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

Arrive in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. Perched on seven hills, Lisbon glistens like a treasure and enchants travelers with its laid-back charm. As arrival times will vary, there is no scheduled sightseeing today. Spend the day as you wish, exploring the city independently. At a local restaurant, meet your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner to officially kick off an experience-rich adventure.

Good morning, Lisboa! Start your day as a local with a walk to the Metro. Meander through historic neighborhoods, hearing stories that bring the city and its colorful neighborhoods to life. Begin your journey with sweeping views over Lisbon's majestic Praça do Comércio — one of Europe's largest and most beautiful squares, where grand arcades meet the Tagus River. Step into the city's past at a museum that brings Lisbon's story to life, from the devastation of the 1755 earthquake to its inspiring rebirth.

Then, enjoy a meaningful lunch where flavor meets purpose. As you savor local cuisine, you'll also witness an Impact Moment — learning how this inspiring restaurant empowers individuals experiencing homelessness through culinary training and social reintegration.

Spend the rest of the day as you wish 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Spend a relaxed morning enjoying the picturesque grounds of your winery hotel, nestled in the heart of the Douro Valley. This region, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and rich viticultural heritage. After soaking in the serene atmosphere, roll up your sleeves for an engaging cooking class where you'll prepare and savor a light lunch of petiscos, or Portuguese tapas.

After, delve into the fascinating history, culture, and flavors of the Douro wine region with a visit to the Douro Museum. Here, you'll learn about the centuries-old tradition of winemaking that dates back to Roman times. Return to your hotel and enjoy the end of the day on your own.

Depart the Douro wine region and cross the border into Spain! Head to an olive grove and learn about this family-owned business, known for its dedication to traditional methods of olive cultivation and oil production, ensuring high-quality, flavorful olive oil. During your visit, sample the unique olive oil, renowned for its rich taste and health benefits. The tasting will be accompanied by a light lunch featuring local delicacies that perfectly complement the olive oil. End your day with an orientation walk to help you find your preferred spot for dinner on your own.

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.

Today, leave for the famous Rioja wine region! On your way, stop in Burgos and set out on a walking tour, discovering the city's pedestrian-friendly riverside to the historic Plaza Mayor. Enjoy free time for lunch on your own. Finally, arrive in La Rioja, your home for the next two nights.

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 a local winery nestled in the center of Spain's beautiful Basque Country. Taste some of the wines and walk the vineyards before heading back to your hotel.

Begin your adventure with a visit to Vitoria, the capital of the Basque Country. Embark on a walking tour through its enchanting old town, where you'll encounter a tapestry of historic buildings and bustling squares. The charm of this area is palpable, with each corner revealing a piece of the city's rich heritage. Then, continue to Bilbao, a city where tradition meets cutting-edge design.

Upon arrival, enjoy an immersive audio-guided visit to the iconic Guggenheim Museum, a striking symbol of modern architecture and contemporary art. End your day like a local by savoring a variety of delicious pintxos — the Basque Country's beloved small bites — in the city's vibrant culinary scene.

Wearing comfortable walking shoes, be ready for whatever the day brings. This morning, it's your choice! Enjoy a guided tour of the coastal villages of Mundaka and Bermeo for an opportunity to explore the glimmering Spanish coastline -OR- take a leisurely hike along the Camino de Santiago, “the Way of Saint James,” enjoying a healthful, scenic experience in this beautiful destination.

Then, set off for an extensive walking tour of Bilbao, a city known for its blend of avant-garde architecture and rich history. Wander through the old town, Casco Viejo, with its charming streets and vibrant atmosphere, alongside a local expert.

Set off to San Sebastián, beginning your day with panoramic views of the city and coastline and then a locally guided walking tour of the city. As you wander through the Old Town, the aroma of freshly prepared pintxos wafts through the air. The vibrant Mercado de la Bretxa offers a feast for the senses, with colorful stalls brimming with local produce and artisanal goods. End your morning with a leisurely walk along La Concha Beach, its golden sands and azure waters inviting you to relax and soak in the beauty of the Bay of Biscay before returning to Bilbao.

Tonight, toast to a wonderful trip with your fellow travelers during a farewell dinner featuring savory Spanish flavors.

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