8-Day North of Spain & Portugal From Madrid

Embark on an 8-day adventure through the stunning northern regions of Spain and Portugal, departing from Madrid. This comprehensive tour promises an immersive cultural experience, from exploring the vibrant city of Zaragoza to marveling at the renowned Guggenheim Museum in San Sebastián. Savor the flavors of Porto’s renowned wine region and discover the charming Oviedo Cathedral. Comfortable accommodations, delectable meals, and expert multilingual guides ensure a memorable journey filled with breathtaking scenery and rich heritage. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or seeking a new adventure, this tour offers an opportunity to uncover the captivating essence of northern Iberia.

Key Points

• This 8-day adventure takes travelers from Madrid to northern Spain and Portugal, visiting cities like Zaragoza, San Sebastián, Bilbao, and Porto.
• The tour includes lodging, most meals, air-conditioned coach transportation, and guided visits to notable landmarks such as the Guggenheim Museum and Porto wine cellars.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps during travel, with a maximum group size of 55 travelers.
• Travelers have provided mixed reviews, praising the comfortable coach and driver but noting varying hotel quality and intense crowd dynamics at some locations.
• The tour offers scenic views and cultural exposure, with a overall enjoyment level that varies among participants.

Tour Overview

This 8-day adventure takes travelers from Madrid through northern Spain and into Portugal.

Along the way, visitors will explore cities like Zaragoza, San Sebastián, Bilbao, Santander, Oviedo, La Coruña, Vigo, and Porto.

Key landmarks on the itinerary include the Guggenheim Museum, Spain’s fjords, Oviedo Cathedral, and Porto’s famous port wine cellars.

With all lodging, most meals, transport, and tours included, it’s a convenient and comprehensive journey through this scenic region.

Travelers will ride in an air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi and be accompanied by a multilingual tour escort and local guides in Santiago and Porto.

Included Amenities

What does this tour package include? The 8-day adventure from Madrid to northern Spain and Portugal has all lodging, daily breakfast, and several dinners covered. Travelers will have access to air-conditioned coaches with free Wi-Fi and multilingual tour escorts, as well as local guides in Santiago and Porto. The package also includes a visit to a wine cellar with Porto wine tasting and covers the municipal tax in Porto.

Included Amenities	Description
Lodging	All lodging included
Meals	7 breakfasts, 5 dinners
Transportation	Air-conditioned coaches with free Wi-Fi
Tour Guides	Multilingual tour escort, local guides in Santiago and Porto

Meeting and Departure

The meeting point for this tour is C. de Ferraz, 3, Moncloa – Aravaca, 28008 Madrid, Spain.

Travelers should be ready to depart at 7:45 AM and arrive 15 minutes prior. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Transportation is provided by an air-conditioned coach with free Wi-Fi, and a multilingual tour escort and local guides in Santiago and Porto are included.

Travelers should note that this tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps.

It’s also not recommended for those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions.

The maximum group size is 55 travelers.

Traveler Restrictions

Travelers should be aware of several restrictions for this tour. The trip isn’t wheelchair accessible, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

Plus, infants must sit on laps, and the tour isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions.

The tour has a maximum capacity of 55 travelers per group. This may result in a crowded experience, as noted in the reviews, which highlighted the intense movement of people.

• The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.
• Children must be accompanied by an adult.
• Infants must sit on laps, and the tour isn’t recommended for certain travelers.

Review Highlights

Reviewers offered both positive and negative feedback about the tour.

On the plus side, travelers praised the comfortable coach and skilled driver, which made for an enjoyable journey.

However, several reviewers expressed concerns about the varying quality of the hotels, particularly in La Coruña and Oviedo, where accommodations didn’t meet expectations.

Plus, some noted the intense movement of people during the tour, which could be overwhelming at times.

Exploring Zaragoza

Often, the tour begins with a visit to the historic city of Zaragoza, located along the Ebro River in northern Spain.

Travelers will have the opportunity to explore:

1. The Basílica del Pilar, a stunning Baroque cathedral known for its elaborate frescoes and towering spires.
2. The Aljafería Palace, a well-preserved Moorish castle that showcases the region’s rich architectural heritage.
3. The vibrant Plaza del Pilar, a bustling public square surrounded by lively cafes and shops.

After taking in the city’s highlights, the tour continues its journey through the picturesque northern Spanish countryside, heading towards the coastal city of San Sebastián.

Discovering Northern Spain

After exploring the historic city of Zaragoza, the tour heads towards the coastal region of northern Spain.

The first stop is the vibrant city of San Sebastián, known for its picturesque beaches and Basque culinary delights.

Next, the group visits the industrial hub of Bilbao, highlighted by the striking Guggenheim Museum.

Continuing west, the tour encounters the charming port city of Santander, followed by the medieval city of Oviedo, home to the impressive Oviedo Cathedral.

The journey then takes the travelers to La Coruña, a seaside town with the iconic Tower of Hercules lighthouse.

Since You Asked

Can I Change My Tour Departure Date?

You can change your tour departure date, but this may be subject to availability and any price differences. It’s best to contact the tour operator directly to inquire about changing your booking.

What Is the Group Size Limit for Private Tours?

The tour has a maximum group size of 55 travelers, as stated in the traveler information. For private tours, the group size limit may vary depending on the tour operator’s policies, so you’d need to check with them directly.

Do I Need a Visa to Enter Spain or Portugal?

Travelers from most countries don’t need a visa to enter Spain or Portugal for stays under 90 days. However, it’s recommended to check entry requirements for your specific nationality before traveling to ensure you have the proper documentation.

How Much Spending Money Should I Bring?

The amount of spending money needed varies, but travelers should budget around €50-€100 per day for meals, entertainment, and incidentals during this 8-day tour of northern Spain and Portugal. Actual costs may differ based on individual spending habits.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy?

The cancellation and refund policy allows for full refunds up to 30 days before the tour, but there are no refunds within 30 days of the start date. Travellers should review the policy carefully before booking.

The Sum Up

This 8-day tour from Madrid to northern Spain and Portugal offers a unique opportunity to discover the region’s vibrant cities, remarkable landmarks, and stunning scenery. Travelers will enjoy comfortable accommodations, delectable meals, and a guided experience with expert escorts, ensuring a memorable journey filled with cultural richness. Whether it’s exploring Zaragoza, admiring the Guggenheim Museum, or indulging in a Porto wine tasting, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure.