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Atlantic Coastline, Mountains, National Parks, Valleys and Vineyards
Let this tour take you on a journey of discovery through Northern Spain and Portugal as we show you some of the best of the lesser-known gems. Be prepared for amazing scenery, an abundance of wildlife, unspoilt Atlantic coastline and Spain’s stunning ‘Picos de Europas’ mountains.
Our journey starts in Haro northern Spain, home to many of the great Bodegas of the Rioja region. We tour one of the best, have dinner in their cellar and drink some of the famous wines. We visit Salamanca, Spain’s Cambridge with its old Universities and famous ‘two Cathedrals’ and Plaza Mayor. Explore Monfrague National Park with the park rangers in their 4X4’s. Stop in Evora, Portugal’s best preserved medieval town and head west to reach Portugal’s Atlantic Coast.
Our first base on the coast is the lovely resort of Cascais from where Lisbon and Sintra are within easy reach. Along the Atlantic coast, we visit Porto one of the oldest European centres and a UNESCO “World Heritage Site” since 1996. Capture the magic of the Douro Valley and its amazing scenery as we head north to Santiago de Compostela and the end of the St James route of pilgrimage. Then for the ultimate ‘high’, we spend the final night of our tour in the ‘Picos de Europas’ with a celebratory evening in the Parador Fuente De.
Day One – Wednesday 26th April
Arrive today at our campsite situated at Haro in the Rioja wine region of northern Spain. Later this afternoon we meet at the Tour Director’s motorhome as they host welcome drinks, introductions and give a tour briefing.
Day Two – Thursday 27th April
This morning it’s a short walk to one of the most prestigious Bodegas of the Rioja Region. We have a guided tour in the cellars including, of course a tasting. Following our tour, we will be served a traditional Spanish lunch in the Cellar’s own Dining Room. There will be free time in the afternoon for staying in town for sightseeing.
Day Three – Friday 28th April
Our drive today takes us to Salamanca, famous for its culture and student atmosphere. Our campsite is part of the 4 Star Regio Hotel. 220 miles
Day Four – Saturday 29th April
This morning we use local transport from outside our campsite to arrive in the historical city centre where we take a walking tour with our English speaking guide. Following this why not treat yourself to a Tapas lunch in one of Salamanca’s many bars and restaurants. Return to the campsite is in your own time again making use of the local transport.
Day Five – Sunday 30th April
Today is a free day, it’s Sunday so take it easy and no cooking as we have a group meal arranged in the Campsites Hotel restaurant.
Day Six – Monday 1st May
Today we make the short journey to our next campsite located on the edge of the Monfrague National Park. 90 miles
Day Seven – Tuesday 2nd May
This morning is time for our excursion into the Monfrague National Park. We travel in small groups by 4×4 vehicles accompanied by Park Guides who are able to help explain the history of the area, its wildlife and its biodiversity. Some species to look out for are the Griffin Vultures, Black Vultures and the Short-toed Eagles. Back at the campsite this evening we have a simple group dinner in their own restaurant and an opportunity to recall events of the day.
Day Eight – Wednesday 3rd May
Moving on we leave Spain for our first Portuguese location, Evora. It is one of Portugal’s most beautifully preserved medieval towns and inside its 14th century city walls numerous narrow lanes await you leading to its many historical monuments. 180 miles
Day Nine – Thursday 4th May
This morning we meet our English speaking guide for a tour of ancient Evora. After our tour there will be free time in the city for further sightseeing, shopping or maybe just sitting and soaking up the atmosphere.
Day Ten – Friday 5th May
Today we travel west to our campsite located on the outskirts of coastal Cascais, around 1 hour west of Lisbon. Cascais is a favourite with the Lisboans for its beaches, small coves and beachside walkway linking it with neighbouring Estoril. Our campsite is within walking distance of the beach and is ideally located with a regular bus service into the town centre. This evening we have a Group Dinner in the campsite’s own restaurant. 95 miles
Day Eleven – Saturday 6th May & Day Twelve – Sunday 7th May
During these two days you will have the opportunity to visit the stunning city of Lisbon as well as Cascais, both easily reached by public transport. On one of the days the Tour Directors will escort those interested (at their own cost) into Lisbon and outline the many options available throughout the day. The journey to Lisbon itself is worthwhile; a 30-minute bus ride along the coast passing through some of the splendid resorts of the area before switching to the train for the second half, again hugging the coast along the way. In Lisbon you may choose to walk along the banks of the Tagus into Praca do Comercio (Commercial Square), take a tram, a yellow bus or join the Hills Tramcar tour for an exciting and informative 90-minute journey through historic Lisbon – the choice is yours.
Day Thirteen – Monday 8th May
Today we have a guided coach excursion to Sintra. Set among the pine covered hills of the ‘Sierra de Sintra’ we visit the town centre with its many monuments, cobbled streets & traditional shops. Lunch is included in a traditional restaurant.
Day Fourteen – Tuesday 9th May
Our journey today takes us along the coast to our next campsite in the small seaside town of Sao Pedro de Moel. Our campsite is located within easy walking distance of both the town and the beach. No cooking this evening as we meet in the campsite’s own restaurant for a group dinner. 105 miles
Day Fifteen – Wednesday 10th May
This morning we’re collected by coach for an excursion to Fatima; one of the most important catholic shrines in the world. Before reaching Fatima we take time to stop off at Nazarre, one of Portugal’s most famous fishing villages and Obidos, one of its most picturesque small towns. Lunch is included in a local restaurant.
Day Sixteen – Thursday 11th May
A free day enabling you to catch up on a few chores, relax or explore the local village and beaches either on foot or by bicycle.
