Private tour 3 days Fatima-Aveiro-Porto-Guimaraes-Braga-Santiago de Compostela

A 3-day private tour that takes you from Lisbon to some of Portugal’s most beloved spots and into Spain’s historic Santiago de Compostela offers a blend of spiritual sites, charming towns, and vibrant cities. This experience, offered by West Side Tours, stands out because it’s tailored exclusively for your group—up to 8 people—allowing for a flexible and relaxed pace. You’re in control of how long you linger at each stop, which makes this a much more personal and enjoyable way to explore than a standard bus tour.

What I really like about this experience is its attention to authenticity and comfort. First, the fact that each stop is free to dictate your timing means you can soak in each place without feeling rushed. Plus, the driver, Nuno, gets high praise for his friendliness and knowledge—something that makes the journey more engaging. My second favorite aspect is the variety packed into three days: from the spiritual serenity of Fatima to the lively streets of Porto and the stunning historic streets of Santiago de Compostela.

A possible consideration? The price tag, at over $1,000 per person, might seem steep for some, especially since accommodations, meals, and starters are not included. However, when you factor in the private transportation, WiFi, water bottles, and the ability to customize your stops, the value becomes clearer. Still, if budget is a concern, you might want to compare this with shared group options or self-guided travel. Overall, for those craving a flexible, intimate experience with a knowledgeable guide, this tour hits many marks.

Key points / Takeaways

• Customizable pacing makes this tour ideal for travelers who value control over their schedule.
• Private transportation and guide Nuno offer a more personal, relaxed experience, with positive reviews highlighting his friendliness and knowledge.
• Visit diverse locations including spiritual (Fatima), picturesque (Aveiro, Costa Nova), lively (Porto), and historic (Guimaraes, Santiago de Compostela) sites.
• Authentic experiences are emphasized, with opportunities to attend mass, stroll canals, and taste local wine and food.
• No rush or crowded feel—reviewers love the peace and the ability to explore at your own speed.
• Cost reflects exclusive service and the convenience of private transfers, but note that accommodations and meals are extra.

Exploring Portugal and Galicia with a Personal Touch

This three-day private tour offers a wonderful way to see some of Portugal’s most iconic spots and to venture into Spain for a taste of Santiago de Compostela’s renowned cathedral. What really sets it apart is its tailored approach—you’re not stuck with a rigid schedule or a bus full of strangers. Instead, you get to decide how long to spend at each site, and your guide, Nuno, is there to provide insight and friendly service along the way.

The journey begins in Fatima, where you can visit the famous Shrine, attend a mass in your preferred language, and soak in the spiritual ambiance that draws millions each year. The free admission makes this stop particularly accessible, and the approximately two- to three-hour visit allows for a meaningful experience without feeling rushed. Many travelers find the peace of Fatima a perfect start to your adventure.

Next, the trip takes you to Aveiro, often called the ‘Portuguese Venice’ because of its canals and colorful boats. Walking along the waterways, you’ll get a real sense of this charming town. The photos of Aveiro show a picture-perfect scene of pastel-colored houses lining the canals, which makes for great photo ops. The two-hour visit provides enough time to explore without feeling hurried. Just a quick stop follows at Costa Nova, where the brightly painted houses along the beach give you a chance to breathe in some fresh sea air and admire the unique architecture.

The afternoon continues in Porto, Portugal’s vibrant city famous for its historic center and port wine. This part of the tour allows you to stroll along the Douro River, cross into Vila Nova de Gaia for port tasting, and enjoy the lively city atmosphere. The three hours allocated here seem to strike a good balance—enough to see some highlights and maybe enjoy a glass of port. Tour reviews note that the driver takes care of the logistics, so you can focus on soaking in the views and sampling local flavors.

Overnight in Porto offers the chance to enjoy the city’s nightlife or simply relax after a full day of sightseeing. The hotel arrangements are flexible—your group can either let the tour provider handle bookings or you might prefer to arrange it separately. Pre-booking is recommended, ensuring a smooth stay.

Day 2: From Guimaraes to Santiago de Compostela

The second day takes you into the heart of historic Portugal and into Galicia, Spain. Guimaraes, often called the birthplace of Portugal, features a beautifully preserved medieval quarter where you can walk through narrow streets, visit the castle, and enjoy the historic ambiance. Two hours here allows for a leisurely exploration.

Then, the tour moves to Braga, home of the impressive Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte and the famous Jesus statue atop a baroque staircase. The two-hour visit offers a chance to see this religious site and enjoy some local cafes. Both Guimaraes and Braga are highly praised for their authentic charm and can be enjoyed at your own pace thanks to the flexible scheduling.

Finally, the highlight of the day is Santiago de Compostela, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walking through its narrow streets, you’ll encounter the stunning cathedral, a cornerstone for pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago. The three-hour visit here is enough to admire the architecture, soak up the spiritual atmosphere, and perhaps enjoy some tapas in the lively old town.

Day 3: Return to Lisbon

On the final day, you revisit Santiago to explore it at your leisure or visit additional sights. After lunch, the journey back to Lisbon begins, with an approximate five-hour drive. The comfort of private transportation and WiFi onboard makes this a relatively peaceful return. Many travelers appreciate the ability to relax and reflect on their trip during this drive.

The tour concludes back in Lisbon around early evening, leaving you plenty of time to plan your next adventure or rest after a busy few days.

Who This Tour Is Best For

If you value flexibility and personalized attention, this private experience is ideal. It’s especially suited for small groups, families, or friends who want to avoid the crowds and enjoy a relaxed, tailor-made itinerary. The focus on authentic stops and scenic views makes it perfect for lovers of culture, history, and good food. However, if you’re on a strict budget or prefer an all-inclusive package, this might be less appealing given the extra costs for accommodations and meals.

This tour is particularly recommended for those who want to experience Portugal’s spiritual sites, picturesque towns, and vibrant cities while having the comfort of private transportation and a guide who’s there to enhance your understanding—and maybe share some local wine tips.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour can accommodate children over 4 years old, especially since the vehicle is air-conditioned and private, allowing for flexibility with stops.

What is included in the price?
The cost covers private transportation, WiFi on board, water bottles, and a friendly guide. Accommodation, meals, and starters are not included.

Can I choose my hotel?
Yes, the tour provider will contact you to arrange hotel bookings, but you can also book directly if you prefer. Pre-booking is recommended for a smoother experience.

How flexible are the stop durations?
Each stop is approximately timed, but since it’s a private tour, you can spend more or less time at each location depending on your interests.

What kind of vehicle is used?
An air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi, which ensures comfort and connectivity throughout the journey.

Is this tour only for small groups?
The maximum group size is 8 people, making it intimate and ideal for personalized service.

Are there any meal options included?
No, meals are not included in the price, but your guide can recommend restaurants or cafes at each stop.

How long is the drive from Lisbon to Fatima?
While not specifically detailed, the tour begins early with a pickup in Lisbon, and the route to Fatima is straightforward and scenic.

What are the main highlights of this trip?
Expect to visit the Shrine of Fatima, the canals of Aveiro, the lively city of Porto, the historic streets of Guimaraes and Braga, and the iconic cathedral of Santiago de Compostela.

To sum it up, this private 3-day tour offers a well-balanced mix of spiritual sites, charming towns, and historic cities. Its flexibility, personalized service, and authentic experiences make it highly appealing for travelers seeking a meaningful and relaxed exploration of Portugal and Galicia. Perfect for those who enjoy slow-paced sightseeing without the rush, it’s a chance to truly savor each location—guided by friendly experts and in the comfort of your own private group.