SMALL GROUP TOUR: Travel from the capital of Portugal to the capital of Spain on this 6 day escorted group tour. Explore the former capital of Coimbra and one of the oldest universities in the world before strolling around the streets of Porto to find historic cathedrals and cellars. Spend two nights in Santiago de Compostela, one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in the world and opt to visit to Cape Finisterre, thought by ancient Europeans to be the 'End of the World'. Wander Salamanca's Old Town, stop in Avila and explore El Escorial, home of the Spanish Royal Family.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
From Lisbon to Porto
Lisbon – Obidos – Coimbra – Aveiro – Porto. Departing Lisbon this morning, we head first to Obidos, a charming walled town filled with delightful discoveries. There is free time here to explore the sturdy walls of the Moorish Castle, stroll through cobbled shopping lanes, and indulge in a delightful Ginjinha d'Obidos, a sweet liqueur served in a chocolate cup.
Continuing north, we reach Coimbra, a former Portuguese capital renowned for its ancient university dating back to the 13th century. We enjoy an included visit to this historic institution and there's time for you to find a nice restaurant for lunch. Next, we venture to Aveiro, a town reminiscent of Venice with its canals and art-nouveau architecture. Completing our drive to Porto, the evening is at leisure.
Please note: Pick up for this tour is at 8:15 on day 1 (tour departs at 8:30) - Lisbon Pick Up Point, Hotel Zenit, Lisbon.
Overnight: Porto
Porto free time or Douro Valley tour
Porto – Douro Valley – Porto. Today you have a choice! You can enjoy a free day in Porto to explore at your own pace, or you can join an optional half-day excursion to the Douro Valley.
On our optional trip, we travel to Pinhao for a river cruise on a traditional rabelo boat, tasting the local port wine and savouring the breathtaking scenery. We continue to Peso de Regua for optional wine tasting or free time to explore. On the way back to Porto we stop at the Mesao Frio viewpoint which offers stunning views of the Douro River.
The rest of the day is free to further explore the city, savour its wines and cuisine at leisure. If you appreciate live music, consider attending a performance of Fado, Portugal's emotionally stirring traditional music.
Overnight: Porto | Breakfast
Braga & Guimaraes
Porto – Braga – Guimaraes – Santiago de Compostela (Spain). Today we leave Porto and journey north to Braga, where we take in the renowned Bom Jesus Sanctuary. This site, celebrated for its religious, cultural, and architectural significance, earned its UNESCO World Heritage status in 2019. Nestled at the base of Mount Espinho, we'll marvel at the Baroque staircase adorned with ornate granite fountains. At the top is a neoclassical church offering panoramic city views. To reach the summit, you can purchase a special elevator ticket or ascend nearly 600 steps on foot.
Our next destination is Guimaraes, often referred to as the 'birthplace of Portugal.' The historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is free time for lunch, and an optional visit to the Palace of Braganza.
We then cross the border into Spain and arrive in Santiago de Compostela, one of the world's most important pilgrimage destinations.
Overnight: Santiago de Compostela | Breakfast
Santiago de Compostela free time or Cape Finisterre tour
Santiago de Compostela – Cape Finisterre – Santiago de Compostela. Today, You have another choice to make. Free time to explore Santiago de Compostela or an optional full-day excursion to Cape Finisterre.
If you opt for the trip, the day commences with a scenic drive along the Costa da Morte, known as 'the Coast of Death' - it was once a hotspot for shipwrecks. We pass through Noia and make a quick stop in Muros. See Galicia's largest beach, Playa de Carnota and walk to see the Ezaro Waterfall tumble directly into the sea.
We finally arrive at the 'End of the World' at Cape Finisterre, a place ancient civilizations believed marked the Earth's edge. Here, we can admire the lighthouse and gaze out at the wild Atlantic Ocean. Continuing to the harbour town of Muxia, there's free time to grab a bite to eat and watch the ships heading out to sea.
We then make our way back to Santiago de Compostela, where the evening is free to marvel at the renowned cathedral built atop the remains of St. James, one of the apostles of Jesus Christ.
Overnight: Santiago de Compostela | Breakfast
Following in Roman footsteps
Santiago de Compostela – Lugo – Las Medulas – Salamanca. Our day begins in Lugo, best known for housing the world's only fully intact Roman city walls. We can take a leisurely stroll along these ancient defences, channelling our inner Roman Legionnaire.
Next, we'll follow the footsteps of the Romans to Las Medulas. The landscape here is surreal, with peculiar red holes and mountain cavities. These are a legacy of the Romans, who carved into the earth in search of gold. We explore this unique area and there's time for lunch before we complete our drive to Salamanca.
Overnight: Salamanca | Breakfast
Onwards to Madrid
Salamanca – Avila – El Escorial – Madrid. There's free time this morning to explore Salamanca independently before we journey onto the vast plains of Castile and Leon. We make a stop for lunch in Avila before an included visit to El Escorial, home to the Spanish Royal Family and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Arriving in Madrid in the early evening, our tour comes to an end.
Please note: This tour finishes at 19:30 - Madrid Drop Off, Hotel Porcel Ganivet, Madrid.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
All departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 1 person. Prices shown are per person travelling. 'Twin/Double' prices per person apply when there are 2 people travelling, sharing a room. The 'Single' price applies for solo travellers who require their own room.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Grande Hotel do Porto, Porto
Grande Hotel do Porto, a historic gem, is centrally located in the heart of Porto, Portugal. Its prime position allows guests to immerse themselves in the city's rich culture, with landmarks like the Livraria Lello and the Ribeira district just a stroll away. The rooms have a bright and vibrant design which perfectly represent the feel of the surrounding city. They feature an en-suite bathroom, A/C, a television and city views. Grande Hotel do Porto boasts an on-site restaurant and a fully stocked bar. With its historic ambiance and convenient location, this hotel is the perfect base for exploring the enchanting city of Porto.
Hotel Gelmirez, Santiago de Compostela
Hotel Gelmirez is a haven of comfort in the heart of Santiago de Compostela. Located within walking distance of the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, Hotel Gelmirez offers a blend of modern amenities and traditional Galician hospitality. Rooms are designed for relaxation and feature all the comforts guests need for a restful night's sleep. After a day of exploration, guests can unwind in the cosy lounge or enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant, which serves delightful Galician cuisine as well as a buffet breakfast.
Hotel Artheus Carmelitas Salamanca, Salamanca
The elegant Hotel Artheus Carmelitas offers a unique blend of modern luxury and historic charm, providing an exceptional experience for travellers. Conveniently located in the historic centre of Salamanca, just steps away from the city's renowned landmarks, rooms at the Hotel Artheus Carmelitas are spacious and well-appointed, offering a range of amenities including free Wi-Fi. The hotel's sophisticated ambiance extends to its on-site restaurant, where guests can savour exquisite local and international cuisine. Whether dining indoors or on the terrace, it's a perfect setting to enjoy delicious meals and create lasting memories.
At a Glance
