Independent touring for wine lovers in Spain & Portugal
For independent self-drive wine tours Spain and Portugal are the perfect destination. Long famous for the full-bodied red wines of La Rioja and Ribera del Duero, sherry wines of Andalucia and Ports from the Douro Valley, the world’s oldest wine region. Spain and Portugal together boast over 100 regions under the Denominación de Origen system, including many wonderful smaller regions, virtually unknown in our supermarkets and great value for money.
Visit Spain and Portugal’s foremost wine regions, famous names like La Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Rias Bajas, Porto, Alentejo, Dão and Vinho Verde, or discover new up-and-coming denominations like El Bierzo, Cigales, Ronda or Toro. Travel independently and stay in small independent hotels – or authentic castles and palaces!
Wonderful wine - wherever you go!
We specialise in the lesser known areas of Iberia, avoiding the crowds. All our tours pass through or near wine regions – in Spain and Portugal it’s almost impossible not to! And wherever you go you’ll find wonderful walks in stunning scenery, rich heritage, proud local gastronomic traditions and a warm welcome – so much more than just wonderful wine.
Take an independent tour through the Spanish and Portuguese wine regions and discover a different side of the Iberian Peninsula.
About the tours:
- Independent touring with all the info and support you need
- Bespoke itineraries – designed and organised by our experts
- Fly to Spain or Portugal and we’ll include a hire a car
- Or we’ll build in the ferry travel to Spain
- Request a personal quote with route map, highlights…
- Travel with full directions, guidebook and touring map
- Regional guides, essential docs formatted for mobile and tablet
Practical Information
- Destinations
- Spanish Wine
- North & Inland Spain
- Catalonia & Pyrenees
- Andalucia
- Portuguese Wine
- Portugal regions
- When to come
Spain and Portugal - wine destinations
In recent years the wines of Spain & Portugal have gone from being considered, perhaps unjustly, as ‘holiday plonk’ to being among the most highly esteemed wines on the planet. And it’s not just a question of perception, increased competition and the thorough and widespread implementation of the DOC system, has made the good wines even better, as well as allowing many hitherto unknown regions to blossom. Quality and variety have increased enormously yet prices are still very affordable, making the Iberian Peninsula the ideal destination for a wine-themed touring holiday.
Our independent tours don’t aim to cater for the ‘wine buff on a mission’ but are designed to take in the best of each region whilst having a more general appeal bringing out the cultural, gastronomic and scenic elements in each area. You won’t be accompanied by a guide but you’ll have our recommendations for good bodega tours etc. as part of our Vamoos Travel App, as well as those of our friendly hoteliers who are always up to the minute with what’s going on.
We’ve highlighted tours in the north of Spain, Catalonia, Inland Spain and Portugal as being of particular relevance for travellers with an interest in wine, but the Pyrenees and Andalucia also have their points of interest.
Spanish wine - tips and practicalities
At the table
Wine is taken with meals in Spain and is usually included in the Menú del Día (the cut-price lunch menu offered in all but the finest restaurants). The wine included, whilst generally quite drinkable, is generally non-vintage or a relatively basic “crianza” and, as a rule of thumb, they’ll include half a bottle per person. If you want to upgrade to a bottle from the wine list you’ll usually pay the full price of the bottle selected (unfortunately no discount for the bottle you didn’t drink).
In a bar
In bars wine is taken by the glass, or ‘copa’. If you ask for a ‘tinto’ or ‘blanco’ (red or white) in a normal bar you’ll usually get something quite basic. For something more drinkable ask for a crianza or a specific wine (Rueda whites are commonly available) or look for a blackboard where they’ll often have a list of what’s available.
What's what...
Definitions vary from region to region but the Rioja system is good as a general guideline. Cosechero / Joven / Vino del Año is non-vintage wine from the harvest of the year. Crianza / Roble are ones which are in at least their third year and have spent a minimum of one year in oak casks. Reservas are wines with a minimum of 3 years’ ageing between cask and bottle and at least one year in the oak cask.
