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Your guide for this tour will be Sergio: (+34) 654 098 039.
Gratuities for our guides are much appreciated to thank them for exceptional service, support, and expertise. The industry standard for each individual guest is 7.5-10% tip of the trip price at the end of the tour. Local currency is preferred.
Call the Bike Spain Tours office on +34 915 590 653, or out of office hours call +34 677 356 586. We will get you where you need to be and get you the help you need.
Your insurance policy number is 21344578. You can find your insurance documents here.
Click here for our packing suggestions for a guided bike tour.
Please be aware that Spaniards follow a very particular routine in terms of their daily meals, and this is often strictly enforced by restaurant opening hours, especially in small towns!
You can expect restaurants to be open for lunch from approximately 1:30pm – 4pm. Remember that lunch is the main meal of the day in Spain.
Dinnertime in Spain is any time from 8pm onwards. Dinner in Spain is typically a lighter meal.
Sunday, 15th June. Barcelona
Accommodation: Own arrangements
Barcelona, the vibrant capital of Catalonia, is renowned for its unique blend of modernist architecture, rich cultural heritage, and Mediterranean charm. Whether you’re wandering through its historic streets, marveling at Gaudí’s masterpieces, or indulging in its culinary delights, Barcelona offers an unforgettable experience.
Click here for our Google Maps list of recommendations in Barcelona.
Top of your list should be the Sagrada Familia (open Mon – Fri 9am – 8pm, Sat 9am – 6pm, Sun 10:30 – 8pm, prior booking recommended). Antoni Gaudí’s unfinished basilica is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a symbol of Barcelona. The basilica is due to be finally completed in 2026, so now could be your last chance to see it in its famously unfinished state!
Continue your Gaudí tour with a walk around the Eixample neighbourhood, where you can admire the modernist Casa Batlló (open daily 8:30am – 10pm) and Casa Milà (open daily 9am – 6:30pm/7pm-11pm)
Head north to visit another Gaudí highlight: the iconic gingerbread houses of Park Güell (open daily 9:30 – 5:30, prior booking highly recommended).
Take a stroll down La Rambla, Barcelona’s vibrant artery. Just under a mile long, this famous street is always buzzing with locals, tourists and street performers. Don’t miss the popular Mercado de la Boquería, an enormous food and drink market dating back almost 200 years!
Head to Montjuïc to admire some modern art at the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (open Tue – Sat 10am – 6pm, Sun 10am – 3pm) and the Fundació Joan Miró (open Tue – Sun 10am – 7pm), soak up some history and admire the views from the Castell de Montjuïc (open daily 10am – 6pm), or catch the nightly light and music shows at the Montjuïc Magic Fountain!
Explore Barcelona’s atmospheric Gothic Quarter, built over the original ancient Roman settlement of Barcino. Don’t miss the magnificent Gothic Cathedral de la Santa Creu i Santa Eulàlia, which dates back to the 15th century (open Mon – Fri 10am – 6:30pm, Sat 9:30am – 5:15pm and Sun 2pm – 5pm).
For an immersive historical experience, enjoy lunch or dinner at Els 4Gats (open Tue – Sat 11am – 11pm. Sun 11am – 4pm), which was the hub of Barcelona’s modernist movement at the turn of the 20th century.
Treat yourself to a double Michelin star meal at Cinc Sentits, which serves up a modern take on traditional Catalan cuisine.
For fabulous seafood in the trendy Eixample neighbourhood, check out Batea (open Tue – Sat, 1pm – 3:30pm/7:30pm – 10:30pm).
Enjoy a paella by the beach at Maná 75 (open daily 12:45pm – 10:45pm), an elegant option popular with locals and tourists alike.
For an authentic experience, head down to the historic fisherman’s quarter near La Barceloneta beach for a tapas crawl. Some of our favourite bars are Can Paixano, Cervecería Vaso de Oro and Can Ros, as well as the Mercado de la Barceloneta.
A very popular breakfast in Catalonia is pan amb tomaquet: toasted bread, rubbed with tomato and topped with olive oil, and sometimes also jamón and other cured meats. Considered by many locals to be the best Catalan invention of all time, pan amb tomàquet is often served in its component parts so that you can put your own personal twist on it!
