When you hear the call “Txotx!” (pronounced “choach”) shouted in the traditional Sidrerias of Northern Spain, it’s time to gather ’round! Standing five feet back from the tapped barrel, patrons line up to catch the shooting cider into glasses—then toast the age-old tradition that adds the right amount of carbonation to the tart beverage. Lucky for you, there’s much to toast as you explore the sparkling seaside from Lisbon to Barcelona on this mostly coastal tour of Portugal and Northern Spain. This sunny vacation makes a splash with visits to the popular pilgrimage site of Santiago de Compostela, the famous seaside resort of San Sebastian, and in Pamplona, the legendary Calle Estafeta where the famous “running of the bulls” takes place. You’ll also want to make a beeline to the delicacies of each country, from the zesty paella of Spain to the sweet port of Portugal. Cheers! Salud! Txotx! Lisbon:Smy Lisboa
Porto:Holiday Inn Porto Gaia
Santiago de Compostela:Santiago Plaza by Melia
Oviedo:AC Oviedo Forum
San Sebastian:Silken Amara Plaza
Saragossa:Silken Reino De Aragon
Barcelona:NH Sants Barcelona