Portugal & the Douro

Your holiday begins today as you arrive at London St Pancras and meet the Tour Manager and travel group. Together, we board the Eurostar Plus carriage to Paris, enjoying a light meal at our seats as we head towards the French capital.  

From Paris, we continue by First Class rail to Biarritz in southwestern France, located near the Spanish border, where we spend the night. Overlooking the sweeping Bay of Biscay on the Atlantic coast, this historic spa town - a popular health resort since the 1850s - has an air of grandeur and Art Deco glamour.  

On arrival this evening, we check in to our hotel and walk to a local restaurant on the Grand Plage seafront, where we sit down to our first three-course dinner as a group.

• Eurostar Light Meal
• Dinner

After breakfast at the hotel, we transfer by coach over the Spanish border to San Sebastián. Here, we join the local rail network and make our way by train to the ancient city of Salamanca for two nights. 

Our rail journey takes us across central Spain by way of Valladolid Campo Grande, where we board our onwards train to Salamanca, arriving in the early evening. After checking in to our hotel in the heart of Salamanca, we dine with our group at a traditional restaurant in the city. Local specialities include Iberian cold cuts, such as chorizo and jamón Ibérico, suckling pig, and baked hake.

Following dinner, we take an evening stroll through the Old City back to our hotel. This time of day is magical, as the city's beautiful monuments are floodlit at night to dramatic effect. 

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today, we take a morning tour of Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage site known as the 'Golden City' due to the honey-coloured glow of its sandstone buildings. We see the city's two impressive cathedrals, the Baroque city hall and the Renaissance-era Monterrey Palace, once the home of the Duchess of Alba. 

Spain's oldest and most distinguished university was established in Salamanca in 1218, and we visit its elegant college buildings with entrance included. We also see the unusual Casa de las Conchas, with its shell-studded medieval façade. This building was constructed by a knight of the Order of Santiago de Compostela, and the carved stone shells are similar to those worn by pilgrims who walked the Camino de Santiago. Famous alumni of Salamanca include Cervantes, the author of Don Quixote, and the Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés.

Following the tour, you are free to continue the afternoon and evening at leisure. You might like to have lunch or dinner at one of the many restaurants and cafés in the city.   

• Breakfast

A highlight of our tour lies ahead this morning as we journey into the Douro Valley. Our day starts with a transfer by coach from Salamanca to Pocinho, a tiny railway station on the banks of the Douro river. Here, we join Portugal's most scenic rail route into the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage site of the Douro Valley. Our destination is Peso da Régua, which is in the heart of this idyllic region.

Our journey closely follows the contours of the river, skirting terraced vineyards and isolated port 'quintas' - wine-growing estates - which produce the region's fortified wines. We glide past sleepy towns and villages, amidst almond orchards, and through dramatic gorges, eventually arriving in Peso da Régua, a small town in a peaceful spot beneath the Serra do Marão mountain.

On arrival, we head to our hotel, checking in for the first of two nights. This evening, we dine together in the onsite restaurant, which overlooks the Douro and its verdant riverbanks.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Our day begins with a buffet breakfast and travel aboard a local train to Pinhão, a small town at the confluence of the Douro and Pinhão rivers and the epicentre of the port-making region. We enjoy a guided talk and taste authentic port wine on arrival. 

We return to Peso da Régua for a relaxed afternoon, during which you might like to visit the town's Douro Museum to learn the history of port production in the area. Later this evening, we enjoy a highlight of our tour: an exclusive visit to the Quinta da Casa Amarela. This family-run port wine estate produces and presses the noblest grape varieties of the Douro.

We are taken by coach to the estate, not far from Peso da Régua and set in the Portuguese countryside in the ancient heart of this World Heritage region. After a welcome drink and a brief guided walk through this traditional estate, we enjoy a private dinner on the grounds, with glorious views across the vineyards and the Douro, before returning to Peso da Régua for the night. 

