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Porto: Santiago de Compostela and Valença do Minho Day Trip with Lunch

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Porto, Portugal
Porto: Santiago de Compostela and Valença do Minho Day Trip with Lunch
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Porto: Santiago de Compostela and Valença do Minho Day Trip with Lunch
Santiago de Compostela and Viana do Castelo Day Trip from Porto
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Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance. Learn more
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Safety measures
icon11 hours  (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
iconOffered in: English and 3 more

Overview

Venture from Porto to Spain on this day trip to  Santiago de Compostela and the sacred pilgrimage route, St James Way. For centuries pilgrims have made their way along this historic path and on this tour you can glean a part of their experience with a knowledgeable guide. Visit the sacred sites of Santiago de Compostela, like the city’s famous cathedral, as well as the UNESCO World-Heritage-listed Old Town. On your way back to Porto, stop at the charming Valença do Minho, dominated with a fortress of two towers and a double great wall projected in the Vouban style, in Portugal.
  • Day trip from Porto to Santiago de Compostela, Spain, and Valença do Minho Day, Portugal
  • Visit the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, where the pilgrim route St James Way ends
  • See Compostela’s historic Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Enjoy free time in Santiago de Compostela to have lunch and explore more at your own leisure
  • Visit Valença do Minho city center and see its fortress
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From $119.67

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Professional guide
Air-conditioned vehicle
Lunch
Hotel pickup and drop-off in Porto city center
Food and drinks, unless specified
Gratuities
This operator has two meet-up options available. You can either meet at the departure point below or select a location for pick-up.
R. de Mouzinho da Silveira 352 , R. de Mouzinho da Silveira 352, 4000-069 Porto, Portugal
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Our Tourism office is located on the top of Rua Mouzinho da Silveira door number 352-354, near São Bento Train Station.

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7:30 AM
This activity will end right where it started.Please contact the tour operator in order to confirm your pick up time and local till 24hours before the tour.
Your journey to Santiago de Compostela begins with by meeting your expert guide and driver in central Porto. From there, enjoy a leisurely and scenic drive by air-conditioned coach through northern Portugal’s bucolic countryside, then cross the border to northwest Spain. 

Follow in the footsteps of thousands of pilgrims on St James Way, one of the most famous pilgrimage routes in the world. Holy seekers have been traversing this path since the early Middle Ages, and the tradition continues on today. 

At the end of your walk along the trail, your reward is confronting the Gothic, housing the remains of the apostle St James. Listen to your guide illuminate this holy site with its history. Then, explore the cathedral, admiring its  majestic interior, stately bell towers, golden altar and Romanesque sculptures. Next, refuel with an authentic local lunch consisting of octopus or seafood in Santiago (own expense), then head to Santiago's UNESCO World-Heritage-listed old town district. 

When you’ve seen enough, hop back in your air-conditioned coach and begin your journey back to Porto. But first, stop at Valença do Minho, an historical village in the north of Portugal, located on the border between Portugal and Spain. Also known by its "Caminhos de Santiago" Valença do Minho is dominated with a fortress of two towers and a double great wall projected in the Vouban Style. An Engineer and an military architect from the XVII e XVIII centuries. 

