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Offered languages
- English
Explore the rich cultures of Galicia and Northern Portugal on this immersive 12-day dual-country tour. Begin in Santiago de Compostela, where a welcome dinner introduces you to traditional Galician cuisine. Traverse through vibrant cities like Porto, Braga, and Guimarães, while engaging in activities such as cooking classes, neighborhood explorations, and meetings with immigration specialists. This journey is designed for those contemplating a move, offering insights into living costs and authentic cultural experiences in both regions.
- 12 days of cultural discovery between Spain and Portugal
- Includes traditional meals, local excursions, and hands-on activities
- Meet with immigration experts and visit real rental listings
- Small group setting for personalized experiences and connections
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
We will pick you up at the arrival hall. The driver will be waiting for you with a sign with the lead travelers name.
Itinerary
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1Santiago de Compostela
After arriving in Santiago, you’ll be greeted at the airport for a private transfer to your city-center accommodations. In the evening, enjoy a guided orientation walk through the historic streets before gathering for a welcome dinner at a traditional Galician restaurant.
2 hours • Admission ticket free -
2Santiago de Compostela
Start your day with a neighborhood walk beyond the typical tourist areas to see how locals live. Along the way, you’ll experience Galicia’s coffee culture and get a feel for the rhythms of daily life. In the evening, enjoy a guided tapas crawl through the city’s vibrant food scene.
4 hours • Admission ticket free -
3Combarro
Today begins with a 9:30am departure for a full-day excursion through the scenic Rías Baixas region. Visit Arousa Island, explore the charming village of Combarro, and enjoy a mussel boat experience on the water. Return to Santiago in the evening.
10 hours • Admission ticket free -
4Santiago de Compostela
Today is all about experiencing daily life as a future resident rather than a tourist. Explore local neighborhoods and tour three rental listings with an English-speaking agent to get a feel for real housing options. Meet with an immigration specialist to learn about Portuguese residency pathways, along with translation services and a local notary. You’ll also visit a bank to understand account requirements and fees, compare grocery prices firsthand, and stop at a shopping mall to see the real cost of clothing, household goods, and technology.
6 hours • Admission ticket free -
5
Spend your final morning exploring the streets of Santiago before boarding a train to Pontevedra. After checking into your accommodations, enjoy an evening orientation walk through one of Europe’s most walkable city centers, where every corner reveals a blend of history and charm.
6 hours • Admission ticket free -
6
Discover Pontevedra through a relaxed neighborhood exploration that highlights local life beyond the tourist areas. The afternoon and evening are free for you to enjoy at your own pace — wander the historic center, visit markets, or simply soak in the city’s atmosphere.
3 hours • Admission ticket free -
7Porto
Enjoy a final morning in Pontevedra before transferring across the border to Portugal. After checking into your accommodations in Porto, take a leisurely evening walk along the Douro River to see the city’s lights reflecting off the water and get your first taste of its vibrant atmosphere.
6 hours • Admission ticket free -
8
Take a morning train from Porto to Braga for a full day focused on what it’s really like to live in Portugal. Meet with an immigration specialist to learn about residency options, then tour three rental listings with an English-speaking agent to see the housing market firsthand. You’ll also connect with local translation services and a notary for document certification, and visit a bank to understand requirements for U.S. citizens. Explore Braga’s neighborhoods, compare grocery and mall prices for everyday goods, and see what daily life really costs. In the evening, return to Porto with free time to relax.
10 hours • Admission ticket free -
9
Set out from Porto at 7:50am for a full-day guided excursion to Braga and Guimarães, two of northern Portugal’s most historic cities. Explore Braga’s impressive churches and lively squares before continuing to Guimarães, the country’s original capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy free time for lunch on your own and take in the medieval streets, castles, and culture. Return to Porto in the evening.
9 hours • Admission ticket free -
10Porto
Spend the morning in a guided group reflection session comparing your experiences in Spain and Portugal so far, sharing insights on lifestyle, culture, and daily living. The rest of the day is free to explore Porto at your own pace — wander through the Ribeira district, visit museums, or relax by the Douro River.
7 hours • Admission ticket free -
11Porto
Today you’ll continue your discovery of real life in Portugal with a guided exploration of Porto’s neighborhoods. Meet with an immigration specialist to discuss Portuguese visa options, and connect with local translation services and a notary to learn about document certifications. In the afternoon, enjoy a hands-on Pastel de Nata cooking class, learning how to make Portugal’s most famous custard tart before tasting your creation fresh from the oven.
7 hours • Admission ticket free -
12Porto
On your final full day, enjoy free time to revisit your favorite corners of Porto or do any last-minute exploring. In the evening, gather with the group for a farewell dinner overlooking the Douro River — the perfect setting to celebrate your journey and share memories before departure.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
13Porto
Share a final farewell breakfast with the group before coordinated airport transfers. Take with you new friendships, valuable insights, and unforgettable memories from your journey through Spain and Portugal.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Santiago de Compostela (Arrival & Welcome)
Santiago Local Life
Rías Baixas Day Excursion
Santiago Future Expat Discovery
From Santiago to Pontevedra
Life in Pontevedra
From Pontevedra to Porto
Portugal Future Expat Essentials
Braga & Guimarães Historic Day Excursion
Porto Reflections & Free Exploration
Porto Expat Essentials & Sweet Finish
Farewell in Porto
Departure Day
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Tags
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Show more
Cancellation Policy
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- 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.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
You will not receive a refund if you cancel.
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