YOUR O.A.T. ADVENTURE TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE® Northern Spain & Portugal: Pilgrimage into the Past 2023 Small Groups: 8-16 travelers—guaranteed! (average of 13) Overseas Adventure Travel ® The Leader in Personalized Small Group Adventures on the Road Less Traveled 1 Dear Traveler, For me, one of the joys of traveling is the careful planning that goes into an adventure—from the first spark of inspiration to hours spent poring over travel books about my dream destinations—and I can’t wait to see where my next journey will take me. I know you’re eager to explore the world, too, and our Northern Spain & Portugal itinerary described inside is an excellent way to start. Exactly how your adventure unfolds is up to you, because you have many choices to customize it. You can arrive early and stay later—perhaps by adding a pre- or post-trip extension, spending time in a Stopover city, or combining 2 or more trips. Plus, your itinerary is laced with free time, so you’ll have opportunities to do your own thing. More than 80% of the travelers who reserve this trip choose to tailor their adventure. In fact, O.A.T. is the only travel company to offer such flexibility and choice for an experience that is truly personalized. As for Northern Spain & Portugal, thanks to your small group of 8-16 travelers (average 13) you can expect some unforgettable experiences. Here are a few that stood out for me: When I stepped into Santa Colomba de Somoza, a rural village nestled in Spain’s northern León province, I felt an overwhelming sense of community—a small group bonded by their unique cultural identity as Maragatos, believed to be the last living descendents of the Berbers. You’ll see what I mean when you experience A Day in the Life here, including a visit to the Maragato Crafts Center—a new partner of Grand Circle Foundation. You’ll also meet a local resident and hear about what community leaders are doing to preserve Maragato traditions in a modern world. The Basque Coast is another region with a distinct cultural identity, including its own language and traditions. I was saddened to learn of the mistreatment that the Basque people suffered following the Spanish Civil War, which led to the beginnings of the Basque independence movement. In Bilbao, you’ll hear from a local resident with strong pro-independence views about a radical wing of the Basque Independence Party known as the ETA. We’ll hear their perspective on the persecution of the Basque people and they will share their personal experiences as a witness to some of the ETA’s controversial methods in the fight for independence. The way we see it, you’ve come a long way to experience the true culture—not some fairytale version of it. That’s why we don’t shy away from controversial topics, and why all our Trip Experience Leaders are “insiders” who live in the country. At times you may be nudged out of your comfort zone. But you will also be inspired by the resilience and humanity of the wonderful people you meet. And that’s what adventure travel is all about. Thanks for letting me dream along with you about Northern Spain & Portugal. I’m looking forward to experiencing the enrichment that only travel can bring, and I hope you are, too. Until then, 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. Inspire fellow travelers with videos and slideshows of your most memorable travel moments from past adventures. You can upload them directly onto the trip-specific pages on our website, or learn more at www.oattravel.com/traveler-moments. 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 NORTHERN SPAIN & PORTUGAL: ABOUT YOUR DESTINATIONS: PILGRIMAGE INTO THE PAST CULTURE, ETIQUETTE & MORE Your Adventure at a Glance: Spanish & Portuguese Culture ............ 79 Where You’re Going, What it Costs, Religion and Religious Observance ........ 81 and What’s Included ..................... 10 Shopping: What to Buy, Customs, Your Detailed Day-To-Day Itinerary ........ 12 Shipping & More ........................ 90 Optional Tours .......................... 35 Pre-Trip Extensions ...................... 36 DEMOGRAPHICS & HISTORY Post-Trip Extensions ..................... 46 Spain................................... 93 Dates & Prices ........................... 56 Facts, Figures & National Holidays ........ 93 Spain: A Brief History .................... 94 ESSENTIAL TRAVEL INFORMATION Portugal ................................ 95 Travel Documents & Entry Requirements. 57 Facts, Figures & National Holidays ........ 95 No Visas Required ....................... 57 Portugal: A Brief History ................. 96 Rigors, Vaccines & General Health ......... 59 France.................................. 97 Vaccines Required ....................... 60 Facts, Figures & National Holidays ........ 97 Money Matters: Local Currency & Tipping France: A Brief History ................... 98 Guidelines .............................. 62 Morocco ................................ 99 Tipping Guidelines....................... 64 Facts, Figures & National Holidays ........ 99 Air, Optional Tours & Staying in Touch ..... 66 Morocco: A Brief History ................. 100 Optional Tours .......................... 66 Communicating with Home from Abroad . 67 RESOURCES Packing: What to Bring & Luggage Limits . 69 Suggested Reading ...................... 102 Suggested Packing Lists .................. 70 Suggested Film & Video .................. 104 Electricity Abroad ....................... 73 Climate & Average Temperatures .......... 75 Notes.................................................................................. 109 Map ................................................................................... 115 3 EXPERIENCE THE O.A.T. DIFFERENCE in Spain & Portugal 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: 8-16 TRAVELERS LOCAL MODES OF TRANSPORTATION (AVERAGE OF 13)—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 and us to take the roads and waterways that are genuine. That’s why our groups never exceed less traveled, and we often follow them using 16 travelers. This gives you access to people the same unique modes of transportation and places larger groups simply can’t reach. that the locals use—be it a canoe, a camel or More authentic interactions. Deeper bonds with a vintage cab. your travel mates. Personal service from your Trip Experience Leader. Smoother transitions. UNIQUE LODGINGS And a far more satisfying experience than any Our lodgings reflect the local character, 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. Your English-speaking, O.A.T. Trip Experience Wherever you stay, you’re assured fine Leader is a resident of the region you are visiting, comfort and 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 AUTHENTIC CULTURAL CONNECTIONS local relationships to deliver an excellent Engage with local people through visits to experience and value. During this trip, you’ll farms, factories, markets, and artisans’ studios; be supported by our team in Lisbon. school visits; Home-Hosted meals; and more. Explore Lisbon, Portugal with a local Trip Experience Leader Get an intimate look at everyday life in Spain during a Home- Hosted lunch 4 THE PILLARS OF DISCOVERY Enriching. Inspiring. Unforgettable. These features form the foundation of your Northern Spain & Portugal 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? work, and travel. To date, we have pledged or Let’s find out during your O.A.T. A Day in donated $200 million worldwide. the Life, an exclusive, immersive experience that places you in the heart of a community You’ll see GCF’s work in action in where you’ll meet various people where they Santa Colomba, part of Spain’s live, work, and play; visit the neighborhood northern León province, when we visit the school; lend a hand with daily chores; and Maragato Crafts Center—a new partner of break bread with our hosts. Grand Circle Foundation that is dedicated to keeping Maragato customs alive. Here, you’ll This adventure includes A Day in the Life witness a variety of traditional art