16 Day Tastes of Northern Spain and Portugal

DAY 1, Tuesday - Depart for Spain
Depart for Spain

DAY 2, Wednesday - Arrive in Bilbao
Arrive in Bilbao, situated in the heart of Spain's Basque Country, and transfer to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Spanish Tour Manager at approximately 7 PM. We recommend you select flights that arrive no later than 5 PM
Overnight: Bilbao

DAY 3, Thursday - Bilbao Walking Tour
Embark on a morning city tour of Bilbao to discover its rich history and dynamic architecture. Begin at Casco Viejo, the city's charming Old Quarter. View Plaza Nueva, a grand Neoclassical square surrounded by arcaded structures, and the 14th century Gothic Cathedral de Santiago with its Renaissance entryway. Stroll through the narrow cobblestone streets of the Seven Streets area, dating back to the early 1400s, lined with traditional pinxto bars and historic buildings. Explore the Ribera Market, one of the largest indoor markets in Europe, offering fresh produce, seafood, and local delicacies. Spend the remainder of the day discovering the city independently
Overnight: Bilbao
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4, Friday - Bay of Biscay, San Sebastian & Biarritz
Today's journey takes you to the enchanting Bay of Biscay, where you will explore the coastal gems of Biarritz and San Sebastian. Begin in San Sebastian, a vibrant city in Spain's Basque Country, known as the "Pearl of the Cantabrian Sea." The city is renowned for its culinary excellence and beautiful beaches. View the gorgeous architecture and flower-filled parks that dot the city. Continue to Biarritz, a glamorous seaside town in southwestern France, known for its elegant promenades. Once a fishing town, it was transformed into a resort for royalty in the 1800s. Later, head back to Bilbao
Overnight: Bilbao
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 5, Saturday - Full Day in Bilbao or Optional Full Day Bermeo, Guernica & Lekeitio Tour
Today is free to explore Bilbao at your own pace. Perhaps, participate in the optional Full Day Bermeo, Guernica & Lekeitio Tour. Embark on a delightful tour of Spain's Basque Country. Begin with a walking tour of Bermeo, a fishing village known for its colorful houses, historic harbor, and maritime heritage. View landmarks such as the Church of Santa Maria and the Fisherman's Museum. Continue to Mundaka, a coastal town located in the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve. The town's beaches are home to some of the best surfing in the world. Next, head to Guernica to visit the Peace Museum where you'll learn about the town's bombing during the Spanish Civil War. Conclude the tour with a visit to Lekeitio. View the Basilica of Santa María la Antigua, an imposing 14th century Gothic temple. Have free time before returning to Bilbao in the late afternoon
Optional: Full Day Bermeo, Guernica & Lekeitio Tour
Overnight: Bilbao
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 6, Sunday - Guggenheim Museum, Optional Home Hosted Dinner in Bilbao
Your day of exploration begins with a visit to the iconic Guggenheim Museum, a masterpiece of contemporary architecture designed by architect Frank O. Gehry. The structure is dominated by his inspired use of flowing canopies, ship shapes, towers, and flying fins, all gleaming with titanium tiles. It is considered one of the 20th century's most influential buildings. View an extensive collection of contemporary and avant-garde art, featuring works by acclaimed artists such as Jeff Koons, Richard Serra, Yves Klein, and Mark Rothko. The balance of the day is at leisure. Tonight, experience the warmth of Basque hospitality with an optional Home Hosted Dinner in Bilbao. Join a local family in their home and savor a delicious meal of traditional Basque dishes, made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Interact with the family and learn about their culture and traditions
Optional: Home Hosted Dinner in Bilbao (PM)
Overnight: Bilbao
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 7, Monday - Full Day in Bilbao or Optional Full Day La Rioja Region with Wine Tasting & Lunch
Spend the day at leisure or choose the optional Full Day La Rioja Region with Wine Tasting & Lunch. Take a captivating tour to the Rioja wine region, celebrated for its exceptional viticulture. Marvel at the scenery of green valleys, dramatic mountains, and picturesque villages as you approach the wine region of Rioja. Stop to visit Laguardia, a medieval town encircled by ancient stone walls. Perched on a hilltop, the town offers views of the surrounding vineyards and the Sierra de Cantabria. Stroll through the labyrinth of narrow alleys and view the impressive Santa Maria de los Reyes Church. Next, head to a traditional Spanish winery (bodega) and walk through the lush vineyards. Learn about the art of winemaking and explore the cellar where some of Spain's finest wines are aged. Sample a selection of Rioja wines and discover the distinctive flavors that set apart this wine region. Afterward, savor lunch featuring regional dishes. Arrive at your hotel in the late afternoon
