Tour starts on every single SUNDAY between March 28th to Oct 17th
Tour Code: C-71202
Tour starts on every single SUNDAY between March 28th to Oct 17th
Tour Code: C-71202
- accommodation in **** hotels
- 7 breakfasts, 7 dinners
- modern and air-conditioned bus
- multi-lingual tour escort
- sightseeinng tours with local guides in Santiago, Porto & Lisbon
- tickets to Santiago's Cathedral
- visit to wine cellar with a tasting of Porto wine
- travel insurance
- free Wi- Fi on board
- municipal tax in Porto
- tips
Welcome to this extensive, twelve-day tour, dedicated to Northern Spain and Portugal.
We start in Barcelona and head north-west to the regions of Aragon, Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia. Later we will relocate to Portugal and will cross this country from north to south, visiting its most beautiful cities - Porto, Coimbra, Lisbon - as the main destinations, also smaller ones - Viana do Castelo, Braga, Fatima - along the way.
The north of Spain has a unique and beautiful landscape, with amazing cities that harbor numerous highlights. These include the charming San Sebastian with excellent sandy beaches; Bilbao with its world-famous Guggenheim Museum; and many small villages that are typical for this area, like Santillana de Mar and Covadonga. You will also see the National Park Picos de Europa; the city of La Coruna, which is the most western city of Spain; and one of the main pilgrimage centers in Europe - Santiago de Compostela. The trip also includes a day in the former fisherman's town - Porto, - nowadays known as a main port and second largest city in Portugal. Next stop - Coimbra - town with one of the oldest universities in the world, and finally - Lisbon - the capital of Portugal.
We end off with the beautiful Spanish city of Caceres, not to be missed on your way back.
This tour starts in Barcelona and ends in Madrid.
Please click here to see a route on a map.
Day 1. Barcelona - Zaragoza - San Sebastián (575 km ~ 357 miles)
Departure from Barcelona at 08.00 in the morning towards Zaragoza. Spain's fifth largest city - Zaragoza - is the capital of the Aragón region. Located south of the Pyrenees, it sits right in the middle between Barcelona and Madrid, and is home to a range of fascinating sights, from Roman ruins to magnificent Islamic architecture and a striking Baroque cathedral. We will stop in the city center so you can have free time to explore the most notorious sights of Zaragoza: Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar and Puente de Piedra (the Stone Bridge).
After some free time in Zaragoza we'll continue to San Sebastian. Arrival in early evening, dinner and accommodation.
Hotel: Silken Amara Plaza.
Day 2. San Sebastián - Bilbao - Santander (205 km ~ 127 miles)
Breakfast and transfer to Bilbao.
The Basque city of Bilbao is particularly well known for its avant-garde contemporary designs and fascinating architecture, especially as it is home to the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, where we will make a stop to walk around and make pictures of this gorgeous and wicked structure.
Later we'll transfer to Santander, which is the capital of Spain's Cantabria region and offers a whole host of attractions for visitors, from history museums to art centers and beaches. You can spend the second half of the day shopping in the Mercado de la Esperanza, visiting the Palacio de la Magdalena or browsing the works in the new Centro Botín. Some highlights definitely worth to be checked in your free time in the city:
Dinner and night in Santander.
Hotel: Santemar.
Day 3. Santander - Santillana - Covadonga - Oviedo (320 km ~ 199 miles)
Breakfast. This day you’ll be travelling throughout one of the most beautiful Spanish National Parks - Picos de Europa, which is characterized by high massifs, deep ravines, lush mountain meadows and vast glassy lakes.
First our stop for today is in Santillana de Mar.
After some free time, we’ll continue to Covadonga, - a place, located at the western edge of Picos de Europa, and is visited by thousands of people every year. Notorious sight - Chapel of Covadonga.
Another stop and a time to admire the Holy Cave. Later continuation to Oviedo. Arrival, dinner and overnight.
Hotel: Oca Santo Domingo Plaza.
Day 4. Oviedo - La Coruña (347 km ~ 216 miles)
Breakfast and departure to the very northwest corner of Spain - La Coruna (or A Coruna, how 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 - a free time. Sights you'll see during the city tour, and on same you can take a closer look later, while exploring city on your own:
Accommodation, dinner and night in La Coruna.
Hotel: Melia Maria Pita.
Day 5. 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 the visit to its Cathedral. City is renowned for its shrine of Saint James the Great, and was built to accommodate 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:
On your free time in the afternoon you can visit:
Dinner and accommodation.
Hotel: San Lazaro.
Day 6. Santiago de Compostela - Rias Bajas - Vigo (90 km ~ 56 miles)
Breakfast, then transfer through the beautiful area of Rias Baixas (''lower rivers'').
First stop is in the small town, called O Grove, in the Isle of Toja (Isla de la Toja - a small peninsula in the area). O Grove is a privileged location, a place that stands out for its history and traditional fishing. Highlights to see on your free time:
Later we will continue to Vigo. Arrival and accommodation. In the evening you may walk around Vigo's beautiful Old Town.
Arrival to Vigo, dinner and overnight.
Hotel: Hesperia Vigo.
Day 7. Vigo - Viana do Castelo - Braga - Porto (150 km ~ 93 miles)
Breakfast as usual. Departure towards Portugal and crossing the border to arrive first to Viana do Castelo - a town, located between the mouth of the river Mino and Porto.
Free time, later continuation to Braga.
Free time to explore Braga. Later we'll departure to Porto. Arrival in early evening and accommodation.
Hotel: Eurostars Oporto.
Day 8. Porto
Breakfast in the hotel, then we’ll head to 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, beautifully adorned architecture, and the wine, and Porto’s charm may put anyone under its spell. Here are some highlights of the tour:
Later we will continue our tour with a visit to an antique wine cellar, experience the wine-making process and definitely taste 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:
Another night in Porto.
Day 9. Porto - Coimbra (120 km ~ 75 miles)
Breakfast, then transfer to Coimbra. Coimbra was Portugal's capital for 124 years between the 12th and 13th centuries, but this classical city is still often eclipsed by metropolitan Lisbon or distinguished Porto. Coimbra is mainly about its University - the city’s 700-year-old patrimonial jewel. Founded in 1290, it is the oldest institution of higher education in Portugal and one of the oldest universities in the world. It made a UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 2013.On your free time you'll have the opportunity to explore it. Some facts:
Dinner and night in Coimbra.
Hotel TRYP Coimbra.
Day 10. Coimbra - Fátima - Lisbon (222 km ~ 138 miles)
Breakfast in the hotel, then transfer towards Fatima - one of the world's largest Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world - the Santuário de Fátima (Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima). A destination to explore, the short tour and a free time here to feel and appreciate this sacred place. Some facts about Fatima:
Later we will return to Lisbon. Arrival, accommodation and a night in the capital.
Hotel: Lutecia.
Day 11. Lisbon
Breakfast, followed by a tour around Lisbon with a local guide. Lisbon offers a rich and varied history, a buzzing nightlife and is blessed with a glorious year-round climate. It is a bustling and exciting city, that boasts a wide choice of activities and fascinating tourist attractions. The city has a welcoming atmosphere, while still embracing its deep-rooted heritage and extensive history. Some of the highlights of the tour:
Enjoy an evening in Lisbon on your own. Please do not miss an opportuntiy to try famous pastel de nata (egg tart) - local culinary iconic pastry, who's recipe dates back to the 16th century. You can buy it in any coffee/bakery shop.
Another night in Lisbon.
Day 12. Lisbon - Caceres - Madrid (613 km ~ 381 miles)
Breakfast. Departure towards the Spanish border to reach the province of Extremadura, and the city of Caceres - a beautiful place, founded by the Romans in 25 BC. Visit to Cáceres will bring you back to the old medieval era. The streets climb and twist among hoary palaces and mansions. As you turn your head up, you can see the skyline decorated with gargoyles, spires, and gigantic storks’ nests. The fortress has been serving as defensive walls since the 16th century. You will have a good hour and a half there, so, go ahead and check the main highlights, they are very close to each other:
After a break you will take the highway towards Madrid. Arrival and end of the tour.
Please click here to see a route on a map.
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Important note:
For departures on April 18, May 16, 23, June 6 and September 26, the accommodation on the 5th night will be held in hotel EXE Coruna (in La Coruna), instead of Santiago de Compostela.
Prices:
Per person in double/twin room: 1429€
Single Supplement: 515€
Supplement July to Oct.: 90€
Discounts:
- Children less than 4 years old: free, without granted seat in the bus
- Children between 4 and 7 years old: 25% discount off adult price, in a room with adults
- Teenagers between 8 and 18 years old: 5% discount off adult price
- Seniors (65+ years old): 5% discount off adult price
- Third person in triple room: 5%
Discounts cannot be combined.
What is the booking process?
