Flavors of Portugal & Spain: Featuring Douro & Rioja Wine Regions

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

Arrive in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. Perched on seven hills, Lisbon glistens like a treasure 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.
Dinner Included

Visit Area: Lisbon
Spread across steep hillsides that overlook the Rio Tejo, Lisbon offers all the delights you’d expect of Portugal’s star attraction, yet with half the fuss of other European capitals. Gothic cathedrals, majestic monasteries and quaint museums are all part of the colorful cityscape, but the real delights of discovery lie in wandering the narrow lanes of Lisbon’s lovely backstreets. The Lisbon experience encompasses so many things, from enjoying a fresh pastry and bica (espresso) on a petite leafy plaza to window-shopping in elegant Chiado. It’s mingling with Lisboêtas at a neighborhood festival or watching the sunset from the old Moorish castle.

Good morning, Lisboa! Start your day with a walk to the public funicular to hop on and ride to the upper side of the downtown area. Meander through historic neighborhoods, hearing stories that bring the city – and its colorful neighborhoods – to life. Walk to the Chiado neighborhood, embracing its bohemian vibe en route to a local cafe and a tasting of typical Portuguese foods with a light petiscos lunch. After, your journey takes you to the best view of Praça do Comercio in downtown Lisbon, one of the biggest squares in Europe. This gorgeous square boasts colorful artwork and sculptures. Enjoy time to explore on your own and return to the hotel by subway. Tonight, you may choose to join an optional tour to listen to local artists perform traditional fado music, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage highlight.

Breakfast Included
Lunch Included

Visit Area: Tomar

Explore the city today at your own pace. With plenty of free time, you may wish to check out Lisbon’s famed culinary scene or venture downtown to do some shopping. Or you may also choose an optional excursion to explore the beach town of Ericeira and then Sintra with its enchanting palaces and villas. This evening, dinner is accompanied by an Impact Moment as you learn how the restaurant supports people experiencing homelessness through catering training.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included
Hotel Name: Turim Oporto Hotel

Visit Area: Porto
Porto, known as Oporto in English, is the second largest city in Portugal, after Lisbon, and is located in northern Portugal. The city dates back to the 4th century. Porto’s city center is one of the oldest city centers in Europe. One of Portugal’s well known exports, port wine, is named for Porto since the metropolitan and surrounding area was responsible for the production and export of the fortified wine.

Depart Portugal’s capital city and head to Tomar, home to some of the country’s historical jewels, including the Templar Castle and Convent of Christ (UNESCO). Explore the octagonal Templars' Rotunda and imagine the day-to-day life of a warrior monk. Next stop: Porto! Take in the landscape of wild pine trees as you leave Tomar and embark on a two-and-a-half-hour drive to Portugal’s second largest city.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

Admittance: Port Wine Tastings
Northern Portugal is known for its port wine – enjoy opportunities to taste this local favorite at more than one tasting. The city Porto is known for this wine – which is alluded to in the wine’s name. The Douro River Valley is also famous for its green hills and port wine grapes.

Today, an extensive walking tour of Porto reveals its many charms. See the São Bento railway station, which opened in 1916 and is one of Portugal’s most striking architectural gems. Visit the Bolsa Palace (UNESCO) – known as the Stock Exchange Palace – a 19th-century neoclassical masterpiece, and finish your morning crossing the river to Vila Nova de Gaia for a visit and a taste of the port wine production scene. Enjoy free time for lunch on your own. This evening you may want to join in an optional experience and feel like a local in their cozy, inviting home to savor a homemade meal.

Breakfast Included
Hotel Name: Vila Galé Douro Vineyards

Visit Area: Douro River Valley
Home to seemingly endless rows of flourishing grapes, the Douro River Valley is a prominent wine region in Portugal. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has been producing wine for an estimated 2,000 years. However, it wasn’t until the 18th century that the region started creating its famous port wine. Traditionally, the barrels of wine were transported down the river by means of a wooden rabelo boat. These flat-bottomed boats would carry wine from the vineyards into the surrounding regions.

Today, say tchau to Porto and set out for the Douro wine region. Visiting the Douro combines natural beauty, cultural and historical richness, and of course, the region's famed gastronomy. On the way, visit one of the most famous wineries in Portugal for a tasting of its wines and a visit their stunning baroque palace. This afternoon, embark on a relaxing boat trip* along the Douro River and sail past the stunning landscapes, vineyard slopes, and famous terraces. Then settle into your home for the next two nights at a winery hotel in the heart of the Douro River Valley. Later, enjoy a dinner of traditional Portuguese cuisine paired with delicious local wine.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

Admittance: Douro River Cruise
Marvel at the rows of twisting vines, lush trees, and colorful houses from a different perspective on a Douro River Cruise. Navigate along the most picturesque landscapes of the Douro River on a traditional wooden rabelo boat. These boats were used to transport port wine down the river.

Spend a relaxed morning enjoying the grounds of the winery. Then, roll up your sleeves for a cooking class – and of course, dine on your creations: a light lunch of petiscos, or Portuguese tapas. After, visit the Douro Museum to learn about the history, culture, and flavors found in the Douro wine region. Return to your hotel and enjoy the end of the day on your own.

Breakfast Included
Lunch Included
Hotel Name: NH Collection Palacio de Castellanos

Visit Area: Salamanca
Salamanca is a city in northwestern Spain, and is the capital of the Province of Salamanca. It sits 120 miles west of Madrid and 50 miles east of the Portuguese border. Salamanca is one of the most important university cities in Spain and attracts many international students. The university, the University of Salamanca, founded in 1218, along with tourism are the primary sources of income in Salamanca.

