day ends in Santiago de Compostela, whose history is deeply rooted in superstitions and faith. (B, L)
Day 5: Santiago de Compostela Choose how you delve into the lore of the city because today, it’s your choice! Engage with one side of the city’s beliefs on a tour focusing on the myths of Santiago -ORconnect with centuries of travelers and walk a portion of the city’s famous pilgrimage path with a local guide. Visit Mercado de Abastos, wander along the colorful stalls of fresh produce and savory cheeses. Take advantage of a free afternoon to explore the city on your own. Perhaps you’ll join an optional dinner at a local restaurant, featuring mouthwatering seafood. (B) Day 6: Santiago de Compostela - León Your journey continues in León, a city of indescribable energy and mesmerizing architecture. On a city tour with a local guide, pass by the Casa Botines, a work by the eccentric Antoni Gaudi, and take in the imposing León Cathedral, whose gothic towers appear to reach straight into the sky. The remainder of the day is yours. (B) Day 7: León - Bragança, Portugal - Douro River Valley Explore Bragança, an isolated medieval town. Wander among the stone houses and gaze at the 12th-century castle, rising above the skyline. Continue to the Douro River Valley, a region of Northern Portugal known for its lush hillsides and delicious port wine grapes. Be welcomed to the Quinta da Pacheca, an estate that has been producing wine since the 1700s. Settle in for a leisurely 3-night stay in the midst of the vineyard’s scenic paths and warm hospitality. After touring the grounds, enjoy a wine tasting and dinner made up of fresh local ingredients. For true connoisseurs of wine, consider raising your accommodations to the next level with an innovative wine barrel room, allowing you to admire the vineyard rows from the comfort of your own bed. (B, D) Day 8: Douro River Valley Discover Pinhão, a charming town along the Douro River featuring tranquil vistas and delicious port wine. Wander the vineyards and olive groves on your own, following the directional plaques along whatever path your heart desires. Learn about the harvesting and production processes of world-renowned port brands. Navigate along the most picturesque landscapes of the Douro River on a traditional wooden rabelo boat. Marvel at the rows of twisting vines, lush trees, and colorful houses from a different perspective. (B) Day 9: Douro River Valley Enjoy a day at leisure. Perhaps you’ll picnic in the vineyards, meander along the green hills, or venture into the nearby town of Régua. Or, consider an optional tour to Lamego where you’ll travel to the peak of the town via coach before hopping on a bike and exploring; coast down the winding streets, perhaps stopping for a delicious bola sandwich, and enjoy the downhill ride back to the quinta. No matter how you choose to spend your time, you will close out the day with a cooking class at your winery home. Allow the fresh air to gently float around you as the kitchen walls slide open, creating the feeling that you are preparing food directly in the vineyard. Indulge in traditional Portuguese recipes – all paired with enticing vintages from the estate. (B, D) Day 10: Douro River Valley - Aveiro - Porto Leave the wines and vines behind as you depart the Douro River Valley. Take a peek into the process of creating Portuguese porcelain at the Vista Alegre Factory and Museum; here you’ll get to observe workers creating exceptional ceramic pottery. Your journey then takes you to Aveiro, a stunning waterfront town where hand-painted boats pass through the canal. Allow your
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TOUR ACTIVITY LEVEL
1
SEE PAGE 7 FOR DETAILS
2
3
4
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eyes to drift along the nouveau architecture of this quaint fisherman village; perhaps you’ll pause for a bite of an ovos moles, a “soft egg” pastry that the city is known for. Head back to Porto for your farewell dinner and toast to a trip well-traveled. (B, D)
Day 11: Porto - Tour Ends Your tour of Northern Portugal and Spain comes to a close today. (B)
DOUBLE STARTING AT $2999 SOLO STARTING AT $3899
Pricing is per person, land only, and varies by departure date.
Prices based on September 14, 2020 departure.
May - October 2020 May 11, 25 June 8, 15 July 6
August 10, 31 September 7, 14, 21, 28
This tour requires a passport. Our air passengers will arrive into and depart from Porto. Airport transfers are available for purchase. Upgrade to a wine barrel room is limited and subject to availability. Please inquire at time of booking for additional details. Return flights should not be booked prior to 10:00 a.m.
For pricing details and to see this tour online: collette.com/649 19
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