Explore Spain and Portugal like a true connoisseur — of both incredible sights and incredible wines! Visit the renowned Spanish vineyards of Penedès, Rioja, and Ribera del Duero, before diving into the vibrancy of Portugal, your gateway to the famed Douro Valley, the delicious port wines of Porto, and the gifts of the Alentejo region. Perfect for an Autumn getaway, this tasteful trip offers a unique chance to experience the diverse winemaking traditions, culture, and distinctive beauty of these two captivating countries.
- 3 Nights Barcelona
- 2 Nights Rioja
- 2 Nights Ribera del Duero
- 2 Nights Douro Valley
- 2 Nights Porto
- 3 Nights Lisbon
Itinerary
Day 1: Barcelona Arrival
¡Hola y bienvenidos! Your private driver will be waiting for you at the Airport, ready to transfer you to a hotel of your choice, where you are welcome to relax, grab some dinner, and have a glass (your first of many) of delightful Spanish wine.
Day 2: Wine & Cava Penedès Experience
Commence your wine journey by diving into the vibrant world of Cava and exploring the innovative techniques that make Penedès a pioneer in the sparkling wine industry. Visit two local wineries and sample 4 excellent wines and 4 amazing cava (Gran Reserva) paired with a wide variety of bites & tapas. Spend this insightful day exploring historic vineyards in a 4WD, delving into the processes of wine and cava manufacturing, and enjoying tastings with a professional oenologist!
Day 3: Half-Day Barcelona with Família
Embrace the cosmopolitan capital of Catalonia through its most intrinsic sights. Start with the divine Sagrada Família, where faith and architecture unite as one under Gaudi’s remarkable vision, before heading on a walk to discover the vibrant boulevard of Las Ramblas and the arcane appeal of the Gothic Quarter, as its medieval streets lead you to the grandeur of Saint James Square and King’s Square. Following your visit to the Cathedral of Barcelona and the esoteric Jewish Quarter, a panoramic drive will take you through Passeig de Gràcia and past more of Barcelona’s remarkable landmarks!
Day 4: Rioja – Elciego
Find yourself within the charming streets of a Elciego, a hidden gem whose heart beats with an esteemed passion for wine. Crowned by one of the world’s best vineyards, the Marqués de Riscal Winery, whose impressive architectural facade can only be rivalled by its winemaking pedigree, Elciego is the perfect place to experience progressive wine production while soaking up the vintage appeal and serene beauty of an authentic Spanish countryside town.
Day 5: Rioja
Explore Spain’s most famous wine region, known for its robust reds and elegant whites. See the sun dance off the leaves throughout the vineyards of two respected wineries, as you receive a masterclass in what makes Rioja wines so cherished and revered. Take your love and appreciation for wine to the next level as you learn about the terroir, discover the nuances of winegrowing, explore a network of 16th-century of hand-excavated caves, and of course, taste the celebrated notes that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the area as you bask in its beauty.
Day 6: Rioja to Ribera del Duero with stop in Burgos
Head over to Ribera del Duero, one of the red wine-producing regions in Spain, taking the opportunity to stop in the enchanting town of Burgos along the way. The home of El Cid, a legendary knight and Spain’s much celebrate national hero, Burgos is guaranteed to bring out your inner cavalier as well as dazzle with its Gothic architecture — which is represented at large by the famed Burgos Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site that stands with towering poise amidst the colourful charm of this Spanish jewel.
Day 7: Ribera del Duero
Ribera del Duero, the Heart of Tempranillo, or “Tinto fino” as it’s called by locals, is where every taste of the bold, full-bodied red wines of the region takes you back in time. Visit two wineries and break bread with the winemakers, tasting the traditional gastronomy and local produce, as they unveil their artisan way of production and invite you to explore their cellars. Made here for centuries, every harvest at Ribera del Duero carries with it a distinguished sense of viticultural heritage, which you are bound to recognize with every sip.
Day 8: Ribera del Duero to Douro Valley with stop in Toro
Commence your journey to Douro Valley, along which you will have a chance to stop for an essential wine tasting at the often-overlooked town of Toro. With robust red wines — particularly the Toro DO — serving as its calling card, the town is a best-kept-secret for wine lovers, with the immersive atmosphere of its medieval architecture and breathtaking views of the Douro River Valley serving as perfect compliments to its winemaking talents.
Day 9: Douro Valley Tour
Bask in the endless beauty and reverence of the oldest demarcated wine region in the world. Renowned just as much for its wines as the striking vistas of the vineyards that weave through its cascading hills, Douro Valley is a feast for both the eyes and the senses! Visit the prestigious Quintas and learn about the area’s celebrated varieties as you take in the refined atmosphere around you, feeling it add an extra layer of nuance to your wine degustation. Conclude your tour with a delightful cruise on the magnificent Douro River.
Day 10: Douro Valley to Porto
Today you will make you way to the dynamic city Porto, Portugal’s second largest metropolis, whose every fibre is enriched with deep historical legacy. Boasting one of the oldest city centres in Europe, Porto has hosted a multitude of cultures throughout the ages, with each carving their individual influences into its foundations — something that you will undoubtedly notice while traversing its enigmatic streets.
Day 11: Porto Walking Tour with Porto Wines
Discover Porto’s kaleidoscopic character through a unique tour that blends tradition and modernity. Start with a voyage along the Douro River and watch the city’s history unfold through its unmistakeable architecture and the engineering prowess of the six iconic bridges that span the route. Renowned for its Port wine — as good a claim to fame as any! — spend the second part of your day in the depths of Port wine cellar, where you will savour a selection of the city’s famous export, tasting its cultural essence within every glass.
Day 12: Porto – Lisbon with Coimbra & Óbidos
Meet your driver and head over to Lisbon in the most adventurous of ways, with opportunities to stop and explore the charming, historical town of Coimbra, and the medieval gem of Portugal, Óbidos. Marvel at the knowledge housed within over 200,000 books at the library of the esteemed University of Coimbra, admire the gorgeous chapel of Saint Michael, and bask in the town’s unique essence, before making your way to Óbidos and stepping within the walls of a fairytale town that blends quaint whitewashed charm with medieval temperament.
Day 13: Lisbon Half-Day Tour
Experience Lisbon’s colourful tones and charming aesthetics through its most iconic gems! Visit the old downtown district of Baixa –— tasting the famous Pastel de Nata (custard tart) along the way — see the amazing Rossio, Figueira and Comércio Squares, and get to know Chiado, the glamorous part of the city with its iconic cafés and shops. Finally, step into another cultural realm as you discover the secrets of Alfama, a hauntingly beautiful Moorish neighbourhood of Lisbon.
Day 14: Alentejo Gourmet Tour with Wine & Olive Oil Tasting
Prepare your taste buds for overload as this 8-hour guided tour takes you on an epicurean pilgrimage through the scenic plains of the Alentejo region. Upon leaving Lisbon you will head to the prestigious Cartuxa winery, to immerse yourself in the world of winemaking and savour the exquisite flavours that you’ve learned so much about. After tasting some traditional, locally sourced Alentejo culinary offerings with a lunch at Fialho in Évora, surprise your palette with an immersive olive oil tasting at “O Amor é Cego”, before returning to Lisbon with a wealth of flavours to reminisce about.
Day 15: Departure
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Airport, to catch your departure flight home —perhaps with a few bottles of Spain’s and Portugal’s finest coming with you in your luggage!