As you explore the Costa Brava, you’ll have the opportunity to try some of the region’s very best seafood! One traditional option is esqueixada de bacallà, a salad made with shredded sald cod, with red peppers, tomatoes, onions, olives and a good amount of olive oil. Another popular dish is bacallà amb samfaina: salted cod served over a tomato and vegetable sauce similar to ratatouille.
Continuing the seafood theme, make sure you try the Catalan take on Valencian paella: arròs negre. The black colour of this squid and rice dish comes from squid ink, and you’ll traditionally find it served with alioli garlic sauce.
Mar i muntanya (surf & turf) is a cornerstone of Catalan cuisine, and nowhere is this better demonstrated than in mandonguilles amb sípia: meatballs and cuttlefish served with a thick gravy sauce. Another popular variation is pollastre amb llagosta, which is made with roasted chicken and lobster.
Meatlovers are sure to come across botifarra, either as an ingredient or served as a dish in itself. Often made with apple, this Catalan sausage is used to make faves a la Catalana (a stew of beans and meat), or served with a side of haricot beans as botifarra amb mongetes.
Another traditional Catalan meat dish is cargols a la llauna: barbecued snails!
Round off your Catalan gastronomic experience with a delicious crema catalana: the region’s take on creme brulée!
Monday, 16th June. Barcelona
Accommodation: Own arrangements
At leisure in Barcelona.
Tuesday, 17th June. Barcelona
Accommodation: Own arrangements
At leisure in Barcelona.
Wednesday, 18th June. Madrid
Accommodation: Ocean Drive**** (Own arrangements)
Train from Barcelona to Madrid: Own arrangements.
Enjoy a day at leisure in Spain’s charismatic capital city!
Click here for our Google Maps list of recommendations in Madrid.
Visit one of the galleries that make up Madrid’s “Golden Triangle of Art”: the classical Prado (open Mon – Sat 10am – 8pm, and Sun 10am – 7pm), the modernist Reina Sofia (open Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri and Sat 10am – 9pm and Sun 10am – 2:30pm), or the Thyssen-Bornemisza, a former former private collection (open Tue – Sun 10am – 7pm and Mon 12pm – 4pm).
Make a selfie stop at some of Madrid’s most legendary landmarks: Plaza Mayor, the elegant arcaded square that has been at the centre of madrileño life for centuries; Plaza del Sol, where you can visit the iconic bear and strawberry tree statue and the Km 0 plaque, the origin of all Spain’s roads and the exact geographic centre of Spain; Gran Vía, Madrid’s buzzing central street, full of shops and theatres; and the imposing Puerta de Alcalá, which once marked the entrance to the city.
Explore the Royal Palace, the biggest in Europe, built by a (open Mon – Sat 10am – 6pm and Sun 10am – 4pm).
Next door, visit Madrid’s unique cathedral (open daily 10am – 8:30pm), whose construction spanned more than a century and was only completed in 1993!
Take a stroll in the elegant Parque del Retiro, Madrid’s answer to Central Park. Catch at art exhibition at the striking Crystal Palace, rent a rowboat for a romantic cruise on the lake, or visit the peacocks in the “secret garden” named after architect Cecilio Rodriguez.
Watch the sunset from the Círculo de Bellas Artes rooftop bar and restaurant (open Tue – Sun, 11am – 2pm/5pm – 9pm).
Discover Madrid’s very own Egyptian temple! Dating back to the 2nd century BC, the Temple of Debod was transferred to Madrid, brick by brick in the 1970s.
If you happen to be in Madrid on a Sunday morning, we recommend a trip to El Rastro market (open Sun 9am – 3pm) to hunt for treasures and soak up the lively atmosphere!
Enjoy a Spanish-style tapas crawl at one of the local hotspots: laid-back Calle Cava Baja in La Latina, Calle de las Huertas in the historic Barrio de las Letras, or trendy Calle Ponzano in Chamberí.
For a fun local experience, grab lunch or dinner at one of Madrid’s renovated gastromarkets. The elegant Mercado San Miguel, which is located right by Plaza Mayor, is the most famous, and we also recommend Mercado Ildefonso, Mercado San Antón or Mercado Anton Martín.
Try traditional Castilian fare at the oldest restaurant in the world! Sobrino de Botín has been in continuous operation since 1725 (open daily 1pm – 4pm/8pm – 11:30pm).
Sample excellent fusion cooking in a laid-back, traditional setting at La Castela (open Mon – Sat 12:30pm – 5pm/8pm – 12:30am).
