Flavors of Portugal & Spain: featuring the Douro and Rioja Wine Regions - 2022

Day 1 Overnight Flight

Sparkling coastlines… historic cityscapes… mouthwatering cuisine… aromatic wine… Northern Portugal and Spain await you with open arms for the journey of a lifetime.

Day 2 Lisbon, Portugal - Tour Begins

Arrive in Lisbon, the trendy capital of Portugal. Lisbon glistens like a treasure perched on seven hills and enchants travelers with its laid-back charm. At a local restaurant, meet your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner to officially kick off an experience-rich adventure.

Day 3 Lisbon

Set off for a walking tour that takes you to the Praça do Comercio in downtown Lisbon, one of the biggest squares in Europe. This gorgeous square flaunts colorful artwork and sculptures. Climb aboard a private tram to discover Lisbon from its hills. Postcard-worthy vistas greet you at every turn. Travel through historic neighborhoods hearing the kinds of stories that bring the city – and its meandering, colorful neighborhoods to life. Walk to the Chiado neighborhood and embrace its elegant flair and bohemian vibe or return back to the hotel by subway.

Day 4 Lisbon

Explore Lisbon today at your own pace. With plenty of free time in the capital city, you may wish to check out its famous culinary scene or venture downtown to do some shopping. If you’d prefer to tour today, choose an optional excursion to Ericeira and Sintra; from wind swept cliffs in Ericeira to the quaint palaces and villas of Sintra you will learn a thousand fascinating tales. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a private cruise* on the Tagus River for a truly unique way to experience Lisbon. Sail by the Monument to the Discoveries and the Tower of Belem (UNESCO) before crossing the river to see “Christ the King” statue.

Day 5 Lisbon - Coimbra - Porto

Depart Portugal’s capital city and head to its former capital – Coimbra, home to the famous University of Coimbra, built in the 14th century. Embark on a panoramic tour of this famed city. Step off the bus as you walk the beautifully preserved historic old town. Finally, arrive in the stunning coastal city of Porto.

Day 6 Porto

Today, a city tour of Porto reveals all of its many charms. See the São Bento Railway Station, which opened in 1916 and remains one of Portugal’s most striking stations. Visit the Bolsa Palace (UNESCO), otherwise known as the Stock Exchange Palace – a 19th century Neoclassical masterpiece. Tonight, relax with dinner on your own… or perhaps you may opt to visit Vila Nova de Gaia and get a taste for the port wine production scene with a tour and tasting before enjoying a market dinner with all the local flavor you could ask for!

Day 7 Porto - Braga - Porto

Today, travel to Braga and behold the “Bom Jesus do Monte” (UNESCO) – a sanctuary and Christian pilgrimage site in Tenões that boasts stunning Baroque architecture. After an included lunch, walk the narrow streets of the historic downtown. Many of Braga’s locals place great importance on religion and the city has one of the highest concentrations of churches in Portugal. After, explore on your own with built-in free time. With so many shops and its quaint charm, you will find plenty of ways to pass the time in Braga.

Day 8 Porto - Amarante - Douro

Today, say “tchau” to Porto and set out for the Douro wine region where you’ll indulge in two nights on the grounds of a gorgeous winery. En route to Douro, stop in Amarante, a quaint town set on a bend in the Rio Tamega. From its balconied houses to its willow-lined riverbanks, this town is full of surprises. Finally, step into your home for the next two nights in the heart of the Douro River Valley. Later, wander down to the cellar for a tasting before enjoying a dinner complete with locally sourced, traditional Portuguese cuisine.

Day 9 Douro

Today, it’s your choice! Choose to board a local train to see the Douro River and all of the UNESCO World Heritage Site spots that dot the Douro landscape -OR- stay at Quinta da Pacheca for a relaxed morning before rolling your sleeves up for a cooking class (of course you’ll dine on your creations with a light lunch of petiscos, or Portuguese tapas). This afternoon, join your fellow travelers for a cruise* down the Douro River on a traditional wooden rabelo boat. Marvel at the rows of twisting vines, lush trees, and colorful houses from a different perspective.

Day 10 Douro - Salamanca, Spain

Depart the lush Douro wine region and cross the border into Spain! In Salamanca, feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you take a short walking tour and learn more about this ancient city. With over two thousand years of history and its sandstone architecture, Salamanca is a little gem waiting to be discovered.

Day 11 Salamanca - Burgos - La Rioja

Today, leave for the famous Rioja wine region! On your way, stop in Burgos where you will get to know the city during a walking tour. From its pedestrian-friendly riverside to the historic Plaza Mayor, Burgos delivers a traditional Spanish experience. Enjoy free time for lunch on your own. Finally, arrive in La Rioja, your home for the next two nights. During your stay at a winery hotel, take in the mountainous vistas. Tonight, enjoy a wine tasting before savoring a farm-to-table tasting menu that highlights the local cuisine.

Day 12 La Rioja - Pamplona - La Rioja

Today, it’s off to Pamplona, the capital of the Navarre province and home to the legendary Feast of San Fermin – the Running of the Bulls. Once every year, bulls are led through the city’s streets by daredevil runners and today, a local guide takes you on a city tour of Pamplona where you can hear all about its colorful, unique history before visiting the family home of a bullfighter. The bullfighter’s family greets you in the traditional way – with light tapas and drinks – truly welcoming you into their world for a little while. During your visit, learn firsthand about bullfighting traditions, controversies and enjoy the chance to ask your own questions. As you make your way back to stunning Rioja, stop at the Marques de Riscal Winery nestled in the center of Spain’s beautiful Basque country – one of the most fascinating wineries to behold with its famously avant-garde design.

Day 13 La Rioja - San Sebastian

Are your shoes made for walking? Today, set off for an extensive walking tour of San Sebastian, a coastal city that runs along the Bay of Biscay. With its strong regional character, quaint old town and beachfront life, you will feel like a local as you meander through charming neighborhoods boasting with traditional architecture. Enjoy free time for lunch on your own before rejoining your fellow travelers for a panoramic tour along the coastal road, finding picture-perfect views that will take your breath away.

Day 14 San Sebastian - Bilbao - San Sebastian

Head to Bilbao to visit the world-renowned Guggenheim Museum, set along the Nervion River and hailed as a true icon of architectural culture, with its contemporary design. See some of the modern art housed inside its fascinating walls. Then take a walking tour of Bilbao’s old town where you can find historic old churches, festive markets and quintessential Spanish squares. After all this walking, it’s time for a “pub crawl” – tapas style! Experience tasty pintxos – the Basque version of tapas at various local spots for a truly unique lunch experience. End the day with some free time in the historic Bilbao downtown before returning to San Sebastian.

Day 15 San Sebastian

Today, it’s your choice! You can choose a guided tour of the coastal villages of Zumaia and Getaria for a special opportunity to explore the glimmering Spanish coastline and enjoy a tasting of Txakoli wine -OR- take a leisurely hike along the “Camino of Saint James” and make your way back to the city center, enjoying a healthy, scenic experience in this beautiful destination. Lastly you can choose to stay in San Sebastian to relax or further explore on your own! A great spot for shoppers and foodies alike, there is plenty to do to pass the time. Later, travel with your fellow travelers to Astigarraga – famous for its hard cider – for a truly special farewell dinner inside of a sagardotegi, a cider house. Tour the sagardotegi learning all about the importance of cider in Basque cuisine, before savoring a traditional meal and toasting the end of your unforgettable journey!

Day 16 San Sebastian - Tour Ends

Today, your tour of Portugal and Spain comes to a close – all of the wonderful memories will truly be the best souvenirs.