Best of Northern Spain and Portugal, 16 days tour (Multi country)

Best of Northern Spain and Portugal, 16 days tour (Multi country)

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Best of Northern Spain and Portugal, 16 days tour (Multi country)

16 Days Starting and ending in Madrid

Visiting: Madrid, Donostia, Santander, Oviedo, Santiago de Compostela, Porto, Fátima, Lisboa

Tour operator:

Today Voyages

Tour code:

18891

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 70

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural, History

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

From enchanting mountains to impressive beaches, natural scenery, above to the gastronomic escapade. Join our 15-day tour and discover the gems of the awe-inspiring Spanish and Portuguese heritage. Architectural exposure in Madrid opens this spectacular journey, continuing to Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia to unveil the myths and legend about the supernatural presence of elves and witches and to get a feel of the delightful local gastronomy. Spiritual visit of the Holy Virgin Mary in Fatima, wine tasting in Oporto and vivid walks around the old Lisbon city centre will take you to know the Portuguese essence of their Mediterranean way of life. Spain will conquer your heart by its rich history, and gastronomic experience in Portugal will fill this trip with the life-time memories.TOUR HIGHLIGHTSMadrid: The capital of Spain and located in the centre of the country, is a cosmopolitan city that offers countless places to visit and enjoy. Discover its numerous highlights as such Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, Plaza de la Villa, Royal Palace, Cibeles and Puerta de Alcalá.Santiago de Compostela: Pilgrimage centre, devoted to the Apostol Santiago, covered by the legends and myths about the pagan witches and other mystical supernatural entities.Porto: Portugal’s second largest city is welcoming you with unforgettable landmarks and delicious local wine.Lisbon: Portugal’s capital city is an adventure in itself, offering cultural gems such as fado, culinary treats like pasteis de Belem and romantic city views.

Highlights

  • Explore Madrid's medieval origins, including the Arab fortress and Barrio de la Morería.

  • Visit the Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar in Zaragoza.

  • Enjoy a panoramic tour of San Sebastián, including a view from Mount Igueldo.

  • Admire the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao and explore the fishing village of Castro Urdiales.

  • Discover the historical and artistic town of Santillana and the Sanctuary of Covadonga.

  • Tour Santiago de Compostela, a World Heritage Site and end of the Camino de Santiago.

  • Experience a boat cruise along the Douro River in Porto and visit a Port Wine Cellar.

  • Visit the Batalha Monastery, a World Heritage Site, and explore the fishing village of Nazaré.

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Arrival Madrid

Location: Madrid

Accommodation Name: NH Manzanares

Upon your arrival at Madrid International Aiport, meet and greet with our representative who will assist you with the transfer to your hotel. The Spanish capital is one of Europe’s liveliest and most elegant cities, boasting beautiful boulevards, vast parks, bustling plazas, as well as numerous historic churches and palaces. Madrid is also home to the legendary ‘golden triangle’ of art galleries, which houses some of the world’s most treasured masterpieces.
Overnight in Madrid.

Day 2 : Madrid

Location: Madrid

Accommodation Name: NH Manzanares

Breakfast at the hotel is followed by a panoramic drive through the main avenues of Madrid. Meet your guide at the hotel´s reception and start exploring its medieval origins visiting the Arab fortress. Enjoy the walk in the Barrio de la Morería, characterized by the antiquity of its buildings and the flavours of its inn. Renaissance and Baroque architecture are characterized for the building on Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor and Plaza de la Villa. Further on you will see the Madrid of the Bourbons and the urban layout of Carlos III, the Royal Palace, the Fuente de Cibeles, Neptuno and the Puerta de Alcalá and compare this with the contemporary sites in Gran Vía, Paseo de la Castellana, Barrio de Salamanca, Plaza de Castilla, Parque del Oeste, Ciudad Universitaria, commercial and financial areas of Modern Madrid, the emblematic Plaza de Toros de las Ventas and the Santiago Stadium Bernabéu. The tour will end in the late afternoon. The rest of the day at leisure, enjoying this stunning capital on your own pace. 
Overnight in Madrid.

