When the call “Txotx!” (pronounced “choach”) echoes in the traditional Sidrerias of Northern Spain, it signals a gathering! Positioned five feet from the tapped barrel, patrons queue up to catch the shooting cider into glasses, celebrating the age-old tradition that imparts the right amount of carbonation to this tart beverage. Fortunately, there’s much to celebrate as you embark on a sparkling seaside journey from Lisbon to Barcelona on this predominantly coastal tour of Portugal and Northern Spain. This sun-soaked vacation unfolds with visits to the revered pilgrimage site of Santiago de Compostela, the renowned seaside resort of San Sebastian, and the legendary Calle Estafeta in Pamplona, where the famous “running of the bulls” takes place. Indulge in the culinary delights of each country, from the zesty paella of Spain to the sweet port of Portugal. Cheers! Salud! Txotx!

Highlights

• LISBON – Welcome dinner; guided sightseeing, visit the Alfama quarter and Jeronimos Monastery
• FATIMA – Visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Rosary
• OPORTO – Guided sightseeing, visit the Arabian Hall in the Stock Exchange; [LF] Port wine tasting at Sandeman & Co.
• VIGO – Walking tour
• LA TOJA ISLAND – Enjoy a coffee and the spectacular view at the Gran Hotel La Toja and admire the shell-covered church
• SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA – Dinner with wine at a local restaurant; guided sightseeing, visit the cathedral
• LUARCA – Stop in this pretty fishing village with its white houses
• OVIEDO – Guided sightseeing, visit the Cathedral of San Salvador and [LF] enjoy a cider tasting
• SANTANDER – Stop in the seaside resort
• BILBAO – Guided visit of the Guggenheim Museum
• SAN SEBASTIAN – Guided walking tour of the Old Quarter
• PAMPLONA – Walk through the Calle Estafeta, followed by lunch with traditional tapas and Rioja wine at Basaburua restaurant
• SARAGOSSA – Visit Plaza de Pilar
• BARCELONA – Guided sightseeing; visit the Sagrada Familia Basilica, panoramic view from Montjuïc Hill; farewell dinner at La Fonda del Port Olimpic restaurant
• Notes: For operational reasons, slight schedule changes for the Barcelona program cannot be excluded.
• Transportation: Motorcoach. Free Wi-Fi available on your motorcoach and in most hotel lobbies.