Flavors of Portugal & Spain: featuring the Douro and Rioja Wine Regions - 2023

16 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
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USTOA

Group Tour
Taste the essence of Portugal and Spain as you wander through historic cities with rich culture and vintage wines.

Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Tour a cider house before savoring cider-infused cuisine in Spain’s Basque region.
    • Explore wine cellars in the Douro and Rioja regions and enjoy wine tastings.
    • Go on a “pub crawl” to taste pintxo tapas.
    • Enjoy a petiscos cooking class in the Douro River Valley.
    • Visit a bullfighter’s family home in Pamplona and learn about this iconic Iberian tradition.
    • Call a picturesque quinta estate in the Douro River Valley your home for 2 nights.
    • Climb to “Bom Jesus de Braga” UNESCO site and walk the streets of Braga’s historical downtown.
    • Stroll along the scenic Ribeira waterfront of Porto, famous for their Port wine.
    • Visit the world-renowned Guggenheim Museum, hailed as a true icon of architectural culture.

What's this trip about?

    Taste the essence of Portugal and Spain as you wander through historic cities with rich culture and vintage wines.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - 24 max
Age range36 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityLisbon
End CitySan Sebastian

Travel Themes

  • Cultural

Destinations

  • Europe

Attractions

  • Bilbao
  • Coimbra
  • La Rioja
  • Lisbon
  • Pamplona
  • Porto
  • Salamanca
  • San Sebastian

Activities

  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing
  • History

Itinerary

Travel Map

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

Climb aboard the Lisbon Metro 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 Ch...

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 w...

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 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 Neo...

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...

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 traditional 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-lin...

Day 9 Douro

Enjoy a relaxed morning at Quinta da Pacheca. Then, roll up your sleeves and join 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 Riv...

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 ...

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 ...

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...

Day 14 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” a...

Day 15 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 Bilb...

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.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,999
Price per day$250
Last Updated: 3/17/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Triple Share (Price per person)
Double Share (Price per person)
Single Standard
Availability
28 Apr 2024
13 May 2024
$0
$4,799
$5,899
Available
05 May 2024
20 May 2024
$0
$4,999
$6,099
Sold Out
12 May 2024
27 May 2024
$0
$4,999
$6,099
Available
19 May 2024
03 Jun 2024
$0
$4,999
$6,099
Available

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Collette.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Collette Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
102
Great
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Average
6
Disappointing
2
Terrible
3
W

Worst and most poorly planned guided tour I have evr taken

Oct 2023

Written on

Do not travel with Collette They area subpar company

This is worst tour I have ever taken. Poorly planned and not worth the money. Collette brought you to Lisbon where we sat for three days because NO TOURS or sited w...

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Other Collette Reviews

L

Lara

Oct 2022

Written on

It was a wonderful trip and experience!

It was a wonderful trip and experience! We are still sorting all the pictures and memories about it, and some of them I would like to share with you - read my diary ...

D

David

Sep 2020

Provided byCollette

we had an absolute wonderful time

My wife & I just returned from your National Parks tour and we had an absolute wonderful time. Great itinerary, tour director (Merrin) and driver (John). First c...

W

Worst and most poorly planned guided tour I have evr taken

Oct 2023

Written on

Do not travel with Collette They area subpar company

This is worst tour I have ever taken. Poorly planned and not worth the money. Collette brought you to Lisbon where we sat for three days because NO TOURS or sited w...

Write a Review

Tour Operator

Collette

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True adventures go beyond incredible destinations or inclusive packages. Collette delivers a sense of possibility across all seven continents.

Since 1918, we have been sharing our love of travel. Today our worldwide travel collection features comprehensive land tours, river cruises, rail journeys, small group tours, family trips, garden holidays and more. With Collette, wake each morning on tour with a new experience in front of you, and when your head hits the pillow, you will know it has been an amazing day. Best of all - we seamlessly handle the details. All you have to do is enjoy the adventure.

Everyone at Collette believes travel is vital to a life well-lived and our executive team sets the tone. Drawing on a diverse set of skills that includes operations, sales, information technology, law and financial planning, they work across three offices to bring you the best experience possible.

Go Guided:

There are so many benefits to letting someone else take on all the details that come with having The Perfect Trip. See why more and more travelers choose to Go Guided — and why they never go back.

5 Reasons to Go Guided:

Go Tour Managers!

On Day 1 of your trip, you’ll meet a friendly person who sure does know a lot about your tour and the destinations you’re visiting. This highly skilled professional is your tour manage and from the moment you meet this key player on your tour, you’ll know you’re in good hands. With their rich travel backgrounds, as well as their useful information about language, currency, and all things local, you can relax and enjoy the ride.

Go Culture!

Visiting a destination gives you a taste of the local culture. But imagine actually becoming part of that culture. Staying overnight in an Irish castle like Old-World royalty…feeling the cool waters of the Great Barrier Reef envelop you as you snorkel in its turquoise paradise…or rolling dough with an Italian chef to make the perfect pizza. It’s not just about all the iconic spots that will make for the best photos, it’s about diving into another world that makes for the best memories.

Go Product Team!

Our product experts are probably on the road right now — scoping out the best of our worldwide destinations. They go, take it all in, and find the moments they love best. Those are the moments they create for you. Those experiences and sights comprise each itinerary and make each one extra-special. Best of all, you don’t have to plan a thing. You just need to choose which itinerary best suits you.

