16 Day Best Of Northern Spain And Portugal
This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
Experience a superior level of comfort. Our Small Group tours have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Travel with no more than 26 people, allowing for a more personalised and immersive experience. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for the exact group size.
This tour is fully escorted by a dedicated tour leader who will accompany you throughout the tour. If your tour includes multiple countries, you will be met by a new tour leader in each country and any internal flights included will be unescorted.
✓ Add Return International airfares for only $999 per person
✓ Incredible sightseeing including cultural capital Madrid, a Douro River cruise in Porto and renowned pilgrimage site Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima, stunning Lisbon.
✓ Small group experience, with no more than 24 guests
✓ 15 nights in premium, 4-star accommodation
✓ Fully escorted by an expert, English-speaking tour leader
✓ Breakfast daily plus 4 dinners, including a welcome tapas experience
✓ Return airport transfers
✓ Dedicated, air-conditioned private coach transportation
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Welcome to Spain! You’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
You’ll meet your tour guide and fellow travellers tomorrow morning. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore this energetic city. Make like a Madrileño and take a paseo por la noche, a cherished evening stroll. Puerta del Sol, the heart of the city, is a busy plaza where you can find street performers, loads of restaurants and shops and the iconic statue ‘The Bear and the Strawberry Tree’.
Gran Vía, also known as the street that never sleeps, is the main shopping and tourist artery in the center of the capital. On this lively strip you’ll find great restaurants, theater, shopping and more. Look up – the buildings are exquisite. Calle Cava Baja is the city’s famed tapas street. Patatas bravas, anyone?
Check in: Passengers will be arriving at various times throughout the day from as early as 6am through to late evening. If arriving prior to standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm local time, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available, as there are generally no scheduled activities on Day 1 of the itinerary. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel’s discretion.
This morning, meet your tour guide and the rest of your group. Enjoy breakfast before heading out to explore Madrid on a guided city tour.
Explore Barrio de la Morería, the Habsburgs District, Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor and Plaza de la Villa; the Madrid of the Bourbons and the complex town planning schemes of Charles III, the Royal Palace, Cibeles and Neptuno Fountains and the Puerta de Alcalá.
Continue on to contemporary Madrid with areas such as Gran Vía, Castellana, the district of Salamanca, Plaza Castilla and Parque del Oeste, as well as commercial and financial areas of Modern Madrid, the emblematic Las Ventas Bullring and the Santiago Bernabéu Football Stadium.
This evening, join your fellow travelers for an authentic Welcome Tapas Dinner at a local restaurant.
Say goodbye to Madrid for the time being and depart north towards Burgos. Enjoy Free time to visit the 13th century gothic Cathedral of Saint Mary of Burgos, the third largest in Spain and where construction began in 1221.
Continue to Haro, located in the heart of La Rioja, the famous Spanish wine region. Among the vineyards, visit a traditional family run cellar. Taste some of the range of world famous Rioja Reds. Our next stop is Bilbao.
Check into the hotel, freshen up and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant where typical “pintxos” are served.
Enjoy a brief Bilbao city tour and discover its most recent developments.
Stop and spend some time at leisure to explore the esplanade where The Guggenheim Museum is located. Admire this modern architectural delight.
This afternoon, continue to San Sebastian, famous for its beach, food and International Film Festival. Enjoy a panoramic city tour of this bourgeois city. View the extraordinary landscape dominated by the bay and the magnificent La Concha beach from a lookout on Mount Igueldo. Later enjoy free time to stroll through this elegant city. This evening you will return to Bilbao.
This morning you will board the coach bound for Asturias, famous as the part of Spain never conquered by the Moors. It is a stunningly green region full of dramatic coastlines, with rustic mountain villages and gorgeous aspects. Proceed to the pretty fishing village of “Castro Urdiales” where there is time at leisure to explore.
Later depart to Santander, a port city located between the sea and the mountains, well known for Sardinero Beach.
Continue to Santillana del Mar, home to architectural treasures such as the Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana - a Jewel of Romanesque Architecture.