Day 3 : Madrid – Zaragoza – San Sebastian (580 Km – 6 Hrs)

Location: Donostia

Accommodation Name: Palacio de Aiete

After the leisurely breakfast at the hotel, board a coach for the ride to Zaragoza. Once there, enjoy some free time to stroll through the charming old streets of the city. Make sure you don’t miss visiting the Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, famously described as the ‘mother of the Hispanic peoples’ by pope John Paul II. Later, in the afternoon, hop back onto the bus to drive northwards to San Sebastián, one of Spain’s most famous tourist destinations. This vibrant city is the backdrop of the yearly San Sebastián International Film Festival. 
Overnight in San Sebastián.

Day 4 : San Sebastian

Location: Donostia

Accommodation Name: Palacio de Aiete

After breakfast at the hotel enjoy a panoramic tour of this elegant and gentrified city whose landscape is dominated by the Bay and La Concha Beach. We will go up to Mount Igueldo, from where we will be able to contemplate a magnificent view of the city. Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in San Sebastian.

Day 5 : San Sebastian – Bilbao – Castro Urdiales – Santander (205 Km – 2.5 Hrs)

Location: Santander

Accommodation Name: Santemar

Wake up to breakfast at the hotel and then proceed towards Bilbao. Enjoy some free time on the esplanade where The Guggenheim Museum is located in order to admire this modern work of architecte. Proceed to the quaint little fishing village Castro Urdiales, where you’ll spend some free time absorbing its charming atmosphere. Depart then to Santander, a port city located between the sea and the mountains, renowned for its Sardinero Beach, one of the best-known beaches in Spain. Free time to stroll through this elegant city before spending the night at the hotel.
Overnight in Santander.

Day 6 : Santander – Santillana – Covadonga – Oviedo

Location: Oviedo

Accommodation Name: Sercotel Oviedo

After breakfast at the hotel, depart to Santillana, one of the most important historical and artistic towns in Spain. It contains a wealth of architectural treasures, such as the Collegiate of Santa Juliana, a jewel of Cantabrian Romanesque Architecture. Continue then to Covadonga and enjoy some free time to see the Sanctuary and the Grotto, where you will see the patroness of Asturias, Our Lady of Covadonga. In the afternoon, depart to Oviedo, where you will see on a series of hills the beauty of Saint Maria de Naranco Church, a classic example of Asturian pre-Romanic architecture. Then explore the city of Oviedo at your leisure; many of its streets are pedestrian, so you will be able to calmly walk towards World Heritage Sites like its Gothic Cathedral.
Overnight in Oviedo.

Day 7 : Oviedo – Mondonedo – Lugo – Santiago De Compostela (350 Km – 4Hrs)

Location: Santiago de Compostela

Accommodation Name: Santiago Plaza

Charge your batteries with a tasty breakfast at the hotel and get ready for a departure towards Galicia region. On the way to Lugo stop in Mondenedo for free time to visit its imposing 12th century cathedral and try the delicious “Mondoñedo cake”.  Then, depart to the mediaeval city of Lugo. Enjoy free time to take a walk along the Roman remains that still preserves in the town´s walls and was declared a World Heritage Site. Continue to Santiago de Compostela, whose ancient city is a World Heritage Site, and one of the most important monumental centers in Spain, center of Christian pilgrimage and end of the Camino de Santiago, originally built by the Roman Empire. 
Overnight in Santiago de Compostela.

Day 8 : Santiago De Compostela

Location: Santiago de Compostela

Accommodation Name: Santiago Plaza

Enjoy your morning breakfast at the hotel, before today's city tour of Santiago de Compostela, whose ancient city is a World Heritage Site, and one of the most important monumental nuclei in Spain, a Christian pilgrimage centre. In front of the Cathedral, the world-known Camino de Santiago ends. Follow your guide for the walk around the city centre, visiting the Plaza del Obradoiro, and its Cathedral (interior visit) dedicated to the Apostle Santiago. Rest of the day at leisure, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of this vivid town.
Overnight in Santiago de Compostela.

Day 9 : Santiago De Compostela – Rias Bajas – La Toja – Porto

Paul Allen

Location: Porto

Accommodation Name: Vila Gale Porto

Indulge in a delicious breakfast at the hotel before continuing to your following destination Porto. En route you will be passing through the most charming area, Rías Bajas, well-known as the Spanish fjords. Driving along this spectacular landscape you will arrive at the island of La Toja, famous for the wellness center and rich thermal quells. After this short stop, our panoramic drive continues along the river Arosa to Portugal. Check-in to your hotel in Porto and spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure.  
Overnight in Porto.

