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Gastronomic Spain & Portugal

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17 days

GASTRONOMIC TOUR: Take in the best of northern Spain and Portugal on this 17-day coach tour from Barcelona, with a focus on regional cuisine. Enjoy an included visit to La Sagrada Familia and uncover magical Madrid on a city tour. Explore the northern cities of Pamplona, Bilbao, San Sebastian, Santander and Oviedo. See the important religious sites of Santiago de Compostela, sample mussels on a Spanish Fjords cruise and enjoy a Douro River cruise in Porto followed by port wine tasting. Visit Coimbra, spend two nights in Lisbon and stop in Merida on your way to Madrid.

For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes

Tour Overview

Duration

17 days

Starts

Barcelona

Ends

Madrid

Range

Handpicked

Tour Guide

Yes - escorted by a tour leader with local guides for sightseeing

Group Size

Min 2 / Max 24

Minimum age

1 yrs, accompanied by an adult

Departs

Fridays

Hotel Rating

4-star hotels

Countries

Spain, Portugal

Arrival Transfer

Yes

Departure Transfer

Yes

Meals included

Breakfast: 16, Dinner: 4
Save 35% today
Per Person From
R 120,995.00
R 78,646.75
Deposit From
Final payment
R 10,000.00
R 147,293.50

Tour Highlights

Barcelona - Visit La Sagrada Familia and see other highlights of Gaudi's work on an included city tour, with free time to further explore
Pamplona - Stop for a stroll around this charming town, famous for its annual Running of the Bulls Festival
Zaragoza - Explore this historic city and admire the iconic Basilica del Pilar and Aljaferia Palace
Bilbao - Enjoy a morning tour of Bilbao and tuck into a tasty, traditional 'pintxos' dinner
San Sebastian - Spend an afternoon in elegant San Sebastian, with its beautiful bay and La Concha beach
Oviedo - Wander the pedestrianized streets of the city independently and dine at a traditional cider house
Santiago de Compostela - Visit the UNESCO-listed Old Town at the end of the Camino de Santiago Christian pilgrimage route
Porto - Enjoy a Douro River cruise and discover famous Port Wine Cellars, with a wine tasting experience
Ria de Arosa - Admire at the beautiful Rias Bajas (Spanish Fjords) on a cruise and taste typical wines and mussels
Lisbon - See the landmarks of Portugal's charming capital on a city tour and enjoy free time in the historic Alfama Quarter
Aveiro - Take a boat ride along the picturesque canals of Aveiro - 'the Venice of Portugal', in a colourful, traditional moliceiro boat
Coimbra - Stroll around the historic streets of Portugal's former capital on a city tour and visit its enchanting medieval quarter
Merida - Stop in this historic city founded by the Romans in 25 BC, renowned for its impressive archaeological sites
Madrid - End your adventure in Spain's vibrant capital, taking in its highlights on a city tour

Included

16 breakfasts & 4 dinners
16 nights 4-star hotels
Escorted by an English-speaking tour guide (or driver-guide for groups of 12 or fewer), with local guides for included sightseeing
Airport arrival transfer on day 1 and departure transfer on day 17
Transportation by deluxe coach with Wi-Fi and audio headsets
Guided city tour in Barcelona, Bilbao, Santiago de Compostela, Porto, Coimbra, Lisbon and Madrid
Entrance to La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona and Santiago de Compostella Cathedral
Douro River Cruise in Porto, Rias Baixas (Spanish Fjords) cruise and Moliceiro boat trip along the canals in Aveiro
Gastronomic inclusions - tapas welcome dinner in Barcelona, visit to a winery in La Rioja region, pintxos dinner in Bilbao, dinner and cider tasting in a traditional cider house in Oviedo, mussels and wine tasting on a Rias Baixas cruise, wine tasting at a Porto wine cellar, a Fado show and traditional Portuguese dinner in Porto
Note: This tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner and you will join travellers from different operators, not solely On The Go.

Not Included

International flights and visas
Tipping - an entirely personal gesture
City tax of approximately €4.95 per person per night in Barcelona and €2 per person per night in Porto and Lisbon (approx €17.90 in total per person). To be paid directly to the hotel at check-in/out. Please note we recommend paying your city tax when checking in or in the evening during your stay to save time on check out!

