Northern Spain & Portugal Discovered

Madrid - Zaragoza - San Sebastian. Today, we depart from our established hotels in Madrid, heading towards Zaragoza. Upon arrival, you’ll have time to visit the stunning Basilica of Our Lady of the Pilar, the patroness of Hispanity, and wander through the charming old streets of this historic city.

After exploring Zaragoza, we continue our journey to San Sebastian, a city renowned for its beauty and the prestigious International Film Festival. Your first evening spent here is at leisure. Head out for a stroll along La Concha beach, and maybe pay a visit to the "Comb of the Winds" sculpture at the western end of the bay.

Please Note: This is a bi-lingual, large group coach tour, where a majority of travellers are Spanish, so English will be the second language. For groups of 12 or more the tour is escorted by a bilingual (Spanish & English speaking) tour leader/escort. They will provide explanations about the itinerary, coordinate accommodation services, and ensure the smooth running of the tour, making your trip an enjoyable experience. When the group size is less than 12, this service may be provided by the driver. There will be experienced bi-lingual local guides for included city sightseeing. This tour also combines different programmes, meaning some travellers may join and leave the tour part way through, and your tour escort may also change.

After breakfast today, we embark on a panoramic tour of this elegant and refined city, where the landscape is dominated by the stunning Bay and the iconic La Concha Beach. We’ll take a scenic ride up to Mount Igueldo, where we’ll enjoy a magnificent view of the city stretching out before us. The rest of the day is yours to relax and explore.

In the afternoon, you have the option to join a visit to the picturesque French villages of Biarritz and San Juan de Luz, where you can soak in the charm of their coastal beauty and vibrant culture.

San Sebastian - Bilbao - Castro Urdiales - Santander. r. Today, we depart for Bilbao, where you’ll have free time to stroll along the esplanade of the iconic Guggenheim Museum and marvel at this stunning example of modern architecture. After soaking in the atmosphere, we continue our journey to Castro Urdiales, a charming fishing village where you’ll have time to explore at your own pace.

Next, we head towards Santander, a picturesque port city nestled between the sea and the mountains, with beautiful beaches like the renowned El Sardinero. Here, we’ll embark on a guided tour with a local expert, who will take us on a thorough exploration of this stunning city, uncovering its rich history and hidden gems.

Santander - Santillana - Covadonga - Oviedo. After breakfast today, we depart for Santillana del Mar, one of Spain's most historically and artistically significant towns. Here, you'll find architectural treasures like the Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana, a Romanesque masterpiece and the most important of its kind in Cantabria.

We then continue our journey to Covadonga, where you’ll have free time to visit the Sanctuary and the sacred grotto, where the image of the Virgin rests.

In the afternoon, we make our way to Oviedo, a city beautifully set on a series of hills at the foot of Mount Naranco. With its pedestrian streets and stunning monuments, Oviedo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its Gothic Cathedral stands as one of the finest examples of Asturian architecture.

Oviedo - Mondonedo - Lugo - Santiago de Compostela. Today, we depart towards the Galician region, making our way to Lugo. On the way, we stop in Mondoñedo, where you’ll have free time to explore its impressive 12th-century cathedral and sample the delicious local treat, "Mondoñedo cake."

We then continue to Lugo, where you’ll have time to admire the Roman remains that the city still preserves, including its ancient walls, which have earned a UNESCO World Heritage designation.

In the afternoon, we continue on to Santiago de Compostela, a city steeped in history. Its ancient heart is a World Heritage Site and one of Spain’s most important monumental centres. As the final destination of the Camino de Santiago, Santiago de Compostela has long been a place of Christian pilgrimage, with roots dating back to the Roman Empire.

Today, we will enjoy a city tour of Santiago de Compostela, starting with a visit to the Plaza del Obradoiro, where we’ll take in the stunning surroundings before entering the magnificent Cathedral, dedicated to the Apostle Santiago el Mayor.

Afterward, you’ll have the rest of the day at your leisure to further explore this vibrant city, known for its university atmosphere and lively student culture, with plenty of charming streets, historical sites, and hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

Santiago de Compostela - Rias Bajas - Porto (Portugal). After breakfast today, we set off towards the picturesque Galician Rías Bajas, often referred to as the Spanish fjords, where we’ll journey through stunning landscapes. Our route takes us to the island of La Toja, famous for its luxurious spa and natural beauty, offering you free time to explore and enjoy its tranquil surroundings.

We then continue our journey through the Arosa estuary, making our way towards Portugal. Later, we’ll arrive in Porto, where we’ll immerse ourselves in the charm of this captivating city.

Our day starts with a panoramic tour of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where we’ll admire the grandeur of the Cathedral, the Stock Exchange building, and the Church of Santa Clara, each offering a glimpse into the city's rich history.

Next, we’ll enjoy a unique perspective of Porto as we cruise along the scenic Douro River, taking in the city’s stunning skyline. We’ll also visit a renowned Port Wine Cellar, where you can discover the region's winemaking heritage and enjoy a delightful wine-tasting experience.

The rest of the day is yours to explore Porto at your own pace, with plenty of charming streets and cultural landmarks waiting to be discovered.

After breakfast, you will have a free day to explore at your own pace or relax. Stroll through Porto's charming Ribeira district, visit the Livraria Lello, or cross the Dom Luís I Bridge for panoramic views. Discover local cuisine at traditional eateries, shop for artisanal goods, or unwind along the Douro River's scenic banks.

Porto -Coimbra - Fatima. Today, after breakfast, we depart for Coimbra, a city that proudly hosts one of the oldest universities in Europe and is considered the birthplace of Fado. You’ll have some free time to explore at your own pace, perhaps wandering through the university grounds or soaking in the city's vibrant atmosphere.

Later, we continue our journey to Fatima, a revered centre of Christian faith and a major pilgrimage destination. Here, we’ll visit the impressive Basilica and the Cova da Iria, the sacred site where the Virgin Mary appeared. The Chapel of the Apparitions, the heart of the sanctuary, holds the tombs of the three shepherd children, Lucía, Francisco, and Jacinta. In the evening, you’ll have the opportunity to attend the moving candlelight procession, a truly unforgettable experience.

Fatima - Batalha - Nazare - Alcobaca - Lisbon. Today, we set off for the Batalha Monastery, a stunning masterpiece of Gothic and Manueline architecture, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. We’ll explore this remarkable monument, which stands as a testament to Portugal’s rich history. Next, we continue to the picturesque fishing town of Nazaré, where you’ll have some free time to wander along its beautiful beaches or visit the charming streets.

From Nazaré, we head to Alcobaça, home to another UNESCO World Heritage site – its impressive Gothic church and Cistercian monastery, which dates back to the 12th century. After taking in the serene beauty of Alcobaça, we make our way to Lisbon, the vibrant capital of Portugal, where we’ll arrive and settle in for the night.

This morning, we embark on a city tour of Lisbon, once known as Olissipo, where we’ll explore its vibrant main squares and avenues. We’ll visit the iconic Belem Tower, stand in awe of the Jerónimos Monastery (from the exterior), and admire the Monument to the Discoverers, celebrating Portugal’s seafaring legacy.

In the afternoon, you’ll have free time to wander through the city’s charming corners, perhaps getting lost in the narrow streets of the Alfama district or enjoying a coffee with a view. Alternatively, you can join the optional excursion to the World Heritage Sites of Sintra and Cascais, both offering stunning landscapes and rich history.

Lisbon - Merida - Madrid. After our final breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Mérida, a city of immense historical significance and a UNESCO World Heritage site. As we arrive, we’ll be captivated by its rich heritage, including well-preserved Roman ruins such as the magnificent theatre, the amphitheatre, and the Roman bridge, each telling the story of the city’s ancient past.

You’ll have some free time to explore Mérida’s captivating sights or relax in its historic surroundings before we continue our journey to Madrid, where our adventure comes to an end.

Please note: Airport transfers are not included on this tour. You will be dropped back at a central Madrid hotel. The exact location can be confirmed on request after your booking, as drop off location varies by departure. You will need to make your own way to the airport or to your independently booked accommodation tonight.