Explore the beautiful nature of Spain & Portugal
Spain & Portugal, with their richly intertwined histories and cultures, each make wonderful touring destinations – but why choose? With our specially designed cross-border touring holidays you can visit both countries in one tour and get the best of both worlds!
Follow the Camino de Santiago or retrace Wellington’s footsteps; discover the Roman province of Lusitania or marvel at the mighty fortresses thrown up on either side of the border by centuries of conflict – the border-lands of Spain & Portugal are a treasure-trove of rich experiences.
Duero or Douro, Albariño or Albarinho, Extremadura or Estremadura… as you cross from one country to the other you’ll find fascinating similarities and delightful differences at which to marvel. And wherever you go you’ll find world-class wines and gastronomy as well as a warm welcome from the local people.
Cross-border travel made easy
Numerous flights from the UK and worldwide direct to Spain & Portugal mean that the Iberian Peninsula has never been easier to get to.
Our fly-drive tours are designed to start and finish in the same country, avoiding the problem of cross-border rentals, whilst our ‘Porto Run’ ferry-drive tour ties in with the direct ferry crossings to Santander or Bilbao.
Take one of our cross-border tours and enjoy two fascinating countries in one wonderful trip!
- Independent self-drive touring with all the info and support you need.
- Bespoke itineraries – designed and organised by our experts.
- Fly to Spain or Portugal and we’ll include a hire car.
- Stay in delightful, independent small hotels.
Practical Information
Spain & Portugal Cross-Border holiday destinations
Our cross-border touring region straddles the frontier between Spain and Portugal and offers the chance to explore two countries in one visit, an exciting opportunity to compare and contrast two cultures and witness the fruits of centuries of conflict and co-operation – a mighty heritage!
Combine a visit to Madrid, Salamanca, León and Santiago de Compostela with Lisboa, Coimbra and Porto and you know you’re in for a treat. The lands in between – Extremadura, Castilla y León and Galicia on the Spanish side and the Alentejo, Estremadura, Centro de Portugal and the north on the Portuguese – are immensely rich in both historical sites and natural beauty.
Those looking for a theme can explore Roman Lusitania which predated the border and left fine remains in Mérida and Évora or follow the pilgrim route to Santiago, ‘El Camino Portugues’, which follows the Atlantic coastline without stopping to think about national boundaries.
Spain-Portugal tours also allow you to visit the more remote areas of inland Spain and Portugal without foregoing some time at the coast!
Places to visit in the Spanish-Portuguese borderlands
Main highlights & cities in the Spanish-Portuguese borderlands
- Madrid & Lisboa –combine the two capitals
- Roman remains in Mérida and Evora
- Fortress towns Elvás, Ciudad Rodrigo, Almeida and many more…
- Salamanca and Coimbra – historic seats of learning
- Camino Portugues to Santiago de Compostela
- Magnificent monasteries of Batalha and Alcobaça
- Wonderful birdwatching, Monfraguebeing the star
- The wild, surfy Atlantic coast
- Gastronomical delights from Spanish jamón to Portuguese Bacalhao
- Wonderful wines from Porto, Douro, Alentejo, El Bierzo …
- Cáceres, Trujillo – the land of the Conquistadores
- Douro or Duero, Tajo or Tejo – two mighty rivers to explore
Things to do in the Spanish-Portuguese borderlands
At or near the border there are several nature parks so plenty to do for trekkers and nature lovers alike. Right on the northern border with Galicia the Peneda-Geres is Portugal’s only National Park then heading south-east the Arribes del Duero nature park actually crosses the border in north east Portugal.
Further south the Serra de Estrela and Serra de San Mamede in Portugal and Monfrague and the Sierras de Francia and Gredos in Spain all provide outstanding birdwatching.
For wine lovers this area is full of interesting opportunities to visit wineries and try the produce. The other star product from this area is the cured ham, most famously Jabugo in Andalucia and Guijuelo near Salamanca but you can witness the Iberian pigs in the unique ‘dehesa’ environment and witness the curing process (and maybe even have a wee try) throughout Extremadura and the Alentejo regions as well.
When to go to the Spanish-Portuguese borderlands
About the weather in the Spanish-Portuguese borderlands
For Atlantic coastal tours such as the Camino del Portugues which combine the Portuguese coast with Galicia the mild climate means the best time to visit between April and October.
