Duration: 12 Days
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 holiday 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!
Traveller Notes
We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect holiday—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides (with headsets to hear every word), to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites! Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi.
Please note: Itinerary is based on 2024, and is subject to change. Full details will be confirmed in 2024.
Welcome to Lisbon!
At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
Lovely Lisbon
LISBON Guided sightseeing includes Jeronimos Monastery and cloister, a photo stop at Belem 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 Jeronimos, with its 100-foot facade featuring images of St. Michael the Archangel and Our Lady of Belem. See the 16th-century Belem 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.
Panoramas & Port Wine
FATIMA 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 Sao 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 FAVOURITE
LOCAL TASTES You're invited to the home of the most internationally recognised 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. Saude!
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 FAVOURITE
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
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.
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 FAVOURITE
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
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.
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."
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 FAVOURITE
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
BARCELONA Guided walking tour this afternoon includes the Old Town with its Barri Gotic 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.
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 Cataluna; stop at the Sagrada Familia Basilica, and take in a panoramic view of the city and harbour from Montjuic Hill.
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
