Spain & Portugal Discovery: Two Countries, One Epic Journey










Galicia & Northern Portugal | Santiago, Pontevedra, Combarro, Braga, Guimarães, Porto
Can't Choose Between Iberian Dreams? Experience Both!
Spain & Portugal Tour
Welcome to the ultimate Spain & Portugal comparison journey! This isn't about rushing through tourist hotspots – it's about experiencing the REAL rhythm of life in Northern Spain's peaceful Galicia and Portugal's vibrant northern cities. By day 13, you'll know which country (or maybe both!) captures your heart.
UNESCO World Heritage cities
Wine regions and coastal beauty
Compare living costs between two countries
Tour actual rental properties
Atlantic coastlines and historic charm
Connect with expats living the dream
Perfect for: Future expats, cultural explorers, foodies, and anyone torn between these two incredible destinations.
Why This Journey Is Special
This is your chance to live like a local in both countries! Meet immigration experts, explore real neighborhoods, tour rental properties, taste authentic cuisine, and connect with expats who've made the leap. You'll return home with genuine insights, not just Instagram photos.
REAL Housing Reality – Tour apartments in both countries
Immigration Insights – Meet specialists in both Spain and Portugal
True Cost Comparison – Shop, bank, and live like a local
Expat Network Access – Learn from those who've done it
Cultural Immersion – From Galician tapas to Portuguese pastéis
📅 Your Iberian Adventure
Duration:14 days / 13 nights (12 full exploration days)
Route:Santiago de Compostela → Pontevedra → Porto → Braga → Guimarães
Group Size:Small-group, intimate experience
Activity Level:Light to moderate walking
🗓️ Your Journey Unfolds
Day 1 (May 10) – Arrival: Welcome to Galicia's Magic
Arrive in Santiago de Compostela, meet with your transfer and check into your accommodations.
Evening (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM) - Join a walk through the neighborhood, then head to your traditional welcome dinner.
Day 2 (May 11) – Santiago: Beyond the Tourist Trail
Morning - Free time to explore Santiago at your own pace.
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM - Explore the City / Intro to life in Spain. Bank visit to understand account requirements and fees; grocery shopping for cost comparison; mall stop; pharmacy visit; discuss healthcare, driver's license, and more. Experience authentic neighborhoods where locals actually live and discover Galicia's legendary coffee culture.
Day 3 (May 12) – Rías Baixas: Coastal Paradise Awaits
9:30 AM - 7:00 PM - Enjoy an all-day guided excursion to Rías Baixas, Arousa Island & the village of Combarro. Journey through the stunning Rías Baixas region enjoying small towns and villages of Galicia. Pure Galician bliss!
Day 4 (May 13) – Spain Deep Dive: Future Expat Reality Check
2:00-5:00 PM - This is where dreams meet reality! Tour rental listings with an English-speaking agent, discuss contracts, utilities, and notary services. Meet with Immigration Specialist to demystify Spanish residency. Visit document translation agency. By evening, you'll understand what life in Spain actually costs and requires.
Day 5 (May 14) – Pontevedra: Europe's Walking Paradise
11:00 AM Transfer to Pontevedra - Free day to explore Pontevedra – Europe's most walkable city center! Discover why this car-free medieval gem has won international acclaim. Enjoy life in Spain at your own pace. Every street tells a story, every corner reveals new charm.
Day 6 (May 15) – Pontevedra: Slow Living at Its Finest
All Day - Experience the art of Spanish slow living! Another free day to wander through residential neighborhoods, discover local markets, and understand why Pontevedra represents the future of European city living. Find your favorite café, people-watch, or simply breathe in the relaxed atmosphere.
Day 7 (May 16) – Border Crossing: Hello, Portugal!
11:00 AM - Check out and transfer to Porto. Bid farewell to Spain and cross into Portugal's embrace!
Afternoon - Free time to explore Porto. Arrive in magical Porto and immediately feel the energy shift. Check into your accommodations, then take a soul-stirring evening walk along the Douro River as the city lights dance on the water. Portugal, you've been waiting for this moment!
