Lisbon & Northern Spain

Welcome to Lisbon! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)

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 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.

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 on 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 an included Globus Choice excursion. (B) Port Cellar Sips The grapes from the vineyards in the Douro Valley surrounding Porto provide the main ingredient for one of the world's most recognized fortified wines. Visit a local wine cellar and enjoy a guided visit before tasting centuries of tradition in a glass of Port wine in the city that bears its name. Saúde! Port Side! Head to Porto's waterfront district and embark your sightseeing cruise on the River Douro for a different perspective of the city! See the historic Ribeira district, the iconic bridges that link Porto to Vila Nova Gaia, including the Dona Maria Pia by Gustave Eiffel, and take in the hues of Porto and its surroundings.

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[LOCAL FAVORITE] 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) LOCAL FAVORITE 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.

History & Mystery Together with your Local Guide, discover Santiago de Compostela, the endpoint of the Camino de Santiago. Visit the Cathedral where the relics of St. James the Apostle are housed. Enjoy a coffee break followed by an afternoon and evening of free time to explore more. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT 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.

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 [LOCAL FAVORITE] cider tasting at a traditional Sidreria (cider house). This evening enjoy some leisure time to explore more. (B) LOCAL FAVORITE 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 flavors. Bottoms up!

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) TOUR HIGHLIGHT 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.

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 TIPS 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.”

Walk, Don’t Run This morning, delve into the culture of the charismatic city of Pamplona. Take an [LOCAL FAVORITE] 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) LOCAL FAVORITE 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.

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) TOUR HIGHLIGHT 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.

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 delicious farewell dinner at a Local Restaurant. (B,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHT It won’t take long for you to realize 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 Antoni 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 Gràcia, and the jaw dropping Sagrada Familia - the iconic unfinished church which has become the world’s longest-running construction site!

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