For tours which head into the Alentejo and Spanish Extremadura the season is longer, from March through to November but the high summer (July and August) may be best avoided.
As the tours often traverse different climatic zones Spring and Autumn can be the safest bet – avoiding the extremes of either region.
Getting to Spain and Portugal borderlands
Our Spanish-Portuguese border holiday destinations are well served by air from the UK.
By Sea
For our Porto Run itinerary Brittany Ferries offer seven sailings a week from Portsmouth or Plymouth to Santander or Bilbao. Crossings are over-night and take between 21 and 24 hours (with the exception of the Sunday night crossing which takes two nights). The Spanish ports are just one hour apart and so can be easily combined giving greater flexibility.
*More info – check the ‘Travel’ tab from within any particular tour for the best options for that trip.
By Air
The main airports of entry are:
Madrid, Lisboa and Porto from Stansted, Luton, Gatwick, Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol and Edinburgh (and many more UK and International airports)
Santiago de Compostela from Stansted and Gatwick
Getting around
A car is essential for getting around and to make the most out of the visit as many of the hotels and attractions are not easily accessed by public transport.
Please note that while it’s OK to cross international borders during your trip with a rental car the car must normally be returned to its country of origin at the end of the tour (our tours are designed with this in mind).
If travelling by air we usually include a hire car whilst those coming on the ferry will use their own vehicle. In either case we will provide full driving instructions, GPS co-ords for the accommodation and essential information on driving in Spain and Portugal as well as a touring map of the area.
Eating and drinking in the Spanish and Portuguese bordelands
Amazing Food in the Spanish and Portuguese borderlands
The opportunity to sample, compare and contrast the food and wine of these two mighty gastronomic cultures is surely one of the main attractions of a cross-border tour in Spain and Portugal.
Whether you compare the fish and seafood dishes as you progress along the coastal Camino del Portugues, the way they breed and serve the Iberian pig in the inland areas, the quality of the olive oil or the delicious local cheeses, you’re sure to find much to savour.
Wonderful wines
The borderlands are exceptionally rich in wine producing regions. In the north you’ll find delicious Albarinho on both sides of the border and as you head south you’ll have the opportunity to contrast Douro with Duero and Alentejo with the up and coming wines from Extremadura – it’s hard work but someone’s got to do it!
Explore our cross-border tours in Spain and Portugal
Here's a selection of our cross-border tours - for a full list of tours in Spain and Portugal please click here
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[name] => The Porto Run – Santander to Porto
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[description] => On the way you’ll find plenty to explore as you cross and follow the Caminos de Santiago and trace part of Wellington’s route from his Peninsular Campaign. You’ll find magnificent cities of Burgos, Salamanca, Porto and Santiago and rural delights of the Douro Valley, the Asturian coast and the Picos de Europa mountains.
The full route takes at least fourteen days but you can do as little, or as much, as you like.
[introduction] => An epic adventure! Bring your own car or motorbike to Santander (or fly down and rent) and cut a swathe right through the heart of Spain to Porto on the Atlantic coast before looping back through Galicia to the northern coast and the Picos de Europa mountains, this route is full of delightful contrasts.
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[title] => Day 1 & 2 – Burgos
[introduction] =>
[description] => Essential stop on the Camino de Santiago
Truly awesome cathedral, recently restored
The city of El Cid, Campeador
Bustling old town; lively bars & restaurants
Spain’s best lamb & delicious black pudding
Atapuerca & the Museum of Human Evolution
Salamanca – truly monumental university ci
Toro, Rueda & Sierra de Salamanca wines
Delicious jamon from Guijuelo
Historic Tordesillas, Toro & Zamora
Cruise on the river in the Arribes del Duero
Sierra de Francia & villages of Las Batuecas
Fabulous Douro scenery – take an unforgettable boat trip
World Heritage Douro vineyards, the World’s oldest!
