Experience Portugal’s dynamic cities and explore the Douro Valley by rail, sampling port wine and authentic cuisine along the way

Your holiday begins today as you arrive at London St Pancras and meet the Tour Manager and travel group. Together, we board the Eurostar Plus carriage to Paris, enjoying a light meal at our seats as we head towards the French capital.  

From Paris, we continue by First Class rail to Biarritz in southwestern France, located near 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.  

On arrival this evening, we check in to our hotel and walk to a local restaurant on the Grand Plage seafront, where we sit down to our first three-course dinner as a group.

Please Note - For the 26th April departure we will travel by to Dax and then continue by coach to our hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, we transfer by coach over the Spanish border to San Sebastián. Here, we join the local 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 by way of Valladolid Campo Grande, where we board our onwards train to Salamanca, arriving in the early evening. After checking in to our hotel in the heart of Salamanca, we dine with our group at a traditional restaurant in the city. Local specialities include Iberian cold cuts, such as chorizo and jamón Ibérico, suckling pig, and baked hake.

Following dinner, we take an evening stroll through the Old City back to our hotel. This time of day is magical, as the city's beautiful monuments are floodlit at night to dramatic effect. 

Today, we take a morning 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 in Salamanca in 1218, and we visit its elegant college buildings with entrance included. We also see the unusual Casa de las Conchas, with its shell-studded medieval façade. This building was constructed 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.

Following the tour, you are free to continue the afternoon and evening at leisure. You might like to have lunch or dinner at one of the many restaurants and cafés in the city.   

A highlight of our tour lies ahead this morning as we journey into the 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. Our destination is Peso da Régua, which is 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, amidst 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 head to our hotel, checking in for the first of two nights. This evening, we dine together in the onsite restaurant, which overlooks the Douro and its verdant riverbanks.

Our day begins with a local train trip to Pinhão, a small town at the confluence of the Douro and Pinhão rivers and the epicentre of the port-making region.

To experience the beauty, culture and history of this idyllic UNESCO World Heritage region, we take a one-hour boat cruise, passing renowned port wine estates and famous bridges. We return to Peso da Régua for a relaxed afternoon, during which you might like to visit the town's Douro Museum to learn the history of port production in the area.

Later this evening, we enjoy a highlight of the tour: an exclusive visit to the Quinta da Casa Amarela, set in the Portuguese countryside in the ancient heart of this World Heritage region. This family-run port wine estate produces and presses the noblest grape varieties of the Douro. After a welcome drink and a brief guided walk through this traditional estate, we enjoy a private dinner on the grounds, with glorious views across the vineyards and the Douro, before returning to Peso da Régua for the night. 

A new destination, Porto, beckons as we check out of our hotel and join the train to this coastal city. We continue west along the Douro all the way to Porto, where the river widens as it inches towards the Atlantic. Once regarded as the edge of the known world, Porto is our home for the next three nights.

Our hotel is a short distance from the train station in the historic city centre. After some free time over lunch to relax, we explore the winding upper streets of Porto with our guide, admiring the city's superb architecture, timeless townhouses, and regal churches before crossing the famous iron bridge. We visit Porto Cathedral, where we enjoy panoramic views across the city, and the elegant neoclassical Palácio da Bolsa - once the Stock Exchange Palace and now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Entrance to its incredible ornate interior is included with our guided tour.

We return to our hotel in Porto this evening and enjoy a three-course dinner together.  

This morning, we head by coach to Guimarães, the first capital of Portugal, whose attractive, narrow streets and beautifully preserved buildings have earned its UNESCO World Heritage status. Before arriving, we stop at the shrine of Bom Jesus do Monte, a grand monument with several chapels that is known for its elaborate Baroque stairway.

After some free time here, we continue to the crowning jewel of Guimarães, the imposing medieval fortress watching over the city. We enjoy a tour through the colourful streets and squares before visiting the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, where entrance is included. We continue to Villanova de Gaya, a fascinating area where all the old port warehouses are situated, before enjoying some free time to explore Guimarães independently.

We return to our hotel in Porto with time to freshen up before this evening's visit to the esteemed Taylor's Port wine cellar. Here, a superb port wine tasting is followed by a delicious dinner with beautiful views over Porto and the Douro or the cellar's beautiful gardens.

Enjoy a buffet breakfast at the hotel ahead of a full day and evening at leisure to explore the many charms of Porto. You might choose to relax and enjoy the views from the hotel's bar, spend time at one of the region's laid-back restaurants, or enjoy a walk along the riverside.     

There are many intriguing places to discover in the city, including Livraria Lello, one of Portugal's oldest bookshops. This shop is hidden behind an Art Nouveau and neo-Gothic façade and features wood panelling, a double spiral staircase, and a striking stained-glass ceiling. Alternatively, you might climb aboard one of the city's old trams, heading west to the lighthouse.

Porto is celebrated for its sunsets, and the riverfront is a popular place to spend early evening watching the boats drifting in and out. 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. 

With a leisurely start this morning, savour breakfast at the hotel before we join Portugal's fast, sleek, and modern rail network, travelling First Class to Lisbon for a three-night stay. Our journey takes us south to the capital city, arriving mid-afternoon. After checking into our hotel, the rest of your day is free to begin exploring.

Lisbon has many hills and lookout points (known as miradouros, in Portuguese), and if you are feeling energetic, you could hike up to St George's castle to take in the spectacular views. Alternatively, you could visit the Principe Real district, just below our hotel, to take a relaxed stroll through the Lisbon Botanical Garden, a park filled with exotic and sub-tropical plants. In the city centre, you could wander around the vast harbour-facing plaza known as 'Praça do Comércio', one of Europe's largest public squares, facing the Tagus river. You might also be tempted to stop at a café for a crisp glass of Portuguese 'vinho verde' wine before returning to our hotel's restaurant to meet the group for dinner. 

Today, we enjoy a city tour of Lisbon, taking in the sights of Portugal's ancient capital. 

We explore the oldest neighbourhoods of Lisbon, including Alfama and Bairro Alto - a quirky maze of cobbled streets, bohemian boutiques, and traditional bars. Our tour ends in the Belém district on the banks of the Tejo Estuary. This attractive, historic area 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, and from this point, you are free for the afternoon and evening to continue your explorations independently. There are many restaurants and cafés where you can get an authentic taste of Lisbon as you explore. 

After breakfast this morning, we take the train to the town of Sintra, once the summer residence of Portuguese royalty. Today, Sintra is popular thanks to its 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.

In the centre is the Palacio Nacional, a preserved medieval royal palace that is now a museum and is recognised by its two white conical chimneys. The Moorish castle, which provides stunning views from its walls, and the Pena Palace both involve uphill walks, so to make exploring more accessible, our day ticket includes free access to the shuttle buses that run between the town and its sights - perfect for our free day here.

Travelling back to Lisbon by train later this afternoon, you are free to continue exploring the city at your leisure. 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. 

Leaving Portugal behind today, we travel by train from Lisbon to a station close to the border with Spain and then continue our journey by coach to the Spanish city of Valladolid. Attractive and historic, this university city is off the popular tourist track, so it is less crowded and more authentic than many major cities.

After checking in to our hotel close to the railway station, the rest of the afternoon and evening are free to explore and discover the city. Our elegant hotel is next to the large city park, where you can find the Tourist Information office. Nearby 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, home to the atmospheric Plaza Mayor, the largest square in Spain, and the heart and soul of the city. This region holds plenty of tempting eateries that you may like to discover for dinner this evening. 

This morning, we have breakfast at the hotel and walk to the train station, where we board the direct train north to San Sebastián in First Class. San Sebastián is one of the most beautiful and charming Basque resorts, sitting 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 San Sebastián cheesecake, notable for its 'burnt' top. 

After checking in to our hotel for two nights on arrival this afternoon, you have the remainder of the day and evening at leisure to get your bearings in this new destination. You might like to walk along the seafront or through the beautiful old quarter and then 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'.   

On our last full day in Spain, you are at leisure to spend the day as you please in this seaside town. You could choose to relax on one of the golden sandy beaches, such as the main beach, the expansive Playa de la Concha, which is located in the city centre. The city is a premier surfing destination, and watching the surfers bob in the water is always a treat.

You could also 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. For lunch, you could go pintxos bar-hopping to savour the local dishes. 

This evening, we reconvene at a local restaurant to enjoy our final dinner together, marking the end of our Iberian holiday. 

Having spent the last two weeks exploring the Iberian Peninsula and travelling by rail through the Douro Valley, our journey comes to a close this morning. Saying adiós to Spain after our final breakfast at the hotel, we transfer by coach to the station in Hendaye, just across the French border. Here, we board the direct train to Paris in First Class.

We retrace our original journey along the coast and then head inland to Paris, enjoying changing vistas as we head towards the capital city. In Paris, we join the Eurostar Plus service to London St Pancras, enjoying a light meal at our seats before we arrive in London in the early evening. 

Our Classic range is what we're known for. Enjoy curated moments with plenty of inclusions. Centrally located hotels, premium travel options and engaging group tours with a seasoned expert are included. You'll be in groups with an average of 20-25 travellers and a maximum of 30*. *Scandinavian and Worldwide tours are on average 30-35 and a maximum of 40.

Step aboard the high-speed international rail service, linking London St Pancras to Paris and Lille in France, Brussels in Belgium and Amsterdam in the Netherlands.

Eurostar's Standard Class coaches feature two seats on either side of the central aisle, most of which are arranged in an 'airline' seating configuration with drop-down tray tables. There are two tables for four per carriage. Passengers travelling in Eurostar Standard Class coaches can take advantage of the Bar-Buffet which sells a range of snacks, meals, and hot and cold drinks - including Champagne!