Depart the Douro wine region and cross the border into Spain! Head to an olive grove and learn about this family-owned business. Try their unique olive oil during a light lunch before departing for Salamanca. End your day with an orientation walk to help you find your preferred spot for dinner on your own.

Breakfast Included
Lunch Included

Visit Area: La Rioja
La Rioja is an autonomous community and a province in Spain, located in the north of the Iberian Peninsula. This region is known for the Rioja Destination of Origin wines. This area of Spain has over 500 wineries and is internationally known for the quality of its wine. This region of Spain also offers a range of activities in and around the vineyards, such as horseback riding, hot air ballooning and more.

In Salamanca, feel like you’ve stepped back in time during a walking tour with your local guide and learn more about this ancient city. Visit the Cathedral of Salamanca, which is in fact two churches joined together from the 12th-13th centuries and 16th century. Imagine the life of a student from medieval times to present as you stroll around the oldest university in Spain, the University of Salamanca. Afterward, the rest of the day is yours to explore Salamanca at your own pace. With over two thousand years of history and its sandstone architecture, Salamanca is a little gem waiting to be discovered.

Breakfast Included
Hotel Name: Eurostars Fuerte Ruavieja

Visit Area: Pamplona
Pamplona is the historical capital city of Navarre, in Spain. Pamplona is located in the center of Navarre, in a rounded valley, that links the mountainous North with the Erbo valley. It is 37 miles from Bilbao and 253 miles from Madrid. The historic city center is on the left bank of the Arga River. Pamplona is most famous for the running of the bulls during the San Fermin festival, which is held every year from July 6th to 14th.

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.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

Admittance: Bullfighter's Home Experience

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 traditionally – with light tapas and drinks – truly welcoming you into their world for a little while. During your visit, learn firsthand about bullfighting traditions and controversies, and enjoy the chance to ask your 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. Taste some of the wines and walk the vineyards before heading back to your hotel.

Breakfast Included
Hotel Name: NH Collection Aránzazu

Visit Area: Bilbao
Bilbao is a borough and the capital of the province of Biscay in northern Spain. Bilbao is situated in north central Spain 8.7 miles south of the Bay of Biscay. The borough of Bilbao was founded in the 14th century. Bilbao as a city was not an emerging tourist destination until the late 1990s with the inauguration of the Guggenheim Museum. Bilbao is also a popular destination for business tourism with its new conference and exhibition centers.

Head to Bilbao and take a walking tour of Bilbao’s old town where you can find historic old churches, festive markets, and quintessential Spanish squares. Then visit the world-renowned Guggenheim Museum, set along the Nervion River and hailed as an icon of architectural culture with its contemporary design. See some of the modern art housed inside its fascinating walls. Enjoy some free time before continuing to San Sebastián.

Breakfast Included

Admittance: Guggenheim Museum
The Guggenheim Museum is a museum of modern and contemporary art located in Bilbao, Spain. The museum is built alongside the Nervion River, which runs through the city of Bilbao. The museum Is one of several belonging to the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation and features permanent and visiting exhibitions of works by Spanish and international artists. The museum was designed by Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry. The museum was inaugurated on October 18th, 1997 by King Juan Carlos I of Spain, who was the king of Spain at the time.

Wearing comfortable walking shoes, be ready for whatever the day brings. This morning, 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. Then, set off for an extensive walking tour of San Sebastián, a coastal city that runs along the Bay of Biscay. With its strong regional character, quaint old town and beachfront life, feel like a local as you meander through charming neighborhoods boasting traditional architecture.

Breakfast Included

Visit Area: San Sebastián
San Sebastián is a coastal city and municipality located in the Basque Autonomous Community in Spain. It lies on the coast of the Bay of Biscay, 12 miles from the French border. The main economic activities here are commerce and tourism, and it is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Spain partly because of its picturesque shoreline. San Sebastián was chosen as the European Capital of Culture for the year 2016.

The day is yours to explore! San Sebastián is a great spot for shoppers and foodies alike, and there is plenty to see and do in this coastal city. Or perhaps you will join an optional day trip and say bonjour to France, exploring the medieval charm of Bayonne and the eclectic summer village of Biarritz. Tonight, toast to a wonderful trip with your fellow travelers during a farewell dinner featuring savory Spanish flavors.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

Admittance: Choice on Tour: Zumaia and Getaria Villages or Coastal Saint James Way Hike
Explore the San Sebastián region your way with the choice between three different ways to discover this beautiful coastal region. For your first choice, join a local guide to explore two beautiful seaside villages: Zumaia and Getaria. Bring your camera, because Zumaia is home to the world’s longest continuous rock strata and Getaria sits between the sea and mountains covered in lush green vines. The second choice brings you to the coastal St. James’ Way, a medieval Christian pilgrimage trail. Take in the views alongside a local guide on a beginner’s 3-hour hike. The last choice provides the ultimate flexibility: spend the day however you choose. Whether you take time at leisure to appreciate the seaside views, visit local shops or enjoy the exquisite cuisine, take your final day on tour seeing San Sebastián how you want. Zumaia & Getaria Villages Activity Level: 3 Coastal Saint James Way Hike Activity Level: 4 Travelers must have comfortable shoes. Walking sticks are recommended but not required. Return to San Sebastián is made by public bus. Free Time in San Sebastián Activity Level: 1

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

Breakfast Included