Day 10 : Porto

Paul Allen

Location: Porto

Accommodation Name: Vila Gale Porto

Wake up to breakfast at the hotel and get ready for the panoramic tour around Porto which was declared to UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its magnificent Cathedral, the stock exchange building and Santa Clara Church are just a few of the gems of this city. Afterwards, enjoy a different perspective of the city on a boat cruise along the Douro River and discover the historical heritage by visiting a well-known Port Wine Cellar with wine tasting. Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Porto.

Day 11 : Porto

Paul Allen

Location: Porto

Accommodation Name: Vila Gale Porto

After breakfast at the hotel enjoy a free day in this magnificent city on the banks of the Douro.
Overnight in Porto.

Day 12 : Porto – Coimbra – Fatima (285 Km – 3 Hrs)

Location: Fátima

Accommodation Name: Santa Maria

Have a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, after which you will depart to Coímbra, the host city of one of the oldest universities in Europe and cradle of Fado. Enjoy this town on your own pace, stroll down its vibrant streets, and perhaps shop at the local entities. Continue to Fatima, the center of the Fe Cristiana and world pilgrimage antiques, with impressive Basilica, Iria´s cave, the place where the Virgin Mary appeared and the Chapel of the Apparitions, the heart of the sanctuary, with the tombs of the three little shepherds, Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta. At night, the possibility of attending the candlelight procession. 
Overnight in Fatima.

Day 13 : Fatima – Batalha – Nazare – Alcobaça – Lisboa (190 Km – 2.5 Hrs)

Location: Lisboa

Accommodation Name: Lutecia

Wake up to breakfast at the hotel which is followed by departure towards Lisbon. En route you will stop for a visit of the Batalha Monastery, a masterpiece of Gothic and Manueline style, considered a World Heritage Site. You will continue towards the picturesque fishing village of Nazaré where you will have a chance to explore this city on your own pace and afterwards, you continue to Alcobaça with its Gothic church and Cistercian monastery, whose origins date back to the 12th century. Upon your arrival to Lisbon, check-in to your hotel and the rest of the day at leisure. 
Overnight in Lisbon.

Day 14 : Lisboa

Location: Lisboa

Accommodation Name: Lutecia

Morning breakfast are followed by the Lisbon city tour, to learn about the gems of this vivid and colorful city. You will visit the most gorgeous sites such as The Tower of Belem, the Monastery of Geronimos (exterior) and the Monument dedicated to the Portuguese discoveries’. Afternoon is at leisure, to explore this fascinating city on your own rhythm, or you can book our optional Sintra y Cascáis excursion and admire the fairytale beauty of these sites. 
Overnight in Lisbon.

Day 15 : Lisboa – Merida – Madrid (615 Km – 6.15 Hrs)

Location: Madrid

Accommodation Name: NH Manzanares

Wake up early in the morning to your breakfast at the hotel. Today a big farewell to Portugal as you will be heading back to Madrid. We will drive towards Merida, the capital of Extremadura. Declared a World Heritage Site, Merida is renowned for its rich historical heritage, including its well-preserved Roman ruins: the theater, the amphitheater, the Roman bridge, and more. Free time before you arrive to Madrid in the late afternoon. 
Overnight in Madrid.

Day 16 : Departure Madrid

Location: Madrid

Enjoy your last breakfast that is followed by the check-out from the hotel and transfer to the Madrid International Airport to continue with your travel arrangements.

What's Included

  • Bilingual English/Spanish-speaking tour escort

    Operated with bilingual English/Spanish-speaking tour escort throughout the journey from day 2 to 15. The assigned tour guide might change during the itinerary.

  • Accommodation

    15 night's accommodation.

  • Meals

    15 Breakfasts.

  • Transfers

    Inbound/Outbound air-conditioned transfers from/to Madrid Airport.

  • Transportation

    Shared transportation in an air-conditioning bus throughout the tour.

  • Entrance fees and activities

    All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary: Madrid panoramic tour (Day 2); visit of Zaragoza (Day 3); San Sebastian panoramic tour (Day 4); Santillana and Covadonga visit (Day 6); Santiago de Compostela city tour (Day 8); La Toja visit.

  • Meet and Greet

  • Travel Insurance

  • Operated with bilingual English/Spanish-speaking tour escort throughout the journey from day 2 to 15 (This tour is a combination of shared arrangements. The assigned tour guide might change during the itinerary)

  • 15 night’s accommodation

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What's Not Included

  • Flights

    International nor domestic flights are not included.

