Tour Highlights

• Return airfare from: Calgary / Edmonton / Vancouver / Winnipeg / Toronto

• Resort Accommodations

• Meals as outlined

• Tours and attractions as outlined in brochure

• Cooking classes

DAY 01: Sept 09, 2023:  [IFM]
Depart North America on an overnight flight into Barcelona, Spain.

DAY 02: Sept 10, 2023: BARCELONA, SPAIN   [IFM/D]
Arrival Barcelona and transfer to the city centre for a Barcelona city tour. You will visit the second most important city of Spain. You will go for a panoramic tour through its main squares, streets and avenues and you will see the monuments and more prominent places of interest: Passeig de Gracia, full of shops and beautiful buildings, the Holy Family Church designed in Modernist architectural style by the Antonio Gaudí, Catalonia Square, Via Laietana, the Gothic Cathedral located in the Old Quarter, the Palace of the Generalitat, which is the seat of the Autonomous Government of Catalonia, the City Hall and its adjoining streets and alleys full of history, the typical Ramblas with plenty of colourful, Montjuic Hill with a beautiful panoramic view over the city and the harbour, with the Olympic complex. Later, tansfer to the hotel. After long day and long flight, dinner at the hotel and overnight.

DAY 03: Sept 11, 2023: BARCELONA, SPAIN  [B/L]
After breakfast, depart for the Penedes region, an area that is one of the most privileged Spanish wine territories. Recognized worldwide for its exceptional white wines and cava. The group will have the opportunity to visit a winery. As most probably is grape harvest season you may be able to visit the fields.  Lunch will be served in a local restaurant typical of this region with traditional (old-style) Catalan Menu.  Return to Barcelona. Walking tour through old Gothic quarter including a visit to a large public market,  one of the city's foremost tourist landmarks, with a very diverse selection of goods Dinner on own. Overnight.

DAY 04: Sept 12, 2023: BARCELONA - SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN  [B/D]
Early departure to San Sebastian. On the way, you will visit Zaragoza, the capital of the Region of Aragon, with an impressive monumental legacy in its streets, as Romans, Muslims, Jews and Christians left their mark on this place, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Continue the route, and make a short stop in Pamplona, a city full of history and deep-rooted traditions. The streets and squares of its historic quarter still preserve a significant collection of monumental buildings dominated by its churches and medieval walls. This city is very famous the Sanfermines festivities (6 to 14 July), which have the International Tourist Interest designation. One of the biggest attractions at these festivities in honor of the city's patron saint is the running of the bulls (a tradition of running in front of the bulls). Lunch en route on own.  Continue to San Sebastian and transfer to hotel. After long journey, dinner will be at the hotel.

DAY 05: Sept 13, 2023: SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN [B/L]
After breakfast, depart to visit the picturesque old town of Pasai Donibane, which extends around a single street. The narrow, cobbled street create a truly cosy environment. Then, leave towards the town of Astigarraga to visit a “sidreria” where the group will receive all the explanations about how “sidra” is done. Guided tour including the screening of a 9-minute video on how cider making has evolved over the years. You will take an inside look at Basque cider and will pour cider straight from the barrel, always in the company of an expert guide. To round off your visit, you will enjoy a complete traditional cider house menu. Return to San Sebastian. Time to visit this beautiful city. This city, also known as Donostia, lies along a white sandy bay between the Urgull and Igeldo hills. Fishermen's houses, a smart suburb and modern districts make it one of the most attractive cities on the Cantabrian coast. Dinner on own.

DAY 06: Sept 14, 2023: SAN SEBASTIAN - BILBAO, SPAIN [B/D]
After breakfast, check out of hotel and travel towards Bilbao. On this road through the Basque Coast, you will see amazing beaches, incredible lookouts, cute villages, stunning cliffs, great hikes, unbelievable islets and a unique bridge. Lunch en route on own. Before arriving in Bilbao, you will visit a Txacoli winery. Txacoli is a slightly sparkling, very dry white wine with high acidity and low alcohol content produced in the Spanish provinces of the Basque Country, Cantabria and northern Burgos.  You will visit a family-run winery with a wine-producing tradition since the mid 19th century, passed down from parents to children over at least 5 generations.  Arrival to Bilbao, transfer to hotel for Dinner and overnight.

