Jun 28 - Jul 12, 2024
#TravelspanSpainPortugal
Vacation Overview
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!
Itinerary
Day 1 DEPART TRINIDAD TO LONDON, ENGLAND ON BRITISH AIRWAYS
Check in for your flight to London.
Day 2 ARRIVE IN LONDON, ENGLAND
Upon arrival and after clearing customs and immigration you will be transferred to Heathrow Airport for your flight to Lisbon, Portugal on British
Airways
Welcome to Lisbon! Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome
dinner at your hotel. Meals: Dinner
DAY 3 LISBON
Lovely Lisbon LISBON Guided sightseeing includes
Jerónimos Monastery and cloister, a photo stop at Belém Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries.
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 100foot façade featuring images of St. Michael the Archangel and Our Lady of Belém. See the 16thcentury 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. Meals:
Breakfast
DAY 4 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 Port wine tasting at the famous Sandeman & Co Port Wine Cellar. 217 mi / 350 km
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! Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5 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 See the church that is completely covered with seashells.
SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA Dinner at a local restaurant. 199 mi / 320 km
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. Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 6 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.
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. Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7 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).
217 mi / 350 km
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!
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8 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. 249 mi / 400 km
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.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 9 SAN SEBASTIAN
Basque Country SAN SEBASTIAN Guided walking tour of the Parte Viejo Old Quarter. Free time this afternoon and evening. 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.”
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 10 SAN SEBASTIAN–PAMPLONA– SARAGOSSA
Walk, Don’t Run PAMPLONA Take an 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. 162 mi / 260 km 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. Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
DAY 11 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. 193 mi / 310 km
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. Meals: Breakfast
DAY 12 BARCELONA
Legendary Landmarks BARCELONA Take a
guided sightseeing tour of Barcelona this afternoon. Join a farewell dinner this evening at a local restaurant.
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. Meals:Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 13 BARCELONA
Full day at leisure. Meal: Breakfast
DAY 14 BARCELONA
After checking out hotel, transfer to airport for your flight to London. Upon arrival in Heathrow, transfer to Gatwick airport for your Overnight stay at Hilton
Gatwick Airport. Meal: Breakfast
Day 15 LONDON
Your vacation ends lots of memories. Check out hotel and check in for your British Airways Flights.
Meals: Breakfast
Package Includes
- Round trip Airfare from Trinidad on British Airways
- 13 Nights Hotel accommodation with breakfast daily in the cities as per itinerary
- Professional English speaking guide for all services as per itinerary.
- Transfers and sightseeing as per the itinerary
- Meals & Entrance fee as per the itinerary
- All known taxes and service charges
Package Excludes
- Gratuities
- Any item of personal nature.
- Any optional tours / excursions
- Any meals/beverages which are not mentioned under ‘included services’
- Visa charges.
- Tips and porterage.
Suggested Hotels
Lisbon
SMY LISBOA Hotel as shown or similar - 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 Hotel as shown or similar - 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 Hotel as shown or similar - 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 Hotel as shown or similar - 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 Hotel as shown or similar - 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 Hotel as shown or similar - 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 Hotel as shown or similar - 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.
London
HILTON LONDON GATWICK Hotel as shown or similar - First-Class
Our hotel is connected to Gatwick Airport South Terminal via a covered walkway, with a free
24-hour monorail link to North Terminal. We're less than half a mile from Gatwick Airport Railway Station, for easy access to central London. Enjoy our fitness center and a selection of onsite dining establishments with food and drink options all day.
Flight Information
FLIGHT BA 2238 - BRITISH AIRWAYS FRI 28 JUNE 2024
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DEPARTURE: PORT OF SPAIN, TT (PIARCO INTL) 28 JUN 04:55P
ARRIVAL: LONDON, GB (GATWICK), TERMINAL S - SOUTH TERMINAL 29 JUN 06:30A -
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FLIGHT BA 518 - BRITISH AIRWAYS SAT 29 JUNE 2024
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DEPARTURE: LONDON, GB (HEATHROW), TERMINAL 5 29 JUN 01:00P
ARRIVAL: LISBON, PT (AIRPORT), TERMINAL 1 29 JUN 03:45P -
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FLIGHT BA 475 - BRITISH AIRWAYS THU 11 JULY 2024
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DEPARTURE: BARCELONA, ES (AIRPORT), TERMINAL 1 11 JUL 03:05P
ARRIVAL: LONDON, GB (HEATHROW), TERMINAL 5 11 JUL 04:25P -
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FLIGHT BA 2239 - BRITISH AIRWAYS FRI 12 JULY 2024
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DEPARTURE: LONDON, GB (GATWICK), TERMINAL S - SOUTH TERMINAL 12 JUL 11:00A
ARRIVAL: PORT OF SPAIN, TT (PIARCO INTL) 12 JUL 03:10P
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Tour & Flight Itinerary is subject to change
Baggage Allowance: You are only allowed 1 check bag at 50lbs + small personal item for onboard the bus during the tour. .
Getting Ready to Go
Passports and Visas
It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the dates of travel and a visa if required.
US, Canada & Trinidad & Tobago Passport Holders do not require visa for Europe however this is subject to change by government.
Trip Preparation
A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas, driver's license) are in order. Make sure also that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip and carry them with you in case your luggage is delayed. Bring a change of clothes in your carry-on bag in the event that your luggage is delayed or lost. Lost luggage is common. We strongly urge you to consider carry-ons instead of checked bags when possible, and when checking a bag is necessary, choose a bag color and identification that stands out. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, personal ID and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. You may also make a digital copy of your passport to keep a clear picture with the important details in your cell phone or digital camera photos. If you lose the originals while traveling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. You may consider bringing a small supply of over the counter medications for headaches and/or anti-diarrhea pills (especially when traveling outside of the USA and Western Europe). We recommend that you pack a portable alarm clock. Due to security reasons, many museums have restrictions on the size of bags that can be taken inside and backpacks, carry-on bags or large purses may not be permitted. It is recommended to bring a small shoulder bag or purse to use in these situations instead. Avoid placing valuables such as cameras in your checked luggage. Airplane pressure can cause similar pressure in your body, most notably in ears, as well as liquid tubes and bottles. Your physician can suggest medication for decongestion. We suggest that you place liquid containers into Ziploc bags to catch any leaks.