The other dimension is the origin of the wine. Denominación de Origen or Denominación de Origen Clasificada (DOC) being a guarantee of the highest quality – Vino de Mesa being the lowest and least controlled. In between there are some pleasant surprises; Vinos de la Tierra (like the French Vin de Pays) often applying to good wines from a particular province which don’t quite fit the DO for whatever reason and similarly Vinos de Pago applying to single estates who, though of the highest quality, don’t comply with the local DOC regulations (there are just 15 at time of writing – look out for them!)
A few practicalities
North Spain - Rioja, Ribera del Duero, and so much more…
Our northern Spain touring area encompasses the two ‘headline acts’ of Spanish wine; La Rioja, where the Ebro Valley starts its journey to the Mediterranean, and Ribera del Duero at the upper reaches of the mighty Duero, which flows out to Porto as the Douro and waters wonderful vines all the way.
These regions lie south of the Cordillera Cantábrica mountains in the ‘wine belt’ which further west takes in the lesser-known El Bierzo region of León. Further west still, following the same latitude into Galicia, the Ribera Sacra, Valdeorras and, at the Atlantic coast Rias Baixas (Albariño) regions, all produce wines of the highest quality.
North of the mountains the coastal climate is more generally suited to cider (which is ever-present) but the early-ripening grapes grown in the Basque Country produce tangy, fresh Txakoli – the perfect accompaniment for the local seafood on a hot summer day.
Straddling the mountain range in the wilds of western Asturias there’s also one little surprise, the tiny Cangas del Narcea region which produces some truly excellent wines with native grapes – you might even spot a bear in amongst the vines! – See our northern Spain Tours
Inland Spain - 13 denominations in Castilla y León alone!
Among the magnificent scenery and World-Heritage architecture of Castilla y León you can find 13 wine denominations including big names such as Ribera del Duero, El Bierzo and Rueda, as well as many lesser-known regions like Toro, Cigales and Sierra de Salamanca – all producing wonderful wines of astounding quality, many of which you’ll never see in the UK. See our Madrid & Inland Spain Tours.
Extremadura, to the west of Madrid, has some incredibly good value wines and it’s proximity to the Portuguese border lends itself to some compare-and contrast border hopping – see our section on Cross Border Tours for more information.
Catalonia - a treasure-trove of fine wines
Known throughout the world for fresh sparkling Cava from Penedés and the full-bodied reds from the Priorat region - reason enough to make a pilgrimage - Catalonia has so much more to entice the curious wine lover.
Bordered by the Pyrenees to the north and the Med to the east, the region has a wide array of micro-climates, terroirs and terrains, giving rise to a similarly wide and fascinating range of wines.
Add to that an interesting use of grape varieties - Macabeo, Xarel·lo, and Parellada for whites and sparkling wines; Garnacha and Cariñena for reds – and you’re sure to be in for an interesting time.
Tarragona, in the south of Catalonia, hosts the big players – Priorat, and neighbouring Montsant, and Penedés, where, alongside the Cava you’ll find some truly amazing still wines – and the lesser-known Terra Alta (literally ‘high land’) where they specialise in making delicious garnacha wines - at very interesting prices!
But don’t underestimate the northern region of Empordá nestling between the foothills of the Pyrenees and the beautiful Costa Brava you’ll find a wide range of whites and reds. Often described as ‘mineral’ or ‘maritime’, the whites are fresh and flavoursome whilst the reds are mostly Garnacha-based yet somewhat lighter and fresher than their southern cousins.
Inland Costers de Segre and Pla de Bages regions are also producing very drinkable wines at very reasonable prices – so you’re in for a treat wherever you go in Catalonia!
Spanish Pyrenees - Surprises in store...
Though not considered a ‘wine destination’, the Pyrenees do hold some pleasant surprises. Of particular interest is the Somontano region, set among the foothills near Ainsa, which draws on a broader pallet of grapes than most Spanish regions – fifteen native and foreign grape varieties – to produce some very fine wines indeed.
In Catalunya and Navarra you can enjoy the region’s wide range of wines though most come from more southerly latitudes beyond the mountains.
Sophisticated sherry - and so much more...
Andalucia is justly famous for its fortified Sherry wines principally from the area around Jerez and the gloopy sweet wines of Málaga, both of which thrive in the extreme summer heat of Spain’s deep south and are themselves a worthy reason to make a trip to the region.
