Portugal, The Douro Valley & The Picos de Europa
From £2219 per person
12 Days / 11 Nights
4 - 15 June 2027
Other dates may be available
From beaches to mountains this tour encompasses Cantabria, Asturias and the Pyrenees, a treasure trove of landscapes full of winding scenic roads, great cities and untouched villages and superb local fare.
Portugal offers exquisite food, idyllic scenery, and captivating history. Visitors will be left in awe of its majestic cities, golden beaches, imposing castles, and cobblestone villages and, above all, its incredible drives.
The Douro Valley is known locally as the enchanted valley. Following a route between the viewpoints that offer the best vistas, you need to cross the Douro River from north to south and back again. However, along the way you can admire breath-taking landscapes over the river and visit vineyards, towns, and villages until you reach Miranda do Douro, the point at which the river enters Portugal. The N222 between Pinhão and Régua was voted the World’s Best Drive in 2015. We also recommend the N101 from Régua through Mesão Frio in the direction of
Amarante and the N322-3 between Pinhão and Alijó.
The Picos de Europa on the borders of Asturias, Cantabria, and Castilla y León, is probably the most stunning National Park in Spain, or even Europe. The contrasts within these 300 square miles of spectacular natural beauty, that link Cantabria and Asturias, are amazing. Small mountain villages are tucked away in the higher slopes and are almost completely isolated. Deep gorges that plunge vertically down into deep river valleys, sparkling lakes and magical forests make this an adventure playground just begging to be explored.
Tour Dates & Prices
What's Included
Return Brittany Ferries Crossing from UK to Spain (other crossings available on request)
2 berth inside cabin on overnight crossings (upgrades available on request)
1 Night at the Parador de Cangas de Onís, Asturias
1 Night at the Parador de Puebla de Sanabria
1 Night at the Longroiva Rural Hotel, Longrovia
3 Nights at the Monverde Wine Experience Hotel, Amarante
1 Night at the Parador de Puebla de Sanabria
1 Night at the Parador de Santillana Gil Blas, Santillana del Mar
8 Breakfasts, 7 Dinners – Including Welcome Dinner, in the Hotel on the First Night
Road Book featuring Maps, Great Drives & Local Attractions
Commemorative Tour Rally plate
Car Parking at all Hotels
Itinerary
DAYS 1 & 2 At Sea, Overnight Ferry Crossing from UK to Spain
DAY 3 Arrival in Spain, Drive to Cangas de Onís & Welcome Dinner
DAY 4 Cangas de Onís to Puebla de Sanabria via the Picos de Europa
DAY 5 Puebla de Sanabria to Longroiva, Portugal
DAY 6 Longroiva to Amarante
DAYS 7 & 8 At Leisure at the Monverde Wine Resort
DAY 9 Amarante to Benavente
DAY 10 Benavente to Santillana del Mar via the Picos de Europa
DAY 11 Santillana del Mar to Ferry Port for Overnight Ferry Crossing to the UK
DAY 12 Onward journey home from your UK arrival port
Hotels
Longroiva Hotel Rural
Longroiva Hotel Rural offers free WiFi throughout the property and rooms with air conditioning in Longroiva. Featuring a 24-hour front desk, this property also provides guests with a year-round heated outdoor pool. Guests can enjoy a selection of Portuguese dishes in the on-site restaurant.At the hotel the rooms are fitted with a desk, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. All units at Longroiva Hotel Rural are equipped with a seating area.The accommodation offers a terrace. A continental breakfast is served daily at the property. Facilities for disabled guests are avaliable. Free parking is avaliable on site. Pets are not permitted at this hotel.
Parador de Santillana Gil Blas
Set in the main square in the beautiful Cantabrian town of Santillana del Mar, this attractive and modern hotel provides the perfect ambience for a relaxing getaway. The Parador Gil Bas has its own restaurant, where you can sample local-style cuisine without leaving the hotel. After, you can enjoy a drink in the on-site bar, or explore the bars in the local town. There is also free Wi-Fi internet access available throughout the hotel. Parking is avalibale at a nearby location, charges may apply. Pets are not permitted at this property.
Monverde Wine Experience Hotel
Monverde Hotel is situated in Teloes. There is a games room on site and guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant and bar. Rooms have a flat-screen TV with cable channels. A terrace or balcony are featured in certain rooms. The rooms are equipped with a private bathroom with a bath or shower and bidet, with bath robes provided. For your comfort, you will find slippers, free toiletries and a hair dryer. A TV is offered.This hotel has a spa which offers a variety of relaxing treatments and massages. An indoor pool, a sauna and a Turkish bath are provided free of charge. Free private parking is available on site. Facilities are avaliable for disabled guests. Pets are not permitted at this property.
Parador de Cangas de Onis
The Parador de Cangas de Onís is set on the green banks of the River Sella. The Picos de Europa National Park can be reached on foot. The Parador de Cangas de Onís offers free Wi-Fi and free parking in a historic setting. The building includes archaeological exhibitions. Rooms are simple and attractive. Each is air conditioned, with a minibar. The restaurant at the Parador serves dishes from Asturias. Specials include stew and local cheeses. There is also typical cider. Free parking is avaliable on site. Pets are not permitted at this property.
Parador de Puebla de Sanabria
Elegantly furnished and beautifully set in the centre of the Sanabria, on the frontier with Portugal, Parador de Puebla de Sanabria is modern and stylish and just 12 km from Lake Sanabria. Enjoy fine cuisine and a lovely garden with swimming pool. The cozy, comfortable, and quiet rooms feature air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, and minibar. The bathroom comes with free toiletries, bath or shower, and hairdryer. The welcoming interiors of the Parador de Puebla de Sanabria are decorated with care to create a warm and inviting atmosphere with fine touches of luxury. In the restaurant you can enjoy typical dishes of the area along with wines from the region, in a relaxed atmosphere. Free private parking is avaliable on site. Pets are not permitted at this property.