Northern Spain & Portugal Discovered - 13 days

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13 daysDuration

Group TourJoin a group of travelers

70 peopleMaximum group size

18 - 80 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Starts

Madrid, Spain

Ends

Madrid, Spain

Highlights

Zaragoza - Visit the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pilar and stroll through the historic streets of Zaragoza

San Sebastian - Explore the city with a panoramic tour, relax at La Concha Beach, and take in stunning views from Mount Igueldo

Bilbao - Admire the modern architecture at the Guggenheim Museum and stroll along the esplanade

Santander - Relax at El Sardinero Beach and enjoy a guided tour to uncover the city's hidden gems

Santiago de Compostela - Discover the Plaza del Obradoiro, visit the Cathedral of Santiago, and explore the charming streets of this World Heritage city

Porto - Tour the Cathedral, Stock Exchange building, and Church of Santa Clara, cruise along the Douro River, and enjoy a port wine tasting at a local cellar

Lisbon - Admire the Belem Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, and Monument to the Discoverers, while wandering through the Alfama district

Merida - Explore the ancient Roman Theatre, Amphitheatre, and Roman Bridge in this UNESCO World Heritage city

Porto - Tour the Cathedral, Stock Exchange building, and Church of Santa Clara, cruise along the Douro River, and enjoy a port wine tasting at a local cellar

Lisbon - Admire the Belem Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, and Monument to the Discoverers, while wandering through the Alfama district

Merida - Explore the ancient Roman Theatre, Amphitheatre, and Roman Bridge in this UNESCO World Heritage city

Itinerary

Uncover the diverse landscapes and storied history of Spain and Portugal on the "Northern Spain & Portugal Discovered - 13 days" tour. Designed for seasoned travelers and those seeking an easy-paced group experience, this journey covers the highlights of northern Iberia with a focus on cultural immersion and scenic variety.

From Madrid, travel north to Zaragoza’s iconic basilica, San Sebastian’s stunning coastline, and Bilbao’s world-renowned Guggenheim Museum. The tour then sweeps through Santander and the medieval charm of Santillana del Mar, before delving into Galicia’s religious and historical sites, including Mondonedo Cathedral and Santiago de Compostela. Cross into Portugal for a city tour and river cruise in Porto, followed by Coimbra’s ancient university, Fatima’s pilgrimage site, and the UNESCO-listed Batalha Monastery. The adventure wraps up in Lisbon and returns via Merida’s Roman heritage.

What sets this tour package apart is its seamless blend of urban, rural, and coastal experiences—offering a full spectrum of Iberian culture and history in a relaxed, expertly guided format.

day 1 - Madrid, Zaragoza to San Sebastián

Madrid - Zaragoza - San Sebastian. Today, we depart from our established hotels in Madrid, heading towards Zaragoza. Upon arrival, you’ll have time to visit the stunning Basilica of Our Lady of the Pilar, the patroness of Hispanity, and wander through the charming old streets of this historic city.

After exploring Zaragoza, we continue our journey to San Sebastian, a city renowned for its beauty and the prestigious International Film Festival. Your first evening spent here is at leisure. Head out for a stroll along La Concha beach, and maybe pay a visit to the "Comb of the Winds" sculpture at the western end of the bay.

Please Note: This is a bi-lingual, large group coach tour, where a majority of travellers may be Spanish speaking. If this is the case, then English may be the second language. For groups of 12 or more the tour is escorted by a bilingual (Spanish & English speaking) tour leader/escort. They will provide explanations about the itinerary, coordinate accommodation services, and ensure the smooth running of the tour, making your trip an enjoyable experience. When the group size is less than 12, this service may be provided by the driver. There will be experienced bi-lingual local guides for included city sightseeing. This tour also combines different programmes, meaning some travellers may join and leave the tour part way through, and your tour escort may also change.

OverNight:San Sebastian

day 2 - Exploring San Sebastián

After breakfast today, we embark on a panoramic tour of this elegant and refined city, where the landscape is dominated by the stunning Bay and the iconic La Concha Beach. We’ll take a scenic ride up to Mount Igueldo, where we’ll enjoy a magnificent view of the city stretching out before us. The rest of the day is yours to relax and explore.

