If you are daydreaming of an escape that blends medieval history, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable flavors, we’ve got you! We have designed a Northern Spain and Portugal tour that takes you through storied cities, peaceful valleys, and coastal havens. From castle walls to vineyard rows, delicious meals to ancient cathedrals, this itinerary is designed to delight travelers who seek meaning, beauty, and authenticity!
And the best part? You can explore it all right here, day by day, as if you were already there! Come along as we tour Northern Iberia.
Madrid, the elegant and energetic capital of Spain, welcomes you! Take the first steps into the city’s lively, sunlit atmosphere. The next morning, it’s time for a perfect introduction to Spanish culinary culture through a tapas tour experience. Explore the market, discover the flavors, and sample everything from different melt-in-your-mouth Iberian ham to garlic-sautéed prawns, all while learning the traditions that make Madrid’s food scene so beloved.
In the afternoon, connect with the city’s artistic legacy at the iconic Prado Museum, home to masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, El Greco, and other European greats. Enjoy the visit at your own pace and end your day with a stroll in El Retiro Park.
Today’s journey takes you deeper into a region where Spain’s medieval legacy is written into every stone. Pick up your rental car and stop in the fairy-tale city of Segovia. Stand in awe before its majestic Roman aqueduct, remarkably preserved after nearly two millennia. From there, stroll the winding streets to discover the Alcázar of Segovia, a castle so enchanting it’s said to have inspired Disney’s Cinderella castle.
The journey continues westward to Zamora, a lesser-known jewel along the Duero River. As the sun sets over its stone bridges and churches, find yourself welcomed by the tranquil atmosphere that makes slow travel so rewarding. This is probably the best way to travel Spain and Portugal!
This is a place where medieval power, religious devotion, and architectural brilliance come together in perfect harmony. León invites you to wander its medieval quarter with a walking tour, where quiet plazas, stone arcades, and centuries-old churches hint at the city’s rich past as a key stop on the Camino de Santiago.
Visit León Cathedral, one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Spain. Known as the “House of Light,” its magnificent stained glass windows flood the interior with a kaleidoscope of color, leaving visitors quietly awestruck. As evening falls, you may find yourself in the Barrio Húmedo, León’s lively old town, where locals gather for tapas and conversation.
Today’s journey follows in the footsteps of centuries of pilgrims as you travel from León to Santiago de Compostela, with a memorable stop in the medieval town of Ponferrada. Nestled in the region of El Bierzo, Ponferrada is best known for its Templar Castle, a formidable fortress built by the Knights Templar in the 12th century to protect travelers along the Camino de Santiago. Exploring its towers and ramparts, with sweeping views of the Sil River, is like stepping into a medieval legend.
The road continues westward into Galicia, with lush hills and Celtic echoes. By late afternoon, you arrive in Santiago de Compostela, one of the great spiritual destinations of Europe and a must-visit among Northern Portugal and Galicia highlights.
Santiago de Compostela is a place that has welcomed pilgrims for over a thousand years. Wander through the old town on a tour! This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where stone arcades, quaint cafés, and lively markets keep the spirit of Galicia alive.
Visit the Cathedral of Santiago, a stunning blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architecture. Before stepping inside, take a moment to appreciate the ambiance in the square and admire the energy of the people who arrive at the final point of the Camino de Santiago. It’s a perfect moment in a carefully tailor-made Iberian Peninsula tour.
Today’s route leads you across the border into Portugal, tracing the Atlantic coast to the picturesque town of Viana do Castelo. The highlight is the stunning Sanctuary of Santa Luzia, perched high on a hilltop overlooking the town and the ocean. This neo-Byzantine masterpiece offers one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in Portugal, where the Lima River meets the sea in a swirl of blue and green.
Save time to wander the charming historic center, admire Manueline architecture, and perhaps sample local specialties like Bacalhau à Viana, a flavorful baked codfish dish, or try a Sidónio, a delicate Viana-born pastry filled with egg cream. By early evening, you arrive in Porto, ready to continue your cross-border Iberian travel experience.
A full day in Porto reveals a city layered with stories and flavor that you can discover with your guide in a walking tour! Begin in the elegant Avenida dos Aliados, then make your way down past the lively Bolhão Market, step inside the magical Lello Bookstore, climb the Clérigos Tower for panoramic views, and admire the Sé Cathedral before descending into the riverside charm of Ribeira.
To truly experience Porto, you must explore its world-famous wine legacy. Cross the bridge over the Douro River and go on a guided tour and tasting at one of the city's famous port wine cellars. Porto is vibrant, soulful, and steeped in tradition; a highlight of any food and wine tour Spain and Portugal.
Start your day in Guimarães, the proud birthplace of Portugal. Its imposing medieval castle and the stately Palace of the Dukes of Braganza set the tone for a morning steeped in history. As you walk through the stone arches of Largo da Oliveira, it’s easy to imagine the dawn of a nation in this UNESCO-listed gem.
Journey to Amarante, a town of romantic bridges and baroque churches nestled along the Tâmega River. The São Gonçalo Bridge and its namesake church are local icons! By late afternoon, you find yourself surrounded by the first glimpses of terraced vineyards, easing into the heart of your Spain and Portugal cultural itinerary.
Today is dedicated to the peaceful beauty of the Douro Valley, where centuries of winemaking tradition have shaped terraced hillsides into a UNESCO-listed masterpiece. Begin the day with a scenic cruise along the winding river, where each curve reveals another breathtaking vista of vineyard-covered slopes and whitewashed quintas.
Enjoy a relaxed afternoon visit to a family-run wine estate - learn about the region’s distinctive wines, followed by flavorful tastings. A highlight of any tailor-made Iberian Peninsula tour, offering a perfect blend of flavor, scenery, and tranquility.
Crossing the border back into Spain, visit Ciudad Rodrigo, a compact walled town rich in history and still wrapped in its medieval fortifications. Here, stone streets lead to sleepy plazas, and centuries-old facades whisper stories of Roman, Moorish, and Napoleonic pasts.
Stroll along the ramparts for sweeping views of the Águeda River, and step into the grand Cathedral of Santa María, an architectural blend of Romanesque and Gothic. Enjoy a drink in the sunlit Plaza Mayor or admire the 14th-century castle - now a parador.
Welcome to Salamanca, a city that glows with golden sandstone and an intellectual legacy! Home to one of the oldest universities in Europe, its historic center hums with student energy, even as its ancient walls echo centuries of scholarship.
Have a tour of the city and discover the Plaza Mayor, one of Spain’s most beautiful squares, framed by elegant arcades and lively cafés. Then, visit the University of Salamanca. Notice the intricate facades that elevate this landmark into an architectural marvel to admire. Salamanca weaves together tradition and vitality, making it a standout stop in any cross-border Iberian travel experience.
As your journey nears its end, there’s time for one more historic gem: Ávila, a city wrapped in remarkably preserved medieval walls. These grand ramparts, studded with towers and gates, encircle a quiet center of Romanesque churches, convents, and peaceful squares.
The route leads you back to Madrid, to return your rental car and spend your final night enjoying its lively atmosphere. After nearly two weeks tracing royal legacies, natural beauty, and cultural richness across borders, your luxury Spain and Portugal vacation concludes with a suitcase full of stories and a heart full of memories!
Winding through medieval towns, sun-drenched landscapes, and cultural cities, this Northern Spain and Portugal tour captures the essence of Iberia in one seamless journey. Designed with care and tailored to your travel style, it's an invitation to experience the region’s heritage, flavors, and beauty. Get in touch with us and make your Spanish travel dream a reality!