Scenic Portugal and Santiago de Compostela

Scenic Portugal and Santiago de Compostela

92 Views

Scenic Portugal and Santiago de Compostela

13 Days Starting in Portugal and ending in Lisbon, Portugal

Visiting: Portugal, Porto, Viana do Castelo, Santiago de Compostela, Ourense, Viseu, Coimbra, Fatima, Lisbon

Tour operator:

Indus Travels

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Group size:

1 - 2

Physical rating:

Easy

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating journey through Portugal and Spain with the "Scenic Portugal and Santiago de Compostela" tour. This cultural adventure begins in Porto, where you can explore UNESCO-recognized sites and savor local cuisine. Travel through the medieval charm of Guimarães and Braga, relax on Viana do Castelo's beaches, and marvel at Santiago de Compostela's iconic cathedral. Discover the historic university in Coimbra, stroll through picturesque vineyards, and wander the quaint village of Telões. Admire the architectural splendor of Bom Jesus do Monte, explore Lisbon's historic Alfama district, and visit the iconic Belém Tower. Indulge in port wine, savor Vigo's culinary delights, and experience Lisbon's vibrant food scene. Enjoy 11 nights of comfortable accommodation, daily breakfast, and the convenience of a rental car with unlimited mileage, making this an unforgettable exploration of Iberian culture and history.

Highlights

  • Explore Porto, Guimarães, and Braga's architectural wonders and medieval charm

  • Relax on Viana do Castelo's beaches and explore Pontevedra's old town

  • Marvel at Santiago de Compostela's cathedral and reflect in Fátima

  • Discover Coimbra's university, stroll vineyards, and wander Telões' village

  • Admire Bom Jesus do Monte, explore Lisbon's Alfama, visit Belém Tower

  • Indulge in port wine, savor Vigo's cuisine, and experience Lisbon's culinary scene

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: - Portugal

Location: Portugal

Make your own way to your International Airport to board your international overnight flight to Portugal. Enjoy inflight meals and services.

Day 2: Portugal Arrival

Paul Allen

Location: Porto

Accommodation Name: Hotel in Porto

Welcome to Portugal! When you arrive, get your rental car at the airport and go to the hotel to check in. You can relax for the rest of the day or go explore Porto, a beautiful city with old buildings and important places recognized by UNESCO. Walk around Porto, look at the buildings, and try the tasty local food.




Overnight in Porto

Day 3: Porto (B/-/-)

Location: Porto

Accommodation Name: Hotel in Porto

Meals Included: Breakfast

After having a delicious breakfast at the hotel get ready to explore charming Porto and its beautiful surroundings. Wander around its lovely neighborhoods and, perhaps, visit the fascinating San Francisco Church, the best example of baroque in the north. Then, catch a glimpse of the Stock Exchange Palace with its famous Moorish Hall, and see one of the famous Port Wine Cellar where you can enjoy a memorable wine tasting session. Catch sight of the city centre and if you are a shopping aficionado, check out Santa Catarina Street, a beautiful pedestrian area great for walking and perfect for shopping.




Overnight in Porto

Day 4: Porto – Guimaraes – Braga – Viana Do Castelo (B/-/-)

Location: Viana do Castelo

Accommodation Name: Hotel in Viana do Castelo

Meals Included: Breakfast

Having indulged in a delightful breakfast at the hotel, get ready for your next destination. Drive to Guimaraes – the cradle of the nation and birthplace of the first king of Portugal, were walking through the historic centre, one is plunged for moments back into medieval times. Visit the Sacred Hill, crowned by the Castle, as well as the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança with its original buildings dating back to the 15th century. Drive to Braga known as the “Portuguese Rome” for its concentration of religious architecture, including the oldest cathedral in the country and the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, with its famous baroque stairway and gardens. Arrive at Viana do Castelo and check in to your hotel.




Overnight in Viana do Castelo

Day 5: Viana Do Castelo – Vigo – Pontevedra – Santiago De Compostela (B/-/-)

Location: Santiago de Compostela

Accommodation Name: Hotel in Santiago de Compostela

Meals Included: Breakfast

Following your morning meal at the hotel, explore Viana do Castelo, one of the most beautiful cities in the north of Portugal. This city has a strong connection to the sea – Portuguese Discoveries and cod fishing industry – and is well known for the amazing filigree works made of gold. Next drive to Vigo in Spain, the largest city of Galicia, located on the edge of the estuary that bears his name. It is considered the main fishing port in Europe. Continue to Pontevedra, the capital of the homonymous province in Galicia, northwestern Spain. It is considered by the United Nations as one of the best European cities to live in and is the Galician city that has the most pedestrian streets and green spaces per inhabitant. Arrive at Santiago de Compostela and check in to your hotel.




Overnight in Santiago de Compostela

Day 6: Santiago De Compostela (B/-/-)

Location: Santiago de Compostela

Accommodation Name: Hotel in Santiago de Compostela

Meals Included: Breakfast

Savor a delightful breakfast at the hotel before spending your day discovering Santiago de Compostela, world heritage since 1985 this city attracts visitors and pilgrims from all over the world. Walk around the city centre, visiting the Plaza del Obradoiro, and its Cathedral dedicated to the Apostle Santiago. In front of the Cathedral, the world-known Camino de Santiago ends.




Overnight in Santiago de Compostela

Day 7: Santiago De Compostela – Ourense – Teloes (B/-/-)

Location: Ourense

Accommodation Name: Hotel in Teloes

Meals Included: Breakfast

Delight in your breakfast at the hotel, before continuing your journey. Discover Ourense, the city of water. Here you can find thermal waters all over the city and some are free, like the thermal springs of A Chavasqueira. Dont miss the Fonte dBurgas, one of the symbols of the city, where the water sprout out at 65 degrees. Arrive at Teloes village and check in to your hotel.




Overnight in Teloes

Day 8: Teloes – Peso Da Régua – Lamego – S. Pedro Do Sul – Viseu (B/-/-)

Location: Viseu

Accommodation Name: Hotel in Viseu

Meals Included: Breakfast

Start your day with a satisfying breakfast at the hotel, and drive to Vila Real. Visit the gardens of the Solar de Mateus, whose façade is depicted on the well-known Portuguese rosé wine bottles. Then enter the demarcated port region and travel through the vineyards and the breathtaking landscapes of the Douro Valley. Start in Peso da Régua a municipality that belongs to the district of Vila Real, located next to the Douro River, considered the Capital of the Douro Demarcated Wine Region. Stop in Lamego, overlooked by one of Portugals most important shrines Nossa Senhora dos Remédios with its magnificent baroque style staircase. Here, you can sample some of the local delicacies, including the local ham and the famous “Bola de Lamego” (a loaf baked in the oven with smoked ham). Continue to São Pedro do Sul which is worldwide famous for the thermal baths dating back from the time of pre-Roman. The unique richness of its natural mineral water emerges naturally on the surface at a temperature of 68 C and is distributed by two spas, Rainha D. Amélia and D. Afonso Henriques, which operate all year round. Drive to Viseu and check in to your hotel.




Overnight in Viseu

Day 9: Viseu – Luso - Bussaco – Coimbra (B/-/-)

Location: Coimbra

Accommodation Name: Hotel in Coimbra

Meals Included: Breakfast

After enjoying a delicious morning repast at the hotel, explore Viseu, the centre of the Dão vineyards and a city connected to Portugals oldest hero, Viriato, a Lusitanian chief. Next, drive to Luso, one of Portugals most important spa towns located at the bottom of Bussaco forest. The healing quality of its mineral water is well known and thousands of bottles of “Água do Luso” are consumed daily. Drive through the heart of Portugal to Bussaco well known for its luxuriant forest, made up of a selection of rare trees and plants of exotic beauty, and hosting a charming and romantic hotel, formerly a royal hunting lodge. Continue to Coimbra for check in.




Overnight in Coimbra

Day 10: Coimbra – Figueira Da Foz – Batalha – Fátima (B/-/-)

Location: Fatima

Accommodation Name: Hotel in Fatima

Meals Included: Breakfast

Relish a delicious morning meal at the hotel before beginning your day. In Coimbra visit the University, one of the oldest in the world, with its magnificent baroque library and its unique atmosphere characterized by ancient traditions and customs such as the black student capes and the melancholic Fado music. Stop at St. Clara Church where the tomb of Queen Santa Isabel, the protagonist of the “miracle of the roses” lies. Then drive to Figueira da Foz located in the center of the country, a seaside resort with 34 kilometers of magnificent beaches to discover. Continue to Batalha where you can visit the Monastery of Santa Maria da Vitória, a masterpiece of gothic architecture in Portugal where we also encounter the tomb of Henry the Navigator, the mastermind behind Portugals era of maritime discoveries. Next, drive to Fatima and check in to your hotel.




