Tour Overview
Description
Explore the coastline of Portugal and Northern Spain on this fascinating vacation. In Portugal, you'll overnight in Lisbon and Oporto, and enjoy guided sightseeing in both cities, including the Jeronimos Monastery in Lisbon, dating back to the 16th century, and in Oporto, the Arabian Hall in the Stock Exchange, which was inspired by Granada’s Alhambra. Also visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary in Fátima, a pilgrimage site where apparitions of the Virgin Mary were reported by three local children in 1917.
In Spain, stay two nights in Santiago de Compostela, one of the most popular pilgrim destinations since the Middle Ages. Here, visit the cathedral where the relics of St. James the Apostle are held. You'll also overnight in Oviedo; San Sebastian, a popular resort with its picturesque location and harbor; Saragossa, where you'll visit Plaza del Pilar, one of Spain's grandest squares; and Barcelona, where you'll stay two nights with guided sightseeing that includes a visit to the spectacular Sagrada Familia Basilica, Gaudi's masterpiece that still is not finished to this day.
On this Portugal and Northern Spain tour, Globus has also included some out-of-the-ordinary experiences for you. For example, in Oviedo, you'll enjoy a cider tasting at a traditional Sidreria. Or how about a wine tasting at a famous Port wine cellar in Oporto? These are just a couple of the special experiences included on this vacation.
From the historical sights and the popular resorts to the local food and drink specialties, this Portugal and Northern Spain tour has it all! You're sure to arrive home with many stories and photos to share.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive in Lisbon, Portugal
Welcome to Lisbon! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel.
Dinner is included.
Day 2 - Lisbon
Lisbon was the center of Europe’s longest-lived overseas empire. Portugal’s imperial ambitions date back to Prince Henry the Navigator’s 15th-century discoveries in West Africa. Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide features a drive through the Baixa quarter’s main squares, followed by a pleasant walk through the cobblestone alleys of quaint Alfama, the popular quarter of the seamen and Fado singers. Drive along the grand Avenida da Liberdade up to Pombal Square, stop for pictures of Belem Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries, and visit Jeronimos Monastery with the tomb of Vasco da Gama. An optional excursion is available to the royal palace of Queluz, as well as dinner at a traditional taverna with Fado-style entertainment.
Breakfast is included.
Day 3 - Lisbon - Fatima - Oporto
Visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary in Fátima, where Mary appeared to three shepherd children in 1917. Next is Oporto, where sightseeing with a Local Guide includes a panoramic drive to the mouth of the Douro River, the soaring cathedral, the Church of São Francisco, and the Stock Exchange with its contemporary Arabian Hall, inspired by Granada’s Alhambra. Of course, a Port Wine Tasting has been included at the famous Sandeman & Co. Port Wine Cellar to sample the delicious wine produced from grapes of the Douro Valley.
Breakfast is included.
Day 4 - Oporto – Vigo, Spain – La Toja Island – Santiago de Compostela
A scenic drive along the coastline brings you to Galicia and to the city of Vigo, which was built over a Roman settlement. See the remnants of the former city walls, and hear about its turbulent history during your walking tour. Continue to La Toja, a small island just off the shore, which has become a popular holiday resort. Enjoy a coffee at the Gran Hotel La Toja, a spa resort. The island is famous for its spring waters, discovered in the early 19th century. Marvel at the unusual church completely covered with seashells before returning to the mainland to continue your journey to Santiago de Compostela. This evening, dinner has been prepared at one of the city’s fine local restaurants.
Breakfast and dinner are included.
Day 5 - Santiago de Compostela
Santiago de Compostela has been one of the most popular pilgrim destinations since the Middle Ages. For over a thousand years, pilgrims have been walking the Camino de Santiago. Guided sightseeing includes a visit to the cathedral where the relics of St. James the Apostle, brother of St. John the Evangelist, are held. Later, an optional excursion is available to La Coruna.
Breakfast is included.
Day 6 - Santiago de Compostela - Luarca - Oviedo
Along the Asturian coast is Luarca, a renowned quiet town of white houses. Time to wander around the port or to have a coffee in one of the many taverns. Enter España Verde (Green Spain) and arrive in Oviedo, capital of Asturias. Guided sightseeing features a visit of the Cathedral of San Salvador, where the Way of St. James began. Then, visit a traditional Sidreria for a cider tasting.
Breakfast is included.
Day 7 - Oviedo - Santander - Bilbao - San Sebastian
After a stop in the seaside resort of Santander, arrive in Bilbao, the great port city of the Basque region, and enjoy a special highlight: a guided visit to the Guggenheim Museum, an amazing feat of construction created by North American architect Frank O. Gehry. Arrive in lovely San Sebastian, the “Pearl of the Cantabrian Coast.”
Breakfast and dinner are included.
Day 8 - San Sebastian
San Sebastian is a popular resort that attracts tourists from everywhere—not just for its picturesque location and harbor, but also for the many festivals that are held here yearly, like the San Sebastian Film Festival. Follow your Local Guide for a walking tour of the Parte Viejo (Old Quarter), with time to try tasty pintxos snacks, which you will find in many bars. You may wish to join an optional excursion to the beautiful French resort of Biarritz.
Breakfast is included.
Day 9 - San Sebastian - Pamplona - Saragossa
In Pamplona, at the foot of the Pyrenees, a special treat awaits: walk along the Calle Estafeta, where the famous “running of the bulls” takes place, and have lunch with traditional tapas and Rioja wine at Basaburua restaurant. Then, continue to Saragossa for your overnight stay.
Breakfast and Lunch are included.
Day 10 - Saragossa - Barcelona
This morning, visit Plaza del Pilar, one of Spain’s grandest squares. Time to visit the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, where, according to legends, the Virgin Mary appeared to St. James. Continue to Barcelona, Spain’s second-largest city and host of the Olympic Games in 1992.
Breakfast is included.
Day 11 - Barcelona
Sightseeing with a Local Guide features the Columbus Monument, Plaza de Cataluña, and Paseo de Gràcia. Highlights are a visit to the spectacular Sagrada Familia Basilica, Gaudi’s masterpiece, and a panoramic view of the city and harbor from Montjuïc Hill. Later, an optional excursion to Montserrat can be arranged, and this evening, a special farewell dinner has been prepared at La Fonda del Port Olimpic restaurant to say adios to your traveling companions.
Breakfast and Dinner are included.
Day 12 - Barcelona
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Breakfast is included.
