Gaudi to Galicia & Portugal - 12 Days

Barcelona - Zaragoza - Pamplona. We leave Barcelona at 8:00, 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 to the northern town of Pamplona, best known for the controversial Running of the Bulls (San Fermín Festival) but also for its beautiful old quarter. Dinner is included at tonight's hotel.

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.

Pamplona - San Sebastian - Bilbao - Santander. After breakfast, we journey to the popular resort city of San Sebastian, where you've got time to wander along the famous curved La Concha beach.

Our next stop is 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. Dinner is included tonight.

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 - Santiago de Compostela. Enjoy breakfast before departing for the Galicia region. We arrive in La Coruna and embark on a brief panoramic tour. We then continue to Santiago de Compostela in the north-west corner of Spain, our base for the next two nights. Dinner is included this evening and you've got time to head out and start exploring the city.

Today we explore 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. Your tour leader may also be able to tell you about some available optional excursions.

Santiago de Compostela - Rias Bajas - Vigo. After breakfast, we will depart for the area known as the Spanish Fjords (Rias Bajas), pausing briefly at the charming La Toja Island.

Our next stop is O Grove, where you may choose to join an optional catamaran cruise to visit the local oyster and mussel farms, complete with a tasting of fresh mussels and Ribeiro wine. We then continue to Vigo, where you’ll have some free time to explore at your leisure. An optional excursion to Santa Tecla is also available.

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 - Merida (Spain) - Madrid. We bid farewell to Portugal and re-enter Spain, stopping in the beautiful city of Merida. Merida is renowned for its UNESCO-listed Roman ruins, including an impressive amphitheatre. You'll have some free time to explore and find somewhere tasty for a final Spanish lunch.

Leaving Merida, we make our way back to Madrid. 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.