Lisbon & Northern Spain

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 LISBON Guided sightseeing includes Jerónimos Monastery and cloister, a photo stop at Belém Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOTS The stunning capital city of Portugal is a treasure trove of historic and architectural masterpieces. Lisbon is home to the 16th-century Monastery of Jerónimos, with its 100-foot façade featuring images of St. Michael the Archangel and Our Lady of Belém. See the 16th-century Belém Tower, which served as a fortress but also as an embarkation point for sailors and was 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 Panoramas & Port Wine FÁTIMA Visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary.
PORTO Sightseeing with a Local Guide includes a panoramic drive to the mouth of the Douro River. See the Church of São Francisco and visit the Arabian Hall in the Stock Exchange. Enjoy a [LF] Port wine tasting at the famous Sandeman & Co Port Wine Cellar. (B)
217 mi / 350 km

LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES You’re invited to the home of the most internationally recognized Porto wines at the magnificent Sandeman Wine Cellars. Here, taste centuries of tradition in a glass of Port wine in the city that bears its name. Saúde!

Day 4

PORTO–VIGO, SPAIN–LA TOJA ISLAND–SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA Spectacular Spain Scenic drive along the coastline en route to Vigo.
VIGO Take a walking tour of the historic district.
LA TOJA ISLAND [LF] See the church that is completely covered with seashells.
SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA Dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
199 mi / 320 km

LOCAL 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 SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA Guided sightseeing includes the cathedral with the relics of St. James the Apostle. Afterwards enjoy a coffee break. (B)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
LEGENDARY 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 LUARCA Enjoy free time to browse.
OVIEDO Guided sightseeing includes a panoramic drive and a walking tour of the Old Town. Enjoy a [LF] cider tasting at a traditional Sidreria (cider house). (B)
217 mi / 350 km

LOCAL 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 SANTANDER Enjoy free time for lunch.
BILBAO Take a guided visit to the Guggenheim Museum en route to San Sebastian. (B,D)
249 mi / 400 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ART & 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 SAN SEBASTIAN Guided walking tour of the Parte Viejo Old Quarter. Free time this afternoon and evening. (B)

FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE 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 PAMPLONA Take an [LF] orientation walk through the Calle Estafeta, followed by lunch with traditional tapas and Rioja wine at Basaburua restaurant.
SARAGOSSA Orientation walk includes Plaza of Our Lady of the Pillar. (B,L)
162 mi / 260 km

LOCAL 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 BARCELONA Guided walking tour this afternoon includes the Old Town with its Barri Gòtic and a stroll down La Rambla. Later, enjoy a fresh fruit juice. (B)
193 mi / 310 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURAL 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 BARCELONA Take a guided sightseeing tour of Barcelona this afternoon. Join a farewell dinner this evening at a local restaurant. (B,D)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CITY SIGHTS Follow your Local Guide for a fascinating look at Barcelona’s landmarks and legendary sites. See Columbus Monument, Plaza de Cataluña; stop at the Sagrada Familia Basilica, and take in a panoramic view of the city and harbor from Montjuïc Hill.

Day 12

BARCELONA Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)