Day 8 (May 17) – Portugal Immersion: Porto Expat Essentials
Meet with real estate agent, translation agency, and immigration specialist. Today is your Portuguese reality check – tour rental listings with an English-speaking agent; meet with translation services and local notary; immigration specialist appointment to discuss Portuguese residency options; bank visit to understand requirements for U.S. citizens. Explore neighborhoods, compare prices, and see what daily Portuguese life really entails.
Day 9 (May 18) – Historic Treasures: Braga & Guimarães Adventure
7:50 AM - 5:00 PM - Enjoy an all-day guided historic excursion to Braga & Guimarães. Early start for an epic journey through Portugal's historic heart! Guided exploration of Braga's historic squares and magnificent churches; continue to Guimarães (UNESCO site, Portugal's original capital). Wander medieval streets, discover ancient castles, and soak in centuries of culture. Free time for lunch on your own. This is Portuguese heritage at its most spectacular!
Day 10 (May 19) – Porto Deep Dive: Spain vs Portugal
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM - Meet with your host for an intro to life in Portugal. Time for some serious soul-searching! Bank visit to understand account requirements and fees; grocery shopping for cost comparison; mall stop; pharmacy visit; discuss healthcare, driver's license, and more. Join a group session comparing your Spanish and Portuguese experiences – lifestyle, culture, costs, and that indefinable "feeling of home."
Morning and Evening - Free time to explore Porto's famous Ribeira district, world-class museums, or simply contemplate by the river.
Day 11 (May 20) – Sweet Treats & Portuguese Culture
Morning - Free morning to explore Porto and enjoy Portuguese culture.
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM - Pastel de Nata cooking class! The delicious highlight: a hands-on cooking experience where you'll master Portugal's most beloved custard tart. Book your spot and taste your warm, flaky creation straight from the oven!
Evening - Free time for final Porto explorations.
Day 12 (May 21) – Farewell: Memories & Decisions
All Day - Free day to explore Porto. Your final full day for reflection and last-minute shopping. Revisit favorite spots, buy treasures to take home, or simply sit by the Douro River reflecting on this incredible journey.
Evening - Farewell dinner overlooking the water is your chance to share discoveries, exchange contacts, and celebrate friendships formed across two amazing countries.
Day 13 (May 22) – Until We Meet Again
Morning - Check out and departures. Share a final group breakfast filled with laughter and maybe a few tears, then seamless airport transfers as you carry two countries in your heart. You arrived curious – you leave transformed, with the knowledge to make your European dream a reality.
🎁 Choose Your Iberian Experience
🌟 Comfort Package
Perfect for: Adventurous explorers wanting authentic experiences
- Boutique accommodations in Santiago, Pontevedra & Porto (shared rooms)
- Airport transfers (Santiago arrival, Porto departure)
- Traditional Galician welcome dinner + riverside Porto farewell dinner + farewell breakfast
- WhatsApp group communication throughout
- Scenic Rías Baixas coastal excursion with mussel boat experience
- Historic Braga & Guimarães guided adventure
- Hands-on Pastel de Nata cooking class
- All guided walking tours and neighborhood explorations
- Complete expat essentials: housing tours, immigration meetings, banking visits
- Real-world cost comparisons and lifestyle immersion
🏆 Premium Package
Perfect for: Discerning travelers wanting comfort and exclusive touches
- Private boutique hotel rooms in Santiago, Pontevedra, Braga & Porto
- Airport transfers (Santiago arrival, Porto departure)
- Traditional Galician welcome dinner + farewell breakfast
- WhatsApp group communication throughout
- Scenic Rías Baixas coastal excursion with mussel boat experience
- Historic Braga & Guimarães guided adventure
- Hands-on Pastel de Nata cooking class
- All guided walking tours and neighborhood explorations
- Complete expat essentials: housing tours, immigration meetings, banking visits
- Real-world cost comparisons and lifestyle immersion
🚀 Ready for Your Iberian Love Story?
Two countries. Countless possibilities. One life-changing journey.
Spain calls with its relaxed rhythms and Atlantic beauty. Portugal beckons with its warm people and incredible value. Why choose when you can experience both?
This isn't just travel – it's research for your future. It's culture shock and comfort food. It's making friends and maybe finding home.
Your European adventure starts with a single click. Which country will win your heart?