Santiago and Valença Do Minho Full Day Private Tour

The "Santiago and Valencça do Minho Full Day Private Tour" offers a captivating journey through the rich cultural heritage of northern Portugal. Departing from Porto, this highly-rated tour provides an immersive experience, exploring the iconic Santiago Cathedral and witnessing the awe-inspiring Botafumeiro ceremony. Complementing the spiritual exploration, the tour also delves into the vibrant local arts and crafts of Valencça do Minho, where visitors can engage with artisans and uncover unique treasures. With comfortable transportation and insightful commentary, this private tour promises an unforgettable day for those seeking to delve deeper into the region’s history and traditions.

Good To Know

• This full-day private tour from Porto takes you to the historical center of Santiago de Compostela and the charming town of Valença do Minho.
• The tour includes round-trip transportation, a professional driver/guide, and a traditional tapas lunch with dietary accommodations available.
• In Santiago, you can explore the iconic Cathedral, attend mass or witness the Botafumeiro ceremony, and have free time for personal exploration.
• The visit to Valença do Minho offers an opportunity to shop for local arts and crafts, interact with artisans, and immerse in the cultural traditions of northern Portugal.
• The tour has received positive reviews, with emphasis on the knowledgeable and engaging guides, comfortable transportation, and a hassle-free experience focused on the tour highlights.

Tour Overview

Offering a full-day private tour, this excursion from Porto takes travelers on a journey to the historic city of Santiago de Compostela and the picturesque town of Valença do Minho.

The tour boasts an impressive 5.0 rating from 34 reviews and a Badge of Excellence. Prices start from $257.27, with variations based on group size.

The itinerary includes exploring Santiago’s historical center, attending mass or witnessing the Botafumeiro celebration, and enjoying a traditional tapas lunch.

Travelers will also visit Valença do Minho for local arts and crafts shopping.

Round-trip transportation from Porto, a professional driver/guide, and vegetarian and gluten-free lunch options are included.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour departs Porto at 8:30 am, with the journey to Santiago de Compostela taking approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. Once in Santiago, guests will explore the city’s historical center, including the iconic Santiago Cathedral. Visitors will have free time to personalize their experience, whether attending mass or witnessing the captivating Botafumeiro celebration. A traditional tapas lunch in Santiago’s historic center is included. The tour also incorporates a stop in Valença do Minho, where guests can browse local arts and crafts.

Itinerary Highlights
Depart Porto at 8:30 am	Explore Santiago Cathedral	Traditional tapas lunch
2.5 hours to Santiago	Free time for personal exploration	Visit Valença do Minho
Tour historical center	Attend mass or see Botafumeiro

Inclusions

Included in the tour are round-trip transportation from any hotel in Porto, a professional driver/guide, and a traditional tapas lunch (with vegetarian and gluten-free options available upon prior notice).

The admission to the Santiago Cathedral is free, and additional services may vary based on third-party availability.

Customers can expect:

1. Comfortable transportation throughout the day.
2. Knowledgeable and engaging guidance from the driver/guide.
3. Flexibility to accommodate dietary preferences for the included lunch.

Pickup Information

Customers can pick up the tour at any hotel in Porto‘s city center or from the Living Tours office at Rua Mouzinho da Silveira, 352, adjacent to the Porto – São Bento train station.

This convenient pickup location allows for a seamless start to the full-day private tour from Porto to Santiago de Compostela and Valença do Minho.

Travelers are transported comfortably throughout the day, with the professional driver/guide providing insightful commentary along the way.

The pickup service ensures a hassle-free experience, enabling customers to focus on the highlights of the tour, including exploring the historical center of Santiago and enjoying a traditional tapas lunch in the city’s historic district.

Customer Feedback

Positive reviews highlight the knowledgeable and engaging nature of the guides leading this tour.

Travelers appreciate the comfortable transportation and insightful commentary provided throughout the excursion.

The available offerings include:

1. Free Walking Tour in Porto for customers booking this activity.
2. Vegetarian and gluten-free lunch options upon prior notice.
3. Admission to the Santiago Cathedral, which is free for participants.

Tour Duration and Departure Time

The tour departs Porto at 8:30 am, with the travel time to Santiago de Compostela taking approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

This full-day private tour allows visitors to explore the historical center of Santiago, including the renowned Santiago Cathedral. Guests will have free time to personally explore the city, attend mass, or witness the Botafumeiro celebration, a captivating incense-swinging ritual.

After the Santiago visit, the tour proceeds to Valença do Minho, where travelers can browse local arts and crafts.

The tour duration ensures a comprehensive experience, enabling visitors to enjoy the rich cultural heritage of these two remarkable destinations.

Exploring Santiago De Compostela

As visitors arrive in Santiago de Compostela, they’ll be captivated by the city’s rich historical heritage. The highlight of any visit is the iconic Santiago Cathedral, a Romanesque masterpiece and the final destination of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage.

Travelers can:

1. Explore the cathedral’s magnificent façade and intricate interior, marveling at the ornate details.
2. Witness the Botafumeiro ceremony, where a giant incense burner is swung dramatically through the cathedral.
3. Wander the vibrant historic center, browsing local shops and soaking in the lively atmosphere.

After an immersive exploration of Santiago, the tour continues to the charming town of Valença do Minho, known for its traditional arts and crafts.

Shopping in Valença Do Minho

After exploring the historic grandeur of Santiago de Compostela, the tour continues to the cultural gem of Valença do Minho, a border town renowned for its vibrant arts and crafts scene.

Guests can wander through the charming streets, browsing the quaint shops that showcase the region’s artisanal treasures. From intricate lace to handcrafted pottery, the town offers a diverse array of locally produced goods.

Visitors can interact with the passionate local artisans, gaining insight into the rich traditions that have shaped Valença’s cultural identity.

This shopping experience provides a delightful conclusion to the day’s journey, allowing travelers to enjoy the authentic spirit of northern Portugal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?

The cancellation policy allows for full refunds up to 24 hours prior to the tour’s departure. Cancellations within 24 hours are subject to a 50% fee. There may be additional restrictions based on third-party availability.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Fit My Interests?

Yes, travelers can customize the itinerary to fit their interests. The tour provider offers flexibility to adjust the schedule and activities based on customers’ preferences, allowing them to tailor the experience to their liking.

Is There an Option to Book a Multi-Lingual Guide?

Yes, there’s an option to book a multilingual guide for this tour. The tour provider offers guides who speak multiple languages, ensuring a personalized and informative experience for travelers from diverse backgrounds.

Can We Stop for Additional Sightseeing Along the Way?

The tour doesn’t explicitly mention additional sightseeing stops along the way, but it’s likely possible to request this. The driver/guide can likely accommodate requests for brief stops, subject to time constraints and third-party availability.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Larger Groups?

Yes, the tour provider offers discounts for larger groups. The price starts from $257.27 per person and varies based on the group size, with potential savings for groups of 3 or more.

The Sum Up

The "Santiago and Valença do Minho Full Day Private Tour" offers a captivating exploration of rich cultural heritage. Travellers can enjoy the iconic Santiago Cathedral, savor local cuisine, and witness the renowned Botafumeiro ceremony. Afterwards, they’ll discover the vibrant arts and crafts of Valença do Minho, engaging with artisans and unearthing unique treasures. With comfortable transportation and insightful commentary, this private tour promises an unforgettable day of cultural discovery.