Overnight in Fatima

Day 11: Fátima – Óbidos – Sintra – Lisbon (B/-/-)

Location: Lisbon

Accommodation Name: Hotel in Lisbon

Meals Included: Breakfast

After a delightful morning meal at the hotel, explore Fatima, one of the most important catholic shrines in the world dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Fatima's fame is due to the Apparitions of Our Lady of the Rosary that appeared to three shepherd children. Through a landscape rich in windmills and fruit trees, arrive at Óbidos, surrounded by medieval walls where you can admire the harmony of the architecture, the diversity of the handicrafts and taste the famous ginginha (bitter cherry liqueur). Continue to Sintra, a magical and enchanted place, where time stood still. Set on top of mountains and surrounded by a luxuriant forest that grows in this microclimatic region, you will find the most mysterious palaces and castles, hidden in a typical mist that often surprises the visitors. Just enjoy a walk in the narrow streets that surround the National Palace of Sintra – where the Portuguese royalty of the 15th and 16th centuries used to spend the summer months. Then, drive to Lisbon and check in to your hotel.




Overnight in Lisbon

Day 12: Lisbon (B/-/-)

Location: Lisbon

Accommodation Name: Hotel in Lisbon

Meals Included: Breakfast

After partaking in the hotel's morning fare, start your day in Lisbon downtown, known as Baixa, the area reconstructed by Marquis of Pombal after the 18th-century earthquake. Nearby is Alfama, the oldest section of Lisbon, dating its foundation by the time of the Arabs. Visit Lisbon's most monumental and historical area - Belem. It was from here that many of the great Portuguese explorers embarked on their voyages of discovery. Today it is a spacious green suburb with many gardens, parks and monuments; Belem Tower is the city's icon. Jeronimos Monastery is a symbol of the Age of Discovery, both World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, with the original Manueline style, influenced by the theme of the discoveries.




Overnight in Lisbon

Day 13: Lisbon (B/-/-)

Location: Lisbon

Meals Included: Breakfast

Depending on your departure flight schedule, drive to Lisbon International Airport accordingly and return your vehicle prior to your flight home.

What's Included

  • 11 Nights accommodation on twin-sharing basis at listed hotels or similar

    Enjoy comfortable stays at well-appointed hotels throughout your journey.

  • Daily breakfast

    Start each day with a delicious breakfast included at your hotel.

  • Car Group: Renault Clio or similar

    Travel conveniently with a rental car included in the package.

  • Pick-up at Porto Airport

    Begin your journey with a hassle-free car pick-up at Porto Airport.

  • Drop-off at Lisbon Airport

    Conclude your trip with an easy car drop-off at Lisbon Airport.

  • Unlimited mileage

    Drive as much as you want with unlimited mileage included.

  • CDW (Collision Damage Waiver)

    Stay protected with Collision Damage Waiver included in your car rental.

  • TP (Theft Protection)

    Enjoy peace of mind with Theft Protection included in your car rental.

  • VLF (Vehicle Licensee Fee)

    Vehicle Licensee Fee is covered in your car rental package.

  • ASC (Airport Service Charge)

    Airport Service Charge is included in your car rental package.

show more

What's Not Included

  • Items of a personal nature, tips and gratuities

    Personal expenses, tips, and gratuities are not included.

  • Rental car fuel, parking fees and car insurance

    Fuel for the rental car, parking fees, and additional car insurance are not included.

  • Visas if applicable

    Visa fees, if applicable, are not included in the package.

  • Items not mentioned as included

    Any items or services not specifically mentioned as included are excluded.

Mode of Transport

Travel conveniently with a rental car, such as a Renault Clio or similar, including unlimited mileage, CDW, TP, VLF, ASC, and one driver (minimum age 25). Pick-up at Porto Airport and drop-off at Lisbon Airport are included.

Accommodation

Enjoy 11 nights of comfortable twin-sharing accommodation at listed hotels or similar, ensuring a restful stay throughout your journey.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of car is included in the rental package?

    The rental package includes a car such as a Renault Clio or a similar model. The rental comes with unlimited mileage, Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Theft Protection (TP), Vehicle Licensee Fee (VLF), Airport Service Charge (ASC), and is for one driver who must be at least 25 years old.

  • What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes 11 nights of comfortable twin-sharing accommodation at listed hotels or similar, ensuring a restful stay throughout your journey.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Daily breakfast is included in the tour package, allowing you to start each day with a delicious meal at your hotel.

  • What are some of the key highlights of the tour?

    Key highlights of the tour include exploring Porto, Guimarães, and Braga's architectural wonders and medieval charm, relaxing on Viana do Castelo's beaches, marveling at Santiago de Compostela's cathedral, discovering Coimbra's university, admiring Bom Jesus do Monte, and indulging in port wine and Lisbon's culinary scene.

