Portugal & Spain
Active pace with longer touring days. Expect intermittent walking at a moderate pace for 2–3 hours over a variety of terrain, including cobblestones, hills and uneven pavements. Must be able to negotiate stairs of varying heights, sometimes without handrails. Can tolerate periods of standing during guided tours and be able to climb in/out of various modes of transportation. Some days may include 5–7 km of walking over the course of the day.
We fly direct to Porto.
After landing in Porto, we drive north to Vigo, Spain for a guided tour of this vibrant Galician city. We’ll see the historic Casco Vello, stroll along lively Rúa de Príncipe, enjoy panoramic views from Monte de Castro, and stop at a bustling seafood market. After lunch at a local restaurant, the afternoon is free until our Welcome Dinner at the hotel.
Discover charming Pontevedra on a half-day tour where we explore well-preserved medieval architecture, the beautiful Church of Santa María la Mayor, and the picturesque Plaza de la Leña. You will have free time to stroll along the scenic riverside promenade, visit the iconic Peregrina Church and enjoy the wonderful atmosphere and cultural heritage of this Galician gem.
A free day to enjoy the beaches and beautiful coastal views or take an optional boat tour to the nearby Cíes Islands.
Today we take a tour of historic Santiago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the final stage of the Way of Saint James. A walk through the old quarter takes us to the monumental Plaza del Obradoiro and its majestic Cathedral, a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture.
A free day to wander the charming streets of Casco Vello, sample delicious fare in its lively tapas bars, and shop the local markets.
We explore the incredible region of Galicia, starting in Padrón, famous for its historic sites and delicious peppers. We continue to Combarro, a picturesque fishing village with traditional stone houses. Then we visit the serene Isla de la Toja, known for its thermal springs, and see Cambados, the heart of Albariño wine country, with a final stop on lovely Isla de Arousa.
We head to Portugal, passing by the villages of Ponte de Lima and Villa Real on our way to Lamego, a delightful town in the vineyard covered hills of Portugal’s UNESCO-designated Douro wine region and our base for the next 3 nights.
We enjoy a scenic boat trip along the picturesque Douro River, floating by the terraced vineyards that produce incredible wines and ports, and stop at a winery for a guided tour and tasting.
Our half-day tour takes us along scenic, winding mountain roads to Favaios, a hilltop village famous for its winemaking tradition and its famous Favaios bread. After a glass of delicious moscatel, we will tour the Bread and Wine Museum, visit a traditional bakery to taste bread made in wood-fired ovens, and have lunch at a local winery as we take in spectacular scenery.
Today we drive to the pretty town of Regua and board a train to Porto, with free time upon arrival to explore this incredible city and sample some of the fine ports it’s famous for producing.
Our guided tour of Portugal’s second-largest city includes São Francisco church, the Stock Exchange Palace, and the historic Ribeira quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our tour ends with a peaceful cruise along the river, with wonderful views of this beautiful city.
A free day to discover everything Porto has to offer. Enjoy a porto tonico (white port and tonic—delicious) at a riverfront café, visit Livraria Lello, one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores, wander the famous Rua das Flores, or simply lose yourself in this medieval city’s ancient streets.
After breakfast, we depart for Guimarães, known as the birthplace of Portugal. We will visit the UNESCO-designated historic centre and walk past the castle and Ducal Palace. Then we’re off to Braga, renowned for its stunning Baroque architecture and religious sites like the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte.
Today we visit Barcelos, a town known for its handmade ceramics. It’s the birthplace of the Galo de Barcelos, the iconic Portuguese rooster that’s one of the country’s most popular souvenirs. Nearby, Viana do Castelo offers stunning coastline views and historic landmarks like the Santa Luzia Sanctuary.
We fly home from Porto.
You may cancel your tour up to 60 days prior to departure (90 days prior for tours requiring a visa, cruises or rail journeys) for any reason, and receive a full refund of your deposit / payment (less the $75 administration fee).
Cancellation & trip interruption insurance included!
Included in the cost of your tour is our Cancellation Insurance Policy, which provides coverage in case of emergency injury or illness (including Covid), right up to your date of departure (terms and conditions apply).
Our Manulife Out-of-Country Health Insurance Plan covers expenses related to Trip Interruption in case of emergency injury or illness. For tours within Canada, Senior Discovery Tours will cover such expenses (terms and conditions apply to all policies).
