Flavors of Portugal & Spain: featuring the Douro and Rioja Wine Regions (Lisbon to San Sebastian) (2023)

Begin your journey in the beautiful regions of Northern Portugal and Spain. Immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes, rich history, and tantalizing cuisine these regions have to offer.

Arrive in Lisbon, the vibrant capital of Portugal. This city, perched on seven hills, is a treasure trove of history and culture. Meet your fellow travelers at a local restaurant for a welcome dinner, marking the official start of your adventure.

Discover Lisbon's charm as you traverse its historic neighborhoods. Visit the Chiado neighborhood and enjoy a light lunch at an iconic Portuguese café. Continue your exploration to the Praça do Comercio, one of Europe's largest squares, and the Arco da Rua Augusta, offering stunning views of downtown Lisbon and its waterfront.

Enjoy a day at your leisure in Lisbon. You may choose to explore its culinary scene, shop downtown, or join an optional excursion to Ericeira and Sintra. In the evening, join a private cruise on the Tagus River, sailing past the Monument to the Discoveries, the Tower of Belem, and the 'Christ the King' statue.

Depart from Lisbon and head to Coimbra, the former capital of Portugal. Visit the famous University of Coimbra, built in the 14th century, and take a panoramic tour of the city. Continue your journey to the stunning coastal city of Porto.

Embark on a city tour of Porto, visiting the São Bento Railway Station and the Bolsa Palace. You may choose to spend the evening at leisure or opt for a visit to Vila Nova de Gaia for a taste of the local port wine production scene, followed by a dinner filled with local flavors.

Travel to Braga and visit the Bom Jesus do Monte, a stunning Baroque sanctuary. After lunch, explore the narrow streets of the historic downtown, known for its high concentration of churches. Enjoy some free time to shop and soak in the city's charm.

Leave Porto and head to the Douro wine region, stopping en route in Amarante, a quaint town set on the Rio Tamega. Spend the next two nights in a traditional winery in the heart of the Douro River Valley. Enjoy a wine tasting and a dinner featuring locally sourced, traditional Portuguese cuisine.

Spend a relaxed morning at Quinta da Pacheca. Join a cooking class and enjoy a light lunch of petiscos, or Portuguese tapas. In the afternoon, embark on a cruise down the Douro River on a traditional wooden rabelo boat, taking in the stunning views of the vineyards and colorful houses.

Leave the Douro wine region and cross the border into Spain. Arrive in Salamanca, a city steeped in over two thousand years of history and stunning sandstone architecture. Take a short walking tour to learn more about this ancient city.

Depart Salamanca for the famous Rioja wine region. Stop in Burgos for a walking tour, exploring its pedestrian-friendly riverside and the historic Plaza Mayor. Arrive in La Rioja and enjoy a wine tasting followed by a farm-to-table tasting menu highlighting the local cuisine.

Travel to Pamplona, known for the legendary Feast of San Fermin - the Running of the Bulls. Take a city tour and visit the family home of a bullfighter. On your way back to Rioja, stop at the Marques de Riscal Winery in Spain's beautiful Basque country for a wine tasting and vineyard walk.

Set off for an extensive walking tour of San Sebastian, a coastal city along the Bay of Biscay. Experience the city's regional character, quaint old town, and beachfront life. Enjoy free time for lunch before rejoining your group for a panoramic tour along the coastal road, offering breathtaking views.

Choose between a guided tour of the coastal villages of Zumaia and Getaria with a Txakoli wine tasting, a leisurely hike along the 'Camino of Saint James', or a free day in San Sebastian. In the evening, travel to Astigarraga, famous for its hard cider, for a tour of a sagardotegi (cider house) and a traditional meal.

Travel to Bilbao to visit the world-renowned Guggenheim Museum. Take a walking tour of Bilbao's old town, filled with historic churches, festive markets, and quintessential Spanish squares. Enjoy a unique 'pub crawl' tapas style lunch experience and some free time in downtown Bilbao before returning to San Sebastian.

Your unforgettable journey through Portugal and Spain comes to a close today. Take with you the memories of the stunning landscapes, rich history, and tantalizing cuisine as the best souvenirs from this trip.