Barcelona to Portugal – Tour ES128

Greeting and assistance at the airport, transfer to the hotel. The balance of the day at your leisure. Accommodation at the hotel

Start with a highlights tour of Barcelona to discover the history of the city while visiting some of the most important places in a comfortable and easy way. The first part consists of a guided walking tour through the small and narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter, the oldest part of the city. We will see Las Ramblas, the Cathedral Square, The Cathedral (use the free time to visit the Cathedral by yourself), the Old Jewish Quarter, among other interesting places. Later we will take the bus fora panoramic tour around the rest of the city. We will pass through the elegant Passeig de Gràcia Street, where there are located two of the most important Gaudi’s buildings (Casa Batlló and Casa Milà “la Pedrera”), the Triumph Arc, the Olympic Village.

Next is the Montjuic Mountain to enjoy the panoramic views of the city riding the aerial tramway (subject to the weather conditions). After this we will visit the Spanish Village and have some free time to enjoy the different craft shops restaurants and bars. At the end, we will leave Montjuic and return to the city center passing through España square, the twin Venetian towers, the MNAC and the Shopping center Las Arenas, built in an old bullring. We will end the days tour in Catalunya square.

Depart from Barcelona “Sants” train station on high speed AVE train to Madrid “Puerta de Atocha” station. You will receive your train ticket together with your voucher in advance. Upon arrival you will be met by your driver and receive a transfer from the station to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Accommodation at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel, then transfer to the departure point at Plaza de Oriente. Departure at 08:30 a.m. towards Leon. Free time to walk around its historic center and visit its famous Gothic Cathedral that has been visited my many pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela. View the church of San Isidro or the facade of the Hostel of Sand Marcos in the typical Spanish platter style. Continue to Oviedo, capital of Asturias at the foot of Mount Naranco and surrounded by a series of hills. Several of Oviedo’s buildings are listed as World Heritage Sites. Overnight in Oviedo.

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to the Galician region. Arrive to Lugo. Free time to see the Roman walks where you can take a leisurely stroll with a good view of the city. Continuation to La Coruña center of Galician sea commerce, a prosperous city with a unique pedestrian area of glass covered balconies. Brief panoramic drive through the main avenues of this fabulous town driving by the Marine Avenue to admire the elegance of this city with the typical Galician architecture of glass house galleries. Stop in one of the wonders of the world the oldest working lighthouse the “Tower of Hercules” dating back to Roman times. Afternoon at leisure or you can take an optional tour to the Rias Altas area of small towns. Accommodation in La Coruna.

Breakfast at hotel. Departure to Santiago de Compostela declared World Heritage as it is one of the most important centers of Christian Pilgrimages in Spain as the end of the Camino de Santiago route built during the Roman Empire. City tour where we will see the main square called Obradoiro and also the Cathedral (entrance included) dedicated to the Apostle Santiago. Afternoon free at leisure to explore the narrow cobblestone streets and get the feel of the student atmosphere. Accommodation

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure towards one of the most scenic areas of Galicia, the Rias Bajas, the estuaries of the Lower Rivers. Driving through this magnificent landscape we will arrive to La Toja Island, well known for its spa. Free time and continue to the Ria de Arosa, passing through Pontevedra to arrive to Vigo, situated in the middle of the Rias Baixas, lower rivers estuary area . Accommodation is in Vigo.

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to the Portuguese border. Arrive to Viana do Castelo, city located between the mouth of the river Miño and Porto. Free time for lunch, then continue to Braga known for its Italian style Bom Jesus do Monte staircase. Short stop and continue to Porto. Accommodation in one of the most famous wine cities in the World with its romantic river-side buildings along the Douro river.

Breakfast. Panoramic sightseeing tour of Porto considered World Heritage city. We admire the Cathedral, Stock Exchange building and Santa Clara church. In the afternoon, possibility of an optional visit to a famous winery with tasting of its world-famous “port wine”. Accommodation in Porto.

Breakfast. Departure to Coimbra. City seat of one of the oldest universities in Europe and the birthplace of Fado. Free time. Then to Fatima. Center of the Christian Faith and World Pilgrimage Sanctuary with its impressive Basilica and the Cova da Iria place where the Virgin Mary appeared. The Chapel of the Apparitions, heart of the sanctuary, with the tombs of the three shepherds, Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta. At night possibility to attend the procession of the candles. Overnight in Fatima.

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to the Batalha Monastery, a masterpiece of Gothic and Manueline style considered a World Heritage place by UNESCO. Continue to the picturesque fishing town of Nazaré. Free time and continue to Alcobaça (World Heritage) visit the XII C. church and admire the tombs of Pedro and Inés de Castro, the royal couple remembered for their tragic history. Continue to Lisbon for overnight stay. Optional night tour to attend a show of Fado, typical Portuguese song and music.

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning sightseeing tour of the ancient Olissipo, drive through its main squares and avenues, Belem Tower, Jeronimos Monastery, Coach Museum, Monument to the Discoverers, Marquis of Pombal Square, Liberty Avenue. Afternoon at leisure for you to catch the nostalgic corners of Alfama Quarter, the old city gathered next to its Castle, with old buildings nested in narrow twisting “Ruas” full of color housing the genuine “tabernas” where Fado sounds as a missing past. Accommodation at the hotel.

Departure to Caceres considered as World Heritage place 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 service.

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Madrid airport.