In the afternoon, you have the option to join a visit to the picturesque French villages of Biarritz and San Juan de Luz, where you can soak in the charm of their coastal beauty and vibrant culture.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:San Sebastian

day 3 - Bilbao, Castro Urdiales & Santander

San Sebastian - Bilbao - Castro Urdiales - Santander. r. Today, we depart for Bilbao, where you’ll have free time to stroll along the esplanade of the iconic Guggenheim Museum and marvel at this stunning example of modern architecture. After soaking in the atmosphere, we continue our journey to Castro Urdiales, a charming fishing village where you’ll have time to explore at your own pace.

Next, we head towards Santander, a picturesque port city nestled between the sea and the mountains, with beautiful beaches like the renowned El Sardinero. Here, we’ll embark on a guided tour with a local expert, who will take us on a thorough exploration of this stunning city, uncovering its rich history and hidden gems.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Santander

day 4 - Santander to Oviedo

Santander - Santillana - Covadonga - Oviedo. After breakfast today, we depart for Santillana del Mar, one of Spain's most historically and artistically significant towns. Here, you'll find architectural treasures like the Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana, a Romanesque masterpiece and the most important of its kind in Cantabria.

We then continue our journey to Covadonga, where you’ll have free time to visit the Sanctuary and the sacred grotto, where the image of the Virgin rests.

In the afternoon, we make our way to Oviedo, a city beautifully set on a series of hills at the foot of Mount Naranco. With its pedestrian streets and stunning monuments, Oviedo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its Gothic Cathedral stands as one of the finest examples of Asturian architecture.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Oviedo

day 5 - Mondonedo & Lugo to Santiago de Compostela

Oviedo - Mondonedo - Lugo - Santiago de Compostela. Today, we depart towards the Galician region, making our way to Lugo. On the way, we stop in Mondoñedo, where you’ll have free time to explore its impressive 12th-century cathedral and sample the delicious local treat, "Mondoñedo cake."

We then continue to Lugo, where you’ll have time to admire the Roman remains that the city still preserves, including its ancient walls, which have earned a UNESCO World Heritage designation.

In the afternoon, we continue on to Santiago de Compostela, a city steeped in history. Its ancient heart is a World Heritage Site and one of Spain’s most important monumental centres. As the final destination of the Camino de Santiago, Santiago de Compostela has long been a place of Christian pilgrimage, with roots dating back to the Roman Empire.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Santiago de Compostela

day 6 - Santiago de Compostela City Tour

Today, we will enjoy a city tour of Santiago de Compostela, starting with a visit to the Plaza del Obradoiro, where we’ll take in the stunning surroundings before entering the magnificent Cathedral, dedicated to the Apostle Santiago el Mayor.

Afterward, you’ll have the rest of the day at your leisure to further explore this vibrant city, known for its university atmosphere and lively student culture, with plenty of charming streets, historical sites, and hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Santiago de Compostela

day 7 - Rias Bajas, La Toja & Porto

Santiago de Compostela - Rias Bajas - Porto (Portugal). After breakfast today, we set off towards the picturesque Galician Rías Bajas, often referred to as the Spanish fjords, where we’ll journey through stunning landscapes. Our route takes us to the island of La Toja, famous for its luxurious spa and natural beauty, offering you free time to explore and enjoy its tranquil surroundings.

We then continue our journey through the Arosa estuary, making our way towards Portugal. Later, we’ll arrive in Porto, where we’ll immerse ourselves in the charm of this captivating city.

Please note: Following client feedback, this itinerary will be slightly modified for departures from April 2026 onwards. You will stay for 2 nights in Porto, instead of 3. On day 7, you will journey from Santiago to the city of Salamanca, with free time and an overnight stay. You will then proceed to Porto on day 8, with the included Porto sightseeing taking place on day 9.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Porto

day 8 - Porto City Tour, Cruise & Wine Tasting

Our day starts with a panoramic tour of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where we’ll admire the grandeur of the Cathedral, the Stock Exchange building, and the Church of Santa Clara, each offering a glimpse into the city's rich history.

Next, we’ll enjoy a unique perspective of Porto as we cruise along the scenic Douro River, taking in the city’s stunning skyline. We’ll also visit a renowned Port Wine Cellar, where you can discover the region's winemaking heritage and enjoy a delightful wine-tasting experience.

