Flavors of Portugal & Spain (16 Days)

16 Days | Lisbon to San Sebastián

From Portugal’s sun-kissed coastlines to Spain’s renowned wine country, this immersive itinerary is crafted for travelers who savor culture, cuisine, and connection. With historic cities, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and exclusive wine experiences, each day is designed to inspire.

Highlights & Inclusions

Your Tour Includes

• 6 Handpicked Accommodations
• 23 Meals

Must-See Inclusions

• See Lisbon from the windows of a public funicular during a unique city tour.
• Stroll along the scenic Ribeira waterfront in Porto, famed for its port wine production.
• Visit the world-renowned Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, an icon of contemporary architecture.

Cultural Experiences

• Stay for two nights at a picturesque quinta estate in the Douro River Valley.
• Immerse yourself in the vibrant, historic city of Salamanca.
• Visit a bullfighter’s family home in Pamplona and learn about the fascinating world of bullfighting traditions.

Culinary Inclusions

• Explore wine cellars in the Douro and Rioja regions with exclusive wine tastings.
• Participate in a petiscos (Portuguese tapas) cooking class in the Douro River Valley.

Destinations & Highlights

• Lisbon
• Tomar
• Porto
• Port Wine Tastings
• Douro River Valley
• Douro River Cruise
• Salamanca
• La Rioja
• Pamplona
• Bullfighter's Home Experience
• Bilbao
• Guggenheim Museum
• San Sebastián

Choice on Tour:

• Zumaia and Getaria Villages or Coastal Saint James Way Hike

Itinerary Highlights

Day 1: Departure – Overnight Flight to Lisbon

Your journey begins with an overnight flight to Portugal. Get ready for sparkling coastlines, rich heritage, and the incredible flavors of Northern Portugal and Spain.

Day 2: Lisbon, Portugal – Arrival & Welcome Dinner

Stay: Turim Boulevard Hotel | Meals: Dinner

Arrive in Lisbon, Portugal’s charismatic capital. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant and get to know your fellow travelers.

Day 3: Discover Lisbon on Foot & by Water

Stay: Turim Boulevard Hotel | Meals: Breakfast

Explore Lisbon’s hills and historic neighborhoods with your Tour Manager. Ride the funicular, stroll through Chiado, and indulge in a tasting of local delicacies. Later, sail the Tagus River past landmarks like the Monument to the Discoveries and Tower of Belém.

Day 4: Free Day in Lisbon or Optional Sintra & Ericeira Tour

Stay: Turim Boulevard Hotel | Meals: Breakfast

Today is yours to explore Lisbon at your pace. Or, join an optional excursion to coastal Ericeira and the fairytale town of Sintra.

Day 5: Lisbon to Porto via Tomar

Stay: Turim Porto Hotel | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Stop in Tomar to tour the Templar Castle and Convent of Christ (UNESCO). Continue north to Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city, nestled along the Douro River.

Day 6: Porto Walking Tour & Port Wine Tasting

Stay: Turim Porto Hotel | Meals: Breakfast

Uncover Porto’s treasures, from São Bento Station to the Stock Exchange Palace (UNESCO). Cross to Vila Nova de Gaia for a port wine tasting and an optional local dining experience.

Day 7: Braga’s Pilgrimage Site & Historic Center

Stay: Turim Porto Hotel | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Visit the sacred Bom Jesus do Monte (UNESCO) in Braga, then wander the city’s charming streets. Enjoy free time to discover local shops and cafés.

Day 8: Into the Douro Valley with a River Cruise

Stay: The Wine House Hotel – Quinta da Pacheca | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Pause in picturesque Amarante, then arrive in the Douro Valley for a rabelo boat cruise and a wine tasting at your vineyard hotel. Enjoy a locally inspired dinner.

Day 9: Douro Valley Cooking Class & Leisure Time

Stay: The Wine House Hotel – Quinta da Pacheca | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Spend a relaxed day with a hands-on Portuguese cooking class and a light lunch of petiscos. The rest of the day is yours to unwind or explore the estate.

