Beyond the Vineyards: Sample Northern Portugal & Spain

Activity note: Hotel check-in from 2:00 p.m.

Afternoon: After checking in to the hotel and getting your room, take some time to freshen up and relax before our Orientation session. Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Dinners in Portugal and Spain take place much later than in North America and therefore evenings at leisure are generally shorter. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner: At the hotel, we’ll become acquainted with our fellow participants during our buffet welcome dinner with a glass of wine, soft drinks, water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

Activity note: Getting on/off motorcoach; driving about 6 miles (10 km) total, approximately 1/2 hour. Walking approximately 2 miles total throughout the day; varied terrain; cobblestone streets; steep slopes; staircases without railings.

Breakfast: At the hotel, the breakfast buffet will feature a variety of hot and cold items such as breads and pastries, cold cuts, cheese, jam, cereal, yogurt, and fruit, plus milk, juice, coffee, tea, water.

Morning: In the hotel meeting room, a local expert will provide an introduction to Portugal and its overseas empire. We’ll learn how the country’s history shaped its people and culture. We will set out via motorcoach to the charming city of Porto, exploring the neighborhood of Boavista and the harbor locale. Then, we will drive to the historic centre of Porto and with an expert, we’ll set out on a walking field trip to explore the downtown area. As we observe the medieval structures, we’ll learn about the history and traditions of the area. Later we will explore the São Bento Railway Station. Although the first train arrived here in 1896, the station was only officially inaugurated in 1915. Originally a convent, architect José Marques da Silva was hired in 1899 to transform the building into a train station. His design is influenced by the French Belle Époque. The atrium of the station features approximately 20,000 tiles — designed by artist Jorge Colaço — representing the history of Portugal. As we observe the magnificent tiles, we’ll learn about the construction and significance of this work of art. This site has been declared both a UNESCO designated World Heritage Site and a National Monument of Portugal.

Lunch: At a local restaurant, we’ll have a plated meal with wine and water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: In the afternoon enjoy a visit to the home of a Portuguese family and have a chat about family life in Portugal and taste their family estate-produced wine. We will continue our field trip of Porto at the Cais da Ribeira — a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With the local expert, we’ll explore one of the city’s most significant buildings: the Stock Exchange Palace — known as Palacio da Bolsa — and learn about the history of trade, architecture, and art in Porto.

Dinner: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like in Porto. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

Activity note: Getting on/off motorcoach; driving about 93 miles (120 km) total, approximately 2 hours. Walking approximately 3 miles throughout the day; uneven terrain. Standing for up to 1 hour at a time in pedestrian areas with cobblestones or uneven ground. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: In the hotel meeting room, a local historian will give a lecture on contemporary Portugal. After checking out of the hotel, we will board a motorcoach and we will ride to Guimarães, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. We’ll set out on a walking field trip with a local expert to explore the town. We’ll learn about how Guimarães evolved from a medieval settlement into a modern town. From the UNESCO inscription: “its rich building typology exemplifies the development of Portuguese architecture from the 15th to the 19th centuries, through the consistent use of traditional building materials and techniques.”

Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like in Guimarães

Afternoon: After lunch we will ride to Quinta da Aveleda — at the heart of the demarcated Vinho Verde Region — with our Group Leader. With staff from the Quinta da Aveleda estate, we will explore the 19th century gardens. We’ll learn about the rare species of trees that flourish here — some of which have been around for over a hundred years — and about the history of the estate. We’ll conclude the field trip with a wine tasting. As we sample, wine staff will explain the characteristics of each wine. We’ll then board the motorcoach and drive to the Douro Valley. En route, our leader will provide a brief introduction to the region. After checking into the hotel, we’ll have some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.

Dinner: Enjoy dinner at the hotel with a beverage choice of wine, soft drink, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure.

Activity note: Getting on/off motorcoach; traveling about 62 miles roundtrip, approximately 3 hours on winding roads. Walking approximately 2 miles throughout the day; mostly flat terrain, some cobblestones. Standing up to 1 hour at a time.

Breakfast: At the hotel, we’ll have a breakfast buffet featuring a variety of hot and cold items, plus milk, juice, coffee, tea, water.

Morning: We will start the morning with a ride through the Douro Valley to a Quinta (private wine estate). We’ll observe the surrounding vineyards and orchards of olive, chestnut, and orange trees.

Lunch: At the Quinta, we’ll have a plated meal with wine and water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: We will drive through the green terraced valleys of Pinhao to a local winery. At the winery, we’ll learn from staff about the history of the area. We’ll conclude the field trip with a wine tasting. As we sample, wine staff will explain the characteristics of each wine. Returning to our hotel, the remainder of the afternoon will be free to enjoy the scenery.

Dinner: On your own.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

Activity note: Getting on/off motorcoach; driving about 153 miles total, approximately 3 hours with one stop. Walking approximately 1 mile total throughout the day; mostly flat terrain. Standing up to 1/2 hour at a time.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: After checking out of the hotel, we’ll board our motorcoach and drive inland to the mountains of the Dão region. On arrival, we’ll observe a cooking demonstration by a local chef featuring a classic regional meal. We’ll also learn about local Dao Wines.