Go Social!

Travel is social by nature. Guided travel is extra social. Meet a cast of characters: your fellow travelers, tour manager, driver, local guides and more. The social aspect of guided travel is one of the best parts! Many travelers on our tours have forged lasting friendships. Think of all the wonderful people waiting to meet you out in the world.

Go Worry-Free!

Your peace of mind is the most important thing to us. And that starts with our roundtrip home to airport sedan service. Forget taxis, airport fees, or public transportation. We will get you there...and back. And if for any reason you need to cancel your tour, you can do so — right up until the day before departure — and receive a full refund (thanks to our travel protection plan).

There are many ways to experience the world:

Among Collette’s worldwide collection of tours we offer a variety of guided travel choices. No matter where (or how) you want to go, Collette can take you there.

Small Groups, Big Experiences

From vibrant cities to remote villages, immerse yourself in other worlds. As part of a small group, enjoy accommodations chosen to capture the spirit of the destination, savor spectacular local cuisine, and take the time to explore on your own. Along the way Explorations sets the stage for the unexpected moments that make travel so special. With just 12-24 passengers, these are the personal adventures that today’s cultural explorers dream about.

Amazing Family Moments Included

Collette's Family tours bring travelers of all ages together to experience the world’s greatest destinations. There’s no better classroom than the world, no better education than taking a walk through history. Today’s parents — and grandparents — want to share the riches of travel with their children and grandchildren. Each tour in our family line is specially crafted with the best local experiences, iconic must-see's, family-oriented hotels and immersive cultural activities. Children ages 14 and under enjoy substantially discounted rates.

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Collette's Cancel for Any Reason Travel Protection Plan

The Traveling Well Experience

Our Commitment to Your Well-being and Enjoyment

There’s no denying that life and travel will likely look a little different for the foreseeable future, which is why we worked with our partners all over the world to create enhanced protective measures for our guests. These measures are intended to help safeguard guests’ health and well-being, while allowing for an enjoyable travel experience.  

From flexible booking to more open space on the coach and much more – all aspects of travel have been considered. This is The Traveling Well Experience.

  • Travel Protection Plan – cancel for any reason up until 24 hours before departure, plus provides numerous on-tour protections
  • More Physical Space – on the coach, in restaurants, and more
  • Wellness Protocols – for partners like motor coach operators, hotels, restaurants, and airlines
  • Enhanced Tour Manager Training ­– our tour managers are destination experts and highly equipped to handle a variety of unexpected situations – including illnesses and emergencies

Before Your Tour

Cancel for Any Reason Waiver

Our Travel Protection Plan financially protects you in the event you need to cancel or move your trip to a different date. Learn more here

Pre-Tour Health Screenings

We will ask all travellers to complete a wellness declaration form before joining their tour.

Private Sedan Service

Your ride to and from the airport will be stocked with fresh water for every pickup and all surfaces will be disinfected daily and after every passenger.

Air Travel

Specific details will vary by airline, but standard operations typically include flight attendants wearing masks, sanitizing all surfaces between flights and physical distancing. For links to major airlines, head to the bottom of the page, or visit your airline’s website for specific information.

On Your Tour

Smaller Groups

Tours will operate with a number of empty seats to allow guests to space out for a more comfortable experience.

Your Tour Manager

We have employed new and enhanced hygiene & physical distancing protocols for tour managers. They are local experts and highly trained to handle a variety of unexpected situations — including illnesses and emergencies. They are also available 24/7 for guests throughout the tour should any situation arise.

Use of Face Coverings

Face coverings will be included with your pre-tour documents and will be required throughout many experiences on tour including the motor coach and air travel.

Motor Coach

All surfaces will be sanitized often, including regular cleaning of high-touch areas with disinfecting wipes. Hand sanitizer will be available at all times and drivers will wear protective gear when appropriate.

On-Tour Experiences

We work closely with our local partners to ensure adequate physical distancing during meals, experiences, and sightseeing. Guests may be rotated in smaller sub-groups when necessary.

On-Tour Insurance Coverages

When you purchase our Travel Protection Plan, you’ll have access to telehealth services should you need it, plus you’re covered on tour for emergency assistance, baggage loss, trip interruption, medical expenses, and more. Learn more here

Self-Screening

We will ask all travellers to monitor their health throughout their tour, with protocols in place in the event someone becomes ill.

Hotels

Specific protocols will vary from destination to destination, hotel to hotel. Overall, rooms and areas like restaurants, fitness centres, etc. will be deep-cleaned regularly, with rooms disinfected thoroughly between guests. High-traffic areas like lobbies and elevators will be cleaned hourly.

After Your Tour

Post-Tour Survey

After you get home, you’ll be able to share your opinions of your tour experience, allowing us to constantly improve for the benefit of future guests.

Why we love this operator
With a history that spans back to 1918, they have unparalleled expertise in the guided tour industry and can cater to all types of travelers.
What they’re known for
A huge variety of expertly-guided international trips that include cultural activities unique to the destination.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • The land price does not include air travel, airline fees, airport or departure taxes, transfers, visas, customary end-of-trip gratuities for your Tour Manager, driver, local guides, hotel housekeepers, cruise ship waitstaff, and any incidental charges.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
22
Age Requirements
36 years and up
Additional Information
Trip ID
collette-14738

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