Day Trip from Porto to Santiago de Compostela and Valença
Description
Santiago de Compostela, is one of the most magical cities in Galicia, Spain. Santiago concentrates in itself, culture, religion, people, academic life and tourism. And, because of its beauty, the city won the title of World Heritage. Its famous pilgrimage way, known as the “Caminho de Santiago” (St. James way) won also the title of World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Visit this amazing City, exploring the one of the most important pilgrim sites in Europe. On the return, stop and visit also Valença do Minho which has an amazing fortress in Vauben style. Discover these two beautiful cities of southern Europe on a full-day sightseeing tour from Porto.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Your expert guide will collect you from your hotel/accommodation or meeting point and will drive you to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. On your way to Santiago, the guide will give you insights regarding the Portuguese history, development and cultural facts of portuguese heritage. Crossing the border and entering in Spain, insights regarding the pilgrimage and the story and facts of Santiago will be given.
Once in Spain, you will arrive to our main destination. Santiago de Compostela, is one of the most magical cities in Galicia, Spain. Santiago concentrates in itself, culture, religion, people, academic life and tourism. And, because of its beauty, the city won the title of World Heritage. Its famous pilgrimage way, known as the “Caminho de Santiago” (St. James way) won also the title of World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Visit this amazing City, exploring the one of the most important pilgrim sites in Europe. You will have free time to explore on your own the historical city center of Santiago and its famous Cathedral.
Once in Santiago, you guide will give you free time to explore this incredible site. You will be able to visit and explore the Cathedral!
You'll have some free time for lunch, you can taste and drink some of the traditional food from Galicia!
After lunch it's time to return to Portugal, to your next stop: Valença do Minho! Standing on the border with Spain and overlooking the River Minho, Valença is surrounded by walls and displays all the characteristic features of a town that was fortified in the seventeenth century in the style of the French military architect, Vauban. Its first name was "Contrasta", which referred to a village standing opposite another one and was clearly a reference to its position directly across the River Minho from the Galician town of Tui. Today, it is a city with a flourishing trade, in which some of the most popularly sought after items are the pieces produced by the local craftsmen.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Usually our tours run in one language but there are cases of one extra language.
- Tours run in small groups up to 27 passengers.
- We support our communities. By taking a tour with us you are contributing to our cause: we offer a meal for the homeless and people in need.
- Please kindly be aware that the overall duration of the activity could be influenced by traffic conditions. We highly advise against scheduling any additional activities or making other plans within the hour following the anticipated completion time.
- Vegetarian and Gluten-free meal options are available if requested before the day of the booking. Make sure you inform us before the tour starts.
- Discover Porto in a unique way with a Free Walking Tour with Living Tours, available to all customers who book this activity. Our Free Walking Tour is available on a daily basis, in English and Spanish, at 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. departing from Living Tours Agency located in Rua Mouzinho da Silveira 352, 4050-418 Porto
Reviews(1,058)
The tour was very well organized, with beautiful landscapes, places full of history and an experience that is very worth it. The guide Orlando was very attentive, polite and demonstrated knowledge of the history and culture of the places we visited. With a lot of sympathy and availability, made the tour even more enjoyable and interesting. It was a very fruitful day, light and full of good discoveries. I highly recommend the tour and especially the work of Orlando!
Thank you Orlando, it was such a lovely day :)
Booked an English speaking group, but was placed in a mixed Spanish/English group. Jonathan tried hard, but by the time he explained in English, we already missed the point of interest.
Susana was an excellent guide—very engaging, knowledgeable, and attentive to our needs. Highly recommended!
I believe that, more than living a tourist experience, knowing new places, discovering new stories and contacting different cultures, the tour guide makes all the difference. I make this review to thank the way Diogo Ferro performed his work. It's a guide of excellence! Soon in the morning, he gave everyone the opportunity to present themselves. The group consisted of eight people, including three older couples. He was able to convey valuable information and curiosities, always with enthusiasm, good disposition and a huge professionalism. We feel dedication in every detail. He constantly asked if everything was okay and helped each person get up and down the cart, showing genuine attention and care. I have already participated in several tours and, more than knowing a new place, I believe that the energy and posture of the guide greatly influence the experience. Congratulations to Living Tours for counting on such an exceptional guide. Diogo Ferro is undoubtedly a great professional and a value added for the company!
Excellent tour, Paulo is very professional and provides the most information for you to know why you need to visit Santiago de Compostela.
Perfect, moving day Henk is a great driver and guide who speaks French very well. He was very, very competent thanks to him we spent a magnificent day we recommend!
Very pleasant trip that turned out to be less tiring than I thought. The city of Santiago is sublime and really worth the detour. Our guide, Miguel, is very helpful and truly enjoys helping us discover the history of the sites we visited. His good mood and humor are a plus for enjoying the trip :)
Fantastic day with a fantastic guide and photographer Miguel!
My wife and I were so lucky. to have a wonderful and informative guide/driver. In our eyes, the legend Diogo. From the start, Diogo was friendly and engaging. He gave us options regarding where to stop on the way. The service station outside Vigo was clearly the best option. Great Italian coffee in Spain helped to wash down delicious local pastries! Diogo explained the history of the caminho to Santiago de Compostela in great detail, enabling us to fully appreciate the pilgrims journey. We arrived in time to witness dozens of young people celebrating their arrival at the end of their pilgrims journey. A sight to behold. Diogo guided us around the cathedral, describing in great detail the history, the architecture and the significance of 25th July, the day of St James before we entered the cathedral independently. After a picnic in the park, checking out a few shops and grabbing a drink in one of the many cafes and bars, we met with Diogo to be driven to Valenca, just over the border on the Portuguese side of the river Minho. A small town inside the walls of an old fortress dating back to the mid seventeenth century, with amazing views of Spain. We strolled around the old walls, checked out a few shops, displaying various textile goods made locally, before being driven back to Porto while Diogo played us a selection of contemporary music recorded by Portuguese artist. Diogo is a great guide and driver. Truly, a great day out!