Lunch: We will eat the food prepared during the cooking class with a beverage choice of soft drink, wine, water.

Afternoon: We’ll ride to Aveiro. On arrival, we will board a colorful Moliceiro boat and journey through the canals of the town. As we sail, boat staff will talk about the significance of the canal and the Moliceiro boats and we’ll have the opportunity to sample local sparkling wine and a regional delicacy called Ovos Moles. We’ll then travel to the hotel. After checking in to the hotel, we’ll have time to freshen up and relax before dinner.

Dinner: On your own to enjoy what you like in Aveiro.

Evening: At leisure.

Activity note: Getting on/off motorcoach; driving about 60 miles roundtrip, approximately 3 hour; Standing 1hour; walking about 2 miles; hilly terrain. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice

Breakfast: At the hotel, we’ll have a breakfast buffet featuring a variety of hot and cold items, plus milk, juice, coffee, tea, water.

Morning: We will transfer via motorcoach to Coimbra where we will join a local expert for a private presentation at the University of Coimbra. Afterwards, we’ll set out on an expert-led walking discovery of the city's old town. Home to the country’s most prestigious university, Coimbra was the medieval capital of Portugal and its historical buildings were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the cultural center in Coimbra, staff from the cultural center will treat us to a singing performance accompanied by guitar players.

Lunch: At a local restaurant, we’ll have a plated meal with wine and water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: We will ride to Costa Nova. This beach is known for its “palheiros” (traditional houses built in this coastal region). With our study leader, we’ll walk along the seashore and learn about these unique houses and the significance of Costa Nova to the people of Aveiro. Returning to Aveiro, the remainder of the afternoon is free. Take some time to relax or to explore the old streets along the town's canals and discover why Aveiro is known as the "Portuguese Venice".

Dinner: On your own to enjoy what you like in Aveiro.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

Activity note: Getting on/off motorcoach; driving about 195 miles total; approximately 4 hours. Getting on/off funicular. Walking approximately 3 miles throughout the day; uneven terrain; unavoidable stairs. Standing up to 1.5 hours at a time in pedestrian areas with cobblestones or uneven ground. NOTE: Spain is 1 hour ahead of Portugal.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: After checking out of the hotel, we’ll ride via motorcoach to Braga, also known as the city of the archbishops. We’ll ride to the Bom Jesus do Monte — a UNESCO designated World Heritage Site — and marvel at its impressive stairway. We’ll board an old 19th century funicular and ride to the top of the baroque staircase to explore the church. With a local expert, we’ll learn about the architecture and history of this site. Next, we’ll have some independent time to relax in the gardens or explore the basilica. Once you have finished exploring, either walk down the staircase or take the funicular back to the base. We’ll then travel to the center of Braga for lunch.

Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like in the center of Braga.

Afternoon: We will board the motorcoach and travel across the border into Spain. We’ll arrive in Santiago de Compostela in the late afternoon. After checking in to the hotel, we’ll have some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.

Dinner: At the hotel, we’ll have a 3-course plated meal with a glass of wine and water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure.

Activity note: Getting on/off motorcoach; driving about 120 miles total, approximately 3.5 hours with stops. Walking up to 2 miles total throughout the day; flat terrain; getting on/off a small boat; standing about 1 hour at a time at the winery.

Breakfast: At the hotel, we’ll have a breakfast buffet featuring a selection of bread and pastries, cereals, cold cuts, fruit, and yogurt, plus milk, juice, coffee, tea, water.

Morning: We will ride via motorcoach to the Rias Baixas region. With a local expert, we’ll take in the unique Galician landscape and learn about the region’s Celtic roots. Then, we will board a small boat and travel to the island of La Toja. As we sail, we will observe and learn about the traditional methods of fishing and mussel cultivation from a local expert. We’ll also taste some of the freshly caught local seafood that makes Galician cuisine so famous. We’ll then step off the boat and drive to a local bodega (winery) in Cambados. With winery staff, we’ll observe and learn about the wine making process. We’ll conclude our field trip of the region with an opportunity to taste and compare some excellent local white Albariño wines.

Lunch: On your own in Cambados

Afternoon: We’ll ride along the scenic Pontevedra estuary back to the hotel in Santiago.

Dinner: At a local restaurant, we’ll savor a traditional Galician 3-course plated meal featuring appetizers to share, an entrée, and dessert, plus water and wine; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure.

Activity note: Walking approximately 3 miles; mostly flat; some uneven surfaces, unavoidable steps; standing up to 1 hour in pedestrian areas with cobblestones. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: In the hotel meeting room, a local instructor will lecture on contemporary Spain and Galicia's cultural diversity. Then, we’ll set out with a local expert on a walking field trip to explore Santiago de Compostela, including its magnificent cathedral. We’ll learn about this historic place of pilgrimage as we observe the city’s Romanesque and Baroque architecture. We will also visit Plaza Obradoiro, whose buildings represent the city’s 700-year history, and Platerias Square, known for its Fountain of the Horses.

