Grand Spain & Portugal (Small Groups, End Barcelona, 18 Days)

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Description

Summary

Starts
Madrid
Duration
18 days
Languages
English
Difficulty
Easy
Minimum age
5 years

Description

Embark on an unforgettable 18-day journey through the vibrant landscapes and rich cultures of Spain and Portugal. This multi-day tour offers a perfect blend of history, art, and culinary delights, taking you from the bustling streets of Madrid to the serene beaches of San Sebastián. Discover the architectural wonders of Barcelona, the medieval charm of Évora, and the spiritual allure of Santiago de Compostela. With expert guides and comfortable accommodations, including options like Hilton or Sofitel, you'll explore iconic landmarks such as the Alhambra Palace, Seville Cathedral, and the Sagrada Família. Enjoy local cuisine, engage in cultural experiences, and immerse yourself in the unique traditions of each destination. Whether you're wandering through ancient cities or relaxing by the coast, this tour promises an enriching and memorable adventure across the Iberian Peninsula.

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Included

1 night at Hotel Riu Plaza De Espana, Madrid

1 night at Vincci Albayzín, Granada

2 nights at Ayre Hotel Sevilla, Seville

2 nights at Turim Saldanha Hotel, Lisbon

1 night at Hotel Alameda Palace, Salamanca

2 nights at Barceló Torre de Madrid/Melia Serrano Madrid

2 nights at NH Collection Santiago de Compostela

1 night at Barceló Oviedo Cervantes

1 night at Eurostars Hotel Real, Santander

2 nights at Barceló Costa Vasca, San Sebastian

2 nights at Kimpton Vividora Hotel, Barcelona

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17 Breakfast (B)

1 Dinner (D)

4 Dinner with Wine (DW)

1 Lunch with Wine (LW)

Madrid: Join your Travel Director at 18:30 for a Welcome Dinner in a local restaurant and get to know your fellow travellers over a beautiful evening of delicious food and wine.

Lisbon: Delight in a taste of the famous Portuguese custard tart, Pastéis de Belém, made in a 19th century bakery with the original secret recipe.

Madrid: Honest culinary traditions and a fiesta of fresh ingredients are the hallmarks of your Spanish dinner. The perfect accompaniment to good conversation and a chilled glass of beer or wine.

Barcelona: At a typical Catalan restaurant, savour a delicious Celebration Dinner that incorporates classic cooking with the freshest produce.

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Choose between two carefully selected activities

Seville: Stroll through Barrio de Santa Cruz with a Local Expert and hear how the Jewish community has shaped the city's history.

Seville: See the city's top sights on a panoramic tour with your Local Expert.

Santiago de Compostela: Join a city tour with a Local Expert and visit Praza do Obradoiro to admire the cathedral facade festooned with architectural frills.

Santiago de Compostela: Embark on a scenic walk on part of the Way of St. James with a Local Expert, through parks and gardens that transform with the seasons.

Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.

Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.

We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.

Madrid: Witness the world's finest collection of Spanish paintings, plus an impressive international collection, as you tour the Prado Museum with an art historian.

Toledo: At a Damascene workshop, meet a master artisan for a personal insight into this ancient craft. Witness firsthand their precision as they inlay gold and silver into iron, using a chisel and a hammer.

Granada: Visit the famous Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens. While others wait in line, you'll be exploring accompanied by a Local Expert, keen to share insights into this Moorish landmark.

Seville: The Cristina Heeren Foundation aims to promote the teaching and conservation of flamenco and is a beneficiary of a TreadRight Foundation grant. Meet the students of the foundation, learn some basic flamenco steps, and then feel the passion as they perform an emotional show. The school enables students access to cultural education that otherwise may not have occurred. TreadRights sponsorship has helped students to complete their studies in advanced guitar, singing and dance. As students complete their training, they will carry on and safeguard the traditional flamenco dance, contributing to the protection of Andalusia and Spain’s cultural heritage. The Cristina Heeren Foundation advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education and UN Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Gijón: Meet locals for a delicious farm to table meal of locally sourced produce that has been prepared just for you. This experience supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

Pamplona: In Barcelona, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience during a visit to a biodynamic farm whose secrets have been handed down through four generations. Take in the views of Catalunya and taste the flavour of the valley 'Terroir' in the form of a sparkling wine. Sample this light refreshment and follow the process from the vine to your glass, learning about the unique sustainable methods employed. Sparkling wine is essential to Catalan culture, flowing freely during celebrations it is the perfect way to start your adventure into Catalunya. This experience contributes to UN Global Goal 12: Responsible Production and Consumption.

