Enjoy exclusive discounts on European travel packages with Citi PremierMiles
MANILA, Philippines - Think of the word “Iberia” and images of a fascinating land rich in history comes to mind. Two countries, Spain and Portugal, lay claim to this beautiful peninsula, which offers some of the most exciting and interesting vacation options for travelers looking for adventure and an enlightening encounter with history.
Both Spain and Portugal have a wealth of historic monuments: Roman ruins, medieval castles, Moorish fortresses, and Gothic, Romanesque and Baroque cathedrals. Both countries are treasure troves of art and were once home to some of the world’s most revered artists like Velasquez, Goya, Gaudi, Miro, Dali and Picasso.
For those who want to enrich their knowledge of old-world history, Spain and Portugal are the best places to start.
In Spain, visit Toledo, its former capital, to see a 13th century cathedral and one of Europe’s oldest synagogues, as well as the El Greco masterpiece in the chapel of Santo Tomé.
Pass the ancient walls of St. Teresa’s town of Avila en route to the “golden” city of Salamanca. In Madrid, see the Prado Museum, where you can admire the brilliant works of Velasquez and Goya. In Seville, visit the tomb of Christopher Columbus at the Gothic Cathedral built in the 15th century.
If you just want to experience the streets of Spain, enjoy a leisurely drive through green hills above the Costa del Sol that leads to the whitewashed village of Mijas and enjoy spectacular coastal views. There, stroll through the old streets and beautiful gardens and marvel at the breathtaking views of the Mediterranean coast.
Portugal gives you more places to explore and admire. In Lisbon, visit the 16th-century Jeronimos Monastery with its superbly ornate cloister and vaulted church of Santa Maria. You can also see in this city the modern Monument to the Discoveries and ancient Belem Tower.
In Batalha, see the Royal Chapel in the ornate Gothic Monastery or visit the neo-classical basilica in the pilgrimage town of Fatima.
After a date with Portugal’s history, why not explore its “non-historic” side? Visit Oporto, celebrated internationally as the port wine capital, and see the Villa Nova de Gaia wine stores which house the famous port wines. There, you can also explore the multi-colored houses and churches covered in glazed tiles.
These are just some of the must-see places in Spain and Portugal that you can enjoy, thanks to discounted travel packages when paying with your Citi PremierMiles card.
Until Dec. 30, enjoy special travel offers to many exciting destinations in Europe through Rajah Travel’s Insight Vacations. With the Citi PremierMiles card, avail yourself of the 16-day Best of Spain and Portugal tour for a low $2,882.
Aside from a tour of the Iberian Peninsula, Citi PremierMiles cardholders can also enjoy other exclusive tour packages: four-day Gems of Britain Tour (England and Scotland) for only $790; 11-day Easy Pace Turkey and Greece Tour for only $1,837; 12-day European Spotlight Tour (England, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, and France) for only $2,637; and 14-day Highlights of Eastern Europe Tour (Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Poland, Germany, and Czech Republic) for only $3,102.
To know how you can avail yourself of these special travel packages, call the 24-hour CitiPhone at 995-9999 or visit www.citibank.com.ph.
