About the tour: The Paradors & Pousadas of Castile, Madrid, Salamanca & Portugal

Sail on Brittany Ferries’ cruise ferry, the Pont-Aven, enjoying the stunning features this wonderful ship has to offer. There’s a pool and leisure area, cinema, wrap-around promenade for scenic, leisurely strolls around the deck – and even an impressive five-deck high atrium, complete with panoramic views from the lifts.

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The Ibis Biarritz-Anglet Aéroport Hotel, is situated at the heart of the urban area Biarritz-Anglet-Bayonne. We propose you a warm welcome and personalized and provide you with modern, comfortable rooms, air-conditioned and equipped with the new bedding "Sweet Bed" by Ibis, a Courtepaille restaurant opened from 11 am till 11 pm every day, 24-hour open bar, business hook, a terrace, a vast free parking lot as well as a free wi-fi access in all the hotel. Ideally situated to visit the Basque Country and its villages rich in traditions Pelota, Games of strength, Basque Choruses, to devote you in the golf on a course of the region, to surf or to tan on the beaches of the Basque Coast, to assist a rugby match, to discover Biarritz, Bayonne or still Saint Jean de Luz and their gastronomy (Ham, Chocolate, Basque Cake, Espelette chili). Near Spain, to only 40 km of San Sebastian, her Concha and her tapas bars. Welcome.

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There are not many hotels which can offer the opportunity to stay in a palace built for royalty. The Parador set in the upper part of the town of Lerma, is a Ducal Palace which was erected between 1601 and 1617 by Francisco de Mora under the instruction of the first Duke of Lerma, Francisco Gómez de Sandoval y Rojas. The interior décor of both the rooms and communal areas is both elegant and befitting of the historical importance of this magnificent building.

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An air of total tranquility pervades every corner of this former convent with its charming cloister and gardens. Situated in the old quarter of the city and approximately 50 km south east of Madrid, the Parador de Chinchón is not far from the magnificent Plaza Mayor. It is a beautifully restored historic Convent dated back to the 17th century - in those days the monks and nuns enjoyed comfortable living and good eating, and these are qualities that may still be enjoyed by guests. The Parador boasts richly adorned public rooms, wonderfully peaceful and ornate gardens and an outdoor swimming pool.

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The Parador, on the edge of the city, is in a strikingly attractive modern building on the left bank of the River Tormes, with stunning views across the river to the old town – a particularly fine sight at night when it is floodlit. The Parador provides an elegant, spacious and comfortable base from which to explore this fascinating city. Tastefully decorated throughout with much use of marble, the hotel has a fine garden with a swimming pool. The lounge areas as well as the majority of the bedrooms also offer fantastic panoramic views through their large windows. The Parador also offers a sauna, a Turkish bath and a gym, making it the perfect place to unwind after a busy day exploring the delights of the city.

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The Pousada de Viseu offers its visitors some quite magnificent panoramic views from its highest point where the original settlement was formed in Roman times. Set in the former São Teotónio Hospital, it was designed and built in the late 1700s but inaugurated in 1842. The original hospital building, a square neoclassical construction of 4 floors with a large cloister at its heart, has been restored and subtly adapted into a very complete and stylish Pousada with all the facilities of a contemporary 4* hotel. Its transformation into a modern hotel has preserved many of the original features. The bold architecture of the attractive building has been enhanced by strong colours and attractive furnishings with just a touch of modern design. The cloister is completely enclosed by a ceiling, providing the Pousada with a stylish, covered courtyard lounge where you can relax, enjoy a coffee or aperitif before dinner. A short walk takes you into the really delightful city with its shops and attractive Baroque and Manueline architecture.

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Approximately 1km from the historical centre of Guimarães, set on a hill overlooking the city, stands the majestic Santa Marinha Pousada. This 12th-century Augustinian convent/monastery was given to the Church by Dona Alfalda, wife of the first king of Portugal. It retains many original features, including its decorative façade, but it has now been transformed into a most impressive 51-room hotel. There is a formal garden, a lake, a terrace with granite fountains, cloisters, a grotto and an outdoor swimming pool. In 1985 the restored building was awarded the National Architectural Prize. The well-kept gardens are another focal point, whilst the stunning setting of the monastery on the hillside affords memorable views across the town and the surrounding hills. The existing structure was converted in the 70s into the Pousada of today, and has retained many of the original features of the monastery including the monks’ cells which are now bedrooms, and the restored mill in the gardens near the spring. This Pousada is steeped in history and you cannot fail to be moved by its majestic façade, its rich architecture and its authentic atmosphere.

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