Take time to explore this great city with its historical essence before returning to Porto, where your day trip concludes.
Itinerary
Pass By:  
Porto
Cross the border between Portugal and Spain to reach the city of Santiago de Compostela.
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Stop At:  
Santiago de Compostela. Casco Historico
Discover one of the routes that take pilgrims for centuries to the city of Santiago de Compostela, the famous Camino de Santiago. Seen as a kind of affirmation of the Catholic faith and devotion of those who walk it, this road connects various points of Europe to this Spanish city. An incredible network that serves as a pilgrimage to the sanctuary of the apostle Santiago in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, Galicia.
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Duration: 45 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
Stop At:  
Cathedral De Santiago de Compostela
Finally, we can enjoy the stunning Santiago de Compostela Cathedral - the ultimate goal! - for many pilgrims from all over the world. In Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque style, this Cathedral is a true landmark, not only in Galicia, but also throughout Spain.
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Duration: 45 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
Stop At:  
Santiago de Compostela
It's time to enjoy a delicious tapas lunch at a traditional restaurant in the historic area of Santiago de Compostela. This typical area, full of history and traditions, is considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
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Duration: 1 hour 
Admission Ticket Free
Stop At:  
Valença
You just had a great experience in Santiago. Now say goodbye to Spain and return to Portugal: there are still plenty of places to discover on this full day tour! We will head towards Valença do Minho, an iconic city in northern Portugal of a unique and respected work of art: the Heart of Viana, in Portuguese filigree. This "Heart of Viana" is the true medal of Portugal and has a strong importance in the region of Minho. A golden heart that will surprise you.
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Duration: 45 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
Stop At:  
Fortaleza de Valenca
Discover the city's biggest tourist attraction: the Fortress, built to protect the village from Spanish attacks. An impressive medieval structure with two strong towers and a large double wall designed in the Vauban style, a military architect. You will have enough time to explore the incredible Fortress before safely returning to Porto. Take as many photos as you want and save this tour forever in your mind!
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Duration: 1 hour 
Admission Ticket Free
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 2 days of travel. In this case confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability
  • May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Infants must sit on laps
  • Infant seats available
  • There is no bathroom on board the bus
  • Dress code is smart casual
  • The tours may be changed without prior notice
  • A moderate amount of walking is involved
  • Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
  • Minimum passenger required to run - 4 persons
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 150 travelers
  • OPERATED BY Cityrama
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Learn more about cancellations.

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What is the policy on face masks and attendee health during Porto: Santiago de Compostela and Valença do Minho Day Trip with Lunch?
A:The policies on face masks and attendee health are:

  • Face masks required for travelers in public areas
  • Face masks required for guides in public areas
See all safety measures taken by Porto: Santiago de Compostela and Valença do Minho Day Trip with Lunch.
Q:
What is the policy on sanitization during Porto: Santiago de Compostela and Valença do Minho Day Trip with Lunch?
A:The policies on sanitization are:

  • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
  • Gear/equipment sanitized between use
  • Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
See all safety measures taken by Porto: Santiago de Compostela and Valença do Minho Day Trip with Lunch.
Q:
What is the social distancing policy during Porto: Santiago de Compostela and Valença do Minho Day Trip with Lunch?
A:The policy on social distancing is:

  • Social distancing enforced throughout experience
See all safety measures taken by Porto: Santiago de Compostela and Valença do Minho Day Trip with Lunch.

Traveler Photos

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Traveler Tips

  • "This renowned pilgrimage site is worth a visit even for those not up to the rigors of a pilgrimage on foot." See review
  • "This is an option but inform your tour guide that you are foregoing the meal to hear mass instead." See review