Up on the mountains, however, something else is going on… in the Sierras de Málaga and particularly the Serrania de Ronda, a new generation of winemakers are taking advantage of the high altitude to produce some truly remarkable prize-winning wines of the highest quality – take our advice and head for the hills!
Portuguese wine - tips and practicalities
At the table
Though wine is taken with meals in Portugal, it is not usually included in the “Prato do dia” (reasonably priced dish of the day, offered in most but the finest of restaurants). You will be given a separate wine list of whites (brancos), reds (tintos) and rosados (rose), normally with a choice of table wines (vinho da mesa), regional wines (vinhos regionales) and DOC wines (denominacao de origem controlada).
Table wines are normally very drinkable, wherever you are in Portugal, but particularly in the Alentejo, and are amazingly good value. Normally, they are available by the bottle (garrafa), in a jug (jarro) or by the glass (copo). You may be asked if you would like your wine fresca (chilled) or natural (room temperature).
In a bar
In bars, wine is ordered by the glass (there are different sizes and shapes – you will probably be asked your preference – be prepared for choice!). If you ask for a “tinto” or “branco” in a normal bar, you will normally be served something quite basic. Should you want something a bit more special ask for a “vinho maduro” or a “vinho regional”. When in a wine-producing region of Portugal, we always like to stick to the wines from that region.
What's what...
There are basically three levels of wine quality on offer – Vinho da mesa (table wine), vinho regional (regional wine (there are 14 regions) which has quality control) and DOC (Denomination of controlled origin – very strictly controlled – there are 31 of these). Look carefully at the label on the bottle to know what you are getting!
A world of wine in one country
Portugal’s compact size makes it ideal for touring in general and its wine regions which, nestling up to each other as they do, make it the perfect destination for a wine themed road trip…
The Alentejo
There are eight sub-regions within the Alentejo. The red wines from Borba, Evora, Redondo and Reguengos are the most well known. Alentejo reds are mostly full bodied, rich and fruity. Both the quaffing wines (served in jugs in most restaurants) and fine wines are very popular for their quality and price. Although whites are more difficult to produce in this hot climate, there are some very good ones.
The Douro
Long famous for its port wines, the spectacularly scenic wine growing region of The Douro, a UNESCO World Heritage site, now produces excellent, fine, unfortified table wines, both red and white. The reds are robust and full bodied, similar in style to Rioja or Ribera del Duero whilst the whites are light bodied, crisp and minerally, not unlike a white Burgundy.
Port wine
The discovery of Port, a wine fortified with brandy, initially for shipping purposes, can possibly be credited to C17th British merchants: Britain had fallen out with France and they were on the lookout for another source of supply for British drinking needs. The highly productive Douro valley was there and it didn’t take long before they went into business.
The port wine lodges with their striking English names in Vila Nova de Gaia and the many wineries in the Douro valley are evidence to this; it is here that you soon learn to tell the difference between a tawny port to a late bottled vintage.
Dão
Dão red wines are often referred to as Portuguese “burgundy” – full bodied, smooth and fruity with flavours of black cherry, earl grey tea and cocoa. In a tranquil region of high altitude surrounded by even higher mountains, protected from the cold winds of the Atlantic, with a sandy granite soil, the area has the ideal climatic conditions. The whites– similar to a Chenin Blanc or a Chardonnay – are catching on too.
Vinho Verde from the Minho
Vinho Verde, a light, sharp, fruity and slightly fizzy young wine, low in alcohol content, is produced only in the Minho. It makes a lovely refreshing drink served chilled as an aperitif or with seafood and fish. The best are the “Alvarinhos” from Moncao and Melgaco which are slightly stronger and less spritzy. Be truly Portuguese and drink Vinho Verde from a “malga” – a white porcelain bowl.
When to visit the vineyards of Spain and Portugal
Autumn’s red coat is truly stunning, particularly in the Rioja and Ribera del Duero, and it’s also the time in most regions to witness the harvest – a wonderful time to visit and see cartloads full of grapes on the way to the bodegas. That said, the wine regions are well worth a visit at any time from Spring onwards, bodegas are open for visits and there’s always something going on in the vineyards.
