Galicia and Portugal Explorer Escorted Vacation

You will be met upon arrival and transferred to your hotel.

Begin your journey with a drive to Leon for free time to stroll through the city’s historic center and contemplate its Gothic Cathedral, Church of San Isidro. Continue on to Oviedo, a town atop a series of hills at the foot of the Naranco. Oviedo stands out due to the town’s beautiful streets, many of which are pedestrian and lead to such monuments as the Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important works of Asturian Gothic architecture. (B)

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel then drive to the Galician region of Spain. Arrive in Lugo for free time to explore the remains of the Roman Empire such as the city’s walls, declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Continue to La Coruna for a brief panoramic drive through the main avenues of this fabulous town, driving by Marine Avenue to admire the elegance of this city with the typical Galician architecture of glass house galleries. You will have a brief stop at the world’s oldest working lighthouse, one of the wonders of the world, known as The Tower of Hercules, dating back to the Roman period. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure to explore or consider an optional tour to the Rias Atlas. (B)

After breakfast you will depart for one of the most famous World Heritage sites and a center for Christian pilgrimage, Santiago de Compostela. You will have a city tour where you will see the main square called Obradoiro and the Cathedral dedicated to the Apostle Santiago. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure to explore the narrow cobblestone streets and become acquainted with the town’s atmosphere. (B)

After breakfast, depart for one of the most spectacular areas of Galicia, the Rias Bajas, or Spanish Fjords. Driving through this picturesque landscape, you will arrive at La Toja Island, known worldwide for its spa. Enjoy free time before continuing to Ria de Arosa, passing through Pontevedra to arrive in Vigo, situated in the middle of the Rias Biaxas. (B)

Have breakfast then depart for the Portuguese border. Arrive in Viana do Castelo, a city located between the mouth of the river Mino and Porto. Enjoy free time here before continuing on to Braga for a short stop, then head to Porto. (B)

Enjoy breakfast then embark on a panoramic tour of Porto, considered a World Heritage city. You will admire the Cathedral, Stock Exchange building and Santa Clara Church. In the afternoon, you may choose to join an optional visit to a famous winery including a tasting of the region’s namesake Port Wine. (B)

Have breakfast at your hotel then depart for Coimbra, home of one of the oldest universities in Europe and the birthplace of Fado. Enjoy free time then head to Fatima, center of the Christian Faith and a World Pilgrimage Sanctuary, where you will witness the impressive Basilica and the Cova da Iria where the Virgin Mary appeared. You will visit the Chapel of the Apparitions, the heart of the sanctuary, with the tombs of the three shepherds, Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta. Tonight you may wish to attend the procession of the candles. (B)

After breakfast you will depart for the Batalha Monastery, a masterpiece of Gothic and Manueline style and considered a UNESCO World Heritage site. Next, continue to the picturesque fishing village of Nazare for free time before continuing to Alcobaca to visit the 12th century church and admire the tombs of Pedro and Ines de Castro. Later, travel to Lisbon for some free time. You may wish to attend an optional performance of the typical Portuguese musical style, Fado. (B)

Enjoy breakfast then join your morning tour of the ancient Olissipo. You will drive through its main squares and avenues, see Belem Tower, Jeronimos Monastery, the Coach Museum, the Monument to the Discoverers, the Marquis of Pombal Square and Liberty Avenue. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to delve into the nostalgic corners of the Alfama Quarter, the old city gathered next to its castle, with its buildings nested in narrow, twisting “Ruas” full of colorful housing and the genuine “tabernas” where Fado plays the sound of the past. (B)

Today you will travel to Caceres, a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its unique blend of Roman, Islamic, Northern Gothic and Italian Renaissance architecture. Enjoy a walk through its Plaza Mayor and the Old Town with its famed Medieval Quarter before heading back to Madrid. (B)

After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight home. (B)