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Spain/Portugal

Beyond the Vineyards: Sample Northern Portugal & Spain

Program No. 22812RJ
Venture along the vineyards of northern Portugal and Spain to taste regional delicacies, learn local history and discover UNESCO World Heritage Sites on this inspiring adventure.

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At a Glance

Rooted in ancient tradition passed down from generation to generation, the unique winemaking process of Spain and Portugal produces some of the best wines in the world. From the sweet, fortified wine of Porto to the rich, bold reds of Ribera del Duero, learn about northern Spain and Portugal on a journey from vineyard to vineyard. Study the specialized process and then uncover how this industry impacted the region’s economy and environment. When you’re not sampling the local vino, explore seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, experience a treasure trove of Roman history and taste a variety of delicious cuisine as you learn how time-honored traditions paved the way to a fruitful future.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking approximately 3 miles a day. Uneven ground, cobble stones, steps and steep slopes, occasionally without handrails.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Discover the vineyards and history of the Douro River Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy visits to several other renowned wine-producing regions.
  • Savor Portuguese cuisine during a cooking demonstration with a local chef.
  • Trace Spain's ancient history through the towns of Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Las Médulas and Leon, and marvel at the well-preserved Roman aqueduct in Segovia.

General Notes

Program includes independent time to explore the city and several meals on your own. Group Leaders will provide directions for self-directed excursions. Suggestions for free-time activities provided in preparatory materials.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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Elena Lomban
Elena Lombán was born on the Atlantic coast of Galicia, Spain. After living in the U.S. for several years, she began leading educational programs in 2006. She is an English teacher and licensed Galicia expert, passionate about education and travel while sharing her knowledge of linguistics, literature, history, and art. Fluent in Spanish, Galician, English, Italian, and French, Elena has traveled throughout Europe and North America. She loves the thrill of meeting Road Scholars for each new learning adventure and living life to the fullest.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Elena Lomban
Elena Lomban View biography
Elena Lombán was born on the Atlantic coast of Galicia, Spain. After living in the U.S. for several years, she began leading educational programs in 2006. She is an English teacher and licensed Galicia expert, passionate about education and travel while sharing her knowledge of linguistics, literature, history, and art. Fluent in Spanish, Galician, English, Italian, and French, Elena has traveled throughout Europe and North America. She loves the thrill of meeting Road Scholars for each new learning adventure and living life to the fullest.
Profile Image of Mayra Noguerales
Mayra Noguerales View biography
Mayra Noguerales was born on the Canary Islands and moved to mainland Spain as a teenager. At 16, she moved to the US, and after four years in several states, headed to the UK to finish her university degree. Returning home, she moved to beautiful, historic El Escorial and became an educational Group Leader. Mayra enjoys time in her workshop creating all types of arts and crafts. Her passion and most rewarding experiences come from meeting people and sharing her knowledge of Spain and Portugal.
Profile Image of Joana Nascimento
Joana Coelho Nascimento View biography
Joana Nascimento is an artist, art educator, and researcher, focusing on the concept of landscape, bridging art, environment, architecture, and education. She was awarded a scholarship at Akademia Sztuk Pieknych w Krakowie in Poland, where she studied scenography and intermedia. Joana holds a bachelor's in sculpture, master’s in art and design for public space, and Ph.D. in arts education, all from the University of Porto where she is currently a researcher at the Institute for Research in Art, Design and Society (i2ADS).
Profile Image of Pedro Bandeira
Pedro Bandeira View biography
Pedro Bandeira is a professor at the School of Architecture, Art and Design at the University of Minho and a researcher at Lab2PT. The author of several publications on architectural culture, he was awarded the Critics Prize by the International Association of Art Critics (AICA) in 2015. His design practice includes the Casa Rotativa (Coimbra, 2018), nominated for the European Mies van der Rohe Prize and winner of the Sustainability and Innovation Prize awarded by the Environmental Fund and the Association of Portuguese Architects.
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