On your second day on your Spain and Portugal tour, breakfast will be served overlooking the lovely vineyards or la Rioja and the Ebro river, and afterwards you will be escorted to Marqués de Riscal. This is one of the oldest wineries in Spain where its prestigious name is renowned.

Marqués de Riscal is a place steeped in tradition, which set the foundations for its future success. Today, the traditions of the past mingle with the innovations of the future at the winery designed by Frank Gehry. This is the most famous site to be found at Marqués de Riscal. Its futuristic design is one of the most striking innovations driving the art of wine-making forward.

Colourful metal sheets decorate the exterior, and it stands out from other vineyards because of this futuristic look. Most vineyards typically display mute browns and greens, so this is a refreshing change of pace. Tour the winery, and sample some of the best vintages from this region. 

Today’s adventure begins after bidding farewell to the charm of San Sebastian en route to your next destination while touring Spain and Portugal, Santillana de Mar. This is a medieval village that became famous for the majestic architecture that oversee a breathtaking landscape. Your guide will reveal the most unique and consequential parts of the city before you depart for your next destination at the Art Nouveau city of Comillas.

Comillas is singular among the coastal cities of the north. The historic and modern architectural blend is a real treat for anyone who can appreciate the history of Spanish building designs. This incredible architecture is also on display in its remarkable Gaudí-designed building "El Capricho". A fresh coastal seafood lunch will be prepared right near the ocean for you to enjoy.

The rich history of Spain’s past is most palpable at your next stop, the Picos de Europa. This is the oldest national park in the country, and it stands as a remnant of the ancient world. This is the perfect location to commence your tour through the natural splendor of surrounding mountains and the nearby river.  Breathe some fresh air in some of the purest mountains along our tours of Spain and Portugal.

At the end of the day, your company will settle into a converted monastery for the evening meal at the hotel's á-la-carte restaurant. Sleep soundly in the serenity of the monastic ambiance created in this unique building now turned historic hotel.

Begin your day with a fulfilling breakfast that will prepare you to embark on the next segment of your adventure, the Covadonga Lakes in Picos de Europa. Cyclists and hikers throughout Spain all know about the majestic lake and incredible hiking trails.

Experience the natural scenery en route to the Covadonga sanctuary. This neo-Romanesque basilica is the last resting place of two Spanish monarchs guarded by famous statues that survived the test of time. Gamoneu is a famous cheese produced right outside of the basilica, so enjoy sampling this unique local flavor.

Lunch is served farm-to-table style at a local restaurant in the Picos de Europa. This is home to some of Spain’s most prized restaurants, and the best dish is the Pitu de Caleya. It is made with free-range chickens that are raised right on the property. This type of restaurant is what sets our Spain and Portugal tours apart from other companies, we are locals and we find hidden gems in the middle of nowhere to serve you the best treats only locals enjoy.

The remainder of the evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Dinner will be paired with the locally produced apple cider and fine tapas. This region is the primary producer of Spain’s cider supply, so you will enjoy the first taste of it at the Cangas de Onís cider-house and restaurant. You can even join in the local tradition of pouring cider from the top of your head. An unforgettable experience you can enjoy in all our Spain and Portugal Tours.

Start the day right with an amazing breakfast prepared with mouth-watering ingredients and culinary skill. Check out of the hotel, and get ready to be escorted by your guide and  your driver to the next stop on the northern Spanish coastline, the Santiago de Compostela.

This is the city that is most famous for hosting the ancient religious pilgrimage known as the Camino de Santiago, which ends in the Santiago de Compostela. This city qualified as a protected site under UNESCO rules, and it won’t take very long to find out why it earned this status.

Before arriving, enjoy a fresh seafood lunch at Puerto de Vega, which represents a typical Spanish fishing village. Watch local fishermen arriving with their fresh catch of the day while you soak up the atmosphere of one of the most authentic experiences in all our Spain and Portugal Tours. At the end of the day, top it off with a relaxing night in the world’s oldest hotel, which is located in the main square of Santiago de Compostela. This 15th century hotel offers opulence and luxurious accommodation. A fine dinner featuring traditional recipes and modern culinary techniques will be served in a historic royal stable, the Restaurante dos Reis.

Bid farewell to the town of Porto, and enjoy your ride south to Lisbon through a scenic route. Portugal's oldest university, Coimbra, is the next stop en route to Lisbon. Students still wear the school uniforms that inspired the attire worn by actors in the Harry Potter film. The 18th-century library is also a UNESCO World Heritage site home, and it contains around 56,000 volumes dating from the 16th to the 18th century.

Indulge in a luncheon in the town of Tomar. This is one of the most fertile regions on the Iberian Peninsula. This town remains enclosed in the walls of the Convento de Cristo, which was built as a stronghold for the Knights Templar in the late 12th century.

The final hotel for this private tours Spain itinerary is located in central Lisbon, and it’s a major landmark. This grande dame hotel hosts celebrities, heads of state and even royalty. The luxury Anantara Spa will help you unwind, and the semi-tropical garden with a unique swimming pool creates an oasis where you can rejuvenate and relax.

Chiado provides plenty of opportunities for shopping in luxury stores in the Avenida da Liberdade, and sight-seeing in the city centre is always a popular choice. Dine at the Cervejaria Liberdade, and savor the finest fish and seafood sourced directly from the Portuguese coast.

A world-class breakfast will prepare you to explore the Alfama Quarter, which is Lisbon’s oldest district. The tram will take you on a memorable tour of this fascinating city with its fado bars, restaurants, steep streets and alleys.

Explore Lisbon’s main shopping and banking area, the Baixa. Discover the Jerónimos Monastery, a magnificent example of Manueline style architecture located in the Belem district. You might elect instead to start this day of exploration at the Moorish Quarter, and visit the medieval St. George’s Castle.

Pasteis de Belem provides you a chance to sample Lisbon’s famous custard pastry, the Pastel de Nata. Lunch consists of the Portuguese version of tapas, which is called petiscos. These are served in tascas, or the cafés and taverns called Petisqueiras, and they are accompanied by fine Portuguese wines.

Enjoy the leisurely afternoon at your discretion. Celebrate the final portion of your Spain and Portugal tour at a top-tier restaurant in style.

Bidding farewell to Spain & Portugal might consist of shopping for souvenirs and enjoying some time in the Lisbon at a leisurely pace. Your driver will ensure that you arrive ahead of time at the airport to take your flight back home. This incredible experience of authentic gastronomy is sure to stay with you for many years to come after your memorable. An unforgettable Spain and Portugal Tour is completed but it will stay in your memories forever.