Enjoy excellent seafood at Pescadería & Club Fisherman’s, located in the trendy Ibiza district.
Treat yourself to an unforgettable meal at one of Madrid’s 27 Michelin star restaurants.
Visit one of Madrid’s “tabernas centenarias”: the title awarded to restaurants and taverns that have been in continuous operation for at least a century, and often two! Some of our favourites are Bodega La Ardosa, Casa Alberto and Casa del Abuelo. For a sweet treat, visit La Mallorquina, a bakery that dates back to 1894!
For an immersive historical experience, visit La Venencia, a unique bar that only serves sherry, where the waiters will likely write your order on the bar in chalk and where cameras are banned: a tradition dating back to the bar’s popularity with spies during the Spanish Civil War!
Ranked multiple times among the best bars in the world, modern cocktail spot Salmon Guru is a great place to celebrate your bike trip with an amazingly creative concoction!
As a land-locked city, Madrid has for centuries prided itself on its ability to obtain top-quality seafood through sheer purchasing power! To this day, fresh seafood is auctioned in coastal cities in the very early hours of the morning and rushed to Madrid to be sold in markets and served in bars and restaurants. For this reason, one of Madrid’s signature dishes is the bocadillo de calamares (squid sandwich). Try this madrileño staple at one of the famous bars near Plaza Mayor (we like Bar Postas and La Campana), or at Bar El Brillante near the Reina Sofia Museum.
One of Spain’s most cherished traditions (and particularly in Madrid) is la hora del vermut: vermouth o’clock! Traditionally, Spaniards enjoy their vermouth pre-lunch, between 12pm and 2pm, although in recent years la hora del vermut has extended to most of the day. Our favourite spot to indulge in this tradition is at Casa Labra near Sol, where vermouth is paired with delicious cod, served in croquetas and as deep-fried bites. Don’t be afraid of the frequently long queues, they move quickly!
When visiting Madrid in winter, you can’t miss one of the city’s most traditional comfort dishes: cocido a la madrileña. Every madrileño has fond memories of their grandmother cooking this hearty stew of vegetables, chickpeas, chorizo and pork, which is traditionally served as two or three courses: first the broth, then the vegetables and then the meat. Two of our favourite spots to try cocido are Taberna Malacatín and Taberna La Bola, both family-run establishments that have been in operation for over two centuries.
For the most daring, a very traditional side to madrileño cuisine is casquería: offal! These dishes date back to the hard times in Madrid’s history, and one of the most popular variations is callos: a stew of strips of tripe,chorizo and morcilla (blood sausage). For a really authentic experience, try callos along with caracoles (snails) at Restaurante Casa Amadeo Los Caracoles.
No trip to Spain would be complete without churros con chocolate! The most traditional spot for churros in Madrid is at Chocolatería San Ginés, which has been serving up churros (thin deep-fried dough) and porras (fat deep-fried dough) 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, since 1894!
One of the most unique snack experiences in Madrid is buying cookies from an “invisible” nun! For centuries, Spain’s cloistered monasteries and convents have funded themselves by selling baked goods, a tradition that still persists today. Ring the bell at the Convento Carboneras (located right behind the Bike Spain Tours office!) between the hours of 9:30am – 1pm/4:30pm – 6:30pm, and place cash on the torno (rotating wall) to buy cookies baked by the nuns themselves!
Thursday, 19th June. Pedraza
Route: 57 km/35.4 miles
Elevation: +1151m/+3773 ft
Accommodation: Casa Taberna
Hotel services: Restaurant, chimney, garden
Meals included: Lunch
9:30am: Your guide will pick you up from Hotel Ocean Drive for your transfer to Buitrago de Lozoya. In case of any issues, contact Sergio on +34 654 09 80 39.
Your first cycle route of the tour begins in Buitrago del Lozoya, a charming medieval town in the Sierra Norte de Madrid, known for its remarkably preserved walls that protect the old town, situated along a bend of the Lozoya River. With its quiet streets, 15th-century castle, and scenic riverside setting, Buitrago makes a tranquil and atmospheric starting point.
Leaving Buitrago, you’ll head northeast, riding on smooth, low-traffic secondary roads that roll gently through open meadows, pastures, and pine woods. This stretch offers expansive views of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range, especially as you approach the more mountainous terrain around Lozoya. The rural ambiance is pure and unspoiled, with small stone villages and grazing livestock dotting the landscape.