Optional: Full Day La Rioja Region with Wine Tasting & Lunch
Overnight: Bilbao
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 8, Tuesday - Full Day in Bilbao or Optional Full Day Santander Tour
Spend the day at leisure in Bilbao, or join the optional Full Day Santander Tour. Journey to the coastal city of Pedreña and board a ferry boat for a scenic ride across the Bay of Santander*. On arrival, stroll through the famous gardens of the Paseo de Perada. Here, you'll find the Centro Botín de Arte and the headquarters of the Banco de Santander. View the Town Hall, Porticada Square, and the stunning Santander Cathedral of Santa María de la Asunción, a Gothic church from the 13th century. Next, explore the magnificent Magdalena Peninsula, home to Palacio de la Magdalena, a historic palace set amidst verdant gardens. Enjoy a ride on the tourist train that circles the peninsula, offering great views and easy access to its highlights before returning to Bilbao. Tonight, at dinner, bid farewell to your Spanish Tour Manager
Weather permitting.
Optional: Full Day Santander Tour
Overnight: Bilbao
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 9, Wednesday - Flight to Lisbon, Transfer to Tomar
Arrive in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, and transfer to the city of Tomar, renowned for its rich Templar heritage. Check into your hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure. This evening, attend an orientation meeting with your new Portuguese Tour Manager at approximately 7 PM, followed by a reception
Overnight: Tomar
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 10, Thursday - Tomar Walking Tour, Optional Half Day Constancia & Almourol Castle
Embark on a morning city tour of Tomar, a city shaped by centuries of history. Begin at the Convent of Christ, once the headquarters of the Knights Templar and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue through the Old Jewish Quarter, with its narrow lanes and preserved synagogue, offering a glimpse into the town's diverse past. Conclude with a walk along the banks of the Nabao River. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure or join the optional Half Day Constancia & Almourol Castle. Depart Tomar and travel to Constancia, a riverside town where whitewashed houses and winding cobblestone streets overlook the meeting of the Zezere and Tagus Rivers. Stroll through the town and soak in its tranquil atmosphere. Continue to Almourol Castle, a 12th century fortress built by the Knights Templar on a small island in the Tagus. Take a short boat ride to explore the castle, its rugged stone walls and hilltop setting offer panoramic views. Return to Tomar in the late afternoon
Optional: Half Day Constancia & Almourol Castle
Overnight: Tomar
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 11, Friday - Machado de Castro Museum, University of Coimbra, Casal de Sao Simao
Today's journey takes you to Coimbra, one of Portugal's most historic cities. Upon arrival, visit the acclaimed Machado de Castro Museum, housed in the former Bishop's Palace and renowned for its Roman cryptoporticus and extensive art collections. Continue to the University of Coimbra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through the courtyards and visit the Baroque Joanina Library with its gilded woodwork and vast collection of ancient volumes. Afterward, enjoy free time to explore in the Baixa district and to have lunch at your leisure. In the afternoon, visit the schist village of Casal de Sao Simao. Wander along its stone-paved alleys lined with traditional houses and learn about the preservation of these mountain communities before heading back to your hotel
Overnight: Tomar
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 12, Saturday - Full Day in Tomar or Optional Half Day Santarem with wine tasting and Lunch, Afternoon Lecture on Portuguese Tiles