Romantic Amarante on the River Tamega
Lamego – famous stairs of Nossa Senhora dos Remedios
Superb gastronomy in the atmospheric “adegas” taverns
Ribeira, Porto’s fascinating historic centre, a World Heritage site
Cross the impressive Dom Luis I iron bridge to the Port Wine Lodges
Art for all from finest museums to simple galleries
Walk the lanes, sail the river, live and breathe Porto
Ferry to Afurada and the golden beach of Estrela
Journey’s end, for centuries Europe’s most important pilgrim destination
World heritage city centred around the magnificent Cathedral, said to house the bones of St James
Guided walking tour, there’s so much to discover
Lively bar scene, great tapas and young Ribeiro wine, or if you prefer, a drop of Albariño.
Pretty fishing villages such as Cudillero & Luarca
Beautiful beaches & dramatic cliff-top coastal walks
Dinosaur coast & Jurassic museum
Oviedo, historic Asturian capital & Gijon by the sea
National Park of Somiedo – maybe you’ll see bears!
Visit a traditional Asturian cider house (sidrería)
Historic seaside towns of San Vicente, Comillas or Santillana del Mar
Sandy beaches and craggy protected coves
Carmona, Barcena Mayor in the beautiful valleys
Prehistoric cave paintings at Altamira and many more
Wonderful walks along the coast or in the rolling hills
Add a stop in Valladolid or Zamora - rich in heritage and excellent wines
Swap Burgos for Lerma and stay at its historic Parador
Add a stop in the Rias Bajas - or stay there instead of Santiago
Fly via Madrid - worldwide connected - and discover Spain´s capital
Call us to talk through all the options - we'd love to hear from you!
Monumental cities; Salamanca, Porto and Santiago
Delicious wines of the Duero & Douro
Camino de Santiago & Wellington’s footsteps
Spain’s verdant north-west coast
Spectacular scenery; Meseta, Douro, Picos de Europa
Superb regional gastronomy throughout
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[name] => Lusitania Romana – Cross-border Tour
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[description] => From charming and vintage Lisboa passing through the lesser-known gems of the Alto Alentejo into Spain, enjoy the amazing Roman vestiges in the Portuguese city of Évora and neighbouring Spanish Mérida, once the provincial capital Emerita Augusta.
Once in Spain, take the opportunity to discover its least known province – Extremadura – with an immense wealth of truly unique experiences – historical, natural and gastronomical.
Explore the Sierra de Gredos and Salamanca and their splendid valleys before “jumping” into the Serra da Estrela mountains. End your trip by the sea in the spectacular Atlantic beaches of the Portuguese coast.
The full route takes fourteen days but you can do as little, or as much, as you like.
[introduction] => A circular tour around the ancient Roman province of Lusitania, this trip will show you the similarities and contrasts between two regions with a common past.
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[title] => Day 1 & 2 – Lisboa & around
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[description] => Hop on a tram and explore Portugal’s exciting capital
Rossio square and train station
Skip out to Sintra, and the beaches of Cascais & Aldeia do Meco
Bar hop in Bairro Alto, dine in style in Chiado
Mosteiro dos Jerónimos – a Manueline delight
Explore the high Sierras of Gredos and Salamanca
Lose yourself in the Jewish Quarter of Hervás
Valle del Jerte cherry trees by the million – a real treat in Spring!
Visit Candelario & Béjar – two true beauties
Plasencia – key staging point on the Via de Plata
World Heritage Évora, Roman ruins, medieval walls
Alentejo wines, Portugal’s finest
Hilltop fortress towns of Monsaraz, Marvão and Castelo Vide
Pottery towns among the vines El Corval and Redondo
“Marble towns” of Vila Viçosa and Estremoz
World Heritage Elvas with its magnificent Roman aqueduct
Monfrague National Park – a bird-watcher’s paradise with buzzards, vultures and black stork
Historic Cáceres & Trujillo with its imposing castle
Take a pilgrimage to Guadalupe
2nd century Roman bridge at Alcántara
Excellent local cheese and game dishes
Walking, cycling, kayaking and much more in the Serra da Estrela Nature Park
Visit the Burel Wool factory in Manteigas
Scale the Torre peak – Portugal’s highest
Manteigas and Sabugueiro – charming mountain villages
Rich Jewish heritage and historic castle of Belmonte
The magnificent monasteries of Batalha and Alcobaça
Saõ Martinho do Porto a little pearl set on a string of surf washed Atlantic beaches
The Convent at Tomar, delightful city of the Templars
Sierras de Aire y Candeeiros Nature Park – riddled with caves
Medieval Óbidos with its famous white houses
Extend your stay in Lisboa or swap it for nearby Sintra or Cascais
Mérida, Roman Lusitania´s capital, is a must - you can now stay at its Parador!
or head north into the province of Salamanca - also under Roman rule
Call us to talk through all the options - we'd love to hear from you!
