Spain/Portugal
Beyond the Vineyards: Sample Northern Portugal & Spain
Program No. 22812RJ
Venture along the vineyards of northern Portugal and Spain to taste regional delicacies, learn local history and discover UNESCO World Heritage Sites on this inspiring adventure.
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800-454-5768
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May 18 - Jun 1, 2025
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4,849DATES
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May 18 - Jun 1, 2025
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15 days
14 nights
29 meals
13B 8L 8D
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
8
Braga & Bom Jesus do Monte, To Santiago de Compostela
Santiago de Compostela
9
Rias Baixas Wine Region
Santiago de Compostela
10
Lecture, Santiago, Galician Performance
Santiago de Compostela
13
La Ribera Wine Region & La Granja de San Ildefonso
La Granja de San Ildefonso
14
La Granja &Segovia
La Granja de San Ildefonso
At a Glance
Rooted in ancient tradition passed down from generation to generation, the unique winemaking process of Spain and Portugal produces some of the best wines in the world. From the sweet, fortified wine of Porto to the rich, bold reds of Ribera del Duero, learn about northern Spain and Portugal on a journey from vineyard to vineyard. Study the specialized process and then uncover how this industry impacted the region’s economy and environment. When you’re not sampling the local vino, explore seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, experience a treasure trove of Roman history and taste a variety of delicious cuisine as you learn how time-honored traditions paved the way to a fruitful future.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking approximately 3 miles a day. Uneven ground, cobble stones, steps and steep slopes, occasionally without handrails.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Discover the vineyards and history of the Douro River Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and enjoy visits to several other renowned wine-producing regions.
- Savor Portuguese cuisine during a cooking demonstration with a local chef.
- Trace Spain's ancient history through the towns of Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Las Medulas and Leon, and marvel at the well-preserved Roman aqueduct in Segovia.
General Notes
Program includes independent time to explore the city and several meals on your own. Group Leaders will provide directions for self-directed excursions. Suggestions for free-time activities provided in preparatory materials.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Mayra Noguerales
Mayra Noguerales was born on the Canary Islands and moved to mainland Spain as a teenager. At 16, she moved to the US, and after four years in several states, headed to the UK to finish her university degree. Returning home, she moved to beautiful, historic El Escorial and became an educational Group Leader. Mayra enjoys time in her workshop creating all types of arts and crafts. Her passion and most rewarding experiences come from meeting people and sharing her knowledge of Spain and Portugal.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Mayra Noguerales
View biography
Mayra Noguerales was born on the Canary Islands and moved to mainland Spain as a teenager. At 16, she moved to the US, and after four years in several states, headed to the UK to finish her university degree. Returning home, she moved to beautiful, historic El Escorial and became an educational Group Leader. Mayra enjoys time in her workshop creating all types of arts and crafts. Her passion and most rewarding experiences come from meeting people and sharing her knowledge of Spain and Portugal.
Suggested Reading List
(18 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Beyond the Vineyards: Sample Northern Portugal & Spain
Program Number: 22812
Grape Harvest
Miguel Torga's first novel is a tribute to the Douro, its people, and its landscapes. A book for all who love this extraordinary region.
The New Spaniards
John Hooper's fascinating study brings to life the new Spain of the 21st century
Food and Wines of Spain
A classic collection of 400 recipes, interwoven with cultural commentary and the culinary history of Spain
The World of El Cid: Chronicles of the Spanish Reconquest
Eyewitness Guide Portugal
Featuring hundreds of photographs and drawings, an excellent overview of the culture and history, and good information about where to go and what to do.
Eyewitness Guide Northern Spain
A literate, visually rich guide to northern Spain from Galicia across Asturias and the Basque Country to La Rioja to the Pyrenees.
Journey to Portugal, In Pursuit of Portugal's History and Culture
Jose Saramago's richly detailed account of his journey across Portugal in 1979. He combines his vivid impressions of the Portuguese landscape and people with a dose of history, fiction and meditations.
The City and the Mountains
Eça de Queirós' novel is a tribute to rural Portugal, and a satirical condemnation of the emptiness of city life and modernity.
Spain, A History
An authoritative overview of Spain through the ages by one of the world's leading scholars on the history of Spain, Sir Raymond Carr.
Roads to Santiago, A Modern-Day Pilgrimage Through Spain
Spain, A Traveler's Literary Companion
The Pilgrimage Road to Santiago: The Complete Cultural Handbook
A kilometer-by-kilometer guide to the route of St. James across northern Spain with copious information on the historical and artistic sites along the way. You probably won't want it in your daypack, but in your suitcase it will be invaluable for previews of the following day and reflections on the preceding one
Gaudi: The life of a Visionary
A chronological journey covering the life and works of Gaudi
Ghosts of Spain
Tremlett captures the Spanish character, history and modern politics in this masterful portrait, interweaving the story of his love for the country (where he has lived for 20 years) with interviews, anecdotes and observation.
Spain & Portugal Adventure Map
A double-sided full color map of Spain and Portugal at a scale of 1:1,000,000 with good shaded relief, topographic detail, roads and waterways.
Conquerors: How Portugal Forged the First Global Empirer
This epic narrative history by bestselling author Roger Crowley (City of Fortune, MED185) chronicles the rise of Portugal as the small nation forged a dominant share in the global spice trade. His cast of characters (the ambitious King Manuel I, marauding governors and intrepid seamen) built a trade monopoly with the ferocity of a holy crusade, forever shifting Europe's center of power from the Mediterranean to Western Europe.
A Traveller’s History of Portugal
A lively, admirably concise survey from prehistory to the present, great for travelers to Portugal who would like an overview of the country's history and culture.
Spain, A Traveler's Literary Companion
This collection of 30 stories from a who’s who of contemporary Spanish literature, including writers from Galicia, Leon, the Basque Country, Madrid and Barcelona.
Program No.
22812
Duration
15 days
Program Begins
Porto
Program Concludes
La Granja de San Ildefonso
Group Type
Small Group
Activity Level
At a Glance
Rooted in ancient tradition passed down from generation to generation, the unique winemaking process of Spain and Portugal produces some of the best wines in the world. From the sweet, fortified wine of Porto to the rich, bold reds of Ribera del Duero, learn about northern Spain and Portugal on a journey from vineyard to vineyard. Study the specialized process and then uncover how this industry impacted the region’s economy and environment. When you’re not sampling the local vino, explore seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, experience a treasure trove of Roman history and taste a variety of delicious cuisine as you learn how time-honored traditions paved the way to a fruitful future.
Best of all, you'll...
- Discover the vineyards and history of the Douro River Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and enjoy visits to several other renowned wine-producing regions.
- Savor Portuguese cuisine during a cooking demonstration with a local chef.
- Trace Spain's ancient history through the towns of Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Las Medulas and Leon, and marvel at the well-preserved Roman aqueduct in Segovia.
General Notes
Program includes independent time to explore the city and several meals on your own. Group Leaders will provide directions for self-directed excursions. Suggestions for free-time activities provided in preparatory materials.
Featured Expert
Mayra Noguerales
Mayra Noguerales was born on the Canary Islands and moved to mainland Spain as a teenager. At 16, she moved to the US, and after four years in several states, headed to the UK to finish her university degree. Returning home, she moved to beautiful, historic El Escorial and became an educational Group Leader. Mayra enjoys time in her workshop creating all types of arts and crafts. Her passion and most rewarding experiences come from meeting people and sharing her knowledge of Spain and Portugal.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking approximately 3 miles a day. Uneven ground, cobble stones, steps and steep slopes, occasionally without handrails.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List: 18 Books
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
