Portuguese & Spanish Delights with Vikram Vij

Welcome to Lisbon! Upon arrival at Humberto Delgado Lisbon International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.



Early this evening kick off your culinary adventure with Vikram at a unique, bustling food market. The first of its kind, TimeOut Lisbon brings together chefs and kitchens from across the city into one informal place, where you are served food on plastic trays. Among the kitchen stalls are a handful of Michelin stars – there is nowhere else in the world where you can taste the menus of three Michelin-starred chefs in the same sitting. From starter to the main course and then dessert, the guide will show you where to order because this isnt a market where such stars are advertised.




Overnight in Lisbon

On your first full day in Portugal, as you travel through Lisbons neighborhoods, you will build up a complex picture of the citys soul. Belem is defined by architectural grandeur, like the finest examples of the Manueline style. Alfama is old-world and compact with a maze of colors and cobbles. Baixa is 18th-century glory, with broad boulevards and ornate squares. Then, Bairro Alto is the working-class suburb turned modern creative hub. But while they look very different, theres a feeling to Lisbon that transcends each of the neighborhoods.



Enjoy lunch at \"Cantinho do Avillez\", a popular restaurant, owned by renowned chef José Avillez. Known for its innovative cuisine and cozy atmosphere, Cantinho do Avillez offers a unique dining experience that combines traditional Portuguese flavors with modern twists. This afternoon sample Pasteis de Nata of Belém, a tasty Portuguese treat.



This evening brings together two of the best experiences in Lisbon, a live Fado show, the Lisbon song classified by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and dinner filled with traditional flavours of Portuguese cuisine! Pateo de Alfama offers a unique Fado dinner experience in Lisbon. Immerse yourself in the soulful sounds of Fado music while enjoying a delicious meal in a charming setting. This cultural and culinary experience promises an unforgettable evening in the heart of Alfama, the oldest district of Lisbon.




Overnight in Lisbon

Today begins your immersion into Portuguese cuisine. With the assistance of trained chefs, you will be guided through a 4-course Portuguese meal, which you will cook.  You will have the opportunity to sharing laughter, wine and local food to nibble on throughout the cooking lesson. To end the experience, you will be eating the menu you prepared complemented with great local wines.



Afterwards you will depart for Évora to explore the UNESCO World Heritage city. Discover the city's rich history and must-see sites, such as the Roman Temple of Diana and the intriguing Chapel of Bones, known for its unique construction. Marvel at the Gothic and Romanesque details of the Cathedral of Évora and stroll through the charming streets filled with local shops and crafts.



Located just 2 km from the historic center of Évora, Adega Cartuxa is a historic winery set in a former Jesuit retreat from the 16th and 17th centuries. Following their expulsion in 1759, the property became state-owned and later transformed into a prominent wine press in 1776. Acquired by the Eugénio de Almeida family in the 19th century, the winery underwent renovations while preserving its rich architectural heritage. Today, you will explore this historic building and its vineyard surroundings during a visit culminating in a tasting of three exceptional wines. 



This evening enjoy dinner at your hotel. At M'AR De AR Aqueduto, you will indulge in a culinary experience at the hotel's gourmet restaurant featuring delicious traditional Portuguese cuisine. The intimate and sophisticated setting provides the perfect ambiance for a memorable dining experience. With a menu showcasing fresh, locally sourced ingredients and expertly crafted dishes, the dinner at M'AR De AR Aqueduto is sure to delight the senses and satisfy the palate. 




Overnight in Evora

This morning, you will travel to Porto, located along the Douro River.  With 2,000 years of history, the settlement of the city dates to when it was an outpost of the Roman Empire. The city was built along the hillsides overlooking the mouth of the Douro River and has an outstanding urban landscape. The continuous growth of the city has always been linked to the sea (the Romans gave it the name Portus, or port). Porto is rich with well-preserved treasures, including monuments in the Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque and Neo-classical style. The historical center of Porto preserves a strong identity forged over many centuries, and in 1996 UNESCO included it on its World Heritage list.



Enjoy lunch at the Brasão in Porto, a renowned restaurant known for its delicious traditional Portuguese cuisine. Located in the heart of Porto, Brasão offers a cozy setting where one can enjoy authentic dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The menu features a variety of grilled fish, seafood, meats, and desserts, ensuring a memorable dining experience for all.