From Lozoya, the road begins a steady and scenic ascent toward the Puerto de Navafría (1,773 meters), a relatively quiet and well-paved mountain pass. The climb is demanding but consistent, winding through dense pine forests that provide shade and a refreshing alpine feel. The upper stretches offer stunning panoramas of the Lozoya Valley below and the Segovian plains opening up beyond the summit.
Once over the pass, you descend into Navafría, a sleepy village nestled in the pine woods. The descent is fast and fluid, on good-quality tarmac, with wide views and little traffic. This section of the ride brings you into the province of Segovia, where oak groves and rolling farmlands replace the pine forests.
Your journey culminates in the stunning town of Pedraza, one of the most beautiful and best-preserved medieval villages in Spain. With its cobbled streets, walled historic center, and the magnificent Plaza Mayor, Pedraza feels like a journey back in time.
Pedraza is a town lost in time! Almost the entire town is a historic monument, with beautifully preserved medieval and Renaissance buildings in golden sandstone.
Pedraza’s main square (Plaza Mayor) is one of the most picturesque in Spain. Framed by arcaded houses and balconies, it’s a wonderful place to sit with a drink or enjoy a meal.
Located on the Plaza Mayor, the 12th-century Romanesque church of San Juan Bautista has been remodeled over the centuries but still retains beautiful features, including its bell tower.
Once a fortress and later a private home, Pedraza’s castle offers impressive views over the surrounding countryside.
Follow the path along the walls for panoramic views of the surrounding fields, olive groves, and sierras. The late afternoon light gives the landscape a golden glow that’s especially photogenic.
The arched 16th-century gateway of Puerta de la Villa is the only entrance to the walled town and houses a small jail museum (open Tue – Sun 11am-2pm/4pm-7pm) above. The old prison is a fascinating stop, offering insight into justice in medieval times.
Saturday, 20th June. Peñafiel
Route: 105.1 km/65.3 miles
Elevation: +880m/+2886 ft
Accommodation: Castilla Termal Monasterio de Valbuena
Hotel services: Restaurant, bar, laundry, gym, swimming pool, spa, garden
Meals included: Lunch and dinner
Departing from Pedraza, you’ll head into the serene countryside of northern Segovia. The early kilometers roll gently through wheat fields and open plains.
Your first major stop is Sepúlveda, dramatically perched above the gorges of the Duratón River. This historic hilltop town is a gem, with its Romanesque churches, stone houses, and panoramic viewpoints over the Hoces del Río Duratón Natural Park. From here, the road winds down into the heart of the Duratón Valley.
Continuing on, the landscape becomes increasingly sculpted by the river — limestone cliffs, rippling water, and poplar groves define the scenery. This section is a highlight for its natural beauty, with quiet country roads and gentle ups and downs. You’ll often have the road to yourself, sharing it only with the occasional tractor or wandering sheep.
From Fuentidueña, a lovely village with ruins of a castle and medieval walls overlooking the Duratón, the route follows smaller rural roads toward Laguna de Contreras. Here, the terrain begins to shift: forested hills give way to wide-open Castilian plains as you approach the Duero River basin.
Crossing into Valladolid province, you’ll descend into the iconic wine town of Peñafiel. With its impressive hilltop castle, Peñafiel marks your entry into the Ribera del Duero wine reion. The landscape is defined by rolling vineyards, ochre soil, and the meandering Duero River.
We’ll spend the night in one of the best-preserved 12th century Cistercian monasteries in Europe. Overlooking the Duero River, the views from the hotel stretch across over the surrounding vineyards and countryside.
As early as the 12th century, the Cistercian monks discovered water-bearing rock deep below the surface, whose mineral-medicinal waters were used to irrigate their countryside and vineyards. Almost ten centuries later, the hotel continues to employ these thermal waters in their in-house spa. Please let us know in advance if you would like us to book any treatments for you.
Saturday, 21st June: Peñafiel, Spain
Route: 60.6 km/37.6 miles
Elevation: +455 m/+1493 ft
Accommodation: Castilla Termal Monasterio de Valbuena
Hotel services: Restaurant, bar, laundry, gym, swimming pool, spa, garden
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Today’s route takes us through some of through the oldest vineyards of Ribera del Duero. We’ll visit the town of Pesquera del Duero, known for growing some of the best grapes in the region, and dedicated almost exclusively to wine production. The historic old town features a beautiful porticoed Plaza Mayor, as well as numerous palaces, decorated with the family crests of the aristocrats of centuries gone by.
