Portugal, Galicia & the Heart of Spain 2024

• Peruse shops and restaurants of Porto’s cobbled lanes
• Marvel at the terraced vineyards on the banks of the Douro River

Today, you have an important decision to make.

Do you lounge around and take in the cathedrals, cellars, and cuisine of beautiful Porto? Or do you hop on the mini-coach with us and venture through the Douro Valley?

Lucky for you, there’s no wrong option.

When you join our optional half day excursion, you travel to Pinhão by coach to enjoy a river cruise on a traditional rabelo boat. Once you’ve arrived at this small port-producing town, it’s time to savour its delicious tipple and admire the stunning vistas.

Next you drive to Peso de Regua for an optional wine tasting at a local winery. Alternatively, spend a little time exploring the town. 

Before returning to Porto mid-afternoon, you’ll stop off at Mesão Frio viewpoint for stunning views of the river Douro and its banks.

The rest of the day is yours to discover more of the city and indulge in its wines and flavours in your own style. And if you’re a fan of live music, don’t miss out on a performance of Fado, Portugal’s emotionally stirring traditional music. (B)

Optional Activities: River Douro boat cruise and wine tasting, and Wine tasting at winery in Peso de Regua

Accommodation: Grande Hotel do Porto or similar, Porto

• Cross the border into Northern Spain

You leave Porto behind and venture north to Braga where you’ll visit the famous Bom Jesus Sanctuary. This place of religious, cultural and architectural heritage was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019.

At the foot of Mount Espinho, you’ll admire the Baroque staircase as it zig-zags upwards with ornate granite fountains and statues on display. Perched at the top is a neoclassical church with stunning views over the city. To get to the top you can purchase a ticket for the special elevator. Or, if you’re feeling fit, you can tackle the almost-600 steps by foot.

Your next stop is Guimarães, known as the ‘birthplace of Portugal’. The historic centre is of the city is part of UNESCO World Heritage. As well as learning more about the city, you’ll have some free time here to enjoy lunch. For a must-see glimpse into the 15-16th century life of the Braganza Dukes, you can opt to visit the Palace of Braganza.

And now, it’s over the border and into Spain. You arrive in Santiago de Compostela, one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in the world, where you stay for two nights. 

Optional Activities: Ticket for Bom Jesus do Monte Funicular (elevator) and Entrance to Palace of Braganza

Accommodation: Hotel Gelmirez or similar, Santiago de Compostela

• Explore the architecture, atmosphere, and history of Santiago de Compostela
• Journey to Cape Finisterre, the furthermost edge of ancient Europe

Today, you can relax and enjoy the sights of Santiago de Compostela at your own pace or come on an adventure with us.

If you join our trip, the day will start with a drive along the Costa da Morte, ‘the Coast of Death’. And no, this isn’t a shoreline infested with pirates and cannibals, it’s a place that was once notorious for shipwrecks. You’ll arrive first at the town of Noia, then continue on to Muros for a coffee stop. Next up is a photo stop of Galicia’s largest beach – Playa de Carnota.

You’ll then visit the Ézaro waterfall. Here, you go for a small walk to take in the views of a rare wonder – the Ézaro River tumbling straight into the sea.

After you’ve enjoyed the waterfall, we travel to the ‘End of the World’ at Cape Finisterre. Ancient civilisations believed this was the end of the earth. You have time here to admire the lighthouse and look out over the wild Atlantic Ocean.

Your next stop is in Muxía. This lovely, historic harbour town is the perfect spot to sample the fresh seafood that this region is famous for and watch the ships set off to sea.

When you arrive back in Santiago de Compostela, the evening is yours to try Galician specialities or admire the famous cathedral built over the remains of St James, one of the apostles of Jesus Christ. (B)

Accommodation: Hotel Gelmirez or similar, Santiago de Compostela

• Roam upon the ramparts of the ancient Romans in Lugo
• Survey the other-worldly landscapes that were created by the Roman gold excavating technique, ruina montium (wrecking of mountains)

Your first stop of the day is in Lugo. This town has a lot to be proud of. Apart from a stunning cathedral and oodles of charm, it has the only fully intact Roman city walls in the world. So feel like a Roman Legionnaire and take a stroll along the defences.

