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Northern Spain & Portugal
Operated by Bunnik Tours
Tripcode: 994
Overview
Destination:
France,
Portugal,
Spain,
Start:Barcelona, Spain
Finish:Lisbon, Portugal
Finish:Lisbon, Portugal
Duration:24 days
Type:Group tour (max 20)
Travel Period
May 2025 - October 2025
Fall in love with the intriguing history and culture of northern Spain and Portugal on this exciting adventure. Uncover charming villages and savour the local cuisine from beguiling Barcelona, along the northern peninsula to Santiago de Compostela. Head south along Portugal’s stunning coastline and be enchanted by the dazzling Algarve region.
Standard inclusions
Sightseeing
A Spanish welcome
- Explore Barcelona’s many sights
- Ascend Montjuïc Mountain for a panoramic view of Barcelona
- Visit Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia Cathedral
- See Gaudí’s other famous buildings - Casa Batlló and Casa Milà
- Visit Barcelona's Park Güell
- Experience the stunning scenery of Aigüestortes National Park by 4WD and a light hike
- Enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Pyrenees
- Ride the cable car to the top of Igueldo Mountain
- Taste Txakoli, the region's famous dry wine
- Enjoy a day at leisure in San Sebastián
- Tour the Peace Museum in Guernica
- Visit the world-famous Guggenheim Museum
- Visit the Mercado de la Ribera in Bilbao
- See Bilbao's oldest building, the Santiago Cathedral
- Enjoy the best views over Bilbao from Mount Artxanda
- Stop in the charming town of Santillana del Mar
- Tour the delightful old city of Oviedo
- Stop at the Beach of the Cathedrals
- Discover the sights of the Galician capital, Santiago de Compostela
- Visit Albariño for a wine tasting
- Walk part of the famous Camino de Santiago
Portuguese treasures
- Explore the town of Braga
- Enjoy a guided tour of Porto's most attractive areas
- Taste traditional port and learn how it is made
- Relax on an afternoon cruise along the Douro River
- Spend some time in the colourful city of Aveiro
- Admire the architecture at the ancient University of Coimbra
- Stop for a tasting of Ginjinha, a local liquor
- Visit the mesmerising Quinta da Regaleira
- Enjoy a panoramic tour of the most historical and important sights in Lisbon
- Visit Lisbon's district of Belém
- Taste the famous Portuguese custard tart
- Stop in the culturally rich town of Faro
- Visit a traditional Cork factory
- Discover Ria Formosa Natural Park
- Explore the historical quarter of Évora
- Venture through the iconic Bone Chapel
Travel
- Return economy-class flights from Australia to Europe. Taxes included
- Airport transfers on the first and last day of tour
- All touring in air-conditioned vehicles
Accommodation
- 21 nights in 3-4 star hotels
Properties include:
- Hotel Catalonia Gracia, Barcelona
- Hotel Vielha Baqueira Affiliated by Meliá, Vielha
- Silken Amara Plaza, San Sebastian
- Catalonia Gran Via Bilbao, Bilbao
- Gran Hotel España, Oviedo
- Hotel Gelmirez, Santiago De Compostela
- Vila Gale Porto Ribeira, Porto
- Hotel Dona Ines, Coimbra
- My Story Hotel Tejo, Lisbon
- Vila Galé Tavira, Algarve
- Vila Galé Evora, Evora
Hotels listed are an indication, and are subject to change without notice.
Double for Single Use: Please note the single supplement you pay on our tours entitles you to sole use of a room. A double for single use room is larger than a traditional single room offered in Europe. Often these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
Meals
- 21 breakfasts and 4 dinners, including group welcome and farewell dinners
- Meal highlight:
- Lisbon, taste the famous Portuguese custard tart at Antiga Confeitaria
Tour Guides
- English-speaking locally based tour director
- English-speaking locally based guides
Porterage
- Porterage included where available
Some things to note
Please note:
- Due to the popularity of La Sagrada Familia it is becoming extremely difficult to guarantee entry inside. If by chance the tickets cannot be secured, we will include an inside visit to Casa Batlló, the famous house remodelled by Antoni Gaudí. We will still visit La Sagrada Familia, with a full guided tour outside the structure. Status of the entrance will not be known until the start of our departure and will be advised locally by our Tour Director.
- On day 8 audio guide headsets are no longer provided by the Guggenheim Museum. You will need to use your own smart phone with a QR code reader and your own earphones to listen to the audio guide.