This afternoon visit the Conserva dos Pinhais, a company specializing in producing high-quality canned fish, located in the charming coastal region of Pinhais. With a legacy of tradition and expertise, they stand out for their meticulous selection of fresh ingredients and artisanal preparation methods. Each can of canned fish is carefully prepared by hand, preserving the authentic flavor and nutritional properties. Tour the sardine factory and witness the traditional method of preparing and canning the fish. Offering a variety of fish such as sardines, tuna, mackerel, and cod, Conserva dos Pinhais provides a unique gastronomic experience representing the best of traditional Portuguese cuisine.



This evening enjoy dinner at DOP a Michelin-starred restaurant led by Chef Rui Paula, known for his innovative take on traditional Portuguese cuisine. The restaurant showcases local ingredients in carefully crafted dishes that highlight flavors and textures. With an inviting atmosphere, DOP provides a memorable dining experience.




Overnight in Porto

Discover the charms of Porto today. Explore the historic center and its UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the captivating Porto Cathedral. Visit São Bento Railway Station renowned for its remarkable tile panels depicting local history. Stroll along Aliados Avenue with its impressive Art Nouveau and Art Deco architecture, culminating at Porto's City Hall. End the tour in Vila Nova de Gaia, where you can tour a renowned Port wine cellar such as Graham's or Cockburn's to learn about the centuries-old winemaking process behind this famous wine.



Then enjoy a beautiful 45-minute panoramic cruise along the Douro River in the village of Pinhão to relax and enjoy the scenery.



Next stop, you will visit a local renowned wine cellar (located in the heart of Porto) where you will discover the fascinating world of winemaking and aging processes. Learn about the rich history and traditions of Port wine production as you explore the cellars and vineyards. During the tasting experience, indulge in two tasteful selections that showcase the unique flavors and quality of Burmester wines. Savor the moment as you sip on these exceptional wines, immersing yourself in the rich aromas and distinct characteristics that define the essence of Portuguese winemaking heritage.



Located in Porto, Cozinha Cabral is a charming restaurant offering traditional Portuguese dishes with a modern twist. The menu at Cozinha Cabral is carefully curated to highlight the essence of local gastronomy, ensuring a memorable lunch experience. The restaurant's dedication to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients is reflected in each dish, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.



Pastel de Nata, also known as the Portuguese custard tarts, has become a worldwide famous symbol of the Portuguese cuisine. Today you will take a class with a professional pastry chef who will guide you in your creation of the perfect tart.



Afterwards learn about Olive oil, a key ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine, offering health benefits and rich flavors that can be appreciated through proper tasting techniques. In this workshop \"The World of Olive Oil,\" you will learn about olive oil production, making responsible choices and experiencing a 5 senses exploration through olive oil tasting.



This evening is at leisure.




Overnight in Porto

This morning you will be transferred to Porto Francisco Sá Carneiro International Airport for your flight to the Spanish capital, Madrid a city packed with treasures. Madrid is not as large as it might seem, especially its central districts. The heart of the city is marked by the Puerta del Sol, a bustling intersection from which all distances are measured. The oldest area of Madrid, Los Austrias, is located south of Calle Mayor and includes historic landmarks such as the Palacio Real (Royal Palace) and the well-trodden square Plaza Mayor. To the east and south of Sol lies a vibrant triangular region, where Plaza de Cibeles, Atocha Station, and Sol converge. This neighbourhood is brimming with restaurants and bars and is home to the three renowned museums of Madrid, as well as the expansive Parque del Buen Retiro. Lavapiés, just south of Sol, was previously a working-class district but has transformed into a melting pot of ethnic diversity, thanks to an influx of immigrants from Africa and Asia. On the other side of the Puerta del Sol and the grand avenue of Gran Vía, one can find the Malasaña and Chueca neighbourhoods to the north. The former has undergone gentrification over the past two decades while retaining its reputation as one of the city's most laid-back bar districts. The latter, once a predominantly gay neighbourhood, has evolved into Madrid's trendiest quarter, a hub of nightlife, restaurants, and boutique stores catering to an open-minded clientele.



This evening be prepared to experience a variety of tapas and wines that, while coming from various Spanish regions, have found a home in Madrid's cultural melting pot. By the conclusion of the evening, you will have learned the secrets of wine and cuisine and heard several tales about Madrid, whose neighborhoods we will explore.




