12. Galicia & Northern Portugal

Embark on an incredible six-day Northern Spain and Portugal Tour with Iberica Travel, exploring the breathtaking landscapes of northwestern Spain, including the stunning regions of Asturias and Galicia, plus a touch of Northern Portugal. This adventure promises a blend of history, culture, coastal beauty, and local gastronomy that will leave you enchanted.

Your journey begins in León, a city renowned for its rich history and some of Spain's most striking Gothic architecture. León's impressive cathedral and historic streets will instantly transport you to the past, offering an unforgettable start to your northern adventure.

Next, we head towards Asturias and its vibrant city of Vigo. This region is a delightful mix of history and modern charm, where you can stroll along picturesque streets, sample the renowned Asturian cider, and dive into its lively cultural scene. The blend of old-world charm and modern flair makes Asturias a must-see.

Heading further west, you'll discover Galicia, home to some of Spain’s most beautiful beaches. Though the Atlantic waters are cooler than those of the Mediterranean, this only adds to Galicia's distinct charm. Relax on serene beaches, and treat yourself to some of the finest seafood in Spain—from mouthwatering octopus to freshly caught shellfish, the flavors of Galicia are an absolute delight.

This tour also showcases the enchanting Galician cities of La Coruña and Santiago de Compostela. La Coruña's coastal beauty and Santiago's historic pilgrimage site, with its stunning cathedral, offer a deep dive into Galicia's rich culture and storied past.

As the journey continues, we venture into northern Portugal, visiting charming towns like Viana do Castelo and Braga. The grand finale of this Portuguese adventure is the city of Porto - Portugal's second-largest city and a favorite for travelers. Porto's iconic riverside views, famous port wine, and lively atmosphere will captivate your senses.

On the way back, the Northern Spain and Portugal Tour stops in Salamanca, a vibrant university town known for its rich cultural heritage. Wander through the iconic Plaza Mayor, admire the splendor of the Old and New Cathedrals, and marvel at the exquisite Plateresque and Renaissance architecture throughout the town. Salamanca's energy and beauty provide the perfect conclusion to this unforgettable journey.

Join Iberica Travel for a Northern Spain Tour that takes you through enchanting landscapes, rich history, and culinary wonders—a perfect mix for those seeking both adventure and relaxation.

Please click here to see the route on a map.

Day 1: Madrid to Leon and Oviedo (446 km ~ 277 miles)

We depart from Madrid at 8:00 AM, heading north towards the historic city of Leon. This city is a treasure trove of grand, historic buildings, some of the most significant in Spain. In your free time, you might choose to explore Leon's Cathedral, a stunning French-style Gothic masterpiece built on the site of King Ordoño II’s royal palace. The cathedral boasts a magnificent facade adorned with a huge rose window and vibrant stained glass.

Another gem is the Basílica de San Isidoro, an old church and collegiate college dating back to 1063. It houses the Royal Pantheon with its colorful frescoes, an Oriental and Biblical Museum, and a collegiate library. You might also visit Gaudí's Casa Botines, a unique building designed by the famed architect Antoni Gaudí. Resembling a medieval fortress, it was inspired by Leon’s Gothic cathedral and opened to the public for the first time in 125 years in April 2017.

Don't miss the Convento de San Marcos, one of Leon's most famous and beautiful buildings. Originally a convent gifted by Fernando the Catholic, it now functions as a luxury five-star hotel, a church, and an archaeological museum. In the heart of the city lies the Grand Plaza Mayor, encircled by colonnade arches and buildings painted in vivid hues of crimson, mustard, and rose. It's the perfect place to enjoy a snack, coffee, or a full lunch in one of the many eateries along its perimeter.

Later in the day, we continue our journey to Oviedo, where we will have dinner and spend the night upon arrival.

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Day 2: Oviedo to La Coruña (347 km ~ 216 miles)

After breakfast, we set off for the vibrant coastal city of La Coruña, located in the very northwest corner of Spain in the autonomous community of Galicia. Famous for its seafood, culture, history, and natural sights, La Coruña offers a panoramic city tour upon arrival. You'll see the oldest working lighthouse in the world, the Torre de Hercules, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in Roman times. The area around the lighthouse also offers lovely nature walks.

