Northern Spain & Portugal – Tour ES132

Departure from the Plaza de Oriente at 08:30 a.m. to Zaragoza. Enjoy the free time to visit the Basilica of Our Lady of The Pilar, patroness of Spain and stroll through the old streets of Zaragoza. In the afternoon we will continue to San Sebastian, where they hold the International Film Festival. Take a panoramic tour of this city before returning to the hotel to overnight.

After breakfast we drive up to Mount Igueldo for a wonderful view of the city and the bay below. Then we proceed towards Bilbao. First, a panoramic drive around the city, then you will have free time to admire the Guggenheim Museum. Next we proceed to the old fishing village of Castro Urdiales where you can take free time to eat lunch and to stroll around the shore. In the afternoon we depart to Santander, a port city located between the sea and the mountains, well known for its Sardinero Beach. Enjoy more free time to stroll through this elegant city or simply relax. Accommodation is at the hotel.

After breakfast we depart to Santillana, one of the most important Medieval towns in Spain. It contains architectural treasures such as the Collegiate of Santa Juliana, a Jewel of the Romanesque architecture in Cantabria. Continue on to Covadonga in the mountainous region of Asturias, where you will have free time to see the Sanctuary and the Grotto dedicated to the patroness of Asturias our Lady of Covadonga. Covadonga is also known as the site of an 8th century battle with the Moors. This battle is considered the first significant victory in the Reconquista to regain the Iberian Peninsula from Moorish rule. In the afternoon, we leave for Oviedo, where on a series of hills lies the Saint Maria de Naranco Church, a jewel of the pre-romantic Asturian architecture. Use the free time to explore Oviedo before we arrive at our accommodation in Oviedo.

Breakfast at the hotel is followed by a drive to Galicia. Lugo is well known for its Roman remains and is a UNESCO Heritage site. Continue on to La Coruña for a brief panoramic drive through the main avenues of this fabulous town to admire the elegant buildings with unique glass covered balconies. We stop at the outskirts of the city to visit the worlds the oldest working lighthouse, the “Tower of Hercules” which dates back to the Romans. The afternoon is at your leisure. There is an option to join a tour to Rias Altas. Our accommodation is in La Coruna.

This morning we depart to the scenic Rias Bajas (Lower river estuary). Having driven through this magnificent landscape we will arrive at La Toja Island, well known for its spa. After some free time, we continue to the Ria de Arosa, passing through Pontevedra and arrive at Vigo, situated in the middle of the Rias Baixas area. Overnight.

Today we cross the Portuguese border. We will arrive at Viana do Castelo, a city located between the mouth of the river Miño and Porto. Overnight accommodation is in Porto.

We begin with a panoramic sightseeing tour of Porto considered a World Heritage city and one of the most famous wine centers in the world with a charming old town on the shores of the scenic Douro river. Take time to admire the Cathedral, Stock Exchange building and Santa Clara church. In the afternoon, there is an optional visit to a famous port winery with tasting. Accommodation in Porto.

Our first stop is Coimbra, the site of one of the oldest universities in Europe and the birthplace of Fado. Enjoy a little free time to explore and then we move to Fatima, the center of the Christian Faith and World Pilgrimage Sanctuary with its impressive Basilica and Cova da Iria place. Next is the Chapel of the Apparitions, heart of the sanctuary, with the tombs of the three shepherds, Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta. At night there is an option to attend the procession of the candles. Accommodation in Coimbra.

After breakfast, we depart for the Batalha Monastery, a masterpiece of Gothic and Manueline style considered World Heritage by UNESCO. Then we continue to the picturesque fishing town of Nazaré. Enjoy some free time before we continue to Alcobaça and another World Heritage site to see the tombs of Pedro and Inés de Castro, the Portuguese version of Romeo and Juliet. The last leg of the day brings us to Lisbon for our accommodation. In the evening there is an optional Fado Show, a Portuguese song with melodies that date back to the Age of Discoveries.

Enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of the ancient Olissippo, followed by a drive through its main squares and avenues. See Belem Tower, Jeronimos Monastery, the Coach Museum, the Monument to the Discoverers, Marquis of Pombal Square and Liberty Avenue. The afternoon is at your leisure. You might visit the Alfama Quarter dating back to the time of the Moors times. It is known for its white washed alley ways, twisted streets and staircases climbing up the mountain. Remark at the old buildings nestled in narrow twisting “Ruas” full of taverns and hidden corners. Accommodation in Lisbon.

On our final day we depart for Caceres which is considered World Heritage because of the city’s blend of Roman, Islamic, Northern Gothic and Italian Renaissance architecture. Walk through its Plaza Mayor and the Old Town with its famous Medieval Quarter. Continue to Madrid. End of services.