Madrid: See the highlights of the city with your Local Expert. Visit the Old Town, travelling along the elegant Paseo de la Castellana, past the fountain in the Plaza de Cibeles, the Cervantes Monument and Royal Palace, before crossing the Puerta del Sol.

Toledo: Explore this magnificent ancient city with your Local Expert and visit the Church of Santo Tomé to see an El Greco masterpiece.

Seville: Visit the Seville Cathedral with your Local Expert. Pass the altarpiece dripping with gold and see the Tomb of Columbus, held aloft by four kings.

Lisbon: Explore with your Local Expert, from the Lower Town, beneath the hilltop Bairro Alto to the Terreiro do Paco. Visit the Belém Quarter to see the modern Monument to the Discoveries and the medieval Belém Tower.

Fátima: Join the faithful at one of the world's holiest sites and pay homage at the Chapel of the Apparitions and see the basilica.

Salamanca: See the golden stone and arcades of Plaza Mayor, and learn about the unique traditions of this historic university city.

Avila: Explore within the ancient walls of this unique town.

Oviedo: Led by your Local Expert, see 1,000-year-old wall paintings in some of Europe's oldest churches. Admire the incredible altarpiece, one of the finest in Europe, when you visit the Cathedral of the Holy Saviour.

Picos de Europa: Visit the holy cave of Covadonga and see the tomb of Pelayo who is celebrated for winning the Battle of Covadonga against the Muslim Moors in 722 and later became the first King of Asturias.

Picos de Europa: Venture into this magnificent national park to admire the stunning picturesque scenery and rocky trails.

Santillana del Mar: Step back in time when you visit this perfectly preserved and 'most beautiful village in Spain.'

Getaria: See the rock known as El Ratón or the mouse.

San Sebastián: Led by your Local Expert, enjoy a guided walking tour of the Old Quarter including Plaza de la Constitucion.

Pamplona: The city is home to Café Iruña, a favourite of Ernest Hemingway.

Barcelona: With your Local Expert, drive along the elegant Passeig de Gràcia to witness some of the finest Modernist architecture as you journey through the Eixample district to see Gaudi's extraordinary masterpiece, the mesmerising Sagrada Família.

Barcelona: Venture inside Gaudí's extraordinary masterpiece, the Sagrada Família and marvel at the contrasts of architecture. Above see its giant, tree-like pillars and spectacular vaulting. Admire the wonderful rainbow of the incredible stained-glass windows.

Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

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From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.

Évora: With your Travel Director explore the ancient city of Évora and visit the fascinating Capela dos Ossos, meaning the Chapel of Bones, a chapel decorated with human remains.

Bilbao: See the spectacular modern Guggenheim Museum designed by Frank Gehry and sites of this Basque region gem during your orientation with your Travel Director.

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Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).

If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.

Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.

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Destinations

Santillana del Mar
Photo of the aerial view of Plaza de Toros in Pamplona, the capital of Navarre province in northern Spain.Pamplona
Granada, Andalusia,Spain Europe - Panoramic view of Alhambra.Granada
Scenic aerial view of the Agbar Tower in Barcelona in Spain.Barcelona
Photo of panoramic aerial view of San Sebastian (Donostia) on a beautiful summer day, Spain.Donostia / San Sebastián
Évora - city in PortugalÉvora
Photo of Facade of Santiago de Compostela cathedral in Obradoiro square, Spain.Santiago de Compostela
Batalha
Photo of Santander city beach aerial panoramic view.Santander
Ávila - city in SpainÁvila
Toledo - city in SpainToledo
Photo of the Cathedral of Oviedo, Spain, was founded by King Fruela I of Asturias in 781 AD and is located in the Alfonso II square.Oviedo
Photo of view from the top of the Space Metropol Parasol (Setas de Sevilla) one have the best view of the city of Seville, Spain.Seville
Photo of Lisbon City Skyline with Sao Jorge Castle and the Tagus River, Portugal.Lisbon
The Puerta del Sol square is the main public space in Madrid. In the middle of the square is located the office of the President of the Community of Madrid.Madrid
Salamanca - city in SpainSalamanca
Cordova - city in SpainCórdoba
Photo of aerial view of Bilbao, Spain city downtown with a Nevion River, Zubizuri Bridge and promenade. Mountain at the background, with clear blue sky.Bilbao