- Please Note: Due to the nature of the activity on day 13 and Galicia’s unreliable weather, we cannot guarantee where we will be walking on the Camino Trail. Your Tour Director will assess the conditions in the days prior and will discuss the options with the group and choose the most suitable walking option on the day. The walk will not be too strenuous but there will be walking poles available for you to use.
Optional Excursions:
All optional excursions are based on minimum participants and are subject to availability. The length of tours advised is an approximate only. Tours can be booked on tour directly with your Tour Director or guide. We recommend arranging the booking at the beginning of the tour to avoid disappointment. Please note some optional tours may also be available on multiple or alternate days. Prices are a guide only and are subject to change without prior notice. Payment by cash is preferred as there are no guarantees that credit card facilities will be available. Please check with your Tour Director or guide locally for information relating to this. Credit card fees and exchange rates are at the discretion of your bank.
Itinerary
Expand all 
Collapse all
Collapse allDay 1 - Depart Australia
Day 1 - Depart Australia
Day 2 - Arrive Barcelona
Welcome to Barcelona, one of the world's most stylish and cosmopolitan cities, on the cutting edge of architecture, food, fashion, style and music. The city features buildings by the genius and eccentric Antoni Gaudí, significant art collections of Picasso and Miro, and the exuberant locals will enchant you. The city's main tree-lined pedestrian mall, Las Ramblas, runs all the way from the quayside through the heart of the city and will lead you to the Gothic Quarter.
We don’t want you to miss out on any aspect of your small group tour. To ensure that you don’t, we recommend you arrive at your hotel by 3pm
Meet your fellow travellers and Tour Director this evening for welcome drinks at the hotel.
Day 3 - Barcelona
Begin exploring the sights of Barcelona, seeing the contrast of old and new as we drive through town and visit Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece, La Sagrada Familia (Holy Family Church). This magnificent basilica, an enduring symbol of Barcelona, stands as a testament to Gaudí's visionary genius and remains an unfinished work in progress, captivating visitors with its intricate facades and towering spires.
We then drive down to the oldest part of the city and see the Gothic Quarter, former Roman village and heart of Medieval Barcelona. We also explore the Cathedral Square and lovely narrow streets lined with beautiful handicraft shops, quaint local restaurants and buildings as old as the 14th century. We then walk to Saint James Square, political heart of the city and end our tour at Catalonia Square.
We see the famous Vila Olímpica neighbourhood and Port Olímpic marina, before continuing to the Montjuïc Mountain to take a scenic picture of the city.
The afternoon is at leisure before tonight’s group welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Art lovers might like to visit the Picasso Museum which exhibits works from his ‘Blue’ and ‘Pink’ periods. Your Tour Director can help with directions.
Day 4 - Barcelona
Today we will enjoy a morning tour of Barcelona where we’ll see famous architect Antoni Gaudí’s renowned buildings Casa Batlló and Casa Milà along Passeig de Gràcia, one of Barcelona’s largest avenues. We’ll then visit the amazing Park Güell, declared an artistic monument and World Heritage site by UNESCO.
We also pass by Barcelona’s monumental Bull Ring and the city park, Parc de la Ciutadella, site of the 1888 World’s Expo with the old triumphal arch of Barcelona.
The afternoon is at leisure to further explore.
Optional Excursion
Montserrat - Montserrat is a mountain top monastery in Catalonia, Spain. This incredible rocky formation is a sacred place for the Catalan people. Includes entrance to Basilica and return cable car for breathtaking views up to the Monastery and with any luck you can also hear the singing of the boys choir (weekdays around 13.00 and Sundays around 12.00, the boys choir does not sing every day as they frequently travel and perform in other churches). 4hrs - From Euro 85pp. This price is based on a minimum of 10 guests. If there are less than 10, please speak with your Tour Director about other options.
Day 5 - Barcelona - Vielha
The small Pyrenean town of Vielha, known for its ancient stone and slate architecture, is in our sights today. Capital of the Arán Valley, it is surrounded by mountains up to 2,000 metres above sea level.
Departing Barcelona in the morning, we travel to breathtaking Espot, located right next to Aigüestortes National Park in the Pyrenees mountain range. Characterised by stunning peaks and almost 200 lakes, we'll explore the many sides to this landscape on a 4WD jeep tour. As part of tour, we’ll see the tranquil Lake Ratera where we can take a short walk to a look out.
Later this afternoon we’ll continue to Vielha.
Challenging Day
Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.
