Overview
Lisbon & Northern Spain
When you hear the call “Txotx!” (pronounced “choach”) shouted in the traditional Sidrerias of Northern Spain, it’s time to gather ’round! Standing five feet back from the tapped barrel, patrons line up to catch the shooting cider into glasses—then toast the age-old tradition that adds the right amount of carbonation to the tart beverage. Lucky for you, there’s much to toast as you explore the sparkling seaside from Lisbon to Barcelona on this mostly coastal tour of Portugal and Northern Spain. This sunny vacation makes a splash with visits to the popular pilgrimage site of Santiago de Compostela, the famous seaside resort of San Sebastian, and in Pamplona, the legendary Calle Estafeta where the famous “running of the bulls” takes place. You’ll also want to make a beeline to the delicacies of each country, from the zesty paella of Spain to the sweet port of Portugal. Cheers! Salud! Txotx!PLUS, your tour includes your choice of excursions in Porto so you can plan your day your way.
Highlights of Lisbon & Northern Spain
City Highlights
Travelers Notes
Special Features Included in this Tour: • Guided sightseeing in Lisbon includes a visit to Jerónimos Monastery and cloister, plus a photo stop at Belém Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries• Visit to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary in Fatima• Guided sightseeing in Porto includes views of the Church of São Francisco and a visit to the Arabian Hall in the Stock Exchange• Globus Choice excursions in Porto − included in your tour with your choice of a guided visit of a local wine cellar plus port wine tasting or a sightseeing cruise on the Douro River• Visit to La Toja Island to see the [LF] seashell covered San Sebastian Church• Guided sightseeing tours in Santiago de Compostela and San Sebastian• Guided sightseeing in Oviedo includes a panoramic drive and a walking tour of the Old Town, plus a cider tasting at a traditional Sidreria (cider house)• Guided visit to Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum• An orientation walk through Pamplona’s [LF] Calle Estafeta, plus a complementary tapas lunch with Rioja wine at Basaburua restaurant• Guided sightseeingin Barcelona includes a walking tour in the Old Town, a stroll down La Rambla, a panoramic drive to Montjuic Hill and a photo stop at La Sagrada Familia• Orientation walks in Vigo and Saragossa• Visit Luarca and Santander
UNESCO Sites
Belem Tower in Lisbon (See Only)|Historic Centre of Porto|Monastery of the Hieronymites in Lisbon|Monuments of Oviedo|Santiago de Compostela (Old Town)|Works of Antoni Gaudi: Sagrada Familia
Private Touring
6 guests in a party: $3,924*18 guests in a party: $967*
Meals
11 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 4 Dinner
Itineraries
Day 1
ARRIVE IN LISBON, PORTUGAL Welcome to Lisbon! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
Day 2
LISBON Lovely Lisbon This morning, discover the historic grandeur of Lisbon when you join your Local Guide for a fascinating sightseeing drive complete with photo stops at Belem Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries. Visit the magnificent Jerónimos Monastery and cloister with its 100-foot façade featuring images of St. Michael the Archangel and Our Lady of Belém. Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening to explore more of the city. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORIC SPOTS The stunning capital city of Portugal is a treasure trove of historic and architectural masterpieces, including the 16th-century Belém Tower, which was both a fortress and the embarkation point for sailors, their last sight of land before the start of their journey. Lisbon’s Monument to the Discoveries pays homage to great Portuguese explorers with a spectacular carved prow of an ancient ship.
Day 3
LISBON–FÁTIMA–PORTO Spend Your Day Your Way in Porto En-route to Porto stop at Fatima, one of the most important Marian shrines, and visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary. This afternoon, arrive in the beautiful waterfront city of Porto. Follow your Local Guide for a guided walk, see the Church of São Francisco and visit the Stock Exchange with its Arabian Hall. Explore more of Porto with your choice of included Globus Choice excursions. (B)217 mi / 350 km
Day 4
PORTO–VIGO, SPAIN–LA TOJA ISLAND–SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA Spectacular Spain Bid farewell to Portugal as you cross the border into Spain. A scenic drive along the coastline brings you to the port of Vigo for an orientation of the historic district to see the remnants of the former city walls. After some free time for lunch continue to the charming island of La Toja, connected to the mainland by an 18th Century bridge. Enjoy an orientation to [LF] see the church that is completely covered with seashells. Reach Santiago de Compostela and get a taste for the city with dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D) 211 mi / 340 kmLOCAL FAVORITE CULTURAL GEMS Marvel at the unusual church completely covered with seashells on La Toja island, famous for its spring waters. Once used for cattle grazing, it soon became a popular thermal retreat.
