Portugal & Spain: Your 7-Stops Roadtrip

Suggestion for the day:

• Explore the Douro Valley: With three World Heritage Sites recognized by UNESCO, there is no shortage of reasons to visit the Douro Valley, one of the most stunning landscapes in all of Portugal. In the historic center of the city of Porto, you will find remarkable buildings lining the riverbanks. Many of these buildings are directly linked to the production of wine and bear witness to the urban development that this production has fueled over the years. On the opposite bank of the river, you will find the city of Vila Nova de Gaia, a hive of commercial activity and home to the famous Port wine cellars.

Highlights:

• Casal De Loivos Viewpoint
• Abelheira Viewpoint
• São Salvador do Mundo Viewpoint

Book here your Douro Valley guided tour. 

Suggestion for the day:

• Explore the world-class vintages at a local winery and treat yourself to an exquisite Port wine.

We recommend:

• Quinta da Pacheca
• Quinta da Roêda
• Quinta das Carvalhas
• Quinta de La Rosa
• Quinta do Crasto
• Quinta do Panascal
• Quinta do Seixo
• Quinta do Valado.

Book here Your Port Wine Walking Tour: Visit three of the best port wine brands!

Suggestion for the day:

• Explore the historic district of Santiago de Compostela, where ancient streets and monuments paint a vivid picture of days gone by.
  

Highlights:

• Plaza del Obradoiro
• Rúa do Franco
• Concheiros Market
• Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela

A the end of the day, have dinner at one of the many restaurants in the city, and try the local Galician cuisine, such as pulpo a la gallega (octopus dish) or empanada a la gallega (savory pie).

Suggestion for the day:

• Take a day trip to the coastal town of Fisterra and Cape Finisterre, known as the "end of the world" for its location at the westernmost point of mainland Europe.

We recommend:

• Visiting the Cape Finisterre Lighthouse and enjoying panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the rugged coastline.
• Stopping at one of the many seafood restaurants in Fisterra for a delicious seafood lunch.

Suggestion for the day:

• Visit the Monastery of San Martín Pinario and the surrounding gardens (which are adjacent to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela)
• Explore the City's Museums

We recommend:

• The Museum of the Cathedral
• the Museum of Pilgrimage and Santiago
• The Museum of Galician People.

Suggestion for the day:

• Take a stroll through Alameda Park or San Domingos de Bonaval Park, and enjoy the views of the city.

In the evening:

• Attend a traditional Galician music or dance performance, or grab drinks at one of the many bars in the historic district.

Suggestions for the day:

• Visit the Tower of Hercules (one of the most iconic landmarks in the city). The tower is over 1,900 years old and offers stunning views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean.
• Head to Plaza Maria Pita, the city's mains square and admire the architecture of the City Hall and the surrounding buildings.
• Stroll through the gardens of San Pedro Park along the seaside promenade.

Highlights:

• María Pita House Museum
• Paseo Marítimo
• Domus Museum (an interactive museum that explores the human body and mind through science and technology)
• San Antón Castle ( a fortress that now houses a museum about the city's history)

Suggestion for the day:

• Stroll through Coruna's Old Town, a picturesque area full of narrow streets, colorful houses, and lively squares.

Highlights:

• Market of Lugo
• Museum of Fine Arts
• Plaza de Azcárraga
• Plaza del Humor
• Santa María del Campo Collegiate Church

Suggestion for the day:

• Start your day with a visit to the Plaza Mayor de Salamanca, one of the most beautiful plazas in Spain. Take in the stunning architecture and enjoy breakfast at one of the cafes in the square.
• Head to the Salamanca Cathedral, a stunning church that took more than 200 years to build. Be sure to climb the tower for a panoramic view of the city.

Highlights:

• Convento de San Esteban
• Roman Bridge of Salamanca
• Barrio del Oeste

Suggestion for the day:

• Visit the Art Nouveau and Art Deco Museum in the city center, which showcases a stunning collection of art from these two movements.
• Head to the Casa de las Conchas, a beautiful Gothic building covered in shells that now serves as a library.

Highlights:

• San Benito Square
• Salamanca Central Market
• Casa Lis Museum

Enjoy dinner at Mesón Cervantes, one of the city's most famous restaurants known for its Iberian ham and traditional Spanish dishes.

Suggestion for the day:

• Explore the vibrant history of Salamanca! From its awe-inspiring religious past to stunning architectural treasures, discover this city's hidden gems and be captivated by its allure.

