Day Trip from Porto to Santiago de Compostela and Valença

Porto , Portugal

Day Trip from Porto to Santiago de Compostela and Valença

Active

(858 reviews)

10h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

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.

Available options

Spanish Meeting-point

lunch not included

French Meeting-point

lunch not included

Portuguese Meeting-point

Lunch not included

English Meeting-point

Lunch is not included

What's included

Tour Expert escorting the group all day

Porto City Walking Tour (available from the day after your experience)

Transportation in a comfortable minibus

Free time in Santiago de Compostela

Guided Visit in Valença do Minho Fortness

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

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.

Stop 3

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!

Stop 5

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.

What's not included

Gratuities

Hotel pick-up and drop off

Lunch is not included

Available languages

Guide guide

PT EN FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.5

242 reviews

5★

179

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

616 reviews

5★

562

4★

3★

2★

1★

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

Meeting point

Meeting Point: Calçada da Vandoma, Porto – just next to Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto).

Look out for our friendly staff dressed in red and clearly identified with Living Tours. They’ll be ready to check you in and introduce you to your guide for the tour.

Important notes

From Meeting Point Departures: Meeting Point: Calçada da Vandoma, Porto – just next to Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto).

Look out for our friendly staff dressed in red and clearly identified with Living Tours. They’ll be ready to check you in and introduce you to your guide for the tour.

Please note that the drop-off point at the end of the tour is currently Rua Alexandre Herculano, next to Batalha Square.

About Porto

Porto, the second-largest city in Portugal, is a vibrant coastal city known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine. With its picturesque Ribeira district, historic bridges, and world-famous port wine cellars, Porto offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern charm.

Top Attractions

Ribeira District

The Ribeira district is the historic heart of Porto, known for its colorful buildings, narrow streets, and lively atmosphere. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit for anyone coming to Porto.

Historical 2-3 hours Free to explore

Livraria Lello

Livraria Lello is one of the most famous bookstores in the world, known for its stunning neo-Gothic interior and as an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series.

Cultural 1 hour €6 (includes a book voucher)

Clérigos Tower

The Clérigos Tower is a iconic Baroque bell tower that offers panoramic views of Porto. Climbing the 240 steps to the top is well worth the effort for the breathtaking views.

Architecture 1 hour €5

Dom Luís I Bridge

This double-deck iron bridge spans the Douro River, connecting Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia. The upper deck offers stunning views of the river and the city.

Architecture 30 minutes Free

Port Wine Cellars

Vila Nova de Gaia is home to many of Porto's famous port wine cellars, where you can learn about the history of port wine and enjoy tastings.

Cultural 2-3 hours €10-€30

Must-Try Local Dishes

Francesinha

A hearty sandwich made with layers of meat, covered in melted cheese and a special sauce, served with fries.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat and dairy

Bacalhau à Brás

A traditional Portuguese dish made with shredded cod, onions, potatoes, and eggs.

Lunch/Dinner Contains fish and eggs

Tripas à Moda do Porto

A traditional Porto dish made with tripe, beans, and spices, slow-cooked to perfection.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat

Pastéis de Nata

Delicious custard tarts with a flaky pastry crust, often dusted with cinnamon or powdered sugar.

Dessert Contains dairy and eggs

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Serra do Pilar Kayaking on the Douro River Sunbathing at Praia do Castelo do Queijo Enjoying a port wine tasting Visiting the Livraria Lello Exploring the Ribeira district Swimming at Praia do Castelo do Queijo Boat tours on the Douro River

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This is the peak tourist season with warm weather and plenty of sunshine. It's ideal for exploring the city and enjoying outdoor activities.

18°C to 28°C 64°F to 82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Portuguese
Widely spoken: English, Spanish, French
English: Widely spoken in tourist areas

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Western European Time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Porto is generally a safe city for travelers, with low violent crime rates. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, can occur in tourist areas and on public transportation.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight, especially in tourist areas and on public transportation
• Be cautious when using taxis, and always ensure the meter is running or agree on a price before starting your journey
• Avoid walking alone at night in quiet or poorly lit areas

Getting there

By air

Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport • 11 km (7 miles) from city center

By train

Porto Campanhã, Porto São Bento

By bus

Porto Bus Terminal (Terminal de Camionagem de Porto)

Getting around

Public transport

The metro system is efficient and easy to use, with six lines connecting major points of interest.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Bolt, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Ribeira Bolhão Foz do Douro Miguel Bombarda

Day trips

Braga

50 km (31 miles) • Full day

Braga is a historic city known for its beautiful churches, monasteries, and the Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary.

Guimarães

40 km (25 miles) • Full day

Guimarães is a historic city known as the birthplace of Portugal. It's home to a well-preserved medieval center and the stunning Guimarães Castle.

Douro Valley

80 km (50 miles) • Full day

The Douro Valley is a stunning wine region known for its terraced vineyards, port wine cellars, and scenic boat tours.

Festivals

São João Festival • June 23-24 Festa de São João • June 24 Porto Wine Festival • September

Pro tips

Visit the Livraria Lello bookstore early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and long queues
Take a port wine tasting tour to learn about the history of port wine and sample a variety of wines from different cellars
Explore the historic center of Porto on foot, as many of its narrow streets and charming squares are best discovered by walking
Try the local cuisine, such as Francesinha, Bacalhau à Brás, and Tripas à Moda do Porto, at traditional restaurants and cafes
Take a day trip to the Douro Valley to see the stunning vineyards, visit port wine cellars, and enjoy a scenic boat tour on the Douro River