DAY 07: Sept 15, 2023:  BILBAO, SPAIN   [B/L]
Following breakfast, enjoy a morning city tour of this city. Bilbao is the heart of a metropolis where more than a million people live. It is the centre of the economic-social development and the main factor of the modernization of the Bay of Biscay. The great architectural and infrastructure projects have been the driving force of the urban and economic regeneration of the city. The Bilbao Guggenheim Museum, the Euskalduna Conference and Music Centre, Norman Foster's Underground, Calatrava's airport, the towers designed by the architects Arata Isozaki and César Pelli... are all examples of the dynamism that exists in Bilbao. The city is situated in the area of Bizkaia and is surrounded by a fertile landscape with forests, mountains, beaches and steep coasts. During the city tour you will visit the Ribera Market; it is a market that needs to be seen. Just standing outside the building looks like a boat stranded along the river that runs through the city, it offers an excellent introduction to the local gastronomy. Lunch will be served in a local restaurant. Remain of the day at leisure. Dinner on your own.

DAY 08: Sept 16, 2023: BILBAO - GIJON, SPAIN  [B/D]
Today’s route is one of the most beautiful route around Spain, this spectacular drive leads you from the shorelines to gorges and rugged mountains on the way to the dizzying Picos de Europa in Asturias. The final stretch of the route takes you back to the coast of the Cantabrian Sea.  Lunch on own en route.  Arrive Gijon, transfer to hotel with Dinner and overnight.

DAY 09: Sept 17, 2023: GIJON - SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA, SPAIN  [B/D]
After breakfast, you will continue discovering the emerald jewel that is northern Spain as you make your way to Galicia, Asturias’s next-door neighbor. Lunch on own en route. After several hours route, you will arrive Santiago de Compostela. Accommodation at the hotel, dinner at the hotel and overnight.

DAY 10: Sept 18, 2023: SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA, SPAIN    [B/L]
Following breakfast, discover Santiago de Compostela, the capital of the Region of Galicia. Millions of people from all over the world come to this city every year, many of them reaching the end of the Way of Saint James pilgrimage route. Its historic centre has been designated a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO. This is not the only reason to come, however. Lunch will be served in a local restaurant.  Then, you will have free time to walk through the medieval and beautiful streets of the historic center, to visit the inside of the Cathedral and to taste the delicious delicacies of the Spanish Cuisine.

DAY 11: Sept 19, 2023: SAN DE COMPOSTELA, SPAIN - PORTO, PORTUGAL [B/D]
Travel from Santiago de Compostela to the Rías Baixas, arriving in O Grove where you will board a catamaran that will take you along the Ría de Arousa. Learn about the mussel production in the area and how the river is used as a hatchery. After your boat trip, stop and enjoy free time to get lunch. Continue onto Portugal. Arrive in Porto and enjoy a Welcome Dinner at Port Wine cellar restaurant with panoramic view.  Vinum is the extension of the 19th century cellars where the famous Graham's Port wines age. The restaurant's main room breathes that same wine world, with its historic 1890 iron pillar-supported pine wood beams and a unique view of the nearly 3200 casks of aging wine in the cellars. With a stunning view towards Douro river Porto city, a high-quality gastronomic proposal will bring to the table the best culinary traditions of the Douro, Trásos-Montes, Minho and the Atlantic Ocean that bathe Portugal. Transfer to Hotel for an overnight.

