12. Galicia & Northern Portugal

Explore the beautiful northwest of Spain on an exciting six-day trip that includes the unique beauty of the northern Spanish provinces of Asturias and Galicia, as well as Northern Portugal.

First stop: Leon, a city popular for its rich historical heritage, featuring some of the most stunning Gothic architecture in Spain.

Later, continuing onto Vigo, Asturias, - which is a charming blend of historical and modern elements, offering a lively cultural scene, delightful gastronomy, including the famous Asturian cider, and picturesque streets that make it a truly captivating destination.

Then to the west: Galicia, home to some of Spain's best beaches, but keep in mind that the Atlantic Ocean is cooler there than in the Mediterranean and on the Costa del Sol. This difference gives Galicia's beaches their own charm.
Additionally, Galicia is famous for having some of the best seafood in the country, with dishes like octopus and shellfish being served there.

The tour shows off two of the most beautiful towns in this region: La Coruña and Santiago de Compostela.

As the trip goes up into northern Portugal, it will pass through the charming places of Viana do Castelo, Braga, and the second largest (and most popular!) city of Portugal, Porto.

Rounding off the trip, we will visit Salamanca, a vibrant university town that is also famous for its rich cultural heritage, including the Plaza Mayor, the Old and New Cathedrals, and a variety of historic buildings featuring Plateresque and Renaissance styles.

Please click here to see the route on a map.

Day 1. Madrid - Leon - Oviedo (446 km ~ 277 miles)

Departure at 8:00 in the morning towards the north of Madrid. First stop: the Spanish city of Leon, offering a wide range of highlights. Leon is home to a wealth of grand, historic buildings, including some of the most important in Spain. Some sights you may explore in your free time are:

• Leon’s Cathedral, the Catedral de Santa María de Regla de Leon, is a French-style gothic cathedral that was built on the site of King Ordoño II’s royal palace. He wanted to give thanks to God after he was able to defeat the Moors, and the cathedral was his way of doing this. It has a stunning facade, decorated with a huge rose window and lots of colorful stained glass.
• The Basílica de San Isidoro is a caramel-colored old church and collegiate college sitting at the edge of the Old Town. It was consecrated in 1063 and comprises a Royal Pantheon, covered in stunning colorful frescoes; an Oriental and Biblical Museum; and a collegiate library.
• Gaudí's Casa Botines: The famous architect Antoni Gaudí not only designed buildings in Barcelona but in northern Spain, too. One of these is Leon’s Casa Botines, which opened in April 2017 for the first time in 125 years. From the outside, it looks like a medieval fortress, but it was actually inspired by Leon’s gothic cathedral.
• The Convento de San Marcos, the old convent of San Marcos, is one of the most famous and stunningly beautiful buildings in Leon. It’s made up of the convent itself, which is now a luxury five-star hotel; a church consecrated in 1541; and a fascinating archaeological museum. It was a gift from Fernando the Catholic to the city of Leon, and today it is considered one of the most important Spanish Renaissance buildings in the country.
• At the center of the city sits the Grand Plaza Mayor, surrounded by colonnade arches, beautiful architecture, and buildings painted in crimson, mustard, and rose. The original name of the square was Plaza Pan, or Bread Square, because it was home to so many bakeries. Have a snack, a coffee, or a proper lunch in one of the numerous restaurants and cafeterias located along the inner perimeter of Plaza Mayor.

Later, we will continue onward to Oviedo. Accommodation and dinner upon arrival.

Day 2. Oviedo - La Coruña (347 km ~ 216 miles)

Breakfast and departure to the very northwest corner of Spain: La Coruna (or A Coruna, as the locals say).

A Coruña sits in the very northwest corner of Spain, in the autonomous community of Galicia. A vibrant coastal city with plenty in the way of culture, history, gastronomy (it's famous for its seafood), and natural sights. Enjoy a panoramic city tour upon arrival and, later, some free time. Sights you'll see during the city tour, and on the same day, you can take a closer look while exploring the city on your own:

• The oldest working lighthouse in the world, has become somewhat of a symbol of the city. Built in Roman times, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are also some lovely nature walks around the area.Torre de Hercules,
• Galerias: - enclosed glass balconies—on the side of its buildings. Most date back to the 19th century and feature patterns as well as colors and embellishments.
• Castillo de San Anton, a 16th-century fortress set on a small island, was connected to the mainland via a bridge. Today, the castle houses the Museo Arqueológico e Histórico, the Museum of Archeology and History.
• Estrella Galicia is one of Spain’s best-loved beers, and its home is here in A Coruña. Founded in 1906 by Jose M. Rivera, it’s possible to visit the original location of the first Estrella Galicia brewery in the neighborhood of Cuatro Caminos. The site is now the brewery-restaurant Estrella de Galicia, and you can enjoy food and fresh, unpasteurized beer straight out of the brewery.

