Flavours of Portugal & Spain

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

Good morning, Lisboa. Start your day on foot with your Tour Manager, walking to the public funicular. Hop on and ride to the upper side of the downtown area. Meander through historic neighbourhoods, hearing the kinds of stories that bring the city – and its colourful neighbourhoods — to life. Walk to the Chiado neighbourhood and embrace its elegant flair and bohemian vibe, en route to a local cafe, and sit down to a tasting of typical Portuguese foods and savour the flavours of the city. After, your journey will take you to the Praça do Comercio in downtown Lisbon, one of the biggest squares in Europe. This gorgeous square flaunts colourful artwork and sculptures. Say cheers 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. Enjoy time to explore on your own and return to the hotel by subway.

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.

Depart Portugal’s capital city and head to Tomar, home of Portugal’s historical jewels, the Templar Castle, and Convent of Christ — a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the octagonal Templars' Rotunda and imagine the day-to-day life of a warrior monk in the domestic areas. 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.

Today, an extensive walking 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 and finish your morning crossing the river to Vila Nova de Gaia for a visit. Get a taste for the port wine production scene with a tour and tasting. Enjoy your afternoon and evening how you choose. If you’d prefer to have a different experience tonight, choose an optional excursion to A taste of Porto Home: Get a different perspective on Porto as you watch the river merging with the sea, step across the threshold of your hosts’ home, and inhale the tantalizing aroma of traditional Portuguese cooking with a Portuguese family.

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.

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-lined riverbanks, this town is full of surprises. This afternoon, join your fellow travellers for a cruise* down the Douro River on a traditional wooden rabelo boat. Marvel at the rows of twisting vines, lush trees, and colourful houses from a different perspective. 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.

Enjoy a relaxed morning. 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). Enjoy your afternoon and evening how you’d like.

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.

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. Tonight, enjoy dinner that highlights the local cuisine.

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 colourful, 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 whilst. 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 centre 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

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 travellers for a panoramic tour along the coastal road, finding picture-perfect views that will take your breath away.

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 centre, 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.

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. Enjoy some free time in the historic Bilbao downtown before returning to San Sebastian. Tonight, gather together and toast the end of a flavorful journey at a farewell dinner in a local restaurant.

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