Description
Join us on this unforgettable 15-day adventure exploring the contrasts and cultural richness of northern Spain and Portugal.
The journey begins in the Basque Country, exploring the modernity of Bilbao and the gastronomy of San Sebastián. You will continue along the Cantabrian coast, with stops in Santander and the picturesque villages of San Vicente de la Barquera and Cudillero, and a stay in Gijón, before immersing yourself in the spirituality of Santiago de Compostela.
After a wine experience in the Rías Baixas, the route enters Portugal, where relaxation in the Minho region gives way to the rich heritage of Braga and Guimarães. The itinerary culminates with an exploration of the majestic Douro Valley (with wine tasting and a boat trip), the vibrant city of Porto, and finally, the capital, Lisbon, including the nearby gems of Sintra (Pena Palace) and the coast of Cascais. A balanced journey combining culture, history, nature, and the best wine and food experiences.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Sunday, November 1– Bilbao
Arrival at Bilbao Airport on your own, where your adventure will begin. Note: air tickets not included.
Private transfer from Bilbao Airport to the hotel in Bilbao.
Check-in for 1 night at a 4* hotel in the center of Bilbao. Accommodation in a standard double room with breakfast included.
Dinner not included.
Day 2: Monday, November 2 – Bilbao – San Sebastián
Breakfast at the hotel.
Private guided walking tour of Bilbao with a local guide. You will explore Bilbao’s heritage, history, and local life. The walking tour is divided into two main parts: the Old Town (including the Seven Streets, Plaza Nueva, San Antón Church, and La Ribera Market), and the Ensanche (covering Gran Vía, the banks of the Nervión River, and City Hall), offering a complete overview of the city’s transformation from its historic center to modernity. Note: Entrance fees to monuments not included.
Lunch not included (at the customer’s expense).
Private transfer to San Sebastián in the afternoon.
Check-in for 2 nights at a 4* hotel in San Sebastián. Accommodation in a standard double room with breakfast included.
Dinner not included.
Day 3: Tuesday, November 3 – San Sebastián
Breakfast at the hotel.
Free day to enjoy San Sebastián, famous for its beautiful La Concha Bay, its old town full of pintxos bars, and its imposing Mount Urgull.
Optional, not included: Private transfer to Guetaria to visit a Txacoli winery and lunch on your own in this beautiful fishing village. We recommend visiting the Cristóbal Balenciaga Museum, dedicated to the life and work of the famous fashion designer.
Optional, not included: Private gourmet pintxos tour with a local guide of San Sebastián.
Dinner on your own.
Overnight stay at a 4* hotel in San Sebastián.
Day 4: Wednesday, November 4 – San Sebastián – Santander – San Vicente de la Barquera – Gijón
Breakfast at the hotel. Check-out of the hotel in San Sebastián and transfer to Santander.
Free time to visit Santander, where you can enjoy the port, the Magdalena Palace, or the Botín Center, which houses modern and contemporary art.
Lunch on your own in Santander (at your own expense).
Transfer to San Vicente de la Barquera for a short visit to this charming fishing village, known for its stunning scenery and medieval castle.
Continue the trip to Gijón.
Check-in for 1 night at a 4* hotel in Gijón. Accommodation in a standard double room with breakfast included.
Free dinner and night at a hotel in Gijón.
Day 5: Thursday, November 5 – Gijón – Cudillero – Las Catedrales Beach – Santiago de Compostela
Breakfast at the hotel. Check-out of the hotel in Gijón and transfer to Santiago de Compostela.
Short stop in Cudillero, one of the most picturesque villages in Asturias, famous for its colorful houses on the hills and its views of the Cantabrian Sea.
Lunch at leisure (at your own expense) in the vicinity of Playa de las Catedrales, one of the most famous beaches in Galicia, known for its impressive rock formations and natural beauty. Note: accreditation/authorization is required to enter due to capacity restrictions, but admission is free.
Continue the tour to Santiago de Compostela, where you can enjoy the old town and its famous Cathedral, declared World Heritage Site.
Check-in for 2 nights at a 5* hotel in Santiago de Compostela. Accommodation in a standard double room with breakfast included.
Dinner on your own.
Overnight stay at a 5* hotel in Santiago de Compostela.
Day 6: Friday, November 6 – Santiago de Compostela
Breakfast at the hotel.