DAY 12: Sept 20, 2023: PORTO, VINHO VERDE AND FRANCESINHA, PORTUGAL  [B/L]
Porto sightseeing Porto city, to discovering the second largest city of Portugal and one of the oldest European cities and its historical center was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996, located in the north coast of the country. The city where Douro river reaches the Atlantic Ocean and where the Port Wine cellars are located. Lunch – Francesinha workshop and lunch Francesinha is Porto’s signature dish, a sandwich and a meal by itself. Created in the 50s by a Portuguese, it was considered, in 2011, as the 10th best sandwich in the world, by the North American website Aol Travel. To the loaf bread one may add several types of smoked meat, steak and roasted meat as an option.The biggest secret is in the sauce, which varies from house to house, and which grants it that very special touch! In a private cooking class you will discover the ingredients and techniques behind this sandwich—made with bread, meat, sausages, cheese, and a sauces. Then, enjoy it as part of a 3-course meal, with local wine, beer, and other drinks.  Visit to Quinta da Aveleda.  This wine estate was founded in 1870 and has always been owned and managed by the same family. With a definite Atlantic influence, at altitudes ranging from 200 to 400 meters, the 205 hectares of vines at Aveleda are at the heart of the Vinho Verde Demarcated Region. Currently this winery it the largest PDO Vinho Verde export company. They are also well known for its brandies, aged up to 30 years in oak barrels in the shadows of the old cellar, during which time the magnificent amber color and the rich bouquet of their spirit is achieved. Free time in Porto.  On your own for dinner.

DAY 13: Sept 21, 2023:  PORTO - CHEESE MAKING - LISBON, PORTUGAL  [B/L/D]
Visit to an artisanal canned fish factory opened since 1930s in one of the oldest in Portugal. All of its production is exclusively done from fresh fish, caught on the Portuguese coast, selected and prepared manually to please the most exquisite tastes, both in the domestic market and in more than 30 countries in the world they export to. This canned fish factory offers a wide range of products, all of high quality, packaged and wrapped by hand, using vintage papers and cans, beautifully retrodesigned. This factory is particularly known for its canned sardines, mackerel, tuna with different sauces, as well as other specialties as sardine roe. At the end of the factory visit you’ll enjoy a tasting of several of these delicatessens. Lunch.  Visit to small farm to meet Mr. Adolfo, farmer, cheese monger, winemaker, cook and Portuguese Slow Food Movement member. You will learn about his artisanal goat cheese production as well as ancient bread baking. You’ll explore the village, visit the windmill and Dinner.  You’ll reach Lisbon late afternoon. After checking-in at the hotel you’ll enjoy a couple of hours of free time to rest or explore the hotel surroundings by yourself. Dinner at Boi Cavalo.  Chef Hugo Brito studied sociology, was a plastic artist, did video-installations, lived in Venice in Amsterdam, became a sous-chef in one of the most internationaly well known restaurants in Lisbon and in 2014 he launched himself as chef on his own restaurant, Boi-Cavalo. Perched on a cobblestoned alley in Alfama is something unexpected, at least for this traditional, fado-obsessed neighborhood: experimental contemporary cooking. The space has been transformed from a butcher shop into a restaurant, a modern bistro appointed with wood furniture. Guided by irreverence and nonconformity, chef Brito reinvents Lisbon cuisine, based on Portuguese gastronomy and products.

DAY 14: Sept 22, 2023:  LISBON, PORTUGAL [B/L/D]
You’ll start the day by visiting the local market and interacting with the fish and produce vendors; while appreciating locals’ daily lifestyle. From there, you head together with the chef to the cooking school, to learn how to cook a Portuguese typical 3 course lunch (fish, meat and the famous Portuguese custard tarts as dessert). At the end, you will enjoy what you together cooked in the shared lunch with the chef. Visit and tile handcrafted workshop at the National Tile Museum. The Museu Nacional do Azulejo is one of the most important national museums, for its unique collection - the Azulejo (tile), an artistic expression which differentiates the Portuguese culture, and for the building where it is located - the ancient Convent of Madre de Deus (Mother of God), founded in 1509 by Queen D. Leonor. You’ll start by learn how tiles are made according to old traditions and paint your own tile you will bring back home as your own hand-made souvenir. After the workshop, you have one hour to visit the museum and the different ages of Tile art. Lisbon sightseeing (mini bus, hop-on-off pequeno, tuks – com ida a Belém?)  Along two hour you’ll be taken through the old and historic Lisbon neighborhoods to discover Lisbon and appreciate the best viewpoints. On your own for dinner.