  • What is the starting and ending point of the tour?

    The tour starts in Portugal, with a car pick-up at Porto Airport, and ends in Lisbon, Portugal, with a car drop-off at Lisbon Airport.

  • What are some of the notable places visited on Day 4 of the tour?

    On Day 4, you will visit Guimarães, known as the cradle of the nation and birthplace of the first king of Portugal, Braga, known as the 'Portuguese Rome' for its concentration of religious architecture, and Viana do Castelo, where you will check in to your hotel.

  • What activities are planned for Day 6 in Santiago de Compostela?

    On Day 6, you will spend the day discovering Santiago de Compostela, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Activities include walking around the city center, visiting the Plaza del Obradoiro, and exploring the Cathedral dedicated to the Apostle Santiago.

  • What can I expect to see in Coimbra on Day 10?

    In Coimbra, you will visit the University, one of the oldest in the world, with its magnificent baroque library and unique atmosphere characterized by ancient traditions and customs. You will also stop at St. Clara Church, where the tomb of Queen Santa Isabel lies.

  • What is special about the city of Viseu, visited on Day 9?

    Viseu is the center of the Dão vineyards and is connected to Portugal's oldest hero, Viriato, a Lusitanian chief. It is known for its historical significance and beautiful surroundings.

  • What are the main attractions in Lisbon on Day 12?

    In Lisbon, you will explore the downtown area known as Baixa, visit Alfama, the oldest section of Lisbon, and see the monumental and historical area of Belem, including Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery, both UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    Yes, but only in case it was previously agreed by both sides and arranged by us.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Our e-document package includes all local contact details, daily itinerary, airline e-ticket information, service vouchers, and travel tips which should be everything you require to go on your trip.

  • If I need one, who is responsible to obtain my visa?

    You are responsible for obtaining the proper travel documents for the destinations on your itinerary, including having a passport that is valid for at least 6 months before the date of departure and a visa if required. Please check the Visa section in the Know Before You Go document for the countries you will be visiting.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    No, not as standard. Solo travellers can book and occupy their own room for a supplement.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    We have been organizing unforgettable trips since 2001.

  • Can I arrange flights via Indus Travels, too?

    In some cases, yes. Indus Travels can provide flights from/to selected departure points in the USA. If you would like a quote inclusive of flights, please let us know and we'll be happy to check the details for you!

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    Changes to an existing reservation up to the Final Payment Date, whatever the cause, will incur a $100 per person amendment fee, potential loss of any supplier fees (such as non-refundable event tickets, park permits, and sea cruise reservations) plus any costs for replacement services. On/ after the Final Payment Date, the $100 change fee is no longer valid, instead cancellations terms apply.

Reviews of this operator

Terry Kratz (Google Reviewer)  

Thanks to Indus and Nicko...

13-Sep-2024

Thanks to Indus and Nicko Cruise for a great trip down the Danube. I had not been on a river cruise prior to this and found it a very relaxing way to travel and see some European highlights. The ship was superb. The staff served great meals, were friendly and accommodating. As far as the tours and city visits, they all gave us a reasonable amount of time and insight into the location we were visiting to come away with a sense that we had a good glimpse of the city and were able to spend some free time in the city as well. A special thanks to Dhruv our fearless leader from Indus who was a great organizer. Lastly - nice to meet all of you in our group. terry

Joyce Elyse Baumbach  

The tour organized by Indus Travels ...

16-Dec-2022

The tour organized by Indus Travels was flawless. Hotels, tours, and transportation all impressed me. We had a very relaxing time knowing what was happening at each stage. The scenery and activities were fantastic and did not disappoint. The highlight of the trip was definitely Galapagos Islands.

Indus Travel Reviews
Sirjirick Gibson (Google Reviewer)  

This is my fourth Indus...

20-Aug-2024

This is my fourth Indus trip coming up. I love the way the app works. I love the way the trips are organized and small groupings. I love the accommodations. I love the transportation it’s just top-notch service for individual traveler. I just completed my fourth trip with This and I have already signed up for my up-and-coming fifth trip with Indus travel. Once again, I have to say the service of this is absolutely top-notch service. I am so grateful to have this opportunity to travel and style and comfort. The organization of this is top-notch service from start to finish.. I have to say this sales management and associate team is absolutely amazing which basically allows me to continuously book my trips through end this. My travel life is to travel to as many countries as possible, and it will all be done through excellent job. I would like to give a special thanks to Rachel P. And Ravi., I have been involved with Rachel for the past five years and I will continue to travel within due to the fact that she makes this such a pleasant experience. Great job to her..

