SPAIN & PORTUGAL
Booking September 2022
7 days, 6 nights
We will start in Spain and then continue on into Portugal, allowing you to explore not one but two incredible countries. First you will experience Andalucia, the heart and soul of Spain. From flamenco and horses, to tasty tapas, sun-drenched vineyards, old sherry houses and the famous white villages -- you will fall in love with Spanish culture, cuisine and of course, vino! From there we will hop over the border into The Algarve region of Portugal and explore magnificent beaches, friendly wineries, colorful villages, delectable food and warm people. We will board a private boat for an afternoon and float on turquoise waters through awe-inspiring rock formations, take a cooking class, and relax in this laid-back paradise.
Small group, maximum 10 people
From $4495
(per person, double occupancy)
ACCOMODATIONS
*Subject to change, equal or better quality
For the first half of the trip, we will stay in the charming village of Jerez, in an 18th century palace. Once in Portugal, we will stay in a beautiful quinta outside of Lagos.
ITINERARY
Subject to change
DAY 1 - Sunday
Meet-up in Seville
-Arrive by air or train and meet up in Seville.
-Stop for a Port tasting
-50 minute drive to Jerez, where we will check into our accommodations
-Unpack, settle in
-Meet up by the pool terrace for a welcome reception, tour and wine tasting
-Dinner on the terrace
DAY 2 - Monday
Jerez
-Relaxed morning and breakfast at the villa
-Visit a family-run sherry house that Rachel has been working with for years.
DAY 3 - WEDNESDAY
Douro River Cruise & Wineries
-Breakfast at the Quinta
-20 minute drive down to the gorgeous area of Pinhau where we will get on a luxury boat!
-Spend the day in a private sailboat, leisurely sailing down the river, experiencing one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world.
-We will stop at some charming villages, and of course some boutique family wineries along the way and taste!
-Enjoy a gourmet lunch while experiencing the culture, history and warm, friendly people
-Return to villa
-Optional poolside yoga, followed by dinner on the terrace
DAY 4 - THURSDAY
Relaxation Day!
-This is your day to enjoy the Quinta and all it has to offer!
-Partake in morning or afternoon yoga
-Participate in our private cooking class, the product of which will be served for lunch
-Book a massage and/or spa treatment
-Relax by the pool and sip wine or read a good book
-Optional trips to town to shop or walk around
-Optional bike ride or hike around the property's many trails
DAY 5 - FRIDAY
Farmer's Market & Winery Picnic
-Breakfast at the Quinta
-Head to Regua for the colorful Thursday Farmer's Market
-Wander, nibble, sip, shop, people-watch, chat with local artisans
-Meet back up to drive 25 minutes into the hills a lovely boutique estate winery
-After a private tour and barrel tasting, we will have an outdoor "picnic" with the winemakers!
-After lunch, if we're lucky, we can even participate in the harvest
-Return to the Quinta for some downtime, optional yoga class
-Meet back on the terrace for a harvest celebration and winemaker dinner! All the best wines come out...
DAY 6 - SATURDAY
Last Day Celebration
-Breakfast at the Quinta
-Optional morning yoga
-Head to Amarante and visit a famous bridge, basilica and view point
-Lunch at a local family's farm, followed by a wine tasting.
-Back to the Quinta for one last dinner and end-of-week celebration complete with music and special guests.
DAY 7 - SUNDAY
Porto & Farewell
-Breakfast at the Quinta
-Pack up and head back to Porto where we will have a few hours to roam this magnificent town with our local guide, get lunch and then get dropped off at your hotel of choice, airport and/or train station.
OPTIONS:
Join our optional add-on to Lisbon and the Algarve (if booking week 2)
And/or join us the week before on our Catamaran Cruise around the Spanish Islands (if booking week 1)