Scenic Portugal and Santiago de Compostela
Scenic Portugal and Santiago de Compostela
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:
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Group size:
1 - 2
Tour operated in:
EnglishActivities:
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
Itinerary
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
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
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11 Nights accommodation on twin-sharing basis at listed hotels or similar
Enjoy comfortable stays at well-appointed hotels throughout your journey.
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Daily breakfast
Start each day with a delicious breakfast included at your hotel.
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Car Group: Renault Clio or similar
Travel conveniently with a rental car included in the package.
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Pick-up at Porto Airport
Begin your journey with a hassle-free car pick-up at Porto Airport.
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Drop-off at Lisbon Airport
Conclude your trip with an easy car drop-off at Lisbon Airport.
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Unlimited mileage
Drive as much as you want with unlimited mileage included.
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CDW (Collision Damage Waiver)
Stay protected with Collision Damage Waiver included in your car rental.
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TP (Theft Protection)
Enjoy peace of mind with Theft Protection included in your car rental.
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VLF (Vehicle Licensee Fee)
Vehicle Licensee Fee is covered in your car rental package.
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ASC (Airport Service Charge)
Airport Service Charge is included in your car rental package.
What's Not Included
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Items of a personal nature, tips and gratuities
Personal expenses, tips, and gratuities are not included.
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Rental car fuel, parking fees and car insurance
Fuel for the rental car, parking fees, and additional car insurance are not included.
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Visas if applicable
Visa fees, if applicable, are not included in the package.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
We have been organizing unforgettable trips since 2001.
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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!
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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