Highlights:

• Catedral Vieja
• Catedral Nueva
• University of Salamanca
• Patio de Las Escuelas
• Saint Martin Church
• Church of San Julian
• San Marco Church

End the day with a flamenco show at the Teatro Liceo, where you'll experience traditional Spanish dance and music.

There's no need to make the drive from Salamanca to Viseu mundane! Along your route, you'll find countless opportunities for adventure and exploration.

Suggestion for the day:

• Explore the Historic City of Ciudad Rodrigo

Ciudad Rodrigo is a charming Spanish city located just a few kilometers from the Portuguese border. With its impressive castle walls and Gothic cathedral, the city is worth a stop to admire its stunning architecture and rich history.

• Discover the Medieval Castle of Trancoso

Trancoso is a quiet Portuguese town with a rich historical heritage. Its castle ruins lie on top of a small hill, providing stunning panoramic views over the town and surrounding countryside. Take a walk around the picturesque streets and stop at traditional pastry shops.

Suggestion for the day:

• Explore the colorful and captivating city of Viseu in Portugal! This stunning central region has plenty to offer - take a drive through its streets, uncovering an array of delightful surprises.

Highlights:

• Viseu Cathedral
  
• Grão Vasco Art-Museum
• Pátio das Cantigas - a picturesque courtyard filled with colorful, traditional houses that creates a stunning backdrop for photos.
• Casa da Ribeira Museum

If you're driving from Viseu to Coimbra, Portugal, there are several things you can do along the way to make the most out of your journey.

Suggestion for the day:

• Visit the Roman Ruins in Conimbriga

On your way from Viseu to Coimbra, make a stop at Conimbriga to explore its impressive Roman ruins. This archaeological site provides a fascinating insight into ancient Roman civilization, including baths, villas, and intricate mosaics.

• Explore The Bussaco Forest

Located just a few kilometers from Coimbra, the Buçaco National Forest is a unique destination and great for a short stop on your journey. This stunning forest is home to exotic plants and small lakes, offering a perfect background for a scenic walk or a picnic.

Suggestion for the day:

• Discover Coimbra and its amazing sights! Take a leisurely drive around this captivating city to witness the enchanting architecture, explore history through monuments and uncover hidden gems.

Highlights:

• The University of Coimbra & The Joanina Library (one of the oldest universities in Europe)
• Machado de Castro Museum
• Santa Cruz Monastery
• Santa Clara-a-Velha Monastery
• Santa Clara-a-Nova Monastery
• Coimbra Botanical Garden

Suggestion for the day:

• Local Food & Wine Experience

While there are near endless reasons to place Portugal´s capital city of Lisbon at the top of your must-visit travel list, the amazing local cuisine awaiting visitors continues to be among the biggest pulls, attracting hungry gourmands from across the globe year after year. 

Recommended Experiences:

• Pastéis de Nata
• Market Tour with Cooking Class
• Michelin Secrets Cooking Class

Suggestion for the day:

• Visit Fátima

Those looking to delve deeper into Portugal's religious roots need to look no further than Fátima, which is famous for being the holy site where an apparition of Our Lady of Fatima is said to have appeared.

Can’t Miss:

• The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima
• The Chapel of the Apparitions
• The Holy Trinity Basilica
• Recinto de Oração Viewpoint

Book here your Fátima Guided Tour.

Suggestion for the day:

• Long known as one of Portugal´s most amazing destinations, and easily considered one of the most gorgeous and unique locales in the entire world, Sintra absolutely deserves a top spot on your must-see Portugal travel itinerary. Just a stone´s throw away from the exciting capital of Lisbon, you will instantly fall in love with Sintra’s fairytale castles, idyllic and enchanting gardens, and so much more. After a visit to this Portuguese wonderland, you will feel as if you have stepped into another world entirely – it´s that wondrous and surreal!

Highlights:

• Pena Palace
• Quinta da Regaleira
• Monserrate Palace
• Sintra National Palace
• the Moorish Castle
• Sintra’s Old Town.

Or book here your Sintra escorted experience. 

Suggestion for the day:

• Visit Óbidos

The romantic appeal of Obidos — a marvelous medieval town in Portugal chocked full of intriguing history — provides a true experience, as if you have actually stepped back in time to explore the nation’s amazingly rich history.

Can't Miss:

• Porta da Vila, Óbidos castle
• Santa Maria church
• Santa Maria Square
• Bom Jesus da Pedra Sanctuary
• Óbidos lake
• Porta da Vila
• Óbidos Aquaduct
• Óbidos Medieval Market.

Book here your Óbidos, Nazaré & Batalha tour.