Overview
This read more 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.
Itinerary
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 - 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.
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.
- 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 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 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.
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 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.
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 cider tasting at a traditional Sidreria (cider house). This evening enjoy some leisure time to explore more. (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!
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 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.
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 - 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.”
Walk, Don't Run
This morning, delve into the culture of the charismatic city of Pamplona. Take an 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 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.
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 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.
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 HIGHLIGHT - CITY 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!
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- 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
- 11 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 4 Dinner
- Lisbon: Smy Lisboa (First-Class):
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. - Porto: Holiday Inn Porto Gaia (First-Class):
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. - Santiago de Compostela: Santiago Plaza by Melia (First-Class):
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. - Oviedo: AC Oviedo Forum (Superior First-Class):
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. - San Sebastian: Silken Amara Plaza (First-Class):
Modern hotel situated in the Square of Pio XII, 10 minute walk to Concha Beach, the Quarter and commercial and financial zone. - Saragossa: Silken Reino De Aragon (First-Class):
Modern hotel with restaurant, bar and meeting facilities is located near the Basilica Del Pilar and the Exhibition Palace. - Barcelona: NH Sants Barcelona (First-Class):
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.
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
- We encourage all guests to prebook their preferred included Globus Choice Excursions to ensure your selection is available. If your preference is not selected 35 days prior to departure, we will select a Choice excursion on your behalf based on availability.
Don't waste your precious time qeuing up, skip the lines with special VIP access at the must-see sites. Read more
Travel with expert Tour Directors and Local Guides who share their vast knowledge of the destination. Read more
Globus has the recipe for a great vacation. Savour the flavours of Europe through its regional cuisine. Read more
Globus picks hotels picked on their centralised location, so you'll stay right in the heart of the destination. Read more
Globus' coaches offer one of the most comfortable, stress-free and eco-friendly ways to travel. Read more
Do as the locals do and enjoy unique experiences that you wouldn't find touring on your own. Read more
Trip Reviews (5) Most Recent 'Lisbon & Northern Spain' Reviews
The hotels varied from very good to one being mediocre (Santiago de Compostela). The biggest criticism of most of the hotels is that they were not all that close to the main part of the towns we were visiting which meant a taxi ride or a reasonable walk after a long day of touring. The breakfasts at each hotel were absolutely delicious with a huge selection to choose from. The tour included 4 dinners and 1 lunch and these varied from being satisfactory to being very good but, in each of these, we were lucky to experience the local cuisine of the region.
The optional tours were great, in particular the half day tour to Biarritz and Saint-Jean-de-Luz in France from San Sebastian, Cascais from Lisbon and Montserrat from Barcelona. This tour seemed to attract people who had travelled quite widely; this was largely due, I believe that, apart from Lisbon and Barcelona, it included lesser known areas of Spain and Portugal. These areas are stunning though and well worth the trip. We were very pleased that we did a tour of Lisbon, Porto and Northern Spain rather than attempting to do it ourselves as we saw so many different and interesting sights with Kaye and local tour guides who were very good.
There was not a HUGE amount of walking so it did cater for older as well as younger people and we had both on this tour of 37 travellers - 6 Australians, 2 English and 31 Americans. We all agreed that we could never have managed to fit in anywhere near as much by attempting to do it by ourselves. Also, the local people in northern Spain do not understand English well so it was good to always have Kaye to communicate our needs. We believe that we had excellent value for money with hotels, all breakfasts, 5 lunches/dinners, an informative tour director and great local tour guides at every stop and our main luggage being transported from our room to the coach and vice versa seamlessly at each stop. We paid for transfers to and from the airports and these, although a little on the expensive side, took the stress out of having to organise these ourselves. We travelled in taxis both ways to and from the airports.
We would thoroughly recommend the tour for anyone who is looking at a lesser known region which is known for its beauty and its food. This is the 5th booking we have made with Hannah at Global Journeys and, as always, Hannah was professional, organised, approachable and thoroughly reliable with great attention to detail. We would not hesitate to book with Hannah at Global Journeys again. Thanks Hannah for everything in making this another fabulous trip for us!
This covered a lot of religious themes regarding Camino trails, but not read more being overly religious myself, I still found this tour interesting. Compared to the rest of Europe, Spain and Portugal are very good value for money when buying retail and food and beverage. I will do more of these types of tours from now on.
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