THE DOURO EXPERIENCE OPEN TOUR 2026 #05/09/2026

Our adventure begins as we arrive in Bilbao at 8:00 AM, after the overnight ferry crossing from Portsmouth. Upon arrival, the Classics on the Road team will be waiting at the port to greet you and hand over your Welcome Pack, including the road book and all the materials you’ll need to make the most of this unforgettable journey. From the port, we’ll begin our first scenic drive towards Lerma, a historic Castilian town that perfectly captures the spirit of Old Spain. After check-in at the elegant Parador de Lerma, where we will stay for one night, you’ll have time to relax and unwind after the journey. In the evening, we’ll gather for a welcome drink and dinner, the perfect opportunity to meet fellow travelers, share the excitement of the days ahead, and enjoy the first taste of Castile’s rich cuisine and warm hospitality.

After breakfast, we start our first full day on the road, following the Duero Route from Lerma to Segovia. Today’s drive takes us through the heart of Castile, along gentle rolling landscapes dotted with vineyards, small stone villages, and timeless countryside views. Along the way, we’ll stop at a local winery to enjoy a guided visit, including a wine tasting and tapas, the perfect opportunity to savor the flavors of this unique wine region. In the afternoon, we continue towards the magnificent city of Segovia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its Roman aqueduct, fairy-tale Alcázar, and elegant old town. We’ll check in at the charming Hotel Convento de los Capuchinos, where we will stay for the next two nights. The evening is at your leisure to explore Segovia’s old streets and enjoy dinner at one of its excellent local restaurants.

After breakfast, we will set off along scenic secondary roads, enjoying the beautiful landscapes and peaceful countryside that surround Segovia. Upon arrival, we’ll embark on a guided walking tour through the city’s historic center to admire its extraordinary heritage — from the Roman Aqueduct and Gothic Cathedral to the fairy-tale Alcázar, standing proudly above the Eresma valley. Today’s lunch will be at the emblematic Restaurante Cándido, one of Spain’s most renowned establishments, celebrated for its traditional Castilian cuisine and warm hospitality. The afternoon will be free to continue exploring Segovia at your own pace — wander its charming streets, visit local shops, or simply relax in one of its inviting cafés. Dinner this evening will be at leisure, giving you the chance to enjoy the city’s many excellent dining options.

After breakfast, we continue our journey along the Duero Route, driving once again on beautiful secondary roads through the timeless landscapes of Castile. The route gradually leads us westward into the province of Salamanca, close to the Portuguese border — a region rich in tradition, gastronomy, and natural beauty. Along the way, we’ll visit a traditional dehesa, where the famous Iberian pigs are raised in their natural environment among oak trees and rolling pastures. During the visit, we’ll enjoy a tasting of Iberian cold cuts, internationally renowned for their exceptional quality, perfectly paired with a local wine. Later in the afternoon, we’ll arrive at the elegant Hotel Hacienda Zorita 5*, a historic wine estate nestled by the river, where we will stay for the next two nights. Dinner this evening will be at leisure, allowing you to relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the Hacienda or explore nearby dining options.

Today is a flexible day, giving you the freedom to choose how to enjoy it. You may wish to stay and explore Salamanca, one of Spain’s most beautiful and historic cities — home to its magnificent university, the Plaza Mayor, and an extraordinary mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architecture. For those eager to get back on the road, we offer an optional scenic route through the Sierra de Francia, a stunning natural area south of Salamanca. This region is a mosaic of forests, mountain passes, and traditional stone villages, such as La Alberca, declared a Historic-Artistic Site, and Mogarraz, known for its charming streets lined with portraits of its residents. The area is famous for its dramatic views, chestnut groves, and the authentic flavor of rural Castile. Lunch will be at leisure, either in Salamanca or along the optional route. In the evening, we’ll gather again for a group dinner at the hotel, sharing stories and experiences from the day.

Today we cross the border into Portugal. We´ll continue our journey along the course of the Douro River, through a spectacular landscape of deep canyons, winding roads, and terraced vineyards — the birthplace of the world-famous Port wine. The route offers some of the most breathtaking scenery of the entire tour, with sweeping views over the river valley and countless photo opportunities along the way. By late afternoon, we’ll arrive at the charming Hotel & Spa – Quinta São José do Barrilário, a peaceful wine estate surrounded by vineyards. Here we will spend one night, enjoying the relaxing atmosphere of the Douro region. In the evening, we’ll gather for a group dinner at the Quinta, celebrating our arrival in Portugal and the next exciting stage of our journey.