For tours taking in various regions with differing climates (for example those which span the northern mountains) Spring and Autumn are certainly the best time to ‘get the best of both worlds’, avoiding both high-summer heat to the south and cooler, off-season weather in the north. The same applies to mountainous regions like the Pyrenees where altitude has a similar effect.
Bringing it home
The best way to take some wine home is to come by ferry with your own car and pick it up from bodegas and specialist shops on your way around – see our ferry-drive tours. That said the larger bodegas will arrange shipment or ask them for details of their UK agents. See our Ferry-drive tours or call for more information.
Explore our favourites tours for wine lovers in Spain & Portugal
Here are a few of our favourite tours for wine lovers - for a full list please click here
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[description] => It’s not all about the wine – authentic castles, each different and charmingly restored, will be your home at each stop and you’ll find plenty to visit from historic villages to the monumental university city of Salamanca and plenty more besides.
The example route takes one week but you can do as little, or as much, as you like.
[introduction] => Start in Madrid to discover the historic and contemporary treasures of this vibrant city before you hop from castle to castle and wend your way through Spain’s most prestigious wine regions, names to conjure with Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Toro and Rueda. Visit the great wine centres of Laguardia, Haro, Logroño, Peñafiel and Valladolid and ‘drink in’ the traditions and beautiful landscapes.
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[title] => Day 1 & 2 – Madrid
[introduction] =>
[description] => Capital of Spain – one of Europe´s largest
Golden Triangle of Art – Prado, Reina Sofia & Thyssen Bornemisza Museum
Puerta de Alcalá, Royal Palace, Almudena Cathedral… – invaluable heritage
World-class galleries, theatres, cultural centres & events
Distinctive atmosphere in each barrio; lively bars & restaurants
Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial
Prestigious vineyards of La Rioja
Riojan & Basque cuisine – excellent local ingredients
Stunning modern architecture among the vines
Medieval Laguardia and Labastida
Dinastia Vivanco museum of wine culture
Enjoy your own Rioja wine tours on the enobus
The ‘Golden Mile’ – legendary wine route including Vega Sicilia
Castle, wine museum and historic town of Peñafiel
Cycle or wander along the banks of the Duero river
Historic Lerma and the old part of Valladolid
Roman ruins of Clunia
Traditional gastronomy with delicious roast lamb
Salamanca – truly monumental university city
Toro, Rueda & Sierra de Salamanca wines
Delicious jamon from Guijuelo
Historic Tordesillas, Toro & Zamora
Cruise on the river in the Arribes del Duero Nature Park
Visit the Sierra de Francia & villages of Las Batuecas
Fly into Bilbao or Santander, the tour can be tailor-made to suit your time and travel arrangements
Add a stop in Olite - a perfect 'wine & castles' destination
Swap Madrid for Segovia - not a Castle but a superb Convent
Use Valladolid - the 'wine capital' of Castilla - as a base for Ribera del Duero
or more economical options if you're on a budget...Ask about superior rooms, a larger car or better cabins on the ferry
Call us to talk through all the options - we'd love to hear from you!
Madrid – history, art & gastronomy
Rioja, Ribera de Duero, Toro & Rueda wine regions
Romantic castle hotels from start to finish
Walk or cycle amongst the vines
Laguardia, Peñafiel, Torredesillas & many more
Salamanca, Spain’s greatest university city
Prehistoric dolmens to ultra-modern bodegas
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[name] => Douro Wine Valley Tour
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[description] => From bustling Porto, on the Atlantic coast with its Port wine cellars and historic old town, head inland to the lush, steep-terraced vineyards of the Douro and Alto Douro near Pinhao. Discover a region full of beauty.
Along the way you’ll find enchanting towns and villages to discover; Amarante, Peso da Regua or Lamego with its famous baroque stairs to the Nossa Senhora dos Remedios church, as well as delicious local fare and unique, friendly atmosphere in the family run “Adegas” – taverns.
Of course the Douro river is the star of the tour with fantastic boat rides, scenery and walking as it meanders through the vineyards.
[introduction] => Discover historic Porto and the Douro Valley, the world’s oldest, and possibly most picturesque, wine region.
