1 Porto, Portugal - Tour Begins
Say olá to Porto, a coastal Portuguese city whose robust spirit far outshines its modest size. Allow your eyes to drift along the brightly colored buildings, built of immovable stone and opulent facades. Resembling an outdoor museum, you will feel the inscrutable pull of history as you meander down the cobblestone streets, along the tile-sided storefronts, and under the striking red rooftops. Breathe in the captivating energy of the scenic Ribeira waterfront before getting a taste of the culture at a local restaurant. (D) Stay: Pestana Porto Goldsmith (2 Nights)
2 Porto
Pass by the neighborhood's friendly faces as you discover the city's hidden secrets on a walking tour with a local expert. The bright blue-and-white tiles of Carmo Church contrast with the overcast gray lining, creating a larger-than-life painting that appears to be lifted straight out of a storybook. Marvel at the intricate ironwork of the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge. Spanning the River Douro, this double-decker structure was constructed by a protégé of Gustave Eiffel, famed creator of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Watch the famous rabelo boats coast by as you gain insight into this city's history of transportation and port wine. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish; you may choose to take a scenic stroll across the river to Vila Nova de Gaia and visit one of the many port wine cellars for a tour and tasting. (B)
3 Porto-Guimarães-Braga-Ponte de Lima-Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Venture into Guimarães, the legendary birthplace of Portugal. Allow the city's old world charm to envelop you as you explore the grounds of a 10th-century castle. Continue to Braga and visit the revered Bom Jesus. The church invites you to climb its zigzagging staircase, providing views of the town that are worth the twisting ascent. Take a sip of the crisp flavors of vinho verde (green wine) and explore a family owned quinta in Ponte de Lima. Get a glimpse into the source of this fresh, lightly sparkling wine as you are led through the vineyards. The day ends in Santiago de Compostela, whose history is deeply rooted in superstitions, legends, and faith. (B/L) Stay: Hotel Monumento San Francisco (2 Nights)
4 Santiago de Compostela
Choose how you delve into the lore of the city because today, it's your choice! Engage with one side of the city's beliefs on a tour focusing on the myths and legends of Santiago -OR- connect with centuries of travelers and walk a portion of the city's famous pilgrimage path, reflecting as a local guide leads you along the urban camino. Breathe in tranquility as you admire the view of the town and end at the cathedral to learn the origins of the world-renowned pilgrimage. Stop at Mercado do Abastos, wander along the colorful stalls, admiring the fresh produce, warm pastries and savory cheeses. Take advantage of a free afternoon to explore the city on your own. Perhaps you'll join an optional dinner at a local restaurant, featuring the mouthwatering seafood that the city is known for. (B)
5 Santiago de Compostela - Leon
Your journey continues in Leon, a city of indescribable energy and mesmerizing architecture. On a city tour with a local guide, pass by the Casa Botines, a work by the eccentric Antoni Gaudi, and take in the imposing Leon Cathedral, whose gothic towers appear to reach straight into the sky. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy this Spanish town at leisure. (B) Stay: AC Hotel by Marriott Leon San Antonio
6 Leon - Braganca, Portugal - Douro River Valley
Explore Braganca, an isolated medieval town located near the Spanish border. Wander among the clustered stone houses and gaze at the 12th-century castle, rising above the city skyline. Continue to the Douro River Valley, a region of Northern Portugal known for its lush, serpentine hillsides and delicious port wine grapes. Be welcomed to the Quinta da Pacheca, an estate that has been actively producing wine since the 1700's.
Settle in for a leisurely 3-night stay in the midst of the vineyard's scenic paths and warm hospitality. After touring the grounds, enjoy a wine tasting and dinner made up of fresh Portuguese ingredients. For true connoisseurs of wine, consider raising your accommodations* to the next level with an innovative wine barrel room, allowing you to admire the vineyard rows from the comfort of your own bed. (B/D) Stay: The Wine House Hotel - Quinta da Pacheca (3 Nights)
7 Douro River Valley
Discover Pinhão, a charming town along the Douro River featuring tranquil vistas, sloping hills, and delicious port wine. Wander the vineyards and olive groves on your own, following the directional plaques along whatever path your heart desires. Learn about the harvesting and production processes of world-renowned port brands. Navigate along the most picturesque landscapes of the Douro River on a traditional wooden rabelo boat. Marvel at the rows of twisting vines, lush trees, and colorful houses from a different perspective. (B)
8 Douro River Valley
With vineyards by your side and endless beauty ahead, enjoy a day at leisure. Perhaps you'll picnic in the vineyards, meander along the green hills, or venture into the nearby town of Regua. Or, consider an optional tour to Lamego where you'll travel to the peak of the town via coach before hopping on a bike and exploring; coast down the winding streets, perhaps stopping for a delicious bola sandwich, and enjoy the downhill ride back to the quinta. No matter how you choose to spend your time, you will close out the day with a cooking class at your winery home. Allow the fresh air to gently float around you as the kitchen walls slide open, creating the feeling that you are preparing food directly in the vineyard. Indulge in traditional Portuguese recipes – all paired with enticing vintages from the estate. (B/D)
9 Douro River Valley - Aveiro - Porto
Leave the wines and vines behind as you depart the Douro River Valley. Take a peek into the process of creating Portuguese porcelain at the Vista Alegre Factory and Museum; here you'll get to observe workers creating exceptional ceramic pottery. Your journey then takes you to Aveiro, a stunning waterfront town where hand-painted boats pass through the canal. Allow your eyes to drift along the nouveau architecture of this quaint fisherman village; perhaps you'll pause for a bite of a ovos moles, a “soft egg” pastry that the city is known for. Head back to Porto for your farewell dinner and toast to a trip well-traveled. (B/D) Stay: Eurostars Porto Douro
10 Porto - Tour Ends
Your tour of Northern Portugal and Spain comes to a close today. (B)
