Northern Spain 7-Day Tour

San Sebastián, Bilbao, Oviedo, Santiago de Compostela, Salamanca… This journey invites you to spend 7 days uncovering the significant cities of northern Spain, commencing from Madrid.

Tour Overview

Day 1: Madrid – Zaragoza – San Sebastián

Our adventure begins at Calle de Jacometrezo, 4, where we'll embark on a road trip to Zaragoza, around 3.5 hours later. Upon arrival in the renowned capital of Aragon, you’ll enjoy leisure time to visit iconic sites, including the remarkable Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar.

Afterwards, we'll resume our journey, taking nearly 3 hours to reach San Sebastián, celebrated for its elegance and as the venue for its prestigious International Film Festival.

Day 2: San Sebastián

Your day will start with breakfast at the hotel, followed by a 1-hour panoramic exploration of San Sebastián. Influenced by its proximity to France, this city boasts a dignified charm.

We will take in views of La Concha Bay and Beach, often regarded as one of Spain’s pristine beaches. Later, a visit to Mount Igueldo offers breathtaking vistas of the skyline and the Cantabrian coast.

Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure, delving into the old town's streets and relishing its celebrated culinary scene. Don't forget to sample pintxos in the city center.

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

Following breakfast, we’ll make our way to Bilbao, which is roughly 1 hour away. Upon arrival, a panoramic tour will showcase the city’s key attractions. Afterward, you will have the opportunity to stroll by the Guggenheim Museum and see the captivating Puppy sculpture by Jeff Koons.

The next stop will be Castro Urdiales, a charming fishing village along the Cantabrian Sea. Here, you will enjoy 2 hours of free time to soak in the ambiance and savor local culinary delights.

We will then proceed to Santander, where a guided tour will take approximately 2 to 3 hours, allowing us to discover the scenic Magdalena Peninsula.

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

After breakfast, we will depart for Santillana del Mar, a village known for its medieval charm, often referred to as a place of three lies. You will have 1 hour to wander through this picturesque area.

The journey continues as we leave Cantabria to reach Covadonga, home to a sanctuary dedicated to La Santina and the burial site of the initial Asturian monarchs. You’ll have 2 hours of free time to explore this significant location.

In the late afternoon, we will arrive in Oviedo, the capital of Asturias, renowned for its pre-Romanesque art, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a stroll through the city to admire its stunning Gothic Cathedral and the iconic statue of La Regenta.

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

After breakfast, we will leave Asturias behind as we enter the mystical region known for meigas (witches). Our first destination is Mondoñedo, previously the capital of the Galicia kingdom. You will have 1 hour of free time to visit the grand 12th-century cathedral and sample the local delicacy of Mondoñedo cake.

Next, we’ll journey to Lugo, where you can enjoy 1 hour of exploration of its Roman remnants, including the impressive city walls, which are also a World Heritage Site.

In the afternoon, we'll head to Santiago de Compostela, a city rich in heritage and a key site for Camino de Santiago pilgrims, with its historic center recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 6: Santiago de Compostela

After breakfast, we will embark on a guided tour of Santiago lasting between 2 and 3 hours. This journey includes a visit to the famous Obradoiro Square and the Cathedral, which honors Saint James the Great and serves as a vital Christian pilgrimage site.

The remaining hours of the day are yours to explore the city at your leisure, meandering through its cobblestone streets, enjoying the vibrant university atmosphere, and indulging in the unique flavors of Galician cuisine.

Day 7: Santiago de Compostela – Salamanca – Madrid

Following breakfast, we will initiate our return to Madrid. We will make a brief stop in Salamanca, where you’ll enjoy 1 to 2 hours exploring this historic university city, admiring its remarkable architectural heritage.

After lunch, we will proceed to Madrid, where this enlightening tour of northern Spain will conclude at our original meeting point. The estimated arrival time is in the afternoon, subject to traffic. To avoid any inconvenience, it is advisable not to schedule flights or train departures for this day.

Accommodation Details

Your tour includes stays in 4-star hotels:

• San Sebastián: Palacio de Aiete or an equivalent choice
• Santander: Hotel Santemar or an equivalent choice
• Oviedo: Sercotel Ciudad de Oviedo or an equivalent choice
• Santiago de Compostela: Santiago Plaza by Meliá or an equivalent choice

The rates are per person in a shared double room. A single supplement applies for solo travelers, who will require private accommodation.

Please take note that children under 4 years can join free of charge by sharing a room with two adults, limited to one child per room. Children aged 4 to 7 are eligible for the child rate only if accompanied by two adults, again with a maximum of one child per room.

Essential Information

Keep in mind that the free time and visits mentioned in the itinerary are estimates and may be subject to changes.