Vibrant and vintage Lisboa
Roman vestiges in Évora and Mérida
Trujillo´s heritage; Monfrague National Park
Valleys of Ambroz & Jerte – natural beauties
Serra da Estrela, Portugal’s highest
World Heritage Batalha & Tomar
Spectacular Atlantic beaches
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[name] => Camino Portugues – Lisboa to Santiago
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[description] => Never far from the Atlantic coast and with the lovely rolling scenery of central and northern Portugal and Galicia as a backdrop, the route is certainly scenic. And with nine world heritage sites along the way it’s truly crammed with cultural and historic highlights.
The regional gastronomy, from ocean and mountains is second to none and the wines are world-class from start to finish.
The full route takes fourteen days but you can do as little, or as much, as you like.
[introduction] => The Portugues Way – packs a lot into one of the shortest, and perhaps the prettiest, of the pilgrims’ ways to Santiago de Compostela.
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[title] => Day 1 to 3 – Lisboa & around
[introduction] =>
[description] => Hop a tram and explore Portugal’s exciting capital
Rossio square and train station
Skip out to Sintra, and the beaches of Cascais & Aldeia do Meco
Bar hop in Bairro Alto, dine in style in Chiado
Mosteiro dos Jéronimos – a Manueline delight
The magnificent monasteries of Batalha and Alcobaça
São Martinho do Porto a little pearl set on a string of surf washed Atlantic beaches
The Convent at Tomar, delightful city of the Templars
Sierras de Aire y Candeeiros Nature Park – riddled with caves
Medieval Óbidos with its famous white houses
Coimbra University – stunning buildings, stunning views, fascinating museums
Sé Velha, Portuguese Romanesque at its finest
Take in a fado show – Coimbra style of course
Jewish Quarter – especially magical by night
Roman ruins at Conímbriga
Ribeira, Porto’s fascinating historic centre, a World Heritage site
Cross the impressive Dom Luis I iron bridge to the Port Wine Lodges
Art for all from finest museums to simple galleries
Walk the lanes, sail the river, live and breathe Porto
Ferry to Afurada and the golden beach of Estrela
Journey’s end, for centuries Europe’s most important pilgrim destination
World heritage city centred around the magnificent Cathedral, said to house the bones of St James
Guided walking tour, there’s so much to discover
Lively bar scene, great tapas and young Ribeiro wine, or if you prefer, a drop of Albariño
Delightful Caminha and the fortress towns of Valença, Monção and Melgaço, dotted along the river Minho
Historic step in the Portuguese Santiago pilgrim way
Imposing Viana do Castelo with its long surfy windswept Atlantic coastline
Graceful Ponte de Lima with its Roman bridge
Sample the Vinho Verde wine and hearty local fare
Go inland from Lisboa and discover the Alentejo
or head south towards the Costa Vicentina
Add a stop in coastal Aveiro - the Portuguese Venice
Enjoy the Albariño wines, delicious shellfish and sandy beaches of Rias Bajas
Call us to talk through all the options - we'd love to hear from you!
Lisboa, Coimbra, Santiago & Porto - four top city visits
Estremadura monasteries – Batalha, Alcobaça & Tomar
Fado culture in Lisboa and Coimbra
Alentejo, Douro, Ribeira & Albariño – a wine lover’s paradise
Atlantic coast – Portuguese surf to sheltered Rias Bajas
The Portuguese Way of St James – steeped in history.
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[name] => Porto to Santiago Driving Tour
[slug] => portuguese-way-santiago
[description] => From start to finish you’ll find striking scenery, wonderful walking, delicious local gastronomy and world-class wines; fascinating historic towns and cities to discover, as well as the legacy of centuries of pilgrimage.
Start and finish in Porto or Santiago, stops are interleaved to avoid long drives. The full route takes ten days but you can do as little, or as much, as you like.
[introduction] => Combine the gentle charms of northern Portugal with the drama of the Galician Rias Bajas, monumental Santiago de Compostela, with time to explore the wild Atlantic coast. Discover two countries in one trip: so much in common and yet so different.