The rest of the day is yours to explore Porto at your own pace, with plenty of charming streets and cultural landmarks waiting to be discovered.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Porto

day 9 - Porto at Leisure

After breakfast, you will have a free day to explore at your own pace or relax. Stroll through Porto's charming Ribeira district, visit the Livraria Lello, or cross the Dom Luís I Bridge for panoramic views. Discover local cuisine at traditional eateries, shop for artisanal goods, or unwind along the Douro River's scenic banks.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Porto

day 10 - Coimbra & Fatima

Porto - Coimbra - Fatima. Today, after breakfast, we depart for Coimbra, a city that proudly hosts one of the oldest universities in Europe and is considered the birthplace of Fado. You’ll have some free time to explore at your own pace, perhaps wandering through the university grounds or soaking in the city's vibrant atmosphere.

Later, we continue our journey to Fatima, a revered centre of Christian faith and a major pilgrimage destination. Here, we’ll visit the impressive Basilica and the Cova da Iria, the sacred site where the Virgin Mary appeared. The Chapel of the Apparitions, the heart of the sanctuary, holds the tombs of the three shepherd children, Lucía, Francisco, and Jacinta. In the evening, you’ll have the opportunity to attend the moving candlelight procession, a truly unforgettable experience.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Fatima

day 11 - Batalha, Nazare, Alcobaca & Lisbon

Fatima - Batalha - Nazare - Alcobaca - Lisbon. Today, we set off for the Batalha Monastery, a stunning masterpiece of Gothic and Manueline architecture, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. We’ll explore this remarkable monument, which stands as a testament to Portugal’s rich history. Next, we continue to the picturesque fishing town of Nazaré, where you’ll have some free time to wander along its beautiful beaches or visit the charming streets.

From Nazaré, we head to Alcobaça, home to another UNESCO World Heritage site – its impressive Gothic church and Cistercian monastery, which dates back to the 12th century. After taking in the serene beauty of Alcobaça, we make our way to Lisbon, the vibrant capital of Portugal, where we’ll arrive and settle in for the night.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Lisbon

day 12 - Lisbon City Tour

This morning, we embark on a city tour of Lisbon, once known as Olissipo, where we’ll explore its vibrant main squares and avenues. We’ll visit the iconic Belem Tower, stand in awe of the Jerónimos Monastery (from the exterior), and admire the Monument to the Discoverers, celebrating Portugal’s seafaring legacy.

In the afternoon, you’ll have free time to wander through the city’s charming corners, perhaps getting lost in the narrow streets of the Alfama district or enjoying a coffee with a view. Alternatively, you can join the optional excursion to the World Heritage Sites of Sintra and Cascais, both offering stunning landscapes and rich history.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Lisbon

day 13 - Lisbon to Merida and Madrid

Lisbon - Merida - Madrid. After our final breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Mérida, a city of immense historical significance and a UNESCO World Heritage site. As we arrive, we’ll be captivated by its rich heritage, including well-preserved Roman ruins such as the magnificent theatre, the amphitheatre, and the Roman bridge, each telling the story of the city’s ancient past.

You’ll have some free time to explore Mérida’s captivating sights or relax in its historic surroundings before we continue our journey to Madrid, where our adventure comes to an end.

Please note: Airport transfers are not included on this tour. You will be dropped back at a central Madrid hotel. The exact location can be confirmed on request after your booking, as drop off location varies by departure. You will need to make your own way to the airport or to your independently booked accommodation tonight.

Meals:1 Breakfast

Northern Spain & Portugal Discovered - 13 days

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What's Included

Accommodation

12 nights in 3-4 star hotels

Meals

12 breakfasts

Transport

Transportation by deluxe coach with Wi-Fi and audio headsets

Others

Escorted by a bilingual Spanish and English-speaking tour escort with local guides for some sightseeing (groups of 11 or fewer will not have a tour escort, and will be provided with the services of a driver)Guided sightseeing in San Sebastián, Santander, Oviedo, Santiago de Compostela, Porto, Fatima & LisbonDouro Cruise and wine tasting in PortoNote: This tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner and you will join travellers from different operators, not solely On The Go.

Entrance

Cathedral entrance in Santiago de Compostela

What's Excluded

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Itinerary