Portugal and Spain Wine Discovery

Porto Exploration

This morning, meet your private driver guide at the hotel and set our for a private guided walking and tasting tour of the historic center of Porto. As you set on this discovery along the ancient streets and medieval lanes you will visit some of the most important monuments of Porto such as the São Bento train station, a neoclassic jewel, and the stunning Porto Cathedral which dates back to the 12th century. You will also have the opportunity to visit the historic Lello bookstore, known for its beautiful interior, including a stunning wooden staircase and stained glass windows.

In the bustling and colorful squares and the unique cafés, you will discover the authentic heart of Porto in its people and its food. During your tour, you will make 2 stops for tastings of local gourmet products in traditional shops. Some of the delicacies you may try include gourmet canned sardines, Portuguese sparkling wine, cured meats, olives, bread, cheese and wine from the Douro Valley.

Enjoy your touring until early afternoon, and either make your way back to your hotel or spend the rest of the day exploring Porto at your leisure.

Porto

Capital and gateway to the North of Portugal, Porto is both the city that provided a nation with a name and a fortified wine famous world-wide: Port Wine. With its splendid geographical location on the mouth of the river Douro and an architectural heritage of exceptional quality, the historic centre of Porto is a World Heritage Property declared by UNESCO. Its hard-working inhabitants are noted for their commercial enterprise, always standing firm against outside impositions and foreign invaders, which explains why Porto has become known as the “unvanquished” city. When discovering Porto, you will find a traditional welcoming and conservative environment, but also a contemporary and artistic city. This is shown in the streets, in the architecture, monuments and museums, and in the lively terraces, restaurants and leisure areas.

Minho Touring

You will be greeted by your private driver at your hotel today after check out and together set out to the Minho region in Northern Portugal.

A scenic drive will bring you to the the city of Guimarães for a self guided visit of the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site. For Portuguese people, Guimarães has a very special symbolic value, for it was in a field close to the walls of its castle that Afonso Henriques began the process that would lead to the foundation of the Kingdom of Portugal, of which he was to become the first king in 1143. The castle’s presence evokes the exciting mixture of legend, poetry and heroism that surrounds the beginning of Portuguese history.

Afterwards, you will head to the Minho Region where you will be welcomed to an estate such as Casa de Sezim, a highly regarded Vinho Verde wine producer. The estate is a beautiful example of traditional Portuguese architecture, featuring a grand manor house that dates back to the 18th century and includes 80 acres of lush vineyards and beautiful gardens. Casa de Sezim is renowned for its production of high-quality Vinho Verde wines, made from a blend of traditional grape varieties that are grown on the estate's vineyards.

You will be guided by the owner to the vineyards, adega (cellar), and manor house with its rich interiors before enjoying a commented wine tasting. Afterwards sit down to lunch at the manor with recipes of regional cuisine, and served by the warm tradition of the house.

After lunch you will make your way towards the Douro, where you will stop at the 2006 wine maker of the year, Alves de Sousa.

Alves de Sousa is a renowned winery with a history that dates back several generations. The winery's vineyards span across steep slopes and terraced hillsides, allowing for optimal sun exposure and drainage, which contribute to the development of high-quality grapes and exceptional wines. There is a range of wines produced here, including red, white, and fortified wines. Their red wines are often rich and full-bodied, with deep color, complex aromas, and elegant tannins. The white wines are known for their freshness, vibrant acidity, and expressive fruit flavors. The winery's fortified wines, such as Port and Moscatel, offer a delightful balance of sweetness and complexity. Enjoy a private tasting of 5 wines.

Later this afternoon, your guide will deliver you to your hotel for check in.

Additional Options for Day 3

Six Senses Douro Valley - Quinta River Room

Set on a hill boasting views of the terraced vineyards of the UNESCO World Heritage Douro valley and the Douro River, this newly renovated 19th century manor house offers guests therapeutic spa retreats, wine tastings and a mirror-effect outdoor infinity pool. Enfolded by a philosophy of creating experiences while concerning about the environment in which it is inserted, Six Senses Douro Valley combines elegance with the reality and history of the region, boasting a décor based on natural materials such as wood and stone. Rooms at the Six Senses feature contemporary interiors, are air-conditioned, have a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a private bathroom with bath, a rain shower and free toiletries.

