Northern Spain & Portugal Highlights - 16 Days

Upon arrival at Madrid International Airport, you will be met by our representative who will assist with your transfer to the hotel. Madrid, the vibrant capital of Spain, is known for its elegant boulevards, expansive parks, lively plazas, and numerous historic churches and palaces. The city also boasts the renowned ‘Golden Triangle’ of art galleries, home to some of the world’s most treasured masterpieces. You will have the evening at leisure to settle in and begin exploring this dynamic city. Overnight in Madrid.

After breakfast at the hotel, we begin with a panoramic drive along Madrid’s main avenues, offering an overview of the city’s diverse neighbourhoods and landmarks. Meet your guide in the hotel lobby to start exploring Madrid’s medieval roots, including a visit to the remains of the Arab fortress. We then stroll through the Barrio de la Morería, known for its historic buildings and traditional atmosphere. The tour continues to iconic Renaissance and Baroque sites such as Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor and Plaza de la Villa. You will also see the influence of the Bourbon era with stops at the Royal Palace, Fuente de Cibeles, Neptune Fountain and Puerta de Alcalá. We contrast this with modern Madrid’s key areas, including Gran Vía, Paseo de la Castellana, Barrio de Salamanca, Plaza de Castilla, Parque del Oeste, Ciudad Universitaria, and the commercial and financial districts. Notable landmarks like Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas and Santiago Bernabéu Stadium are also included. The tour concludes in the late afternoon, leaving you free to enjoy the city at your own pace for the rest of the day. Overnight in Madrid.

After a leisurely breakfast, we board the coach for the journey to Zaragoza. Upon arrival, you will have some free time to explore the charming old streets at your own pace. Be sure to visit the Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, a significant religious site described by Pope John Paul II as the ‘mother of the Hispanic peoples’. In the afternoon, we continue northwards to San Sebastián, a vibrant city renowned for its annual International Film Festival. Overnight in San Sebastián.

After breakfast, we take a panoramic tour of San Sebastián, an elegant city shaped by the sweeping Bay and the famous La Concha Beach. We ascend Mount Igueldo to enjoy spectacular views over the city and coastline. The remainder of the day is yours to explore at leisure, whether you choose to relax on the beach, wander the charming old town, or sample the renowned local cuisine. Overnight in San Sebastián.

After breakfast, we travel to Bilbao, where you will have some free time on the esplanade outside the Guggenheim Museum to admire this iconic example of contemporary architecture. We then continue to the charming fishing village of Castro Urdiales, where you can soak up the relaxed atmosphere at your leisure. Later, we proceed to Santander, a coastal city nestled between the sea and mountains, famous for its elegant Sardinero Beach. You will have free time to explore the city before we settle in for the night at the hotel.

After breakfast, we depart for Santillana del Mar, one of Spain’s most significant historic towns, renowned for its well-preserved architecture including the Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana, a fine example of Cantabrian Romanesque style. We then continue to Covadonga, where you will have free time to visit the Sanctuary and the Grotto, home to Our Lady of Covadonga, the patroness of Asturias. In the afternoon, we travel to Oviedo, where you can admire the Church of Santa María del Naranco, a notable example of Asturian pre-Romanesque architecture set on the surrounding hills. You will also have leisure time to explore Oviedo’s largely pedestrian city centre at your own pace, with highlights including the Gothic Cathedral, a designated World Heritage Site. Overnight in Oviedo.

After breakfast, we depart for the Galicia region. En route, we stop in Mondoñedo, where you have free time to visit its impressive 12th-century cathedral and sample the local speciality, Mondoñedo cake. We then continue to the medieval city of Lugo, where you can enjoy a stroll along the remarkably preserved Roman walls, a designated World Heritage Site. Later, we proceed to Santiago de Compostela, whose historic centre is also a World Heritage Site and a major Christian pilgrimage destination, marking the end of the Camino de Santiago. Overnight in Santiago de Compostela.

After breakfast, we will explore Santiago de Compostela, a city whose historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a key Christian pilgrimage destination. Your guided walk will include the Plaza del Obradoiro and an interior visit to the Cathedral, dedicated to the Apostle Santiago, where the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage concludes. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to soak up the lively atmosphere of this vibrant town. Overnight in Santiago de Compostela.

After breakfast, we travel to Porto, passing through the picturesque Rías Baixas region, often called the Spanish fjords for its stunning coastal inlets. Along the way, we stop briefly at La Toja Island, known for its thermal springs and wellness centre. Continuing our scenic drive along the River Arousa, we cross into Portugal and arrive in Porto. Upon arrival, you will check in to your hotel and have the afternoon free to explore this vibrant city at your leisure.

After breakfast, we set out on a panoramic tour of Porto, a city recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Highlights include the impressive Cathedral, the ornate Stock Exchange building, and the historic Santa Clara Church. Afterwards, we take a relaxing boat cruise along the Douro River, offering a unique view of the city’s landscape. The tour concludes with a visit to a renowned Port Wine Cellar, where you can enjoy a tasting of this iconic local product. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to explore Porto at your own pace. Overnight in Porto.

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a full day at leisure to explore Porto at your own pace. This vibrant city on the Douro River offers a wealth of cultural sites, charming neighbourhoods, and riverside cafés to discover. Take the opportunity to wander through its historic streets, visit local shops, or simply relax and soak up the atmosphere. Overnight in Porto.

After a leisurely breakfast, we depart for Coimbra, home to one of Europe’s oldest universities and known as a cradle of Fado music. You will have free time to explore the lively streets at your own pace and browse local shops. We then continue to Fátima, a major Christian pilgrimage site renowned for its impressive basilica, the Cave of Iria—where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared—and the Chapel of the Apparitions, which houses the tombs of the three shepherd children, Lúcia, Francisco and Jacinta. In the evening, there is the option to attend the candlelight procession. Overnight in Fátima.

After breakfast, we depart for Lisbon, stopping first at the Batalha Monastery—a striking example of Gothic and Manueline architecture and a designated World Heritage Site. Next, we visit the charming fishing village of Nazaré, where you can explore at your leisure. We then continue to Alcobaça to see its 12th-century Gothic church and Cistercian monastery. Upon arrival in Lisbon, you will check in to your hotel, with the remainder of the day free to relax or begin discovering the city at your own pace. Overnight in Lisbon.

After breakfast, we set out on a city tour of Lisbon to discover the highlights of this vibrant and colourful capital. You will see iconic landmarks such as the Tower of Belém, the exterior of the Jerónimos Monastery, and the Monument to the Discoveries, each reflecting Portugal’s rich maritime history. The afternoon is yours to explore Lisbon at your own pace, or you may choose to join our optional excursion to Sintra and Cascais, where you can experience the enchanting charm of these nearby towns. Overnight in Lisbon.

After breakfast, we depart for Mérida, the capital of Extremadura. This city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famed for its exceptional Roman remains, including a theatre, amphitheatre, and Roman bridge. You will have some free time to explore these historic sites at your own pace. Later, we continue to Madrid, arriving in the late afternoon for your overnight stay.

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer to Madrid International Airport for your onward journey.