Flavors of Portugal & Spain: featuring the Douro and Rioja Wine Regions (Lisbon to San Sebastian) (2025)

Start your day in Lisbon with a ride on the public funicular to the upper side of the downtown area. Explore the historic neighborhoods and embrace the bohemian vibe of Chiado. Enjoy a light petiscos lunch at a local café. Later, take in the stunning view of Praça do Comercio, one of Europe's largest squares, before enjoying some free time to explore the city at your leisure.

Depart Lisbon and journey to Tomar, home to the Templar Castle and Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the octagonal Templars' Rotunda and imagine the life of a warrior monk. Continue to Porto, Portugal's second-largest city, passing through landscapes of wild pine trees.

Embark on a walking tour of Porto, discovering its many charms. Visit the São Bento Railway Station, a striking architectural gem, and the Bolsa Palace, a 19th-century neoclassical masterpiece. Cross the river to Vila Nova de Gaia to explore the port wine production scene. Enjoy free time for lunch and consider joining an optional experience for a homemade meal in a local's home.

Bid farewell to Porto and set out for the Douro wine region, known for its natural beauty and rich cultural history. Visit a renowned winery for a tasting and tour of its baroque palace. In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing boat trip along the Douro River, taking in the stunning landscapes and vineyard slopes. Settle into a winery hotel for the next two nights and savor a dinner of traditional Portuguese cuisine paired with local wine.

Spend a leisurely morning at the winery, followed by a hands-on cooking class where you'll prepare and enjoy a light lunch of petiscos, or Portuguese tapas. Visit the Douro Museum to delve into the region's history and culture. Return to your hotel and enjoy the evening at your own pace.

Step back in time with a walking tour of Salamanca, guided by a local expert. Visit the Cathedral of Salamanca, a unique blend of two churches, and explore the University of Salamanca, Spain's oldest university. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city's sandstone architecture and rich history at your own pace.

Travel to the renowned Rioja wine region, stopping in Burgos for a walking tour. Discover the city's pedestrian-friendly riverside and historic Plaza Mayor. Enjoy free time for lunch before continuing to La Rioja, where you'll spend the next two nights.

Visit Pamplona, the capital of Navarre, and learn about the legendary Running of the Bulls during a city tour. Meet a bullfighter's family and enjoy traditional tapas and drinks. On your return to La Rioja, stop at the avant-garde Marques de Riscal Winery for a wine tasting and vineyard tour.

Travel to Bilbao and explore its historic old town, filled with churches, markets, and Spanish squares. Visit the iconic Guggenheim Museum, known for its contemporary design and modern art collection. After some free time, continue your journey to San Sebastián.

Embark on a walking tour of San Sebastián, a coastal city along the Bay of Biscay. Choose between a guided tour of the coastal villages of Zumaia and Getaria, with a tasting of Txakoli wine, or a scenic hike along the Camino of Saint James. Alternatively, relax and explore San Sebastián at your leisure.