Iberia Loop From Santiago

Once you arrive in Santiago de Compostela, make your way to the hotel and check in. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or begin exploring at your own pace. You might take a stroll through the atmospheric old town, visit the magnificent Cathedral of Santiago, the final resting place of St James, or simply enjoy a coffee in one of the lively squares as you watch pilgrims arrive at the end of their journey.

Please note: This tour is bilingual and will be conducted in Spanish as well as in English.

Meeting point: HOTEL OCA PUERTA DEL CAMINO, C/ Miguel Ferro Caaveiro, s/n, 15703 Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña at 7:30 am on day 2.

Santiago de Compostela - Rias Bajas - Vigo. Today we travel towards the stunning region of Rías Bajas, often called the Spanish Fjords. The route takes us through lush coastal scenery before we make a brief stop on La Toja Island, famous for its spa heritage.

We continue to O Grove, where you may join an optional catamaran cruise to visit local oyster and mussel farms, with a tasting of fresh mussels and Ribeiro wine. Later, we head to the port city of Vigo, where you’ll have free time to explore the waterfront and old quarter.

Vigo (Spain) - Viana de Castelo (Portugal) - Braga - Porto. This morning we cross into Portugal and arrive in Viana do Castelo, beautifully set between the River Miño and the Atlantic Ocean. You have free time to stroll through the old town’s narrow lanes, lined with elegant townhouses and traditional cafés.

We then continue to Braga, known as the city of archbishops and one of Portugal’s most historic centres. After time at leisure to discover its churches and charming squares, we continue our journey to Porto.

After breakfast we set out to explore Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage city celebrated for its rich culture and riverside charm. Our panoramic visit takes in key landmarks including the Cathedral, the Stock Exchange Palace and the Church of St Clara.

We end our morning at a local wine cellar, where we enjoy a tasting of the city’s famous Port wine while learning about its centuries-old production.

Porto - Coimbra. Today we travel south to Coimbra, home to one of Europe’s oldest universities and a city steeped in academic tradition. Known as the birthplace of Fado, Coimbra offers a blend of history and culture at every turn.

After lunch you have time at leisure to explore the university quarter, visit the library, or simply enjoy the atmosphere along the River Mondego.

Coimbra - Fatima - Lisbon.This morning we journey to Fátima, one of the most revered pilgrimage centres in the world. You’ll have free time to visit the Sanctuary and reflect in this place of devotion.

We then continue to Lisbon, Portugal’s lively capital city. In the evening you may choose to take an optional tour featuring dinner and a traditional Fado performance.

After breakfast we discover the highlights of Lisbon, beautifully situated at the mouth of the River Tagus. Our panoramic tour includes Edward VII Park’s viewpoint, Rossio Square, Liberdade Avenue and the historic Madragoa district, where Fado music was born.

We then continue to the Belém area to see the Belém Tower, the Monument to the Discoveries and the impressive Jerónimos Monastery. The afternoon is free for your own exploration, or you may join an optional excursion to Sintra, Cascais and Estoril.

Lisbon (Portugal) - Merida (Spain) - Seville. Today we travel across the Spanish border to Mérida, a city renowned for its Roman heritage. You’ll have free time to visit the extraordinary archaeological site, including the Roman Theatre and Amphitheatre, both listed by UNESCO.

After lunch at your own pace, we continue along the historic Silver Route to Seville, the elegant capital of Andalusia. Dinner is included on arrival.

This morning we explore Seville’s highlights, beginning with the lush María Luisa Park and the magnificent Plaza de España. We view the exterior of the grand Cathedral and its bell tower, La Giralda, before walking through the charming Santa Cruz district, known for its flower-filled courtyards and narrow streets.

During your free time you may choose to take an optional river cruise on the Guadalquivir for a different view of the city, or visit the Maestranza bullring. Lunch is at your own arrangement, and in the evening you can attend an optional flamenco show.

Seville - Ronda - Costa del Sol. After breakfast we set off along the scenic Route of the White Villages, travelling through hilltop towns and olive groves before reaching Ronda. You’ll have free time to explore its old town, perched dramatically above the deep gorge of El Tajo.

We then continue towards the beautiful Costa del Sol, where we enjoy dinner by the Mediterranean coast.

Costa del Sol - Granada. Today we leave the coast and travel inland to Granada, one of Spain’s most enchanting cities. Our visit includes the Alhambra and the Generalife Gardens, an extraordinary complex of palaces, fountains and courtyards that reflect centuries of Moorish artistry.

Dinner is included this evening. You may also wish to take an optional visit to the Sacromonte caves to experience an authentic gypsy flamenco performance.

Please note: If tickets for the Alhambra and Generalife are unavailable, a city tour of Granada will be offered instead.

Granada - Toledo - Madrid. After breakfast we journey north towards the Imperial City of Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage site rich in history and tradition. We enjoy lunch together before taking in a panoramic view from the Mirador del Valle and strolling through the city’s medieval streets.

Later we continue our journey to Madrid, Spain’s vibrant capital.

Madrid - Leon - Oviedo. Today we head north towards León, a city known for its remarkable Gothic Cathedral and its intricate stained-glass windows. You’ll have free time to visit its major landmarks, including the Collegiate Church of San Isidoro and the San Marcos Hostal with its Plateresque façade.

We then travel on to Oviedo, the capital of Asturias, where dinner is included this evening.

Oviedo - La Coruna - Santiago de Compostela. After our final breakfast we travel through the scenic landscapes of Galicia to reach La Coruña. We take a short panoramic tour of this elegant coastal city before continuing to Santiago de Compostela.

Once we have arrived in Santiago de Compostela, this will mark the end of our tour. Safe Travels!