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CoimbraThis historic, cultured town was once the capital of Portugal and boasts the oldest university in the country
SalamancaSteeped in history and golden sandstone buildings, this university city has been a centre of learning for centuries
Douro ValleyAdmire steep terraced vineyards by the Douro River on an optional boat cruise
Santiago de CompostelaCombine artistic and spiritual delights when you visit this grand city, the final stop of the epic Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route
Cape FinisterreStare into the horizon on this beautiful cape once believed to be the end of the known world
Costa da MortePlunging cliffs, remote sandy beaches, and rocky headlands; this is the stunning and treacherous ‘Coast of Death’
Las MédulasMarvel at the red-tinged mountains that once hid the most important gold mine in the entire Roman Empire
PortoA historic centre, charismatic locals, sumptuous food, and famous port: no one can resist the charms of this UNESCO World Heritage city
El EscorialA 16th-century combination of royal institutions by the foothills of the Sierra de Guadarrama, north-west of Madrid
The ancient civilizations of Europe left behind a wealth of wonders.
The monks of Porto created delicious drinks for religious ceremonies, the Romans shaped entire mountains in their pursuit of gold, and the 16th-century kings used their riches to build ostentatious plazas and palaces.
On this journey, you leave behind the modern world and venture to the edge of ancient Europe to discover the tastes, traditions, and treasures of the past.
You wander through the cobbled lanes of Portugal’s old towns. You learn about the influential universities of Coimbra and Salamanca. You explore the cathedral that marks the end of the world-famous pilgrimage route, the Camino de Santiago. And you experience some of the greatest achievements of the Roman Empire.
It’s the perfect trip for someone who loves ancient history, delicious seafood, and stunning natural landscapes.
Itineraries
Day 1
Marvel at the Moorish architecture in the town of Óbidos
Learn about the thinkers of the past in one of the oldest universities in the world in Coimbra
You say ‘bom dia’ to your guide and fellow travellers, leave the coastal capital city of Lisbon, and travel the short distance to Óbidos.
This quaint walled town has a wealth of wonders for you to discover. You can study the sturdy walls of their Moorish Castle; amble through the little cobbled shopping lanes; or combine two of your favourite guilty pleasures in a drink of Ginjinha d’Óbidos, a sweet liqueur served in a chocolate cup.
Back on the road, you venture further north to Coimbra. This former Portuguese capital is famous for being the home of one of the oldest universities in the world. You will explore this magnificent institution, whose roots go back to the 13th century, before finding some local food for lunch.
After you’ve soaked up the history, it’s time to head to Aveiro. You feel like you’ve been teleported into little Venice in this town that’s lined with canals and art-nouveau architecture.
Your final stop of the day is in Porto, your home for the next two nights. It’s been a busy day, but hopefully you’re not too tired to walk to a sunset spot in this many-tiered town.
Included Activities
Entrance to Coimbra University Library
Accommodation
Grande Hotel do Porto or similar, Porto
Day 2
Peruse shops and restaurants of Porto’s cobbled lanes
Marvel at the terraced vineyards on the banks of the Douro River
Today, you have an important decision to make.
Do you lounge around and take in the cathedrals, cellars, and cuisine of beautiful Porto? Or do you hop on the mini-coach with us and venture through the Douro Valley?
Lucky for you, there’s no wrong option.
When you join our optional half-day excursion, you travel to Pinhão by coach to enjoy a river cruise on a traditional rabelo boat. Once you’ve arrived at this small port-producing town, it’s time to savour its delicious tipple and admire the stunning vistas.
Next you drive to Peso de Regua for an optional wine tasting at a local winery. Alternatively, spend a little time exploring the town.
Before returning to Porto mid-afternoon, you'll stop off at Mesão Frio viewpoint for stunning views of the river Douro and its banks.
The rest of the day is yours to discover more of the city and indulge in its wines and flavours in your own style. And if you’re a fan of live music, don’t miss out on a performance of Fado, Portugal’s emotionally stirring traditional music.
Optional Activities
River Douro boat cruise and wine tasting
Wine tasting at winery in Peso de Regua
Accommodation
Grande Hotel do Porto or similar, Porto
Day 3
Your Plan
Cross the border into Northern Spain
You leave Porto behind and venture north to Braga where you'll visit the famous Bom Jesus Sanctuary. This place of religious, cultural and architectural heritage was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019.
