Portugal and the Douro

Our holiday starts at London St Pancras where we join the Eurostar service to Paris, travelling in Standard Premier class where we are served a light meal at our seats. From Paris we continue by First Class rail to stylish Biarritz in Southwestern France, not far from the Spanish border, where we spend the night. Overlooking the sweeping Bay of Biscay on the Atlantic coast, this historic spa town - a popular health resort since the 1850s - has an air of grandeur and Art Deco glamour. We enjoy our first dinner together as a group in a delightful local restaurant on the Grand Plage seafront.

• Dinner
• Eurostar Light Meal

This morning we transfer by coach over the Spanish border where we join the rail network and make our way by train to the ancient city of Salamanca for two nights. Our rail journey takes us across central Spain and we arrive into Salamanca in the early evening. After checking into our hotel in the heart of Salamanca we dine with our group at a traditional restaurant in the city's vibrant main square, Plaza Mayor. Local specialities include Iberian cold cuts such as chorizo and jamón ibérico, suckling pig or baked hake. An evening stroll through the Old City is magical, as the city's beautiful monuments are floodlit at night to dramatic effect.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today we take a guided tour of Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage site known as the 'Golden City', due to the honey-coloured glow of its sandstone buildings. We see the city's two impressive cathedrals, the Baroque city hall and the Renaissance-era Monterrey Palace, once the home of the Duchess of Alba. Spain's oldest and most distinguished university was established here in 1218 and we pass elegant college buildings, which we have free entry to visit. We also see the unusual Casa de las Conchas with its shell-studded medieval façade. This fantastic building was built by a knight of the Order of Santiago de Compostela and the carved stone shells are similar to those worn by pilgrims who walked the Camino de Santiago. Famous alumni of Salamanca include Cervantes, the author of Don Quixote, and the Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés. Our afternoon and evening is at leisure, and - for lunch and dinner - there are many restaurants and cafés to choose from in this enchanting city.

• Breakfast

This morning is a highlight of our tour as we journey into the wonderful Douro Valley. Our day starts with a transfer by coach from Salamanca to Pocinho, a tiny railway station on the banks of the Douro River. Here we join Portugal's most scenic rail route, into the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage site of the Douro Valley, to Peso da Régua in the heart of this idyllic region. Our journey closely follows the contours of the river, skirting terraced vineyards and isolated Port 'quintas' - wine-growing estates - which produce the region's fortified wines. We glide past sleepy towns and villages, delightful almond orchards and through dramatic gorges, eventually arriving in Peso da Régua, a small town in a peaceful spot beneath the Serra do Marão mountain. On arrival, we walk the short distance from the station to our hotel, where we check in for two nights. This evening we dine together at our hotel which overlooks the Douro and its verdant riverbanks, and features an outdoor swimming pool.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We travel by local train to Pinhão, a small town located at the confluence of the Douro and Pinhão rivers and the epicentre of this Port-making region. We enjoy a Port tasting on arrival, followed by some free time to explore. We return to Peso da Régua for a relaxed afternoon when you might like to visit the town's celebrated Douro Museum, which describes the history of Port production in the area. Later we enjoy the top highlight of our tour, an exclusive visit to the wonderful Quinta da Casa Amarela, a family-run Port wine estate which produces and presses the noblest grape varieties of the Douro. We are taken by coach to the estate, not far from Peso da Régua, set in the idyllic Portuguese countryside in the ancient heart of this historic World Heritage region. After a welcome drink and a short guided walk through this delightful traditional estate, we enjoy a private dinner in the beautiful grounds, with glorious views across the vineyards and the Douro.

• Breakfast, Dinner

After checking out of our hotel in Peso da Régua this morning we walk to the station to join the train to the wonderful coastal city of Porto. We continue west along the Douro, all the way to Porto where the river widens as it inches towards the Atlantic Ocean. Once regarded as the edge of the known world, we spend two nights in this vibrant city. Our hotel is set on the picturesque riverside area known as Ribeira, where colourful houses and grand buildings are stacked into the hillsides and lively restaurants line the waterfront. After some free time over lunch to relax and look around, we explore the winding upper streets of Porto with our guide, admiring the city's superb architecture, historical townhouses and regal churches before crossing the famous iron bridge. We visit the serene Porto Cathedral at the top of the city, from where we enjoy panoramic views. We also visit the elegant Neoclassical Palácio da Bolsa - once the Stock Exchange Palace and now a UNESCO World Heritage site - where entrance to its incredible ornate interior is included in our guided tour. We return to our hotel in Porto and enjoy dinner together this evening.

• Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast we head by coach to the lovely city of Guimarães, the first capital of Portugal, whose attractive, narrow streets and beautifully-preserved buildings have earned its status as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Before we arrive there, we stop enroute at the shrine of Bom Jesus do Monte, a grand monument with several chapels, known for its elaborate Baroque stairway. After some free time here we continue to the jewel in Guimarães' crown, the imposing medieval fortress watching over the city. We enjoy a tour through the colourful streets and lively squares before visiting the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, where entrance is included, continuing to Villanova de Gaya - a fascinating area where all the old port warehouses are situated. After free time to explore Guimarães independently, we return to our hotel in Porto. This evening we experience another very special highlight of our holiday - a visit to the esteemed Taylor's Port wine cellar, for a superb port wine tasting followed by a delicious dinner in the atmospheric setting with beautiful views over Porto and the Douro or the cellar's beautiful gardens.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today you have a full day and evening at leisure to explore the many charms of Porto. You might choose to simply relax and enjoy the views from the rooftop terrace of our hotel, spend time at one of the laid-back riverside restaurants, or enjoy a walk with a refreshing sea breeze along the seafront. There are many intriguing places to discover in the city. You could visit Livraria Lello, one of Portugal's oldest bookshops. It's hidden behind a glorious Art Nouveau and Neo-Gothic façade and features wood panelling, a double spiral staircase and a striking stained glass ceiling. Or you might climb aboard one of the city's delightful old trams, heading west to the lighthouse. Further afield, around half an hour by bus or less by taxi, is the scenic district of Foz do Douro, an area of sandy beaches and green spaces overlooking that Atlantic. Porto itself is celebrated for its sunsets and the riverfront is a popular place to spend early evening, watching the boats drifting in and out, and you may choose to follow this with dinner in one of the city's enticing waterfront restaurants. On Porto's Esplanade is a café terrace, known for its free summer outdoor concerts of music ranging from folk, pop and blues to jazz.

• Breakfast

After a leisurely breakfast we experience Portugal's fast, sleek and modern rail network, travelling First Class to Lisbon for a three-night stay. After checking into our hotel, the rest of your afternoon is free. Lisbon is a delight to explore. A city of many hills and look out points (known as miradouros, in Portuguese), if you're feeling energetic you could hike up to St George's castle to take in the spectacular views, or - from the Principe Real district, just below our hotel - take a relaxed stroll through the Lisbon Botanical Garden, a magical park with exotic and sub-tropical plants. Downtown, you could wander around the vast harbour-facing plaza known as 'Praça do Comércio' facing the Tagus River, one of Europe's largest public squares. You might also be tempted to stop at a café for a crisp glass of Portuguese 'vinho verde' wine, before returning to our hotel for dinner.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today we enjoy a unique city tour of Lisbon, an amazing experience and a great way to get around the many steep cobbled streets and take in the sights of this wonderful hilly city - travelling aboard one of the city's fabulous vintage trams. Specially chartered for our group, we zip through the oldest neighbourhoods of Lisbon, including Bairro Alto - a quirky maze of cobbled streets, bohemian boutiques and traditional bars. Our tram tour ends in the Belem district, on the banks of the Tejo Estuary - an attractive historic area which is the original neighbourhood of the traditional pastéis de nata, known here as 'Pastéis de Belém'. We sample these delicious Portuguese custard tarts, with a coffee. Our sightseeing tour ends at lunchtime, when you are free for the afternoon and evening, to continue your exploration of this vibrant city.

• Breakfast, Dinner

This morning we take the train for free time in the captivating town of Sintra, once the summer residence of Portuguese royalty. Today Sintra is popular thanks to its whimsical brightly-coloured Pena Palace and ancient walled fortress, the Castle of the Moors, both set high above the town among forested areas of the Serra de Sintra. Downtown is the Palacio Nacional, a preserved medieval royal palace, recognised by its two white conical chimneys - now a museum. The Moorish castle, well worth seeing for the stunning views from its walls, and the Pena Palace, both involve uphill walks so - to make exploring easier - our day ticket includes free access to the shuttle buses which run between the town and its sights. Back in Lisbon later this afternoon, you are free to continue exploring the city. You may like to start the evening at a rooftop bar in the Bairro Alto, dine at one of the city's many seafood restaurants or seek out an authentic Fado experience.

• Breakfast

Today we travel by train from Lisbon to a station close to the border with Spain, then continue by coach to the Spanish city of Valladolid. Attractive and historic, this university city is off the popular tourist track so is less crowded and more authentic than many major cities. After checking into our hotel close to the railway station, the rest of the afternoon and evening is free to explore and discover the city. Our elegant hotel is set next to the large city park where you'll find the Tourist Information office. Landmarks to visit include the cathedral, San Pablo Church and the National Sculpture museum. It is well worth walking from our hotel to the Old Town. The atmospheric Plaza Mayor is the largest square in the whole of Spain, and the heart and soul of the city.

• Breakfast

This morning we take the direct train north to delightful San Sebastián, where we have plenty of time to explore this afternoon and evening. San Sebastián is one of the most beautiful and charming Basque resorts, and sits within the fashionable La Concha Bay and its stunning beach area. Known internationally as the culinary capital of Spain, the city is also celebrated across the continent for its pintxos, the Basque equivalent of tapas, and - after a walk along the seafront or through the beautiful old quarter - you might like to immerse yourself in local life, stopping off at different eateries for a small plate or two and a drink before moving on, a tradition known as 'txikiteo'.

• Breakfast

On our last full day in Spain you have a day at leisure in this magical seaside town. You could choose to relax on one of the golden sandy beaches, the main beach is the expansive Playa de la Concha, or walk through the atmospheric streets of the historic old town among fascinating architecture. In the 'Parte Vieja' or Old Quarter, is the San Telmo museum, which provides an insight into Basque history and culture along with exhibitions of contemporary art. This evening we enjoy our final dinner together, marking the end of our colourful and exuberant Iberian holiday.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Saying adiós to Spain after our final breakfast this morning, we transfer by coach just across the French border to the station in Hendaye to join the direct train to Paris. Retracing our original journey along the coast then inland to Paris, we have time to enjoy the changing landscape and to reflect on this two week holiday of new experiences. In Paris we join the Eurostar service to London St Pancras arriving early evening.

• Breakfast
• Eurostar Light Meal