On this 13-day coach tour, travel from Barcelona to Madrid, via northern Spain and the Portuguese riverside city of Porto. See Gaudi's masterpieces in the Catalan capital, relax in San Sebastian and enjoy a visit to Bilbao in the Basque Country. Take in Santander and Oviedo on your way to Santiago de Compostela, an important pilgrimage destination in Galicia. In Porto, cruise the Douro and try local port wine before travelling to Madrid via Salamanca and the walled city of Avila.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Barcelona
Welcome to Spain. On arrival at the airport, you will be transferred to our hotel in the city. The rest of today is at leisure.
Please Note: This is a bi-lingual, large group coach tour, where a majority of travelers may be Spanish speaking. If this is the case, then English may 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.
Overnight: Barcelona
Barcelona Sightseeing
Experience the history of Barcelona on a half-day sightseeing tour combining a walking and panoramic journey through the city. We begin with a guided walk through the Gothic Quarter, exploring the Cathedral Square, the Cathedral, and the Old Jewish Quarter.
Next, we board our bus for a panoramic drive, heading to Montjuic, site of the 1992 Olympics. From the bus, we’ll view the Olympic Stadium and, weather permitting, enjoy stunning city views via the aerial tramway.
Returning to the city, we’ll pass through Plaça d’Espanya, admiring the Venetian towers, MNAC, and Las Arenas shopping center - once a bullring. We continue along Passeig de Gracia, home to Gaudí’s masterpieces, Casa Batllo and La Pedrera, before concluding the tour at Estacio del Nord. The afternoon is free for you to explore Barcelona at your leisure. Consider taking a tour of La Sagrada Familia, Gaudi's legacy and one of Europe's most impressive architectural feats.
Overnight: Barcelona | Breakfast
Barcelona to San Sebastian
Barcelona - Zaragoza - San Sebastian. This morning, we transfer to Barcelona Sants train station to board the high-speed train to Zaragoza. On arrival, meet your guide and continue the journey to San Sebastian, one of the top destinations in northern Spain.
Overnight: San Sebastian | Breakfast
San Sebastian
Enjoy a panoramic tour of San Sebastian, dominated by the stunning Bay and La Concha Beach. We’ll ascend Mount Igueldo for magnificent views of the town. The rest of the day is yours to explore at leisure.
In the afternoon, you may opt for an excursion to the picturesque villages of Biarritz and Saint-Jean-de-Luz, across the French border.
Overnight: San Sebastian | Breakfast
Bilbao & Santander
San Sebastian - Bilbao - Castro Urdiales - Santander. Today we depart for Bilbao, where you’ll have free time on the esplanade of the Guggenheim Museum to admire this modern architectural masterpiece. We then continue to Castro Urdiales, a charming fishing village, with free time to explore.
Next, we travel to Santander, a port city set between the sea and mountains, famed for its beaches, including the renowned El Sardinero. A local guide will lead a tour to uncover the highlights of this beautiful city.
Overnight: Santander | Breakfast
Santander to Oviedo
Santander - Santillana del Mar - Covadonga - Oviedo. We depart for Santillana del Mar this morning, a town home to architectural treasures like the Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana, a Romanesque masterpiece. After some time here, we continue to Covadonga, where you’ll have free time to visit the Sanctuary and grotto housing the revered image of the Virgin.
In the afternoon, we travel to Oviedo, set on hills at the foot of Mount Naranco. Known for its charming pedestrian streets and World Heritage monuments, Oviedo’s highlights include its magnificent Gothic Cathedral.
Overnight: Oviedo | Breakfast
Mondonedo, Lugo & Santiago de Compostela
Oviedo - Mondonedo - Lugo - Santiago de Compostela. Today we cross into the Spanish region of Galicia, stopping in Mondonedo to explore its impressive 12th-century cathedral and sample the famous Mondonedo cake. Continue to Lugo, where you’ll have free time to admire its well-preserved Roman walls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Later, we proceed to Santiago de Compostela, renowned for its historic city center, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A key site for Christian pilgrimage, it marks the end of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, which dates back to the Roman Empire and remains popular to this day.
Overnight: Santiago de Compostela | Breakfast
Santiago de Compostela
Enjoy a city tour of Santiago, visiting the Plaza del Obradoiro and the Cathedral of Santiago, dedicated to St James the Greater (entrance included). The rest of the day is free for you to explore this vibrant city, known for its university and lively student atmosphere.
Overnight: Santiago de Compostela | Breakfast
Hello Portugal
Santiago de Compostela - Porto (Portugal). Depart for the stunning Galician Rias Bajas, often referred to as the Spanish fjords. Enjoy scenic landscapes as we reach the island of La Toja, famous for its spa and natural beauty. After some free time, continue through the Arosa Estuary on our way to Portugal. Arriving in Porto, your first night here is free to head out and explore this beautiful city.
Overnight: Porto | Breakfast
Exploring Porto
Today we enjoy an included panoramic tour of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the tour, we'll take in the Cathedral, the Stock Exchange building, and the Church of Santa Clara. Then, we enjoy a unique view of the city with a cruise along the Douro River, followed by a visit to a renowned Port Wine Cellar, complete with a wine tasting. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your leisure.