Once here, we’ll follow the course of the Duero river through endless vineyards, finishing at the historic fortified town of Peñafiel, one of the region’s centres of wine production. The town’s castle, the oldest part of which dates back to the 9th century, has been repurposed into a Wine Museum. We’ll take a stroll around the winding streets of the historic Jewish Quarter, and visit the charming Plaza del Coso, which retains its original traditional wooden balconies. During the summer, the square fulfils its original medieval function as the town bullring.
From Peñafiel, we’ll head to a nearby bodega, where we’ll enjoy a guided tour and tasting, followed by a fabulous lunch of traditional Castilian fare.
Guided tour and lunch at Bodega Traslascuestas.
8:30pm: Tonight, we’ll head to a nearby town to enjoy a gourmet dinner of traditional fare in a refurbished historic windmill.
Sunday, 22nd June: Toro, Spain
Route: 43.6 km/27.1 miles
Elevation: +235m/+772 ft
Accommodation: Castillo de Buenamor
Hotel services: Restaurant, bar, laundry, swimming pool, garden
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
In the morning, we’ll travel by van the short distance to Toro, known for the local variety of red wine: “Tinta de Toro”, which has its own Denomination of Origin status. Due to its strategic location, Toro has been of great importance over the centuries: a stronghold for the Moors and then the Christians in medieval times, as evidenced by its 10th century fortifications, and in later centuries a royal court. The town is built in the shape of a fan, and offers views of the surrounding fertile plains, known as the Oasis of Castile.
From Toro, we’ll jump on our bikes and enjoy a gentle ride through picturesque, agricultural countryside with lots of sprawling vineyards. Toro is a relatively new wine-making region, which is slowly gaining recognition. Today’s route ends with a delicious lunch at a local winery in Toro.
1:45pm: Lunch and visit at Bodega Divina Proporción.
Tonight, we’ll stay at the Castillo de Buenamor****, an castle that dates back to the 11th century! The castle is surrounded by vineyards, and produces its own variety of red wine.
8:30pm: Dinner tonight is included at the hotel restaurant.
Monday, 23rd June: Vila Nova de Foz Côa, Portugal
Route: 41.8 km/26 miles
Eevation: +463m/+1521 ft
Accommodation: Colmeal Countryside Hotel
Hotel services: Restaurant, bar, laundry, swimming pool, garden
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
It’s time to say adiós Spain, and olá Portugal!
After breakfast, we’ll travel by van through the spectacular area of the La Almendra dam, one of the biggest in Europe. The impressive dam was built between 1964 and 1970 and forms part of the hydroelectric system knows as the “Duero Drops”.
Our van will drop us off at the hamlet of Villasbuneas, from where we’ll continue by bike, following the course of the river across the border into Portugal. Our cycle route takes us through the Arribes del Duero Natural Park, recognised as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO due to the huge variety of flora and fauna that inhabit the area. Keep a look out for the famous black storks! We can also enjoy spectacular scenery as the river courses through a deep canyon, which marks the division between Spain and Portugal.
After crossing the border near the Salto de Saucelle dam, we’ll follow the river (now called the Douro in Portuguese) towards the beautiful riverside town of Barca d’Alva, surrounded by terraced vineyards and picturesque olive and almond groves. This area offers some of the best birdwatching in Portugal: buzzards, falcons, swifts, and black storks and nesting eagles! We’ll enjoy lunch in Barca d’Alva before travelling by van to Vila Nova de Foz Côa and tonight’s hotel.
Optionally, we can make a quick trip by van to visit the historic town of Castelo Rodrigo, one of the 7 wonders of Portugal. Here, we can visit the well-preserved 12th century Gothic castle, which once played an important role as a frontier outpost during centuries of border battles between Spain and Portugal.
7pm: Tonight, we’ll enjoy a delicious dinner of locally-sourced traditional fare at our hotel.