Day 5
SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA History & Mystery Together with your Local Guide discover Santiago de Compostela, the endpoint of the Camino di Santiago. Visit the Cathedral where the relics of St. James the Apostle are held. Enjoy a coffee break followed by an afternoon and evening of free time to explore more. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTLEGENDARY LIVES Santiago de Compostela is one of the world’s most revered pilgrimage destinations since the Middle Ages. Today, faithful pilgrims embark on the Way of St. James with a walk on the Camino de Santiago each year, ending at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Here, the tomb of St. James the Apostle is housed within the cathedral’s extraordinary Romanesque architecture.
Day 6
SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA–LUARCA–OVIEDO Cider House Rules First stop today is the charming coastal town of Luarca. Enjoy some free time to stroll around and try some local specialties for lunch. Continue to the historic city of Oviedo and meet your Local Guide for a sightseeing tour that comprises both a panoramic drive and walking tour to see the main landmarks. Later, enjoy a [LF] cider tasting at a traditional Sidreria (cider house). This evening enjoy some leisure time to explore more. (B) 217 mi / 350 kmLOCAL FAVORITE LOCAL TASTES Oviedo is home to a number of cider houses, serving the traditional drink that is a sign of eating well in this fruitful region. The art of pouring cider releases its aromas. Be aware! Once the cider is poured, the glass must be emptied in one go to fully appreciate the flavours. Bottoms up!
Day 7
OVIEDO–SANTANDER–BILBAO–SAN SEBASTIAN Artists & Ambassadors This morning stop at the port city of Santander, enjoy an orientation plus free time to browse and have lunch. Continue to the captivating city of Bilbao and meet your Local Guide for a visit of the iconic Guggenheim Museum. Spend some leisure time exploring independently before continuing to the beautiful coastal city of San Sebastian. (B,D)249 mi / 400 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTART & ARCHITECTURE Guggenheim Museum Bilbao was founded in 1997. It was designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry and hailed as one of the most important buildings of its time because of its spectacular structure of titanium, glass, and limestone. The museum features extraordinary exhibitions administered by the Guggenheim Foundation, as well as selections from the permanent collections of the Guggenheim museums in New York, Venice, and Abu Dhabi.
Day 8
SAN SEBASTIAN Basque Country Discover the beauty of San Sebastian with a guided walking tour of the Parte Viejo (Old Quarter). This afternoon and evening enjoy free time to explore this delightful town, browse the inviting stores, and sample the local pintxos (small snacks).(B)FREE TIME TIPSEXPLORE MORE Framed by golden beaches and lush hillsides San Sebastian has undeniable allure. From its elegant and modern promenade to the charming cobblestone streets of the Old Town, there are a myriad of opportunities to enjoy your time in the “Pearl of the Cantabrian Sea.”
Day 9
SAN SEBASTIAN–PAMPLONA–SARAGOSSA Walk, Don’t Run This morning, delve into the culture of the charismatic city of Pamplona. Take an [LF] orientation walk through the Calle Estafeta, followed by lunch with traditional tapas accompanied by a Rioja wine tasting at Basaburua restaurant. Continue to Saragossa and enjoy an orientation walk featuring the stunning Plaza of Our Lady of the Pillar. Enjoy an evening at leisure to explore more. (B,L)162 mi / 260 kmLOCAL FAVORITE LOCAL TASTES Best known as the narrow cobblestone gauntlet where the running of the bulls takes place in Pamplona, Calle Estafeta is a haven for food lovers where tapas and wine are always on the menu at Restaurante Basaburua in the heart of the city.
