Madrid & Northern Spain Loop

After arriving at Madrid airport, we transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or begin exploring the Spanish capital at your own pace.

After breakfast, we enjoy a panoramic tour of Madrid, tracing the city’s evolution from its medieval origins to the present day. We begin with the old Arab fortress and the Barrio de la Moreria, known for its historic buildings and traditional taverns. We continue through the Habsburg quarter, characterized by Philip II, with its Renaissance and Baroque architecture around Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor and Plaza de la Villa. We then discover Bourbon Madrid and the urban vision of Charles III, including views of the Royal Palace, Cibeles Fountain, Neptune Fountain and Puerta de Alcala. Our tour also takes in 19th century landmarks such as Plaza de Oriente and the Prado Museum, before moving into modern Madrid along Gran Via, Paseo de la Castellana, the elegant Salamanca district, Parque del Oeste, the city’s commercial and financial areas, and the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. The afternoon is at leisure.

Zaragoza - San Sebastian. After breakfast, we depart for Zaragoza. You will have free time to visit the Basilica of Nuestra Senora del Pilar, an important pilgrimage site and symbol of Hispanic heritage, and to stroll through the historic streets of the old town. In the afternoon, we continue to San Sebastian, one of Spain’s most renowned seaside destinations and host of the prestigious International Film Festival.

Following breakfast, we take a panoramic tour of this elegant coastal city, beautifully set around La Concha Bay. We ascend Mount Igueldo for sweeping views across the bay and the city below. The rest of the day is free. In the afternoon, you may choose an optional excursion across the French border to the charming towns of Biarritz and San Juan de Luz.

San Sebastian - Bilbao - Castro Urdiales - Santander. After breakfast, we travel to Bilbao. There is free time to admire the striking exterior of the Guggenheim Museum, a landmark of contemporary architecture that transformed the city’s fortunes. We continue to Castro Urdiales, a traditional fishing village, where you will have time to explore at your own pace. Later, we arrive in Santander, a port city set between sea and mountains, known for beaches such as El Sardinero. With a local guide, we explore the highlights of this refined coastal city.

Santander - Santillana del Mar - Covadonga - Oviedo. After breakfast, we depart for Santillana del Mar, one of Spain’s most historically significant towns, home to architectural treasures including the Romanesque Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana, the most important of its kind in Cantabria. We continue to Covadonga, where you will have free time to visit the Sanctuary and the Holy Grotto, an important symbol of Asturian identity. In the afternoon, we travel to Oviedo, set at the foot of Mount Naranco. Its charming pedestrian streets and remarkable monuments reflect its historic importance. The Cathedral, a masterpiece of Asturian Gothic, is particularly notable.

Oviedo - Mondonedo - Lugo - Santiago de Compostela. After breakfast, we journey into the region of Galicia. En route to Lugo, we stop in Mondonedo, where you will have free time to visit its impressive 12th century cathedral and perhaps try the local Mondonedo cake. We continue to Lugo, where you have free time to see the remarkably preserved Roman walls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a reminder of the city’s imperial past. Our day ends in Santiago de Compostela, whose historic centre is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For centuries, it has been one of Christianity’s most important pilgrimage destinations and marks the end of the Camino de Santiago.

After breakfast, we explore Santiago de Compostela on a guided city tour, including Plaza del Obradoiro and a visit inside the Cathedral, dedicated to Saint James the Greater. The remainder of the day is free for you to enjoy the city’s lively university atmosphere and historic streets.

After breakfast, we depart for Salamanca, a distinguished university city and UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its golden sandstone architecture and rich cultural heritage. You will have free time to explore before we continue to Madrid in the afternoon.

After breakfast, we transfer to the airport, marking the end of an incredible journey through Northern Spain.