Tuesday, 24th June: Pinhão, Portugal
Route: 74.4km/46.2 miles
Elevation: +1237m/+4060 ft
Accommodation: Vila Galé Douro Vineyards
Hotel services: Restaurant, bar, laundry, swimming pool, garden
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Our day begins with a visit to one of the most interesting archaeological sites in Europe. The Côa Valley is home to over a thousand outcrops with rock art, predominantly from the Upper Paleolithic, dating back to 30.000 years ago. The valley comprises a fascinating open-air prehistoric art gallery, set in a spectacular location above the Douro river, and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
From here we make our way to the start of today’s bike ride, a beautiful route along quiet roads, with vineyards blanketing the landscape. We’ll reach the Douro River Valley at the beautiful town of Pinhão, where we’ll be able to enjoy spectacular views of the terraced vineyards that cover the valley slopes. We’ll make a stop here for lunch, before continuing to pedal through beautiful landscapes to our hotel, set in a vineyard of its own.
8pm: Tonight, we’ll enjoy a delicious dinner at our hotel, paired with locally-produced wines.
Wednesday, 25th June: Porto, Portugal
Route: 47.5 km/23.9 miles
Elevation: +967m/+3172 ft
Accommodation: Hotel Wine and Books
Hotel services: Restaurant, rooftop bar, gym, spa, swimming pool, laundry
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
This morning, we’ll enjoy a beautiful final ride along the course of the river, which offers us glimpses of the many fortresses that dot the surrounding landscape. This area is at the heart of port wine production in Portugal.
On arrival in Peso da Regua, known as the Port wine capital, we will visit a beautiful port wine quinta, for a guided wine tasting and a lunch of delicious local fare – the perfect opportunity to relive the week’s biking adventures.
1pm: Guided visit and lunch at Quinta Pacheca.
After your bodega visit, your guides will say goodbye to you, as they make their way back to Madrid. You will be picked up from the bodega by a local taxi company for your transfer to Porto.
Evening at leisure in Porto.
Click here for our Google Maps recommendations in Porto!
The city of Porto, built along the hillsides overlooking the mouth of the Douro river, is an outstanding urban landscape with a 2,000-year history. The historic centre, Luiz I Bridge and Monastery of Serra do Pilar, are recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Take the funicular up to the Batalha (old town) and explore the narrow streets and colourful buildings. Don’t miss the Sé, Porto’s fortress-like hilltop Cathedral (open daily 9am – 6:30pm).
Hop over the river to Vila Nova de Gaia and visit one of the myriad of port wine cellars to discover the secrets of the regional vintage. Popular options include Sandeman’s, Taylor’s and Cockburn’s.
Pay a visit to Livraria Lello, widely considered to be one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores (open daily 9am – 7:30pm), or climb the 225 steps of the nearby Clérigos tower (open daily 9am – 7pm) for fabulous views over the city.
Estação de São Bento: Porto’s train station is so much more than a transport hub! This former convent combines a Belle Epoque facade with an iconic interior decorated with 20,000 painted tiles.
Take a walk (or a tram) up to Foz de Douro, and enjoy an afternoon on the beach! This seaside district is full of fabulous restaurants serving up the freshest grilled seafood: try Restaurante Pedro Lemos for a Michelin star option (open Tues – Thu 7pm – 11pm and Fri and Sat 12:30pm – 3pm/7pm – 11pm) or Casa Vasco (open Tue – Sun 12:30pm – 3:30pm/7pm – 10:30pm).
Watch one of Europe’s most spectacular sunsets from one of Porto’s many miradouros (viewpoints). Popular options include Miradouro das Virtudes, Jardim do Morro and the Luis I bridge.
Set in the hilltop old town, Patio 44 serves up high-quality traditional Portuguese cuisine (open Tue – Sat 7pm – 11pm).
Visit Brasão Coliseu (open daily 12pm – 3pm/7pm – 11:30pm) to try a traditional Porto francesinha: an enormous sandwich made with a variety of meats and melted cheese!
Local favourite Restaurante Roma (open Mon – Sat 12pm – 3pm/7pm – 10pm) is a down-to-earth option where the daily menu is determined by the catch of the day.
Family-run Casa Expresso (open Mon – Sat 8:30am – 10:30pm) serves timeless Portuguese fare in a no-frills setting.
Porto classic Adega São Nicolau serves up delicious fresh seafood in the colourful riverfront district (open Mon – Sat 12pm – 1:30pm, prior reservation recommended).
Treat yourself to a special dinner at one of Porto’s seven Michelin star restaurants.
