Portugal & North of Spain

Overnight flight from the USA to Lisbon, Portugal.

Arrival in Lisbon. Afternoon city tour of Lisbon. Explore the Belém quarter to see beautiful and historical monuments from the 15th and 16th centuries. Stop at the Belém Tower—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the point of departure of some of the Portuguese maritime explorations. See the nearby Monument to the Discoveries. Enter the Jerónimos Monastery—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of the “Manueline” style. Welcome dinner (2 Nights)

Day trip to the ancient village of Sintra (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the favorite summer residence of the kings of Portugal. Walking tour in the luxuriant and mysterious Pena Park. Explore the National Palace which dates from the 14th century. Especially beautiful are the wonderful azulejos (colored glazed tiles) from the 15th and 16th centuries that decorate the various halls, patios, and Royal Chapel of the palace. Return to Lisbon via Cascais by the ocean and enjoy a seafood lunch overlooking Guincho beach, the westernmost beach in Europe.

Depart for Porto stopping in the fishing village of Nazaré. The lovely cove is protected by high cliffs, atop which the Sítio da Nazaré– reachable by lift –offers a memorable view. Next, stop in Coimbra to explore this historic university town, one of the oldest in Europe, and the first capital of Portugal. Continue to Porto for overnight. (3 Nights)

City tour of Porto, the second city of Portugal and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover the riverside area, old houses, palaces, churches that history has made eternal and Port wine, known worldwide. See the Saint Francis church and the Bolsa Palace. The remainder of the afternoon is free.

Drive to Pinhao and take a rabelo for a one hour cruise on the Douro River. A cruise along the Douro River is full of unforgettable experiences of the Douro Valley region with slopes covered with vineyards.

Morning transfer to Santiago de Compostela stopping in Viana do Castelo one of the most beautiful cities in the north of Portugal known for its involvement in the Portuguese discoveries. Cross the border over to Spain and travel to Cambados known for its full body and fruity Albariño wine. After lunch, continue to Santiago de Compostela. (2 Nights)

Explore the city of Santiago de Compostela a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its monumental beauty, extraordinary conservation, and fame as the final destination of a thousand- year-old pilgrim route. The Renaissance and the majestic Baroque styles characterize the city’s architecture including granite monasteries, pilgrim hospitals, numerous churches, stately houses, and squares, where time almost stands still.

Fly to Bilbao a commercial hub, and an important port. Guided tour of the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao designed by Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry. The museum is a magnificent example of groundbreaking 20th-century architecture. The museum’s galleries are devoted to modern and contemporary art, including the monumental sculpture, “The Matter of Time.” (3 Nights)

San Sebastián one of the most renowned European towns known for its beautiful setting and food culture. This is an area of tiny coastline fishing villages off the beaten path with beautiful vistas, colorful ports, golden beaches, and green hills. Explore the charming Old Town and the Parisian style Romantic Center filled with beautiful buildings from the 19th century. Try the many food treasures of San Sebastian pintxos famous for its culinary bites ranging from the original slice of bread piled with food, to tiny miniature haute cuisine creations.

Travel for the day to La Rioja. This region is well known for its wines under the brand Origen Rioja. Tour the Ysios winery in Laguardia (wine tasting), and Marques de Riscal winery (including lunch and wine tasting) at its famous restaurant, a work of art created by renowned architect Frank O.Gehry. Tonight, gather for a farewell dinner.

Transfer to Bilbao’s International Airport for flights back to the U.S. or continue on Barcelona Extension.

Travel to Barcelona, one of the most beautiful and vibrant cities of Spain known as the capital of Catalan Art Nouveau. See the Barcelona Pavilion, a study in minimalism built for the 1929 International Exposition, and then explore the Sagrada Familia, a spectacular basilica, and the bizarre Park Guell, both designed by Gaudí. Visit the city’s Gothic Quarter, with its labyrinth of winding streets. Explore the Central Market, also known as La Boqueria. (3 Nights)