Overnight in Madrid

Discover Madrid's most emblematic sites, get to know the historic centre and see monuments such as the Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor. You will also have the opportunity to see the outside of the majestic Palácio Real. Followed by a sightseeing tour of the most modern part of the city you will pass through idyllic streets such as Paseo de la Castellana and Paseo del Prado, where are located some of the city's most important landmarks: Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Fuente de Cibeles, Museo del Prado, Museo Reina Sofia, among others.



Next, set off to discover Toledo, one of the greatest monumental heritage sites in Europe. Here Christians, Muslims, and Jews have lived together for centuries and left their mark. You can see within a matter of a few meters, a Gothic cathedral, a 10th century mosque, and two synagogues. Enjoy a tour of the old city, and admire the Cathedral of Toledo, one of the most imposing Gothic cathedrals in Spain.  Enjoy lunch at Abadia Cerveseria Artesana. Established in a 16th century Crafts House, its original architecture of caves and cisterns fits perfectly with the concept of the Brewery Abbey. After lunch there will be time to enjoy some free time to explore this beautiful city.



Return to Madrid for dinner at Cebo Restaurant located at your hotel. This 1 Micheline Star restaurant searches for the best raw ingredients of the season, hand in hand with small producers from all over the country. A selection of products where the season speaks, and commands. The premise of respecting to the maximum each ingredient, accompanying it with careful technique and the right toppings to enhance it. A cuisine where, sometimes, the main ingredient is time, sometimes because of immediacy and sometimes because of patience.




Overnight in Madrid

Today you will travel to Bilbao, the capital of the province of Biscay or Bizkaia, is also the largest city in the Basque Country. Once an industrial powerhouse, Bilbao has undergone a remarkable transformation. The banks of the Nervión river are home to numerous businesses and factories, which during the Industrial Revolution brought heightened prosperity to the region. The Nervión divides the city in two: the old city and the new. To the east lies the charming narrow streets of the Old Town, or Casco Viejo (or Zazpi Kaleak) district. Casco Viejo is packed with traditional restaurants, Basque cider houses or 'sagardotegis', and pintxo bars. The area is also home to historic landmarks like the St. James' Cathedral and the sprawling Mercado de la Ribera. On the other side of the river lies the more modern half of the city. This section includes the late 19th-century bourgeois expansion of Bilbao, where you'll find iconic buildings like the cutting-edge Palacio Euskalduna and the world-renowned Guggenheim Museum, designed by architect Frank Gehry. While the Guggenheim is an impressive attraction not to be missed, overlooking the rest of the city would be almost criminal.



This evening enjoy dinner at NKO Eneko Restaurant located in your hotel. NKO is a project that brings together two important gastronomic cultures, the Basque, which is Enekos original, and the Japanese, a cuisine that Eneko Atxa has loved for more than 15 years when he first traveled to Japan and discovered the gastronomic cultural wealth of the country.




Overnight in Bilboa

Basque has always challenged tradition. While the region has its own heritage there is no sense of standing still. Just one example is Bilbaos Guggenheim Museum, built just a mile from the cute, cobbled lanes of a pre-medieval city center. By exploring the city's Old Town, the financial district, and the banks of the Nervión River, which divides two distinct worlds, you can learn about the contrasts that make it unique.



Enjoy lunch at Los Fueros where they offer traditional cuisine based on the best products. Few extravagances and many traditional specialties, sometimes updated to adapt to today's tastes, but always made with the best products.



This afternoon will be at leisure.



Dinner will be in a local restaurant.




Overnight in Bilbao

La Rioja is the most famous and celebrated of the Spanish wine regions, a small region where they are so dedicated to red wine nothing ever seems to happen after midday. Relaxed and full of rural pleasures, this legendary wine region is filled with major international estates and tiny boutique wineries.



Located in the heart of Logroño, Matasellos Restaurant offers to its patrons a unique gastronomical proposal based on products from La Rioja. Local cuisine using local recipes and fresh seasonal ingredients will fill the plate of regional aromas and tastes. Enjoy lunch at this beautiful restaurants located at your hotel.



This evening dinner will be in a local restaurant.




