Scenic Spanish Cities and Countryside Adventure

Welcome to Madrid, where your exciting journey begins. Upon arrival, we will arrange your transfer to the hotel, allowing you to settle in and unwind. You will have some free time to explore the vibrant city or simply relax. In the afternoon, make sure to check the hotel reception boards for important information regarding the commencement of your tour. As you soak in the surroundings, take this opportunity to immerse yourself in the unique blend of tradition and modernity that defines Spain’s capital. Enjoy your first day at leisure, setting the stage 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.

Our second day begins with an early departure as we traverse the scenic region of Castile and León. Our first stop is Tordesillas, where we'll pause to delve into the town's rich history and relax with a coffee in its charming main square. We then continue our journey to León, a pivotal city on the Camino de Santiago. Here, you'll have time to enjoy lunch and explore the impressive Gothic cathedral, a landmark of both spiritual and architectural significance. As our day unfolds, we cross the picturesque Cantabrian Range, making our way towards Asturias. Arriving in Oviedo by evening, we'll embark on a one-and-a-half-hour guided tour, either today or tomorrow morning. Our exploration includes the 9th-century cathedral, the grand Congress Palace of Oviedo, the historic Campoamor Theatre, and the bustling Calle Rúa. To cap off the day, we treat ourselves to a traditional Asturian dinner at a local cider house, offering a taste of the region’s authentic culinary delights. Please note: If the number of travellers from Madrid to León is limited, this segment of our journey might be undertaken by train or other regular transport, which may result in skipping the stop in Tordesillas.

Today, we embark on an adventure to the picturesque Picos de Europa. Our first stop is the Basilica of Covadonga, a place steeped in legend and natural beauty. After exploring this magnificent site, we'll follow the scenic coastline to Santillana del Mar, renowned as one of Spain’s most charming towns with its wonderfully preserved medieval quarter. Here, we include a visit to the nearby Altamira Cave Museum, with tickets provided, where you'll be impressed by its fascinating prehistoric cave art. Our journey continues to the coastal city of Santander, the capital of Cantabria, known for its striking views of both mountains and sea. A panoramic tour with a local guide will take us through this elegant city, showcasing the beauty of its bay and coastal charm.

We'll journey along the picturesque Cantabrian coast, where majestic mountains meet the sea, making our way to Bilbao, the largest city in the Basque Country. Here, we'll take a guided tour to explore notable sites, including the renowned Guggenheim Museum area, the charming old quarter, and the city's Cathedral. After the tour, you will have some free time to indulge in the local culinary delight of authentic pintxos, small snacks that are a beloved part of Basque cuisine. We'll then continue our travels towards Madrid, aiming to arrive by approximately 8:00 p.m. Please note: Depending on the number of travellers, the journey from Bilbao to Madrid might be made by regular coach or train service.

After enjoying breakfast, our tour concludes, offering you cherished memories to take away.