DAY 15:  Sept 23, 2023: LISBON - SINTRA, PORTUGAL    [B/D]
Visit to Sintra.  Sintra is a unique fairytale village from the 19th Century, classified as UNESCO world heritage. You’ll do a guided visit to Quinta da Regaleira, followed by 1,5 hours of free time at the village for your own enjoyment.  Lunch on your own at a local restaurant.  Visit to Viúva Gomes Winery - Colares Wines Region Colares wine region has long been known for the uniqueness of its wines, due to its terroir characterized for the exposure to salty winds, morning mists and sandy soils with ancient engrafted vineyards, who survived to the biggest threat of wine history of Europe: the Phylloxera plague by the end of the XIX century. Located close to the ocean on the western slopes of the Sintra hills and stating on the label “the most westerly vineyards of Europe”.  Free time in Lisbon.  Dinner with life Fado show.

DAY 16:  Sept 24, 2023: ORGANIC AND SUSTAINABLE FARMING, CORK, WINEMAKING MASTERCLASS  [B/L]
Visit and lunch at the biggest organic farm in Portugal. Herdade do Freixo do Meio start converting all their 400HA property for organic agriculture back in the 90, being the pioneer. Over these decades, consistently is growing livestock, produce, fruit, as well as producing olive oil, among many other organic produces. After a guided visit to the estate, we’ll have a traditional lunch prepared by the workers.  Visit to Cork factory. Visit and winemaking masterclass at an innovative wine producer Ervideira is a wine estate that dates from the 19th century. The descendants of Count of Ervideira have been bright in innovating both wine production as well as to market it.In this visit, we will learn about their Invisible wine; The Helix cork stopper that dispense corkscrew, an invention made together with Corticeira Amorim, Portuguese factory and worldwide leader of cork stopper producer and export; And about a wine that stages 8 months in the bottom of Alqueva lake, the biggest artificial lake in Europe

DAY 17: Sept 25, 2023: EVORA, GIN TALHA WINES, CANTE  [B/D]
Évora guided visit.  Évora is UNESCO World Heritage, with more than two thousand years of History, founded by the Romans and rated as one of the best Portuguese cities to live in. In this guided walking tour you will visit and learn about the Roman Temple, the Cathedral, the Bones’ Chapel and Giraldo Square.  Lunch on your own.  Visit a Gin distillery.  Wine in not all the Portuguese drink and produce. New times brought new trends, and gin is definitely one of them. In the middle of Alentejo you will visit a gin distillery where one of the best Portuguese gins is made, only with ingredients from Portugal, fruits of herbs. You’ll see and learn everything about gin making, from artisanal botanicals maceration to the distillation itself. The visit will finish with a gin tasting.  Visit and tasting in a Talha wine cellar.  Alentejo region has a tradition of producing and aging wines in clay vessels oramphoras, called Talha, since Roman time. Mostly for home consumption, this ancient art of wine making results in a very unique kind of wine and has been increased in demand and evolve for being bottled after aging in the Talhas, and distributed to the market. In this visit you’ll learn about it and taste Talha wine. Farewell dinner to Portugal at a typical regional cuisine restaurant with a Cante Alentejano chorus life performance.  Cante Alentejano is a genre of traditional song performed by amateur choral groups in southern Portugal, characterized by distinctive melodies, lyrics and vocal styles, and performed without instrumentation. Lyrics explore both traditional themes such as rural life, nature, love, motherhood and religion, and changes in the cultural and social context. Cante is a fundamental aspect of social life throughout Alentejano communities, permeating social gatherings in both public and private spaces. It has been considered world heritage by UNESCO in 2014.