Overnight in Logroño

The day will start by heading to the Rioja Alta, a paradise for wine lovers. Along the way, we will have the opportunity to see charming villages such as Haro, Cellorigo, Cuzcurrita or Sajazarra, and learn about their Romanesque past. We will visit a charming winery, where we will learn about the winemaking process and taste their products, accompanied by an aperitif. In 1858 the winery of Vinos de los Herederos de Marqués de Riscal became the first winery in La Rioja to produce wine according to the traditional Bordelais system. It was also the first winery to create a high expression wine: Baron de Chirel. Today you will taste a white wine Marqués de Riscal Rueda Verdejo, a red wine Arienzo and Marqués de Riscal Reserva, accompanied by a small appetizer of salchichón and chorizo from La Rioja. After working up an appetite with delicious Riojan wines, we will stop at a local restaurant for a traditional lunch.



Dinner will be in a local restaurant.




Overnight in Logroño

This morning depart for Barcelona. Like many other cities in the Mediterranean, Barcelona was founded by the Romans. The original settlement, called Barcino, was a small port located in the same spot as today's cathedral. The town was overshadowed by Tarragona, the capital of the province. Both the Visigoths and the Moors invaded Barcelona; however, their influence was not as important to the future of the city as the arrival of the Franks in the late 9th century. It was at that point that Barcelona and Catalonia started shaping their own identity, different from the rest of Spain. This is most apparent in the language – Spanish, or Castilian, has many Arabic words, while Catalan has many French words instead. So Catalan is not a Spanish dialect, but a language, related to other Romance languages. Barcelona's history is seen everywhere in the city. The oldest areas are located by the sea, including the shopping enclave Barri Gotic. On the other side of the main boulevard, La Rambla, lies the legendary Raval district. Until the 1980s, this was the slum area, home to the city's own Chinatown (Barrio Chino) and the red-light district. Today, designer shops and cafés have moved in. Further north is the fashionable Eixample neighbourhood, an area created because of the 19th-century expansion of the city.



This evening enjoy dinner at Restaurant Nuria, which was opened in 1926.  The restaurant is home to a permanent exhibition that shows the art that was always present in the city through nine mural pieces from artists as Lalimola (1930), Ignasi Blanch (1940), Miquel Ferreres (1950), Mercè Iglesias (1960), Toni Batllori (1970), Nazario Luque (1980), Dani Buch (1990), Laura Carreira (2000) or Óscar Nebreda (2010).




Overnight in Barcelona

Start the day with a visit to Sagrada Família and the wonderful Guell Park where your guide will explain all about the history and its importance. Visit the impressive interior of this church, where the vaults reach seventy feet high. Antonio Gaudí designed a plant in the form of a Latin cross with five aisles, extremely rich in decor and symbolism. Explore the incredible history of Barcelona's Gothic Quarter on a walking tour of the Old City and end with great views of Barcelona from the top of Montjuic Hill.



This evening enjoy a flamenco show performed by local artists, including flamenco guitar, singing, and dancing. With a glass of wine and a selection of tapas you will feel the thrill of pure flamenco.




Overnight in Barcelona

Escape the crowds of the city and take a break to the Catalonian countryside. Visit the splendid natural park of Montserrat Mountain and its 12th century Benedictine Monastery, home to the revered Black Virgin, and listen to the celestial tones of one the oldest boys choir in Europe. You will take a short walk to the top of the mountain to enjoy breathtaking views of the countryside.



Continue your day out driving to the verdant vineyards of Penedés to visit a family run cellar that has been cultivating grapes since 1385. The vines absorb most of the moisture they require from the air to create delicate and fresh white wines that are renowned around the world. France has Champagne and Spain has Cava, a sparkling wine thats only produced in this superb wine region. Enjoy stunning view of the vineyards and Montserrat Mountain while tasting 3 different Cavas accompanied by local cured meats and cheese.



Enjoy a food and wine experience for all five senses. Visit the vineyards of Can Vendrell de la Codina and taste wines along the way. Once you have finished, lunch will be served at the restaurant at Mirador de les Caves, along with one of their wines.



Back in Barcelona, enjoy a final dinner at Cangrejo Loco a symbol of gastronomy in Barcelonas Port Olimpic for more than 30 years.




Overnight in Barcelona

Today you will be transferred to Barcelona Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat International Airport for your onward journey.