YOUR O.A.T. ADVENTURE TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE® Iberian Voyage: Lisbon to Barcelona 2022 Small Groups: 20-25 travelers—guaranteed! (average of 22) Overseas Adventure Travel ® The Leader in Personalized Small Group Adventures on the Road Less Traveled 1 Dear Traveler, At last, the world is opening up again for curious travel lovers like you and me. And the O.A.T. Iberian Voyage: Lisbon to Barcelona itinerary you’ve expressed interest in will be a wonderful way to resume the discoveries that bring us so much joy. You might soon be enjoying standout moments like these: As a lover of art, Malaga holds a special place in my heart—after all, it is the birthplace of renowned artist Pablo Picasso, a fact that the local people are very proud of. You’ll meet some of them and hear their perspectives on Picasso and his legacy when you share a meal with a local family. Savor the flavors of a home-cooked meal and take this opportunity to connect with Spanish culture on a deeper level as you see the family go about their daily routine. You’ll also see another side of Iberian culture when you visit Tangier, Morocco where we’ll meet the founder of a female empowerment center to learn about the struggles that women face in this male-dominated society. We’ll gain insights into this patriarchal society and hear her perspectives on the progress that has been made, and her hopes for the future. The way we see it, you’ve come a long way to experience the true culture—not some fairytale version of it. So we keep our groups small, with only 20-25 travelers (average 22) to ensure that your encounters with local people are as intimate and authentic as possible. It’s also why your O.A.T. Trip Experience Leader will be a resident “insider” who can show you the culture as only a local can. To ensure that your adventure is truly unique, put your own personal stamp on it. You can arrive early and stay later, add a pre- or post-trip extension, spend time in a Stopover city, or combine two or more trips. Plus, your itinerary offers ample free time so you can pursue your own interests. So until the day comes when you are off to enjoy your Iberian Voyage: Lisbon to Barcelona adventure, I hope you will relish the fun and anticipation that this O.A.T. Adventure Travel Planning Guide® will inspire. Should you have further questions, feel free to call our Regional Adventure Counselors at 1-800-955-1925. Love and peace, Harriet R. Lewis Vice Chairman, Overseas Adventure Travel P.S. For further peace of mind, please know that we are EXTENDING our Risk-Free Booking Policy through 12/31/21. Learn more at www.oattravel.com/risk-free-booking. USA Today “Best Tours” 10Best Readers’ Presented by Choice Awards Solo Traveler 2 CONTENTS A Letter from Harriet Lewis ................................................................2 The O.A.T. Difference......................................................................4 The Freedom to Personalize Your Experience ................................................6 Grand Circle Foundation...................................................................8 The Leader in Solo Travel ..................................................................9 IBERIAN VOYAGE: LISBON TO ABOUT YOUR DESTINATIONS: BARCELONA CULTURE, ETIQUETTE & MORE Your Adventure at a Glance: Cultures of Spain, Portugal, and Morocco . 67 Where You’re Going, What it Costs, Religion and Religious Observance ....... 69 and What’s Included ..................... 10 Visiting Churches and Mosques ........... 69 Your Detailed Day-To-Day Itinerary ........ 12 Shopping: What to Buy, Customs, Pre-Trip Extension ....................... 29 Shipping & More ........................ 80 Post-Trip Extension ...................... 33 DEMOGRAPHICS & HISTORY Deck Plans .............................. 36 Portugal ................................ 83 Dates & Prices ........................... 40 Facts, Figures & National Holidays ........ 83 Portugal: A Brief History ................. 84 ESSENTIAL TRAVEL INFORMATION Spain................................... 85 Travel Documents & Entry Requirements. 41 Facts, Figures & National Holidays ........ 85 No Visas Required ....................... 41 Spain: A Brief History .................... 86 Rigors, Vaccines & General Health ......... 43 Morocco ................................ 87 Vaccines Required ....................... 44 Facts, Figures & National Holidays ........ 87 Money Matters: Local Currency & Morocco: A Brief History ................. 88 Tipping Guidelines....................... 46 Gibraltar................................ 89 Tipping Guidelines....................... 49 Facts, Figures & National Holidays ........ 89 Air, Optional Tours & Staying in Touch ..... 51 Gibraltar: A Brief History ................. 