BEST OF NORTHERN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL

Assemble at Changi Airport for our flight to Bilbao, the de facto capital of Basque Country. 

Depart from the airport and drive to the city.  Get acquainted with old and new Bilbao with our local guide.  Stroll around the landmarks of the cobbled old town.   Admire the striking architecture of the Guggenheim Museum designed by American architect Frank Gehry.  The Museum represents an architectural landmark of audacious configuration perfectly integrated within Bilbao’s urban pattern and its surroundings (closed every Monday). 

Travel along the beautiful coastline to San Sebastian, often considered the most beautiful city in Basque Country.  Explore the narrow alleys of the historical quarter, stroll along Europe’s best beach, the La Concha and make a photo stop at the pretty Miramar Royal Palace built for Queen Maria Cristina who put San Sebastian on the map.  Travel to the origins of Txakoli to learn firsthand where its taste comes from.  This mild and lightly sparkling wine is closely connected with the region and makes a great accompaniment to the local cuisine.  Enjoy a tasting of some traditional Baque white wines with seasonal pintxos.   

A short drive away is the village of Getaria, also the birthplace of the fashion designer Balenciaga.  Sitting sleepily on the coast, the village is set between the sea and wine-covered mountains.  Enjoy some free time to explore the village. 

Visit the historic Santillana del Mar filled with beautiful medieval architecture.  With its bright cobbled streets, a tanned sandstone and brick building in perfect state of preservation, Santillana del Mar is a medieval jewel.  The highlight of the town is the Colegiata de Santa Juliana, a lovely church with a walled cloister in the heart of the town.   

A short drive takes us to Comillas where we will tour a treasure of Modernist Art, Gaudi’s El Capricho.  The palace exemplifies Gaudi’s unique architectural style characterized by organic shapes, colourful ceramic tiles and intricate wrought ironwork.    

Spectacular scenery awaits as we travel through the dramatic Picos de Europa to the charming capital of Asturias, Oviedo.    

Visit the Oviedo Cathedral, historic old town and the restored marketplace.  Learn about Asturian cuisine and the tradition of cider making.  Discover why Oviedo has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage of Mankind.   

Cross the Green Coast of Asturias, named after the colour of the sea, pine and eucalyptus trees that line the shore as we make our way to A Coruna, Galicia.   

Discover the authentic Galician essence in every corner of A Coruna with our local guide.  Start in the heart of the city, Plaza de Maria Pita with its impressive architecture emblematic buildings such as the Town Hall and the Church of Santiago.  Immerse in the unique atmosphere of the old town which is full of charm and tradition.  Continue to the old port in the Pescaderia neighbourhood.  The streets, many which bears names related to fishing and the sea, reflect the city’s rich maritime merchants engaged in fishing activities.   

Visit the Tower of Hercules, one of the world’s oldest active Roman lighthouses.  There are 242 steps to the top of the lighthouse, but the effort is worth it for its magnificent views of the city and its coastline.   

Indulge in the flavours of Galicia’s fresh seafood caught along the Galician coast and pair them with a popular Galicia beer.    

Pass through the ancient forests of Galicia as we drive towards Santiago de Compostella, the destination of the thousand-year-old pilgrimage route: the Way of St James.  Attempt a short stretch (roughly 2km) to experience the route of the pilgrims.   

Tour the city’s massive Romanesque and Gothic Cathedral, the historic destination of the renowned St James’ Way.  Discover this UNESCO World Heritage Site and its charming surroundings in the company of our local guide. 

Enjoy some free time at leisure to enjoy this charming city. 

Drive to O Grove, situated on the mouth of the Arousa Estuary and be charmed by the pretty sight of its many coloured boats in the port.  The people live from the farming of mussels, oysters and scallops on wooden platforms out in the water.  If the weather permits, enjoy a boat trip to the mussel and oyster farms for a visit and tasting.   

Cross into Portugal and the historic city of Braga.  Visit the most iconic landmark in Braga, the Bom Jesus de Monte sanctuary.  Perched atop a hill overlooking the city, the sanctuary is famous for its monumental Baroque staircase adorned with sculptures, fountains and chapels.    

Continue to Porto, also known as Oporto, a vibrant city located in northwest Portugal.  It is famous for its stunning riverfront, historic architecture, port wine production and rich cultural heritage. 

Explore Porto’s historic riverside district, a UNECO World Heritage site lined with colourful buildings, narrow streets and picturesque squares.     

Marvel at the ornate azulejo panels decorating the interior of Sao Bento Railway Station.  These beautiful blue and white tiles depict scenes from Portugal’s history.    

Prepare to be enchanted by Livraria Lello, widely regarded as one of the most exquisite bookshops in the world. Its elegant art-nouveau design, adorned with sweeping staircases and endless bookshelves, captivates visitors from around the globe. Notably, Livraria Lello's enchanting ambiance is said to have inspired author J.K. Rowling during her creation of the Harry Potter series (VIP skip-the-line ticket).     

In the afternoon, free at leisure to explore the city.  Why not visit and experience the vibrant vibes of the historic Balhao Market dating back to 1839.     

The Douro Valley, one of the world’s oldest wine regions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is striking with steep terraced vineyards that stand in contrast to the meandering Douro River and whitewashed villages and estates perched up in the hills.    

A short drive away is Lamego, a delightful town set amidst the vineyard-covered hills of the Alto Douro region.  Admire the stunning Baroque sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remedios located atop a hill overlooking the city.  Marvel at the grand staircase adorned with azulejo tiles.  Visit a ‘quinta’ for a tasting of ports and wines produced in the region.    

Situated right in the heart of the Douro Valley is the small town of Pinhao.  The town is surrounded by terraced vineyards that produce grapes for the regions’ famous port and table wines.  The historic Pinhao Railway Station is known for its beautiful azulejo tile panels depicing scenes from the Douro Valley’s history and winemaking traditions.  

Enjoy a relaxing cruise back to Porto.  With the Douro River meandering through the valley surrounded by steep hillsides covered in vineyards.  The landscape is particularly stunning in autumn when the vineyards turn golden and red.  

Head south today for Coimbra, home to one of the world’s oldest universities.  The University of Coimbra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of the city’s intellectual and cultural significance.  Explore the historic campus, including the Joanine Library and Chapel Sao Miguel, to learn about its fascinating history and traditions.  

Make a stop in Mealhada, like many Portuguese families on a weekend, to feast on the country’s best suckling pig before we drive towards the coast to Aveiro, known as the ‘Venice of Portugal’, famous for its picturesque canals and Art Nouveau architecture.   

Explore the canals on a traditional Moliceiro boat.  These colourful boats, decorated with intricate designs and bright paint offer a unique way to experience the city’s historic waterfront and charming architecture.  

It is time to bid farewell to the Iberian Peninsula and travel home with fond memories of the sights, sounds, and stories we have collected on this journey.