The highest class of Eurostar travel available for leisure customers is Plus class. In your dedicated Plus carriage you'll find a less dense seat configuration, meaning the seats are larger and you have ample space to relax and stretch out. As part of the service, you'll enjoy complimentary drinks and refreshments, served at your seat by friendly, helpful waiting staff.

For the class of travel used on your chosen tour, please refer to the 'What's Included' section of the tour page.

Introduced in 1981, France's TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) was the original European high-speed train. Linking Paris with Lyon, the new service revolutionised train travel and meant that travelling by air over medium and short distances was no longer seen as the best option, even for business travel.

The network has expanded rapidly and today these sleek, stylish trains offer links to over 60 destinations throughout France. Operated by SNCF, the French national rail operator, TGV trains travel over specially constructed high-speed lines. The trains can achieve speeds of up to 186mph (300km/h) on most long-distance routes and 200mph (320km/h) on the new TGV Est line, which links Paris with Strasbourg, Luxembourg and Basel. With the exception of shorter journeys, TGVs almost always have an on-board buffet car, serving a selection of drinks and light refreshments.

The 4-Star Hotel Régua Douro is situated on the Douro River across from the train station, and has an outdoor pool, fitness centre, tennis court, jacuzzi, salon, cocktail bar and several restaurants. Room amenities include river facing views, minibar, hairdryer, telephone television and air conditioning.

This 4* hotel is an excellent location for exploring the city of Porto and its many sites such as the Clérigos Tower, 249 feet, which boasts of stunning views across Portugal. The hotel was formerly the site of the historical Baquet Theatre, which dates back to 1859.

Rooms at Hotel PortoBay Teatro include tea and coffee making facilities, minibar and free Wi-Fi.

The 4-Star Hotel Catalonia Plaza Mayor is located in the heart of Salamanca, just a few steps from the Plaza Mayor. The hotel has air conditioning, a restaurant, bar and lounge. Its rooms come equipped with conveniences such as a television, telephone, safe, minibar and hairdryer.

In the upmarket district of Ondarreta in San Sebastián, the 4-Star NH Collection Aranzazu is near to both the city's cathedral and beach. The hotel is decorated in a contemporary style, from the gym offering state of the art equipment, to the restaurant, serving delicious traditional cuisine in sleek modern surroundings. The stylish rooms offer amenities such as a television, a minibar, an in room safe, coffee making facilities, and complimentary Wi-Fi. This is the ideal base from which to explore San Sebastian in style.

The 4-Star Valladolid Recoletos Hotel is centrally located, set opposite the Campo Grande Park. The Plaza Mayor and the AVE high-speed railway station in Valladolid are a short distance away. The hotel has a restaurant serving Mediterranean dishes and a large terrace boasting views of the hotel gardens. Guest rooms are air-conditioned and include free Wi-Fi, a flatscreen TV, tea and coffee-making facilities, and complimentary toiletries.

Set just steps from the city centre and top tourist attractions in Porto, Portugal, the 4-Star NH Porto Jardim is as modern as it is convenient. This hotel is newly opened and in addition to offering exceptional access to central Porto, it includes a fitness centre, a plunge pool overlooking the city and the Douro, a lush summer terrace, and a restaurant serving international cuisine. Each air-conditioned guest room exudes contemporary style and modern comforts, with amenities like free Wi-Fi, a flatscreen TV, a digital safe, a minibar, a hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.

The 4-Star Lumen Hotel was opened in 2021 and has an incredible location in central Lisbon, close to many of the city's top attractions. This hotel was designed with 'light' in mind, and takes guests on an immersive experience, with each detail centred around this idea. One such thing is the Lisbon Light Show, which takes place daily in the interior garden. Other on-site amenities include a restaurant and a seasonal rooftop pool. The contemporary guest rooms feature three distinct colour schemes and include amenities like a flatscreen TV, a tablet, a desk, a minibar, and coffee-making facilities.

Spending a night in London before your tour can make such a difference to the first day of your holiday - you can arrive in the capital in good time, relaxed and ready to join your Tour Manager the next morning. You may even want to take in a show on the West End or dine in one of London's famous restaurants. Perhaps on your return to London, you would like to break your journey with an overnight stay before continuing home.

We can book a wide range of hotels in central London or, for our holidays beginning with a flight, at Heathrow, Gatwick, or Manchester Airport for the night before or after your holiday. If you require a quote for single occupancy at any of the hotels, please contact us on 01904 734 805.

Buying tickets for UK train services can be a tricky business - there are so many fares to choose from, each with different rules and restrictions. As you are connecting with an international departure, we strongly recommend that you book a fully flexible ticket to ensure that should the departure times for your holiday change, your rail ticket can allow for these changes.

We can book fully-flexible UK rail tickets from your local station to join your holiday whether this be a European holiday from St Pancras or a UK holiday. The prices are competitive and tickets are not restricted to a particular train or time of day, and in most cases offer you a free choice of routes.

For an up to date quote from your local station, please ask one of our Tour Advisors.