Speak with an experienced advisor
Speak with an experienced advisor
Globus
OFFER ID 1515263
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!
11 nights from $2,849 per person
Lisbon & Northern Spain
Day 1 ARRIVE IN LISBON, PORTUGALWelcome to Lisbon! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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 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!
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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.
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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.”
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Day 12 BARCELONASafe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
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An Exploration of Lisbon (8 hours)
Highlights:
Lying north of the River Tagus estuary and stretching over seven hills, Portugal's capital city has much to offer. Receive a warm welcome at the port by your private guide and driver and from here commence your engaging tour of Lisbon.
Explore the Belem district with its magnificent Jerónimos Monastery, an extraordinary example of Portugal's 'Manueline' style of architecture. Once populated by monks, the UNESCO-listed monastery was commissioned by King Manuel I to celebrate Vasco da Gama's discovery of a sea route to India in 1498. Time permitting, visit Torre de Belém (Belém Tower), one of Lisbon's most iconic buildings and symbolic of Portugal's great Age of Expansion.
Next, it's time for a refreshment stop, where you may wish to sample the famous and scrumptious Pastéis de Belém (Portuguese custard tarts). From here you return to your cruise ship.
Queluz, Sintra and Estoril (8 hours)
Highlights:
Venture outside of Lisbon to explore Queluz, Sintra and Estoril during your private shore excursion. Take the short driver to the sumptuous 18th-century Queluz Palace, where you can admire the magnificent formal gardens and azulejo-lined canals.
Afterwards visit Sintra, the summer retreat of Portuguese monarchs and Moorish emirs before them. Today, this town, nestling on the north side of the Sintra Mountain, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Stroll through the town where charming streets are filled with fine handicraft shops. You then descend to Guincho beach for a fabulous view of Cape Rock, the westernmost point of the European continent and continuing to the resort town of Estoril on the scenic coastal road with fantastic views, en route back to your cruise ship.
Highlights of Lisbon (4 hours)
Highlights:
See Belem Tower, one of Lisbon's iconic buildings and symbolic of the nation's Age of Expansion. Admire the impressive collection of painted and gilded Baroque coaches at the National Coach Museum.
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Tour can operate: Morning/Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
Art and Architecture in Barcelona (8 hours)
Highlights:
An architectural delight awaits you today in Barcelona, one of the most exciting cities in Europe. Receive a warm greeting at the port by your private guide and driver and commence your full-day tour with a visit to Gaudi's masterpiece, the impressive, but unfinished Sagrada Familia. Although work started on this project in 1882, this iconic church is not expected to be complete until 2028!
Next, visit Parc Guell, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi's most colourful creations. Continue along Passeig de Gracia, to view Gaudi's Casa Batlló and Casa Mila from the outside, with its brilliant wave-like façade.
After lunch, lose yourself in the narrow streets of the true heart of the city - the medieval Gothic Quarter. Here you will visit the magnificent 13th-century Cathedral, and the Picasso Museum, where some of the painter's earliest works are housed. At the end of your tour you are transferred back to the port.
Highlights:
Receive a warm greeting at the port from your private guide and driver and commence your half-day tour with a visit to Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi’s masterpiece; the impressive, but unfinished Sagrada Familia. Although work started on this project in 1882, this iconic church is not expected to be completed until 2028!
Continue on to Parc Guell, a beautiful municipal garden with a superb panoramic view over the city; the focal point is a colourful sea-serpent-shaped central terrace. Visit the gatehouse where Gaudi lived during his later years which is now a museum dedicated to him. Transfer back to the port at the end of your tour.
Overview: Uncover the most authentic side of Barcelona riding the world's best folding bike, a Brompton. Be led by an expert bike guide and venture into a unique and exclusive experience. Connect with your local guide by sharing and listening to trivia stories about Barcelona. Embark on a ride to explore the least touristy Eixample and Gracia districts. Glimpse the Plaça d'Espanya, the Hospital de la Santa Creu, Sant Pau, and modernist estates.
Duration: 3 Hours
Overview: Experience the thrill of sailing the Barcelona Coastline. Glimpse the Barcelona skyline from a different perspective and spot some landmarks, including Frank Gehry Golf Fish Sculpture and the Twin Towers", Torres Venecianas. Immerse yourself in the serene deep blue while seeping your glass of wine. Weather permitting, anchor and venture in a short swim.
