Our journey begins early in the morning as we depart Madrid, traversing the Castilian landscape towards northern Portugal. En route, we’ll pause briefly at the Cuatro Postes Lookout to capture photos of Avila’s impressive city walls.
By midday, we reach Ciudad Rodrigo, a charming walled town near the Portuguese border. You’ll have time to explore its quaint streets and admire its cathedral (Catedral de Santa María de Ciudad Rodrigo).
After leaving Ciudad Rodrigo, we will cross into Portugal. Along our route, we will stop for lunch at a convenient service area.
We will arrive in Porto in the late afternoon, accounting for the time change. Here, we embark on a comprehensive two-hour guided tour led by a local expert. Highlights include the Douro River, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic center, and the iconic iron bridge (Luís I Bridge). The tour culminates with a visit to one of Porto’s historic wine cellars, where you’ll learn about the production of the world-famous Port wine.
Please note: If passenger numbers between Madrid and Porto are particularly low, this portion of the journey may be conducted by air. The Ciudad Rodrigo stop would be omitted from the itinerary in such cases.
This itinerary offers a blend of historical sightseeing, cultural immersion, and culinary exploration as we transition from Spain’s central region to northern Portugal.
Note: The tour leader will be available when the activities start, so you will have free time until your tour begins. Please check for information about the tour at the hotel reception. Note that the order of the itinerary might change due to different circumstances, such as weather conditions or the need to improve the tour circuit.
Our day begins with an early morning departure from Porto. Our first stop is Braga, where we visit the renowned Bom Jesus sanctuary (Bon Jesus do Monte). Here, you’ll experience a ride on the world’s oldest water-powered funicular (Bom Jesus do Monte Funicular). After exploring the sanctuary, we recommend a leisurely walk down its picturesque staircase, taking in the stunning views and gardens.
Leaving Bom Jesus, we cross into Galicia, Spain, where you’ll be treated to spectacular views of the Galician rias, particularly the Ría de Arosa.
By early afternoon, we will arrive in Cambados, a historic coastal town. Here, we embark on a glass-bottom boat tour of the Ría de Arosa, learning about local mollusk production. The boat trip includes a delightful wine and mussel tasting. Afterwards, you’ll have free time to explore Cambados and enjoy lunch at your leisure.
In the late afternoon, we reach our final destination, Santiago de Compostela. A local guide will lead us on a panoramic city tour, sharing insights into Santiago’s centuries-old pilgrimage tradition. We’ll wander through the medieval city center and marvel at the iconic cathedral (Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela).
Please note that during certain periods, especially around Santiago’s feast day, accommodation may be arranged in a nearby city.
This itinerary offers a rich blend of cultural, historical, and gastronomic experiences, showcasing the diverse attractions of northern Portugal and Galicia.
We begin our final day with an early departure from Santiago, following the historic Camino de Santiago through scenic landscapes to Lugo. Upon arrival in Lugo, you’ll have free time to explore its remarkable Roman walls (Muralla Romana de Lugo), a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back over two millennia.
Leaving Lugo, we journey towards Castile, stopping at O Cebreiro, a quaint Galician stone village that offers a glimpse into the region’s traditional way of life.
By early afternoon, we reach León, a key city on the Camino de Santiago. Here, you’ll have time for lunch and to wander through the historic center, with its standout gothic León Cathedral known for its stunning stained glass windows.
In the evening, we will arrive back in Madrid, concluding our tour. Please note that the León to Madrid way may occasionally be conducted by train, regular coach, or minivan if there are few participants.
We hope you’ve had an unforgettable experience with us. Remember to check your flight times in case you need an extra night’s accommodation. Our guide can advise you on the best public transport options for your onward journey.
A word of caution: If you’re booking connecting travel (flights, trains, etc.) on the final day of the tour, please allow ample time for potential delays due to traffic, unexpected stops, or other unforeseen circumstances. It’s always wise to leave a space in your schedule when planning onward travel.
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