Santiago de Compostela & Valenca Tour
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Santiago de Compostela & Valenca Tour
Trip Itinerary
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1
Departure from Porto
Meet your guide at the designated meeting point and board a comfortable air-conditioned minibus for your journey to Spain. Along the way, enjoy fascinating stories about the history, culture, and religious significance of northern Portugal and Galicia.
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2
Santiago de Compostela
Arrive in Santiago de Compostela, one of Europe’s most important pilgrimage destinations. Explore the historic Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the magnificent Santiago Cathedral, home to the relics of Saint James the Apostle. Optionally, attend the Pilgrim Mass and witness the impressive Botafumeiro, a giant swinging censer. Stroll the charming streets, squares, and markets at your own pace.
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3
Lunch / Free Time
Take a break to explore Santiago de Compostela or enjoy lunch at a local restaurant (not included).
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4
Valença do Minho
Cross back into Portugal and stop in Valença do Minho, a historic fortress town overlooking the Minho River. Walk along the impressive Vauban-style fortress walls and admire panoramic views of Spain and Portugal. Explore the cobbled streets filled with local shops, and discover the history of this strategic 17th-century military site.
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5
Return to Porto
Relax on the scenic drive back to Porto, reflecting on a day of history, faith, and culture. Arrive at the designated drop-off location around 17:30, concluding your full-day Santiago de Compostela & Valença tour.
Please note that all times are approximate and depend on traffic conditions and guides availability.
Step across the border from Porto into Spain on a journey filled with history, faith, and culture. Santiago de Compostela, the final destination of the legendary Way of St James pilgrimage, has welcomed pilgrims for over a thousand years. Its cathedral is believed to house the remains of Saint James the Apostle, making it one of the most sacred sites in Europe. The city’s UNESCO-listed Old Town is a maze of cobbled streets, medieval squares, and Baroque facades, where every corner tells a story.
Santiago is alive with centuries of tradition. Inside the cathedral, admire intricate carvings, stunning chapels, and the famous Botafumeiro, a giant swinging censer used during the Pilgrim Mass. Legend says the censer’s smoke purified pilgrims after their long journey. Outside, the Praza do Obradoiro bustles with visitors from around the world, connecting modern life with spiritual devotion.
On the return journey, you will visit Valença do Minho, a remarkable fortress town perched above the Minho River. Its impressive Vauban-style walls, bastions, and cobbled streets reflect centuries of military strategy, trade, and cultural exchange between Portugal and Spain. Wander through the fortress, admire panoramic river views, and explore traditional shops. Valença is a living museum of history, perfectly complementing the sacred experience of Santiago de Compostela.
Tour Highlights
- Explore the sacred Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Witness or attend the Pilgrim Mass and the spectacular Botafumeiro ritual.
- Stroll through the historic streets of Santiago’s Old Town.
- Discover Valença do Minho and its impressive Vauban-style fortress.
- Enjoy scenic views over the Minho River and the surrounding landscapes.
Why Choose This Tour
This full-day tour offers a unique blend of spirituality, history, and architecture. Santiago de Compostela is not just a pilgrimage site—it’s a living city where sacred traditions meet charming streets and bustling squares. Valença complements the journey with its impressive fortifications and rich military history. With a professional guide, comfortable transportation, and time to explore at your own pace, this tour ensures a seamless experience across two countries.
Experience centuries of history, faith, and culture in just one day. From the sacred heart of Santiago de Compostela to the fortified walls of Valença, this tour captures the essence of northern Iberia.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out — we’re always happy to help! Ready for even more Portugal discoveries? Discover our full range of Porto tours and make the most of your stay in this city of rivers, bridges, and timeless charm!
Santiago de Compostela & Valenca Tour - Travellers recommend this tour:
Check opinions about this trip
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Santiago’s cathedral is a must-see. Incredible architecture!
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The Pilgrim Mass added a truly special touch to our tour.
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A perfect day trip from Porto. The guide made everything so engaging and easy to understand.
More details about this tour
Here is a break down of all the activities in the tour:
- Professional guide specialised in the destination.
- Transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned minibus.
- Free time to attend the Pilgrim Mass and see the Botafumeiro.
- Guided tour of Valença Fortress.
- Personal expenses
- Meals and drinks
- Gratuities (optional)
- Hotel pick-up or drop-off
Please meet your guide at Living Tours Agency, located at Rua Mouzinho da Silveira 352, 4050-418 Porto. The agency is easy to spot—it’s the red building directly across from São Bento Station. Be sure to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled tour time so you can check in and start your Porto adventure on time.
- Maximum Group Size: 27 people for a comfortable experience.
- Tour End Location: Rua de Alexandre Herculano, Porto (near Batalha Square)
- Travel Tips: Wear comfortable shoes for walking on cobbled streets and fortress walls. Bring some small cash for souvenirs or refreshments. Pace yourself to fully enjoy the cathedral and the town of Valença.
- Blackout Dates: 1st January / 25th December
More reasons why you should use our services:
We have invented this tour on the market and we are the best in it.
Frequency
During the high season (April to October), this tour operates daily. From November to March, it runs only on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. The tour starts at 7:30 AM.
Meeting point
Please meet your guide at Living Tours Agency at Rua Mouzinho da Silveira 352, 4050-418 Porto.
Cancellation policy
We will charge a cancellation fee of 100% if booking is cancelled 1 day or less before the event.
Professional guide
All our tours from Porto are led by passionate local guides who bring northern Portugal’s history, culture, and hidden gems to life, making every experience memorable.
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