Day Seventeen – Friday 12th May
Travel to our next campsite just to the north of the Douro river’s mouth at Lavra near Porto. We stay here for the next 3 nights. 135 miles
Day Eighteen – Saturday 13th May
It is in to Porto today, our coach will collect us from the campsite for a mornings coach and walking tour of this historic city. We have lunch in a city centre restaurant and free time for shopping/further sightseeing before our coach returns us back to the campsite.
Day Nineteen – Sunday 14th May
Today is a free day. There is a regular bus service into Porto from the campsite entrance for those who would like to see more of this fascinating city or simply relax on site ready for tonight when we have a group dinner in the campsite restaurant.
Day Twenty – Monday 15th May
Move on today into the Douro Valley and to our campsite situated 500m above the river at Lamego. You have the opportunity to take the picturesque route closely following the river or for the less adventurous, the motorway will take you direct. Whichever route you take be prepared for some amazing views. 90 miles
Day Twenty-One – Tuesday 16th May
A guided tour today of the most picturesque parts of the Douro Valley. We are collected by coach to travel along the river’s edge, through the vineyards that cling to the valley sides, to arrive at a prestigious Quinta high above the river, where we have a guided tour of the cellar and Port Wine tastings arranged. This is followed by a picnic lunch on the Quinta’s terrace overlooking the valley and affording amazing views all around, and the day is not yet finished, as this afternoon we board a traditional “Rabelo” boat for a cruise on the river Douro.
Day Twenty-Two – Wednesday 17th May
Transport is arranged from the campsite into town, allowing you free time to visit the Cathedral, Museum and Castle at your own pace.
Day Twenty-Three – Thursday 18th May
Travelling north through the scenic Douro Valley we return to Spain and our destination at Santiago de Compostela, acknowledged as the traditional end of the Pilgrim route from Europe, and the burial place of the Apostle James. The amazing Cathedral built here in his honour today attracts pilgrims from all over the world. Tonight we have a traditional Spanish tapas evening where you will be served a selection of dishes accompanied by sangria, wine and beer. 185 miles
Day Twenty-Four – Friday 19th May
A free day and the opportunity for a lazy start. Later in the day, take the regular bus service from the campsite into town and the Cathedral. This evening the Cathedral will hold a Pilgrim’s Mass at the end of which its huge incense burner will be swung over the congregation and those finishing their pilgrimage – a very unique experience.
Day Twenty-Five – Saturday 20th May
Travel to Cudillero and our campsite located close to the beach in the heart of the Asturias region. During your journey why not stop off at one of the coastal villages for lunch. 155 miles
Day Twenty-Six – Sunday 21st May
An excursion today by coach around this picturesque area of northern Spain, with plenty of stops for photos, sightseeing and lunch in a traditional restaurant.
Day Twenty-Seven – Monday 22nd May
A free day and an opportunity to independently visit the local beach and Cudillero town with its beautiful harbour area.
Day Twenty-Eight – Tuesday 23nd May
We arrive today in the ‘Picos de Europas’ and our destination is Fuente De located at over 1,000 m above sea level. From our parking spot you have the opportunity to take the cable car up a further 750m, to arrive at the mountain top which at 1,823m affords unforgettable views. We overnight in the parking area of the Parador (State run hotel), with no traditional camping facilities. You will need to use your on-board facilities although toilets will be available for our use within the Parador. Tonight we have our Farewell Dinner in the Parador’s dining room and at the end of the evening it is no more than just a few steps back to our motorhomes. 136 miles
Day Twenty-Nine – Wednesday 24th May
The tour ends this morning but before commencing our homeward journeys we are all treated to breakfast in the Parador.
PRICE TOUR DEPOSIT £250
Motorhome with 2 people = £000 per person
Motorhome with 1 person = £000
INCLUDED IN PRICE
- 27 Campsite nights with electric hook-up
- 1 Night at Parador Car Park – No facilities
- Transport for Excursions/Events as detailed and included in itinerary
- Entrance fees on Excursions/Events as per the itinerary
- Tour Information Pack with suggested routes, GPS coordinates and local maps
- Services of Tour Directors throughout the tour travelling in their own motorhome
Excursions, Events & Meals
- Welcome Drinks Reception
- Cellar Visit and Tasting in Haro, lunch included
- Guided Walking Tour in Salamanca, with Guide
- Dinner in the Campsite restaurant
- 4 X 4 Excursion into Monfrague National Park with park rangers
- Campsite restaurant for a light dinner
- Guided Walking Tour of Evora, with Guide
- Dinner in our Cascais campsite restaurant
- Guided Coach Excursion to Sintra, lunch included
- Dinner in the Sao Pedro de Moel campsite restaurant
- Guided Coach Excursion to Nazare, Obidos & Fatima, lunch included
- Guided Coach Excursion to Porto, lunch included
- Dinner in the Lavra campsite restaurant
- Guided Coach Excursion in Douro Valley including visit to local Quinta for wine tasting and picnic lunch followed by river boat trip
- Guided Tour of Lamego by ‘Tourist Train’
- Tapas evening accompanied by sangria, wine & beer
- Guided Coach Excursion from Cudillero, lunch included
- Breakfast & Farewell Dinner in Parador
This tour will start and finishes in Northern Spain, if you would like to travel at the same time as the Tour Directors on the outward journey, please book the optional tour package so that everything can be arranged on your behalf
OPTIONAL PACKAGE
- Return Dover/Calais Ferry with 60 day Flexible Ticket + Club Class Lounge
- Five additional campsite with electric hook-up at Kent, three in France & Northern Spain
- Tour information pack with suggested routes and GPS coordinates
- Services of Tour Directors travelling in their own motorhome
OPTIONAL PACKAGE PRICE
Motorhome with 2 people = £225.00 per person
Motorhome with 1 person = £375.00