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[title] => Day 1 to 3 – Porto
[introduction] =>
[description] => Ribeira, Porto’s fascinating historic centre, a World Heritage site
Cross the impressive Dom Luis I iron bridge to the Port Wine Lodges
Art for all from finest museums to simple galleries
Walk the lanes, sail the river, live and breathe Porto
Ferry to Afurada and the golden beach of Estrela
Fabulous Douro scenery – World Heritage site
Visit some of the wine lodges “quintas” to sample Portugal’s premier wines
Lamego – famous stairs of Nossa Senhora dos Remedios
Amarante – charming town on the river Tamega
Wonderful walking among the vines
Take an unforgettable boat trip from Peso de Regua upriver to Pinhao
Pinhao and its delightful train station, decorated with beautiful azulejos – tiles
Stunning Douro vineyards, the World’s oldest!
Picnic at the beauty spot of San Salvador do Mundo
Superb gastronomy in the atmospheric “adegas” taverns
Fascinating Porto with its World Heritage Old Town
Port Wine Lodges, hop across the Dom Luis I bridge
Captivating Douro valley – The world’s oldest DOC
Wonderful gastronomy at “adegas” taverns
Superb train ride from Pinhao to Pocinho
Lamego with its castle and ornate, tiled staircase
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[name] => Secrets of Southern Catalonia
[slug] => tarragona-holidays-tour
[description] => Well known for its bucket-and-spade seaside resorts this fascinating corner of Catalonia is laden with secret gems just waiting to be discovered.
In Tarragona, the lively regional capital, you’ll find a city to rival Barcelona but without the tourist crowds – and with spectacular Roman remains. Nearby Reus has some splendid Modernist buildings and a Gaudí museum tracing his roots in the region.
Head north or south and you’re in wine country of Priorat and Cava. Hiking trails among the vines offering stunning scenery to enjoy between tastings.
You’re never far from the coast and here also there are some lesser-known gems such as delightful Altafulla and Ametlla del Mar or elegant Sitges. At the southernmost point awaits the Ebro Delta where a immensely rich birdlife thrives among the rice fields proving a unique eco-system and spectacular views. Head inland and explore medieval Tortosa and Miravet set below the 1500m mountains of Els Ports.
[introduction] => Gastronomic delights, wonderful wines, breathtaking scenery, fascinating heritage… whatever you’re looking for this short trip has it all – plus the Mediterranean climate and never far from the Costa Dorada.
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[title] => Day 7 & 8 - Alt Penedés - Cava Country
[introduction] =>
[description] => Home of Cava and fine Penedés wines
Visit the Modernista 'Cathedrals of Wine'
Witness the death-defying 'castellers' human towers
Hit the coast at nearby Sitges, or unspoilt Altafulla
Year-round hiking among the vineyards
Add a stop in Barcelona, Catalonia's oh-so-lively capital
Stay in a magnificent early-medieval castle - Parador de Cardona
Add an overnight stop at the 4-star Parador de Lleida
Extend your stay at any of the stops - they´re all worth it!
Ask about superior rooms or a larger car
or more economical options if you're on a budget...
Call us to talk through all the options - we'd love to hear from you!
The Priorat wine region: Exceptional wines from one of the smallest wine regions
Montsant Natural Park: Stunning rock formations with breathtaking views
Walk or cycle amongst the vines
Catalan Modernist wineries - 'Cathedrals of Wine'
Explore the historic charms of Siurana and La Cartoixa de Scala Dei
Take a trip to Reus for Modernist architecture and Vermouth
Superb bird watching in the Delta
Delicious rice combined with locally caught seafood
Tortosa, gateway to the mighty Ebro river
Head up-river to picturesque Miravet
Great cycling, among the rice fields or on the Via Verde
El Ports mountains, soaring to over 1500m
Spectacular remains of Roman Tarraco - among Spain's finest
Take a walking tour of the medieval old town, set amongst Roman remains
Reus, a treasure trove of Modernist architecture
Join in the local Vermouth culture - see where it's made in Reus
Try the city beaches or head south to Tamait and Altafulla, just nearby
Roman Tarragona - amazing ruins right by the beach
Cava vineyards in Alt Penedes
Fascinating Modernist architecture in Reus
Priorat - world-class wines in breathtaking scenery
Flamingos - and birds galore - in the Ebro Delta
Historic Tortosa and the Els Ports mountains
Costa Dorada beaches - there are some hidden gems - never far away
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[name] => Discover Galicia
[slug] => galicia-round-tour
[description] => Apart from this rich heritage there are miles of beautiful coastline and an interior with many little known wonders in a province larger than Wales.