Reviews

4.5
star-4.5
120 Reviews
5 stars
81
4 stars
20
3 stars
10
2 stars
5
1 star
4

Reviews by Viator travelers

Showing 1-10 of 120 reviews
star-3
No guided tour
Shirley_C
, May 2022
The Driver was nice , the lunch was great however there was no guide. We signed up for a guided tour, when we got to Santiago the driver gave us a map and said have fun. We got lost , wasted time and did not know what we were looking at, we went on Eight tours in Portugal this was the worst.
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icon Response from Host , May 2022
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. All our regular tours are done with guides and on this day was no exception.When Customers arrive to Santiago de Compostela is given a map because they have free time to explore this culture cty of Galicia
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star-5
Wonderful experience!
aliciayala
, May 2022
The tour promptly started at the time and place agreed. Our tour guide Martin was very knowledgeable. During the drive to Santiago de Compostela he pointed out sites of interests and shared its history. En route we stopped at a resting area where we were able to buy something to eat and drink. Upon arrival in Santiago, we had about an hour to explore on our own however, a map was provided. Although the town is pretty small so it’s hard to get lost. Afterwards we met with the group for lunch at a tapas restaurant. I thought it was great! There were a variety of tapas such as mussels, croquetas, tortilla de patatas, and chicken to name a few. Of course, to drink we had the option or red or white wine, water and to finish off, dessert with coffee. Overall, this was a great experience. It is definitely worth it!
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icon Response from Host , May 2022
We really appreciate the time you took to write such a detailed review..Our guide will be very happy to know that he contributed in making this tour an enjoyable one for you.
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star-3
Finding on my own
Irene_S
, Mar 2020
Enjoyed despite the renovations going on inside cathedral. On route got good explanations, however never told how to get around cathedral and see tomb of saint. I found it by accident. Also was not advised museum would be helpful to understanding. Had I known what to expect , I would have seen second part of museum. Also given wrong information about time of Mass. I wasted time and, as posted in cathedral, Mass had taken place earlier in another church.
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star-2
Santiago de Compostela day trip
Orsolya_N
, Mar 2020
I gave 2x for this trip due to the driver/guide. He was very good, had lots of knowledge and made the trip enjoyable. This trip could have been easily 5x if the cathedral was not under complete renovation, meaning we could see nothing inside. Totally covered in scaffolding and solid panels. Travel agency should have made this clear to us. Trip was disappointing due to this.
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star-4
Santiago de Compostela - a remote gem in northwest Spain
Alan C
, Nov 2019
This renowned pilgrimage site is worth a visit even for those not up to the rigors of a pilgrimage on foot. Viator offers a day trip by bus from Porto, Portugal. The stop in Valenca, a fortress town on the border with Spain, is basically a long restroom stop. Santiago is full of historic and awe-inspiring architecture, first and foremost the Cathedral. The cathedral is currently under renovation. The scaffolding and rebars substantially diminish the majesty and grandeur of the place. Other sites of interest include the Monasteries of Saint Martin and Saint Francis and the University of Santiago de Compostela. The Viator trip is not a guided tour. Once inside the city, you are free to explore on your own. But the guide provides a map and directions. The historic center is relatively compact and you can easily see the major sights on your own. A tapas lunch is included.
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1 traveler found this review helpful
star-5
Relaxing trip
Danilo_V
, Oct 2019
We move to Santiago de compostela riding in a very fast car with Ricardo as our driver and tour guide. He was good in driving while narrating the history of Porto and the places we have to visit. He speaks fluent english. We will look for him the next time we visit again Portugal.
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star-4
Good day trip
Fay S
, Oct 2019
Picked up on time,very informative guide with excellent English,a nice drive in the countryside,a short stop for coffee,arrived in Santiago with 1 hour free time to visit the cathedral before a very nice lunch,another hour to walk around the town before leaving for our trip back to Porto,another short stop before dropping off at our hotel. Very disappointed as cathedral inside is covered in scaffolding,unable to see much of the interior.Why wasn’t this done in stages.? A very enjoyable day,a good lunch with wine,the only disappointment was the interior of the cathedral in Santiago. Certainly not the drivers fault. .
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star-5
Great Trip
Janice R
, Sep 2019
Our driver Ricardo was very knowledgeable and friendly. Our lunch was fantastic. This trip was well worth the price.
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star-5
Santiago
Carlos_V
, Sep 2019
My guide Paula was good on the history,explained everything very well, but will like interactive on her part.
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star-5
Superior Experience. Try It You'll like it
David_S
, Sep 2019
