Private, on your own dates · Europe & Northern Spain & Iberian Peninsula, Spain, Portugal
Madrid, North of Spain & Portugal - 8 nights
Discover Madrid, northern Spain and Porto on a 9-day overland journey with scenic stops, heritage cities, breakfast daily and 5 dinners included.
The journey
7 cities.
Starts Madrid, ends Madrid. Private arrival transfer included in Madrid. Final drop-off is arranged at the end of the tour in Madrid.
Begin in Madrid, where a private arrival transfer takes the pressure off the first day and leaves time to settle in before the journey heads north. This itinerary moves from Spain’s capital into a less-travelled mix of Atlantic coastline, medieval towns and pilgrimage cities, combining long scenic drives with planned time in each place rather than rushed stopovers.
From Madrid, the route continues through Zaragoza to San Sebastian, then along the Basque and Cantabrian coast through Bilbao and Santander. The travel rhythm is balanced with short sightseeing stops and evenings in well-located hotels, so you can enjoy the Guggenheim area, the seafront atmosphere in Santander and the historic streets of northern Spain without constant packing and unpacking.
The middle section introduces some of the most characterful parts of the peninsula, including Santillana del Mar, Covadonga and Oviedo, followed by Galicia and Santiago de Compostela. Here the trip shifts into a more cultural pace, with time for a city tour in Santiago, a visit to La Coruña and the option to explore the Rías Altas and coastal villages if you want to add a deeper look at the region.
The final days cross into Portugal via the Minho region and end in Porto, where World Heritage streets, cathedral views and a port wine tasting bring the route to a memorable finish. A final leg through Salamanca returns you to Madrid, giving the trip a satisfying loop through northern Spain and northern Portugal with a strong mix of heritage, scenery and regional food and wine experiences.
- 01Start in Madrid with a private arrival transfer and an easy first night in the capital.
- 02Travel north through Zaragoza, San Sebastian, Bilbao and Santander on a single cross-country route.
- 03See the Guggenheim building in Bilbao on a panoramic stop en route to the Cantabrian coast.
- 04Visit Santillana del Mar and Covadonga, two of northern Spain’s most distinctive heritage stops.
- 05Enjoy a guided visit to Santiago de Compostela, including the Plaza del Obradoiro and cathedral area.
- 06Cross into Portugal through the Minho region and finish with time in Porto.
- 07Includes breakfast daily and five dinners, keeping the trip simple to plan.
- 08Adds tasting and scenic moments in Porto and the Rías Bajas without overstretching the pace.
Day by day
Open a day for the written plan, then switch to the hour-by-hour breakdown.
Arrival in Madrid and private transfer to the hotel.
The rest of the day is free to settle in and explore the capital at your own pace.
- Private arrival transfer in Madrid
- Free time to settle into the capital
Arrival day in Madrid.
Private transfer to hotel included.
Overnight in Madrid
What the fare covers
And what it does not. Read the right-hand column before you budget.
- Hotels8 nights in hotels across the route
- MealsDaily breakfast
- Meals5 dinners as per itinerary
- TransfersPrivate transfer on arrival in Madrid
- TransfersTransfer at the end of the tour
- TransfersTransfers as specified in the package
- SightseeingIncluded city sightseeing
- FlightsInternational air travel is not part of this fare. The record lists no air component.
- VisaVisa fees
- InsuranceTravel insurance
- TaxesMonuments, attractions and other entry fees not mentioned as included
- MealsMeals not mentioned in the inclusions
- Personal ExpensesItems such as laundry, minibar, calls and similar costs
- TipsGratuities for driver and guide
- TaxesCity tax, hotel or resort tax and tourist fees
Hotels are named on your confirmation — all are of the stated category.
Private arrival transfer included in Madrid. Final drop-off is arranged at the end of the tour in Madrid.
Want this trip a little different?
Tell Tulli what you'd change — hotels, dates, an extra city — and she'll price it with our team and come back to you.
Where you go in
Not every landmark on the list is one you walk into — this separates them.
When to Go
Weather by month for the places this trip actually visits.
Spain & Portugal
Spring and autumn are ideal. Coastal areas peak in summer. Madrid and Seville are hot Jul–Aug.
Before you go
The essentials first — they are also the ones that can stop a booking.
Passports and visas
- A valid passport is required for travel.
- Visa requirements depend on your nationality and must be checked before booking.
- Any required vaccination documents remain the traveller’s responsibility.
Mandatory travel insurance
- Travel insurance must be purchased before departure.
- Coverage should be suitable for international travel across Spain and Portugal.
Extra costs during the trip
- Entry fees, optional excursions, taxes, personal spending and gratuities are not included unless stated.
- Carry a payment method accepted in Spain and Portugal for meals and incidentals.
Route-based touring
- The itinerary includes several long-distance coach journeys between cities.
- Timing and sightseeing order may be adjusted to suit traffic, operating conditions or seasonal scheduling.
Hotel standards
- Accommodation is arranged for 8 nights across the route.
- If necessary, hotels of similar standard may be used.
Included dining
- Breakfast is included daily and five dinners are provided.
- Special dietary requests should be advised early and are subject to availability.
What to pack
- Northern Spain and Portugal can feel changeable, especially near the coast.
- Pack comfortable shoes, a light jacket and a small day bag for sightseeing.
During the journey
- Keep your booking references and hotel details accessible throughout the trip.
- Report any service issues promptly so support can be arranged while you are travelling.
Is this itinerary suitable for first-time visitors to Spain and Portugal?
Yes. It combines major cities, heritage towns and scenic coastal areas, so first-time travellers get a broad introduction without needing to plan each transfer themselves.
How much of the trip is spent on the road?
This is a route-based tour with several longer cross-border drives, balanced by overnight stops in key cities and sightseeing breaks along the way.
Are the optional excursions worth adding?
They can be, especially the Rías Altas, O Grove catamaran and Santa Tecla options if you want more coastal scenery or local food experiences.
Does the package include all meals?
No. Breakfast is included daily and five dinners are covered. Other lunches and dinners are at your own expense unless arranged locally.
What should I plan for in Portugal and northern Spain?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, a light layer for coastal weather and any required documents for border crossings and hotel check-ins.
Policies & booking terms
Free cancellation up to 30 days before departure.
50% refund between 30-15 days before departure.
No refund within 15 days of departure.
TripClub standing booking terms
- Full payment must be completed 30 days prior to departure, unless otherwise specified.
- All bookings are subject to availability at the time of confirmation.
- Travel insurance is mandatory and must be purchased prior to departure.
- Prices are subject to change due to fluctuations in currency exchange rates, taxes, or supplier costs.
- Guests are responsible for obtaining valid passports, visas, and any required vaccinations.
- Cancellations or amendments are subject to the applicable cancellation policy outlined in the package.
- The company is not liable for delays, cancellations, or changes due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather, strikes, or other force majeure events.
- All travelers must adhere to the local laws and customs of the destinations visited.
- No refunds will be issued for unused services, including but not limited to meals, accommodations, or activities.
- The company reserves the right to modify the itinerary or substitute hotels of similar standards if necessary.
- All special requests (e.g., room preferences, dietary requirements) are subject to availability and not guaranteed.
- Guests are responsible for any additional costs incurred due to personal expenses, such as phone calls, laundry, or minibar charges.
- Check-in and check-out times are subject to hotel policies and may vary by property.
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