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Air Canada Vacations

Iberian North Tour, Portugal & Spain

Overview

From Portugal’s capital to the Douro River, visit Santiago de Compostella by taking the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. Then, head onwards to Spain’s capital, Madrid, then Zaragoza—a city that boasts both cultural history and modernity—and finally Barcelona, home to Gaudí’s masterpieces. This tour promises to deliver an amazing experience in two of Europe’s most culturally rich countries.

If you're looking for a trip where someone takes care of the details while you get to focus on the fun, then a guided tour is the perfect option for you. All the flights, meals, activities, and accommodations are booked and prepared in advance, which means all you have to do is explore and enjoy.

This itinerary features More Moments activities included with your package.

13 days | 11 nights

Trip Highlights

  • Portugal
    • Lisbon
    • Porto
  • Spain
    • Santiago de Compostela
    • Madrid
    • Zaragoza
    • Barcelona

Inclusions

  • Round-trip flights for travel to Lisbon and return from Barcelona (if the flight and tour package option is chosen)
  • 11 nights of accommodation in selected category with breakfast included
  • Round-trip airport transfers for arrival in Lisbon and return from Barcelona
  • All transfers to and from train stations: Lisbon, Porto, Vigo/Santiago, Madrid, Zaragoza, Barcelona
  • Train tickets, Tourist Class: Lisbon-Porto-Vigo/Santiago-Madrid-Zaragoza-Barcelona
  • More Moments activities included:
    • Half-day Lisbon city tour
    • Half-day Sintra tour
    • Porto Tuk Tuk tour
    • Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela and Portico de la Gloria guided tour
    • Full-day Madrid and Toledo tour
    • Barcelona Monumental Bullring and Sagrada Família tour
  • Earn and redeem Aeroplan® points

Itinerary

Day 1

Depart Canada

Fly to Lisbon.

Day 2-3

Welcome to Lisbon & Sightseeing

Upon arrival in Lisbon, take a transfer to your hotel and check in, where you will spend two nights. Spend the rest of the day at leisure exploring.

Discover Portugal’s capital, known as the City of Seven Hills, where you will find a variety of places to visit, both historical and cultural, such as monuments, museums, and gardens.

More Moments Activities Included

  • Half-day Classic Lisbon Tour

    Take a morning sightseeing tour to discover Lisbon’s uniqueness. Visit some traditional and historic monuments that pay tribute to the golden era of the Portuguese exploration, and stop at Belém Tower, the Jerónimos Monastery, and the emblematic Ajuda National Palace (entrance included except on Wednesdays). Continue to the Alfama for a walking tour around one of Lisbon’s oldest and most traditional quarters, where Fado music is said to have been born.

  • Half-day Sintra Tour

    A tour to the charming and picturesque town of Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the historic centre with its medieval streets and typical regional products, then continue to Cascais and Estoril before returning to Lisbon.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 4-5

Lisbon - Porto

Check out of your hotel in Lisbon and take your transfer to the train station to board your train to Porto. Upon arrival in Porto, transfer to your hotel, where you will spend two nights.

More Moments Activities Included

  • Porto Tuk Tuk Tour

    Hop aboard a comfortable and eco-friendly Tuk Tuk rickshaw to discover the charm of Porto. Explore the beautiful historical centre, considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy the fascinating stories and insights about the city’s rich history, iconic landmarks, and vibrant culture. Visit a Porto wine cellar for a tasting tour and learn about the centuries-old tradition of Port wine production and the fascinating process behind its creation. You’ll see atmospheric cellars filled with aging barrels.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 6-7

Porto (via Vigo) - Santiago

Check out of your hotel and take your transfer to the train station to board your train to Vigo. Upon arrival in Vigo, take your transfer to your hotel in Santiago, where you will spend two nights.

More Moments Activities Included

  • Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela and Portico of Glory Guided Tour

    Meet your English-speaking guide at the central Plaza del Obradoiro, in front of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, and begin to discover the history, the art, and important symbolism of this medieval jewel. Admire the famous Portico de la Gloria, a colossal door made up of more than 200 sculptures by sculptor Master Mateo. Next, continue to the Santiago Cathedral Museum to see the permanent collection. Inside the cathedral, see the famous Botafumeiro insense burner.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 8-9

Santiago – Madrid

Check-out from your hotel and take your transfer to the train station to board your train to Madrid. Upon arrival in Madrid, take your transfer to your hotel in central Madrid, where you will spend two nights.