Day 10: Cross into Spain – Arrive in Salamanca

Stay: NH Collection Palacio de Castellanos | Meals: Breakfast

Travel from Portugal into Spain. In Salamanca, admire the golden sandstone architecture on a guided walking tour through this ancient university city.

Day 11: Salamanca to Rioja via Burgos

Stay: Eurostars Fuerte Ruavieja | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Stroll Burgos’ charming old town before continuing to La Rioja, Spain’s iconic wine region. Enjoy a dinner featuring local cuisine.

Day 12: Pamplona & Marques de Riscal Winery

Stay: Eurostars Fuerte Ruavieja | Meals: Breakfast

Visit Pamplona, known for the Running of the Bulls. Step inside a bullfighter’s family home for drinks and tapas. End the day with a tasting at the avant-garde Marques de Riscal winery.

Day 13: San Sebastián Walking Tour & Coastal Drive

Stay: NH Collection Aranzazu | Meals: Breakfast

Explore San Sebastián on foot, from the old town to the beachside promenade. Enjoy a scenic drive along the Bay of Biscay’s coastline.

Day 14: Your Day, Your Way in San Sebastián

Stay: NH Collection Aranzazu | Meals: Breakfast

Choose from three experiences:
• A guided excursion to the coastal villages of Zumaia & Getaria with a Txakoli wine tasting
• A scenic hike along the Camino of Saint James
• Free time to enjoy San Sebastián’s culinary and cultural scene

Day 15: Bilbao – Guggenheim Museum & Farewell Dinner

Stay: NH Collection Aranzazu | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Visit the world-renowned Guggenheim Museum and explore Bilbao’s old town. Return to San Sebastián for a farewell dinner celebrating your unforgettable journey.

Day 16: Departure

Meals: Breakfast

Bid farewell to your new friends and the beautiful Iberian Peninsula. Return home with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for wine, food, and culture.

Enhance Your Trip: Exclusive Optional Experiences

Porto Home-Hosted Experience

• Day 6 | Porto 

• $99.00 per person

Get a unique insight into Porto as you step inside the home of a local family, where you'll experience the irresistible aroma of traditional Portuguese cooking. Enjoy the warmth and hospitality of your hosts, who welcome you into their cozy, inviting home on the outskirts of Porto. Savor a homemade meal, perfectly seasoned with laughter, paired with exquisite Portuguese wine.

Seaside Villages to Mountainside Palaces

• Day 4 | Lisbon 

• $70.00 per person

Escape the bustle of Lisbon for a visit to the charming seaside village of Ericeira, renowned for its surf culture and coastal beauty. Stroll through the quaint town with your Tour Manager before heading to Sintra (UNESCO World Heritage), the summer residence of Portuguese royalty. Explore the Old Town, then wander the romantic pathways of the Park of Monserrate, where you'll discover lakes, waterfalls, and a palace created by a 19th-century British visionary.

Portuguese Musical Traditions with Dinner

• Day 3 | Lisbon 

• $130.00 per person

Fado is a UNESCO World Heritage art form that embodies the soulful essence of Portugal through heartfelt music. Experience a live Fado performance in one of Lisbon's renowned Fado restaurants while enjoying a three-course candlelit dinner, complete with regional Portuguese cuisine and wine. This unforgettable evening immerses you in the country's cultural heart and is a must-do when visiting Portugal.

Bonjour to France: Bayonne & Biarritz

• Day 15 | San Sebastián 

• $60.00 per person

Cross the border to France with a visit to Bayonne, known for its medieval architecture, half-timbered houses, and rich chocolate-making history. Indulge in the city's famed chocolates before continuing to Biarritz, a charming seaside town known for its beaches, surf culture, and scenic lighthouse. Explore Les Halles, the city's vibrant market, and enjoy free time for lunch and shopping before returning to San Sebastián through picturesque Basque villages.

Multiple Tour Dates Available

For specific dates, pricing, and current promotions, please inquire within. We’d be happy to provide all the details to help you plan your perfect trip!