Barcelona, Northern Spain & Porto - 8 Days

Barcelona - Zaragoza - San Sebastian. We depart vibrant Barcelona at 8:00 a.m. and make our way to Zaragoza for a short stop to stretch our legs and perhaps catch a glimpse of the historic Basilica del Pilar. We then continue our journey through the scenic Spanish countryside to the coastal city of San Sebastian. On arrival, we settle into our hotel, enjoy a group dinner, and take in the city’s relaxed seaside atmosphere. Please note: This tour is bi-lingual, and will be conducted in Spanish as well as in English.

Meeting Point: HOTEL CATALONIA 505, C/ de Muntaner, 505, Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, 08022 Barcelona at 7:45.

San Sebastian - Bilbao - Santander. After breakfast, we head west to Bilbao, the capital of the province of Vizcaya. Here we pause to admire the striking architecture of the Guggenheim Museum, a symbol of the city’s modern transformation. Our journey then continues to the elegant seaside city of Santander, where we enjoy some free time to stroll along the bay or relax at one of the charming cafes before dinner and an overnight stay.

Santander - Santillana - Covadonga - Oviedo. This morning we travel back in time with a visit to Santillana del Mar, a beautifully preserved medieval village and national monument. From here, we wind our way through picturesque landscapes to Covadonga, a place steeped in legend and spirituality, where we have time to visit the Sanctuary nestled in the Picos de Europa. Our day ends in Oviedo, the capital of Asturias, where we have dinner and settle in for the night.

Oviedo - La Coruna. We journey into Galicia today, arriving in the coastal city of La Coruña. After checking in, we enjoy a short panoramic tour to take in the city’s highlights, including its maritime heritage.This afternoon, you may choose to join an optional excursion to the Rías Altas, exploring charming Galician towns such as Pontedeume and Betanzos.

La Coruna - Santiago. After breakfast, we make the short journey to Santiago de Compostela, one of Europe’s most iconic pilgrimage destinations. A guided tour takes us through the historic old town, including the majestic Cathedral and the bustling Plaza del Obradoiro. You’ll have the afternoon free to soak up the spiritual atmosphere or explore more at your own pace.

Santiago - Rias Bajas - Vigo - Porto. Today we journey through the lush landscapes of the Rías Baixas, Spain’s famed “fjords.” We stop briefly on La Toja Island, known for its thermal waters, before continuing to the fishing village of O Grove. Here, you may opt for a catamaran cruise to visit local mussel and oyster farms, complete with a tasting of fresh mussels and Ribeiro wine. We then head to Vigo for some free time, with an optional visit to Santa Tecla for spectacular coastal views. Crossing into Portugal, we follow the Minho River to the atmospheric city of Porto, where we settle in for the evening.

We begin our day with a panoramic tour of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage city. Highlights include the cathedral, the ornate Stock Exchange building, and the richly decorated St. Clara Church. Our visit concludes with a tasting at a local wine cellar, where we sample the city’s famous port wine. The rest of the day is yours to relax or perhaps take an optional cruise along the Douro River.

Porto - Salamanca - Madrid. After breakfast, we journey back across the border into Spain, stopping in the historic university city of Salamanca. Enjoy free time to explore its grand Plaza Mayor, golden sandstone architecture, and lively streets. In the afternoon, we continue to Madrid, where our journey concludes. You will be dropped on Ferraz Street, near the Plaza de Espana at approximately 17:30, though this time is subject to external factors such as traffic and passenger delays.