A Taste of Two Countries

North Portugal and North-west Spain - PO6

Northern Portugal Fly-drive
12 Nights From £1,650
Wine tours
Tour Highlights
  • 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!

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12 Nights From £1,650
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Overview

A grand tour around the north western corner of the Iberian Peninsula, taking in highlights of north Portugal and north-west Spain.

Tour Highlights
  • 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!

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.

Holiday Code: PO6


Itinerary

Day 1 & 2– Porto

  • 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

Day 1 & 2 – Porto

Day 3 & 4– Minho Coast

  • 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

Day 3 & 4 – Minho Coast

Day 5 & 6– Rias Bajas

  • 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!

Day 5 & 6 – Rias Bajas

Day 7 & 8– El Bierzo & Las Médulas

  • 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

Day 7 & 8 – El Bierzo & Las Médulas

Day 9 & 10– Salamanca

  • 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

Day 9 & 10 – Salamanca

Day 11 & 12– Douro Valley

  • 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

Day 11 & 12 – Douro Valley

& why not?

  • 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!

& why not?


Map


What's Included

  • Accommodation in our listed hotels – 2 sharing 1 standard double ensuite, B&B (unless specified)

  • Economy 4-door car hire (talk to us about upgrades)

  • Regional guide book to Portugal

  • Personal Travel App including highlights, weather forecast and restaurant suggestions for all areas en-route

  • Instructions to find all accommodation

What's Excluded

  • Flights – but we are able to advise

  • One-way car hire charges, where applicable (see your quote email)

  • The following car hire extras – these can be added at pick-up point

    • extra driver, child seats, GPS

  • Garage parking where applicable (mostly city stops) – please ask us about parking charges

  • Local tourist taxes (where applicable)


Travel Details

Getting There

A circular itinerary, this route is best enjoyed flying into Porto airport, which offers several direct connections with the UK.

You can alternatively travel via Galicia (Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña or Vigo) or Madrid, the best destination airport for intercontinental connections.  

See your flight options in the table below or contact us for help and advice if you don’t see your nearest airport here:

PLEASE NOTE Flights are not included and some flights are seasonal.


Flight Options

Choose your preferred UK airport and then select from possible destinations to see airline providers.

Getting Around

For passengers travelling by air we will include a hire car as part of the package. Normally we include a 4 door economy class car but please let us know if you would like something different.

For those coming on the ferry you will use your own vehicle but in either case we will provide full instructions to arrive at each hotel, complete with GPS, as well as a map of the area.


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Our Expert Touch

Our team of experts have over 35 years travel expertise in Spain & Portugal.

You’ll receive friendly, personal service from start to finish of the booking process.

Call and speak to Andy, Leonor or Antonio about your dream holiday in Spain & Portugal...

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Why choose Caminos

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About us

With 40+ years’ experience designing holidays in Spain & Portugal, our friendly, expert team offers personal service from booking to your return. While away, you’ll have ground support from local agents.

Every trip is tailored to your budget and needs.

Call us - we’d love to hear from you!

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About our tours

Discover authentic Spain & Portugal, far from tourist crowds. Stay in charming, trusted places — from castles and palaces to rural guesthouses and Paradores.

Your pack includes maps, guidebook, and touring tips. Plus, our Vamos travel app keeps all your documents and guides in one place.

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Peace of Mind

We’ve been a fully bonded UK tour operator since 1985, so your money and holiday are protected.


We’re also members of AITO (Association of Independent Tour Operators) — the hallmark of trusted, specialist holidays. Independent dispute resolution means you always travel with confidence.