Private guided walking tour with a local guide of the historic center of Santiago de Compostela. Explore the most emblematic corners of the city of St. James, from the imposing Plaza del Obradoiro to the charm of its cobbled streets, historic churches, and the famous Mercado de Abastos market, discovering the impressive architectural legacy and spiritual essence of this ancient city. Note: Entrance fees to monuments not included.
Rest of the day free to enjoy Santiago de Compostela at your leisure.
Overnight stay in a 5* hotel in Santiago de Compostela.
Day 7: Saturday, November 7 – Santiago de Compostela – Rías Baixas – Viana do Castelo – Minho
Breakfast at the hotel. Check-out from the hotel in Santiago de Compostela.
Transfer for a guided tour of a fabulous DO Rías Baixas winery with wine tasting and lunch included (tasting menu of Galician products with mineral water, wine, coffee or tea included).
Transfer to Viana do Castelo, in Portugal, for a brief free visit to this beautiful Portuguese town.
Transfer to your accommodation in the Minho region.
Check-in for 2 nights at a 4* hotel surrounded by vineyards. Accommodation in a standard double room with breakfast included.
Dinner not included.
Overnight stay at a 4* hotel in Minho.
Day 8: Sunday, November 8 – Minho
Breakfast at the hotel.
Free day to relax and enjoy the fantastic facilities offered by the hotel and the surrounding area.
Overnight stay at a 4* hotel in Minho.
Day 9: Monday, November 9 – Minho – Braga – Guimaraes – Douro Valley
Breakfast at the hotel and check-out.
Transfer to the Douro Valley, one of the most famous and beautiful wine regions in the world.
On the way, stop in Braga for a private guided walking tour with a local guide of this charming town. Braga is a historic city located in northern Portugal, known for its impressive religious heritage and vibrant cultural life. Often referred to as the “Portuguese Rome,” it is famous for its Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, with a spectacular Baroque staircase leading up to the church. Braga also stands out for its old town, where you can find beautiful churches, squares, and the Episcopal Palace. It is a city that perfectly combines tradition with modernity. Note: Entrance fees to monuments not included.
Transfer to Guimarães for a visit at leisure, one of the most charming cities in Portugal and considered the cradle of the country. Known for its well-preserved historic center, which has been declared a World Heritage Site, Guimarães offers a tour of cobbled streets, medieval buildings, and key monuments such as Guimarães Castle and the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza. It is an ideal destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in the history of Portugal, with a peaceful and charming atmosphere.
Lunch on your own (at your own expense).
Transfer to your hotel in the Douro Valley.
Check-in for 2 nights at a 4* hotel in the Douro Valley. Accommodation in a standard double room with breakfast included.
Dinner on your own.
Day 10: Tuesday, November 10 – Douro Valley
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer in the Douro Valley.
Guided tour of two renowned wineries in the region with wine tasting at each.
Lunch at the restaurant of one of the wineries you will visit. Menu without drinks.
Transfer for a private boat trip on the Douro River. Duration: 1 hour. Includes one glass of port per person.
At the end of the boat trip, transfer back to your hotel in the Douro Valley.
Dinner not included.
Overnight stay at a 4* hotel in the Douro Valley.
Day 11: Wednesday, November 11 – Douro Valley – Porto
Breakfast at the hotel and check-out.
Morning transfer to Porto.
On the way, stop in Amarante for a short visit. This picturesque Portuguese town is located on the Tâmega River and is famous for its São Gonçalo bridge and charming old town. With its medieval architecture and peaceful atmosphere, it is an ideal destination for enjoying natural beauty and local history.
Transfer for check-in for 2 nights at a 4* hotel in Porto. Accommodation in a standard double room with breakfast included.
Dinner not included.
Day 12: Thursday, November 12– Porto
Breakfast at the hotel.
In the morning, guided tour and Port wine tasting at a prestigious winery. Lunch with wine pairing at the same winery you will visit, with views of the city.
Private guided walking tour with a local Spanish-speaking guide in Porto. You will stroll through the city’s most emblematic sites, including Liberty Square, the Clérigos Tower, Porto Cathedral, and the Luis I Bridge, next to the Douro River. Note: Entrance fees to monuments not included.
Overnight stay at a 4* hotel in Porto.
Day 13: Friday, November 13 – Porto – Cascais – Sintra – Lisbon
Breakfast at the hotel and check-out.
Early in the morning, transfer from your hotel in Porto to Lisbon.
On the way, stop for a guided tour of Sintra and stop in Cascais. Includes admission tickets to the Pena Palace and gardens.