Lunch: We will receive meal and beverage vouchers to use in the city

Afternoon: Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Dinner: On your own to sample the local fare.

Evening: At the hotel, we’ll attend a traditional Galician music and dance performance by a local Galician folklore group. Galicia is rich in Celtic influence, evident even today in its traditional instrument, "la Gaita," or bagpipe.

Activity note: Getting on/off motorcoach; traveling about 250 miles, approximately 5 hours with stops. Walking up to 4 miles total throughout the day with breaks; uneven terrain and cobblestones; steep uphill climb to the lookout point at La Medulas; standing up to 2 hours at a time in pedestrian areas.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: After checking out of the hotel, we’ll board a motorcoach and ride to the city of Lugo, located on the banks of the river Miño. With a local expert, we’ll set out on a walking field trip to explore and learn about this ancient city. Dating from the 3rd century, the city boasts remains of its Roman past, including a ring of towers and walls which surround the center of the city. These fortifications are a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. According to the UNESCO inscription, “The Roman walls of Lugo are the finest surviving example of late Roman military fortifications.”

Lunch: On your own to explore the city’s many renowned restaurants and tapas bars.

Afternoon: We will ride to Las Médulas, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore the visitor center. With a local expert, we’ll learn about the unique archaeological significance of this site and its origins as a gold mining site. Then we’ll climb up to the viewpoint to observe the spectacular, red canyon-like scenery. In the late afternoon, we will complete our transfer to the hotel in Leon. After checking in to the hotel, we’ll have some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.

Dinner: At the hotel, we’ll have a 3-course plated meal with a glass of wine and water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure.

Activity note: Walking about 3 miles total throughout the day; standing up to 2 hours at a time in pedestrian areas with cobblestones. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.

Breakfast: At the hotel, we’ll have a breakfast buffet featuring a selection of bread and pastries, cereals, cold cuts, fruit, and yogurt, plus milk, juice, coffee, tea, water.

Morning: With our local expert, we will set out on a walking field trip to explore key historical sites and learn about the history, art, and architecture of the former Roman garrison of León. The city’s history and architectural heritage spans from Celts and Romans to the neo-Classical, Gothic, and Modernist eras. We will stop at the Gothic cathedral — dating back to the 10th century — and observe its impressive stained glass windows. We’ll also observe the Pantheon of the Kings, which contains some of the finest medieval frescoes in Europe, remarkably preserved and still in their original setting. We will also see the Casa de Botines, an uncharacteristically restrained neo-Gothic building designed by the great Catalan architect, Antoni Gaudí.

Lunch: On your own.

Afternoon: Free time in Leon. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Dinner: At a local restaurant, we’ll have a traditional meal of shared plates known as “raciones,” with dessert, wine and water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

Activity note: Getting on/off motorcoach; driving about 185 miles total, approximately 4 hours. Walking up to 2 miles total throughout the day; varied terrain; cobblestones; unavoidable steps.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: After checking out of the hotel, we’ll drive to the Ribera wine region — home to some of Spain’s most exclusive wines — on the banks of the Duero River. We’ll meet a local wine producer and en route, learn about the dramatic changes to rural life since the advent of democracy in 1975.

Lunch: At the winery, we’ll have a simple selection of local produce with a glass of Ribera wine

Afternoon: We’ll board a motorcoach and depart for the Guadarrama mountain range in the province of Segovia. After checking in to the hotel, we’ll have some time to relax and freshen up before dinner.

Dinner: At the hotel, we’ll have a plated meal with a glass of wine and water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure.

Activity note: Walking approximately 3 miles through pedestrian areas; cobblestone streets; with inclines; unavoidable steps without handrails. Getting on/off motorcoach; traveling about 20 miles total, approximately 1 hour.

Breakfast: At the hotel, we’ll have a breakfast buffet featuring a selection of bread and pastries, cereals, cold cuts, fruit, and yogurt, plus milk, juice, coffee, tea, water.

Morning: We will ride to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Segovia. On arrival, we’ll set out on a walking field trip with a local expert to explore and learn about the city’s historical sites. Some of the sites we will explore include the unique Roman Aqueduct and Alcazar.

Lunch: At one of the city's oldest restaurants, we’ll enjoy a traditional plated meal of Segovian suckling pig with a beverage choice of wine, coffee, tea, water.

Afternoon: We’ll ride back to La Granja. On arrival, we’ll set out on foot with a local expert to explore La Granja de San Ildefonso, an early 18th-century palace situated in the cool mountains of the Sierra of Guadarrama. It was originally the summer residence of the kings and queens of Spain during the reign of Philip V. Constructed in a restrained Baroque style, it is surrounded by extensive gardens in the formal “jardin à la française” style. We’ll explore both the palace and gardens and learn about the site’s rich history. We’ll have time to relax in the gardens before walking next door to our hotel. In the hotel lounge, our Group Leader will lead a wrap-up session to review program highlights and say farewell to new Road Scholar friends.

Dinner: At the hotel, we’ll have a light 2-course plated meal with water; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

Activity note: Airport transfers beginning around 4:00 a.m. Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet. This concludes our program.

Morning: If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!