Vintage House Hotel - Junior Suite

The Vintage House is located in the heart of the Douro Region, classified as UNESCO World Heritage and in the oldest demarcated wine region in the World. This magnificent hotel, which used to house a former 19th Century winery, lies within an idyllic and tranquil riverside setting, surrounded by hills and mountains covered with vines. The hotel is of classic design, with elegant, sophisticated and comfortable interiors. At The Vintage House, you will find rooms and suites that all have their own unique views overlooking the river Douro, providing plenty of sunlight and beautiful sunsets.

Douro Valley Exploration

After breakfast this morning, you’ll be rejoined by your private guide as we set out for a charming day in the vineyards and rolling hills of the Douro Valley.

You will be welcomed this morning at at Extra Virgin Olive Oil producer. During your visit, you will have the opportunity to learn about the olive oil production process, from the cultivation and harvesting of olives to the extraction and bottling of the oil. You will also be treated to a tasting.

Enroute to our next stop, we will make a few stops in the quaint mountain villages of the area, such as Provesende, as well as incredible view points for photos.

Our next visit will be to the Quinta do Crasto wine estate, which is considered to be one of the top wine producers in Portugal.

A member of the famous Quinta do Crasto will be pleased to receive you for a visit to the vineyards and wine cellars, followed by a taste of its red Douro wines and Ports (Late Bottle Vintage and Vintage). This ancestral Quinta with 130 hectares is located in the Cima Corgo area of the Demarcated Region of Douro in the right bank of the Douro River. It is planted with 60 hectares of excellent vineyards, some almost eighty years old. This special visit will allow you to discover one of the mythical wine estates of the Douro Valley, considered to be one of the 3 top Portuguese wine producers.

A private lunch will be set outside by their house and vineyards, with an astonishing view of the river and valley. The main dish is the famous country duck rice with Crasto wines.

After the visit, if of interest, stop by the Museum of Foz Coa (tickets to be purchased directly) for a self guided visit of the archaeological museum to observe the ancient petroglyphs. Your guide will return you to the hotel and the rest of the afternoon is yours to spend as you wish.

Upper Douro Valley Exploration

After breakfast, your guide will meet you at the hotel and escort you on the short walk to the Pinhao train station.

The Pinhão train station dates back to the early 20th century, a time when the Douro railway was used in good part to transport wines down to Porto, and no longer by river boats. The importance of the Pinhão station for wine transport and also for people made it one of the main stations along with Peso da Régua. Its bucolic location right by the river and Pinhão considered to be the “center” of the Douro, it was craftfully decorated with Portuguese Azulejo tiles, in a total of 3047 tiles that compose 24 panels that illustrate “Scenes of life in the Douro”.

Joined by your private guide for an immersive day in the Douro Valley, your day begins with a scenic train trip along the Douro railway. The Douro railway line is a remarkable engineering feat, completed in 1887, having twenty-six tunnels and thirty bridges. It is spectacular, as the train follows the side of the Douro River during tens of kilometres. From the train one can appreciate the most unknown and less visited winegrowing area of the World Heritage classified Douro.

After the train ride, you will be met at the station and transferred to a small village to meet with the staff from the Ervamoira Wine Estate.

You will have a guided visit to the Quinta of Ervamoira, its vineyards and to the Archaeological Ervamoira Museum located in the geographical heart of the Vale do Côa Archaeological Park and surrounded by the vineyards of a model estate of the Douro region. It offers a number of interesting historical sites and sites related to the wine producing activity of the Douro: Natural Heritage, Roman and Medieval Archaeological Heritage, Ethnographical Heritage, History of Casa Ramos Pinto, The Estates and the Wine Production of the Upper Douro, Oenoteque and Oenology and Archaeology Laboratory.

For lunch, indulge in a traditional menu with some local products and wines from the Ervamoira estate.

As your visit of the estate concludes this afternoon, your driver will transfer you back to your hotel where you can rest and relax before tonight’s activities.