Day 10
SARAGOSSA–BARCELONA Barcelona Boulevards Relax during the drive to Barcelona.This afternoon, get acquainted with the flamboyant city when you follow your Local Guide for a sightseeing that includes a walking tour of the Old Town with its Barri Gòtic and a stroll down La Rambla, one of the world’s most famous streets. Later, enjoy a fresh fruit juice. Free time this evening to try some of the local specialties. (B) 193 mi / 310 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURAL GEMS Stroll in the footsteps of Picasso through the historic heart of the old city of Barcelona. Indulge in the tradition and tastes of 2,000 years in the Gothic Quarter. Take in the charm and captivating history with a walk down the tree-lined avenue of La Rambla amid the terraces and street performers on Barcelona’s famous thoroughfare.
Day 11
BARCELONA Legendary Landmarks The morning is yours to explore independently or join an optional excursion. This afternoon, discover more of Barcelona with your Local Guide on a sightseeing tour to see the Columbus Monument, Plaza de Cataluña and Passeig de Gràcia. Enjoy a photo stop at the Sagrada Familia and panoramic views of the city and harbor from Montjuïc Hill. This evening join your travel companions for a delcious farewell dinner at a Local Restaurant. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTCITY SIGHTS It won’t take long for you to realise why the motto “Barcelona Inspires” is true. This lively city has so much to offer, from vibrant markets to delicious dishes. It is a spectacular showcase for Antonio Gaudí’s architectural works of art. Known as “God’s architect,” Gaudí began designing lampposts before designing some of Barcelona’s most famous buildings—the Casa Batló and Casa Milà on the Passeig de Gracia, and the jaw dropping Sagrada Familia - the iconic unfinished church which has become the world’s longest-running construction site!
Day 12
BARCELONA Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Departures
Hotels
| # | Name | Description | City | Address | Rating |
| 1 | Smy Lisboa | This modern 105-room is conveniently located between the Eduardo VII Park and Amoreiras shopping plaza. Contemporary designed guestrooms are all air conditioned and come with free Wi-Fi, flat screen TVs, minibar, and in-room safes. The al la carte restaurant serves regional cuisine and the sixth floor lounge bar and the terrace offers impressive city views. The property also has an exercise room. | Lisbon | Rua da Artilharia 1, 112 | First-Class |
| 2 | Holiday Inn Porto Gaia | A modern 212-room high rise hotel near the historical Porto city centre with a chic atrium bar and culinary concept restaurant serving traditinal Portuguese cuisine. Amenities include a gym, spa and Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout. | Porto | Rua Diogo de Macedo, 220 Vila Nova de Gaia | First-Class |
| 3 | Santiago Plaza by Melia | Modern hotel, close to shopping, 500 m to the "Parque Pajonal" park, 2 km to the Cathedral and the monumental area, 12 km to SCQ. | Santiago De Compostela | Rua Do Restollal 24 | First-Class |
| 4 | AC Oviedo Forum | A modern 155 room property offering Free Wi-Fi access in all areas and a fitness center. Traditional Spanish cuisine is served in the main restaurant and an international menu and drinks are on offer at the hotel's bar and outdoor terrace. | Oviedo | Plaza De Los Ferroviarios 1 | Superior First-Class |
| 5 | NH Collection Aranzazu | NH Collection San Sebastián Aránzazu is a contemporary and elegant 4¿star hotel characterized by warm woods, marble accents, and a calm, modern aesthetic that creates a refined yet relaxed atmosphere. Located in the quiet Ondarreta district of San Sebastián, it sits just a short walk away from Ondarreta Beach, offering guests a peaceful setting with easy access to the city¿s coastal promenade and cultural attractions. The hotel features 178 rooms, all designed in a clean, comfortable style with modern amenities. Dining is centered around its restaurant and breakfast service, which is frequently praised for quality and variety, making it a convenient and enjoyable option for travelers. | San Sebastian | Vitoria-Gasteiz 1 | Superior First-Class |
| 6 | Silken Reino De Aragon | Modern hotel with restaurant, bar and meeting facilities is located near the Basilica Del Pilar and the Exhibition Palace. | Saragossa | C/Coso, 80 | First-Class |
| 7 | NH Sants Barcelona | This large modern property is located in the heart of the financial district, within walking distance of the Sants train station, which connects to the city center in 15 minutes. The well-known soccer stadium Camp Nou is only 20 minutes away on foot. The property offers 203 soundproof, bright and spacious guestrooms decorated in a classic style with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi. The hotel has a fitness room, a nice restaurant serving Catalan cuisine, and a relaxing bar serving refreshing drinks. | Barcelona | Numancia, 74 | First-Class |
