Spanish Heritage Discovery Adventure - 7 Days

Welcome to your tour of enchanting Spain. As you arrive in the bustling city of Madrid, we’ll ensure your transfer to the hotel is smooth and timely. After settling in, you’ll have the rest of the day to explore at your own pace. Take advantage of this free time to perhaps wander through Madrid’s charming streets, sample local cuisine, or simply soak up the vibrant atmosphere. In the afternoon, details about the commencement of your journey will be displayed on the boards in the hotel reception, providing everything you need to know for the adventures ahead. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

On the second day, we set off early from Madrid, traversing the scenic Castile and León region. Our first stop is in Tordesillas, a town deeply rooted in history. You'll have the opportunity to explore its intriguing past and enjoy a relaxed coffee in the charming main square. Continuing our journey, we head to León, where you'll have time to savour lunch and explore the magnificent Gothic cathedral, an impressive landmark on the legendary Camino de Santiago.

After León, we make our way across the picturesque Cantabrian Range towards Asturias, arriving in Oviedo by evening. While in Oviedo, we'll take a guided city tour, either upon arrival or the following morning, offering insights into its fascinating history. Highlights include visiting the 9th-century cathedral, the Congress Palace of Oviedo, and the iconic Campoamor Theatre, alongside a stroll down the vibrant Calle Uría. To conclude the day, enjoy an included traditional Asturian dinner in a typical cider house—an authentic experience of local culture. Please note, if there are only a few travellers between Madrid and León, the trip might proceed by train or other regular transportation, and we may bypass the stop in Tordesillas.

On our third day, we'll set off toward the stunning Picos de Europa, beginning with a visit to the magnificent Basilica of Covadonga. After soaking in the serene atmosphere and historical significance of this landmark, we'll journey along the picturesque coastline, arriving in Santillana del Mar. This town, considered one of Spain’s most picturesque, boasts a perfectly preserved medieval quarter. We’ll also visit the Altamira Cave Museum, where you can delve into the prehistoric artistry that the region is renowned for – entry tickets are included in our itinerary. Later, we'll proceed to Santander, the capital of Cantabria. This charming coastal city offers a beautiful blend of mountainous and seaside landscapes. We’ll enjoy a guided panoramic tour here, giving you the chance to explore the elegance of Santander and its scenic bay.

As we journey along the Cantabrian coast, the motorway treats us to stunning vistas where mountains gracefully meet the sea. Our path leads us to Bilbao, the largest city in the Basque Country. Here, we embark on a brief guided city tour, discovering key attractions such as the vibrant Guggenheim area, the historic old quarter, and the impressive Cathedral. After the tour, you will have the opportunity to enjoy Bilbao at your own pace – perhaps sampling authentic "pintxos" at a local eatery. We then continue to the renowned wine region of La Rioja, where we will visit the Wine Culture Museum in Briones before arriving in Zaragoza for the evening.

Today begins with a panoramic tour of Zaragoza, led by a knowledgeable local guide. We'll explore the magnificent Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar and discover the artistic legacy of Goya by viewing some of his renowned works. The tour will also include the historic Roman theatre and a visit to a Renaissance palace, culminating with a stroll past the impressive Aljafería Palace. After lunch, we'll continue our journey into Catalonia to visit the awe-inspiring Poblet Abbey. Nestled in picturesque surroundings, this walled monastery is celebrated as one of the most well-preserved medieval sites in the world – entry tickets are included. We'll conclude our day by travelling to the vibrant city of Barcelona, where we'll arrive in the evening.

On day six in Barcelona, we will begin with a panoramic tour of this captivating city, known for its unique blend of modernist architecture, vibrant atmosphere, and rich historical significance gained from hosting the Universal Exposition and the Olympics. Our tour will highlight the stunning works of Gaudí and the iconic Ramblas. The afternoon is yours to explore at leisure. In the evening, we will provide a transfer to Maremagnum, a modern entertainment and dining hub by the sea, conveniently situated near Plaza de Colón. Here, you can take a pleasant stroll and choose from a selection of dining options to suit your tastes.

Following breakfast, our tour concludes in Barcelona. We hope you leave with wonderful memories and a deeper appreciation for your travel experiences.