Overnight: Porto | Breakfast
Porto to Salamanca
Porto - Ciudad Rodrigo (Spain) - Salamanca. Our short stay in Portugal over, we depart towards the Spanish border. Upon entering Spain, we stop first at Ciudad Rodrigo, a charming town encircled by medieval walls and dominated by an impressive fortress. Our final destination for today is Salamanca, an important university city and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Overnight: Salamanca | Breakfast
Avila & Madrid
Salamanca - Avila - Madrid. Leaving Salamanca, we drive to Avila, where there is free time to take in the famous fortified city walls here. In the early afternoon, we then complete our journey to the Spanish capital of Madrid, with free time for you to explore the city on arrival.
Overnight: Madrid | Breakfast
Madrid
Our tour comes to an end today after breakfast and hotel check out - there is an included transfer to the airport in Madrid. Wishing you a safe onwards journey!
Breakfast
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.
Hotel Catalonia Barcelona Plaza, Barcelona
This contemporary hotel, located near Parc de Joan Miró and just 4 minutes from Espanya metro station and Fira Barcelona, offers sleek rooms with free Wi-Fi, satellite TV, desks, and minibars. Upgraded rooms feature stylish decor, city views, and Nespresso machines, with some including terraces. Suites provide access to a club lounge with complimentary drinks and snacks. Enjoy a laid-back bar, a Japanese restaurant, and a rooftop pool with panoramic city views. Additional amenities include a gym, spa with wellness treatments, and versatile meeting spaces. The hotel is child and pet-friendly and offers room service, a 24-hour front desk
Palacio de Aiete, San Sebastian
Situated in a residential area, this hotel is a 20-minute walk from La Concha Beach and Miramar Palace, with the Miramón Technology Park just a 5-minute drive away. The modern, air-conditioned rooms feature a selection of pillows, a private bathroom with toiletries, and a flat-screen satellite TV. Guests can enjoy the gym and a rooftop solarium offering panoramic views of San Sebastián, along with free WiFi throughout the hotel.
Hotel Santemar, Santander
Conveniently located just 150 metres from Sardinero beach and featuring a peaceful Japanese Garden, Hotel Santemar is a great place to stay when visiting coastal Santander. Modern rooms are elegantly decorated, with some offering a sea view and nautical themes. Amenities include air-conditioning, minibar, pillow menu, private bathroom and complimentary Wi-Fi. The Rincon de Mouro restaurant serves an array of Cantabrian dishes with an international twist, including a selection of fish and seafood dishes. A daily buffet breakfast is also served.
Sercotel Ciudad de Oviedo, Oviedo
Sercotel Ciudad de Oviedo enjoys a prime location in the heart of Oviedo, just a short stroll from the city’s historic old town and the impressive Oviedo Cathedral. Guests can easily explore charming streets lined with cafés, shops and cultural landmarks. The hotel offers comfortable, well-furnished rooms with modern amenities to ensure a restful stay. Its on-site restaurant serves local and international dishes, while the cosy lounge and bar provide inviting spaces to relax after a day of sightseeing. Convenient access to public transport makes it an excellent base for discovering Asturias.
Hotel Santiago Plaza Affiliated by Meliá, Santiago de Compostela
Hotel Santiago Plaza Affiliated by Meliá sits within easy reach of Santiago de Compostela’s historic centre, allowing convenient access to the cathedral, museums and lively streets filled with cafés and shops. The hotel provides bright, comfortable rooms equipped with modern essentials for a relaxing stay. Guests can enjoy a generous breakfast buffet and unwind in the welcoming lounge areas. With nearby bus links and pleasant walking routes into the old town, it offers a practical and comfortable base for exploring the city’s cultural and spiritual landmarks.
BessaHotel Boavista, Porto
Located in Porto's popular Boavista district, the BessaHotel Boavista is just a few minute's walk from the Casa da Musica concert hall and other attractions. Bright and spacious guest rooms offer private bathrooms, tea and coffee making facilities, air-conditioning and TV. There is an onsite gym and dining options include the BRestaurant & Bar, where Head Chef Vitor de Matos serves impeccable Iberian cuisine. Breakfast is served buffet style and there is also an outdoor terrace serving an array of cocktails and regional Douro Valley wines. Complimentary Wi-Fi is also offered.
Hotel Vila Gale Porto Ribeira, Porto
Located right on the banks of the Douro River, the 4-star Hotel Vila Gala Porto Ribeira is a wonderful base for discovering the charms of Porto. Rooms are modern and spacious, with ensuite bathrooms, flat-screen TV and air-conditioning. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property and there is an onsite bar and sun terrace. breakfast is served buffet style in the hotel restaurant.
Hotel Catalonia Plaza Mayor, Salamanca
The recently refurbished Hotel Catalonia Plaza Mayor is located right next to the city's Plaza Mayor and the cathedral, offering easy access to Salamanca's main highlights. Local Villamayor stonework is visible throughout the hotel, which offers complimentary Wi-Fi connection. All guest rooms feature ensuite bathrooms, wood flooring and smart TV's, which are equipped with the Chromecast app. The rooftop pool and sun terrace is a great place to unwind with a drink and there is an onsite restaurant, with plenty of authentic tapas restaurants on the doorstep too!
Hotel NH Madrid Ribera del Manzanares, Madrid
Located 1.3 km from Puerta de Toledo metro station, this riverside high-rise hotel is just 2.5 km from the Royal Palace of Madrid and 2.6 km from Plaza Mayor. The contemporary rooms come equipped with free Wi-Fi, satellite TV, minibars, and coffeemakers. Guests can enjoy a Spanish and Mediterranean restaurant, a casual bar with outdoor seating, and a café. Additional facilities include a fitness room and the option for massages.
At a Glance
