16-Day Porto, , Northern & Bordeaux Region, September 12 - 27, 2021

Join us on a unique land tour adventure from Porto, Portugal with a 3-night hotel stay. Enjoy a full day cruise on the Douro river, before we begin exploring Northern Spain’s and Basque regions for its beauty, culture, unique architecture, food, and the famous . As we continue towards France, we will spend a day in a beautiful seaside resort of Biarritz before we make our way to the Bordeaux with a 3-night hotel stay. You will visit many impressive Chateaus, great wineries, and the historic town of Saint Émilion. This was one of our favourite land tours in 2019

Day 1 Depart CANADA Day 2 Porto, PORTUGAL Hotel Overnight Day 3 Porto, PORTUGAL Hotel Overnight Day 4 Porto, PORTUGAL Hotel Overnight Day 5 , SPAIN Hotel Overnight Day 6 Santiago de Compostela, SPAIN Hotel Overnight Day 7 , SPAIN Hotel Overnight Day 8 Oviedo, SPAIN Hotel Overnight Day 9 Santander, SPAIN Hotel Overnight Day 10 Santander, SPAIN Hotel Overnight Day 11 San Sebastian, SPAIN Hotel Overnight Day 12 San Sebastian, SPAIN Hotel Overnight Day 13 Bordeaux, FRANCE Hotel Overnight Day 14 Bordeaux, FRANCE Hotel Overnight Day 15 Bordeaux, FRANCE Hotel Overnight Day 16 Depart for CANADA

Day 1 — Sunday, September 12, 2021 CANADA - PORTO, PORTUGAL Meet your fellow travellers at the departure gate in Toronto airport for our flight to Porto. Day 2 — Monday, September 13 PORTO, PORTUGAL Welcome to Portugal! Upon arrival, you will be met by our local representative and be transferred to our hotel. Picturesque Porto is much more than just a place of pilgrimage for port wine lovers – although this unique industry is among the many attractions of Portugal's second city. Straddling the River Douro just a few kilometers inland from the Atlantic, Porto, in the country's northwest, is closer to Spanish Galicia than it is to . Porto possesses an appealing pan-Iberian atmosphere to complement its many historic charms; the old city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city centre is architecturally fascinating, many of the buildings faced with distinctive blue-patterned Portuguese tiling. Porto's undoubted traditional appeal is balanced by the trappings of a lively modern European city, making it an ideal destination if you're looking for a rich mix of culture. Our historic hotel is in the centre of Porto. Dinner will be served at our hotel. Accommodation: HOTEL NH COLLECTION PORTO BATALHA or similar (3 nights). (D) Day 3 - Tuesday, September 14 PORTO, PORTUGAL Breakfast at our hotel. This morning enjoy your half day tour of Porto which includes wine tasting major sights including the city centre – a UNESCO World Heritage – the , São Bento Train Station and the Lello library. Porto is the Capital of North Portugal. It has one of the most remarkable historic centres across . From the Cathedral to the Port Wine cellar, everything makes this journey memorable in an environment rich in history, tradition, and culture. We will end our tour in a Port wine cellar where you will visit and enjoy a wine tasting. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant After the tour and lunch you will return to our hotel. Evening is at your leisure. (B/L)

Day 4 — Wednesday, September 15 PORTO, PORTUGAL Breakfast at the hotel. Pick up at the hotel for a full day tour of Duoro Valley with lunch and River cruise. Spend a day in Douro Valley, visiting two beautiful wineries to sample sparkling wine, Port, local wine and ‘vinho verde’ – a young or green wine. Called ‘adegas,’ the Portuguese wine estates are as much of an attraction as the robust wine they produce – steeped in history and surrounded by heart-stopping countryside. Soak up the scenery as well as the wine and enjoy a traditional 3-course lunch. Return back to the hotel late afternoon with evening at your leisure. (B/L)

Day 5 - Thursday, September 16 PORTO - SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA, SPAIN Breakfast at our hotel. We depart this morning to Santiago de Compostela visiting the city of en route. Vigo is a good combination of a bay "with which, in many respects, none other in the world can compare" (G. Borrow) and maritime industrial infrastructure (shipyards, canneries, fishing port, etc.) which explains the rapid growth of this city since the end of the 19th Century. Today it is the most populous city of Galicia. It still has the small old sailing quarter of O Berbés. Castrelos Park, surely the most beautiful municipal park in all Galicia, is home of the Quiñones de León Manor Museum, now the city museum. The city of Vigo began its modern development from the last decades of the 19th-century onwards. However, this has not prevented it from being a historic, monumental city such as the Celtic Castro, which was the city's origin, Galicia's largest Roman necropolis, the Romanesque temples and O Castro's mediaeval fortress. The Neo- classical Collegiate of Santa María and the urban centre with its harmonious combination of quiet streets and broad avenues, all deserve a mention. After lunch continue to Santiago de Compostela to our hotel. Santiago de Compostela is the capital of northwest Spain’s Galicia region. It’s known as the culmination of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, and the alleged burial site of the Biblical apostle St. James. His remains reputedly lie within the Cathedral de Santiago de Compostela, consecrated in 1211, whose elaborately carved stone facades open onto grand plazas within the medieval walls of the . Our historic hotel is in the centre of Santiago de Compostela. Accommodation: HOTEL HESPERIA PEREGRINO or similar (2 nights). (B/L) Day 6 – Friday, September 17 SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA, SPAIN Breakfast at our hotel. Today you will walk through the narrow streets of Santiago de Compostela. Our tour of the city includes the most important monuments including St. James Cathedral – the city’s crowning glory and considered one of the world’s finest examples of . Legend has it that the remains of the apostle St. James were found here, and when he was declared the patron saint of Spain, pilgrims travelled from all over Europe to visit his shrine. This walking tour will lead you through an extraordinary ensemble of distinguished monuments grouped around the tomb of St James the Greater, including charming chapels, magnificent monasteries or splendid urban palaces. With its meandering medieval street plan and aging buildings there is the impression of timelessness in Santiago, each stone reflects the history of the city in perfect harmony. This magical city boasts a wealth of more secular architectural treasures such as the different squares that surrounds the impressive Cathedral. Tonight, dinner will be served at our hotel. (B/D) Day 7 - Saturday, September 18 SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA - OVIEDO, SPAIN Breakfast at our hotel. Morning departure to Oviedo visiting Luarca en-route. Luarca is a truly stunning fishing village on the north-western coast of . It is easily reached from (Galicia) and has one of the most attractive harbours in all of Spain. The best way to view Luarca is from the hills above the town, or from the picturesque and multi-tiered cemetery on the slopes above from which you can also look out to the open sea. Luarca's harbour is almost rectangular when viewed from over head and two sides are overlooked by neat terraces of three and four storey buildings. Nearly every harbour facing building in this quaint little town has a white rendered facade and a grey pan tiled roof and this gives Luarca an appearance that, whilst "old world", is still ordered and tidy. After our lunch at a local restaurant, continue to Oviedo to our hotel. Oviedo is a town in northwest Spain between the Cantabrian Mountains and the . The capital of Asturias is known for its medieval old town and the site of the Gothic with its 9th-century Holy Chamber. The Archaeological Museum of Asturias, in a nearby convent, displays regional artifacts. The Fine Arts Museum of Asturias includes 2 palaces and has an expansive collection. Accommodation: HOTEL GRAN ESPANIA or similar (2 nights). (B/L) Day 8 – Sunday, September 19 OVIEDO, SPAIN Breakfast at our hotel. This morning we enjoy a walking tour visiting the old pedestrian quarter of Oviedo to see the squares and chigres ( bars) before we proceed to Leon, capital of the old Spanish Kingdom of Castile, where we visit the town’s main attraction – the Gothic Cathedral with its famous and spectacular stained-glass window. The afternoon is at your leisure. Tonight, our dinner will be served at our hotel. (B/D)

Day 9 - Monday, September 20 OVIEDO - SANTANDER, SPAIN Breakfast at our hotel. Depart to Santander visiting Santillana del Mar en-route. Situated on the northern route of the Pilgrim's Road to Santiago de Compostela, Santillana del Mar is a beautiful medieval town which was developed around the collegiate church of Santa María. Its various defence towers and palaces make Santillana one of the most important historical areas of . The centre of this village, declared a National Monument, continues to contain the collegiate church, considered one of the best examples of Romanesque architecture in Cantabria. Built on the site of a former hermitage in the XII century, you can admire its cloister with magnificent decorated capitals, as well as its interesting façade decorated with sculptures and Panthocrator (a representation of Christ framed in an almond shaped structure). Through the calle de Santo Domingo, the main street in Santillana, you reach an historic quarter which has managed to survive the passage of time in an excellent state of conservation. Its picturesque cobbled streets are lined with stately buildings most of which were built between the XIV and XVII centuries. After lunch continue to Santander to our hotel. Santander is the capital city of the Cantabria region on Spain’s north coast. The Palacio de la Magdalena, once the royal summer residence, lies at the mouth of the Bay of Santander on the rocky La Magdalena Peninsula. To the west, the city center is home to the Cathedral de Santander, with its octagonal cupola and Gothic cloister. Nearby, the Paseo de Pereda promenade runs along one side of the Jardines de Pereda gardens. Accommodation: HOTEL GRAN SARDINERO or similar (2 nights). (B/L) Day 10 - Tuesday, September 21 SANTANDER, SPAIN Breakfast at our hotel. This morning we start our city tour where we see the Palacio de la Magdalena, once the royal summer residence, which lies at the mouth of the Bay of Santander on the rocky La Magdalena Peninsula. We will have time to enjoy the charming Paseo de Pereda promenade and Jardines de Pereda gardens before returning to the hotel. Afternoon at leisure and dinner at our hotel. (B/D) Day 11 - Wednesday, September 22 SANTANDER - SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN Breakfast at our hotel. Departure to San Sebastian visiting en-route. Bilbao, an industrial port city in northern Spain, is surrounded by green mountains. It’s the de facto capital of Basque Country, with a skyscraper-filled downtown. It’s famed for the –designed Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, which sparked revitalization when it opened in 1997. The museum houses prominent modern and contemporary works, but it’s the curvy, titanium-clad building that receives the most attention. Today we enjoy a walking tour of the Old Quarter to discover the city’s most impressive buildings; the Church of san Nicolas (patron saint of sailors), Santiago Cathedral, the Teatro Arriaga, the Mercado de la Ribera (the largest covered market in Europe) and the Plaza Nueva, built in the neoclassical style. We then visit the famous Guggenheim Museum, to marvel at the building itself and enjoy the masterpieces of modern and contemporary art housed within. After our lunch we will continue to San Sebastian for accommodation. San Sebastián is a resort town on the Bay of Biscay in Spain’s mountainous Basque Country. It’s known for Playa de la Concha and Playa de Ondarreta, beaches framed by a picturesque Bayfront promenade, and world-renowned restaurants helmed by innovative chefs. In its cobblestoned old town (Parte Vieja), upscale shops neighbor vibrant pintxo bars pairing local wines with bite-size regional specialties. Accommodation: HOTEL SILKEN AMARA PLAZA or similar (2 nights). (B/L)

Day 12 - Thursday, September 23 SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN Breakfast at our hotel. Today you will visit . Pamplona is the capital of province in northern Spain. It’s best known for the Running of the Bulls (Feast of San Fermín) in July. During this legendary multiday festival, bulls are led through the city streets by daredevil runners. A major stop along the Camino de Santiago, a medieval-era pilgrimage route, Pamplona is also home to Gothic-style churches including a fortress like San Nicolás. We visit the city that Ernest Hemingway fell in love with, and who’s writing about the town’s beauty and people gave it world-wide recognition. Rich in history and deep-rooted traditions, unique churches and medieval walls dominate the streets and squares of its historic quarter. We will stroll along the pilgrimage path of St. James Way and see the dramatic Gothic-style Cathedral. Lunch will be at a local restaurant before we return to our hotel. (B/L) Day 13 - Friday, September 24 SAN SEBASTIAN - BORDEAUX, FRANCE Breakfast at our hotel. Morning departure for Bordeaux. En-route, you will visit Biarritz, an elegant seaside town on southwestern France’s Basque coast, has been a popular resort since European royalty began visiting in the 1800s. It is also a major surfing destination, with long sandy beaches and surf schools. A symbol of Biarritz, the Rocher de la Vierge is a rocky outcrop topped with a statue of the Virgin Mary. Reached via footbridge, it offers sweeping views of the Bay of Biscay. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before we continue to Bordeaux where you will board your luxury river boat. Accommodation: HOTEL LE BURDIGALA or similar (3 nights). (B/L) Day 14 - Saturday, September 25 BORDEAUX, FRANCE Breakfast at your hotel. You will meet your guide and your driver to enjoy a full day tour: Bordeaux City Tour on the morning: discover this beautiful city with a local guide. Enjoy a visit to Lasbombes Castle ended by a succulent degustation of two wine tasting. Your visit will follow by a picnic lunch at Lascombes Castle, a beautiful landscape with wine and food pairing with half bottle of wine. Next step: Château Pichon Baron, enjoy an hour visiting the domain. End by a tasting of three different “millésime of 2016”. Late afternoon return to your hotel with free evening at your leisure. (B/L)

Day 15 - Sunday, September 26 BORDEAUX, FRANCE Breakfast at your hotel. You will meet your guide and your driver to enjoy a full day tour to Saint Emilion one of the most beautiful and medieval towns in the region offering amazing views of the area. Visit the city on the morning: Visit the monolithic church and the historical sites of Saint Emilion. You will be staying on site to visit a Saint Emilion, vineyards. End the visit by a degustation of three of the most famous wine in the world: Saint Emilion Grand Cru. Your will have free time for your own lunch at many of the typical French cafes. Tonight, our dinner will be at the hotel. (B/D)

Day 16 - Monday, September 27, 2021 BORDEAUX – CANADA Enjoy your breakfast followed by check out transfer to the airport for your homebound flight. (B)

Double Occupancy $9,745 Single Occupancy $11,995

All prices are in Canadian dollars (per person) and include:  Return airfare from TORONTO, for departures from other cities please call our office.  14 Nights in first class hotel accommodation.  Locally guided tours as per our detailed itinerary.  Full buffet breakfast daily at each hotel.  All luggage porter service at each hotel.  8 Lunches and 6 Dinners during our land tour.  All gratuities for local guides and drivers.  Local wine/beer or soft drinks with your meals.  All departure taxes and surcharges.  Fully hosted by Expo Cruises & Tours. Deposit of $500 per person is required. Final payment is due JUNE 4th, 2021. Please Note: A fee of $200 per person will apply to any cancellation prior to your final payment.

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