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[title] => Day 1 & 2 – Porto
[introduction] =>
[description] => Ribeira, Porto’s fascinating historic centre, a World Heritage site
Cross the impressive Dom Luis I iron bridge to the Port Wine Lodges
Art for all from finest museums to simple galleries
Walk the lanes, sail the river, live and breathe Porto
Ferry to Afurada and the golden beach of Estrela
Imposing Viana do Castelo with its long surfy windswept Atlantic coastline
Delightful towns and villages along the river Minho
Historic step in the Portuguese Santiago pilgrim way
Graceful Ponte de Lima with its Roman bridge
Sample the Vinho Verde wine and hearty local fare
Journey’s end, for centuries Europe’s most important pilgrim destination
World heritage city centred around the magnificent Cathedral, said to house the bones of St James
Guided walking tour, there’s so much to discover
Lively bar scene, great tapas and young Ribeiro wine, or if you prefer, a drop of Albariño.
Feast on delicious shellfish, locally farmed
Take a trip to the idylic islands of Cies & Ons
Unspoilt Atlantic beaches
Lively Vigo, Europe’s largest fishing port
Cambados, at the heart of the Albariño wine region
Santa Tecla, ancient Celtic ruins, amazing views!
Stunning Guimaraes – World Heritage Site, full of culture and art
Historic Braga with Portugal’s oldest Cathedral
Bom Jesus del Monte with its famous baroque staircase
Lively Barcelos – oldest market in the north, a must!
Celtic Citania de Briteiros, 2500 years of history
Add a stop to explore the Douro Valley and its endless terraced vineyards
Fly via Santiago and explore the Ribera Sacra before you cross the border
If you are a nature lover, take the opportunity and visit the Peneda-Geres National Park
Call us to talk through all the options - we'd love to hear from you!
Follow St James’ Way – heritage, coast and countryside
World class wines – Port, Douro, Vinho Verde, Albariño
Historic Porto’s charming wine lodges
Monumental Santiago de Compostela
Braga & Guimaraes - steeped in history
Coastal delights of Viana, Pontevedra & Cambados
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[name] => Madrid – Porto – Santiago
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[description] => Start in Madrid, Spain’s elegant, lively capital, then head west to Salamanca, the country’s oldest and grandest University city. Discover the Douro valley, the world’s oldest wine region, and the charms of Porto on the Atlantic coast before heading north and finishing like a pilgrim in historic Santiago de Compostela.
Return to Madrid on the fast train or internal flight, or drop the car and head straight back to the UK from Santiago.
The full route takes fourteen days but you can do as little, or as much, as you like.
[introduction] => Discover two countries in one trip.Take in the charms and highlights of Northern Portugal combined with some of Spain’s grandest cities.
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[title] => Day 1 & 2 – Madrid
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[description] => Grand and elegant capital of Spain
Take a stroll in its manicured parks, Buen Retiro
Rich in European art
Prado Museum’s works by Picasso, Goya, Velazquez and other Spanish masters
Plaza Mayor, Madrid’s vibrant main square
Famous Spanish gastronomy, wine and atmosphere
Salamanca – truly monumental university city
Toro, Rueda & Sierra de Salamanca wines
Delicious jamon from Guijuelo
Historic Tordesillas, Toro & Zamora
Cruise on the river in the Arribes del Duero Nature Park
Sierra de Francia & villages of Las Batuecas
Fabulous Douro scenery – unforgettable boat trips
World Heritage Douro vineyards, the World’s oldest!
Romantic Amarante on the River Tamega
Lamego – famous stairs of Nossa Senhora dos Remedios
Superb gastronomy in the atmospheric “adegas” taverns
Ribeira, Porto’s fascinating historic centre, a World Heritage site
Cross the impressive Dom Luis I iron bridge to the Port Wine Lodges
Art for all from finest museums to simple galleries
Walk the lanes, sail the river, live and breathe Porto
Ferry to Afurada and the golden beach of Estrela
Imposing Viana do Castelo with its long surfy windswept Atlantic coastline
Delightful towns and villages along the river Minho
Historic step in the Portuguese pilgrim way to Santiago de Compostela
Graceful Ponte de Lima with its Roman bridge
Sample the Vinho Verde wine and hearty local fare
Journey’s end, for centuries Europe’s most important pilgrim destination
World heritage city centred around the magnificent Cathedral, said to house the bones of St James
Guided walking tour, there’s so much to discover
Lively bar scene, great tapas and young Ribeiro wine, or if you prefer, a drop of Albariño.
