b'ClassicExperience Portugals dynamic cities and explore the Douro Valley by rail, sampling port wine and authentic cuisine15 DAYS fromalong the way. 3,895 ppYOUR ITINERARYBiarritzHendaye 1 FROM/TOPARISDays 1-5. Salamanca to the Douro ValleySPAIN San Sebastin 2From London St Pancras we travel by Eurostar to Paris then on to BIarritz onGuimaresthe Atlantic Coast, where we overnight. Continuing our journey on Day 2 wePinho Valladolidcross the Spanish border then travel by rail to the historic city of Salamanca.Porto 3 2 Pocinho 1Dinner in a traditional restaurant may feature jamn Ibrico, suckling pig,Peso 2and baked hake. On Day 3 we discover the sights of this honey-coloured city,Da Rgua Salamancawhere Spains oldest university was established in 1218, and see its uniqueSintra Guardabuildings, including the unusual Casa de las Conchas, with its shell-studdedLisbon 3medieval faade and two cathedrals. On Day 4 we journey into the DouroPORTUGALValley, on Portugals most scenic rail route to Peso da Rgua in the heart of this World Heritage region. We dine in the restaurant of our hotel, overlooking the Douro River. On Day 5 we travel by rail to Pinhao for a port wine tasting, returning to Peso de Regua at lunchtime. After a relaxed afternoon, we takeWHATS INCLUDED:a short drive out to a port wine estate for a three-course dinner with a port wine aperitif, enjoying glorious views across the vineyards.14 nights 4-Star hotel accommodation Days 6-10. Porto wine cellar dinner & LisbonE urostar Standard Premier/Our journey continue west, to the coastal city of Porto, where we stay in theEurostar Plushistoric city centre. We look around with a local guide, seeing the cathedral and Palcio da Bolsa - once the Stock Exchange Palace, now a World Heritage First & Standard Class rail travelsite. On Day 7 we head to Guimares, the first capital of Portugal, whose All rail and coach travel throughout preserved buildings have earned its UNESCO status. Enroute, we stop atyour tourthe Baroque shrine of Bom Jesus do Monte. We tour colourful streets, thenExpertise of a UK Tour Manager visit the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, where entrance is included. We continue to Villanova de Gaya, where the old port warehouses are situated.from start to finishThis evening we are treated to a port wine tasting at Taylors, one of PortosEurostar light mealsmost distinguished cellars. Day 8 is at leisure to explore Porto, its popularBreakfast each day, 8 dinnerswaterfront and enticing restaurants. On Day 9 we travel by high-speed rail to Portugals capital, Lisbon, a city of many hills and viewpoints, one of EuropesGroup luggage transfers between largest public squares on the Tagus River, and excellent food and wine. Day 10hotels from Salamanca towe tour the city aboard one of its vintage trams. Our tour ends in the districtSan Sebastinof Belem, birthplace of the traditional pastl de nata, which we sample withAll guided tours and excursionscoffee. With free time, maybe walk up to St Georges castle for stunning views, or visit the Botanical Garden, savouring authentic flavours along the way. Days 11-15. Sintra to San Sebastin & homeward bound Tour Code: POG| per person based onWe take the train to captivating Sintra, where your one day ticket provides2 sharing. Supplement for solo travellers free access to the shuttle bus service between Sintras three palaces. Thefrom 1,200.brightly coloured Pena Palace and ancient walled fortress, the Castle of the Moors, are set high above the town among forested areas of the Serra2025 Departures: de Sintra while the Palacio Nacional, a preserved medieval royal palace isJUN, AUGin the centre. We travel back to Lisbon by train for a free evening. Leaving Portugal on Day 12 we head to Valladolid, a Spanish university city, where we overnight. On Day 13 we travel to San Sebastin, one of the most beautiful Basque resorts, with a stunning beach area. Regarded as the culinary capitalMobilityof Spain, the city is celebrated for its pintxos, or Basque tapas. With anRating 1 2 3 4evening at leisure, you could do as the locals do, visiting different eateries for a small plate or two and a drink before moving on - a tradition known as txikiteo. The last full day of our holiday is at leisure in this idyllic seaside town. Relax on one of the golden sandy beaches, or explore the atmosphericSecure your place nowstreets and architecture. On the last evening we dine at a local restaurant.with a 800pp depositOur holiday comes to a close on Day 15 as we travel to Hendaye to board the train to Paris, where we join the Eurostar service to London St Pancras.Search greatrail.com/POG25PORTUGAL 73'