Portugal and Spain Discovery

Day 1 – Thursday 9^th October 2025
We meet at a campsite near to Santander on Spain’s northern Costa Verde (Green Coast). Early evening the Tour Directors will host a welcome drinks reception and tour briefing outside their motorhome. An opportunity to meet fellow travel companions and learn more about the discovery ahead.

Day 2
Free Day. The beach is next to the camping and Santander is close by with the local bus passing near to the campsite. Mostly known as a ferry port, Santander is well worth a visit to explore its old and vibrant centre.

Day 3
Leaving the coast for a couple of days, we travel inland to follow the river through the ‘Picos Gorge’. Marvel at the high scenery all around and the engineering for getting a road into this narrow valley. This evening, we have group drinks and food in the campsite restaurant. 65 miles

 

Day 4 – Sunday 12^th October
Free day. Spectacular views of the Picos Europa mountains are available directly from the camping and a good visit is the very picturesque town of Potes, 1 mile from the camping.

Day 5
Travel back to the sea and west along the coast to reach the beautiful fishing town of Cudillero. Our campsite is a family affair where we stay for 3 nights. 125 miles

Day 6
Coach excursion from the campsite around the Costa Verde region with free time for own lunch arrangements.

Day 7
Free day. The town of Cudillero is less than a mile from our camping and something special to see. It can be reached by foot or by using the local taxi. The local train is also a possibility, for a slow scenic journey around the area.

Day 8
Continue west along the north coast to an overnight stop with great views overlooking the estuary & sea. Make the journey either by ambling along the national road or using the direct motorway. Tonight, we are using a motorhome parking area, so use of own motorhome facilities is required and without a hook-up. 50 miles

Day 9
Travelling across northern Spain on some very scenic roads, our destination is Santiago de Compostela, acknowledged as the traditional end of the Pilgrim route from across Europe and the burial place of the Apostle James. The amazing Cathedral built here in his honour attracts pilgrims from all over the world. 115 miles

 

Day 10
A free day and an opportunity for a lazy start. Later in the day, join with the Tour Directors to take the local bus (payable locally) 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 is swung over the congregation for those finishing their pilgrimage – a very unique experience.

Day 11 – Sunday 19^th October
As we travel south today, we enter Portugal to arrive at our next campsite just to the north of the Douro river’s mouth, at Lavra near Porto. We stay here for 3 nights. 145 miles

Day 12
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 13
A free day. There is a local bus service into Porto from near to the campsite for those who would like to see more of this fascinating city; or just relax on site, visit the local village and beach area.

Day 14
Move on today into the Douro Valley and to our camping situated 600m above sea level at the old town of 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 choose, you will have some amazing views. Group evening drinks around camping bar. 80 miles

Day 15
A 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.

Day 16
Free day allowing time to visit Lamego’s Cathedral, Museum and Castle. The old town can be reached by foot in around 15 minutes via an interesting route, or the campsite offers a shuttle mini-bus service.

Day 17
We drive across the mountainous northern region of Portugal to arrive on the Atlantic Coast and our campsite right on the beach. 120 miles

Day 18 – Sunday 26^th October
A free day. You may join with the Tour Directors for a 3km beach & board walk to arrive at Figueira da Foz, which includes taking the local ferry across the estuary.

Day 19
Excursion with coach and local guide, firstly to the university city of Coimbra and then to the canal city of Aveiro. Lunch included in a local restaurant.

Day 20
A free day. The campsite is well appointed for catching up on any chores.

Day 21
A short drive continuing south, where for parts the route sticks close to the sea. Take the opportunity to stop at some of the great beaches along this stretch of Atlantic coastline. Our destination is another coastal campsite at Sao Pedro de Moel, where this evening we stroll into town for a group dinner. 50 miles

Day 22
Transport is arranged for spending time in the interesting towns of Nazarre & Obidos.

Day 23
A full day excursion with coach and guide as we visit local places of interest, including the pilgrim destination of Fatima. Today Fatima receives over 4 million pilgrims each year, after it became famous following the events there in 1917. Free time for own lunch.

Day 24
Free day. Take it easy with a walk to the beach or just relax around the campsite.

Day 25 – Sunday 2^nd November
Leave the coast and travel inland for an overnight stop at Coruche, we are now in the cork growing region. Tonight is at a motorhome parking, so use of motorhomes own facilities are required with no hook-up. 90 miles

Day 26
Travel to the city of Evora, passing through Portugal’s cork growing region. Here 6 million wine corks per day are produced and exported worldwide. Have you ever wondered how these are made? Today we stop for a group visit to the cork information centre and then at a cork factory to learn and find the answer. 50 miles

Day 27
Evora is one of Portugal’s best preserved medieval towns and inside its 14^th century city walls numerous narrow lanes await you, leading to its many historical monuments. This morning, we meet our English-speaking guide for a walking tour of ancient Evora. After our tour there will be free time in the city for further independent sightseeing & shopping, or maybe just sitting and soaking up the atmosphere. Travel (payable locally) between camping and the centre can be by local bus, taxi or walking (2km).