Day 6 - Vielha - San Sebastián
Sit back and enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery as we travel through the French Pyrenees to the Bay of Biscay and the beachside town of San Sebastián. Home to some wonderful beaches and resorts, San Sebastián is a popular getaway for Spaniards during the hot summers. The cultural capital of the Basque region, it has a great mix of cosmopolitan lifestyle blended with the rural old-world feel.
On our way we’ll stop in the French town of Pau to stretch our legs. Arriving in San Sebastián in the afternoon, we’ll get acquainted with the city on a sightseeing tour. We’ll see many sights, including Plaza de La Concha and the Old Quarter, and ride the cable car to the top of Igueldo Mountain for beautiful panoramic views of Santa Clara Island, Mount Ulia and La Concha Bay.
We then cross the golden sands of La Concha and Ondarreta beaches, where we can see the striking ‘Comb of the Wind’ sculptures by the Basque artist Eduardo Chillida adorning the coastline. Continuing into the heart of the city, we’ll see the Old Quarter, the river Urumea and Mount Urgull. We also see San Vicente’s church, Museum of San Telmo, the old Dominic convent and the Basilica of Santa Maria.
Special Experience
Taste txakoli, the region’s famous dry white wine which pairs perfectly with a side of pintxos.
Day 7 - San Sebastián
Enjoy the day at leisure to relax and explore at your own pace. Why not discover some of the many bars in the bustling old city centre?
Day 8 - San Sebastián - Bilbao
This morning we make the trip to Bilbao, the Basque country’s largest city with a delightful mix of tradition and modernity.
We’ll travel just out of town to Guernica, known for the aerial bombings committed by Nazis during the Spanish Civil War. These actions inspired Pablo Picasso to create his famous painting ‘Guernica’, which is now displayed at the Reina Sofía Museum in Madrid. We will also visit the Peace Museum, with an exhibit showing how Guernica has represented democracy, freedom, human rights, and peace.
This afternoon in Bilbao we explore Frank Gehry’s world-famous Guggenheim Museum, an architectural masterpiece. The building’s incredible exterior isn’t the only thing to see – the museum is also home to one of the world’s largest art collections. The Guggenheim Foundation was founded in 1937 by Solomon R Guggenheim and is dedicated to encouraging the appreciation and understanding of art and architecture, primarily of the modern and contemporary periods.
We will have free time to wander the museum at leisure and marvel at the pieces on display.
Day 9 - Bilbao
We’ll take an orientation tour of the city this morning, including the Santiago Cathedral, Plaza Nueva, and Mercado de la Ribera, built on the site of the original Rivera Street market and said to be one of Europe's biggest covered food markets. We’ll also make our way to the top of Mount Artxanda for spectacular city views.
This afternoon is free for you to enjoy at leisure. Why not wander around the beautiful narrow lanes and streets of Casco Viejo or visit the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum?
Day 10 - Bilbao - Oviedo
We depart Bilbao and continue west, following the northern Spanish coastline towards the delightful town of Oviedo. Situated between the Bay of Biscay and the Cantabrian Mountains, it is famous for its historic old quarter with a distinct medieval flavour.
On our way, we’ll visit the beautiful medieval town of Santillana del Mar. The town dates back to the 8th century and the village centre has been declared a national monument. We’ll have some free time to explore before we continue to the seaside village of San Vicente de la Barquera. One of the most picturesque towns on the Cantabrian coast, San Vicente de la Barquera was a former fishermen’s refuge and is known for its excellent fish and seafood. After some free time to enjoy the town and have lunch we’ll depart for Oviedo.
Oviedo is the perfect place for exploring on foot. Our walking tour here takes us past the cathedral, the Palace of Valdecarzana-Heredia, the Church of San Tirso, and through Porlier Square surrounded by the magnificent palaces of Toreno and Camposagrado.
Day 11 - Oviedo - Santiago de Compostela
Our next destination is historic Santiago de Compostela, the culmination point of the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. A truly beautiful city, bursting with history, architecture and charm, the Old Town is perfect for admiring, wandering, and tasting tapas.
As we continue west, we’ll visit the fishing village of Luarca and have some time to wander around the colourful streets and harbour.
Next, we stop near the stunning Beach of the Cathedrals where we have some free time for lunch. This unique stretch of sand is home to a series of arched rock formations that form a ‘cathedral’ at low tide, and disappear completely when the tide comes in.
We’ll arrive in Santiago de Compostela in the early evening.
Day 12 - Santiago de Compostela
After breakfast we discover the Galician capital on a city tour. Highlights include the famous cathedral, where legend has it the remains of the apostle Saint James were buried. We’ll also visit the surrounding squares of Obradoiro, Quintana, Inmaculada, and Praterías, and the historic rúas.