Next stop is Covadonga. Enjoy some free time, visit the Marian shrine devoted to the patron of Asturias, Our Lady of Covadonga. This shrine rose to prominence after the Battle of Covadonga around 720, following the first defeat of the Moors during their invasion of Spain
Afterwards, depart to Oviedo, where you will see on a series of hills the beauty of Saint Maria de Naranco Church, Jewel of the pre Roman Asturian architecture. Explore the pedestrian streets of Oviedo before joining your fellow travelers for dinner at a traditional cider house.
Today we’re bound for Galician lands. En route to Lugo you will make a short stop at Mondoñedo, to visit the 13th century Cathedral and taste the delicious “Mondoñedo cake”.
Continue to Lugo. Time at leisure to explore the stunning city walls, built by the Romans during the 3rd and 4th century, are one of the finest examples of Roman wall construction in Europe.
Later, approaching Spain's holy land, it was declared a World Heritage site as the most important center of Christian Pilgrimages in Spain.
Join a Santiago city tour, visiting Praza do Obradoiro, the city's main square. Next to The Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, one of the most important religious structures in Spain. The cathedral marks the end of the 790 km Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route
Rest of the day at leisure to explore the narrow cobblestone streets.
Depart towards one of the most marvelous areas of Galicia, the Rias Bajas (Spanish Fjords). Continue to the Ria de Arosa, where we will do a cruise, with tasting of the typical wines and mussels.
Bond for the Portuguese border to reach Porto. Located along the Douro River estuary in northern Portugal, Porto is one of the oldest European towns, and proclaimed a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996.
This morning we will enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Porto. Admire the Cetedral de Portol, known locally as Se, this hilltop cathedral was built between the 12th and 13th Centuries. We continue to the British Classical styled old Stock Exchange building and seemingly austere Santa Clara church. Inside is a masterpiece of gilded woodwork.
Later we enjoy a Douro River Cruise before tasting a range of local tipples at the famous Port Wine Cellars. The rest of the day is at leisure to make your own discoveries.
Enjoy a free day in Porto. Optionally, you can visit Guimaraes, one of the oldest cities in Portugal, cradle of the Portuguese nation, whose historic center is considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
After breakfast, we depart for Coimbra, one of the oldest universities in Europe and the birthplace of Fado.
We continue to Fatima, one of the most important Christian pilgrimage sites in the world. Made famous in 1917 when the Virgin Mary was said to have appeared to three shepherd children over several visits. Pilgrims flock here to visit its impressive Basilica and the Cova da Iria where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared. We visit the Chapel of the Apparitions in the heart of the sanctuary where the tombs of the three children, Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta rest.
This evening (availability pending) attend the procession of the candles.
Visit the Batalha Monastery This morning, a masterpiece in the Gothic and Manueline style . We continue to the picturesque fishing town of Nazaré, enjoying some free time exploring before heading off to yet another World Heritage site at Alcobaça with its Gothic church and Cistercian monastery, whose origins date back to the 12th Century. Continue on to Lisbon for the evening.
After breakfast, join a city sightseeing tour of the ancient Olissipo. Drive through its
main squares and avenues, visiting Belem Tower, Jeronimos Monastery, the Coach Museum, Monument to the Discoverers, Marquis of Pombal Square and Liberty Avenue.
This afternoon is at leisure to catch the nostalgic corners of the Alfama Quarter, the old city gathered next to its Castle, with buildings nested in narrow twisting Ruas, housing genuine “tabernas” where locals gather.
Tonight enjoy a typical Portuguese dinner visiting one of the oldest Fado venues in the city and located in one of the most interesting cultural neighborhoods in the area.
Today we head for Andalusian soils, back in Spain, drive to Caceres, considered a World Heritage site because of the city’s blend of Roman, Islamic, Northern Gothic and Italian Renaissance architecture. Walk through Plaza Mayor and the Old Town with its famous Medieval Quarter. Later today we will return to Madrid.
Enjoy one last delicious breakfast this morning, before your adventure comes to an end after checking out of your hotel.
Madrid is a glorious city to explore – we recommend spending a couple of extra days to make the most of it. If you do extend your stay, we can help you organise additional accommodation.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this extraordinary journey.