Add a stop in Toledo and discover "the City of Three Cultures"
Take the opportunity and visit Segovia and Ávila on your way to Salamanca
If you need to fly via Madrid, take the high-speed from Santiago
Extend your stay at any of the locations - they are all worth it!
Enjoy the lovely beaches of the Rias Bajas as you cross the Spanish border
World class wines and gastronomy
Monumental university city of Salamanca
Historic Porto and its charming old quarters
Santiago de Compostela – St James’ resting place
Madrid, Spain’s elegant capital
The Camino Portugues – St James’ Way
Atlantic coast – wild and windswept
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[name] => A Taste of Two Countries
[slug] => north-west-iberia
[description] => From Porto the route heads north to explore Viana do Castelo, the Atlantic coast and the delightful Minho region before crossing the border to Galicia’s Rias Bajas and the chance to visit Santiago de Compostela. Then it’s inland to El Bierzo in the province of León, right on the Camino de Santiago, before heading south to Salamanca, Spain’s oldest and grandest University city. Then, on the final leg back towards Porto, you’ll discover the many delights of the Douro Valley.
In each stop you will find excellent regional wines of a very high standard as well as distinct local cultures and gastronomic treats. Full of contrasts, the only constant is the warm welcome you’ll receive from the Spanish and Portuguese you meet along the way.
The full route takes twelve days but you can do as little, or as much, as you like.
[introduction] => A grand tour around the north western corner of the Iberian Peninsula, taking in highlights of north Portugal and north-west Spain.
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[title] => Day 7 & 8 – El Bierzo & Las Médulas
[introduction] =>
[description] => Las Médulas – extraordinary red-rock landscape formed by Roman mining
El Bierzo, lost in time, steeped in history
Wines, peppers cured meats & so much more
Ponferrada with its Knights Templar castle
Historic Villafranca del Bierzo, right on the Camino
Ribeira, Porto’s fascinating historic centre, a World Heritage site
Cross the impressive Dom Luis I iron bridge to the Port Wine Lodges
Art for all from finest museums to simple galleries
Walk the lanes, sail the river, live and breathe Porto
Ferry to Afurada and the golden beach of Estrela
Delightful Caminha and the fortress towns of Valença, Moncao and Melgaco, dotted along the river Minho
Historic step in the Portuguese Santiago pilgrim way
Imposing Viana do Castelo with its long surfy windswept Atlantic coastline
Graceful Ponte de Lima with its Roman bridge
Sample the Vinho Verde wine and hearty local fare
Prettiest, most unspoilt beaches in Spain
Finisterre, literally the ‘World’s End’
La Coruña with its working Roman lighthouse
Traditional life in the fishing villages
White sands and rock pools of Carnota bay – an old favourite!
Salamanca – truly monumental university city
Toro, Rueda & Sierra de Salamanca wines
Delicious jamon from Guijuelo
Historic Tordesillas, Toro & Zamora
Cruise on the river in the Arribes del Duero
Sierra de Francia & villages of Las Batuecas
Fabulous Douro scenery – take an unforgettable boat trip
World Heritage Douro vineyards, the World’s oldest!
Romantic Amarante on the River Tamega
Lamego – famous stairs of Nossa Senhora dos Remedios
Superb gastronomy in the atmospheric “adegas” taverns
Explore the "fortress towns" as you cross the border from Salamanca
Swap El Bierzo for a stop in León city and marvel at its imposing cathedral
Add a stop in the Galician Ribera Sacra wine region - stay at the historical parador
Ask about superior rooms or a larger rental car
Call us to talk through all the options - we'd love to hear from you!
Historic Porto and its charming old quarter
The Camino Portugues – St James’ Way – steeped in history
Atlantic coast – Viana do Castelo and Rias Bajas
El Bierzo, lost in time, steeped in history
Monumental Salamanca
Port, Albariño, Toro & more - wonderful wines all the way!
Why our clients love our tours
Your satisfaction is our Nº 1 priority – read independent reviews of our holidays on AITO.com
