Majestic Spanish Cities and Scenic Coastlines

Welcome to your exciting adventure in Madrid! Upon your arrival, we will ensure a smooth transfer to your hotel. Once settled, the remainder of the day is yours to explore at leisure. In the afternoon, be sure to check the information boards in the hotel reception for important details about the beginning of your tour. Enjoy your free time in this vibrant city! 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.

We begin our day early, departing Madrid as we make our way through Castile and León, pausing in Tordesillas. Here, you'll have the chance to delve into the town's historical significance and enjoy a coffee in the lively main square. Our journey continues to León, a city rich in heritage along the Camino de Santiago. You'll have free time for lunch and a visit to the magnificent Gothic cathedral, a true architectural gem. Afterwards, we cross the majestic Cantabrian Range en route to Asturias, and by evening, we reach Oviedo. Here, we include a guided tour of the city, either tonight or tomorrow morning. You’ll admire the 9th-century cathedral and visit notable sites such as the Congress Palace of Oviedo, the Campoamor Theatre, and Calle Rúa. To end the day, savour a traditional Asturian dinner in a charming cider house. Please note, if our group from Madrid to León is small, we may travel by train, skipping the Tordesillas stop.

Today, we set off on our journey to the stunning Picos de Europa, beginning with a visit to the historically significant Basilica of Covadonga. This revered site is nestled in the magnificent mountain backdrop, offering a glimpse into Spain's rich past. From here, we continue along the picturesque coastline to Santillana del Mar, celebrated for its immaculately preserved medieval quarter – truly one of Spain's most beautiful towns. You can explore the area's captivating history further with a visit to the Altamira Cave Museum, where your entry tickets are included. In the afternoon, we travel to Santander, the elegant capital of Cantabria. Our local guide will take us on a panoramic tour to discover the city's spectacular bay and architectural charm, providing an engaging overview of this vibrant coastal city.

Today, we'll continue our journey along the breathtaking Cantabrian coast, where the rugged mountains meet the sea. Our destination is Bilbao, the largest city in the Basque Country. Here, we'll enjoy a brief guided tour, discovering landmarks such as the renowned Guggenheim area, the historic old quarter, and the majestic Cathedral. Once the tour concludes, you'll have the freedom to explore further and perhaps indulge in some traditional "pintxos," the local Basque culinary delights. In the afternoon, we'll head towards the renowned wine-making region of La Rioja. Here, we'll visit the Wine Culture Museum in Briones, offering an enlightening glimpse into the time-honoured craft of winemaking. We'll then proceed to Zaragoza, arriving in the evening, ready for a restful night.

On the fifth day of our journey, we begin with a morning panoramic tour of Zaragoza, expertly guided by a local. Our first stop is the impressive Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, a key site in the city. We will then explore the artistic legacy of renowned painter Goya and admire some of his masterpieces. Our tour continues as we delve into the history of the Roman theatre and a Renaissance palace, followed by a leisurely walk near the Aljafería Palace, a magnificent example of Moorish architecture.After enjoying lunch, we set off towards Catalonia to visit the awe-inspiring Poblet Abbey. Nestled amidst picturesque surroundings, this well-preserved medieval monastery offers a glimpse into the monastic life of the past, and your entrance ticket is included. Our travels will then lead us to Barcelona, where we will arrive in the evening, ready to explore the vibrant energy this cosmopolitan city has to offer.

On day six, we set out in the morning for a panoramic tour of Barcelona, one of Europe's most captivating cities. Nestled along the Mediterranean, Barcelona is well-known for its modernist architecture by Gaudí, the lively Ramblas, and a rich history commemorated by the Universal Exposition and the Olympics. Following the tour, you'll have the afternoon free to explore further at your own pace. In the evening, we'll transfer you to Maremagnum, a modern entertainment and dining complex by the sea near Plaza de Colón. This lively area is perfect for a leisurely walk, where you can select from an array of dining experiences.

On day seven, we’ll journey southwards along the Mediterranean coast, pausing for a visit to the enchanting town of Peniscola. This picturesque destination, surrounded by stunning coastal landscapes, is ideal for a leisurely stroll within its historic walls. Following this, we’ll make our way to Valencia, a lively port city on the Levantine coast, where we’ll arrive around midday. Valencia is famed for its delicious paella, so perhaps you’ll take this opportunity to savour this iconic dish. In the mid-afternoon, at approximately 4:30 p.m., our travels continue towards Madrid. Before departing Valencia, we’ll stop briefly at the strikingly modern City of Arts and Sciences, an architectural marvel. Our arrival in Madrid is anticipated between 8:30 and 9:00 p.m. Please note that, depending on passenger numbers, the leg from Valencia to Madrid may be by high-speed train.

Following breakfast, our tour concludes in Madrid, marking the end of a memorable adventure. We hope you depart with cherished memories of your experiences. Safe travels, and we look forward to welcoming you on another journey in the future.