Tour – Through Portugal & Northern Spain in Fall

Become immersed in the cultural and architectural heritage of Portugal and Northern Spain on a once-in-a-lifetime journey. From historic Lisbon to vibrant Barcelona, visit and explore 14 cities and 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites while enjoying world class accommodations and fine regional dining. Sip Oporto’s famed port wine, see Santiago’s monumental cathedral, tour the Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, and see where the bulls run in Pamplona before traversing the breathtaking Pyrenees Mountains en route to Barcelona and the Mediterranean Sea.

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Architectural highlights

• Visit Lisbon’s Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
• Tour Oporto, Portugal’s second largest city, and see its historic center proclaimed a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1996.
• In León, tour the thirteenth century León Cathedral and see Casa Botines, a Modernist building designed by Antoni Gaudí.
• Tour the cobbled streets of Bilbao’s medieval Old Town before visiting the world-renowned, Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum.
• Visit Antoni Gaudí’s most iconic works, Casa Milà and Sagrada Família, both UNESCO World Heritage sites.
• Join a Modern architectural expert for a tour of Barcelona’s 22@ District, one of Europe’s biggest urban regeneration efforts featuring buildings by Jean Nouvel.

More highlights

• Walk through the walled town of Óbidos and take in its medieval streets and squares.
• See Santiago de Compostela’s iconic cathedral, featuring the silver crypt believed to hold the remains of St. James, one of Jesus’ apostles.
• Walk the storied streets of Guernica and Pamplona in the Spanish Pyrenees.
• Visit a port lodge in Oporto for a tasting of the fortified wine exclusive to the region.
• This trip qualifies for 23 AIA learning units.

Also included

• An experienced Tour Director, in addition to the Architectural Adventures Educational Expert.
• Entrance fees for all included visits
• Private motorcoach transportation throughout the trip
• Gratuities for local guides, bus drivers, porters, airport, hotel and restaurant staff
• Luggage handling for one bag per person

Accommodations

• Corinthia Hotel Lisbon – Located near the historic city center, this is one of the finest luxury hotels in Lisbon and offers stunning views of the city.
• Pousada do Porto – The public areas of this 87-room pousada were converted from a former palace built in 1742 and exemplify Portuguese Baroque architecture.  
• Parador de Santiago de Compostela – Built-in 1486 as a hospital for pilgrims, this 137-room parador is considered one of the world’s oldest hotels and is situated in the historic Plaza do Obradoiro adjacent to the famed cathedral.
• Hotel Conde Luna – Located in central León, Hotel Conde Luna sits within easy walking distance of many of the city’s landmarks, restaurants, and shops.
• Melia Bilbao – The contemporary 211-room Melia Bilbao houses a collection of contemporary art and is located in the city center close to the museums, shops, and restaurants.
• Parador de Bielsa – Perched on the mountain slopes in the Pyrenees, this 39-room parador features traditional regional architecture and offers sweeping views of this mountainous region of Northern Spain.
• Hotel Avenida Palace – Built in 1952, the 151-room Hotel Avenida Palace stands in the heart of Barcelona and offers an excellent location from which to explore.

Day 1 Begin your journey

Day 2 Arrive in Lisbon

Day 3 The Treasures of Lisbon

Day 4 Óbidos and Nazaré en route to Oporto

Day 5 A Day in Oporto

Day 6 Pontevedra

Day 7 A Day in Santiago de Compostela

Day 8 A Day in León

Day 9 Santander and Bilbao on the Bay of Biscay

Day 10 Bilbao and the Guggenheim

Day 11 Basque Country

Day 12 Pamplona en route to Bielsa

Day 13 Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park

Day 14 Bielsa to Barcelona

Day 15 Gems of Barcelona

Day 16 A Free Day in Barcelona

Day 17 Return Home