Green Spain

OVERVIEW

Barcelona, is ideal for those, who are visiting the Mediterranean Sea and enjoying Barcelona's beautiful architecture, amazing beaches, and relaxed atmosphere. A chance to escape for a few days and explore the green, cool, fresh, and probably the most underestimated part of Spain: the North, with its unforgettable colors. The simple truth is that Northern Spain has the ''full package'' - sandy Atlantic Ocean, green forests, high mountains and a very delicious and rich cuisine.

On your way you'll pass the provinces of Aragon, Navarra, Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias, and Castilla & Leon - the ''upper'', northern provinces of Spain, - before finishing your trip in Madrid.

If you'll need to get back to Barcelona for your flight out, the bullet train AVE from Madrid to Barcelona takes only 3 hours.

Included in tour:

- accommodation in **** hotels
- 3 breakfasts, 3 dinners
- modern and air-conditioned bus
- multi-lingual tour escort
- travel insurance
- free Wi- Fi on board

Price: From €474

ITINERARY

Day 1. Madrid - Zaragoza - San Sebastián (575 km ~ 357 miles)

Departure from Barcelona at 08.00 in the morning towards Zaragoza. Spain's fifth largest city, Zaragoza is the capital of the Aragón province. Located south of the Pyrenees, it sits almost in the middle between Madrid and San Sebastian, and is home to a range of fascinating sights, from Roman ruins to magnificent Islamic architecture and a striking Baroque cathedral. We will stop in the city center so you can have free time to explore the most notorious sights of Zaragoza: Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar and Puente de Piedra (the Stone Bridge).

A striking Baroque Basilica, it is here that many believe that Santiago - one of Jesus’ disciples and referred to as James in the Bible - saw the Virgin Mary ascend a marble pillar. A chapel was built around that pillar and later added to and renovated, until it became the stunning cathedral it is today. If you want, you can head inside to look around at its magnificent interior, then take the elevator to the top to enjoy some of the most spectacular views of the city.

Bridge Puente de Piedra (the Stone Bridge) is the oldest of all the bridges across the Ebro River. It was built in 1401 following a Gothic style. Measuring about 225 meters in length, the entire stone structure is held by seven arches, with cutwaters that help to break the water flow. It is very close to the Plaza del Pilar, so its silhouette with the Basilica del Pilar in the background has become one of the iconic images of the city.
After some time in Zaragoza we'll continue to San Sebastian. Arrival in early evening, dinner and accommodation.

Day 2. San Sebastián - Bilbao - Santander (205 km ~ 127 miles)

Breakfast and transfer to Bilbao.

The Basque city of Bilbao is particularly well known for its avant-garde contemporary designs and fascinating architecture, especially as it is home to the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, where we will make a stop to walk around and make pictures of this gorgeous and wicked structure.

Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum is the most emblematic building in the city, towering above the river like an undulating titanium ship. The celebrated modern art museum, designed by the architect Frank Gehry, resembles a huge metal ship, covered in shiny wavy patterns and quirky structures, and is just as impressive from the outside as it is from the inside. Surrounding the museum, you’ll find Bilbao’s Art District, home to world-famous artworks such as Louise Bourgeois’ Mamen spider sculpture, Jeff Koons’ Puppy and Anish Kapoor’s Tall Tree and the Eye.

Later we'll relocate to Santander. Santander is the capital of Spain's Cantabria region and offers a whole host of attractions for visitors, from history museums to art centers and beaches. Spend your time shopping in the Mercado de la Esperanza, visiting the Palacio de la Magdalena or browsing the works in the new Centro Botín. Some highlights worth to see in your free time:

Santander has two beaches – the Playa de los Bikinis and the Playa de la Magdalena, which are perfect for sunbathing in summer or strolling along in winter.

The Palacio de la Magdalena is situated on the vast Magdalena Peninsula, on the edge of the city, and has become somewhat of a symbol of Santander. Built between 1908 and 1912, it’s one of the best examples of this style of architecture in the whole of northern Spain. The palace was used as a summer residence for the Spanish royal family between 1913 and 1930, and today is open for visitors and grand events.

One of the most impressive buildings in the city is the Santander Cathedral, which simply can’t be missed.

Dinner and night in Santander.

Day 3. Santander - Santillana del Mar - Covadonga - Oviedo (320 km ~ 199 miles)

Breakfast. This day you'll be travelling throughout one of the most beautiful Spanish National Parks - Picos de Europa, which is characterized by high massifs, deep ravines, lush mountain meadows and vast glassy lakes. First we make today is in Santillana de Mar.

This town, that has often been referred to as one of the most beautiful villages in the whole of Spain, let alone just Cantabria. Sitting on the coast and surrounded by verdant green mountains, it offers the best of both worlds. Think caramel-colored architecture and steep, cobbled streets, perfect medieval stone and timber houses. Santillana del Mar was built around the collegiate church of Santa María and is also dotted with old defense towers and Renaissance palaces.

After some free time, we'll continue to Covadonga - a place, located at the western edge of Picos de Europa, and is visited by thousands of people every year. Notorious sight - Chapel of Covadonga.

Chapel of Covadonga is located in a mountain grotto and features an image of the Virgin Mary - Virgin of Covadonga. This sight played an important role in Christian history. It was where Christian forces in Iberia defeated a Muslim army at the Battle of Covadonga, marking the beginning of the Spanish Reconquista. But though the cave is now linked to Christianity, it’s believed it was first a site for prehistoric pagan worship.

Another stop and a time to admire the Holy Cave. Later continuation to Oviedo. Arrival, dinner and overnight.

Day 4. Oviedo - Salamanca - Madrid (531 km ~ 330 miles)

After breakfast you will leave Oviedo behind and make your way to the medieval city of Salamanca.

Located in the north-western part of Spain, Salamanca is a city of exceptional beauty and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. You'll have free time to enjoy the beautiful city center of Salamanca on your own. Highlights not to miss:

Old Town - listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988, the beautifully preserved old town in the center of the city is impossible to miss. The unmistakable sandstone architecture is scattered throughout and found among some of the city’s most famous monuments.

Old and New Cathedrals - Salamanca’s impressive New Cathedral lies next to the Old Cathedral and its construction first began in the 15th century, and lasted until the 18th. It is considerably larger than its historic counterpart and is one of Spain’s most impressive examples of Gothic architecture, while also featuring Renaissance and Baroque elements.

Salamanca University is located in the historic town center and was founded between 1425 and 1433. The building is considered one of the oldest universities in the world, and also one of the most beautiful ones.

Plaza Mayor (The Main Square) - one of the largest squares in Spain, and is the heart of the bustling city. Small shops and restaurants are spread out around the bustling. Along with the University of Salamanca, Plaza Mayor is considered the emblem of the city and has been declared a National Monument.

The historical Casa de las Conchas (Shells House) - building of a 16th century, is known for its curious façade, which is decorated with more than 300 shells.

Later we will continue to Madrid. Arrival and the end of the tour.