After some free time for lunch we’ll travel to a nearby winery to learn all about Albariño, a variety of white wine created in the area. There will be a tasting too, of course!
When we return to Santiago de Compostela, the rest of the day is at leisure for you to enjoy.
Day 13 - Santiago de Compostela
Special Experience
Walk part of the famous ‘Camino de Santiago’, one of the most important pilgrimages for Christians during the Middle Ages.
Known in English as The Way of Saint James, Camino de Santiago was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site and the first European Cultural Route during the 1980s. Today over 200,000 tourists make their way to Santiago de Compostela along this route each year.
Tonight, we’ll enjoy a group dinner at a local restaurant.
Challenging Day
Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.
Day 14 - Santiago de Compostela - Porto
This morning we travel south towards Portugal.
Also known as Oporto, Porto is located on the Douro River and is famous for the fortified wine from the nearby Douro Valley that shares its name, as well as its Baroque architecture.
On our way to Porto we stop in Braga, Portugal’s third largest city, famous for its Baroque churches and plazas. We’ll explore the city with our Tour Director before enjoying some free time for lunch.
Arriving in Porto in the afternoon, the remainder of the day is free for you to enjoy at leisure. Why not visit the interesting harbour area or spend some time at the photography museum housed in a 19th-century prison? It’s also nice to simply wander through the town’s narrow medieval streets around the Sé (the cathedral) and enjoy the gentle lapping of the Douro River along the docks.
For dinner, you might wish to try a local dish called Francesinha. Known as Portugal’s answer to the croque-monsieur, this large sandwich is filled with cured meats, steak, and sausage, covered with melted cheese and a delicious beer and tomato sauce, all served on a bed of fries – save your diet for later!
Day 15 - Porto
Porto is Portugal’s second largest city and one of the oldest European centres. With a history dating back to approximately 300BC and a historic quarter declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, there are many buildings and sights to see.
We enjoy a guided tour of the city this morning, including the Ribeira Quarter, Saint Francisco Church (outside only) and the Stock Exchange.
Special Experience
Learn how authentic port is made and get to taste it at one of the many producers in Porto.
Afterwards we’ll relax on board a short cruise of the Douro River, admiring the city from the water and passing under some of the city’s famous bridges.
Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to unwind or explore at your own pace.
Day 16 - Porto - Coimbra
Inhabited by Romans and Arabs, Coimbra was once the capital of Portugal. Filled with medieval architecture, it is still abundant with history and tradition.
We’ll arrive in Coimbra later today, but first we visit Aveiro, a city of colourful houses and numerous canals, known as the ‘Portuguese Venice’. Here we have time to see the graceful gondola-like 'moliceiros' boats and taste the local 'Ovos Moles de Aveiro' sweets (made from egg yolks and sugar, wrapped in a thin crust and moulded into various shapes). We’ll take a short orientation tour, then have some time to stroll around this unique and interesting city before departing for Coimbra.
This afternoon a tour of Coimbra awaits us. The city of Coimbra is divided into two by the Mondego River: the Cidade Baixa, (lower town) which is the main commercial centre and Cidade Alta (upper town) which is the older part of the city where the university and many of Coimbra's main attractions are located. Here we’ll visit the beautiful university, which dates back to the 13th century and was the first in Portugal. It is said to be one of the most important in Europe.
Day 17 - Coimbra - Lisbon
Vibrant and bustling Lisbon, Portugal’s capital, is a cultural delight. From its incredible architecture to its picturesque cobblestone streets, its friendly people and so much more, the city is a must-see destination.
As we make our way towards Lisbon, we stop in the medieval fortress village of Óbidos, still surrounded by high walls which date back to the 12th century. While here, we’ll also enjoy a tasting of the renowned local liquor, Ginjinha. Made from ginja berries (a type of sour cherry), in Óbidos, you’ll find it comes served in a chocolate cup!
Making our way inland, we’ll explore Sintra, a beautiful town situated on the green slopes of a mountain range. Set amongst lush forests and overflowing with exotic gardens and palaces, Sintra was also the residence of the Portuguese Royal Family during the Middle Ages.
Special Experience
Visit the mesmerising Quinta da Regaleira, an impressive 20th century residence decorated with gothic turrets and ornate gargoyles.
Its most impressive feature however is the enchanting gardens and spiralling Initiation Well in the grounds, which we will have time to explore.