For the foodies there’s plenty to relish with Spain’s best seafood and some fantastic white wines as well as good meat and garden produce.
[introduction] => In the far north west corner of Spain, for centuries journey’s-end for pilgrims travelling from all over Europe and long considered the end of the earth, the Celtic land of Galicia has much to offer today’s visitor.
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[title] => Day 1 & 2 – Rias Altas y Costa de la Muerte
[introduction] =>
[description] => Prettiest, most unspoilt beaches in Spain
Finisterre, literally the ‘World’s End’
La Coruña with its working Roman lighthouse
Traditional life in the fishing villages
White sands and rock pools of Carnota bay – an old favourite!
Feast on delicious shellfish, locally farmed
Take a trip to the idylic islands of Cies & Ons
Lively Vigo, Europe’s largest fishing port
Cambados, at the heart of the Albariño wine region
Get active! Watersports for all in the Rias
Catamaran trip down the magnificent Rio Sil
Ribero wines from the vertiginous banks of the Sil
Historic Monforte, Ribadavia & local monasteries
Octopus in Ourense, best in Spain, maybe the world!
Los Ancares Nature Park, immense native woodlands
Playa de los Catedrales – among the world’s most famous
Lively Viveiro with its active fishing port and beaches
Sargadelo pottery, traditional yet surprisingly modern!
A wealth of unspoilt fishing villages to dip into
Pop across to Asturias, just a short drive to the border
One of Europe’s most important pilgrim destinations
Take a walking tour around this World Heritage City
Visit the Cathedral said to house the bones of St James
Always lively with a strong tradition of street music
Multitude of bars and restaurants, a last chance to retry all the Gallego treats!
Dip into northern Portugal
Head down to Porto - it's not far!
or head east into Asturias
Ask about superior rooms, a larger rental car or better cabins on the ferry
or more economical options if you're on a budget...
Call us to talk through all the options - we'd love to hear from you!
Rugged ocean coastline. Lush green hills
World famous seafood & Albariño wine
Celtic roots visible throughout
Finisterre – the Romans’ worlds-end
Ribera Sacra – the sacred river
Santiago – journey’s end
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[name] => Wine & Mountains Tour
[slug] => basque-pyrenees-rioja
[description] => Straddling the ancient kingdoms of Castile, Navarra and Aragon, borders hard fought in medieval times, here you’ll find some of Spain’s finest castles and Romanesque churches as well as some of its best modern architecture among the vines in La Rioja and, of course, in Bilbao’s iconic Guggenheim Museum.
Throughout the trip you’ll enjoy great walking, wonderful scenery, fine local wines and gastronomy and, of course, a warm Spanish welcome.
This circular trip combines well with the ferry service to Bilbao or Santander or flights to Bilbao, Biarritz, Zaragoza or Santander.
[introduction] => Starting in Northern Navarra, at the great crossroads of the Caminos de Santiago, this route will take you into the dramatic desert landscape of Las Bardenas to La Rioja and on to Bilbao.
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[title] => Day 1 & 2 – North West Navarra
[introduction] =>
[description] => Valleys of Baztan & Bidasoa – lost in time
Picture-postcard villages of the French Pais-Basque
Hondarribia, San Sebastian, Biarritz & St Jean de Luz
Ride the train to the peak of La Rhune, stunning views
Head south for vineyards, castles & don’t miss Pamplona
Irati forest – immense native woodlands
Lumbier & Arbayun, stunning gorges with vast resident vulture colonies
Ochagavia & Isaba; Ori, your first 2000m mountain
Wonderful cheeses from Roncal & Ossau-Iraty
Roncesvalles, start for the Camino de Santiago
Spaghetti-western desert landscape of Las Bardenas
Romanesque delights of Uncastillo & Sos del Rey Católico
Castillo de Loarre & Mallos de Riglos
Monasterio de Leyre & Castillos de Javier y Olite
Birdwatching, mountain biking, trekking…
Spain’s most prestigious vineyards
Riojan & Basque cuisine – excellent local ingredients
Stunning modern architecture among the vines
Medieval Laguardia and Labastida
Dinastia Vivanco museum of wine culture
Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim & its sister the Bellas Artes
Basque cuisine, pintxos or something more substantial
Basque coast, lovely beaches, spectacular rock formations
Head for the hills, great walking just near the city
Visit San Sebastian, Belle Epoque elegance by the sea
For a seaside city break, swap northern Navarra for a stay in San Sebastian
Go further east into the high mountains of Huesca
Consider Olite as an alternative to Western Aragon
Ask about superior rooms, a larger car or better cabins on the ferry
or more economical options if you're on a budget...
