Gaudi to Galicia & Portugal - 12 Days

Barcelona - Zaragoza - San Sebastian. We leave vibrant Barcelona behind, heading northwest to the historic city of Zaragoza. After a brief stop to stretch our legs and admire some of its notable landmarks, we continue through the scenic landscapes of Aragon and the Basque Country, arriving by evening in elegant San Sebastian. Set on the sweeping La Concha Bay, this coastal gem is famed for its culinary scene and Belle Époque charm. We enjoy dinner together before settling in for the night.

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 journey to Bilbao, capital of Vizcaya, where old meets new in striking contrast. We'll pause for a look at the iconic Guggenheim Museum—a modern architectural marvel nestled beside the Nervion River. From here, we continue along the coast to Santander, a historic seaside resort city. The afternoon is free for a walk along its sweeping promenade or a visit to the Magdalena Peninsula.

Santander - Santillana del Mar - Covadonga - Oviedo. Our morning begins with a scenic drive to Santillana del Mar, a beautifully preserved medieval village often called a living museum. After strolling its cobbled streets, we continue into the heart of Asturias, climbing through verdant hills to the revered shrine at Covadonga—site of the first Christian victory in the Reconquista. Later, we arrive in Oviedo, the Asturian capital, known for its pre-Romanesque churches and old town.

Oviedo - La Coruna. This morning we cross into Galicia, a region of lush landscapes and deep-rooted traditions. By midday we reach La Coruna, a bustling port city with a strong maritime spirit. We take a short panoramic tour to admire highlights such as the Tower of Hercules, the oldest working lighthouse in the world. In the afternoon, there's an optional excursion to explore the Rias Altas—Galicia's rugged northern estuaries—passing through quaint villages like Pontedeume and Betanzos. .

La Coruna - Santiago de Compostela. A short drive this morning brings us to Santiago de Compostela, the final destination for pilgrims walking the Camino. We join a guided tour to explore the heart of this sacred city, including the grand Plaza del Obradoiro and the monumental Cathedral, said to house the remains of Saint James. The afternoon is yours to wander the old town's winding lanes, soak in the spiritual atmosphere, or simply relax at a café.

Santiago - Rias Bajas - Vigo. Today we travel through the picturesque Rias Baixas, Galicia’s famous “Lower Estuaries” dotted with fishing villages, inlets, and vineyards. We’ll stop briefly at La Toja Island, renowned for its spa heritage, then continue to O Grove, where you can take an optional boat tour around mussel and oyster farms, complete with a tasting of fresh shellfish and local Ribeiro wine. Later, we arrive in the lively coastal city of Vigo, with time at leisure and the option to visit the hilltop site of Santa Tecla for sweeping views. Dinner and overnight in Vigo

Vigo - Viana do Castelo (Portugal) - Braga - Porto. Crossing into Portugal, we arrive in Viana do Castelo, a picturesque town nestled between mountains and sea. Enjoy free time to explore its historic centre, filled with ornate manors and narrow lanes. Then it's on to Braga, one of Portugal’s oldest cities, nicknamed the “City of Archbishops” for its religious significance. After time to discover its elegant streets, we continue to Porto, the country’s second city, famed for its wine and riverside charm.

A full morning panoramic tour reveals the city's highlights, the austere Cathedral, the lavish Palácio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange), and the delicate St. Clara Church. We’ll end the tour with a visit to a traditional port wine cellar, where we enjoy a tasting of this iconic local product. The rest of the day is yours to explore Porto’s winding streets, cruise the Douro River, or simply relax by the Ribeira waterfront.

Porto - Coimbra. Today we travel to Coimbra, a city of learning and music. Once the medieval capital of Portugal, Coimbra is home to one of the oldest universities in Europe. After lunch, enjoy free time to stroll through the university district, visit the Joanina Library, or hear the strains of traditional Fado echoing from cafés.

Coimbra - Fatima - Lisbon. We head south to Fatima, an important Catholic pilgrimage site where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to three shepherd children in 1917. After free time to explore the Sanctuary and its tranquil grounds, we continue to Lisbon, the sun-kissed Portuguese capital. In the evening, you may wish to join an optional night tour including a traditional Fado show.

A morning tour takes us through Lisbon’s key sights: leafy Eduardo VII Park, the bustling Rossio Square, elegant Avenida da Liberdade, and the atmospheric Madragoa district. We'll then explore Belem, birthplace of Portugal’s Age of Discoveries, with stops at the Belem Tower, the Monument to the Discoveries, and the magnificent Jeronimos Monastery. The afternoon is yours to relax or join an optional visit to Sintra, the royal summer retreat, as well as the coastal towns of Cascais and Estoril.

Lisbon - Caceres (Spain) - Madrid. We bid farewell to Portugal and re-enter Spain, stopping in the beautifully preserved medieval city of Caceres. You’ll have free time to explore the Plaza Mayor and the UNESCO-listed old quarter. After lunch on your own, we continue to Madrid, where our journey ends upon arrival. 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.