This trip is designed for discerning travelers wishing to journey towards spring. While Portugal may not offer swimming weather in March, it is certainly preferable to shoveling snow and scraping ice. A fascinating blend awaits you: diverse culinary experiences and fine wines; rich culture found in churches, monasteries, and palaces; and natural beauty spanning from the coast to the mountains.

The journey begins in Burgos, northern Spain, approximately 260 km from the French border. During a stop in Tordesillas, we encounter the river known here as the Duero (and as the Douro in Portugal), which accompanies us throughout the first third of the trip.

In the north, cities such as Bragança, the former capital Guimarães, and Porto—one of the country’s major metropolises—tell the story of Portugal’s multifaceted history. It quickly becomes apparent that life here revolves around agriculture, trade, and seafaring. En route to Lisbon, the university city of Coimbra and the pilgrimage site of Fátima are essential stops.

In places, time seems to have stood still. The days ahead are defined by religious monuments, charming excursion destinations, and neighborhoods full of character and flair. Yet, alongside these historic sites, the countryside and coastline offer impressive natural landscapes to explore and enjoy during your leisure time.

The tour concludes in early April in the Algarve; extending your stay at this southwestern tip of Europe is highly recommended. A leisurely return journey through southern Spain makes for an ideal follow-up.