Hidden Gems of Northern Spain

Upon your arrival at the airport in Madrid, you'll be greeted by your dedicated driver who will be ready to transfer you from the airport to your hotel. Once you've checked in and freshened up, the day is yours to explore at your own pace. Madrid offers a wealth of cultural and culinary delights for you to discover. Whether you choose to visit world-class museums, savor delicious tapas, or simply wander through charming streets, the city is sure to captivate you with its vibrant energy and rich history. Enjoy your first day in Madrid to the fullest!

After breakfast, embark on a captivating morning tour of Madrid. Explore medieval Morería, known for its ancient architecture and lively taverns. Discover courtly Austrias with highlights like Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, and Plaza de la Villa.

Continue through Bourbon Madrid, admiring the Royal Palace, iconic fountains like Cibeles and Neptune, and Puerta de Alcalá. Marvel at 19th-century gems like Plaza de Oriente and the renowned Prado Museum (exterior). Experience modern Madrid on Gran Vía, Paseo de la Castellana, and in the upscale Barrio de Salamanca.

Visit the green Parque del Oeste, the academic hub of Ciudad Universitaria, and bustling commercial and financial districts. Conclude with a visit to the legendary Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. The afternoon is yours to explore.

Breakfast will be served at the hotel, followed by our departure towards Zaragoza. You will have some free time to explore the Basilica of Our Lady of The Pilar. Afterward, you can leisurely stroll through the charming old streets of Zaragoza.

In the afternoon, we will continue our journey to San Sebastian, renowned for being one of the most sought-after tourist destinations and the prestigious host of the International Film Festival.

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we'll embark on a panoramic tour of this refined and genteel city, where the Bay and La Concha Beach create a captivating backdrop. Our journey will take us up Mount Igueldo, offering a breathtaking vista of the city below.

The remainder of the day will be yours to explore at your own pace.

Later in the afternoon, there will be an optional excursion to the picturesque villages of Biarritz and San Juan de Luz, located in French territory. This is a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the charm of these unique coastal towns.

After a hearty breakfast, we'll set off for Bilbao, where you'll have some free time to explore the esplanade of the Guggenheim Museum, a masterpiece of modern architecture.

Following this, we'll continue our journey to Castro Urdiales, a quintessential fishing village where you'll have the opportunity to wander at your own pace.

Next on our itinerary is Santander, a captivating port city nestled between the sea and mountains, renowned for its numerous beaches, including the well-known El Sardinero. You'll have ample free time to meander through the elegant streets of this city.

Following breakfast at the hotel, we will depart for Santillana del Mar, a town of immense historical and artistic significance in Spain. Here, you'll have the opportunity to explore true architectural treasures, including the Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana, which is considered the most important Romanesque gem in Cantabria.

Our journey will then take us to Covadonga, where you'll have free time to visit the Sanctuary and the grotto containing the image of the Virgin.

In the afternoon, we'll continue our travels to Oviedo, a city nestled on a series of hills at the base of the Naranco mountain range. Oviedo is renowned for the beauty of its streets, with many being designated as pedestrian-only. The city's monuments have earned its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the Cathedral standing out as one of the most significant examples of Asturian Gothic architecture.

You'll be accommodated for the night in Oviedo.

After breakfast, we'll journey towards the picturesque Galician region. En route to Lugo, we'll make a stop in Mondoñedo. Here, you'll have some free time to explore the imposing 12th-century cathedral and savor the delectable "Mondoñedo cake."

We'll then continue to Lugo, where you'll have additional free time to marvel at the well-preserved Roman vestiges, particularly the awe-inspiring walls which have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Our journey will culminate in Santiago de Compostela, where the ancient city itself holds the distinction of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It stands as one of the most significant monumental centers in Spain and is the focal point of Christian pilgrimage, marking the end of the historic Camino de Santiago, originally constructed by the Roman Empire.

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we'll embark on a city tour of Santiago. This will include a visit to the Plaza del Obradoiro and its magnificent Cathedral, dedicated to the Apostle Santiago el Mayor. Entrance to the cathedral is included, providing you with the opportunity to explore its awe-inspiring interior.

The remainder of the day will be yours to explore at your leisure. Santiago is known for its vibrant university atmosphere, so feel free to take your time soaking in the unique energy of this city. There are plenty of fascinating corners to discover.

After a satisfying breakfast, we'll set out for the picturesque region of the Galician Rías Bajas, often likened to Spanish fjords. Along the way, you'll be treated to breathtaking landscapes.

Our journey will lead us to the island of La Toja, renowned worldwide for its spa facilities and natural beauty. Here, you'll have some free time to explore and enjoy the island's offerings.

Continuing on, we'll pass through the Arosa estuary as we make our way towards Portugal. Our final destination for the day is Porto.

Following breakfast at the hotel, we'll embark on a panoramic tour of Porto, a city esteemed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During this tour, you'll have the chance to admire notable landmarks such as the Cathedral, the Stock Exchange building, and the Church of Santa Clara.

Next, we'll take to the Douro River on a cruise, offering a unique and captivating perspective of the city. You'll be able to soak in the historical heritage of Porto from the water.

The tour will also include a visit to a renowned Port Wine Cellar, where you'll have the opportunity to partake in a wine-tasting session, immersing yourself in the rich flavors of this iconic beverage.

The remainder of the day will be yours to enjoy at your own pace. You'll have the freedom to explore more of Porto or simply relax and savor the local ambiance.

After a hearty breakfast, we'll begin our journey towards the Spanish border. Once back in Spain, we'll make a stop at Ciudad Rodrigo, a stunning town enclosed by medieval walls and presided over by its impressive fortress.

We'll then continue on to Salamanca, a city steeped in history and renowned for its monumental university, a site that has earned its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You'll spend the night at your hotel in Salamanca.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we'll set off for Ávila. You'll have some free time to explore this historically significant walled city at your own pace.

Following our visit to Ávila, we'll continue our journey to Madrid, where you'll have the remainder of the day free to explore the vibrant capital city.

After enjoying your breakfast at the hotel, we will arrange a transfer to the airport for your departure.