This evening your driver will pick you up and transfer you to a family wine estate. Enjoy a unique experience of a hands-on cooking lesson, with the owner of the estate, the Viscountess Maria Manuel and learn how to make some of the delicious dishes of Casa Viscondes Várzea in the old kitchen of 1804. At the family hotel of Viscondes da Varzea, in the heart of the countryside of Lamego region of Douro, local cuisine is famous in Portugal and slow-cooking can be taken in a serious manner. Dinner and its preparation will include a full Douro meal.

Douro to Galicia

This morning after check out, your driver will meet you at your hotel for your transfer to Galicia.

Enroute, we will stop for lunch and a tasting at a Vinho Verde wine producer such as, Quinta do Soalheiro. A renowned winery in the Vinho Verde region in northern Portugal, the estate is known for producing exceptional Alvarinho wines that are highly regarded for their quality and distinct character. João António Cerdeira first planted Alvarinho vineyards on the estate in the 1970s, before the grape was widely cultivated, and became a pioneer in its production as he perfected the wine making techniques. The wines are known for their vibrant acidity, elegant structure, and intense aromas of citrus fruits, tropical notes, and floral nuances. Whether in the form of still wines or sparkling varieties, Quinta do Soalheiro's Alvarinho wines consistently exhibit a remarkable balance between freshness, complexity, and aging potential.

Afterwards, we will continue on our way to Galicia where you will be delivered to your hotel for check in.

Galicia Wine Touring

Meet your guide at your hotel this morning for a day of touring in Galicia.

We will consider 2 of the following wineries in the area to visit which may include:

Bodegas Martín Códax: one of the most well-known wineries in the Rías Baixas region, who specialize in producing high-quality Albariño wines

Pazo de Señoráns: Situated in the village of Meis, just a short drive from Cambados, Pazo de Señoráns is a family-owned winery with a long-standing tradition of Albariño production. The winery is known for its commitment to organic and sustainable practices.

Adega Valmiñor: Located in the town of O Rosal, which is a bit further from Cambados but still within reach, Adega Valmiñor is a winery that produces a range of wines, including Albariño. They have a modern facility and during the tour will provide insights into their winemaking techniques and the unique terroir of the O Rosal sub-zone.

Bodegas Terras Gauda: Situated in the town of O Rosal as well, Bodegas Terras Gauda is a renowned winery known for its innovative approach to winemaking. In addition to Albariño, they also produce other grape varieties such as Loureiro and Caiño Blanco.

After the tasting, you will be welcomed for lunch at one of the wineries.

Later, we will make our way to Cambados, a charming historical fishing village and the capital of Albariño wine. The town has a rich history that dates back to ancient times, with evidence of human settlement in the area dating back to the pre-Roman era. One of the main highlights of Cambados is its historic quarter, which has been designated a Historic-Artistic Site. Strolling through the narrow streets of the old town, admire the well-preserved traditional Galician architecture, with granite houses, charming squares, and picturesque alleys. The most emblematic building in Cambados is the Pazo de Fefiñáns, a stunning manor house that showcases Galician nobility and is surrounded by beautiful gardens.

You will be returned to your accommodations later this afternoon.

After checking out of your accommodation, meet your private driver who will transfer you to the airport for your departing flight.

Recommended flight:

Vueling VY1387 2:30PM 3:35PM

Welcome to Bilbao! On arrival, you will be met by our representative

Enjoy a visit outside the Guggenheim Museum, designed by architect Frank Gehry who also designed the hotel and wine spa for the winery Marques de Riscal. The Guggenheim is a symbol of what modern architecture is about and is the most emblematic modern building in Spain. It is responsible for the transformation of Bilbao from industrial city a into classy tourist destination.

This unique Museum, built on a 32,500-square meter site in the center of Bilbao, represents an amazing construction feat. On one side, it runs down to the waterside of the Nervión River, 16 meters below the rest of the city of Bilbao, and on the other side it is pierced through by the huge Puente de La Salve, one of the main access routes into the city. The perfect setting: architecture for Art's sake.

Time permitting, we will stop in Getaria, a small coastal town in the Basque Country region of Spain. Situated on the Bay of Biscay and is surrounded by beautiful hills and mountains and is known for its picturesque old town, which features narrow streets and historic buildings, including the Gothic-style Church of San Salvador. It's also famous for its seafood, particularly its grilled sardines, which are a local specialty.