- It is very simple. Once you have chosen the tour, there are 6 steps:
a) you confirm the tour by e-mail, indicating starting date, tour code, number of persons travelling and their names, also types of rooms preferred (Single/Double/Triple).
b) we send you an invoice,
c) you pay 10% to book the tour,
d) we issue the confirmation,
e) 2 weeks before the starting date, you pay the rest of the monies due, and
f) you show up for the tour on the appointed date and time.
How much should I pay and when?
- We require a 10% deposit during reservation, and the remaining 90% in no less than 2 weeks before the tour commences.
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 (our bank charges), and we need you to sign an Authorization form (which we will provide) and you need to send us your passport copy and copy of the credit card (the front) to verify ownership.
3) Western Union (normally for short-notice reservations, and when amount needs to be received urgently).
4) Transferwise.com - an online system, allowing the transfer of different currencies, with a small fees (much smaller than bank charges). Ask us to send you an invitation to join a system if you are not a member - there normally is a bonus for new members.
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 right away). There are no refunds for cancellations made in less than 2 weeks to go before the trip.
Here you will find commonly asked questions regarding our tours.
1. Are the tours for individuals, families, 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 the year. In summer, groups tend to be larger as this is a popular time of year, while the winter season usually attracts less 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 travelling 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 is a guide/tour leader in the bus?
- Yes. An accompanying guide (tour leader) usually 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 and Central America) passengers, so the guides will explain in English and then in Spanish.
5. Do your tours run during certain times of the year?
- Most of our tours run all year long. Some tours, e.g., those running to the northern regions of Spain, only run from March till 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 at the Calendar the specific dates Sundays are falling on and make sure you arrive a day before.
6. What cities do the tours start from?
- Tours start from 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 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 enroute, 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 7.45am.
In Barcelona, the meeting point is always in the reception of the ''Catalunya Barcelona 505'' hotel.
9. What type of vehicles do you use?
- Buses for larger groups and minibuses for smaller ones. Vehicles are comfortable, modern and with air-conditioning.
10. If there is a Wi-Fi on your buses?
- There is a Wi-Fi on all our buses in Spain. But please keep in mind that sometimes during the transfers between the cities, Wi-Fi signal can be weak or intermitting, due to poor coverage from the main operators. Please do not expect to downoad or to steam movies during the transfers. In Morocco's buses there is no Wi-Fi.
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 held in the hotel's restaurants, many times it 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. I am a vegetarian or allergic to certain products, any problem?
- No problems at all. Inform the tour leader and he will assist you. On a side note, many dinners are of the buffet-type, so you can simply choose what you prefer. For those with allergies, if in doubt, please remind tour leader during mealtimes. Alternatively, ask the restaurant staff about the content of the dishes.
13. What time do you arrive to Madrid on the 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 excursion (depending on the specific tour). However, it is not recommended to book the flight out on the same evening/night, as traffic jams in Madrid or other possible events may delay your flight. Fell 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 transfer from/to the airport to be booked before or after the tour.
- Sure. Just let us know at the time you organize the whole trip.
15. Can I just show up for the trip without 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, though we recommend booking even earlier, if possible, as in these cases we have wider range of hotels to accommodate the early reservations - better options.
Requests received with less than 2 weeks to go prior to launch date, usually work out 80% of the time, just contact us.
17. Can I customize one of the tours for myself?
- No, as there are more people travelling with you. However, if you are coming already as a group of 20+ persons, the route can be customized upon your request, as the tour could be run privately for your group. Please contact us for more information.
18. What is the booking process?
- It is very simple. Once you have chosen the tour, there are 6 steps:
a) you confirm the tour by e-mail, indicating starting date, tour code, number of persons travelling and their names, also types of rooms preferred (Single/Double/Triple).
b) we send you an invoice,
c) you pay 10% to book the tour,
d) we issue the confirmation,
e) 2 weeks before the starting date, you pay the rest of the monies due, and
f) 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% in no less than 2 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), we need you to sign an Authorization form and you need to send us your passport copy and copy of the credit card (the front) to verify ownership
3) Western Union (normally for short-notice reservations, and when amount needs to be received urgently)
4) Transferwise.com – an online system allowing the transfer of funds. There is a small commission attached.
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 right away). There are no refunds for cancellations made with less than 2 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 to get their Visas, after a trip is confirmed and the deposit of 10% has been paid. As we are a fully licensed tour operator in Spain, after the deposit paid, we can issue the confirmation, which you later bring to Spanish Embassy/Consulate. In this letter we confirm that you booked and partly (or fully) paid for a tour with us. Please note, we do not guarantee the issue of 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.