Map

Attractions

Museo de Ávila, Ávila, Castile and León, SpainMuseo de Ávila
Sevilla Aquarium, El Prado-Parque de María Luisa, Distrito Sur, Seville, Sevilla, Andalusia, SpainSevilla Aquarium
Museum of Santa Cruz, Toledo, Castile-La Mancha, SpainMuseum of Santa Cruz
Muralla de Santander, Santander, Cantabria, SpainMuralla de Santander
Parque Nacional de Los Picos de Europa, Posada de Valdeón, León, Castile and León, SpainParque Nacional de Los Picos de Europa
Calafell Slide
Photo of Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, Spain.Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
Sobrellano Palace, Comillas, Costa Occidental, Cantabria, SpainSobrellano Palace
Photo of Cervantes Square in Alacalà de Henares, Spain, Madrid.Cervantes square
Photo of Pablo Gargallo Museum,Zaragoza,Spain.Museum of Fine Arts of Asturias
Photo of morning Light at Plaza Mayor in Madrid , Spain.Plaza Mayor
Photo of Coca Castle, Segovia. Castile and Leon (Spain) .Castle of Coca
Photo of Barcelona central beach aerial view Sant Miquel Sebastian plage Barceloneta district catalonia.Barceloneta Beach
Frog Salamanca, Centro, Salamanca, Castile and León, SpainFrog Salamanca
Photo of sagrada Familia in Barcelona, the most known building created by Antoni Gaudi.Sagrada Família
Photo of Plaza de toros – a bullring in the spanish city Pamplona.Plaza de Toros
San Telmo Ermita, Zumaia, Urola-Kosta, Gipuzkoa, Autonomous Community of the Basque Country, SpainSan Telmo Ermita
Photo of Generalife gardens at Alhambra, Granada, Spain .Generalife
FLY TOLEDO, Toledo, Castile-La Mancha, SpainFLY TOLEDO
Photo of Casa de Pilatos in Seville, Spain.Casa de Pilatos
Sanctuary of Covadonga, Cangas de Onís, Asturias, SpainSanctuary of Covadonga
Photo of the fortress and palace complex Alhambra, Granada, Spain.Alhambra
Photo of the Belem tower at the bank of Tejo River in Lisbon ,Portugal.Belém Tower
Chapel of Bones (Évora), Sé e São Pedro, Évora, Alentejo Central, Alentejo Region, PortugalChapel of Bones (Évora)
National Coach Museum, Belém, Lisbon, Grande Lisboa, Área Metropolitana de Lisboa, PortugalNational Coach Museum
Photo of Museum of the Marine in Madrid,Spain.Naval Museum
Photo of Guggenheim, Bilbao, museum, modern art, Spain.Guggenheim Museum
Museo de Salamanca, Centro, Salamanca, Castile and León, SpainMuseo de Salamanca
cathedral of Evora in Portugal.Cathedral of Évora
Palacio de Fuensalida

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Day 1: Madrid

  • Madrid - Arrival day
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  • La Alameda's Castle
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Begin your adventure in the heart of Spain, Madrid. Discover the city's grand boulevards and lush parks, and enjoy a delightful dinner at a local restaurant. This evening, you'll have the chance to meet your fellow travelers and share stories over delicious food and wine.

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Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: Toledo to Granada

  • Toledo
  • Granada
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  • Museum of Santa Cruz
  • Palacio de Fuensalida
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Travel south to Toledo, a city rich in history and culture. Visit a Damascene workshop and explore the Church of Santo Tomé, home to El Greco's masterpiece. Continue your journey to Granada, where the past and present blend seamlessly.

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Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: Granada to Seville

  • Seville
  • Granada
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  • Sevilla Aquarium
  • Generalife
  • Alhambra
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Discover the enchanting Alhambra Palace and the serene Generalife Gardens in Granada. Later, travel to Seville, where you'll visit the majestic Seville Cathedral. Choose between exploring the old Jewish quarter or enjoying a scenic drive around the city.

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Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: Seville and Córdoba

  • Seville
  • Córdoba
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  • Casa de Pilatos
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Enjoy a day of leisure in Seville, or opt for an excursion to Córdoba. Visit the stunning Mezquita and explore the old Jewish Quarter. Experience the passion of flamenco at the Cristina Heeren Foundation, where you'll learn the dance and witness a captivating performance.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: Évora to Lisbon

  • Lisbon
  • Évora
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  • Chapel of Bones (Évora)
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Travel to Évora, a charming medieval town in Portugal. Visit the intriguing Capela dos Ossos, adorned with thousands of bones. Continue to Lisbon, where you'll be captivated by the city's vibrant atmosphere and rich history.

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Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: Lisbon

  • Lisbon
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  • Belém Tower
  • National Coach Museum
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Explore Lisbon with a guided tour, visiting the Belém Quarter and tasting the famous Pastéis de Belém. Admire the Monument to the Discoveries and the historic Belém Tower. Visit the National Coach Museum, home to an impressive collection of carriages. Spend your afternoon at leisure or join an optional tour to the Portuguese Riviera.