One of the main attractions of Getaria is the Balenciaga Museum, which is dedicated to the life and work of the famous fashion designer, Cristóbal Balenciaga, who was born in the town. The museum houses a collection of Balenciaga's designs, as well as temporary exhibitions related to fashion and design.

After your visit you will be transferred to your accommodation in San Sebastian for check in.

San Sebastian to Rioja via Navarra

After breakfast, check out and meet your local driver guide. Together set out together on the road to La Rioja.

En route, you will travel via the Navarra Region where you will be welcomed at Bodega such as Otazu. Traditionally associated with the production of crisp, fruit-driven rosé, Navarra is beginning to attract attention for its high-quality red wines made mainly from the Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grape varieties.

Bodega Otazu is located in an idyllic setting not far from Pamplona, the winemaking tradition here dates back to the Middle Ages. Its extraordinary masterpieces of contemporary art highlight the natural beauty of a vineyard certified with the highest category in Spain: Protected DO Pago wines. Enjoy a tour of the Bodega and tasting of their wines with a light lunch.

Continuing to La Rioja, visit the Culture of Wine Museum, Dinastía Vivanco in Briones, a unique and historic location in the Rioja Alta. Situated in the heart of the vineyards adjacent to their Bodega, this is one of the largest wine museums in the world and has amazing views of the town of Briones.

Afterwards, your guide will transfer you to your accommodation to check in.

La Rioja Wine Discovery

Today, meet your local guide at your hotel and together depart for a day exploring La Rioja.

This morning you will be welcomed for a visit and tasting at a local producer such as Muga, one of the classical wineries of Rioja. The Muga family has been making their wines since 1932. They are located in the old station district on the outskirts of Haro - the historical site of the most prestigious bodegas in La Rioja. They follow traditional methods, using oak through and through, carrying out the entire process, including the aging and fermentation stages in oak. The excellence and high quality of their wines are rewarded by recognition and prestige in the most demanding markets both nationally and internationally.

Continue to an estate such as Amaren, meaning "of the mother" in Basque. The first wine under this label appeared in 1995 as a tribute to Ángeles, mother of winemaker Juan Luis Cañas. This was the beginning of what in 2016 became a whole winery, Bodegas Amaren. The estate is comprised of some of Rioja Alavesa’s best and highest altitude vineyards, where the soil is poor and produces small bunches, perfect for making highly concentrated Rioja wines. The vineyard-zone stretches over an area of 65 hectares, where ancient vine plants of 35 to 110 years old are cultivated.

A traditional Riojan lunch, either at a winery or in a local restaurant, will give you more opportunities to taste the wonderful Riojan wines. Typical Riojan dishes include potatoes or bean soup with chorizo (paprika sausage), roasted lamb chops where sarmientos (dry grape vine branches) are used to roast the meat giving it a unique and delicious flavor, meat stew cooked with wine, cod with peppers and tomatoes and many more.

This afternoon, visit a third producer or alternatively visit the medieval village of Laguardia, encircled by 13th-century walls. Under the stone paved streets and homes of Laguardia, it is full of old subterranean bodegas, and over them there are many historic monuments and sites, like the Gothic facade of Santa Maria de los Reyes church from the 14th century.

Your guide will return you to the hotel after your final visit.

Rioja to Ribera del Duero

This morning, after breakfast check out the hotel and depart with your guide towards Ribera del Duero.

En route, Enjoy a final tasting of Rioja wines with a visit to a producer such as Valenciso Winery, a small family winery making only reserve wines. After fifteen years of shared work in a prestigious and centenarian cellar of Rioja with strong international presence. Tempranillo grapes from old vineyards with low yields, new barriques - predominantly French oak - having one third renewed annually, cork "flor" quality - the highest level - and a long savoir faire marked by fondness and dedication only applicable to small cuvées.

After your visit, you will be welcomed to a bodega or a traditional restaurant in the area for a tapas lunch to be served with wine.

