Northern Spain and Portugal

An exciting adventure awaits as we leave the familiar behind and fly overnight to the captivating city of Madrid.

Upon our morning arrival, we use a private shuttle to reach our 4-star hotel. Once there, we’ll get comfortable and ready for an unforgettable journey. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to either explore or relax. At 7 p.m., we come together with fellow travelers and our Tour Director for a welcome dinner, setting the stage for the incredible experiences that lie ahead.

Following breakfast, we head north from Madrid towards Burgos. Along the way, we’ll make a stop at Bodegas Portia, a winery situated in the heart of Ribera del Duero and designed by the renowned architectural studio Foster & Partners. This winery offers a delightful opportunity to acquaint ourselves with Spanish wines and experience moments of awe. Following a satisfying lunch, we’ll continue to Burgos, where you’ll have the chance to explore the city and take a tour of its stunning Gothic Cathedral.

Leaving Burgos, our next stop is the Basque jewel of San Sebastian. En route, we’ll pause in Haro, the capital of La Rioja, another notable wine region of Spain. Here, you’ll have the chance to explore one of its numerous wineries and immerse yourself in the local culture, especially if you have a passion for wine. Following lunch, our journey will carry on to San Sebastian, a city known not only for its picturesque setting with a Bayfront promenade and charming architecture but also for being acclaimed as “The Food Capital of the World.”

Following breakfast, we’ll embark on a city tour of this coastal town. Get ready to savor a day of freedom in San Sebastian, a haven for food enthusiasts. Delve into a gastronomic adventure exploring Michelin-starred restaurants and culinary masterpieces that compete with the best worldwide. For instance, Mugaritz is acknowledged as one of the top 5 restaurants globally. To savor all these delectable offerings, we’ll carefully plan our day. So, loosen your belts!

Our adventure proceeds to Bilbao, the capital of the Basque region. We will embark on a walking tour of the city and have the opportunity to visit the Guggenheim Museum, an architectural masterpiece designed by Frank Gehry. Following lunch, we’ll journey to Santander, allowing us ample time to explore this picturesque coastal city before enjoying dinner. Furthermore, we can choose to extend our evening by testing your luck at the magnificent Grand Casino (please be sure to bring appropriate attire if you wish to enter).

After breakfast we’ll enjoy a guided exploration of Santander’s treasures followed by leisure time to bask by the beach or discover the city’s hidden gems on our own.

Following breakfast, we will head to one of Spain’s most captivating towns, Santillana del Mar, where a blend of history and hidden courtyards awaits. Later, if we can be persuaded to leave this enchanting village, we’ll continue our journey to the spiritual oasis of Covadonga—a magical place recognized as the cradle of Spain, commemorating the Battle of Covadonga in 718. As evening approaches, we’ll reach Aviles, where a former 18th-century palace will serve as your 5-star hotel accommodation. Once you’ve checked in, you’ll have free time to explore the nearby architecture, shopping, and dining options.

Today, we’ll set out on a picturesque drive to Cudillero, a delightful coastal fishing village. Its cliffside colorful homes, city square, and meandering hidden walkways offer countless photo opportunities. After exploring this town, we’ll proceed on our journey to Santiago de Compostela, one of the most popular pilgrimage destinations globally since the Middle Ages.

En route to Porto, we’ll head to Combarro, a charming village with tiled roofs and concealed walkways. Get your cameras ready, as you’ll have time to wander through the town and soak in the views.

Upon checking into our hotel in Porto, we’ll take a short stroll around the city before hopping on a cruise of the six bridges (weather permitting). This offers you the opportunity to capture the finest views and photographs of this stunning city.

This morning we’ll explore Porto with a guided tour after breakfast. Don’t forget your camera and comfortable shoes for this day out and about in one of the world’s most beautiful and interesting cities.

On our way to Lisbon, we’ll make a stop at the medieval wonder of Obidos. Here, we’ll indulge in a delightful lunch surrounded by the town’s fortified and well-preserved Portuguese medieval architecture. Once in Lisbon,we’ll have some free time before our Farewell Dinner marking the conclusion of our incredible adventure.

After breakfast we’ll take shuttles to the Lisbon airport and make our way home.