90 Optional Tours .......................... 52 Tunisia ................................. 91 Communicating with Home from Abroad . 53 Facts, Figures & National Holidays ........ 91 Packing: What to Bring & Luggage Limits . 54 Tunisia: A Brief History ................... 92 Suggested Packing Lists .................. 56 RESOURCES Electricity Abroad ....................... 58 Climate & Average Temperatures .......... 60 Suggested Reading ...................... 94 Aboard Your Ship: Cabin Features, Suggested Film & Video .................. 97 Dining & Services on Board ............... 63 M/V Corinthian & M/V Clio ................ 63 Ship Specifications ...................... 66 O.A.T. Health & Safety Measures.......................................................... 101 Notes.................................................................................. 102 Map ................................................................................... 107 3 EXPERIENCE THE O.A.T. DIFFERENCE in Portugal & Spain This adventure not only showcases iconic sights, but takes you beyond them to experience the culture through unique activities, engagement with the natural world, and authentic encounters with local people. Since our founding in 1978, O.A.T. has become America’s leader in personalized small group journeys on the road less traveled. SMALL GROUPS: 20-25 TRAVELERS LOCAL MODES OF TRANSPORTATION (AVERAGE OF 22)—GUARANTEED To see the world like the locals, you should The world feels more intimate and engaging travel like one. Our small group size allows when your experience of it is also personal us to take the roads and waterways that are and genuine. That’s why our groups never less traveled, and we often follow them using exceed 25 travelers. This gives you access to the same unique modes of transportation people and places larger groups simply can’t that the locals use—be it a canoe, a camel or a reach. More authentic interactions. Deeper vintage cab. bonds with your travel mates. Personal service from your Trip Experience Leader. Smoother UNIQUE LODGINGS transitions. And a far more satisfying Our lodgings reflect the local character, experience than any traditional tour offers. from smaller family-run hotels and historic manors to comfy inns. Occasionally, larger THE BEST TRIP EXPERIENCE LEADERS hotels closer to city centers are used. Wherever Your English-speaking, O.A.T. Trip Experience you stay, you’re assured fine comfort and Leader is a resident of the region you are visiting, hospitality. so you will get a true insider’s perspective that brings each place alive—the stories, food, OUR WORLDWIDE OFFICES customs, hidden treasures and more. With 36 regional offices around the world, we are perfectly poised to leverage our local AUTHENTIC CULTURAL CONNECTIONS relationships to deliver an excellent experience Engage with local people through visits to and value. During this trip, you’ll be supported farms, factories, markets, and artisans’ by our team in Spain. studios; school visits; Home-Hosted meals; and more. Visit the Pasteis de Belem café in Lisbon, Portugal and sample Discover the art of making Portuguese cheese with a local its namesake pastry expert 4 THE PILLARS OF DISCOVERY Enriching. Inspiring. Unforgettable. These features form the foundation of your Iberian Voyage Small Ship Adventure. GRAND CIRCLE FOUNDATION (GCF) VISIT A DAY IN THE LIFE GCF was established in 1992 to help change Do you ever wonder, “What would it be like people’s lives in the world where we live, to live here?” when you visit new lands? Let’s work, and travel. To date, we have pledged or find out during your O.A.T. A Day in the Life, an donated $200 million worldwide. exclusive, immersive experience that places you in the heart of a community where you’ll By investing in the places we explore— meet various people where they live, work, including local schools, cooperatives, or arts and play; visit the neighborhood school; lend a centers—we hope to give locals the skills and hand with daily chores; and break bread with confidence they need to become leaders of our hosts. their generation and preserve their heritage for many years to come. This adventure includes a NEW A Day in the Life experience on one of Spain’s most CONTROVERSIAL TOPICS prestigious bull farms. We’ll get to know the Every culture has its joys and achievements, owners, explore the massive ranch and help and we celebrate them all. But every place out with chores, and even have the chance also has its challenges, and to gloss over them to witness a matador training session before would not do justice to those whose stories enjoying a farm-fresh lunch. need to be told—nor to you, as a traveler who deserves more than a sugar-coated version of HOME-HOSTED EXPERIENCES things. So our Trip