Highlights of Northern Portugal and Santiago de Compostela

Arrive in Porto

On arrival in Porto, we meet with our local guide before transferring to our hotel.   We can enjoy the rest of the evening to settle in and get to know our surroundings.

Discover Porto on a full day guided tour

All day

Today we fall in love with the city of Porto on a full day guided excursion. After breakfast, we transfer by coach and start our walking tour of the historical centre. We’ll visit the St. Francisco Church, a superb example of Gothic architecture and famous for the altar piece the “Tree of Jesse” depicting generations from Jesse to Jesus Christ. Next, we take in the beauty of the Chamber of Commerce, Palacio da Bolsa, with its ornate Arabian Hall and much more! We then enjoy a stroll along the Ribeira Quarter before having free time for lunch (not included).

This afternoon we savour more of Portugal with a tasting in one of the city’s Port cellars, followed by a relaxing boat trip along the beautiful Douro River.

Enjoy an evening at leisure, to further explore and perhaps check out the local restaurants.

At leisure

Full Day

Today we are free to experience Porto in our own time; take a ride on the Funicular dos Guindais to the upper part of the city, visit Porto Cathedral, or some of the many museums.  Book lovers might enjoy delving into the Livraria Lello.  With its ornate and totally unique architecture, this is the book shop that inspired Harry Potter’s library in Hogwarts. Due to its popularity, be prepared for a little waiting time to enter.

Experience Guimaraes and Braga on a full day excursion

Full Day

This morning we depart by coach to discover the historically important city of Guimaraes, widely believed to be the birthplace of Portugal and of Afonso Henriques, its first king.  

We take in its beautiful, well preserved medieval historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site, then enjoy some free time to explore and have lunch (not included).

We then make our way to Braga, known as the oldest Christian city in Portugal, where we visit the historic centre and The Sanctuary of Bom Jesus. Here there’s a great photo opportunity, in front of the zigzag stairway.  

We strongly recommend sturdy, closed-in shoes for walking through historic city centres on this tour.

After our day of discovery, we return to our hotel in Porto where we can relax and unwind for the evening.

At leisure

Full Day

We have a full free day to explore our surroundings at our own pace.

Today is a perfect time to try some of the local cuisine and fine Port wine that the region is famous for. Visit some of the baroque churches and Beaux-Arts buildings which are a major attraction in the historic neighbourhoods of Porto.

Our expert local guide will be pleased to offer suggestions for sightseeing, shopping, and entertainment options.

Transfer by coach to Santiago de Compostela

Morning

This morning we say farewell to Porto and depart by coach to Spain where we will spend two nights in Santiago de Compostela, enjoying the scenery along the way.

At leisure Santiago de Compostela

Afternoon

On arrival, we will have time at leisure to become familiar with our new surroundings.

Tonight, we gather with our fellow holidaymakers for dinner at our hotel (included).

Discover Santiago on a guided tour

Half Day

Today we uncover Santiago on a half day guided tour. We discover the city centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and enjoy a visit to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, the final destination of many a pilgrimage!

After our tour we have free time to wander through Santiago’s atmospheric streets and perhaps enjoy a drink or a snack at a pavement café. Our guide will be happy to make recommendations for sightseeing, shopping and refreshments.   

Transfer by coach to Porto Airport

Today, we bid a fond farewell to Santiago and Northern Portugal, as we transfer by coach to Porto for our homeward flight.