Today is free to explore Tomar at your own pace. Perhaps, participate in the optional Half Day Santarem with wine tasting and lunch. Travel to Santarem today, the Gothic capital of Portugal. Begin at the Portas do Sol mirador where sweeping views stretch across the Tagus River and the fertile plains beyond. Take an orientation walk through the Old Town, admiring the striking Gothic facades of historical buildings and Portuguese azulejo tiles that adorn the streets. Continue to Quinta da Lagoalva, an estate with deep roots in the region's agricultural and wine making heritage. Learn about the history of Lagoalva as you explore its highlights, including the Sao Pedro Church, the Carriage Museum, the working stables, and the wine cellar. Savor a lunch of regional specialties paired with Lagoalva's own wines. Then walk through the estate's olive grove to discover the traditions and techniques behind Portugal's prized olive oil before returning to Tomar. In the afternoon, at your hotel, attend a lecture on traditional azulejos (decorative tiles). Learn about the history, symbolism, and techniques behind these works. Later, visit a local workshop to see skilled artisans at work, observing the tile-making process
Optional: Half Day Santarem with wine tasting and lunch
Overnight: Tomar
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 13, Sunday - Funicular to Sitio Viewpoint, Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazaré, São Martinho do Porto, Obidos, Ginginha Tasting
Your day of exploration begins with a visit to the fishing town of Nazare, known for its golden beaches and record-breaking waves. Board the funicular to the clifftop district of Sitio. Take in the ocean setting from the viewpoint before visiting the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazare, an important pilgrimage site steeped in legend. Enjoy free time to wander and have lunch on your own, perhaps sampling fresh seafood. Continue to the sheltered bay of Sao Martinho do Porto for a stroll along its waterfront. Next, travel inland to the town of Obidos, with its cobbled streets, whitewashed houses, and flower-bedecked balconies. Conclude the visit with a tasting of the town's famous cherry liqueur, Ginginha. Arrive back at the hotel in the late afternoon
Overnight: Tomar
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 14, Monday - Full Day in Tomar or Optional Half Day Fatima Tour, Optional Lisbon City Walking Tour with Dinner
Spend the day at leisure, or choose the optional Half Day Fatima Tour. This morning, set out on an excursion to Fatima, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Catholic world. Visit the humble homes of the three shepherd children who witnessed the apparitions in 1917. Continue to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, adorned with stained glass and mosaics, and the Chapel of the Apparitions, built in the very spot where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared. Conclude at the Basilica of the Holy Trinity, an architectural landmark that welcomes millions of pilgrims from around the world. In the afternoon, participate in the optional Lisbon City Walking Tour with dinner. Depart for Lisbon this afternoon, making a brief stop in Belem to savor the pastel de Belem, Portugal's beloved custard tart. Upon arrival at the capital, begin with a gentle walk to the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, offering views over Lisbon, followed by the nearby Miradouro da Graça. Descend through cobblestone streets, passing the Calçada da Amália, a tribute to fado singer Amália Rodrigues. Continue to St. George's Castle for a visit, then proceed toward St. Anthony's Church, said to be built on the birthplace of the saint. The walk continues through the Baixa district to Praça do Comércio, past the Santa Justa Elevator and into the bustling Praça do Rossio. Conclude with dinner at a local restaurant in Praça dos Restauradores, surrounded by the lively energy of Lisbon by night
Optional: Half Day Fatima Tour
Optional: Lisbon City Walking Tour with dinner
Overnight: Tomar
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 15, Tuesday - Marvao, Castelo de Vide
Depart Tomar and travel into Portugal's eastern hills, beginning in the town of Marvao. Perched high above the Alentejo plain, this walled village offers breathtaking panoramas and a step back into medieval history as you wander its narrow lanes and explore the castle which once guarded the border with Spain. Continue to the nearby town of Castelo de Vide, where you can stroll along the old Jewish Quarter with its historic synagogue and admire the architecture. There will be free time for lunch at your leisure before making the return journey to Tomar in the afternoon. Tonight, at dinner, bid farewell to your Tour Manager
Overnight: Tomar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 16, Wednesday - Depart Portugal
Transfer to the airport in Lisbon for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast