Worldwide Destinations
Freedom To Wander
Flavors of Portugal & Spain
With just 12-24 passengers, these are the personal adventures that today's cultural explorers dream of. Lisbon, Tomar, Porto, Port Wine Tastings, Douro River Valley, Douro River Cruise, Salamanca, La Rioja & Pamplona are just a few of the many amazing sites you will be experiencing on this beautiful tour.
With just 12-24 passengers, these are the personal adventures that today's cultural explorers dream of. Lisbon, Tomar, Porto, Port Wine Tastings, Douro River Valley, Douro River Cruise, Salamanca, La Rioja & Pamplona are just a few of the many amazing sites you will be experiencing on this beautiful tour.
FOODIE TOUR THROUGH PORTUGAL AND SPAIN WITH A DAY IN FRANCE
HIGHLIGHTS
Lisbon
Tomar
Porto
Port Wine Tastings
Douro River Valley
Douro River Cruise
Salamanca
La Rioja
Pamplona
Bullfighter's Home Experience
San Sebastián
Choice on Tour: Zumaia and Getaria Villages or Coastal Saint James Way Hike
Bilbao
Guggenheim Museum
Experience It!
The Douro River Valley - Home to seemingly endless rows of flourishing grapes, the Douro River Valley is a prominent wine region in Portugal. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has been producing wine for an estimated 2,000 years. However, it wasn’t until the 18th century that the region started creating its famous port wine. Traditionally, the barrels of wine were transported down the river by means of a wooden rabelo boat. These flat-bottomed boats would carry wine from the vineyards into the surrounding regions. Stay in the heart of the region at one of the many quintas, an estate of various vines and fruit groves. When the rolling green hills of the valley are paired with the ambling river beside them, it creates a compelling combination that will have you wishing to stay forever.
Upgrade your in-flight experience with Elite Airfare Additional
Premium Economy $1,590.00
Business Class $4,490.00
* Elite Air pricing (Premium Economy, Business Class or First class) is valid until 8 months prior to departure, after which rates are subject to change and will be quoted based upon availability.
* All Rates are Per Person and are subject to change
Single Supplement Price $8,199.00
Double Supplement Price $6,899.00 per person
Day One
Overnight Flight - Sparkling coastlines… historic cityscapes… mouthwatering cuisine… aromatic wine… Northern Portugal and Spain await you with open arms for the journey of a lifetime.
Day Two
Lisbon, Portugal - Arrive in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. Perched on seven hills, Lisbon glistens like a treasure and enchants travelers with its laid-back charm. At a local restaurant, meet your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner to officially kick off an experience-rich adventure.
DDay Three
Lisbon - Good morning, Lisboa! Start your day with a walk to the public funicular to hop on and ride to the upper side of the downtown area. Meander through historic neighborhoods, hearing stories that bring the city – and its colorful neighborhoods – to life. Walk to the Chiado neighborhood, embracing its bohemian vibe en route to a local cafe and a tasting of typical Portuguese foods with a light petiscos lunch. After, your journey takes you to the best view of Praça do Comercio in downtown Lisbon, one of the biggest squares in Europe. This gorgeous square boasts colorful artwork and sculptures. Enjoy time to explore on your own 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.
FB, LDay Four
Lisbon - 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. This evening, dinner is accompanied by an Impact Moment as you learn how the restaurant supports people experiencing homelessness through catering training.
FB, DDay Five
Lisbon - Tomar - Porto - 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 andscape of wild pine trees as you leave Tomar and embark on a two-and-a-half-hour drive to Portugal’s second largest city.
FB, DDay Six
Porto - 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.
FBDay Seven
Porto - Douro Valley - 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.
FB, DDay Eight
Douro - Spend a relaxed morning enjoying the grounds of the winery. Then, roll up your sleeves for a cooking class – and of course, dine on your creations: a light lunch of petiscos, or Portuguese tapas. After, visit the Douro Museum to learn about the history, culture, and flavors found in the Douro wine region. Return to your hotel and enjoy the end of the day on your own.
FB, LDay Nine
Douro - Salamanca, Spain - Depart the Douro wine region and cross the border into Spain! Head to an olive grove and learn about this family-owned business. Try their unique olive oil during a light lunch before departing for Salamanca. End your day with an orientation walk to help you find your preferred spot for dinner on your own.
FB, LDay Ten
Salamanca - 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.
FBDay Eeven
Salamanca - Burgos - La Rioja - 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.
FB, DDay Twelve
La Rioja - Pamplona - La Rioja - 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 the Marques de Riscal Winery nestled in the center 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.
FBDay Thirteen
La Rioja - Bilbao - San Sebastián - Head to Bilbao and take a walking tour of Bilbao’s old town where you can find historic old churches, festive markets, and quintessential Spanish squares. Then visit the worldrenowned Guggenheim Museum, set along the Nervion River and hailed as an icon of architectural culture with its contemporary design. See some of the modern art housed inside its fascinating walls. Enjoy some free time before continuing to San Sebastián.
FBDay Fourteen
San Sebastián - Are your shoes made for walking? Today, set off for an extensive walking tour of San Sebastián, 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. Then 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 center, enjoying a healthy, scenic experience in this beautiful destination. Lastly you can choose to stay in San Sebastián to relax or further explore on your own!
FBDay Fifteen
San Sebastián - The day is yours to explore! San Sebastián is a great spot for shoppers and foodies alike, and there is plenty to see and do in this coastal city. Or perhaps you will join an optional day trip and say bonjour to France, exploring the medieval charm of Bayonne and the eclectic summer village of Biarritz. Tonight, toast to a wonderful trip with your fellow travelers during a farewell dinner featuring savory Spanish flavors.
FB, DDay Sixteen
San Sebastián - Tour Ends - Today, your tour of Portugal and Spain comes to a close – all of the wonderful memories will truly be the best souvenirs.
FBFB=Full Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
Suggested Packing
-Casual Clothing that can be mixed and layered
-Comfortable walking shoes
-Hat and Sunscreen
-Cash and Credit Cards (Only those needed)
-Medicine and spare prescriptions
-Extra glasses and/or contacts
-Book, Word Search and/or Crossword Puzzle
-Binoculars
-Seat Cushions and/or Blanket (If attending a parade or show)
-Ear plugs and sleep mask
-Mini-Sewing Kit
-Toiletries and Tissues
-Chargers for devices (Cell phones, Tablets, etc.)
-Extra Memory Cards (Digital Cameras) or Extra Film
Activity Level 3
This travel experience is perfect for those who want to see everything their destination has to offer. With the ability to navigate hills and uneven ground (1-2 hours with little difficulty), as well as climb into various modes of transportation, you'll be able to explore every corner of your destination without missing a thing. Plus, with some longer days balanced with free time to recharge or set out on your own adventure, you'll have the perfect harmony of flexibility and exploration.
Optional Tours | Price is Per Person
Lisbon - Portuguese Musical Traditions with Dinner - Fado | The perfect blend of voice and guitar. A shawl, a guitar, a voice and heartfelt emotion – these are the ingredients of Fado, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Patrimony, as a celebrated form of world music that captures what it is to be Portuguese. No one knows quite how Fado first came into being, but to this day Portugal's traditional music remains at the very heart of the country's culture. In one of Lisbon’s most popular Fado restaurants, professional performers entertain you while you enjoy a three course, candlelit dinner of regional Portuguese cuisine and wine. A Fado dinner and show is an experience that you simply have to include when visiting Portugal. Duration: Approximately 4 hours. Please note a minimum of 20 passengers is required. Transportation is included. $140.00 US per person
Seaside Villages to Mountainside Palaces |Take a step away from the bustling streets of Lisbon for an excursion to charming seaside Ericeira, once a thriving fishing village. This beach town is now world-renowned to surfers and that aesthetic can be seen everywhere from the coast to the cozy cafes. Take some time to tour the quaint downtown along with your Tour Manager. Next, explore the town of Sintra (UNESCO), the summer residence of Portuguese kings. Your Tour Manager will show you around the Old Town before letting you explore as you’d like. After, venture to one of the most notable Romanticism inspired landscapes in Portugal, the Park of Monserrate. Find the pathways running between the ruins, lakes and waterfalls into the property’s palace, which itself is the exotic dream of a 19th century British visionary. Duration: Approximately 7 hours. Please note a minimum of 10 passengers is required. Transportation is included. $70.00 US per person
Porto - Porto Home-Hosted Experience | Get a different perspective on Porto as you step across the threshold of your hosts’ home and inhale the tantalizing aroma of traditional Portuguese cooking. Enjoy the warm hospitality of a local family welcoming you with open arms. Feel like a local in their cozy, inviting home on the outskirts of Porto, and savor a homemade meal warmly seasoned with laughter and paired with delicious Portuguese wine. Duration: Approximately 4 hours. Please note a minimum of 10 passengers is required. Transportation is included. $99.00 US per Person
San Sebastian Bonjour to France - Bayonne & Biarritz | Say bonjour to France on a day trip featuring Bayonne and Biarritz. The city of Bayonne, in southwestern France, is famed for its medieval architecture, half-timbered houses, and delicious chocolate. Thanks to its proximity to Spain, where cocoa beans were first introduced back in the 16th century, the city played a pivotal role in the spread of chocolate throughout Europe and is known as the “chocolate capital of France.” Stroll past dozens of chocolate shops and satisfy your sweet tooth! Next, travel to Biarritz, known for its beautiful beaches, seaside casinos, and surf culture. Walk along the shore, taking in brilliant views of the sea, and discover a historic lighthouse that’s an impressive 144 feet (44m) tall. From the beach, head to Les Halles, the city’s bustling marketplace, and enjoy free time for lunch and plenty of people-watching. Later, start the coastal journey towards Saint Jean de Luz, passing through Basque villages filled with charming white houses with iconic red and green shutters. Sights of lush hills, soaring cliffs, and beautiful beaches accompany you back to San Sebastian. Duration: Approximately 6 hours. Transportation is included.
$60.00 US per person
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
| Name | Address |
|---|---|
| S/D Phoenix Sky Harbor | Self Drive-Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport |