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Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: Fátima to Salamanca

  • Salamanca
  • Batalha
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  • Roman bridge of Salamanca
  • Anaya Palace
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Visit Fátima, a revered pilgrimage site, and see the Chapel of Apparitions. Cross into Spain and arrive in Salamanca, known for its golden stone buildings. Explore the Plaza Mayor and view the ancient Puente Romano, a testament to Roman engineering.

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Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: Ávila to Madrid

  • Madrid
  • Ávila
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  • San Vicente de Ávila
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Travel to Ávila, a city encircled by perfectly preserved 11th-century walls. Continue to Madrid, where you'll have the opportunity to delve deeper into the city's rich history and culture. Enjoy a lively dinner with your travel companions at a local restaurant.

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Day 9

Day 9 – Day 9: Madrid

  • Madrid
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  • Naval Museum
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Explore Madrid with a local expert, visiting the city's historical areas and the renowned Prado Museum. Discover masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and others. Spend your afternoon relaxing at a café or shopping in the city's boutiques.

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Day 10

Day 10 – Day 10: Santiago de Compostela

  • Santiago de Compostela
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  • Castle of Coca
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Journey through the Guadarrama Mountains and Old Castile, passing the impressive Castillo de la Mota. Arrive in Santiago de Compostela, a city steeped in history and legend, where the tomb of the Apostle St. James was discovered in the Middle Ages.

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Day 11

Day 11 – Day 11: Santiago de Compostela

  • Santiago de Compostela
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  • Cervantes square
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Explore Santiago de Compostela with a local expert, visiting the Praza do Obradoiro and admiring the cathedral's intricate facade. Alternatively, enjoy a scenic walk along the Way of St James, taking in the city's parks and gardens.

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Day 12

Day 12 – Day 12: Oviedo

  • Oviedo
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  • Casa de los Hevia
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Travel through the lush landscapes of Galicia and Asturias, enjoying a farm-to-table lunch and cider tasting. Arrive in Oviedo, where you'll explore the city's 9th-century churches and visit the Cathedral of the Holy Saviour, home to one of Europe's finest altarpieces.

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Day 13

Day 13 – Day 13: Santillana del Mar to Santander

  • Santander
  • Santillana del Mar
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  • Roman bridge in Cangas de Onis
  • Sanctuary of Covadonga
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Visit the Holy Cave of Covadonga and see the Roman bridge in Cangas de Onís. Continue to Santillana del Mar, a picturesque village with cobblestone streets and historic stone houses. End your day in Santander, a sophisticated beach resort where you can relax and enjoy the evening.

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Day 14

Day 14 – Day 14: Bilbao to San Sebastián

  • Bilbao
  • Donostia / San Sebastián
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  • Loretopea
  • Guggenheim Museum
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Admire the modern architecture of the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. Travel along the Costa Vasca, stopping in Getaria to see the unique rock formation known as 'El Ratón'. Arrive in San Sebastián, where you'll explore the city's beautiful harbor and uncover its Basque maritime heritage.

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Day 15

Day 15 – Day 15: San Sebastián

  • Donostia / San Sebastián
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Enjoy a leisurely day in San Sebastián, strolling along the boardwalk or exploring the Old Town. Consider a visit to the nearby French village of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, or relax on the sandy beaches of La Concha bay.

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Day 16

Day 16 – Day 16: Pamplona to Barcelona

  • Pamplona
  • Barcelona
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  • Iglesia de San Lorenzo
  • Citadel of Pamplona
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Visit Pamplona, famous for its Running of the Bulls festival. Explore Estafeta Street or enjoy a coffee at the historic Café Iruña. Continue to Barcelona, the vibrant capital of Catalonia, known for its unique culture and traditions.

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Day 17

Day 17 – Day 17: Barcelona

  • Barcelona
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  • Pasaje San Juan
  • Sagrada Família
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Discover Barcelona's artistic heritage with a local expert. Drive along Passeig de Gràcia and visit Gaudí's extraordinary Sagrada Família. Spend your afternoon exploring the city at your own pace, and in the evening, enjoy a celebration dinner with your travel companions.

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Day 18

Day 18 – Day 18: Departure from Barcelona

  • Madrid
  • Barcelona - Departure day
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As your journey through Spain and Portugal comes to an end, take time to reflect on the incredible experiences and memories you've made. Transfer to the airport for your onward journey, bidding farewell to this unforgettable adventure.

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