Santiago de compostela and viana do castelo day trip from porto

Cross the border into Spain and retrace part of St James Way – a sacred route followed by centuries of pilgrims – on a visit to Santiago de Compostela from Porto. On this memorable day trip, explore Compostela's famous cathedral and the city's UNESCO World-Heritage-listed Old Town. Back in Portugal, pay a visit to the town of Viana do Castelo during the return ride to Porto.

Travel from Porto, Portugal, over the border to northwestern Spain to walk in the footsteps of pilgrims and discover the Gothic and Baroque glory of the world-renowned cathedral in the city of Santiago de Compostela. One of the world's most important pilgrimage routes since the early Middle Ages, St James Way leads to the cathedral, where the remains of the apostle St James lie interred.

Your guided visit reveals why this is one of the world's most famous cathedrals, filled with Romanesque sculptures, multi-tiered bell towers, porticoes, cloisters and portals. See and experience the highlights of the cathedral's breathtaking interior, including the lofty barrel-vaulted nave, the air thick with heady incense, the golden altar and the crypt housing St James’ remains.

Have free time to have a traditional lunch of octopus or seafood in Santiago (own expense) and explore Santiago's UNESCO World-Heritage-listed old town.

After your visit to Santiago de Compostela, get back in your air-conditioned coach and travel to the town of Viana do Castelo in northern Portugal. The town's pre-Roman citadel atop Mt Santa Luzia dates back to the Mesolithic era. Here, pay a visit to the Basilica of St Luzia, whose design was inspired by Montmartre's Sacre Coeur in Paris.

Take a drive through the city center before returning to Porto, where your day trip concludes.