  • Drinks during meals

    Drinks during meals are not included unless specified otherwise.

  • City tax

    City tax is not included and is payable on the spot.

  • Unmentioned visits

    Any visit not mentioned in the program is not included.

  • Porterage and gratuities

  • Personal expenditures

    Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals or items not stated explicitly in the program are not included.

  • Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks

    Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, camera/video camera fee (if any) are not included.

  • Additional travel insurance

    Travel Insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc.

    , is not included.

  • International nor domestic flights

  • Drinks during meals (unless specified otherwise)

  • City tax not included payable on the spot

  • Any visit not mentioned in the program

  • Expenditures of a personal nature drinks and meals or items not stated explicitly in the program

  • Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks mineral water camera/video camera fee (if any)

  • Travel Insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays accidents etc.

Mode of Transport

Travel in comfort with air-conditioned transfers from/to Madrid Airport and shared transportation in an air-conditioned bus throughout the tour, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey across Spain and Portugal.

Accommodation

Enjoy 15 nights of comfortable accommodation at well-rated hotels including NH Manzanares in Madrid, Palacio de Aiete in San Sebastián, Santemar in Santander, AC Oviedo Forum in Oviedo, Santiago Plaza in Santiago de Compostela, Vila Gale Porto in Porto, Santa Maria in Fatima, and Lutecia in Lisbon.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes shared transportation in an air-conditioned bus throughout the journey. Additionally, there are inbound and outbound air-conditioned transfers from and to Madrid Airport.

  • Is there a tour guide available throughout the trip?

    Yes, the tour is operated with a bilingual English/Spanish-speaking tour escort from day 2 to day 15. However, since this tour is a combination of shared arrangements, the assigned tour guide might change during the itinerary.

  • What meals are included in the tour package?

    The tour package includes 15 breakfasts. Drinks during meals are not included unless specified otherwise.

  • Are entrance fees to attractions included in the tour price?

    Yes, all entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary are included in the tour price. This includes various city tours, visits to historical sites, and other activities.

  • Is travel insurance included in the tour package?

    Yes, travel insurance is included in the tour package.

  • What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes 15 nights of accommodation at various hotels, such as NH Manzanares in Madrid, Palacio de Aiete in San Sebastián, Santemar in Santander, AC Oviedo Forum in Oviedo, Santiago Plaza in Santiago de Compostela, Vila Gale Porto in Porto, Santa Maria in Fatima, and Lutecia in Lisbon.

  • Are there any additional costs not covered by the tour package?

    Yes, the tour package does not include international or domestic flights, drinks during meals (unless specified otherwise), city tax payable on the spot, any visits not mentioned in the program, porterage and gratuities, expenditures of a personal nature, and any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, camera/video camera fees (if any). Travel insurance for unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays or accidents is also not included.

  • What activities are available during the free time in the itinerary?

    During the free time in the itinerary, you can explore cities at your own pace, visit local attractions, shop, or simply relax. For example, in Madrid, you can enjoy the city on your own after the panoramic tour. In San Sebastián, you have leisure time after the panoramic tour. In Porto, you have a free day to explore the city on your own. In Lisbon, you can explore the city or book an optional excursion to Sintra and Cascais.

  • Is there an option to attend a candlelight procession in Fatima?

    Yes, there is a possibility to attend the candlelight procession in Fatima at night.

  • How does Today Voyages work?

    We are an Online Travel Agency, specialized in Group Vacations and Private Vacations. We have been in business for over 30 years through our sister company Go West Tours and, throughout the years, have developed an extensive network of trusted professionals around the world and a structured methodology to screen our suppliers. Today Voyages offers a selection of tours that are designed, managed and operated by our network of trusted Tour Operators and DMCs. Our database is connected with our partners so that when you make a booking with us this will immediately be received and processed by the Tour Operator.

  • Where should I buy the flights to reach my destination?

    Today Voyages does not sell flights directly. None of our tours come with flights included. Why? Because we prefer to give full flexibility to our valued customers to select the airlines and the booking platform they prefer. As soon as your flight is booked and confirmed, we invite you to update your flight plan within your Today Voyages booking confirmation page by entering your flight number, departure and arrival times, as well as your Passport information (if needed). None of these fields are mandatory but we highly encourage you to provide as much information as possible. This will allow us to provide you with the excellent service you are looking for.