At the foot of Mount Espinho, you'll admire the Baroque staircase as it zig-zags upwards with ornate granite fountains and statues on display. Perched at the top is a neoclassical church with stunning views over the city. To get to the top you can purchase a ticket for the special elevator. Or, if you're feeling fit, you can tackle the almost-600 steps by foot.
Your next stop is Guimarães, known as the 'birthplace of Portugal'. The historic centre is of the city is part of UNESCO World Heritage. As well as learning more about the city, you'll have some free time here to enjoy lunch. For a must-see glimpse into the 15-16th century life of the Braganza Dukes, you can opt to visit the Palace of Braganza.
And now, it’s over the border and into Spain. You arrive in Santiago de Compostela, one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in the world, where you stay for two nights.
Included Activities
Ticket for Bom Jesus do Monte Funicular (elevator)
Optional Activities
Entrance to Palace of Braganza
Accommodation
Hotel Gelmirez or similar, Santiago de Compostela
Day 4
Explore the architecture, atmosphere, and history of Santiago de Compostela
Journey to Cape Finisterre, the furthermost edge of ancient Europe
Today, you can relax and enjoy the sights of Santiago de Compostela at your own pace or come on an adventure with us.
If you join our trip, the day will start with a drive along the Costa da Morte, ‘the Coast of Death’. And no, this isn’t a shoreline infested with pirates and cannibals, it’s a place that was once notorious for shipwrecks. You'll arrive first at the town of Noia, then continue on to Muros for a coffee stop. Next up is a photo stop of Galicia's largest beach - Playa de Carnota.
You'll then visit the Ézaro waterfall. Here, you go for a small walk to take in the views of a rare wonder - the Ézaro River tumbling straight into the sea.
After you’ve enjoyed the waterfall, we travel to the ‘End of the World’ at Cape Finisterre. Ancient civilisations believed this was the end of the earth. You have time here to admire the lighthouse and look out over the wild Atlantic Ocean.
Your next stop is in Muxía. This lovely, historic harbour town is the perfect spot to sample the fresh seafood that this region is famous for and watch the ships set off to sea.
When you arrive back in Santiago de Compostela, the evening is yours to try Galician specialities or admire the famous cathedral built over the remains of St James, one of the apostles of Jesus Christ.
Accommodation
Hotel Gelmirez or similar, Santiago de Compostela
Day 5
Roam upon the ramparts of the ancient Romans in Lugo
Survey the other-worldly landscapes that were created by the Roman gold excavating technique, ruina montium (wrecking of mountains)
Your first stop of the day is in Lugo. This town has a lot to be proud of. Apart from a stunning cathedral and oodles of charm, it has the only fully intact Roman city walls in the world. So feel like a Roman Legionnaire and take a stroll along the defences.
You continue to follow in the footsteps of the ancient Romans and travel to Las Médulas. Strange red pinnacles and holes in the mountains make this landscape look and feel otherworldly. The Romans created what you see before you by boring into the earth in their quest for gold.
You explore this area and enjoy your lunch before continuing the journey to Salamanca for your overnight stay. This mesmerising city is adorned with the riches of the Spanish Golden Age and boasts a great culinary scene.
Accommodation
Hotel Artheus Carmelitas or similar, Salamanca
Day 6
Admire the artistic achievements of the Spanish Golden Age in Salamanca
Become envious of the lifestyle of kings in the palace of El Escorial
You have time in the morning to marvel at the golden-hued landmarks of Salamanca’s Old Town and university. Or you can have a lie-in if you enjoyed the famous nightlife a little too much the night before.
Cast one last glance at the stunning architecture of the city before we head off, and you continue the journey through the vast plains of Castile and León.
You'll have a lunch stop and some free time in the city of Ávila before visiting El Escorial, the remarkable residence of the Spanish Royals and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After having been immersed in the riches of Spain, we take you to Madrid in the evening.
Included Activities
Entrance to El Escorial
Transport in a luxury mini-coach with a local driver
Air conditioning as standard
The stories and services of an English-speaking guide
5 nights in 3-4 star hotels with continental breakfast
Entrance to Coimbra University Library and El Escorial
Meals, unless listed above
Attractions, unless specified above
Starts
Check-in closes at 08:15 (tour departs at 08:30) - Lisbon Pick Up Point, Hotel Zenit, Lisbon,
Finishes (approx.)
19:30 - Madrid Drop Off, Hotel Porcel Ganivet, Madrid,
Luggage
You're restricted to 20kg (44lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) and a small bag for onboard personal items.
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