Neeraj Nauhwaar (Google Reviewer)  

Booked Mystical Egypt tour with...

07-Dec-2023

Booked Mystical Egypt tour with them visiting Cairo and a 03 Nights Cruise from Luxor to Aswan in May. All services were perfect since the time we arrived at the airport, we were met by a hospitable Indus Representative who helped us with the purchase of local SIM and currency exchange. He was always there in time to assist for transfers. The Amwaj Cruise which we took from Luxor to Aswan was a Gem. We had great guides and all sightseeing worked like a clockwork. We enjoyed visiting Karnak Temples, Temples of Edfu, Kom Ombo and the boat ride to see Phillae Temple. Evening entertainment on cruise were great and engaging. In Cairo and Aswan, we had ample leisure time to explore on own, the Pyramids were impressive and visiting Khan e Khalili was fun. Overall and impressive and enjoyable tour, Thanks to Indus Travels!

Dhruv R (Google Reviewer)  

Recently went on a Rhine...

09-Jun-2023

Recently went on a Rhine River Cruise, a first for me. I must say the experience was exceptional, their tagline says. The group I was with were some of the most fun and interesting set of people I've ever traveled with. The ground transportation arrangements were top notch and comfortable. Variety in menu that we were provided with in the cruise was astounding. I was a bit worried if they'd have much options for me as I'm a vegetarian. But they not only had options, the taste was something I'd savor for foreseeable future. There's a reason Rhine cruises are popular owing to it's serene and picturesque route. Guided tours were very informative and gave us a bit of an insight of German culture. We had good amount of time to explore the towns on our own too. Strasbourg and Cochem were my favorite stops. Luckily the weather worked in our favour and it didn't rain the way it was predicted originally. No one from our group wanted the tour to end. If this trip was any indication, I can't wait to book my next trip with Indus Travels.

Dennis V (Google Reviewer)  

My wife and I travelled...

02-Jul-2024

My wife and I travelled with Indus on the essentials Portugal Spain Switzerland and Italy tour last October and had the time of our lives. The tour was very well planned we visited a lot of the highlights the countries had to offer. The tour went very smoothly with knowledgeable guides and courteous drivers. We would highly recommend travelling with Indus.

Gloria Parra (Google Reviewer)  

Indus Travel runs a highly...

04-Mar-2024

Indus Travel runs a highly professional organization. From customer service to brochures, bookings, tour guides, etc. and the consideration for their customers is superb. This was the first time I had travelled with Indus Travels. We took the Taste of Portugal Tour. Group numbers are small, accommodation comfortable and food excellent. The expert guide who accompanied us was outstanding - passionate, informative, engaging, and entertaining. This company is obviously at the heart of the itinerary planning, and attention to detail is second to none. I would highly recommend this company to anyone wanting a fun, relaxed, educational vacation with fine food - they will deliver! We will never forget this trip and we are already planning for another one to Wonders of Italy, Vienna, Budapest, and Prague.

Olivia  

Best of Italy

16-Nov-2022

Indus Travels did an excellent job planning the trip to Italy. We were on Best of Italy in Oct 2022. The tour was 5 stars all the way. The hotel accommodations were comfortable and clean & guides were top-notch.

Indus Travel Reviews
Kim Eisnor (Google Reviewer)  

We had an absolutely amazing...

12-Sep-2024

We had an absolutely amazing experience on our first ever river boat cruise. The itinerary and ports were incredible, the ship was beautiful, the food was great (especially Mario’s Grill), the excursions were excellent and the staff was lovely. We had such a memorable trip with our group and made lots of memories that will last a lifetime.

DJWalter Capote (Google Reviewer)  

We were looking for a...

07-Oct-2023

We were looking for a customized, small group tour. We took a chance on Indus without knowing much about the company. We just returned from our trip to Greece and are more than highly please and satisfied with our experience. They planned an amazing itinerary, booked amazing hotels, hired knowledgeable tour guides and arranged high quality transportation services. Everyone went above and beyond to please us. We are already planning a trip for next year (2024) and will definitely use Indus to do so.

Save on this tour

Request your exclusive discount code now and unlock savings for your next adventure!

Send me one now.

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Indus Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 45 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of indus travels charges.

    Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Enquire for huge savings

Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.

By submitting this form, I accept Travel Club Elites terms & conditions and privacy policy.