Sintra is a charming town located in the mountainous region of the Serra de Sintra, known for its romantic architecture, natural landscapes, and rich history. It is notable for its palaces and villas, such as the Pena National Palace, a colorful fortress that looks like something out of a fairy tale, and the Quinta da Regaleira Palace, famous for its labyrinthine gardens. The historic center of Sintra is also a picturesque place with narrow streets and traditional houses. It is a must-see destination for lovers of history, art, and nature.
Cascais is a picturesque coastal town located west of Lisbon, known for its beautiful beaches, fishing port, and relaxed atmosphere. In addition to being famous for its beaches and port, Cascais is home to the Villa Museum, which displays art and historical artifacts. A stroll through its old town full of charming alleys, squares, and luxury shops is a delight. Cascais is ideal for enjoying local cuisine and the sea, with a cosmopolitan touch thanks to its proximity to Lisbon.
Lunch at your leisure (at your own expense).
Transfer for check-in for 2 nights at a 4* hotel in Lisbon. Accommodation in a standard double room with breakfast included.
Dinner at your leisure.
Day 14: Saturday, November 14– Lisbon
Breakfast at the hotel.
Private guided walking tour of Lisbon with a local guide. You will visit the most emblematic sites of the Portuguese capital, such as Praça do Comércio, Lisbon Cathedral, and Praça do Rossio. Note: Entrance fees to monuments not included.
Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and one of the most vibrant cities in Europe. Located on the banks of the Tagus River, it is characterized by its historic architecture, traditional neighborhoods, and a mix of modern culture. Among its main attractions are the Alfama neighborhood, with its cobbled streets and bohemian atmosphere, and St. George’s Castle, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Don’t miss the Jerónimos Monastery and the Belém Tower, symbols of the splendor of Portugal’s Golden Age. Lisbon is also famous for its cuisine, especially its pastel de nata, and for its lively nightlife in places such as the Barrio Alto. With its blend of tradition and modernity, Lisbon is a fascinating destination to explore.
Dinner on your own and overnight stay at a 4* hotel in Lisbon.
Day 15: Sunday, November 15 – Departure
Breakfast at the hotel and check-out.
At the agreed time, private transfer (daytime) from the hotel in Lisbon to Lisbon airport for your return flight. Note: Air tickets not included, please contact us if you wish.
End of tour and services.
TOTAL PRICE PER PERSON, IN DOUBLE OCCUPANCY: 5.260,00 EUROS
Extra for single occupancy: 1.580,00 EUROS
Price includes:
- 14 nights’ accommodation in 4- and 5-star hotels in a standard double room with breakfast included, as indicated.
- Private transfers in/out as mentioned in this preliminary itinerary.
- Private transfers with driver available on days 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 11, and 13 of the program, following the itinerary set by the agency as indicated above.
- Tour guide.
- Private guided walking tour with local guide in Bilbao.
- Private guided walking tour with local guide in Santiago de Compostela.
- Guided visits to 4 wineries and wine tastings as mentioned.
- Lunch, tasting menu at one of the wineries to be visited, as indicated.
- Private guided walking tour with local guide in Braga.
- Lunch at another of the wineries to be visited. Menu without drinks.
- Private boat trip on the Douro River. Duration: 1 hour. Includes one glass of Port wine per person.
- Lunch at the restaurant of another of the wineries you will visit with premium wine pairing.
- Private guided walking tour with a local guide in Porto.
- Private guided walking tour of Sintra and stop in Cascais. Includes entrance to the Pena Palace and gardens.
- Private guided walking tour of Lisbon with a local guide.
- Basic travel assistance insurance (please do not hesitate to consult the general conditions and coverage).
- Technical coordination and arrangement of all services included here by our agency.
- Tax in force (any variation of this tax by state and/or municipal authorities will be reflected in the final invoice).
Not included:
- Air or train tickets.
- Transfers not mentioned.
- Municipal tourist tax (to be paid by the guest directly to the hotels).
- Entrance fees to monuments or museums not specified or optional.
- Meals not mentioned, as well as drinks not mentioned.
- Cancellation insurance (recommended). Please consult us if you wish. If you wish to take out cancellation insurance, you must indicate this at the time of booking.
- Tips and porters (luggage).
- Extra/personal expenses (e.g. telephone, minibar, laundry, etc.).
- Any other service not clearly indicated in the section “The price includes:”. The agency may request a credit card as a guarantee only.