Challenging Day
Today is a particularly challenging day, where there will be extended periods of walking time, often across uneven ground and in areas of high altitude or heat and humidity.
Day 18 - Lisbon
Today we discover the sights of this amazing city. Our tour of Lisbon commences with a panoramic and walking tour of the most historical and traditional points including the Park Edward VII, Liberty Avenue, Restauradores Square, Rossio Square, Downtown (rebuilt after the earthquake of 1755), and Commerce Square.
We’ll continue to Belém. Known as the ‘Discoveries Quarter’, it was from here that the caravels set sail for their trips to South America and to the Orient. First, we’ll see the Tower of Belém, built in Manueline style on the north bank of the River Tagus for defence purposes of the city. We’ll also have a photo stop at the Monument to the Discoveries. This monument celebrates the Portuguese discoveries with special mention of Henry the Navigator.
Our last stop this morning is the beautifully intricate Cloisters of Jerónimos Monastery, built in the 16th century to celebrate the power of King Manuel I and the magnificence of the empire.
Special Experience
Taste the famous Portuguese custard tart. No visit to Lisbon would be complete without it!
The rest of the afternoon is free for you to enjoy at leisure.
Day 19 - Lisbon – The Algarve
Portugal’s breathtaking southern coast awaits. Today we travel to the Algarve, Portugal’s southernmost region, known for its Atlantic beaches and golf resorts. We’ll be staying in one of the region’s prettiest towns, charming Tavira, known for its unique mix of traditional architecture with Moorish influences. On our way we will stop in Faro, where we’ll see some of the city highlights and have free time for lunch. Faro is the capital of the Algarve region and perfectly blends a beautiful old town, cafes, shopping and cobblestone streets with great beaches and natural reserves.
Cork is the national tree of Portugal and one of the country’s most important exports. In the Algarve we’ll stop to visit a traditional cork factory, learning about a variety of cork products, and sampling some of the liquor the products are used for! Afterwards we’ll stroll through the cork oak plantation on a guided tour.
Over the next few days you’ll experience the carefree way of life in the Algarve, wandering the cobblestone streets, and enjoying the regions rich cultural heritage, delicious cuisine, and warm hospitality.
Day 20 - The Algarve
Today we’ll explore the Algarve’s breathtaking Ria Formosa Natural Park. Here we will cruise through the wetlands, taking in the wonderful scenery and amazing wildlife, and stopping at the peaceful Armona Island to explore.
We then return to Tavira, where you can enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 21 - The Algarve – Évora
Our next destination is the historic UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of Évora, a significant centre for both trade and religion in years gone by. Founded by the Romans and later fortified by the Moors, the city has a diverse mix of architecture and attractions.
There will be some free time for lunch before we begin our sightseeing.
Our walking tour here includes the historical quarter, Roman and Gothic Cathedral, the Roman Temple, Saint Francis Church (outside only) and the Bone Chapel.
Day 22 - Évora - Lisbon
We head back to Lisbon late this morning. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure here before tonight’s group farewell dinner.
Day 23 - Depart Lisbon
Our tour concludes after breakfast this morning. We bid farewell to our new friends and to our adventure across Northern Spain and Portugal. We hope you leave with the memories of a lifetime.
Day 24 - Arrive Australia
Day 24 - Arrive Australia
Departure dates
Select your preferred date or enquire
Operator
Bunnik Tours
With over 25 years experience and a multitude of industry awards, Bunnik Tours' overarching aim remains simple: to provide a better way for travellers to see the world. We do this by creating a series of unique holiday experiences: - Small group tours of no more than 20 passengers, specifically designed to capture the essence of the places we visit. Tours that provide the perfect balance between organised sightseeing and free time for independent discovery. Holidays that visit the famous attractions but also wander off the usual tourist trail. Complete and stress-free tour packages with accommodation, guides, tipping, and meals included (and much more!). Independent travel packages are a flexible way to visit one or more destinations. They can also be added onto our small group tours for a unique experience! A strong belief in responsible travel and sustainable tourism. We have always been a family of travellers at heart, exploring the world around us with equal parts wonder, good humour and curiosity. As a family business we understand that our family's name and reputation is at stake every time we sell a holiday. We take your trust very seriously and look forward to the day when we can help you explore the world. Dennis Bunnik is the chair of the Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) and we are actively involved in helping to improve the overall professionalism of the travel industry. Discover our passion for this incredible planet and its inhabitants, and experience your tour the ‘Bunnik Way’! - Dennis, Marion & Sacha Bunnik
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