You continue to follow in the footsteps of the ancient Romans and travel to Las Médulas. Strange red pinnacles and holes in the mountains make this landscape look and feel otherworldly. The Romans created what you see before you by boring into the earth in their quest for gold.

You explore this area and enjoy your lunch before continuing the journey to Salamanca for your overnight stay. This mesmerising city is adorned with the riches of the Spanish Golden Age and boasts a great culinary scene. (B)

Accommodation: Hotel Artheus Carmelitas or similar, Salamanca

• Admire the artistic achievements of the Spanish Golden Age in Salamanca
• Become envious of the lifestyle of kings in the palace of El Escorial

You have time in the morning to marvel at the golden-hued landmarks of Salamanca’s Old Town and university. Or you can have a lie-in if you enjoyed the famous nightlife a little too much the night before.

Cast a last glance at the stunning architecture of the city before we head off, and you continue the journey through the vast plains of Castile and León.

You’ll have a lunch stop and some free time in the city of Ávila before visiting El Escorial, the remarkable residence of the Spanish Royals and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After having been immersed in the riches of Spain, we take you to Madrid in the evening. (B)

Included Activities: Entrance to El Escorial

Accommodation: Hotel Porcel Ganivet or similar, Madrid

• Marvel at the opulence of the Royal Palace in Madrid
• Try tapas in one of the La Latina district’s local bars

You have a free day in the golden metropolis of Madrid and can decide how you want to spend it. Packed with tapas bars, world-renowned art, and amazing architecture; this city really knows how to live.

To get around town, you can use Madrid’s fantastic public transport or jump on a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus. Begin your exploration with the oldest part of Madrid, home to the lavish Royal Palace. It boasts a staggering 3,418 rooms decorated with paintings by world-renowned artists. Then, stroll around the city’s grand plazas; the portico-lined square of Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol.

Next, fuel your batteries in one of many restaurants before an exciting afternoon. For art lovers; there’s Prado Museum lined with Spanish, Italian and Flemish masterpieces. For nature lovers; there’s El Retiro Park, a green oasis in the heart of the city where you can row a boat.

And in the evening head to La Latina; the city’s top district for tapas, mojitos, and terraces. But don’t get carried away too much by the city’s energy, because tomorrow you join the next leg of your tour. (B)

Optional Activities: Ticket for a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus

Accommodation: Hotel Porcel Ganivet or similar, Madrid

• Arrive in a town that’s carved into the cliffs, Cuenca

You say adiós to Madrid and start your journey through Castilla-La Mancha, the heart of Old Spain. This stunning region boasts gentle landscapes, lush nature, and unrivalled Manchego cheese. It’s also where Cervantes set the fictional journeys of Don Quijote in his novel that laid the foundation for modern European literature.

Your first stop is Villarejo de Salvanés. This small town boasts an unusual castle and archaeological sites that pre-date the Romans.

You’ll make your way to Cuenca, where you’ll get the chance to learn more about this medieval town on a walking tour. Explore the cobbled streets and marvel inside the 12th-century-built Gothic cathedral (ticket included).

From Cuenca, you’ll explore one of Castilla-La Mancha’s finest nature reserves – Parque Natural de la Serranía de Cuenca, a 73,000-hectare wildlife paradise.

Your first stop in the natural park is in the ‘Enchanted City’. This location boasts some of the strangest rock formations you’ll ever see. Wander around this magical landscape and spot mushroom-shaped stones and faces glaring at you from limestone.

You continue your journey through this landscape and stop at the stunning Mirador de Uña viewpoint.

You return to Cuenca where you’ll stay for two nights so you can discover its gravity-defying hanging houses and delicious cuisine. (B)

Included Activities: Walking tour of Cuenca, Entrance to Cuenca Cathedral, and Entrance to Ciudad Encantada (Enchanted City)

Accommodation: Hotel Exe Cuenca or similar, Cuenca

• Revel in the ruins of a Roman settlement at Segóbriga

Today starts with a visit to the former Roman city of Segóbriga. Travel back in time as you explore one of the most important archaeological sites of the Spanish Meseta.

After you’ve wondered at the well-preserved ruins of the amphitheatre, public baths and temples, you’ll travel south to Belmonte.

