WHY IT RATES: Enjoy a taste of Iberian wine and cuisine on this experience.-Codie Richards, TravelPulse Associate Editor
Indulge your love of food and wine on a gastronomic adventure through the vibrant towns and vineyards of Northern Spain and Portugal with Insight Vacations, which was recently voted "Best Tour Operator for Foodies" in the TravelAge West WAVE Awards.
On this fantastic 15-day special-interest itinerary, guests will indulge in the rich, robust flavors of Iberian cuisine and wine, guided by their own dedicated "foodie" expert, Barbara Barde, and their own personal sommelier, Tom LeRoy.
The Iberian Wine Journey allows guests to enjoy at least 13 wine experiences and eight exceptional restaurants in some of Europe's most famous wine regions, including La Rioja, Cigales, the Douro Valley and Porto. Along the way, they will also visit iconic museums, explore ancient cities and shop in chic boutiques.
True to Insight's motto, "The Art of Traveling in Style," guests will enjoy the hallmarks of all Insight escorted journeys: they'll have immersive Insight Experiences; move from city to city on luxury coaches with extra legroom; and stay in elegant hotels in stunning locations, such as the Parador Monasterio in Cangas del Narcea, which is set in a magnificent monastery founded in 1032 and occupied by Benedictine monks.
Guests can concentrate on enjoying each destination with a small group of like-minded fellow travelers, knowing that all the logistical details are seamlessly taken care of by their expertly trained Travel Director.
Here are just a few of the highlights of the Iberian Wine Journey:
-In Rioja, guests will visit the Marqués de Riscal wine cellars, which features a complex known as the 'City of Wine' that was designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry.
-In Oviedo, guests will see 1,000-year-old murals in some of Europe's oldest churches and relax in a cider house with a glass of Asturia's famous 'Sidra' while watching the waiters demonstrate the art of cider pouring.
-In Mucientes, guests will visit the Bodegas Sinforiano winery, one of the most prominent in the Cigales region. Since 1966 it has grown from a small operation with just a handful of vines to one of the most highly-esteemed in Spain.
-In Santiago de Compostela, a local expert will guide guests through the old town then take them through the Gateway to Glory in the magnificent cathedral, the final stage of the world's most ancient pilgrimage.
-Discover the rich gastronomic heritage of the Basque city of San Sebastián with a traditional dinner.
-Visit two bodegas in Douro, a region that is renowned for its fine, rich unfortified wines, both red and white.
-See the traditional patisserie that has managed to hold on to the secret recipe of Portugal's finest pastry for over 100 years and enjoy a tasting of the famous Pastéis de Belém.
This remarkable itinerary departs on September 5, 2018, and will fill up quickly. Prices start at $4,495 per person* based on twin share. Book now to ensure a place!
*Terms and Conditions apply
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