Northern Spain is a region of great charm and unexpected discoveries, where what may lack in sunshine and hordes of tourists is made up in a feast for the eyes, mind, and palate.
This tour is ideal for people that have just a few spare days in Spain, and would like to take the most of it.
You will visit Aragon, the Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias and Castilla & Leon - areas in the upper, northern provinces of Spain, with a main cities of San Sebastian, Bilbao, Santander, Oviedo and Salamanca, and with lots of beautiful landscapes to pass and see along the way.
The tour starts and ends in Madrid.
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 €500
ITINERARY
Day 1. Madrid - Zaragoza - San Sebastián (575 km ~ 357 miles)
Departure from our terminal in Madrid at 08.00 in the morning towards Zaragoza.
Spain's fifth largest city - Zaragoza, is the capital of the Aragón region. 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 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 free 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. Santanderis 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 the 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 end of the tour.
Contact us for customize tour.