• Breakfast, Dinner

A new destination, Porto, beckons as we check out of our hotel and join the train to this coastal city. We continue west along the Douro all the way to Porto, where the river widens as it inches towards the Atlantic. Once regarded as the edge of the known world, Porto is our home for the next three nights.

Our hotel is a short distance from the train station in the historic city centre. After some free time over lunch to relax, we explore the winding upper streets of Porto with our guide, admiring the city's superb architecture, timeless townhouses, and regal churches before crossing the famous iron bridge. We visit Porto Cathedral, where we enjoy panoramic views across the city, and the elegant neoclassical Palácio da Bolsa - once the Stock Exchange Palace and now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Entrance to its incredible ornate interior is included with our guided tour.

We return to our hotel in Porto this evening and enjoy a three-course dinner together.  

• Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, we head by coach to Guimarães, the first capital of Portugal, whose attractive, narrow streets and beautifully preserved buildings have earned its UNESCO World Heritage status. Before arriving, we stop at the shrine of Bom Jesus do Monte, a grand monument with several chapels that is known for its elaborate Baroque stairway.

After some free time here, we continue to the crowning jewel of Guimarães, the imposing medieval fortress watching over the city. We enjoy a tour through the colourful streets and squares before visiting the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, where entrance is included. We continue to Villanova de Gaya, a fascinating area where all the old port warehouses are situated, before enjoying some free time to explore Guimarães independently.

We return to our hotel in Porto with time to freshen up before this evening's visit to the esteemed Taylor's Port wine cellar. Here, a superb port wine tasting is followed by a delicious dinner with beautiful views over Porto and the Douro or the cellar's beautiful gardens.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy a buffet breakfast at the hotel ahead of a full day and evening at leisure to explore the many charms of Porto. You might choose to relax and enjoy the views from the hotel's bar, spend time at one of the region's laid-back restaurants, or enjoy a walk along the riverside.     

There are many intriguing places to discover in the city, including Livraria Lello, one of Portugal's oldest bookshops. This shop is hidden behind an Art Nouveau and neo-Gothic façade and features wood panelling, a double spiral staircase, and a striking stained-glass ceiling. Alternatively, you might climb aboard one of the city's old trams, heading west to the lighthouse.

Porto is celebrated for its sunsets, and the riverfront is a popular place to spend early evening watching the boats drifting in and out. You may choose to follow this with dinner in one of the city's enticing waterfront restaurants. On Porto's Esplanade is a café terrace known for its free summer outdoor concerts of music ranging from folk, pop, and blues to jazz. 

• Breakfast

With a leisurely start this morning, savour breakfast at the hotel before we join Portugal's fast, sleek, and modern rail network, travelling First Class to Lisbon for a three-night stay. Our journey takes us south to the capital city, arriving mid-afternoon. After checking into our hotel, the rest of your day is free to begin exploring.

Lisbon has many hills and lookout points (known as miradouros, in Portuguese), and if you are feeling energetic, you could hike up to St George's castle to take in the spectacular views. Alternatively, you could visit the Principe Real district, just below our hotel, to take a relaxed stroll through the Lisbon Botanical Garden, a park filled with exotic and sub-tropical plants. In the city centre, you could wander around the vast harbour-facing plaza known as 'Praça do Comércio', one of Europe's largest public squares, facing the Tagus river. You might also be tempted to stop at a café for a crisp glass of Portuguese 'vinho verde' wine before returning to our hotel's restaurant to meet the group for dinner. 

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today, we enjoy a unique city tour of Lisbon, travelling aboard one of the city's vintage trams. Riding these trams is an amazing experience and a great way to get around the many steep, cobbled streets and take in the sights of this hilly city. 

Specially chartered for our group, our tram winds through the oldest neighbourhoods of Lisbon, including Alfama and Bairro Alto - a quirky maze of cobbled streets, bohemian boutiques and traditional bars. Our tour ends in the Belem district on the banks of the Tejo estuary. This attractive, historic area is the original neighbourhood of the traditional pastéis de nata, known here as 'Pastéis de Belém'. We sample these delicious Portuguese custard tarts with a coffee.