DAY 18: Sept 26, 2023: PORTUGAL TO SEVILLE, SPAIN  [B/L/D]
Visit to an olive oil mill.  Portugal is the forth biggest exporter of olive oil in the world. In this visit you’ll learn about this ancient production, as well as taste it.  Visit to to strawberry hydroponic greenhouse and olive trees nursery.  Lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch depart for Seville, Spain.  Arrival in Seville late afternoon. Accommodation at hotel in Seville. Time to relax after long journey. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight.

DAY 19: Sept 27, 2023: SEVILLE, SPAIN  [B/L]
After breakfast, depart to enjoy and learn about the fascinating world of the preparation of Iberian ham. You will see how traditional and natural practices are still used in the production of the finest quality Iberian Hams. Lunch at the farm, a taste of local product: Iberian cured ham, Iberian cured sausages, cured cheese, local home-made cakes and a selection of local wines. Return to Seville for a Seville sightseeing including admission to the Cathedral. Dinner on own. Overnight.

DAY 20: Sept 28, 2023: SEVILLE, GILBRATAR ROCK TOUR - RONDA, SPAIN  [B/D]
Breakfast. Morning departure to Gibraltar. Rock tour in Gibraltar. Lunch on own. Early afternoon drive to the city of Ronda. Accommodation at the hotel. Dinner and overnight.

DAY 21: Sept 29, 2023: RONDA - MALAGA, SPAIN  [B/D]
Morning walking tour of Ronda. This town sits on either side of the Tajo del Ronda, a narrow gorge more than 150 metres deep. Its old town has been declared Property of Cultural Interest. The group will visit the Ronda Bullring, it is one of the oldest and most beautiful in all of Spain. Neoclassical style with a distinctive stonework in the main entry. The tiers of the stands are divided into two superimposed levels with smooth stone columns and 68 arches. The saddle roof is covered in Arabian tiles. With a capacity for 6,000 spectators it also has one of the largest arenas in all of Spain (60 metres in diameter). Free time for lunch on your own. Departure to Malaga. Brief panoramic city tour and dinner in a local restaurant. Check-in at the hotel and overnight.

DAY 22: Sep 30, 2023: MALAGA - MADRID, SPAIN  [B/D]
Following breakfast, ransfer to Malaga railway station. Tourist class train ticket to Madrid. Lunch on your own. Afternoon panoramic tour of the most important city in Spain, which also is the capital of the country and therefore an important political and financial centre. On your panoramic journey, you will go through the streets, squares and most important avenues, seeing at the same time from the outside different monuments such as the Recoletos Promenade, Plaza Colon, the Cibeles Square, the Cortes or Parliament, the Paseo del Prado, the Gran Via, Plaza de España and Plaza de Oriente where the Royal Palace is located. Then you go by foot the back streets of the Old Quarter, known as the Habsburg Quarter, seeing interesting places and monuments from outside such as Main Street, Plaza Mayor, Plaza de la Villa (City Hall Square) and Puerta del Sol considered as the heart of Madrid. Accommodation at the hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 23: Oct 01, 2023: MADRID, SPAIN  [B/L]
Morning departure to visit a Bull farm near Madrid. You will discover the mystery of live calving or the thrill of watching the young calves play. They hold great esteem for the fighting bull, which is why they want to teach their visitors and show them how the bull lives and is raised long before entering the bullring. They will help you to understand the bull’s nature and behavior, and show you why this is a unique animal, both in life and death. Return to Madrid. Farewell lunch in a local restaurant. Free time till Bullfight. After bullfight, transfer to the hotel. Dinner on own. Overnight.

DAY 24: Oct 02, 2023: MADRID, SPAIN  [B]
Morning transfer to the Madrid Airport for your flight back to North America.

Per Person, Double - $17,494.00* CAD including airfare from major gateways

Plus Air/Government Taxes of $868.00
*Based on Economy Class Airfare
++Premium Economy Class and/or Business Class airfare available upon
Initial Deposit - $2,500.00 Per Person at time of booking
2nd Payment of $2,500.00 Per Person is due prior to February 26, 2023
Final Payment - per person is due before June 01, 2023

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