Itinerary

Day 1 - Welcome to Barcelona!

Bienvenido a Espana! On arrival in Barcelona, you will be collected and transferred to our hotel. The rest of today is free for you to head out and explore the city.

Overnight: Barcelona

Day 2 - Barcelona sightseeing

We enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour in Barcelona this morning. Driving down the city's main streets, we will admire some of Gaudi's impressive modernist works, such as Le Pedrera and Casa Mila. We stroll through Montjuic Park to admire the surrounding views of the city and we end our tour with a visit to La Sagrada Familia. This is the crown jewel of Gaudi's work and is due to be completed in 2026, exactly 100 years since the great architect died. Entrance to the cathedral is included. After our tour, the rest of today is free for you to continue exploring Barcelona. Perhaps head for a walk along the beach, find some dinner along La Rambla, or head to Parc Guell to see even more of Gaudi's work!

There's an included dinner this evening at an authentic Tapas restaurant. Dine on regional specialties, from 'patatas bravas' to manchego cheese!

Overnight: Barcelona
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3 - Journey through Zarazoga & Pamplona

Barcelona - Zarazoga - Pamplona - Bilbao. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a picturesque journey from Barcelona to Bilbao, passing through enchanting cities along the route. Leaving Barcelona, you will traverse the scenic Catalan landscape, characterized by rolling vineyards and olive groves, on your way to Zaragoza. In Zaragoza, delve into the city's rich heritage and culture by visiting notable sites such as the iconic Basilica del Pilar and the Aljafería Palace. Continuing north, the journey takes you to Pamplona, renowned for its annual Running of the Bulls and its charming medieval architecture. Conclude your journey as you reach Bilbao, where you will settle into your hotel accommodations.

Overnight: Bilbao
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 - Bilbao & San Sebastian

Bilbao - San Sebastian - Bilbao. After breakfast at the hotel we enjoy a Bilbao city tour, taking in the city's main highlights. The port city of Bilbao is surrounded by green mountains, and the de facto Basque capital is one of the prettiest cities in Spain.

Later, we head to nearby San Sebastian, an exclusive resort town known for hosting the International Film Festival and for La Concha, one of Spain's finest beaches. We will admire the view over San Sebastian and the Bay of Biscay from Mount Igueldo and enjoy some free time before returning to Bilbao for the evening. Dinner tonight is at a local restaurant, where you can try pincho, The Basque version of tapas.

Overnight: Bilbao
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5 - Castro Urdiales & Santander

Bilbao - Santander. Leaving Bilbao, we head into the green mountainous region of Asturias, admiring the view en route to the fishing town of Castro Urdiales. There's free time to wander around, and you will be able to see the castle which dates back to the Middle Ages. Then it's onto Santander, a coastal city known for the popular Sardinero Beach.

Overnight: Santander
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 - Santillana del Mar & Oviedo

Santander - Santillana del Mar - Covadonga - Oviedo. Our first stop today is Santillana del Mar, known for its Renaissance palaces, medieval towers and the beautiful Romanesque Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana. We then have a short stop in Covadonga before arriving at our destination, Oviedo. There is free time to explore the many pedestrianized streets and you can see the hilltop Saint Maria de Naranco Church overlooking the city. The UNESCO-listed Cathedral is also worth a visit. We enjoy a group dinner tonight at a traditional cider house.

Overnight: Oviedo
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7 - Mondonedo, Lugo & Santiago de Compostela

Oviedo - Mondonedo - Lugo - Santiago de Compostela. Today we head into Galicia, Spain's north-westernmost region. Our first visit is Mondonedo, where you can see the 13th century Cathedral and sample the local delicacy. Mondonedo Cake is made with puff pastry, sponge, almonds and fruit.

Stopping in Lugo, you will have time to admire the historic Roman city walls before we arrive in Santiago de Compostela. The UNESCO-listed Old Town is home to one of the most important pilgrimages in Christianity. It marks the end of the Camino de Santiago Route, which was constructed during the Roman Empire.

Overnight: Santiago de Compostela
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 - Santiago de Compostela

We spend this morning on a city tour of Santiago de Compostela. We will see the Praza do Obradoiro main square and enjoy included entry to the Cathedral, which is dedicated to the Apostle Santiago. After our tour, the rest of the day is free to stroll around the Old Town's cobbled streets.

