Our most recommended things to do in Valença do Minho

Santiago de Compostela Full-Day Tour From Porto

1. Santiago de Compostela Full-Day Tour From Porto

Discover 2 charming southern Europe on a full-day sightseeing tour from Porto. Cross the border into Spain to explore the pilgrim city of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia and stop to see Valença do Minho on the way back to Porto.  Board a comfortable van or bus and embark on a journey to one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in the world, Santiago. See the Caminhos de Santiago (St. James Way) pilgrim trail and visit a magnificent 11th-centuty cathedral. Admire the architecture that was originally built in a Romanesque style, today the cathedral is an amalgam of harmonious influences. Have the opportunity to attend mass and enjoy free time to go for a stroll in the UNESCO World Heritage city center. Begin the drive back to Porto, stopping at Valença do Minho, a historical village in the north of Portugal, located right on the border between Portugal and Spain. Valença was important during the middle ages and it was part of "Caminhos de Santiago".  See how the city is dominated by a fortress of two towers and a double wall before returning to your meeting point in Porto. 

From Porto: Santiago de Compostela Full Day Tour

2. From Porto: Santiago de Compostela Full Day Tour

Depart immediately for Santiago de Compostela. At 11:00 AM you will experience the famous Pilgrim Mass. This special mass is held each day to recognize the pilgrims who have travelled along the Way of St. James to arrive at Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. You will have the chance to be a part of a historical ceremony that has been taking place since the 9th Century. At the beginning of the mass it is traditional for the home country and starting point of all the pilgrims to be announced. Following the mass you will get a chance to learn more about the historic Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela which is dedicated to St James, one of Jesus’ apostles, and is a UNESCO World Heritage listed site.

From Porto: Santiago de Compostela Cathedral Private Tour

3. From Porto: Santiago de Compostela Cathedral Private Tour

After a pick-up from your hotel in Porto, meet your private guide and sit aboard a comfortable vehicle. With exclusivity and complete privacy, go to the north of Portugal through the north of Portugal to Galicia. Enjoy the impressive views of the Minho region and if you want do a stop in 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. Arriving in Santiago de Compostela, let yourself be enveloped by a unique atmosphere as you tour the historic center and visit the Cathedral. 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. 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. This is a private tour. You can adapt the program according to your preferences.

Porto Airport: Transfer to/from Valenca Do Minho Station

4. Porto Airport: Transfer to/from Valenca Do Minho Station

Enjoying the modern buses with air conditioning, a media system, and magazines throughout the trip between Porto Airport and Valenca Do Minho Central Bus Station. Avoid the hassle of navigating the public transportation system before or after a long journey, instead, relax and enjoy the views of Porto from the comfort of your seat with additional leg room. Staying connected with your friends with free WiFi and power supply in every seat. Moreover, we also have a toilet for your convenience. Board a modern bus to leave your worries behind, and arrive on time at your destination at the airport, or in the city. Furthermore, safety belts are equipped to ensure your safety during the trip.

Santiago de Compostela: Full-Day Tour

5. Santiago de Compostela: Full-Day Tour

After being picked up at your accommodation, this full-day tour commences with a scenic journey over the border between Portugal and Spain, crossing the magnificent landscape of Minho and winding to Spain's Galicia Province. You will arrive at Santiago de Compostela, a UNESCO World Heritage Center famous for its pilgrimage route, the Camino de Santiago (the Way of Saint James). In Santiago de Compostela you will have the opportunity to visit the gorgeous 11th-century cathedral, dedicated to the apostle James. Should you wish, you will also be able to attend the pilgrim mass. After taking a pause for lunch (not included), you can walk around and explore local shops and arts and crafts stalls. After visiting Santiago, you will begin your journey back home, stopping along the way in the Portuguese fortress city of Valença do Minho. Inside this lovely medieval town, you will venture inside its fortress where you’ll be served a local traditional delicacy, accompanied with a glass of the unique vinho verde.

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What people are saying about Valença do Minho

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 243 reviews

This is a round-trip trip: I left the hotel very early and arrived at night. It was a good choice: the first commercial bus leaving Porto arrives at 11:45 in Santiago. And the last bus leaving Santiago leaves at 11:15. In other words, it would be necessary to spend the night in the city. The tour lasts 3 hours in Santiago and there is a suggestion for organizing the time: 1 hour to walk freely around the city, 1 for lunch and 1 to visit the cathedral. The guide makes it easy for you to make your own route, but believe me: it will take precious time to look for a lunch option in the city center. And with 3 hours it will not be possible to enter the museums. The guide is excellent - very articulate and attentive. The food at the chosen restaurant is perfect. On the way back, we pass through a small walled city in Portugal. This tour is worth it!

The trip was well worth it. Our guide (Pedro) was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. The stop in Valença do Minho was surprisingly interesting. This was a great option for a short trip to Santiago de Compostela. My family and I were able to get into the Cathedral by not having lunch with the rest of the group. Be aware that there can be a long line to get in the Cathedral and it could take all of your time.

Our guides Francisco and Alex were simply amazing. Francisco is like a walking Google, explaining every detail about the historical St James Cathedral. The places we visited were great and we started the tour on time.

our guide cum driver (Tiago) from Living Tour drove us safely to n from. along the way to Santiago, he also gave good information on the destination.

The trip was satisfying, though I wish we could have stayed in Galicia a little longer.