2 Nights Santiago de Compostela - From Lisbon

About this boat trip in Santiago de Compostela

• Live guidePortuguese, English, Spanish, French
• Duration2 days
• CancellationTour Cancellation Policy - Spain.
• Pick-upHotel pick-up available
• Activity levelEasy

• Food on board

Timeline: how the party goes

1. Private road trip from Lisbon to Porto.

   A RapidShuttle Tours and Transfers private Road Trip from Lisbon to Porto offers a direct, comfortable, and customizable way to travel. From the medieval walled city of Obidos to the magnificent coastal town of Nazare, you’ll find an unrivaled variety and unforgettable memories on your road trip from Lisbon to Porto. A road trip tailor-made for families, friends, couples, and solo travelers.

    Day 1: Journey from Lisbon to the city of Porto. Starting times available: 08:00 am, 09:00 am, and 10:00 am.

   We will pick you up in Lisbon at your hotel, vacation home, cruise port, or airport (LIS) in a private, modern, and comfortable vehicle. Our first stop will be at the medieval town of Obidos.  Óbidos is a well-preserved medieval walled town in Portugal, known as the "Town of Queens" because it was historically gifted to Portuguese queens. Located on a hilltop, the town features a labyrinth of cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses with flower-filled balconies, and a 12th-century castle, now a luxury hotel. Key attractions include walking the medieval walls, visiting unique bookstores, and trying local specialties like Ginjinha (sour cherry liqueur) served in chocolate cups.

   History

   • The area has been inhabited since Roman times, but it was taken from the Moors in 1148 by Portugal's first king, Afonso Henriques.
   • From 1282, it was part of the "Queen's Dowry," gifted to royal wives, which helped preserve its charm and architecture.
   • The castle was originally a Moorish fortress, later rebuilt by King Dinis, and eventually converted into a hotel.
   • The town was damaged by the 1755 earthquake but has been extensively maintained.

   Key features and attractions

   • Walls: The 1.5 km-long fortified walls offer stunning views of the town and countryside. Be cautious, as some sections lack guardrails.
   • Castle: The castle is a historic monument and a luxury hotel (Pousada) today, with visitors able to admire its architecture.
   • Streets: Sinuous, narrow cobblestone streets with arcades and small squares lead through the town.
   • Bookstores: The town is a designated UNESCO City of Literature, featuring unique bookstores in unexpected places, like inside an old church.
   • Local products: Óbidos is famous for its Ginjinha, a sour cherry liqueur often served in a chocolate cup, and its annual Chocolate Festival.
     We will stay on location for about 1 hour.

   
   

   From Obidos, we will proceed to our next stop, Nazare. Nazaré is a coastal town in Portugal famous for having some of the world's largest waves, which are caused by a unique underwater canyon. Once a sleepy fishing village, it is now a popular destination with a mix of big wave surfing, traditional culture like the seven-layered skirts, and scenic cliffs. Visitors can also explore the upper and lower parts of the town, the lighthouse at the Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo, and enjoy local food and markets.

   Big waves

   • Cause: The Nazaré Canyon, an underwater canyon that is about 170 km long and reaches a depth of 5,000 meters, funnels and magnifies ocean swells, creating the giant waves.
   • Big wave surfing: The town is a mecca for big wave surfers and hosts annual contests, with the current world record for the biggest wave being 26.21 meters (86 feet).

   Culture and tradition

   • Fishing village: Nazaré was historically a small fishing village, and this heritage is still visible in its harbor and traditional practices.
   • Traditional attire: Women in Nazaré are known for wearing traditional seven-layered skirts.
   • Name origin: The town's name is believed to have come from a 4th-century statue of the Virgin Mary brought from Nazareth by a monk.

   Things to see and do

   • Upper and lower towns: The town is split between the upper part on the cliff and the lower part along the beach. A funicular connects the two parts.
   • Praia da Nazaré (Nazaré Beach): The lower part of the town is home to the main beach.
   • Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo: This fort, located at the top of the cliff near the lighthouse, provides excellent views of the waves and the coastline.
   • Local markets: The town has a daily market (closed on Mondays) where locals and tourists can buy fresh produce, olives, and pastries.
   • Restaurants: Many seafood restaurants are available, from high-end to more affordable options. We will stay in the town of Nazare for about 1 hour.

   From Nazare will continue our road trip to your hotel in Porto, where our road trip will end. Your driver/guide will assist you with the check-in.

2. Day 2: Santiago de Compostela Full-Day Tour.

   Tour starting times: 09:00 am and 10:00 am

   Santiago de Compostela is a historic city in northwestern Spain, renowned as the final destination of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route and the reputed burial site of the apostle St. James. It is famous for its stunning cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and a vibrant atmosphere blending ancient pilgrimage traditions with Galician culture, food, and arts. The city is the capital of the autonomous community of Galicia and is a significant spiritual, cultural, and tourist hub.

   History and significance

   • Pilgrimage destination: The city's importance is rooted in the discovery of the tomb of St. James the Greater in 813 CE. This made it a major pilgrimage site alongside Rome and Jerusalem, giving rise to the various routes that make up the Camino de Santiago.
   • UNESCO World Heritage Site: The historic Old Town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985, recognized for its unique blend of architectural styles and its role as a centuries-old spiritual center.
   • Galician capital: In 1981, Santiago de Compostela became the capital of Galicia, Spain's northwesternmost autonomous community.

   On this tour, you're going to head North of the Iberian Peninsula and discover Santiago de Compostela and its Cathedral, where the remains of Saint James, the Apostle, rest.

   Our private driver-guide will pick you up at your accommodation and will drive you to one of the most important places for Catholics. This unique town is known to be the final stop of the famous Camino de Santiago - St. James Way, a lifetime goal for many pilgrims throughout the centuries. Wandering the streets of the old city center, you'll find beautiful medieval and baroque buildings, hidden corners, squares, and impressive monuments. Everywhere, pilgrims, tourists, and locals mingle with each other, creating a magical atmosphere.

   The ultimate goal of this day is to visit the Cathedral of Santiago, the largest Romanesque Church in Spain, that suffered several transformations through the centuries, giving us the true gem that it is nowadays. Here, you can be part of the tradition by embracing St. James Statue and visiting his tomb, like thousands of pilgrims have been doing for centuries.

   You'll have free time on your own to explore the interior of this magnificent building, famous and, if you like, to assist the Pilgrim's Mass, and maybe if you're lucky, you can assist the famous ritual of the Bota Fumeiro, when a gigantic Incense Burner swings across the cathedral's ceilings.

   On this day, you will also get the chance to visit Valença do Minho, the last Portuguese stronghold, and admire an amazing view over the Minho River and the Spanish Border.

   
   At the end of your tour, you will have the option for your tour guide to take you back to your hotel or stay in town.  

3. Day 3: Journey From Porto to Lisbon (Optional).

   Available departure times: 07:00 am, 08:00 am, and 09:00 am. 

   We will pick you up in Porto at your hotel, vacation home, cruise port, or airport (OPO) in a private, modern, and comfortable vehicle. We will be arriving at your designated drop-off location in Lisbon on schedule. Your private driver will be meeting you at your designated departure location, and he or she will assist you with your luggage and escort you to your personal vehicle. The ride will take approximately 3-4 hours.

What’s included

Good to know before you go

• Valid I.D.
• Dress accordingly. Churches may require conservative or Business Casual attire.
• Not wheelchair accessible.

Frequently asked questions