The city is known for its "Galerias," enclosed glass balconies that adorn the sides of buildings, mostly dating back to the 19th century. You might explore the Castillo de San Anton, a 16th-century fortress now housing the Museum of Archeology and History. Beer enthusiasts can visit the original location of the Estrella Galicia brewery in the Cuatro Caminos neighborhood, now a brewery-restaurant where you can enjoy food and fresh, unpasteurized beer straight from the source. We'll have dinner and spend the night in La Coruña.

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Day 3: La Coruña to Santiago de Compostela (75 km ~ 47 miles)

We begin the day with breakfast at our hotel in La Coruña before transferring to Santiago de Compostela. Known for its shrine to Saint James the Great, the city is steeped in history and seems to transport visitors back in time. We'll embark on a comprehensive city tour, including a visit to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Built during the 1300s, the cathedral showcases Romanesque architecture with Gothic and Baroque additions. The grand Plaza del Obradoiro provides ample space to admire its impressive size and design.

We'll also explore the Casco Historico, or Historical Center, wandering through little streets and hidden squares like the Plaza de Cervantes. The district is vibrant with activity, and you'll find numerous cafés and restaurants perfect for enjoying Spanish tapas and people-watching. In the afternoon, you have free time to visit places like the San Francisco Convent, where you can savor a special Pilgrim menu in a historic setting, or Alameda Park, offering peaceful walks and beautiful views of the cathedral and old town. Don't miss the San Martin Pinario Monastery, a 10th-century Baroque Benedictine monastery known for its impressive walnut choir stalls. We'll have dinner and stay overnight in Santiago de Compostela.

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Day 4: Santiago de Compostela to Rias Baixas, Vigo, and Porto (90 km ~ 56 miles)

After breakfast, we journey through the picturesque area of Rias Baixas, one of the largest estuaries in the region. The coastline boasts magnificent inlets surrounded by cliffs, islands, ports, hills, and beaches, offering unforgettable views both along the coast and inland. Our first stop is the small town of O Grove on the Isle of Toja, known for its history and traditional fishing.

In your free time, you might visit the Chapel of the Shells, notable for its scallop shell decorations, or explore the Aldea dos Grobits Village, a whimsical place associated with local legends. The O Grove Beaches, such as A Lanzada, Pipas in Reboredo, and Area da Cruz, offer ideal spots for relaxation with nearby eateries and spectacular views.

We continue to Vigo, where you'll have free time to explore the city center and old town. Set on a slope meeting the estuary at the old port, the old town features alleys leading to handsome arcaded squares like Praza da Constitución. The area is characterized by Galician granite buildings, giving it a dignified atmosphere. Later, we cross the beautiful Minho River, which separates Spain and Portugal, arriving in Porto for accommodation and an overnight stay.

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Day 5: Porto

After breakfast, we embark on a comprehensive city tour of Porto, a lively and extraordinary city with much to offer. Slightly timeworn yet charming, the city features trams, beautifully adorned architecture, and the famous Douro River. We'll explore the bustling Ribeiro district, the most eclectic part of the city, inviting everyone to sit by its banks and enjoy the atmosphere.

We visit Porto’s Cathedral, a significant religious edifice resembling a fortress from the outside, offering impressive views over the city and the Douro River. The tour includes the 19th-century Stock Exchange Palace, Palacio da Bolsa, a neoclassical masterpiece and UNESCO World Heritage Site. We'll also see the Igreja de Santa Clara, a 15th-century church showcasing exquisite 17th-century woodwork in Baroque and Rococo styles, and the iconic Dom Luís Bridge, a metal arch bridge offering unique city views.

The tour continues with a visit to an antique wine cellar to experience the wine-making process and taste the famous local fortified wine, Port, often served straight from the barrel. In the afternoon, you have free time to explore on your own. You might visit the Livraria Lello, one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world and a favorite of J.K. Rowling, or admire the city's azulejo art, the ceramic tiles that adorn many buildings and streets. Don't miss the opportunity to savor traditional local treats, as Porto's gastronomy scene is among the best in the country. We'll spend a second night in Porto.

