Northern Spain 7-Day Tour

San Sebastián, Bilbao, Oviedo, Santiago de Compostela, Salamanca… Embark on a 7-day journey from Madrid to discover the key cities of northern Spain.

Tour Overview

Day 1: Madrid – Zaragoza – San Sebastián

Our adventure begins at Plaza de Oriente, where we'll depart Madrid and head towards Zaragoza, approximately 3.5 hours away. Upon arriving in the Aragonese capital, you'll have some leisure time to explore its key attractions, including the impressive Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar.

Afterwards, we resume our travels for nearly 3 hours to reach San Sebastián, renowned for its sophisticated ambiance and the prestigious International Film Festival.

Day 2: San Sebastián

Following breakfast at our hotel, we will start the day with a 1-hour panoramic tour of San Sebastián, a city celebrated for its grandeur and French architectural influences due to its close proximity to France.

We’ll view La Concha Bay and its beach, famed for its stunning beauty. Subsequently, the group will ascend Mount Igueldo to take in the breathtaking views of the city's skyline and the Cantabrian coast.

The remainder of the day is yours to continue exploring, wandering through the old town, and sampling the local cuisine. Be sure to indulge in some pintxos in the vibrant city center.

Day 3: San Sebastián – Bilbao – Castro Urdiales – Santander

After breakfast, we'll set off to Bilbao, just about 1 hour away. In Bilbao, we will enjoy a brief panoramic tour covering the city's top landmarks. Once completed, you’ll have time to explore the esplanade of the Guggenheim Museum and the innovative Puppy sculpture by Jeff Koons.

The next stop will be the coastal town of Castro Urdiales, where you'll spend 2 hours enjoying the seaside ambiance and tasting its delightful cuisine.

From there, we travel to the capital of Cantabria for a guided tour of Santander lasting between 2 and 3 hours, revealing hidden gems like the Magdalena Peninsula.

Day 4: Santander – Santillana del Mar – Covadonga – Oviedo

After breakfast, our journey continues to Santillana del Mar, often described as the town of three lies since it is neither saintly, flat, nor by the sea. You'll have 1 hour to roam this picturesque medieval village.

Next, we’ll leave Cantabria to visit Covadonga, the revered sanctuary of La Santina and the final resting place of the Asturian monarchy. You will have 2 hours here to absorb its significance and tranquility.

In the afternoon, we'll reach Oviedo, the official capital of Asturias. Known for its outstanding pre-Romanesque architecture, a World Heritage Site, you can stroll through its historic lanes and marvel at the stunning Gothic Cathedral, adjacent to the celebrated statue of La Regenta.

Day 5: Oviedo – Mondoñedo – Lugo – Santiago de Compostela

Post-breakfast, we leave Asturias, entering the enchanting land of meigas (witches). Our first stop will be Mondoñedo, once the Galician capital, with 1 hour of free time to appreciate its magnificent 12th-century cathedral and taste the regional delight, Mondoñedo cake.

Next, we travel to Lugo, where you'll have 1 hour to explore its impressive Roman structures, including the city walls, which are noted as a World Heritage Site.

In the afternoon, we'll continue to Santiago de Compostela, a landmark city that's historically significant as a destination for Camino de Santiago pilgrims. Its old town also boasts World Heritage Site status.

Day 6: Santiago de Compostela

Following breakfast, we'll take a 2 to 3-hour guided tour in Santiago, exploring Obradoiro Square and visiting the Cathedral, which is dedicated to Saint James the Great and serves as one of the essential pilgrimage hubs.

The rest of the day is free for you to continue discovering this historic city on your own, wandering through its charming streets, appreciating its vibrant university culture, and enjoying delicious Galician dishes.

Day 7: Santiago de Compostela – Salamanca – Madrid

After breakfast, we'll commence our return to Madrid, with a planned stop of 1 to 2 hours in Salamanca, a university town boasting remarkable historical significance. You'll have the opportunity to explore the historic center and admire its exceptional architectural heritage.

After lunch, our journey continues to Madrid, where this enriching tour through northern Spain concludes at our original meeting point. Anticipated arrival time will be in the afternoon, subject to traffic conditions. It is advisable to avoid scheduling flights or train departures for the same day.

Accommodation Details

Participants will stay in 4-star hotels throughout the tour:

• San Sebastián: Palacio de Aiete or a comparable establishment
• Santander: Hotel Santemar or a comparable establishment
• Oviedo: Sercotel Ciudad de Oviedo or a comparable establishment
• Santiago de Compostela: Santiago Plaza by Meliá or a comparable establishment

The rates displayed are per person sharing a double room. A single supplement applies for solo travelers who will need to secure a private room.

Note that children under 4 years may join for free, sharing with two adults, limited to one child per room. For children aged 4 to 7, the child rate applies only when accompanying two adults, also limited to one child per room.

Essential Information

Please keep in mind that the durations of free time and visits stated in the itinerary are estimates and may be subject to change.