Coast, Countryside and Captivating Cities: A Family Road Trip in Spain & Portugal

Today is all about soaking in the scenic and cultural delights of Bilbao. The city centre is compact, walkable and full of an eclectic mix of architectural styles. After spending an hour or two discovering the bustling centre, head over to La Ribera market. Spanning a whopping 110,000ft², this beautiful Art Deco-style food hall is among the largest covered food markets in all of Europe. Spend some time browsing the many stalls and tapas bars before heading to the main restaurant to enjoy some local Basque specialities, such as kokotxas (garlic fish stew) and txipirones (cuttlefish in an ink sauce).

Your adventure continues today. After a delicious breakfast at the hotel this morning, hit the road to your next destination: the colourful coastal town of Llanes, a two-hour drive away. On arrival, settle in for two nights in a spacious, comfortable apartment in an elegant hotel. After a couple of hours in the car, a walk to stretch your legs and burn some of the little ones’ energy will certainly be in order. There is a beautiful trail that hugs the rugged coastline peppered with beautiful coves perfect for a refreshing dip. Head back to the hotel this evening for a delicious meal at the hotel’s restaurant.

Make sure to fuel up at breakfast this morning as today you’ll be heading out on an exciting excursion. This morning you’ll be met by an experienced local guide who’ll be taking you on a fun-filled journey into the marine origins of Llanes. You’ll discover local fishing techniques as well as how fish is sold in the markets. The little ones can round off the day taking part in a handicraft workshop designed for children.

Today you’ll be switching up your surroundings, swapping Spain’s northern coast for its western shores. Your next destination is Pontevedra, a beautiful city nestled at the tip of an inlet of the same name. The journey takes a good four-and-a-half hours, so make sure to charge up the iPads and fill the car with snacks before heading off. The first half of the drive hugs the northern coast, so you can make plenty of scenic stops to stretch your legs. On arrival, settle in for two nights in a spacious and modern flat perfect for families with children. The rest of today and tomorrow is yours to spend discovering Pontevedra and the surrounding coastline at your leisure. You can explore the serene car-free old town, with its Gothic houses lining the narrow streets and beautiful historic sites, including the Basilica of Sainte-Marie Majeure. It is also possible to spend a whole day soaking in the nearby scenic and cultural delights: Galicia is home to a collection of fascinating megalithic monuments, as well as a plethora of idyllic beaches. Our team could also arrange for you to head to the island of Arousa for a guided cycle ride.

Your adventure across the Iberian Peninsula continues today. After a hearty breakfast this morning, you’ll (temporarily) be bidding farewell to Spain and journeying across the border to Portugal. Your first destination here is Porto, a bustling port city, a two-hour drive from Pontevedra. On arrival, check in for three nights in a comfortable contemporary flat in the heart of town. The rest of today is yours to spend settling into your new Portuguese surroundings. We recommend soaking in the city’s main attractions with a spot of sightseeing. You can explore at your own leisure or we can arrange for you to head out with a knowledgeable local guide bursting with fascinating stories about the many sites on display. As for dinner this evening, you can turn to your destination-specific Dossier to find a top-recommended local restaurant or you can head back to your apartment to whip up something tasty in your well-equipped kitchen.

After spending yesterday seeing the main historic sites, today you’ll be getting to know a different side of Porto on a private walking tour with a clued-up local guide. The walk is relaxed, spontaneous and based around you, so if there is anything specific you’d like to see or do then don’t hesitate to ask. The idea is to see Porto through the lens of a local: understand its traditions, society and contemporary culture.

Frequently touted as one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world, your visit to Porto is simply incomplete without a visit to Livraria Lello. The youngsters will be happy to hear that this particular bookshop is said to have fuelled J.K Rowling’s inspiration for the Harry Potter series. Lello was founded in 1906, however its interior teleports you back into the times of opulent neo-Gothic architecture: stained glass ceilings, towering wooden book shelves and carved twisting staircases.

Today you’ll be switching up your surroundings. After a few stops at coastal cities in Spain and Portugal, it’s time to head inland, into the heart of the Iberian countryside. Your next destination is a beautiful estate surrounded by the pristine vineyards of Sabrosa, where you’ll be staying for the next two nights. The journey takes just over an hour and is very scenic, passing through the sweeping landscapes of the Douro Valley. Spend the rest of today unwinding in nature. You could head out for a stroll in the countryside or simply kick back and enjoy the peace and quiet in your new home.

Today is all about getting those sea legs moving. After a hearty breakfast at the estate this morning, hop onto a traditional rabelo boat for a cruise down the Douro. This type of wooden cargo boat has been used for centuries to carry barrels of wine between the wine-growing regions upstream and the production towns of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. Seeing the valley by boat makes it possible to admire some of the most beautiful parts of the region, with its many vineyards and farmhouses, that aren’t visible from the road.

Your journey into the heart of the Iberian Peninsula continues east today. Make sure to fuel up on snacks and refreshments at breakfast this morning as the journey ahead is three hours. Your next destination in Spain is the historic intellectual city of Salamanca, where you’ll settle in for two nights in a former convent converted into a charming hotel. The rest of today is yours to spend getting your bearings. Head out for a wander through town and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the city.

Today is dedicated to soaking in the many historic sites that call Salamanca home. You can compare the architecture of the new and old cathedrals, stroll through the Plaza Mayor, imagine yourself a student in one of Europe's oldest universities, snap shots of the Casa de las Conchas (a house covered in seashells), discover the Art Nouveau and Art Deco museums and sample plenty of local chorizo and wine. You can explore the sites on foot at your own leisure or we can arrange for you to head out on a guided bike ride with a knowledgeable local.

It’s time to set off to your final destination on the Iberian Penisula: the charming city of Burgos, a two-and-a-half hour drive away. On arrival, check in for one night in an intimate and elegant hotel in the historic centre. This medieval city is an important stop along the iconic pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. Make sure to soak in some of the fine religious sites on display, such as the Gothic Cathedral of St. Mary and the Chapel of Condestable (located inside the Cathedral). Spend your final evening enjoying a tapas aperitif in town before tucking into a delicious meal at the hotel’s exquisite restaurant.