Paola was our guide/driver and she made the experience exceptional due to her deep knowledge and apparent love for the history of this area. Plus, her driving skills were admirable. The cafe we stopped for "lunch" was a real treat and the food was both delicious and plentiful. I cannot imagine a better way to visit this area and shrine than through our Viator day trip. P.S. It included a stop at the fortress on the Minho River and that was a delightful respite, too.
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star-5
Visit
Raleigh_H
, May 2019
What a great trip, our guide was very helpful and the lunch was fantastic. Well worth the trip. I would recommend this.
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star-5
Highly recommend
Belgium442
, May 2019
It was a tour in a small group (7 people + our guide) and I really enjoyed it! Ricardo was very knowledgeable in regard to everything in Portugal and very passionate about his country. I learned a lot and just had a great time!
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star-4
I really appreciated this tour and our...
Gazelle M
, Sep 2018
I really appreciated this tour and our tour guide. There were 7 adults and a child in our van, we were comfortable. Our guide was very knowledgeable and courteous. We were picked up promptly at our hotel and travel was smooth. This tour was on a Sunday and there were a lot of people. Pilgrims are given priority to enter the church. It was very challenging to get in the church. We were advised to wait until the mass was over which would mean after lunch. We chose to skip the rest of the food planned for our meal so we could go inside the church. One of the guests chose to line up and was able to successfully enter the church and touch Sr. Santiago but arrived in the middle of the meal. This is an option but inform your tour guide that you are foregoing the meal to hear mass instead. I wish we have more time in the area but of course we have to consider travel time. All in all, a good tour to reach this special place in a day.
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star-3
It was great to visit Santiago and...
Paul_H
, May 2018
It was great to visit Santiago and Valenca but the guide simply gave us a map and said see you back in an hour. No tour round the city and no explanation.
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star-5
knowledgeable guide....fun and saw lots...
George H
, May 2018
knowledgeable guide....fun and saw lots of fun things, way beyond what was promised!!!
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star-5
Excellent trip with very...
Catherine S
, Apr 2018
Excellent trip with very knowledgeable guide. The pilgrims service is very moving. Lunch was excellent. It just needed to have been made clear that we had time after lunch for a walk round santiago. I left, and regret, the service early not realizing that.
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star-5
This tour was arranged in a small...
IndahMayasari_G
, Mar 2018
This tour was arranged in a small group of 8 people in a van that drove by our tour guide, Ricardo. He explained to us some geographical facts about the cities that we saw along the journey, and gave us a clear understanding about Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage. He's very cautious about safety and constantly reminded us to wear seat belt plus the music selections in his van's playlist was another plus point. Kudos to Ricardo!
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star-5
When I arrived at the pick up point...
Hardy_W
, Mar 2018
When I arrived at the pick up point, I was informed by the tour guide that I was the only person.So it was just like a private tour, only cheaper. And that's great but my tour guide is also a very affable and easy-going kind of fella. It was raining on and off the whole day, but luckily I managed to take pictures in between. It wasn't really a good day in Santiago DC as the rain just wouldn't let up when we got there. But Francisco my guide was great to be with and his taste in music for someone as young as he, is quite impressive. The Tapas lunch was superb and they are all yummy. The table wine was not bad either. So in spite of the rain it was a great trip.
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star-5
This was a very worthwhile day trip...
Joy
, Jan 2018
This was a very worthwhile day trip. It was a small van with 8 people plus the driver so a good size, with delivery in 2 languages. There was a short orientation of Santiago de Compostela, followed by free time to visit the cathedral and/or wander the streets of the old town. We then met for a traditional lunch in a small restaurant - plentiful food, a variety of dishes, and staff eager to provide additional food for people who wished something different from what we ate. On the return trip we drove through Valenca do Minho, a fortified city on the Spain/Portugal border, and had time to wander around the city walls and through the streets before returning to Porto.
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star-3
Overall good as Pedro was very...
Vivian N
, Dec 2017
Overall good as Pedro was very knowledgeable about the towns and places we visited but tour itself seemed a bit haphazard as the star of the tour was essentially Santiago de Compostela which he didnt or was not allowed to guide us around. Seems a bit disjointed considering how far wed travelled from Porto only to then be dumped in the town with nothing but a few scribbles on a map. Pedro did his best but he was simply too hampered by the punishing schedule and inability to actually do any guidance.
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