More Moments Activities Included

  • Madrid Panoramic and Toledo Tour

    Madrid Panoramic: Check in at the departure point in central Madrid and leave Plaza de Oriente by air-conditioned coach and head to the magnificent Puerta de Toledo, a historic gate that dates back to the Napoleonic era. See the oldest bridge in Madrid, the Puente de Segovia, and drive next to the Manzanares River, where you will have great views of the Royal Palace and the Almudena Cathedral. Pass by Plaza Mayor, once the center of Old Madrid and now the oldest square in the city, and spot significant sights such as the Puerta de Sol on your way to Paseo del Prado. You’ll be able to admire the most artistic streets in the city and the Prado Museum.

    Toledo tour: Check in again at the tours office in central Madrid and leave for Toledo. Relax and enjoy the scenery on the way to the city. Follow your local guide on a walking tour of the historic city of Toledo, a World Heritage Site since 1986. Stroll amid the courtyard cloisters and royal coats of arms at the San Juan de los Reyes Monastery. Lastly, walk over to the Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca, which has now been converted into a museum.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 10

Madrid – Zaragoza

Check out of your hotel and take your transfer to the train station to board your train to Zaragoza. Upon arrival in Zaragoz, take your transfer to your hotel in the city centre, where you will spend one night.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 11-12

Zaragoza - Barcelona

Check out of from your hotel and take your transfer to the train station to board your train to Barcelona. Upon arrival in Barcelona, take your transfer to your hotel in the city centre, where you will spend your last two nights.

More Moments Activities Included

  • Barcelona Monumental Bullring & Sagrada Família Tour

    Check in at the departure point at the Estació del Nord in Barcelona and meet your guide for a walking tour down important streets to Barcelona’s Cathedral. Walk through narrow streets in the city’s oldest part, discover hidden quaint medieval places, and learn about their historical impact. Follow your guide through the streets of the El Born district and the Gothic Quarter, where you’ll discover places such as Plaça Sant Felip Neri, the Arc de Triomf, and Plaça Sant Jaume. Next, board an air-conditioned coach for a panoramic tour of the city towards Montjuïc Hill, a trademark of the Olympic Games held in 1992. Ride a cable car (ticket included) for amazing views, then stop at the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya to see one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the city. Pass through Passeig de Gràcia and see some of the most emblematic Gaudí buildings, such as Casa Batlló and Casa Milà. Short free time for lunch. Check in for the second part of your tour at the meeting point next to the Sagrada Família and meet your guide to head to the Basilica. Wander the halls and absorb the intricate fusion of architecture and spirituality with guided explanations through your headsets. Explore the exterior facades to appreciate the breathtaking details. After the tour, linger inside to visit the museum showcasing drawings, models, and photos that narrate the basilica's story, along with insights into Gaudí's life and career.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 13

Barcelona – Return to Canada

After breakfast, take a transfer to the airport and board your flight home.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Accommodations

Where you'll stay

The hotels listed below are presented as examples for your reference only. Hotel accommodation details will be communicated to you or your travel agent prior to departure.

4-Star Accommodation

Location

Hotel

Lisbon
Turim Saldanha Hotel (or similar)
4
Porto
HF Fénix (or similar)
4
Santiago de Compostela
Eurostars Gran Hotel Santiago (or similar)
4
Madrid
Hotel Riu Plaza España (or similar)
4
Zaragoza
Hotel Silken Reino De Aragon (or similar)
4

Room details

Type of bed(s): 1 double bed or 2 twin beds
Room occupancy: Maximum 2 people (2 adults)
Unless otherwise specified, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels during the trip.

Best for

Aeroplan

In addition to accumulating points on the flight portion of your trip, you’ll earn up to 4,000 extra Aeroplan points on select tour packages.

  • Members ages 2 to 12 will receive extra points equivalent to 50% of the points granted to members ages 13 and up.
  • Travel completion by December 31, 2026. 

Important Information

  • Daily departures from January 5, 2024, until December 10, 2024

  • Not included:

    • Meals, unless specified
    • Personal expenses and insurance
    • City taxes, payable at hotels in local currency
    • Additional tours and excursions
    • Transfers, unless specified
  • The More Moments activities/excursions mentioned in the itinerary are all included in the package but may be rescheduled to take place on an earlier or later day, depending on availability and operational day.  The number of consecutive nights per city could vary.

    Tuk Tuk tour: Children under 4 years old are not permitted on this excursion, an alternative option will be offered.

    • Private airport transfers
    • Private transfers to and from train stations
    • Train tickets in Economy class
  • City taxes are applicable for hotel stays in Portugal and Spain and are payable in local currency upon checkout. Rates vary depending on hotel star rating and location and are calculated per person, per night. Rates are subject to change without notice.