  • What is an additional excursion or tour optional?

    Certain tours might show a selection of additional excursions/optional activities that you may want to add to our standard itinerary. These services are priced separately and can be added to the cart before completing the booking. We believe these optional services to contribute to making your vacation unforgettable; however, you are in no way obliged to purchase them. All our tours are awesome with our without optional services!

  • What is the difference between Group Vacations and Private Vacations?

    If you purchase one of our Group vacation packages, you will be escorted by a professional tour guide and will be traveling with other like-minded travelers you may not know. The group size depends on the tour you select. If you purchase one of our Private vacation packages, you will be traveling only within your group of friends. You may or may not be escorted by a professional tour guide; this depends on the type of private tour you are interested in.

  • When and how will I receive the travel documents (vouchers)?

    If you book one of our Group or Private tours, you will receive your travel documents via email approximately 20 days prior to travel date. If you reserve one of our Vacation Rentals, you will hear back from the property manager via email a few days prior to checking-in. We recommend checking your emails on a regular basis as this is our most reliable method of communication. If you have questions or need additional support, you can always chat with us or email us directly.

  • What happens if a Group tour does not get confirmed?

    It is very simple... you will be offered an alternative departure date or be refunded the full amount you pre-paid. No questions asked!

  • What happens after I book?

    The majority of our tours are confirmed at the time of booking. This means that, after submitting the payment online, you will receive an order confirmation email; make sure to save this email and to note down your confirmation number for any future communication with us. Some tours may be sold on a 'on request' basis. This means that for these tours we reserve the right to check the availability of your spot(s) with the Tour Operator before confirming the tour to you. As soon as you submit the payment online for a 'on request' tour you will receive an email notification that confirms your order request. Within 72 hours, you will receive either a confirmation email or a denial email. Do not worry... we will do everything we can to confirm your tour!

Reviews of this operator

Paula  

Unforgettable tour in the US National Parks

04-May-2022

I booked a guided tour in the National Parks through Today Voyages and couldn't have been happier! Our guide was great, he knew the destination very well and gave us great advice for the best hikes and view points. The itinerary was well-packed and we were amazed at the scenery of the South West. We would definitely consider booking another tour next year.

Date of experience: May 04, 2022
Emily  

Helengeli island is stunning

12-Apr-2023

Wow, Helengeli island is stunning. The resort is clean, the staff are so attentive, the grounds are pristine, and the food is 5*. Spending a week at this resort was simply paradise, white sand, crystal blue ocean, what more could you want! As I wasn't able to tailor-make my holiday, the Today Voyages team helped me find the tour that best matched my expectations, and they definitely didn't disappoint!!!

Peter  

Good Bali experience

03-Feb-2023

There is no better place on Earth than Bali to celebrate your honeymoon. We are so glad we came across this tour. Two unforgettable weeks of jungle adventures, beaches and snorkeling, massages, nature. And the price was great. We cannot be happier! Planning Vietnam for 2024!

Date of experience: January 29, 2023
Chetcu  

Top Experience!

03-Feb-2023

The Las Vegas and the National Parks Hiking Tour is a deal not to be missed. What a phenomenal trip! We were 14 people in our minibus and it was great to connect to all of them. So many stories to share. The cool thing about this tour is that it attracts hikers of all kinds: laid back hikers as well as more experienced ones could find beauty in every single destination this tour took us to. I will for sure join another tour soon. Thank you guys, also, for the assistance provided throughout the trip. Loved it!

Date of experience: October 19, 2022
Emmanuelle  

Amazing affordable trip!

20-Jan-2023

I booked a self-drive vacation to Greece for my family. The trip was amazing, easy communication, great customer service since we had an issue on the road with the car and we got immediate assistance.

Date of experience: September 22, 2022
Adelaide  

Unforgettable 8-day trip to Kenya

01-Mar-2023

I just came back from an unforgettable 8-day trip to Kenya. A mix of relaxation and adventure. I had never traveled with a group before and, honestly, I was a little skeptical at the beginning. Pauline at Today Voyages convinced me that this was the right tour and the right destination for me. And the truth is... she was right. Tsavo and Watamu are such awesome destinations, our guide was impeccable and it was a small group: a family of 4, a young couple, and us. We became friends. Highly recommended!

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Today Voyages allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 65 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    Today Voyages requires a minimum deposit of 30% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of today voyages charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.