From Porto: Santiago De Compostela Full Day Tour

This full-day tour from Porto takes visitors on a captivating journey to explore two historic destinations in northern Portugal and Spain. Exploring the UNESCO-listed Santiago de Compostela Cathedral and attending a traditional Pilgrim Mass provide a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage. After discovering the charming old town, the tour continues to the well-preserved 17th-century fortress of Valença do Minho, offering a chance to take in the picturesque town center. With comprehensive inclusions and experienced guidance, this tour promises a fulfilling experience for those eager to uncover the remarkable stories and sights that await.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Full-Day Tours In Porto.

Key Points

• This full-day tour from Porto takes you to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Santiago de Compostela and the charming town of Valença do Minho.
• The tour includes a guided visit to the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, an opportunity to experience the traditional Pilgrim Mass, and free time to explore the historical center.
• Visitors will also have the chance to visit the well-preserved 17th-century fortress and picturesque town center of Valença do Minho.
• The tour lasts approximately 10 hours, with transportation provided from and to Porto, as well as a lunch stop in Santiago de Compostela.
• The tour is inclusive of the guided visit, entrance to the cathedral, and lunch, but excludes personal expenses, gratuities, and transportation to the departure point in Porto.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Details

The full-day trip from Porto to Santiago de Compostela and Valença do Minho lasts 10 hours, departing from Rua de Mouzinho da Silveira 352 in Porto.

The tour includes a guided visit, a stop at the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral – a UNESCO World Heritage site, and lunch.

Travelers will have the opportunity to experience the traditional Pilgrim Mass at the cathedral and explore the historical center of Santiago de Compostela.

The tour also includes a visit to the city center and fortress of Valença do Minho.

Booking is available with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and travelers are advised to wear comfortable shoes and bring sunglasses, a sun hat, and a camera.

Key Highlights

Travelers on this tour will experience the traditional Pilgrim Mass at the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. They’ll also explore the historical center of the city and visit the Valença do Minho city center and Fortress.

The highlight of the tour is the visit to the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, which is one of the most important Christian pilgrimage sites in the world. Visitors can marvel at the impressive architecture and learn about the history and significance of this sacred site.

The tour also includes a stop in Valença do Minho, a charming Portuguese town known for its well-preserved 17th-century fortress and picturesque town center.

Itinerary

This full-day tour begins with a 2.5-hour bus/coach transfer from Porto to Santiago de Compostela, allowing travelers ample time to take in the scenic countryside along the way.

Once in Santiago de Compostela, guests will have 1 hour of free time to explore the historic city center. Lunch will then be provided in Santiago de Compostela, lasting approximately 1.5 hours.

After lunch, there’s another 1 hour of free time to further discover the city. Next, the tour heads to Valença do Minho, a 75-minute bus/coach transfer away.

In Valença, travelers will enjoy a guided tour and 45 minutes of free time before the 1-hour bus/coach ride back to Porto.

Departure and Duration

The tour departs from R. de Mouzinho da Silveira 352 in Porto and lasts a total of 10 hours.

After the 2.5-hour bus transfer from Porto to Santiago de Compostela, guests will have free time to explore the city for 1 hour.

Following lunch in Santiago de Compostela, which takes 1.5 hours, there’s another 1 hour of free time before heading to Valença do Minho.

The 75-minute bus transfer to Valença do Minho is followed by a 45-minute guided tour and free time in the city.

Finally, the tour wraps up with a 1-hour bus transfer back to Porto.

All in all, this full-day excursion provides an immersive experience in the history and culture of northern Portugal and Galicia.

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Inclusion and Exclusion

The tour package includes a guided tour, entrance to the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, and lunch, providing a comprehensive exploration of the region’s cultural and historical highlights.

Visitors will experience the traditional Pilgrim Mass at the cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and have the opportunity to freely explore the Santiago de Compostela Historical Center.

The tour also includes a visit to the charming city of Valença do Minho, where guests can discover the local fortress and city center.

However, the tour excludes personal expenses, gratuities, and transportation to and from the departure point in Porto. Guests are advised to wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection for the outdoor activities.

Booking and Cancellation

Customers can reserve their spot on the tour now and pay later, and they’re entitled to free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. This flexible booking policy allows customers to plan their trip without the risk of losing their money. The table below outlines the key booking and cancellation details:

Booking Policy	Cancellation Policy
Reserve now, pay later	Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
Secure your spot with no upfront costs	Avoid penalties by cancelling in a timely manner
Flexible booking to fit your schedule	Hassle-free changes to your travel plans
Easy online reservation process	Refund issued for cancelled bookings
No hidden fees or charges	Exceptional customer service support

This straightforward booking and cancellation process ensures a stress-free experience for customers.

Additional Information

Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, and camera are recommended for this tour, as you will be exploring outdoor historical sites.

Large bags and pets aren’t allowed on the tour.

Plus, tour organizers reserve the right to cancel or modify the itinerary if necessary due to unforeseen circumstances or impracticability.

The tour covers a full day, with a duration of approximately 10 hours.

Participants will depart from Porto and travel to Santiago de Compostela and Valença do Minho, experiencing the traditional Pilgrim Mass, visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, and exploring the historical centers of both cities.

Lunch is included in the tour package.

Navigating the Tour

With departure from the heart of Porto, the 10-hour journey unfolds, whisking travelers on a captivating exploration of Santiago de Compostela and Valença do Minho.

The tour begins with a 2.5-hour bus transfer to Santiago de Compostela, where visitors experience the traditional Pilgrim Mass at the iconic cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. After free time to explore the historical center, a hearty lunch is served.

The journey continues to the picturesque Valença do Minho, where a guided tour showcases the city center and the impressive fortress before the return to Porto.

Throughout the day, guests are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection to make the most of this immersive cultural adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food on the Tour?

The tour details do not indicate whether bringing your own food is allowed. It’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand to determine if you can bring your own food or if lunch is provided as part of the tour.

What Is the Dress Code for the Cathedral?

The dress code for the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral is conservative, with the recommendation of covering up. Visitors should avoid wearing shorts, tank tops, or revealing clothing out of respect for the religious site.

Are There Any Restroom Breaks During the Tour?

The full-day tour provides restroom breaks throughout the day, including at the departure point, during the free time in Santiago de Compostela, and at the stop in Valença do Minho. Restroom facilities are available at each location visited.

Can I Leave the Group at Any Point During the Tour?

Participants can leave the group at any point during the tour, though they would need to make their own arrangements for transportation and rejoining the group. The tour operator cannot be responsible for customers who leave the group.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Water and Snacks?

Participants should bring their own water and snacks for the day-long tour. The tour does not provide meals or refreshments outside of the included lunch in Santiago de Compostela. Bringing personal provisions ensures travelers have sustenance throughout the full-day excursion.

Recap

This full-day tour from Porto takes visitors on a captivating journey, exploring the historic cities of Santiago de Compostela and Valença do Minho.

Travelers can enjoy the UNESCO-listed Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, attend a traditional Pilgrim Mass, and discover the charming old town.

After, they’ll visit the well-preserved 17th-century fortress and picturesque town center of Valença do Minho, providing a comprehensive experience of these significant destinations in northern Portugal and Spain.

You can check if your dates are available here: