Northern Spain, Galicia & Portugal Journey

Arrive at Barcelona – El Prat Airport, where a representative will be waiting in the arrivals lounge holding a sign with your name. We will transfer you to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is yours to explore Barcelona at your own pace, taking in the city’s vibrant atmosphere and iconic sights. Overnight in Barcelona.

After breakfast at the hotel, make your own way to the meeting point for the Highlights City Tour of Barcelona. This half-day tour begins with a guided walking exploration of the Gothic Quarter, the city’s oldest neighbourhood, where we visit narrow streets, Las Ramblas, the old Jewish Quarter, and the Cathedral, where you will have time to enter and explore. Afterwards, we continue by bus for a panoramic drive through the city, passing the elegant Passeig de Gràcia with Gaudí’s Casa Batlló and La Pedrera, the Arc de Triomf, and Port Olímpic. We then head to Montjuïc, site of the 1992 Olympic Games, viewing the stadium from the bus before taking the cable car up the hillside for panoramic views of Barcelona, weather permitting. Next, we visit Poble Espanyol, an open-air museum showcasing Spanish architecture and culture, where you can enjoy some free time to explore its craft shops, restaurants and bars. The tour concludes with a drive back through Plaça d’Espanya, the Venetian Towers, the MNAC art gallery, and Las Arenas shopping centre, housed in a former bullring, finishing at Plaça de Catalunya. You will then make your own way back to the hotel to relax. Overnight in Barcelona.

After breakfast, we transfer you to Barcelona Sants railway station to board the AVE high-speed train to Zaragoza. You will have some free time to explore Zaragoza at your own pace. In the afternoon, we continue by train to San Sebastian, a renowned coastal city famous for its International Film Festival. Overnight in San Sebastian.

After breakfast, we take a panoramic tour of San Sebastian, an elegant city framed by the Bay and La Concha Beach. We ascend Mount Igueldo to enjoy sweeping views over the city and coastline. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to explore or relax. In the afternoon, you may choose to join an optional excursion to the charming villages of Hondarribia and Saint-Jean-de-Luz, just across the French border. Overnight in San Sebastian.

After breakfast, we travel to Bilbao for a panoramic drive around the city. You will then have some free time on the esplanade by the Guggenheim Museum to admire this striking example of modern architecture. Next, we continue to the charming fishing village of Castro Urdiales, where you can explore at your leisure and soak up the local atmosphere. Later, we proceed to Santander, a coastal city nestled between the sea and mountains, known for its elegant Sardinero Beach. Enjoy some free time to stroll through the city before settling in for the night at your hotel.

After breakfast, we depart for Santillana, a town renowned for its rich historical and artistic heritage. Here, we visit the Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana, a fine example of Cantabrian Romanesque architecture. We then continue to Covadonga, where you will have free time to explore the Sanctuary and the Grotto, home to Our Lady of Covadonga, the patroness of Asturias. In the afternoon, we travel to Oviedo, where you will see the Church of Santa María del Naranco, an outstanding example of Asturian pre-Romanesque architecture set on a series of hills. You will also have free time to explore Oviedo’s largely pedestrian city centre at your own pace, with the opportunity to visit its Gothic Cathedral and other notable sites. Overnight in Oviedo.

After breakfast, we travel to the Galician region, stopping in Mondoñedo for some free time. Here, you can visit the impressive 12th-century cathedral and sample the local speciality, Mondoñedo cake. We then continue to the medieval city of Lugo, where you have time to explore the well-preserved Roman walls, a designated World Heritage Site. Later, we proceed to Santiago de Compostela, whose historic centre is also a World Heritage Site and a key Christian pilgrimage destination, marking the end of the Camino de Santiago. Overnight in Santiago de Compostela.

After breakfast, we explore Santiago de Compostela on a guided city tour, beginning at the impressive Obradoiro Square and including entrance to the magnificent Cathedral dedicated to the Apostle Santiago. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure—wander the narrow cobbled streets, soak up the city’s vibrant atmosphere, and discover its unique blend of history and youthful energy. Overnight in Santiago de Compostela.

After breakfast, we travel to Porto, passing through the scenic Rías Baixas region, often called the Spanish fjords for its striking coastal inlets. Along the way, we stop briefly at La Toja Island, known for its wellness centre and natural thermal springs. Continuing our panoramic drive along the River Arousa, we cross into Portugal and arrive in Porto. After checking into your hotel, the afternoon is yours to relax and explore at leisure.

After breakfast at the hotel, we begin a panoramic tour of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage city renowned for its rich history and distinctive architecture. Highlights include visits to the Cathedral, the Stock Exchange building, and Santa Clara Church. Following the sightseeing, we board a boat for a scenic cruise along the Douro River, offering a unique view of the city’s riverside charm. The tour concludes with a visit to a well-known Port wine cellar, where you can enjoy a tasting session. The remainder of the day is yours to explore Porto at your own pace. Overnight in Porto.

After breakfast, we depart towards the Spanish border, stopping en route at Ciudad Rodrigo. This charming town is enclosed by medieval walls and features a striking fortress that dominates the skyline. We then continue to Salamanca, a historic university city renowned for its impressive architecture and designated a World Heritage Site. Overnight in Salamanca.

After breakfast, we depart for Ávila, where you will have free time to explore this historic city, famed for its remarkably preserved medieval walls. Later, we continue to Madrid, where you will check in to your hotel and have the remainder of the day at your leisure. Overnight in Madrid.

After breakfast at the hotel, we transfer you to the airport for your onward journey, marking the end of your time in Madrid. Breakfast is included.