Here you’ll have free time here to try out some local Spanish delicacies for lunch before a visit to Castillo de Belmonte. This magnificent 15th-century castle is known for its unusual design, with a triangular courtyard and a six-pointed star shape.

Back in Cuenca, you can admire natural wonders and see dinosaurs at the Paleontological Museum if it’s open. Or, you can scroll through your images from the day over tapas and red wine before enjoying a well-earned rest.

Included Activities: Entrance to the Roman settlement at Segóbriga and Entrance to Castillo de Belmonte

Optional Activities: Entrance to Castilla-La Mancha Paleontological Museum

Accommodation: Hotel Exe Cuenca or similar, Cuenca

• Savour the flavours of the wines and cuisines of the region
• Relish paella at its birthplace in Valencia

You leave Cuenca and travel to the fascinating town of Alcala del Júcar. Built deep into natural caves, it’s located on a rocky slope between the castle and Júcar river. Here you’ll have time for lunch.

Later on, you head to a winery in Requena for an included wine tasting which will invigorate your taste buds. The delicious beverage has been produced in this area since at least the 7th century BC, so you know it’s going to be delicious.

You then travel to Valencia; the home of paella, laid-back nightlife, awesome architecture, and your accommodation for the next three nights.

Included Activities: Requena wine tasting

Accommodation: Hotel Eurostars Rey Don Jaime or similar, Valencia

• Learn about Monastic life at the Monastery of Santa Maria
• Roam through the unique wetlands of Albufera Natural Park

Today, your journey takes you on a half day trip that combines monastic knowledge with fantastic nature spots.

In the morning, you’ll visit the Monastery of Santa Maria in El Puig (ticket included). This large building combines cloisters with defensive structures and has been used as a temple, a school, and even a prison.

It’s now time to explore the rice paddies that gave birth to the paella in the Albufera Natural Park. You have the chance to take an optional boat ride or spend your time spotting the unique flora and fauna around the large freshwater lagoon. You’ll also have time here for lunch.

You arrive back in Valencia in the afternoon. Here you can join an optional guided tour of the city combined with a tasty tapas experience.

Use the evening to either enjoy the city’s famous nightlife or prepare for the next day of your adventure. (B)

Included Activities: Entrance to Monastery of Santa Maria in El Puig and Orientation tour of Valencia

Optional Activities: Boat ride in Albufera Natural Park

Accommodation: Hotel Eurostars Rey Don Jaime or similar, Valencia

• Lose yourself in the history and narrow streets of Xàtiva
• Enjoy panaormic views of Cullera coastline

Xàtiva, the town of ‘a thousand fountains’ lies upon the slopes of Monte Vernissa. A castle crowns the hills, and the location is famous for ancient paper production, educational institutions, and the notorious House of Borgia. This morning, you travel here and start off with visiting the castle, orientation tour and free time to delve deep into all this history. The ticket to the fortress is included in your tour.

You’ll then embark on a journey to the lovely town of Cullera. You’ll have free time here to soak up the sun on one of the long sandy beaches or take in the panoramic views from the castle vantage point. The emblematic medieval structure dates back to the 13th century.

Your return to Valencia in the afternoon and can join an optional guided tour of the city combined with a tasty tapas experience. (B)

Included Activities: Entrance to Xàtiva Castle

Optional Activities: Guided city walk and tapas experience in Valencia

Accommodation: Hotel Eurostars Rey Don Jaime or similar, Valencia

• Admire a fusion of artistic and architectural styles in Sitges

You depart Valencia in the morning and make your way to the seaside town of Peñiscola. This place is known as the ‘City in the Sea’ and boasts a castle built by the Knights Templar. Choose to visit the fortress, which stands on the highest point of the peninsula, and admire the panoramic coastline. Or take a dip in the tranquil seas to cool off. You’ll also have time here for lunch.

A little further along the Mediterranean coast, your journey takes you to Sitges. A happening cultural hotspot, a menagerie of modernist architecture, and a few fascinating museums make this a great preparation for the big city.

You arrive in Barcelona in the evening. (B)

Optional Activities: Entrance to the Papa Lunas Castle in Peñiscola