Overnight: Santiago de Compostela
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 - Spanish Fjords cruise & Porto

Santiago de Compostela - Porto (Portugal). Today is the day we say goodbye to Spain and cross into neighbouring Portugal. First, we travel to the Rias Bajas fjords and enjoy an included cruise, with tasting of local mussels and wine. Back on dry land, we cross the border into Portugal and complete our drive to Porto. One of the oldest cities in Europe, Porto is located along the Douro River estuary and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.

Overnight: Porto
Meals: Breakfast

Days 10-11 - Exploring Porto

Day 10 is spent exploring Porto with a number of included activities. We enjoy a guided city tour, taking in highlights such as the Cathedral, Stock Exchange and Santa Clara Church. We also take a cruise on the Douro River, which runs through the heart of Porto. And we visit one of the riverfront Port Wine Cellars, with included tasting of this local drink.

In the evening, there is an included group dinner at one of the oldest Fado venues in Porto, residing in a prominent cultural neighbourhood.

The next day is free for to explore Porto further.

Overnight: Porto
Meals: Breakfast x2, Dinner

Day 12 - Aveiro's Canals & Coimbra

Porto - Aveiro - Coimbra. Departing Porto after breakfast, our first stop today is in Aveiro. Often referred to as the "Venice of Portugal," this city is renowned for its enchanting canals, vibrant moliceiro boats, and delightful Art Nouveau architecture.

Upon arrival, we'll embark on a serene boat trip aboard a Moliceiro, gliding through the city's idyllic canals. This journey offers stunning views of colourful tile-covered buildings, scenic bridges, and the peaceful lagoon, all while our knowledgeable guides share fascinating insights into the local history and culture.

After the boat tour, enjoy free time for lunch before we continue our journey to Coimbra. In the afternoon, we’ll explore the historic streets of this former Portuguese capital, including a visit to the prestigious University of Coimbra, one of the oldest in Europe, known for its magnificent Baroque library, the Biblioteca Joanina. Be captivated by the impressive Romanesque Old Cathedral, Sé Velha, and the charming medieval quarter, with its narrow lanes and the soulful sounds of traditional Fado music.

Overnight: Coimbra
Meals: Breakfast

Day 13 - Batalha, Nazar & Alcobaba

Coimbra - Batalha - Nazare - Alcobaca - Lisbon. This morning we visit the UNESCO-listed Batalha Monastery, a 14th Century Gothic masterpiece, built to commemorate the victory of the Portuguese over the Castilians at the Battle of Aljubarrota in 1385. We then enjoy some free time in the quaint fishing village of Nazare before arriving in Alcobaca, where we can see the even older 12th Century monastery located here. This is widely regarded as one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the world. After admiring the monastery, we complete our journey to Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal. The evening is at leisure.

Overnight: Lisbon
Meals: Breakfast

Day 14 - Lisbon sightseeing

Our day starts with a city sightseeing tour, taking in many of Lisbon's highlights. We see the city's main plazas, the fortified Belem Tower, Jeronimo's Monastery, the Monument to the Discoverers and the Marquis of Pombal Square roundabout.

The afternoon is free, and we recommend you head into the Alfama Quarter, the oldest part of Lisbon. Crowned by the Sao Jorge Castle, this part of the city features narrow alleyways and colourful 'tabernas'.

Overnight: Lisbon
Meals: Breakfast

Day 15 - Merida & Madrid

Lisbon - Merida - Madrid. Departing Lisbon, we cross back into Spain and make a stop in Mérida. Mérida is a historic city established by the Romans in 25 BC. It is famed for its remarkable archaeological ensemble, which has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Keep an eye out for its famous landmarks such as the Roman Theatre, the Amphitheatre, and the Guadiana River Roman Bridge. We then complete our journey to Madrid.

Overnight: Madrid
Meals: Breakfast

Day 16 - Madrid sightseeing

Today we take in the highlights of Madrid on a city tour. Highlights of the excursion include the historic Barrio de la Morería region, Habsburgs District, Puerta del Sol central square, Plaza Mayor and the Neptuno Fountains. These are dedicated to Neptune, a Roman water god. In the more modern part of the city we see the Salamanca district, Plaza Castilla and Parque del Oeste. We also see the Santiago Bernabeu, the football stadium of Real Madrid, the most successful European club.

Overnight: Madrid
Meals: Breakfast

Day 17 - Madrid

Enjoy a final breakfast in the hotel before our tour comes to an end. There is an included transfer to the airport.

Meals: 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.
Hesperia President
Barcelona

Located on one of Barcelona's most famous streets, Diagonal Avenue, the Hesperia President hotel is ideally located for those looking to immerse themselves in Barcelona. Ranked as a Biosphere sustainable hotel with measures taken to save water, use renewable energy and take climate action, it's a hotel that's good for the planet too! Modern rooms are bright and spacious, with ensuite bathrooms, air-conditioning, flat screen TV and complimentary Wi-Fi access. There is an onsite gym and sun terrace, and a buffet breakfast is served in the hotel restaurant.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Barcelo Bilbao Nervion
Bilbao

The riverside Barcelo Bilbao Nervion is located on the edge of the city centre, a short walk from the Old Town, Calatrava Bridge and the Guggenheim Museum. The air-conditioned guest rooms offer free Wi-Fi connection, satellite TV, minibar, desk and private bathrooms. Guests can dine at the onsite Ibaizabal restaurant, where a selection of regional Basque and international dishes are offered. There are also a number of <i>pintxos</i> tapas restaurants within walking distance.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star 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.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
AC Hotel Oviedo Forum
Oviedo

The AC Hotel Oviedo Forum is housed just a short walk from the city's historic centre, including the impressive cathedral and the San Francisco Park. The hotel's 155 guest rooms are well-appointed, with wood panelled flooring, ensuite bathrooms, minibar, free Wi-Fi and TV. There is an onsite fitness centre and dining in the form of the AC Lounge, which fuses local cuisine with today's gastronomic trends. There is also a rooftop bar serving drinks and snacks with a view over the city.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Eurostars Gran Hotel Santiago
Santiago de Compostela

Located a 20-minute walk from the city centre and cathedral, Eurostars Gran Hotel Santiago is housed in beautiful gardens and has an impressive atrium with plants hanging from balconies and throughout the classically decorated interior of the hotel. There is complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, and rooms come equipped with ensuite bathrooms, TV, minibar and safe. A buffet breakfast is served daily, and the onsite restaurant is also open for dinner and evening drinks.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
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.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Hotel Coimbra Aeminium, Affiliated by Meliá
Coimbra

Hotel Coimbra Aeminium offers a perfect blend of contemporary comfort and historical charm in the heart of Coimbra. Situated near the city’s vibrant cultural and academic centre, this elegant hotel provides easy access to iconic landmarks such as the University of Coimbra and the historic old town. Unwind in tastefully designed rooms that feature modern amenities, ensuring a relaxing and enjoyable stay. Enjoy the delightful restaurant serving a range of local and international dishes, and relax in the cosy lounge area perfect after a day of exploration.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Smart Design Hotel Lutecia
Lisbon

This recently renovated hotel features 9 themed floors, with rooms and corridors decorated in varying contemporary patterns and pastel hues. Smart Design Hotel Lutecia is located just 200m from the nearest metro station, giving guests quick and easy access to different parts of the city. Rooms are equipped with modern amenities such as design chairs, smart TV's and espresso coffee machines. In the morning enjoy an expansive buffet breakfast.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel

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.

2025
Twin/Double
Single
18 Apr - 4 May
Save 30%
Sold Out
Sold Out
20 Apr - 6 May
Save 35%
R 120,995R 78,647
R 169,305R 110,049
18 May - 3 Jun
Save 30%
R 120,995R 84,697
R 169,305R 118,514
15 Jun - 1 Jul
Save 30%
R 120,995R 84,697
R 169,305R 118,514
13 Jul - 29 Jul
Save 30%
R 150,455R 105,319
R 188,265R 131,786
31 Aug - 16 Sep
Save 30%
R 150,455R 105,319
R 188,265R 131,786
21 Sep - 7 Oct
Save 30%
R 120,995R 84,697
R 169,305R 118,514
17 Oct - 2 Nov
Save 30%
Sold Out
Sold Out
2026
Twin/Double
Single
19 Apr - 5 May
Save 30%
R 124,005R 86,804
R 171,705R 120,194
17 May - 2 Jun
Save 30%
R 126,415R 88,491
R 174,715R 122,301

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