8-Day North of Spain & Portugal From Madrid

Embark on an 8-day journey through the captivating North of Spain and Portugal, starting from the vibrant city of Madrid. This adventure promises a rich cultural experience, featuring guided tours, daily breakfasts, and select dinners that allow travelers to savor local cuisine and wine. Explore stunning landscapes, iconic landmarks like the Guggenheim Museum, and the majestic Oviedo Cathedral, while gaining insights from a knowledgeable multilingual guide. However, it’s important to note that the tour may not be suitable for travelers with specific health conditions. With a mix of captivating cities, mouthwatering local flavors, and breathtaking natural wonders, this tour offers an opportunity to take in the diverse heritage of the region.

Key Points

• An 8-day adventure tour from Madrid to Portugal, visiting cities like Zaragoza, San Sebastián, Bilbao, and Porto.
• Includes guided sightseeing tours, wine tastings, and visits to iconic landmarks such as the Guggenheim Museum.
• Offers a mix of stunning landscapes, charming cities, and cultural experiences throughout the journey.
• Accommodations with daily breakfast and select dinners, and transportation via air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi.
• Accessibility considerations, such as the tour not being wheelchair accessible and not recommended for certain medical conditions.

Tour Overview

This 8-day adventure whisks travelers from Madrid northward through the stunning landscapes of Spain and into the charming cities of Portugal.

Participants will explore vibrant destinations like Zaragoza, San Sebastián, Bilbao, Santander, Oviedo, La Coruña, Vigo, and Porto.

Along the way, they’ll marvel at iconic landmarks such as the Guggenheim Museum, the Spanish Fjords, Oviedo Cathedral, and the famous port wine cellars.

Throughout the journey, a multilingual tour guide provides in-depth insights into the history and culture of each location, enriching the overall experience.

Included Features

The tour package includes all lodging, with daily breakfast provided on 7 days and dinner on 5 days.

Travelers will be transported by an air-conditioned coach equipped with free Wi-Fi.

Guided sightseeing tours with local experts are included in Santiago and Porto.

Visitors will also enjoy a wine tasting at a cellar in Porto, along with the municipal tax covered in that city.

While the tour covers various meals, food and drinks not specified, gratuities, and hotel drop-off aren’t included.

The tour has a maximum capacity of 55 travelers and isn’t recommended for those with certain medical conditions or mobility issues.

Meeting and Departure

The tour meets at C. de Ferraz, 3, Moncloa – Aravaca, 28008 Madrid, Spain.

Travelers should arrive 15 minutes early, as the coach departs promptly at 7:45 am. The tour returns to the same meeting point at the end of the 8-day adventure.

Transportation is provided by an air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi, allowing travelers to stay connected throughout the journey.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps. It’s not recommended for those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions, as the maximum group size is 55 travelers.

Accessibility and Considerations

Typically, this tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, as the transportation provided is an air-conditioned coach.

Children must be accompanied by an adult, and infants must sit on laps. The tour isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions, as it may involve extended periods of walking and standing.

The maximum group size is 55 travelers, and there have been reports of fluctuations in the group size during the tour, which can cause confusion among participants.

The tour is, however, located near public transportation, making it accessible for those able to navigate the cities on their own.

Traveler Reviews

Travelers have provided a mixed set of reviews for this North of Spain & Portugal trip.

While some praised the bus quality and attentive driver, others noted issues with the hotel accommodations, particularly in La Coruña and Oviedo.

The group size also seemed to fluctuate during the tour, causing confusion among travelers.

The tour has received a lackluster rating of 1.5 out of 5 stars based on 2 total reviews.

Prospective travelers should carefully weigh the pros and cons before booking this trip, as the mixed feedback suggests room for improvement in various aspects of the tour.

Exploring Zaragoza

Zaragoza, the capital city of the Aragon region, marks the start of this captivating North of Spain and Portugal journey.

Situated along the Ebro River, Zaragoza boasts a rich history dating back to the Roman Empire. Travelers will discover the stunning Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, a renowned Baroque masterpiece and one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

The grand Plaza del Pilar, surrounded by historic buildings, offers a glimpse into the city’s vibrant culture. Wandering the narrow streets, visitors can admire the intricate Renaissance architecture and sample the local cuisine, including the renowned Aragonese tapas.

This dynamic city sets the stage for an unforgettable adventure through northern Spain and Portugal.

Discover Northern Spain

Leaving Zaragoza behind, the journey continues northward, where travelers will be captivated by the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage of northern Spain.

The tour will visit the coastal cities of San Sebastián, Bilbao, and Santander, each offering a unique blend of history, architecture, and culinary delights.

In Bilbao, the iconic Guggenheim Museum stands as a testament to the region’s artistic prowess.

Further north, the stunning Spanish Fjords await, showcasing the rugged beauty of the Asturian coastline.

The tour will then venture inland to the city of Oviedo, home to the magnificent Oviedo Cathedral, before concluding in the lively port city of Vigo, just across the border in northwestern Spain.

Experience Portugal

After exploring the northern reaches of Spain, the tour now crosses the border into neighboring Portugal. The first stop is the historic city of Porto, renowned for its world-famous port wine cellars. Travelers will have the opportunity to tour one of these cellars and indulge in a tasting of the region’s iconic fortified wines.

Highlights in Porto
Tour of Port Wine Cellars	Guided Walking Tour of City Center	Panoramic Views from Luis I Bridge

The tour then continues southward to the vibrant city of Lisbon, where visitors can enjoy the rich culture, architecture, and culinary delights that Portugal’s capital has to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Adjust the Itinerary to Visit Specific Sites?

The tour itinerary can be adjusted to accommodate specific site visits, but this may incur additional costs and require advance coordination with the tour operator. Travelers should consult with the tour provider to discuss any customization options.

What Is the Age Range of Typical Tour Participants?

The tour typically attracts a diverse range of participants, from young adults to retirees. While there’s no specific age requirement, the pace and activities may be better suited for travelers between 25 and 65 years old.

Is It Possible to Extend My Stay in Any City?

The tour doesn’t officially offer extensions, but travelers can explore extending their stay in cities like Porto or Bilbao at their own expense. They’ll need to book additional accommodations and transportation separately.

Do You Offer a Discount for Groups/Families?

The tour operator offers group discounts for families and groups of 4 or more travelers. Specific discount amounts are not provided, but inquiring about group pricing options could result in potential savings on the tour package.

Can I Bring My Own Snacks/Beverages on the Bus?

Passengers are allowed to bring their own snacks and beverages on the bus. However, the tour operator requests that travelers avoid strong-smelling foods and dispose of any trash properly to maintain a comfortable environment for everyone on the tour.

Recap

This 8-day North of Spain and Portugal tour from Madrid offers an immersive cultural experience. Travelers will explore captivating cities, marvel at iconic landmarks, and savor local cuisine and wine. With a knowledgeable guide, they’ll gain insights into the region’s history and traditions. While the tour may not suit those with specific health needs, it’s an excellent opportunity to discover the stunning landscapes and vibrant cities of northern Spain and Portugal.