Our sightseeing tour ends at lunchtime, and from this point, you are free for the afternoon and evening to continue your explorations in this vibrant city. There are many restaurants and cafés where you can get an authentic taste of Lisbon as you explore. 

• Breakfast

After breakfast this morning, we take the train to the town of Sintra, once the summer residence of Portuguese royalty. Today, Sintra is popular thanks to its brightly coloured Pena Palace and ancient walled fortress, the Castle of the Moors, both set high above the town among forested areas of the Serra de Sintra.

In the centre is the Palacio Nacional, a preserved medieval royal palace that is now a museum and is recognised by its two white conical chimneys. The Moorish castle, which provides stunning views from its walls, and the Pena Palace both involve uphill walks, so to make exploring more accessible, our day ticket includes free access to the shuttle buses that run between the town and its sights - perfect for our free day here.

Travelling back to Lisbon by train later this afternoon, you are free to continue exploring the city at your leisure. You may like to start the evening at a rooftop bar in the Bairro Alto, dine at one of the city's many seafood restaurants, or seek out an authentic Fado experience. 

• Breakfast

Leaving Portugal behind today, we travel by train from Lisbon to a station close to the border with Spain and then continue our journey by coach to the Spanish city of Valladolid. Attractive and historic, this university city is off the popular tourist track, so it is less crowded and more authentic than many major cities.

After checking in to our hotel close to the railway station, the rest of the afternoon and evening are free to explore and discover the city. Our elegant hotel is next to the large city park, where you can find the Tourist Information office. Nearby landmarks to visit include the cathedral, San Pablo Church, and the National Sculpture Museum.

It is well worth walking from our hotel to the old town, home to the atmospheric Plaza Mayor, the largest square in Spain, and the heart and soul of the city. This region holds plenty of tempting eateries that you may like to discover for dinner this evening. 

• Breakfast

This morning, we have breakfast at the hotel and walk to the train station, where we board the direct train north to San Sebastián in First Class. San Sebastián is one of the most beautiful and charming Basque resorts, sitting within the fashionable La Concha Bay and its stunning beach area. Known internationally as the culinary capital of Spain, the city is also celebrated across the continent for its pintxos, the Basque equivalent of tapas, and San Sebastián cheesecake, notable for its 'burnt' top. 

After checking in to our hotel for two nights on arrival this afternoon, you have the remainder of the day and evening at leisure to get your bearings in this new destination. You might like to walk along the seafront or through the beautiful old quarter and then immerse yourself in local life, stopping off at different eateries for a small plate or two and a drink before moving on, a tradition known as 'txikiteo'.   

• Breakfast

On our last full day in Spain, you are at leisure to spend the day as you please in this seaside town. You could choose to relax on one of the golden sandy beaches, such as the main beach, the expansive Playa de la Concha, which is located in the city centre. The city is a premier surfing destination, and watching the surfers bob in the water is always a treat.

You could also walk through the atmospheric streets of the historic old town among fascinating architecture. In the 'Parte Vieja', or Old Quarter, is the San Telmo Museum, which provides an insight into Basque history and culture, along with exhibitions of contemporary art. For lunch, you could go pintxos bar-hopping to savour the local dishes. 

This evening, we reconvene at a local restaurant to enjoy our final dinner together, marking the end of our Iberian holiday. 

• Breakfast, Dinner

Having spent the last two weeks exploring the Iberian Peninsula and travelling by rail through the Douro Valley, our journey comes to a close this morning. Saying adiós to Spain after our final breakfast at the hotel, we transfer by coach to the station in Hendaye, just across the French border. Here, we board the direct train to Paris in First Class.

We retrace our original journey along the coast and then head inland to Paris, enjoying changing vistas as we head towards the capital city. In Paris, we join the Eurostar Plus service to London St Pancras, enjoying a light meal at our seats before we arrive in London in the early evening. 

• Breakfast
• Eurostar Light Meal