Day 28
A free day. For those who would like to visit Lisbon (Portugal’s capital) it is possible to use the train from Evora, which takes a little over an hour to reach the capitals centre.

Day 29
A visit to Palace Vicosa is included today, as we travel on-route to Winery Ribafreixo for an evening group wine tour followed by tastings and dinner. Our journey today will take us through the fruit growing region passing many orange and lemon orchards. We overnight at the winery, so use of motorhomes own facilities required with no hook-up. 90 miles

Day 30
Today we arrive to Portugal’s south and its Algarve coast. Our campsite is located near to the resort of Albufeira in the centre of the coastline. 95 miles

Day 31
This morning we are collected by Tuk-Tuk from the camping to be shown around the Albufeira area. Enjoy this alternative way to travel along the stunning coastline. Later you can be returned to the camping or dropped in town for further exploration by foot.

Day 32 – Sunday 9^th November
A free day. Take it easy, it is Sunday after all. The campsite has good facilities to enjoy or maybe have a walk along the dedicated footpath into Albufeira centre (2km).

Day 33
Full day excursion with coach and guide as we travel inland to see some of the Algarves best preserved Morish towns, before taking a journey along the western half of the Algarve coast. Lunch included in a local ‘Piri Piri’ restaurant.

Day 34
A free day. This evening, we have a ’Farewell Portugal’ evening with traditional food and drinks.

Day 35
Leaving Portugal we enter Spain and arrive at the ‘Western style’ town of El Rocio. 100 miles

Day 36
This morning we have a guided Safari bus excursion through one of Europe’s least known, but also one of its best, protected parks for birds and wildlife, the Parque National de Donana. Upon returning to the campsite, we enjoy a group lunch in the campsites own restaurant.

Day 37
El Rocio is every bit the image of a traditional ‘Western town’, with its sand streets and people riding around on horseback. Enjoy time seeing this with the town being just 1km from the camping.

Day 38
A short drive today to arrive in the Moorish city of Seville. We park overnight at a basic secure city centre Camper Stop, perfectly located for seeing the cities beautiful architecture. Join with the Tour Directors this afternoon/evening as they take a walk into the city. 50 miles

Day 39 – Sunday 16^th November
Arrive today to Andalucía and near one of the regions great cities, Cordoba. This evening, we have a group diner in the campsite restaurant. 70 miles

Day 40
A full day excursion into Cordoba, including visiting its wonderful Mosque/Cathedral. Free time for own lunch arrangements.

Day 41
Travel today to the area of Granada and up into the Sierra Nevada mountains. Our campsite is located at altitude with views across the valley towards the ski areas. 110 miles

Day 42 and Day 43
Two free days to enjoy the area. There are local walks directly from the camping to the village and hiking trails leading further afield. Also, the local bus runs regularly and directly from outside the camping to Granada city, where the Alhambra Palace and other attractions are to be found. Group dinner in the campsite restaurant on one of the evenings.

Day 44
We travel today to the region of the Pueblo Blanco’s (White Village’s) and to the very centre of the region at Ronda. On route pass through the National Park of Sierra de las Nieves. 110 miles

Day 45
Located in a stunning gorge setting, Ronda is a truly beautiful place. This morning, we join with a local guide for a walking tour of the town and to be shown the many great views this ‘White Village’ offers. A group lunch is arranged in town, before returning to the campsite in everyone’s own time.

Day 46 – Sunday 23^rd November
A free day. Relax around the peaceful campsite or maybe return to town to once again take in the wonderful location of Ronda and also stop off for some tapas in a local bar, there are plenty to choose from.

Day 47
Enjoy the drive through the second half of the Pueblo Blanco region, this time travelling through the Sierra de Grazalema national park. Our destination is Spain’s Costa de Luz (Coast of Light). Our campsite, where we stay for 6 nights, is ideally located close to the beach, supermarket and town centre. It also boasts high quality facilities. 90 miles

Day 48
A trip today to the ancient port city of Cadiz, around 15 miles by road or just a few miles across the bay by boat. We take the boat to arrive directly at the old centre where our local guide will take us for a morning’s exploration in this interesting city. Group lunch included in a city restaurant.

Day 49
A free day. The beach is right outside our campsite and alongside this runs a coastal walking/cycling path for picturesque exercise.

Day 50
Excursion to Jerez today, including a visit at the famous ‘Foundacion Real Escuela Andaluza’ horse stables. Free time for own lunch arrangements.

Day 51
Today we visit a local bodega to learn about and sample the regions sherry production.

Day 52
A free day with our ‘Farewell Dinner’ taking place this evening in a local restaurant.

Day 53 – Sunday 30^th November
Our tour comes to an end. You can make your return to the UK to be home in time for Christmas or extend your time away to stay over for the festive period and into the New Year.