Barcelona, Santiago & Madrid - 8 Days

Barcelona - Zaragoza - Pamplona. We depart Barcelona at 8:00 a.m., travelling west to Zaragoza. There’s a short stop with free time to visit the Basilica of Nuestra Señora del Pilar, dedicated to the Patron Saint of Hispanic peoples. We then continue to Pamplona, a city known for its San Fermín festival and charming old town. Please note that if travelling between July 6 - 14, the Pamplona Bull Run is on, and we will be unable to stay in Pamplona due to availability - we will stay in an alternate destination on this departure only.

Please note: This tour is bi-lingual, and will be conducted in Spanish as well as in English.

Meeting Point: HOTEL CATALONIA 505, C/ de Muntaner, 505, Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, 08022 Barcelona at 7:45.

Please note: The 12th July departure will stay overnight in a city near Pamplona.

Pamplona - San Sebastian - Bilbao - Santander. After breakfast, we head to San Sebastián, one of northern Spain’s most elegant cities. You’ll have free time to walk along La Concha Bay or explore the Old Town. We continue to Bilbao, capital of Biscay, with a brief stop to view the striking Guggenheim Museum building. The journey ends in Santander, where your evening is at leisure.

Santander - Santillana del Mar - Covadonga - Oviedo. Leaving Santander behind, we travel to Santillana del Mar, a beautifully preserved medieval town declared a National Monument. After some time to explore, we continue through scenic landscapes to Covadonga, where you’ll have free time to visit the Sanctuary. We then arrive in Oviedo, where we are spending the night.

Oviedo - La Coruna - Santiago de Compostela. Today we head west into Galicia, reaching the coastal city of La Coruña. A brief panoramic tour introduces you to highlights such as the Tower of Hercules – the world’s oldest working lighthouse and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We then continue to Santiago de Compostela, one of the world’s most important Christian pilgrimage destinations.

Today we explore Santiago, the final stop on the legendary Camino de Santiago. A guided tour takes us through the city’s historic centre, including the iconic Plaza del Obradoiro and the awe-inspiring Cathedral – the resting place of the Apostle Saint James and a masterpiece of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque design. The afternoon is free to explore further or take part in one of our optional excursions. Dinner and overnight stay.

Santiago de Compostela - Vigo. After breakfast, we journey through the Rías Baixas, a region known for its fjord-like inlets, green landscapes, and seafood traditions. We make a brief stop on La Toja Island, famed for its thermal waters and traditional soap production. In O Grove, you have the option to take a catamaran cruise across the estuary, visiting mussel and oyster farms, with a tasting of fresh mussels paired with local Ribeiro wine. We continue to the coastal city of Vigo, where you’ll have free time to explore. There's an optional visit to the hilltop settlement of Santa Tecla, if you wish.

Vigo - Leon. We leave Galicia behind after breakfast, heading east to the historic city of León. This former Roman military encampment grew into a major centre of culture and religion during the Middle Ages. You’ll have free time to admire the Cathedral of Santa María – one of Spain’s finest examples of Gothic architecture – or wander through the lively old town with its tapas bars and traditional squares.

Our final day begins with a drive to Salamanca, a city renowned for its ancient university and harmonious golden sandstone buildings. There’s a short stop with free time to visit the Old Town and the majestic Plaza Mayor – often considered the most beautiful square in Spain. We then continue to Madrid, where our services conclude upon arrival.