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Day 6: Porto to Salamanca and Madrid (566 km ~ 352 miles)

After breakfast, we depart for Salamanca, located in the northwestern part of Spain. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988, Salamanca is a city of exceptional beauty. You'll have free time to explore the beautiful city center on your own. Wander through the Old Town with its distinctive sandstone architecture, visit the Old and New Cathedrals showcasing impressive Gothic architecture, and admire Salamanca University, one of the oldest and most beautiful universities in the world.

Don't miss the Plaza Mayor, one of the largest squares in Spain and the heart of the city, bustling with small shops and restaurants. You might also explore the historical Casa de las Conchas, a 16th-century building known for its facade decorated with over 300 shells. Later, we continue our journey back to Madrid, marking the end of our tour.

Prices:

Per person in double/twin room: 825 €

Single Supplement: 265 €

Supplement July to Oct.: 50 €

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Here you will find commonly asked questions regarding our tours.

1. Are the tours for individuals, families, or small groups of friends?

- Yes. Our tours are for single travelers, couples, families, and groups of friends whom we put together with other travelers to form a larger group.

2. How many people are normally included on a tour?

We cannot guarantee an exact number per tour. Normally, it ranges from 10 to 25 people per group, but these numbers can vary greatly depending on the time of year. In summer, groups tend to be larger as this is a popular time of year, while the winter season usually attracts fewer people, thus smaller groups are formed. There are certain tours that combine travelers if the destinations follow the same routes; e.g., you may be on a 10-day tour package with companions traveling on a 5-day package. The tour will cover the same areas, and the 5-day package guests will break off thereafter. Also, more people may be joining in for the other part of the package.

3. Is there a guide or tour leader on the bus?

- Yes. An accompanying guide (tour leader) always travels with the group during the entire tour. An exception may occur when there are minimal numbers signed up for a particular tour. These small groups will travel with an experienced, English-speaking driver-guide. In all major cities, we use local professionals and licensed guides.

4. What languages do the guides use?

English and Spanish. All our tour guides speak both languages fluently. If a tour group consists of an English-speaking group only, the tour will run in English. But most of the tours will have both English and Spanish (from Latin America and Central America) passengers, so the guides will explain in both languages.

5. Do your tours run during certain times of the year?

Most of our tours run all year. Some tours, e.g., those running to the northern regions of Spain, only run from March until October. Each tour's description provides all the relevant information needed. For example, ''Sundays all year'' means that a tour will start on every Sunday of the year, regardless of the numbers. Just look up the calendar for the specific dates Sundays are falling on, and make sure you arrive in Spain a day before.

6. What cities do the tours start from?

Tours start in Madrid or Barcelona.

7. Where are the meeting points for the tours?

In Madrid, it is Calle Ferraz 3 (Ferraz Str., 3). This meeting point is in the city center, right off Plaza España.

In Barcelona, it is in the reception of the Hotel ''Catalunya Barcelona 505'' (Carrer de Muntaner, 505, 08022, Barcelona).

8. Do you pick them up from the hotels on the first day of the tour?

By default, no. We do not pick up from hotels because that would delay the tour launch time. However, if your hotel is en route, using the same bus route on launch day, we will pick you up. A week before travel, we require the name of your hotel in Madrid and will inform you if you can be picked up directly from your hotel or need to head over to the meeting point at 7.45 a.m.

In Barcelona, the meeting point is always in the reception of the ''Catalunya Barcelona 505'' hotel.

9. What type of vehicles do you use?

We use buses for larger groups and minibuses for smaller ones. Vehicles are comfortable, modern, and equipped with air conditioning.

10. If there is Wi-Fi on your buses,?

There is Wi-Fi on all our buses in Spain and Portugal. But please keep in mind that sometimes during the transfers between the cities, the Wi-Fi signal can be weak or intermitting due to poor coverage from the main operators. Please do not expect very high Internet speed (to download or stream movies during the transfers).

11. Are meals included?

Buffet breakfasts with all the drinks are included every morning in all hotels our guests occupy during their tour.