Thursday, 26th June: Lisbon
Accommodation: Own arrangements
Meals included: Breakfast
Train from Porto to Lisbon: Own arrangements.
Spread across seven hills and straddling the Tagus River, the elegant city of Lisbon is home to a Moorish castle, whimsical Manueline architecture, and vintage yellow trams rattling from one beautiful viewpoint to the next.
Top of your list (and top of the city!) is the majestic Castelo São Jorge (open daily 9am – 9pm), conquered from the Moors in the 12th century and set high above the city in the traditional Alfama neighbourhood. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Lisbon, and then stroll back down via Rua do Santa Cruz do Castelo and explore the maze of flower-filled streets that make up Alfama.
Head up into the lively Bairro Alto for dinner and drinks, and explore the many beautiful viewpoints. One of our favourites is the Mirador de San Pedro de Alcántara.
To travel between the sea level and hilltop neighbourhoods, don’t miss the opportunity to ride the Santa Justa elevator (open daily 7am – 10:45pm), which was designed in 1902 by Ponsard, a student of Gustav Eiffel, and which offers fabulous views over the city.
An equally iconic Lisbon experience is to ride tram 28, which takes you through some of Lisbon’s most famous neighbourhoods: Alfama, Baixa, Estrela and Graca, via the Cathedral and Castle. Tickets can be bought directly on the tram, or 24h transport tickets (including metro, Santa Justa Elevator and all trams) can be obtained from any metro station.
Visit the iconic Praça do Comércio, a harbourfront square flanked by beautiful yellow buildings and the spectacular Arco de la Rua Augusta. From here, you can take a walk along the waterfront, or take tram 15E all the way to Belém, where you can visit the impressive Monument of Discovery, the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the Tower of Belém (open Tue – Sun 9:30am – 6pm) and the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (open Tue – Sun 9:30am – 6pm), and try the most authentic pastéis de belem at the original Pastelaria Pasteles de Belem (open daily 8am – 10pm).
Start your day with a strong cup of Brazilian coffee at the gorgous Art Deco Cafe A Brasileira (open daily 8am – midnight), historic watering hole of Lisbon’s intellectual set, where the bica (very strong espresso) recipe has remained the same for over a century.
Wildly popular local tavern O Velho Eurico (open Tue – Sat 12:30pm – 3pm/8pm – 10:30pm, prior booking essential) is the perfect place to try traditional Portuguese fare.
One of the hottest tables in the city, Prado (open Tue – Sat, 7pm – 10:30pm, prior booking essential), offers a farm-to-table menu showcasing the best of Portuguese food.
For an unforgettable dining experience, why not treat yourself to a meal at one of Lisbon’s 17 Michelin Star restaurants!
Friday, 27th June: Lisbon
Accommodation: Own arrangements
Day at leisure in Lisbon.
Saturday, 28th June
End of tour
We hope you had a wonderful time exploring the wine regions of Spain and Portugal with us!
Castilla Termal Monasterio de Valbuena
Right at the heart of Ribera del Duero, this hotel – the first spa with 5 stars status in Castilla y León – is located in one the best preserved Cistercian monastery of the 12thcentury in Europe.
The Monastery of Santa María de Valbuena provides 79 rooms, all of them of high quality, a spa centre and hot spring bath, an outdoor pool, children’s playground and terrace.
Vila Galé Douro Vineyards
In the heart of the Douro region, Vila Galé Douro Vineyards is set in the centuries-old Quinta do Val Moreira. The property features an outdoor swimming pool and a terrace with scenic views over the Douro and the Tedo rivers.
Producing its own wines, the property features a restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic views, serving regional cuisine. Guests can enjoy a drink at the bar or take a tour of the wine cellars, where wine tastings are available daily.
Vila Galé Douro Vineyards stands out for its location, charm and exclusivity. Enjoy walking among the vineyards, the olive groves or the almond tree groves.
Hotel Wine and Books
In Porto’s most fashionable area, the Wine & Books Porto celebrates the city’s cultural heritage while being incredibly contemporary. The classic yet modern interiors have a discreet luxury and provide timelessness to the atmosphere.
Relax at the hotel’s elegant spa, enjoy breathtaking views over Porto from the roopftop bar, or visit the hotel restaurant, Tasca da Memória for a modern take on traditional Portuguese cuisine.