Call us to talk through all the options - we'd love to hear from you!
Baztan valley & Basque coast
Las Bardenas Reales & Medieval Uncastillo & Sos
Castillo de Loarre & Mallos de Riglos
Superb birdwatching & wild flowers
Hecho and Anso Valleys – high Pyrenees
Old-favourite wines of Rioja & Navarra
Up-and-coming wineries in Huesca & Euskadi
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[name] => Wine Regions of Portugal Tour
[slug] => portugal-wine-tour
[description] => From the medieval delights of the Alto Alentejo to historic, granite-built Viseu, heart of the Dão, on to the vertiginous vineyards of the Douro Valley dotted with pristine white adegas and on to the verdant hills of the Minho in the far north – there’s so much to see along the way!
Finish with a small city-break in Porto, centre of Portugal’s wine trade built up over centuries and with a strong history of links with Britain.
[introduction] => A wine-lover’s delight and a wonderful way to discover small-town, rural Portugal in a trip full of contrasts.
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[title] => Day 1 & 2 – Alto Alentejo
[introduction] =>
[description] => World Heritage Évora, Roman ruins, medieval walls
Alentejo wines, Portugal’s finest
Hilltop fortress towns of Monsaraz, Marvão and Castelo Vide
Pottery towns among the vines El Corval and Redondo
“Marble towns” of Vila Viçosa and Estremoz
World Heritage Elvas with its magnificent Roman aqueduct
Delightful Viseu, historic centre of the Dão wine region
Grão Vasco museum, Portuguese Renaissance at its best
Viseu’s imposing granite-built Sé cathedral
Dão wine route, historic vineyards, velvety reds
Hike the Sierra de Caramulo and visit the Caramulo car museum
Take an unforgettable boat trip from Peso de Regua upriver to Pinhao
Pinhao and its delightful train station, decorated with beautiful azulejos – tiles
Stunning Douro vineyards, the World’s oldest!
Picnic at the beauty spot of São Salvador do Mundo
Superb gastronomy in the atmospheric “adegas” taverns
Delightful Caminha and the fortress towns of Valença, Monção and Melgaço, dotted along the river Minho
Historic step in the Portuguese Santiago pilgrim way
Imposing Viana do Castelo with its long surfy windswept Atlantic coastline
Graceful Ponte de Lima with its Roman bridge
Sample the Vinho Verde wine and hearty local fare
Ribeira, Porto’s fascinating historic centre, a World Heritage site
Cross the impressive Dom Luis I iron bridge to the Port Wine Lodges
Art for all from finest museums to simple galleries
Walk the lanes, sail the river, live and breathe Porto
Ferry to Afurada and the golden beach of Estrela
Stay at our central hotel in Lisboa before you start the adventure!
Add an interim stop in either Batalha or Coimbra
Cross the border and discover the Albariño wines in the Rias Bajas
or extend your stay at any of the stops - they are all worth it!
Call us to talk through all the options - we'd love to hear from you!
Alto Alentejo - Historic Évora, potteries and vineyards
Viseu, granite-built centre of the Dão region
The stunning Douro Valley – the world’s oldest DOC
Minho – Viana, Ponte de Lima, Braga, Guimaraes
World class Port wines Douro and Vinho Verde
Porto’s wine lodges, Old Town and Ribeira
Why our clients love our tours
Your satisfaction is our Nº 1 priority – read independent reviews of our holidays on AITO.com