Lunches and dinners are included anywhere that's mentioned in the itinerary (sections ''Itinerary'' and ''Included in Tour''). Normally, dinners are held in the hotel's restaurants, but many times they will be buffet (''eat as much as you want''), and only drinks will be at an extra cost. Also, sometimes lunches and dinners will be held in the restaurants.

12. If I am a vegetarian or allergic to certain products, is there any problem?

No problems at all. Inform the tour leader, and he will assist you. On a side note, many dinners are buffet-type, so you can simply choose what you prefer. For those with allergies, if in doubt, please remind the tour leader during mealtimes. Alternatively, ask the restaurant staff about the content of the dishes.

13. What time do you arrive in Madrid on your last day of travel? Can I book a flight on the same day, flying out of Spain?

Normally, we return to Madrid between 17.00 and 19.00 on the last day of the tour. However, it is not recommended to book the flight out on the same evening or night, as traffic jams in Madrid or other possible events may delay your arrival. Feel free to talk to us before starting the tour, and we'll organize your overnight stay in Madrid after the tour.

14. I need a night in the hotel or a transfer from or to the airport to be booked before or after the tour.

Sure. Just let us know at the time you organize it.

15. Can I just show up for the trip without a reservation and pay directly in the office, on the spot?

Unfortunately, not. The tour must be booked in advance, as we need to make all the arrangements beforehand.

16. How long in advance should I book a trip?

If you book at least 2 weeks in advance, the trip is guaranteed for you, though we recommend booking even earlier, if possible, as in these cases we have a wider range of hotels to accommodate the early reservations—better options.

17. Can I customize one of the tours for myself?

No, as there are more people traveling with you on the tour. However, if you represent an agency or the leader of a group of people, contact us; we'll take care of a private and customized tour for your party only.

18. What is the booking process?

It is simple. Once you have chosen the tour, there are six steps:

1. You confirm the tour by e-mail, indicating the starting date, tour code, number of persons traveling, and their names, as well as the types of rooms preferred (single, double, or triple).

2. We will send you an invoice.

3. You pay 10% to book the tour.

4. We issue the confirmation.

5. Three weeks before the starting date, you pay the rest of the money due, and

6. You show up for the tour on the appointed date and time.

19. How much should I pay and when?

We require a 10% deposit during reservation and the remaining 90% no less than 3 weeks before the tour commences.

20. How would I pay?

You can pay in one of four ways:

1. Bank wire to our company’s bank account. Our banking details are included on the invoice that you receive.

2. We can charge your credit card. Please keep in mind that, in this case, we charge an additional 2% on top of the amount (bank charges).

3. Transferwise.com is an online system allowing the transfer of funds. There is a small commission attached.

4. Western Union (normally for short-notice reservations and when the amount needs to be received urgently).

21. What is the cancellation and refund policy?

10% paid at the time of reservation is non-refundable. The other 90% is fully refundable if cancelled in no less than 2 weeks (e.g., if you paid 100% upfront, you get the whole amount right away). There are no refunds for cancellations made with less than 3 weeks to go before the trip.

22. Are there any discounts or surcharges?

Yes. Discounts are listed under the section ''Prices'', under each package.

23. Are taxes included in the tour prices?

Yes, VAT and tourist taxes for different cities are included.

24. How do I know if I need a visa for Spain or Morocco?

- Please check the visa information for Spain here. The visa requirements for Morocco can be found here. Please note that all trips to Morocco will require your Schengen visa to be of an ''multiple entry'', as you will enter Spain for the second time.

25. I am ready to go ahead and book one of your tours, but I need a visa to enter Spain.

Yes, we do help our customers get their visas after a trip is confirmed. As we are a fully licensed tour operator in Spain, after the deposit is paid, we can issue a confirmation, which you can later bring to the Spanish Embassy or Consulate. In this letter, we confirm that you booked and partially (or fully) paid for a tour with us. Please note that we do not guarantee the issue of a visa and cannot influence the process. The decision is up to the Embassy, as they have their own rules and regulations for each country. At the same time, we do our best to ensure we provide assistance where possible.