Check out: Check-out time is generally anywhere from 10am-12pm. You are welcome to leave your luggage at hotel reception and spend your final moments of free time exploring the area or, alternatively, speak with hotel staff if you would like to extend your check-out time. This service is subject to availability and will likely come at an additional cost.
We offer two payment options – the choice is yours. Our advertised price is based on our 'Pay in Full' option, which includes a discount by making full payment at the time of booking. Alternatively, choose our 'Installment Payment Plan' option for the flexibility of incremental payments, beginning with a low deposit.
Please click 'Book Now' and proceed to the payment page to select your preferred option under the heading ‘Choose how to pay’. The total due will be reflected accordingly.
Pay In Full Option:
Installment Payment Plan Option:
Booking Process
Please refer to conditions below, which are agreed to at time of purchase.
Can I extend my stay pre- and/or post-tour?
This depends on the package you are booking.
Where available, extensions must be added at time of purchase and cannot be added post-purchase unless inside the 7-day cooling off period.
We can assist in arranging your airfares to accommodate an extension; however, you must also book the additional nights’ accommodation through us at time of booking (where available as an add-on):
When adding additional nights to your booking, the cost of the extra nights’ accommodation will be reflected on your invoice and payable with the final balance.
Airfare surcharges may apply if extending due to airfare seasonal changes and possible fare differences. These are payable at the time of selecting your desired airfare.
The second installment of your booking must be made before airfares can be booked.
Outside of extending your stay you must select Land Only if:
If you are interested in one of the above options, please select LAND ONLY at time of check-out and you will need to arrange your own airfares. Inspiring Vacations will not be accountable for flight delays or missed tour components due to late arrival or airline changes.
How to book my flights through the flight portal:
As the travel industry moves towards providing customers with more self-service options, we are excited that our customers will have the opportunity to book their flights through our flight portal. If this option is available to you, you will be notified once flights are available to book for your selected departure date. Flights may be booked by Inspiring Vacations at any time.
Please visit our FAQ for more information.
Conditions of flights for this package bookable by Inspiring Vacations:
Seat Selection & Frequent Flyer Points
Inspiring Vacations do not arrange seat selection. It is important to highlight that some airlines do not allow pre-selected seats or they may charge a fee to do so. We strongly suggest you contact the airline directly with seating allocation requirements and or arrive at the airport earlier to arrange your seating. While we do not add frequent flyer member details to bookings, you can do this directly with the airline once you have your flight information.
Online check-in
Some airlines may not permit online check-in where flights have been booked by a travel company. Where unavailable to do so online, you will be required to check-in at the airport. Inspiring Vacations cannot check-in online on behalf of our customers.
COVID-19
Due to COVID there maybe disruptions to standard operating schedules of particular components of this itinerary. Should a component be effected a substitute will be confirmed prior to departure.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a “1”.
1 – Leisurely Pace: This itinerary will be conducted at a relaxed pace. You will typically spend several nights at one location which means less time spent packing and unpacking, and more sightseeing. You will be required to move about unassisted, including getting on and off vehicles, walking up and down stairs and handling your own luggage.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. While tipping is not customary, it's of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many destinations.
You may also consider tipping your tour leader and driver for outstanding service throughout your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, however any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $975.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.
We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book Comprehensive or Essentials cover for your domestic, international or multi-trip journeys simply by clicking HERE.
Note that Inspiring Vacations cannot provide advice with regards to any insurance product.
Visa & Passport information
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return.
Visas may be required.
Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://smartraveller.gov.au for up to date information in terms of entry requirements.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation including e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Group Size
2-24 people
Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Trip Style - Group Tour
Our Group Tours offer unparalleled value for money and are the perfect style of travel for those on a budget, though still eager to pack as much into their itinerary as possible. These tours tick all the boxes with an abundance of inclusions such as sightseeing highlights, expert tour guides, quality accommodation, transfers, coach transportation, some meals and more. Please note that the maximum group size will vary between deals and will be mentioned within the Fine Print of each deal page.