Accommodation, dinner, and night in La Coruna.

Day 3. La Coruña - Santiago de Compostela (75 km ~ 47 miles)

Breakfast in a hotel in La Coruna, then transfer to Santiago de Compostela. In Santiago, we'll have a proper city tour with a visit to its cathedral.

The city is renowned for its shrine to Saint James the Great and was built to accommodate the thousands of pilgrims that would, and still do, gather there every year. The architecture and atmosphere of the city are impregnated with history, and visitors may feel like they've taken a step back in time. Some highlights of the tour:

•  simply cannot go to Santiago and not visit its cathedral. Built during the 1300s, the changes over the subsequent centuries have added Gothic and Baroque features to its Romanesque architecture. The grand Plaza del Obradoiro leaves enough room to admire the cathedral’s impressive size and design, and through the front doors you will find the Portico de Gloria, the Corticela chapel, and the relic of Saint John.The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela—you
• Casco Historico (or Historical Center). We’ll take time to explore the little streets around the cathedral, and you will find lots of hidden squares, like the Plaza de Cervantes, with beautiful statues and intricate fountains. The district is alive with activity, and as you walk around the old streets, you are likely to stumble upon a mass or the gathering of a procession. There are also lots of cafés and restaurants where, later in the day, you can sit down to enjoy some Spanish tapas and watch the world go by.

In your free time in the afternoon, you can visit:

• San Francisco Convent: If you’re feeling hungry, you should head over to the San Franciscan Convent, which housed Franciscan monks in the 18th century. The monks have now moved to a more modern building, and the old convent now serves as a restaurant. The food is delicious, and they offer a special Pilgrim menu with typical convent or monastery dishes. The unique food, combined with the architecture and décor, will make for an unforgettable experience. If you have time, check out the chapel and Holy Land museum next door.
• Alameda Park: This is a beautiful park with wonderful views of the cathedral and the old town from the Ferradura walk. Alameda Park is a great place to seek peace and quiet away from the busy center. One of the park’s many statues is (''the two Mary''), which depicts a fun piece of local history: when two women became famous during the 1950s and 1960s by walking through the city center every day at 2 p.m. sharp, dressed and made up in what was considered an eccentric manner, and flirting with the university students.Las dos Marias
• San Martin Pinario Monastery: This 10th-century baroque Benedictine monastery and church has a beautiful stairway, and its walnut choir stalls, made by Mateo de Prado, are considered the most impressive in Galicia.

Dinner and accommodation.

Day 4. Santiago de Compostela - Rias Bajas - Vigo - Porto (90 km ~ 56 miles)

Breakfast, then transfer through the beautiful area of Rias Baixas (''lower rivers'').

• Rias Bajas is one of the largest estuaries in the area. The coastline of the province boasts three magnificent inlets surrounded by cliffs, islands, ports, hills, beaches, and stunning landscapes that make it a perfect destination to visit. On both the coast and inland, you’ll definitely enjoy unforgettable views.

First stop: a small town called O Grove in the Isle of Toja (Isla de la Toja is a small peninsula in the area). O Grove is a privileged location in the heart of the Galician Rías Baixas, a place that stands out for its history and traditional fishing. Highlights to see in your free time:

• Chapel of the Shells: it was built for San Caralimpio and the Virgen del Carmen. It stands out because its structure is decorated with scallop shells and its conservation level is very high.
• Aldea dos Grobits Village: the ''Grobits'' are beings that live in the depths of the thermal waters on the island of Toja. On some special days, the soil of the well is transformed into water, and the grobits rise up the well. They walk among the centenary pines, playing among them, and when they are tired, they go to these houses to rest.
• O Grove Beaches offer the ideal complement to international prestige. Starting from one of the most famous beaches for surfers, such as A Lanzada, you may continue with recognized and appreciated sites such as ''Dogs Beach''. The other beaches are Pipas in Reboredo, Area Grande, Area da Cruz, and Raeiros. Most of them have plenty of places to eat nearby and spectacular views.

Later, we will continue to Vigo and stop for some free time in the city center, in the old town.

• Vigo’s old town is set on a slope that meets the estuary at the old port, with alleys that lead onto handsome arcaded squares like, for example, Praza da Constitución. This is the part of the city where fishermen’s houses and grander buildings like plush townhouses and the 19th-century church of Santa María were set side-by-side. Almost all were built with Galician granite, which gives the old town a dignified atmosphere distinct from many Spanish old quarters. Many of the street names correspond to old trades, and in Rúa Cesteiros you can still find basket-weavers in business, and of course, Calle de las Ostras.

Later, we will cross the beautiful Minho River, which also separates Spain and Portugal. Arrival to the second-largest Portugese city of Porto (or Oporto, as locals pronounce it). Accommodation and a night in Porto.

