Northern Spain Explorer - 8 Days

Madrid - Zaragoza - Pamplona. We depart from the bus terminal in Madrid at 7:45/8:00 and drive to Zaragoza, where there's a short amount of free time to admire the stunning Basilica del Pilar, wander through the lively streets of the old town, or visit the impressive Aljaferia Palace with its blend of Islamic and Christian architecture.

From Zaragoza, we continue to the northern town of Pamplona, best known for the controversial Running of the Bulls (San Fermín Festival) but also for its beautiful old quarter. Dinner is included at tonight's hotel.

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

Meeting Point: C. de Ferraz, 3, Moncloa - Aravaca, 28008 Madrid at 8:00.

Pamplona - San Sebastian - Bilabo - Santander. Enjoy breakfast before we depart for San Sebastian, a glamorous coastal resort town known for its iconic curved La Concha beach. After some free time here, we continue to Bilbao, the capital of the province of Vizcaya. We make a brief stop to admire the architecture of the Guggenheim Museum before continuing our journey along Spain's northern coast to Santander, where you'll have some free time to explore. Dinner is included and the evening is at leisure.

Santander - Santillana del Mar - Covadonga - Oviedo. Our first stop today is Santillana del Mar, a medieval village recognized as a National Monument. We will then travel through beautiful landscapes to reach Covadonga, where you will have free time to visit the sacred Shrine of Covadonga, nestled in the Picos de Europa mountains.

Our hotel for the night is in Oviedo, where dinner is included and your evening is at leisure.

Oviedo - La Coruna - Santiago de Compostela. Enjoy breakfast before departing for the Galicia region. We arrive in La Coruna and embark on a brief panoramic tour. We then continue to Santiago de Compostela in the north-west corner of Spain, our base for the next two nights. Dinner is included this evening and you've got time to head out and start exploring the city.

This morning we embark on a city tour of this famed pilgrimage destination, including visits to the Plaza del Obradoiro and the Cathedral. After our tour, the afternoon is free for you to relax at the hotel or continue your sightseeing independently. Dinner is included in the evening.

Santiago de Compostela - Rias Bajas - Vigo. After breakfast, we will depart for the area known as the Spanish Fjords (Rias Bajas), pausing briefly at the charming La Toja Island.

Our next stop is O Grove, where you may choose to join an optional catamaran cruise to visit the local oyster and mussel farms, complete with a tasting of fresh mussels and Ribeiro wine. We then continue to Vigo, where you’ll have some free time to explore at your leisure. An optional excursion to Santa Tecla is also available.

Vigo - Leon. Leaving Vigo, we depart for the inland region of Castilla y León, arriving in the historic city of León, famous for its impressive artistic heritage. You’ll have free time to visit its magnificent Gothic cathedral or enjoy a leisurely stroll through the old town. Dinner is once more included this evening.

Leon - Salamanca - Madrid. Leaving Leon, we head to Salamanca this morning. Here you will have some free time to explore this historic city and its renowned Plaza Mayor, and to admire landmarks such as the historic university and the ornate Old and New Cathedrals. Afterwards, we proceed to Madrid, where our journey concludes. You will be dropped on Ferraz Street, near the Plaza de Espana at approximately 17:30, though this time is subject to external factors such as traffic and passenger delays.