Duration: 4 Hours
Overview: Uncover the dedication of a biodynamic winegrowers family committed to excellence in long-aged wines. Venture on a stroll around the winery's iconic vineyards to discover the distinctive features of a unique spot in the Penedès region. Sheltered by the woods, taste a base wine paired with a light snack. Elevate your experience by savoring three long-aged sparkling wines, a limited-edition white wine, and an extra-virgin olive oil.
Duration: 4 Hours
From Market to Home with a Top Chef
Overview: Led by a top Chef who graduated from the prestigious Cordon Bleu School in Paris, embark on an exclusive gourmet journey at her private penthouse. Head to a 19th-century local market and thoroughly select the finest ingredients for your recipe. Dare to partake in the cooking process while you uncover some secrets of high-end cuisine. Savor the combination of flavors paired with a premium selection of Spanish Wines.
Duration: 4 Hours
Hike a World of Nature (7,5 miles)
Overview: Step away from the bustling Barcelona and embrace Catalonia's unique landscape with La Garrotxa and Fageda d'en jordà. Venture into an exciting 7,5 miles hike through the Natural Park of the Volcanic Zone of La Garrotxa. Engage in a circular route through La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park. Ascend to the inside of Santa Margarita volcano and discover a chapel lying on its crater. Dive into Fageda d'en Jordà, a unique beech forest that grows on the lava flow of Croscat Volcano. Finalize your trail with a stop at the Croscat Volcano grederes.
Duration: 4 Hours
Montserrat Discovery Hike (5 miles)
Overview: Ancient Wonders and hidden gems await you on the famous needles of Montserrat Mountain. Venture into an exciting and intimate hike connecting you to Montserrat's outlandish and most authentic elements. Uncover the region of Agulles and the north face of Montserrat, passing between the needles, having to take some steps climbing ropes, and ending up visiting emblematic places such as Cadireta or Foradada.
Duration: 4 Hours
Overview: Marvel at Montserrat Mountain's impressive scenic views. With a bird' s-eye view, witness these massive conglomerates, which form unexpectedly imposing sculptures due to their geological evolution. They all have names related to their shapes, and we find caves, chasms, and torrents in their shelter.
Flying over the Montserrat mountain, the spiritual Center of Catalonia is undoubtedly one of the most surprising and impressive experiences.
Duration: 1 Hour
Basque Captivating Coast from the Skies
Overview: Get a bird' s-eye view of the Basque Country. Fly over its most emblematic places, which combine the captivating coast with the mountainous inland.
Duration: 1 Hour
Delve into a Basque Gastronomic Society
Overview: Embark on an exclusive culinary journey at a Basque Gastronomic Society. Embrace the privilege of accessing the invitation-members-only Club. Savor a delightful array of seasonal delights, complemented by Basque desserts and a selection of beverages. Expect to go beyond mere dining and partake in the gastronomic society's customs, assisting in setting tables, cooking, serving, and cleaning up alongside fellow diners.
Duration: 3H30
Overview: Delve into an extraordinary and intimate Gourmet Pintxos Tour in San Sebastian. Learn about the pintxo's secrets and history in the finest bars paired with excellent local wines and drinks.
Duration: 3 Hours
Overview: Discover the Basque Country by sailboat from a new perspective. Bursting extraordinary places that harbor cultural and traditional elements such as castles, forts, battles, and rowing, sailing the Basque Country coast offers an exceptional perspective and unique memories. Witness the great diversity of seabeds, beaches, charming ports, cliffs, and incredible landscapes.
Duration: 4 Hours
Introducing Santiago de Compostela (8 hours)
Highlights:
Explore the arcaded streets and famous cathedral, endpoint for thousands of pilgrims of the centuries. Try the local meat and cheeses and head to Monte de Gozo where pilgrims catch their first glimpse of the cathedral towers.
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Tour can operate: Morning/Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
Portugal: Porto Wine Excursion - 4 hours
Highlights
In this tour you’ll discover all about the wines from the city of Porto!
You will start the tour by doing a sightseeing tour from the port (located in Matosinhos) to the city center. After that, you'll visit the first winery with high quality of Douro wines for a Douro red and white wines tasting as an exclusive experience.
Then you'll visit a second Port Wine company (Real Companhia Velha) for another special Port Wine tasting. Real Companhia Velha is simply the oldest Port Wine company in Porto, established by a king in 1756. When this tour is finished you will return to Porto Pier.
What's included?
Highlights:
Take in the attractive surrounding with visit to the opulent Stock Exchange Palace and St Francis Church. Enjoy a port wine tasting at one of the famous riverside lodges in the pretty Riberia district.
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Tour can operate: Morning/Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.