Barcelona, Galicia, Porto & Madrid - 13 Days

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 travellers 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.

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 centre - 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 centre, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!