Day 5. Porto

Breakfast in the hotel, then we’ll head on a proper city tour of Porto. There are plenty of things that this lively and extraordinary city has to offer. Slightly timeworn and weathered, the gray skies and dated buildings add character, while the twinkling lights along the Douro River reflect off the water and illuminate a central part of the city. Pair these features with the reserved yet friendly locals, the charming trams, the beautifully adorned architecture, and the wine, and Porto's charm may put anyone under its spell. Here are some highlights of the tour:

• Porto’s bustling  is the most eclectic part of the city, inviting everyone to sit by its banks, from locals to students and tourists. As a historical center and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, there is lots to see here, and the picturesque quality of the river, cafés, buildings, and statues only adds to the allure.Ribeiro district
• Porto’s Cathedral (Sé do Porto in Portuguese) is the most important religious edifice in the city and has been declared a National Monument. It is situated in the upper part of Porto. The building looks a bit like a fortress with crenels from the outside.
• The cathedral sits on a square with a column in the middle, which offers impressive views over the city, the Douro River, and the wine cellars on the waterfront.
• Palacio da Bolsa is a 19th-century Stock Exchange Palace, the neoclassical product of a combined effort by several architects. It was created in the late 19th century to attract European businesses, but today it stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a national monument.
• Igreja de Santa Clara, the 15th-century Santa Clara church, may actually be one of the most exquisite examples of Portugal’s 17th-century woodwork, reflecting Baroque and Rococo styles.
• Dom Luís Bridge: Porto’s bridges are well known, but the Dom Luís Bridge is perhaps the most popular. This metal, double-decked arch bridge is a popular spot for photographers looking to snap a unique angle of the city and an easy way to traverse over to Vila Nova de Gaia and its wineries. Opened in the late 19th century, it was the longest arch bridge at the time.

Later, we will continue our tour with a visit to an antique wine cellar, experience the wine-making process, and definitely taste the famous local fortified wine, Port, which in many cases gets served straight from the barrel.

On the second half of the day, feel free to explore the city on your own. Some suggestions:

• Experience Livraria Lello: This bookstore is one of the most beautiful in the world and has become extra famous as one of JK Rowling’s favorite haunts since she lived in Porto and began developing the Harry Potter series. There is no doubt that the Livraria Lello & Irmo, which has been in business since 1906, is one of Porto’s most popular and busiest landmarks; there is even a cover charge to enter. Centrally located, near the locals’ favorite  and a block from , it’s easy to find, but be prepared to stand in line to enter.Piolho CaféIgreja do Carmo
• Appreciate the city’s azulejo art. Azulejo (ceramic tiles) are unique to Portugal in the way they are used to decorate buildings, streets, and homes, and this is especially noticeable in Porto. A few landmarks popular for their stunning artistic and cultural mosaics include the Estação São Bento, the Igreja de Santo Ildefonso, and the Igreja do Carmo. To see some amazing displays, you won’t need to try hard because azulejos are practically everywhere in the city.
• Eat traditional and local treats. It’s impossible to visit Porto and not eat well. The gastronomy scene is among the best in the country, and restaurants serve all sorts of recipes, from the most traditional to modern and sophisticated. Porto is also a city that knows its comfort food.

Second night in Porto.

Day 6. Porto - Salamanca - Madrid (566 km ~ 352 miles)

Breakfast in the hotel, then transfer to Salamanca. Located in the north-western part of Spain, Salamanca is a city of exceptional beauty and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. You'll have free time to enjoy the beautiful city center of Salamanca on your own. Highlights not to miss:

• Old Town, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988, is a beautifully preserved old town in the center of the city that is impossible to miss. The unmistakable sandstone architecture is scattered throughout and found among some of the city’s most famous monuments.
• Old and New Cathedrals: Salamanca’s impressive New Cathedral lies next to the Old Cathedral, and its construction first began in the 15th century and lasted until the 18th. It is considerably larger than its historic counterpart and is one of Spain’s most impressive examples of Gothic architecture, while also featuring Renaissance and Baroque elements.
• Salamanca University is located in the historic town center and was founded between 1425 and 1433. The building is considered one of the oldest universities in the world and also one of the most beautiful ones, mostly because of its crafted facade.
• Plaza Mayor (the Main Square) is one of the largest squares in Spain and is the heart of the bustling city. Small shops and restaurants are spread out around the bustling area. Along with the University of Salamanca, Plaza Mayor is considered the emblem of the city and has been declared a National Monument.
• The historical Casa de las Conchas (Shells House), a 16th-century building, is known for its curious façade, which is decorated with more than 300 shells.

Later, we will continue to Madrid. Arrival and the end of the tour.

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Please click here to see the route on a map.

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.