• The Science of Winemaking

    Spain and Portugal

  • Academic Field(s)

    Hospitality and Tourism

  • Destinations

    Barcelona, Madrid, Valladolid, Porto, and Lisbon

  • Duration

    14 days

  • Accommodation

    3-star hotels in Barcelona, Madrid, Valladolid, Porto, and Lisbon

This program provides students with the opportunity to experience the stunning wine regions of Spain and Portugal, such as Priorat and Dão. All aspects of wine production will be covered during numerous visits to wineries and vineyards.

Students will better appreciate the unique aspects of each wine by tasting and sampling their way through the Iberian Peninsula. Experiencing the local cultures and wines at first hand will provide students with a unique knowledge base for their future careers in the restaurant, tourism, and hospitality industries.

  • DAY 1

    • Overnight flight to Barcelona, Spain (group flight can be booked separately)
  • DAY 2: BARCELONA

    Stay 4 nights at a 3-star hotel in Barcelona

    • Arrival at Barcelona El-Prat Airport (BCN)
    • Check-in at the hotel and orientation session by your CEPA On-Site Coordinator
    • Guided walking tour of Barcelona
    • Welcome dinner at a Spanish restaurant
  • DAY 3-4: PENEDÉS WINE REGION - PRIORAT WINE REGION

    • Guided tour of a vineyard near Barcelona, e.g. the winery Jean Leon in Torrelavit, to better understand the viticulture industry and history
    • Wine tasting at the winery, providing you with an introduction to wine in general and how to evaluate the different wines with your senses
    • Art nouveau tour and cava tasting at Cordoníu, one of Spain’s oldest producers of wine and sparkling wine
    • Visit a winery in the Priorat wine region south of Barcelona (tasting included)
  • DAY 5: BARCELONA

    • Guided tapas and wine tasting tour of Barcelona to discover the modern cuisine of Barcelona and the artisanal Catalan wines
    • Free time to explore the city
  • DAY 6-7: MADRID

    • Train tickets from Barcelona to Madrid

    Stay 3 nights at a 3-star hotel in Madrid

    • Check-in at the hotel and orientation session by your CEPA On-Site Coordinator
    • Guided walking tour of Madrid
    • Audio-guided tour of the Prado Museum
    • Free time to explore the city
  • DAY 8: TOLEDO

    • Guided walking tour of Toledo
    • Visit and tasting at a winery in the Toledo wine region La Mancha, whose first written documentation on viticulture dates from the 12th century
  • DAY 9: PEÑAFIEL - RIBERA DEL DUERO WINE REGION - VALLADOLID

    • Admission to the provincial wine museum and the Peñafiel Castle
    • Visit a winery in the Ribera del Duero wine region, almost entirely devoted to red wine (tasting included)

    Stay 1 night at a 3-star hotel in Valladolid

    • Check-in at the hotel and orientation session by your CEPA On-Site Coordinator
  • DAY 10: DUORO WINE REGION - PORTO

    • Visit and tasting at a winery in the Douro wine region, which is associated primarily with Port wine production

    Stay 2 nights at a 3-star hotel in Porto

    • Check-in at the hotel and orientation session by your CEPA On-Site Coordinator
  • DAY 11: PORTO - VINHO VERDE WINE REGION

    • Guided walking tour of Porto
    • Visit a winery in the Vinho Verde wine region (tasting included)
    • Public 6 Bridges Cruise on the Douro river, including a visit and wine tasting at one of the famous Porto wine cellars
  • DAY 12: DÃO WINE REGION - COIMBRA - LISBON

    • Visit and tasting at a winery in the Dão wine region, which is one of the top wine regions of the world
    • Free time in Coimbra

    Stay 2 nights at a 3-star hotel in Lisbon

    • Check-in at the hotel and orientation session by your CEPA On-Site Coordinator
  • DAY 13-14: LISBON

    • Guided tour of the Belém Tower
    • Admission to the Hieronymites Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos)
    • Farewell dinner at a Portuguese restaurant
    • Departure from Lisbon-Portela Airport (LIS)
  • What’s included in this sample itinerary:

    Academic and professional excursions with special presentations • cultural excursions and field trips with local, bilingual guides • entrance fees and reservations • accommodation in 3-star hotels (twin rooms for students; single room for the faculty) • daily breakfast • welcome and farewell dinner • local transportation by private bus as needed • train tickets • public transportation passes in Barcelona (HolaBCN Card), Madrid (zone A), Porto, and Lisbon • on-site coordinator during excursions • orientation sessions • time to study, instruct, and explore

  • Program fee starting at € 2,560 per participant based on a group size of 15
  • All program fees are calculated to include participation of one accompanying faculty or group leader.
  • Prices are based on a minimum number of 15 or 20 paying participants.
  • The actual quote for a tailored program will vary depending on different factors, for example: the actual program dates, the final participant number, the duration of the program, the visits and excursions included, as well as varying exchange rates

Interested in running a similar program or building one from scratch?

Let’s get in touch by choosing where you are in the planning process.

I have all the details

You know your exact travel dates and destinations, and are ready to request a formal proposal with quote. (at no charge or committment)

I am just starting

You have great ideas but might have questions, need further advice or want some guidance to bring everything together in an itinerary.