San Sebastián, Bilbao, Oviedo, Santiago de Compostela, Salamanca… On this tour, we'll depart from Madrid to spend 7 days exploring the most important cities in northern Spain.
Tour Details
Day 1: Madrid – Zaragoza – San Sebastián
After meeting at Calle de Jacometrezo, 4, we'll leave Madrid behind and travel by road to Zaragoza, a journey of around 3.5 hours. Upon arrival in the capital of Aragon, you'll have free time to visit some of its must-see landmarks, among which the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar undoubtedly stands out.
We'll then continue the journey for almost 3 hours until reaching San Sebastián, one of the most elegant destinations in northern Spain and host of its famous International Film Festival.
Day 2: San Sebastián
After breakfast at the hotel, we'll begin our tour of northern Spain with a 1-hour panoramic tour of San Sebastián, a city with a stately atmosphere and a strong French influence due to its proximity to the neighboring country.
As expected, we'll also admire La Concha Bay and Beach, considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Spain. Afterwards, we'll go up Mount Igueldo, from where we'll enjoy magnificent panoramic views of the city skyline and the Cantabrian coast.
The rest of the day will be free for you to continue exploring the city at your own pace, stroll through the old town, and enjoy its renowned gastronomy. Don’t miss going for pintxos in the city center.
Day 3: San Sebastián – Bilbao – Castro Urdiales – Santander
After breakfast, we'll head towards Bilbao, approximately 1 hour away. Once there, we'll take a panoramic tour passing by the city’s most important landmarks. At the end, you'll be able to walk around the esplanade of the Guggenheim Museum and admire the Puppy sculpture by artist Jeff Koons.
The next stage of the tour will take us to Castro Urdiales, a fishing town on the shores of the Cantabrian Sea. You'll have 2 hours of free time to explore it, enjoy the seaside atmosphere, and sample its cuisine.
We'll then continue on to the capital of Cantabria. We'll take a guided tour of Santander lasting between 2 and 3 hours, discovering beautiful spots such as the Magdalena Peninsula.
Day 4: Santander – Santillana del Mar – Covadonga – Oviedo
After breakfast at the hotel, we'll head to Santillana del Mar, the town of the three lies, as it is neither saintly, flat, nor by the sea. You'll have 1 hour to explore this charming medieval village at your own pace.
We'll continue the tour, leaving Cantabria behind to visit Covadonga, a sanctuary dedicated to La Santina and the resting place of the first kings of Asturias. You'll have 2 hours of free time to explore this site.
In the afternoon, we'll arrive in Oviedo, the capital of the Principality of Asturias. Did you know that its exceptional pre-Romanesque art has been declared a World Heritage Site? You'll be able to stroll through the city streets and admire its beautiful Gothic Cathedral, next to which stands the famous statue of La Regenta.
Day 5: Oviedo – Mondoñedo – Lugo – Santiago de Compostela
After breakfast, we'll leave Asturias and enter the land of meigas (witches). Our first stop will be Mondoñedo, the former capital of the Kingdom of Galicia. You'll have 1 hour of free time to visit its impressive 12th-century cathedral and try one of its most traditional sweets, the famous Mondoñedo cake.
We'll continue to Lugo, where you'll also have 1 hour of free time to discover its Roman remains, such as the city walls, declared a World Heritage Site.
In the afternoon, we'll continue to Santiago de Compostela, a monumental city and historic destination of the Camino de Santiago, whose old town has also been declared a World Heritage Site.
Day 6: Santiago de Compostela
After breakfast, we'll take a guided tour of Santiago lasting between 2 and 3 hours. During the tour, we'll visit the iconic Obradoiro Square and enter its Cathedral, dedicated to Saint James the Great and one of the great centers of Christian pilgrimage.
The rest of the day will be free for you to continue discovering the city at your own pace, wander its cobbled streets, enjoy its lively university atmosphere, and savor exquisite Galician cuisine.
Day 7: Santiago de Compostela – Salamanca – Madrid
After breakfast at the hotel, we'll begin the return journey to Madrid. Along the way, we'll make a stop of between 1 and 2 hours in Salamanca, a university city and one of Spain’s great monumental jewels. You'll have free time to explore its historic center and admire its extraordinary architectural heritage.
After lunch, we'll continue on to Madrid, where this tour of northern Spain will come to an end at the initial meeting point. Arrival is expected in the afternoon, depending on traffic. It is recommended not to plan flights or train departures for that day.
Accommodation Info
The tour includes accommodation in 4-star hotels:
- San Sebastián: Palacio de Aiete or a similar option
- Santander: Hotel Santemar or a similar option
- Oviedo: Sercotel Ciudad de Oviedo or a similar option
- Santiago de Compostela: Santiago Plaza by Meliá or a similar option
The price shown is per person sharing a double room. A single supplement will be added for solo travelers, who must stay in a single room.
Please note that children under 4 years old travel free of charge, sharing a room with 2 adults, with a maximum of 1 child per room. Children aged 4 to 7 pay the corresponding child rate only if they share a room with 2 adults, also with a maximum of 1 child per room.
Important Info
Please note that the free time and visits described in the itinerary are approximate and may vary.
