Day 1: Early morning departure from North Wales and travel to the south coast to board the Brittany Ferries cruise ferry service to Santander. Relax and enjoy a night on board ship, evening meal with wine included.
Day 2: Enjoy breakfast on board the ferry. We arrive at Santander at 1.00pm and proceed to the medieval city of Burgos in Northern Spain for an overnight stay at the 4-star Hotel Corona de Castilla (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast).
Day 3: Continue west, through Spain into Portugal and through the Tras os Montes region to arrive at Guimarães for a 5-night stay at the 4-star Hotel de Guimarães (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast).
Day 4: A day in Guimarães starting with a guided city walk. Guimarães is one of the finest historic cities in northern Portugal and is fondly regarded by the Portuguese as the birthplace of their country. This beautiful UNESCO city boasts many historic buildings, a magnificent Gothic Monastery, a heavily fortified castle, an elegant 15th Century Palace with pedestrianised streets and squares. We include a trip in the cable car to the Penha viewpoint above the city.
Day 5: A trip on the Historical Train of the Douro; a steam locomotive dated from 1925. A full day guided excursion, beginning with a journey through the picturesque Douro Valley with a visit to a local wine estate for a tour and tasting, afterwards continue the trip to Régua from where the train will depart. Arriving at Tua, there will be some free time and then back on the train to Régua where the coach will be waiting to take you back to the hotel.
Day 6: A guided excursion to Braga and Viana do Castelo. Braga is a city in the far north of Portugal, northeast of Porto. It’s known for its religious heritage and events. In Braga we include a cable car trip to the Monastery of Bom Jesus. In the afternoon we continue to Viana do Castelo which has an appealing medieval centre, an attractive riverfront and stunning architecture. We include a trip on the cable car to Santa Luzia and a visit of the monastery.
Day 7: A guided excursion to Porto. Porto is a coastal city in northwest Portugal known for its stately bridges and port wine production. In the medieval Ribeira (riverside) district, narrow cobbled streets wind past merchants’ houses and cafes. São Francisco Church is known for its lavish baroque interior with ornate gilded carvings. We include a trip on the little town train, time at leisure in the waterfront Gaia area and a Port wine tasting.
Day 8: Depart Portugal and travel across rugged northern Spain to the wonderful old city of Leon for an overnight stay at the 4-star Hotel Santiago (Dinner, Bed & Breakfast).
Day 9: We make the journey to Santander and board the afternoon cruise-ferry for the overnight crossing back to the UK. Evening meal and breakfast included.
Day 10: Arrive back on the south coast and complete the return journey home.