Continuing on, stop to explore Burgos, the provincial capital of Castile and León. The city is famous for its intact medieval architecture with the most recognizable landmark being the Gothic Cathedral of St. Mary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Work began on the Cathedral in 1221 and continued until 1795. Boasting no fewer than 38 altarpieces, countless chapels, ornate religious imagery, and of course, being the final resting place of the legendary El Cïd, the cathedral is outstanding for the elegance and harmony of its architecture.

Later this afternoon, you will be transferred to your hotel in Ribera for check-in and to settle into your new surroundings.

Additional Options for Day 11

Monasterio de Valbuena - Double Room with Spa Access

Located on exclusive grounds on the Golden Mile of the Ribera del Duero, the Monastery of Santa María de Valbuena has renovated more than 18,000 square meters of historic buildings. The Castilla Termal Monasterio de Valbuena hotel has a famous spa with its thermal waters. All rooms retain the charm and elegance of the 12th century monastery where they are located. This hotel has air-conditioned rooms with a flat-screen TV. Some rooms include a seating area. All rooms are enabled with private bathroom. Bathrobes and slippers are provided.

Ribera del Duero Discovery

After enjoying breakfast this morning, meet your guide at your accomodation and set out together to explore the Ribera del Duero region.

Throughout the day, you will be welcomed to two bodegas to discover the wines of Ribera. Some of our favorite producers we will consider for todays tastings include:
• Bodegas Territorio Luthier - A family run estate founded in 2007. Today they are elaborating some of the most interesting wines with the variety 100% Tempranillo with some plots of vines older than 60 years. They produce very particular wines as Hispania, which ages just in Spanish oak, Crianza or Lara O Pro, consider one of the best wines of Spain elaborated with Tempranillo. Its owners Cristina and Fernando will be delighted to accompany you on a visit throughout the winery to bring you the magic of their most special wines.
• Tinto Pesquera - A pioneer in Tempranillo winemaking methods. In 1972, Alejandro Fernández and his wife Esperanza licensed their bodega in Pesquera and was the beginning of establishing Ribera del Duero as one of Spain’s top wine regions.
• Valsotillo Winery - This is a traditional family winery with subterranean cellars from the XVII century. Founder Ismael Arroyo is a well known figure in the region for his striking Tempranillo. This small winery is one of the most attractive in the region because it holds an impressive 17th century year old gallery dug in the mountain, which is currently used as excellent aging cellar. Often the owners will be there to welcome you and show you the winery or accompany you during the wine tasting.

Enjoy a traditional lunch with roast lamb paired with wines in a restaurant or set in a winery.

This afternoon visit one of the medieval villages in Ribera del Duero, such as Peñafiel, its castle and the Plaza Del Coso. Peñafiel Castle was built in the 15th century by don Pedro Girón, master of the Calatrava Order. It is made of Campaspero stone in the German Gothic style however it is unusual among the castles in the Valladolid area, due to the architect's need to adapt the structure to the land.

After your lovely day of tasting Ribera wines, return to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Ribera del Duero to Madrid

Check out this morning and depart with your guide towards Madrid.

On your way to Madrid you will stop in the millenary town of Segovia declared World Heritage by UNESCO, where you will admire the two thousand year old roman aqueduct (best preserved in the world), the astonishing castle (Alcazar), the cathedral and the old quarters. And then you can have lunch in one of the best asadores (restaurant specialized in roasting meat) of Segovia where you can tray the famous tender suckling pig, the traditional dish in Segovia.

The aqueduct declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985. Is thought to have been built, from the second half of the first century to the early 2nd century CE under the Emperors Vespasian and Trajan in order to carry the water of the River Acebeda to the city. This impressive work of engineering, still in excellent condition. There is no mortar or cement between the 20,400 blocks of stone, which remain standing solidly in a perfect balance of forces. The highest point of the construction is on Plaza del Azoguejo, where it is 28.10 m high, with a total of 167 arches.

Continue to Madrid after lunch (about 1h 15 min). Your guide will deliver you to your hotel for check in.

Later this evening, join a small group tapas tour for dinner. A private tapas tour can be arranged, if you wish.

On Your Own Arrangements

After breakfast and check out this morning, enjoy the rest of your time in Spain on your own arrangements.