Northern Spain and Portugal
Madrid-Zaragosa-San Sebastian- Bilbao-Castro Urdiales-Santander- Santander-Santillana-Covadonga-Oviedo-Lugo-La Coruna- Santiago de Compostela-Rias Bajas-La Toja-Vigo-Viana do Castelo-Porto-Coimbra- Fatima-Batalha-Nazare-Alcobaca-Lisbon-Caceres-Madrid
12days/11nights, Madrid/Madrid
2020 depart Wed: Apr 15, 22, 29. May 06, 13, 20, 27. Jun 03, 10, 17. 24. Jul 15, 29. Aug 05, 26. Sep 02, 09, 16, 23, 30. Oct 07, 14, 21, 28.
2021 depart: Feb 17. Mar 17, 24.
Cost from 4* std: $2303 per person twin share (s/sup $830) Apr-May, Oct & Mar 2021
Cost from 4* std: $2410 per person twin share (s/sup $830) Jun
Cost from 4* std: $2512 per person twin share (s/sup $930) Jul – Sep
Cost from 4* sup: $2385 per person twin share (s/sup $830) Apr-May, Oct & Mar 2021
Cost from 4* sup: $2485 per person twin share (s/sup $830) Jun
Cost from 4* sup: $2585 per person twin share (s/sup $930) Jul - Sep
day 1 Madrid-Zaragoza-San Sebastian
Depart from our established hotels in Madrid. Please refer to your documentation for detailed departure information. Towards Zaragoza. Free time to visit the Basilica of Our Lady of The Pilar, patroness of Hispanity and stroll through the old streets of Zaragoza. In the afternoon we will continue to San Sebastian, it’s one of the most famous tourist destinations where they hold the International Film Festival. Panoramic city tour of this marvel style bourgeois city, seeing the extraordinary landscape dominated by the bay and the magnificent La Concha Beach.
day 2 San Sebastian-Bilbao-Castro Urdiales-Santander
We will approach Mount Igueldo, to contemplate the marvelous views of the city and then proceed towards Bilbao. Panoramic driver in Bilbao and free time on the esplanade where The Guggenheim Museum is located in order to admire this modern architectural building. Proceed to the old fishing village “Castro Urdiales”. Free time. Departure to Santander, a port city located between the sea and the mountains, well known for its Sardinero Beach, one of the best known beaches in Spain. Free time to stroll through this elegant city.
day 3 Santander-Santillana-Covadonga-Oviedo
Departure to Santillana, it’s one of the most important historical artistic towns in Spain. It contains architectural treasures such as the Collegiate of Santa Juliana, a Jewel of the Romanesque Architecture in Cantabria. Continue to Covadonga, where you will have free time to see the Sanctuary and the Grotto where you will see the patroness of Asturias our Lady of Covadonga. In the afternoon, departure to Oviedo, where you will see on a series of hills the beauty of Saint Maria de Naranco Church, Jewel of the pre Romanic Asturian architecture. Free time to explore Oviedo, many of their streets are pedestrian, where you will be able to see World Heritage sites like The Cathedral, a splendid example of gothic Asturian architecture.
day 4 Oviedo-Lugo-La Coruna
Drive to the Galician region. Arrive to Lugo. Free time to be able to contemplate the Roman remains that still retains like its walls, declared World Heritage. Continue to La Coruña. Brief panoramic driver through the main avenues of this fabulous town driving by the Marine Avenue to admire the elegance of this city with the typical Galician architecture of glass house galleries. Brief stop in one of the wonders of the world the oldest working lighthouse the “Tower of Hercules” dating back from the roman period. Afternoon at leisure where you can assist an optional tour to the Rias Altas.
day 5 La Coruna-Santiago de Compostela
Departure to Santiago de Compostela declared World Heritage as it is one of the most important center of Christian Pilgrimages in Spain as the end of the Camino de Santiago route built during the Roman Empire. City tour where we will see the main square called Obradoiro and also the Cathedral (entrance included) dedicated to the Apostle Santiago. Balance of the day at leisure to explore the narrow cobblestone streets and get the feel of the student atmosphere.
day 6 Santiago de Compostela-Rias Bajas-La Toja-Vigo
Departure towards one of the most marvelous areas of Galicia, the Rias Bajas (Spanish Fjords). Driving through this magnificent landscape we will arrive to La Toja Island, universally known for its spa. Free time and continue to the Ria de Arosa, passing through Pontevedra to arrive to Vigo, situated in the middle of the Rias Baixas.
day 7 Vigo-Viana do Castelo-Porto
Departure to the Portuguese border and then continue via Viana do Castelo, city located between the mouth of the river Miño and Porto, arrive to Porto and your accommodation.
day 8 Porto
Panoramic sightseeing tour of Porto, considered World Heritage city. We admire the Cathedral, Stock Exchange building and Santa Clara church. Afterwards, enjoy a different perspective of the city along the river Douro aboard the Blue Boats Cruise and discover the historic heritage visiting one well known Port Wine Cellars with a wine tasting included. Rest of day at leisure.
day 9 Porto-Coimbra-Fatima
Departure to Coimbra. City seat of one of the oldest universities in Europe and the birthplace of Fado. Free time. Then to Fatima. Center of the Christian Faith and World Pilgrimage Sanctuary with its impressive Basilica and the Cova da Iria Place where the Virgin Mary appeared. The Chapel of the Apparitions, heart of the sanctuary, with the tombs of the three shepherds, Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta. At night possibility to attend the procession of the candles.
day 10 Fatima-Batalha-Nazare-Alcobaca-Lisbon
Departure to the Batalha Monastery, a masterpiece of Gothic and Manueline style considered a World Heritage place by UNESCO. Continue to the picturesque fishing town of Nazaré. Free time and continue to Alcobaça (World Heritage) with its Gothic church and Cistercian monastery, whose origins date back to the XII C. Then to Lisbon.
Optional: traditional (live show) of Fado, typical Portuguese song and music with dinner.
day 11 Lisbon
Morning sightseeing tour of the ancient Olissipo, drive through its main squares and avenues, Belem Tower, Jeronimos Monastery, Coach Museum, Monument to the Discoverers, Marquis of Pombal Square, Liberty Avenue. Afternoon at leisure for you to catch the nostalgic corners of Alfama Quarter, the old city gathered next to its Castle, with old buildings nested in narrow twisting “Ruas” full of color housing the genuine “tabernas” where Fado sounds as a missing past.
day 12 Lisbon-Caceres-Madrid
Departure to Caceres declared UNESCO World Heritage site due to the city’s blend of Roman, Islamic, Northern Gothic and Italian Renaissance architecture. Walk through its Plaza Mayor and the Old Town with its famous Medieval Quarter. Continue to Madrid.
Inclusions: Tour escort during the tour, guided visits in Porto and Lisbon, panoramic sightseeing tours of San Sebastian and Bilbao air conditioned deluxe motor-coach, breakfast daily.
Hotels 4*: San Sebastian-Palacio de Aiete, Santander-Hotel Santander, Oviedo-Ayre Ramiro I, La Coruna-Tryp Coruna, Santiago de Compostela-Tryp Santiago, Vigo-Tryp Los Galeones , Porto-Tryp Porto Expo (Sup: Bessahotel Boavista), Fatima- Aurea Fátima/Estrela de Fátima , Lisbon-Roma (Sup: Lutécia / Vila Gale Opera).
Notes: Lisbon and Porto Local City Tax is be paid directly to the hotel. This tour might be a combination of different programs. If this applies there may be a change in the tour escort and passengers between the programs. Bilingual tour.