Scenic Portugal and Santiago de Compostela
Scenic Portugal and Santiago de Compostela
Scenic Portugal and Santiago de Compostela
Tour Overview
Discover a captivating self-drive tour through Portugal and Spain's Atlantic Coast, where the echoes of history resound amidst a backdrop of breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cultures. Begin your journey in Porto, with its maritime charm and renowned port wine, then explore medieval wonders in Guimarães and Braga. Uncover coastal gems like Viana do Castelo before venturing into Spain to unravel the bustling streets of Vigo and the tranquility of Pontevedra. Immerse yourself in the spiritual aura of Santiago de Compostela before winding through picturesque countryside to Coimbra's historic splendor. Pay homage to Fátima before concluding your adventure in Lisbon, where ancient monuments meet modern sophistication, offering a journey brimming with enchantment and discovery at every turn.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: - 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
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/-/-)
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/-/-)
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/-/-)
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/-/-)
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/-/-)
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/-/-)
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/-/-)
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/-/-)
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/-/-)
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/-/-)
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/-/-)
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.
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Daily breakfast
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Car Group: Renault Clio or similar
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Pick-up at Porto Airport
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Drop-off at Lisbon Airport
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Unlimited mileage
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CDW (Collision Damage Waiver)
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TP (Theft Protection)
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VLF (Vehicle Licensee Fee)
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ASC (Airport Service Charge)
What's Not Included
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Items of a personal nature, tips and gratuities
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Rental car fuel, parking fees and car insurance
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Visas if applicable
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Items not mentioned as included
Check out our Q&As
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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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