Overnight in Caceres

1 hour (45 miles) drive to Merida for 3–4-hour visit. The city is home to Spain’s most extensive Roman ruins and some of the best preserved anywhere on the northern side of the Mediterranean. Mérida’s spectacular ruins lie sprinkled around town, often appearing in the most unlikely corners.

Then we will drive 1.5 hours (50 miles) to Olivenza, where we will stay for 2 nights in the 4-star Hotel Olivenza Palacio (www.olivenzapalacio.es). Pretty Olivenza has a real Portuguese feel to it, but then it only became a part of Spain in 1801. The town’s imposing 17th century castle and turreted defensive walls, known as the Ciudadela de Olivenza, show that this is a town that was prepared to fight to survive. Climb to the top of the castle’s Torre del Homenaje for amazing views.

Hour day trip in the region of Olivenza. We will visit villages like Badajoz with a12th century Alcazaba was built by the Moors which covers an extraordinary 8 hectares, which makes it the largest fortress complex in Spain. Today its lengthy walls enclose a large expanse of semi-wooded parkland. Jerez de los Caballero, a small town built around a low hill topped with church spires and the 13th century Templar’s castle, Fortaleza Templaria. Four of the castle’s six gates remain standing and the whole thing is in remarkably good condition. Fregenal de la Sierra the beautifully preserved Castillo Templario in Fregenal de la Sierra is a sight to behold. Impeccably restored, its huge defensive walls dominate the white-washed town. Burgullios del Cerro the hilltop 15th-century castle of Burguillos del Cerro, which peers down on the small, white-wash town, is wildly romantic. Its defensive walls and main keep are in pretty good condition, but elsewhere only a few piles of tumbled-down stone are left to indicate what might have been.

Overnight in Olivenza

2-hour bus ride to Evora, (www.cm-evora.pt) the city that best represents Portugal’s golden age. It has layers of history wherever you look and is listed with UNESCO. It has medieval walls surrounding the center. Not only is it beautiful and historical, Evora is full of life, a center of cuisine and university town.  We will stay 2 nights at the 4-star Albergaria Do Calvario (www.adcevora.com).

Day of leisure in Evora. Walking tours with and without guides. Time for independent exploration in this town of handsome townhouses with Roman temple and bath ruins, wrought-iron balconies, side alleys beneath Moorish-style arches. There is a cathedral, museum, public gardens, elegant mansions, and a university within the town’s old walls. 

Overnight in Evora.

2-hour (80 miles) drive to Sesimbra, with visits to villages on the way. Set on a curving turquoise bay just 40 km south of Lisbon, Sesimbra is both an attractive fishing town and popular tourist resort within easy reach of the capital. Sesimbra has a long sandy beach with many excellent beach-front fish and seafood restaurants. We can have a pleasant evening stroll along the town’s extensive promenade. A popular choice of dish is the locally-caught swordfish (espadarte) which is cooked to perfection on the many charcoal grills lined along the pavements.

Built along the cliff, the oldest part of Sesimbra is a maze of steep alleys and narrow streets leading down to the port. Silhouetted on the hillside high above the town stands Sesimbra’s restored five-tower medieval castle that was once a Moorish fortress. Stay 2 nights in the 4-star SANA Sesimbra (www.sanahotels.com)

6–8-hour drive along the beautiful Atlantic coast or we can visit Lisbon, only 25 miles away.

Overnight in Sesimbra

2-hour (80 miles) drive to Calda da Rainha, for a 3 night stay in the 4-star SANA Silvercoast Hotel (www.silvercoast.sanahotels.com)

Caldas da Rainha is a charming city about 10 km from the Atlantic Ocean in central Portugal. Caldas da Rainha is famous for its vibrant arts scene, particularly ceramic art, which has thrived since the 19th century. The city’s architecture reflects a blend of modern and historical influences. Notable landmarks include Queen Leonor’s Thermal Hospital, one of the oldest continuously operating thermal hospitals in the world. Parque Dom Carlos I, a lush park in the city center, offers a wonderful escape into nature and art with its many museums. In addition, the city’s bustling daily fruit and vegetable market, Praça da Fruta, showcases local produce and culture.

Only a one-hour drive from Lisbon, Caldas da Rainha is a great place to escape the hordes of tourists while also being close to some of Portugal’s most beautiful beaches, such as Foz do Arelho, which overlooks the tranquil Óbidos Lagoon, and Praia de São Martinho do Porto, famous for its calm, shell-shaped bay. Fifteen minutes south of Caldas da Rainha is the charming medieval castle town of Óbidos and thirty minutes further north is the famous surf town of Nazaré.

Overnights in Caldas da Rainha.

I am not yet sure what towns, villages, and sights we will see on these two days. Possibilities include:

• Obidos, a beautiful fortified village that has been a jewel in the Portuguese crown since times past. King Dinis actually gave the picturesque town to Queen Isabel as a wedding gift on their wedding day in 1282. The town is packed with narrow cobblestone streets that offer stunning views of the village and valley below and is held within a castle wall that is perfect for exploring. There are also several excellent restaurants and shops in the town that are sure to please everyone. Walking down the main drag is a treat in itself, with its traditional ceramic shops, old fashioned toys, beautiful artisan jewlery shops and little cafes. The street is lined with flowerpots hanging on lacey window ledges and the general feel is that time has stopped here, offering passersby a glimpse of what once was.

• Batalha Monastery is one of the best-preserved monasteries in Portugal. Yet, Batalha monastery is still very atmospheric and almost a touch creepy when you think about all the tombs there and how long it has been abandoned. One style of architecture you will hear a lot about in Portugal is “Manueline”.

• Alcobaça Monastery was the first Gothic church and monastery in Portugal. Alcobaça was built earlier than Batalha monastery and is in the crux between Romanesque architecture (generally a bit heavier) and Gothic architecture. The he most famous part of Alcobaça is the area that holds the Royal Tombs

• The Convent of Christ, or Convento de Christo, in Tomar, Portugal may be the best of the monasteries in Portugal. The Convent of Christ was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage monastery in 1983.. The Convent of Christ in Tomar is a 12th century Templar stronghold, which makes it a Castle and Monastery in one.

• Possible visits to Fatima, home of the famous pilgrimage sight and/or visits to the nearby Atlantic coast

Shuttle to Lisbon airport. Non-stop American Airlines flight #259 departs Lisbon at 11:05 AM and arrives at PHL at 1:454 PM. Return to Ephrata.