After breakfast, we set out on a scenic route towards Porto, following winding secondary roads that meander through the vineyards carpeting the Douro hillsides as far as the eye can see. The drive is one of the most picturesque in Portugal, offering endless views of terraced vines, stone-walled estates, and the shimmering river below. Along the way, you’ll find several recommended spots for lunch, allowing everyone to stop and enjoy local flavors at their own pace. By the afternoon, we reach Porto, the vibrant city of the rabelos — the traditional boats that once carried barrels of Port wine down the river. Our accommodation for the next two nights will be at the elegant Tivoli Kōpke Hotel, a five-star property beautifully located on the riverside of Vila Nova de Gaia, offering panoramic views over the Douro and the historic city of Porto. In the evening, we’ll enjoy a group dinner at the hotel, sharing good food, wine, and the atmosphere of one of Portugal’s most iconic cities.

Today we stay in Porto, one of Europe’s most characterful and atmospheric cities. In the morning, we’ll enjoy a guided visit to Cockburn’s Port Lodge, one of the most prestigious and historic Port wine cellars. Founded in 1815, Cockburn’s is renowned for its exceptional vintage Ports and centuries-old traditions. The visit includes a tasting session to savor the unique flavors and aromas that define this emblematic Portuguese drink. After the visit, the rest of the day is at leisure to explore Porto at your own pace. You may wish to wander through the historic Ribeira district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its colorful houses overlooking the river; cross the Dom Luís I Bridge for stunning views; visit the Lello Bookstore, one of the most beautiful in the world; or discover local art, boutiques, and cafés hidden in the narrow cobbled streets. For those who enjoy the maritime atmosphere, a stroll along the Foz do Douro where the river meets the Atlantic Ocean is also highly recommended. And of course, don’t miss the chance to try some of Porto’s famous gastronomy — perhaps a “francesinha” or fresh seafood paired with local wines. Dinner this evening will be at leisure, giving you the opportunity to choose your favorite spot in this vibrant city.

After breakfast, we leave Porto and continue our journey along scenic secondary roads, entering the heart of Galicia. Today’s route takes us through a stunning landscape of river valleys, rolling hills, and lush green forests, following parts of the Minho and Sil rivers, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the breathtaking views of terraced vineyards and charming rural villages along the way. We’ll arrive at the magnificent Parador de Santo Estevo, located in the Valle del Sil, in the Ribeira Sacra region. This historic monastery turned hotel sits perched above the river, offering one of the most spectacular natural settings in Spain. It is the perfect place to relax and soak in the beauty of Galicia. Lunch will be at leisure, allowing you to choose a local spot along the route or in the area. In the evening, we’ll gather for a group dinner at the Parador, enjoying local Galician cuisine and wine, while reflecting on the stunning landscapes we’ve experienced along the way.

After breakfast, we continue our journey north towards León, traveling along scenic secondary roads that reveal the varied landscapes of northwestern Spain. The route takes us through rolling hills, fertile valleys, and charming villages, passing rivers and patches of dense forest that showcase the natural beauty of the region. It’s a perfect day to enjoy picturesque drives and the serene countryside. Lunch will be at leisure, giving you the freedom to stop and explore local eateries along the route. In the afternoon, we arrive in the historic city of León and check in at the Parador de León, an elegant hotel blending contemporary comfort with historical charm. This evening, we’ll enjoy a group dinner at a local restaurant, offering the opportunity to savor the rich gastronomy of León, from hearty regional specialties to exquisite local wines, completing a day full of scenic landscapes and cultural experiences.

After breakfast, we set out on the final leg of our journey, driving through the scenic landscapes of northern Spain towards Asturias. The route takes us through lush valleys, and picturesque mountain passes, with the majestic Picos de Europa gradually rising in the distance, providing a dramatic and unforgettable backdrop. We will arrive at the Hotel Nárbasu, a stunning property set in a naturally unique environment, and with one of the best restaurants in Asturias. where the surrounding mountains and pristine countryside offer the perfect setting to relax and reflect on our incredible journey. In the evening, we will celebrate the conclusion of the Open Tour 2026 with a farewell dinner, sharing memories, laughter, and the highlights of our 11-day adventure along the Duero River, through Portugal, and across the diverse landscapes of Northern Spain.

After breakfast, the Douro Experience Tour 2026 comes to an end. We will make our way to the port of Santander for the return ferry crossing to Portsmouth, departing at 2:00 PM. This marks the conclusion of an unforgettable 11-night, 12-day journey along the Duero River, through Portugal, and across the breathtaking landscapes of Northern Spain. Travelers will depart with memories of scenic drives, historic cities, iconic wines, and the camaraderie of fellow enthusiasts.