1. Northern Spain Tour

Day 1: Madrid - Zaragoza - Pamplona (575 km / 357 miles)

Your adventure begins with an early morning departure from Barcelona, heading toward Zaragoza, a historic city that beautifully reflects Spain’s rich and diverse heritage. As Spain’s fifth-largest city and the capital of Aragón, Zaragoza brings together Roman ruins, Moorish influences, and grand Baroque architecture.

During our stop in the lively city center, you’ll have free time to discover some of its most iconic sights, such as the Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar and the Puente de Piedra (Stone Bridge). The Basilica, with its stunning interior and soaring towers, is an important pilgrimage site and offers wonderful panoramic views of the city from its tower.

We then continue our tour, arriving in Pamplona by early evening. Famous for the ''Running of the Bulls'' yet so much more than its festival, Pamplona charms visitors with its medieval old town, leafy parks, and lively squares like the Plaza del Castillo. You may want to wander its cobbled streets, follow parts of the Camino de Santiago route that passes through the city, or enjoy local tapas (pintxos) in a cozy bar. Dinner and accommodation. 

Day 2: Pamplona - San Sebastián - Bilbao - Santander (205 km / 127 miles)

After breakfast, we continue our Northern Spain journey with a visit to San Sebastián - one of the most elegant cities on Spain’s northern coast. Famous for its crescent-shaped La Concha Bay, charming old town, and delicious Basque cuisine, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a stroll by the sea and spend a couple of hours exploring the city center.

Next, we head to Bilbao, a city celebrated for its bold modern architecture and creative energy. Here, you’ll encounter the iconic Guggenheim Museum, a striking titanium-clad masterpiece that transformed the city’s skyline. We’ll take time to admire and photograph this world-famous building, designed by Frank Gehry, as well as nearby public artworks, including the beloved giant Puppy sculpture by Jeff Koons.

From Bilbao, we make our way to Santander, the elegant coastal capital of Cantabria. Santander is a graceful seaside city with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, where promenades, cafés, and sweeping views of the bay create an ideal setting for an evening walk. The city offers a delightful mix of historic architecture and scenic beaches. During your free time, you might choose to wander along Playa de la Magdalena or visit the grand Palacio de la Magdalena. Dinner and an overnight stay in Santander round off the day.

Day 3: Santander - Santillana del Mar - Covadonga - Oviedo (320 km / 199 mi)

Today’s journey leads us through the picturesque Picos de Europa National Park, known for its majestic mountain landscapes, beautiful lakes, and lush green meadows.

Our first stop is the charming town of Santillana del Mar, often described as one of the most beautiful villages in Spain. With its caramel-colored buildings, cobblestone streets, and medieval architecture, Santillana del Mar feels like stepping back in time.

After soaking in the atmosphere of this idyllic town, we’ll travel to Covadonga, a historic destination within the National Park Picos de Europa. Covadonga is home to the Chapel of Covadonga, a mountain grotto that houses a revered image of the Virgin of Covadonga. This sacred site holds deep cultural and historical significance in Spanish history, as it played a key role in the country’s Reconquista.

After exploring Covadonga, we continue to Oviedo - the vibrant capital of Asturias, where you’ll enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 4: Oviedo - Salamanca - Madrid (531 km / 330 miles)

On the final day of our Northern Spain travel adventure, we depart from Oviedo after breakfast and journey to the medieval city of Salamanca. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Salamanca is renowned for its well-preserved historic center and stunning architecture. You’ll have free time to explore Salamanca’s highlights, including the famous Plaza Mayor, the Old and New Cathedrals, and the University of Salamanca. Do not miss the Casa de las Conchas - a wicked building adorned with more than 300 carved shells.

In the afternoon, we set off for Madrid, concluding this unforgettable tour through the captivating landscapes and cultural treasures of Northern Spain.

Prices:

Per person in double/twin room: 585 €

Single Supplement: 155 €

Supplement July to Oct.: 50 €

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Here you will find commonly asked questions regarding our tours.

1. Are the tours for individuals, families, or small groups of friends?

- Yes. Our tours are for single travelers, couples, families, and groups of friends whom we put together with other travelers to form a larger group.

2. How many people are normally included on a tour?

We cannot guarantee an exact number per tour. Normally, it ranges from 10 to 25 people per group, but these numbers can vary greatly depending on the time of year. In summer, groups tend to be larger as this is a popular time of year, while the winter season usually attracts fewer people, thus smaller groups are formed. There are certain tours that combine travelers if the destinations follow the same routes; e.g., you may be on a 10-day tour package with companions traveling on a 5-day package. The tour will cover the same areas, and the 5-day package guests will break off thereafter. Also, more people may be joining in for the other part of the package.

3. Is there a guide or tour leader on the bus?

- Yes. An accompanying guide (tour leader) always travels with the group during the entire tour. An exception may occur when there are minimal numbers signed up for a particular tour. These small groups will travel with an experienced, English-speaking driver-guide. In all major cities, we use local professionals and licensed guides.

4. What languages do the guides use?

English and Spanish. All our tour guides speak both languages fluently. If a tour group consists of an English-speaking group only, the tour will run in English. But most of the tours will have both English and Spanish (from Latin America and Central America) passengers, so the guides will explain in both languages.

5. Do your tours run during certain times of the year?

Most of our tours run all year. Some tours, e.g., those running to the northern regions of Spain, only run from March until October. Each tour's description provides all the relevant information needed. For example, ''Sundays all year'' means that a tour will start on every Sunday of the year, regardless of the numbers. Just look up the calendar for the specific dates Sundays are falling on, and make sure you arrive in Spain a day before.

6. What cities do the tours start from?

Tours start in Madrid or Barcelona.

7. Where are the meeting points for the tours?

In Madrid, it is Calle Ferraz 3 (Ferraz Str., 3). This meeting point is in the city center, right off Plaza España.

In Barcelona, it is in the reception of the Hotel ''Catalunya Barcelona 505'' (Carrer de Muntaner, 505, 08022, Barcelona).

8. Do you pick them up from the hotels on the first day of the tour?

By default, no. We do not pick up from hotels because that would delay the tour launch time. However, if your hotel is en route, using the same bus route on launch day, we will pick you up. A week before travel, we require the name of your hotel in Madrid and will inform you if you can be picked up directly from your hotel or need to head over to the meeting point at 7.45 a.m.

In Barcelona, the meeting point is always in the reception of the ''Catalunya Barcelona 505'' hotel.

9. What type of vehicles do you use?

We use buses for larger groups and minibuses for smaller ones. Vehicles are comfortable, modern, and equipped with air conditioning.

10. If there is Wi-Fi on your buses,?

There is Wi-Fi on all our buses in Spain and Portugal. But please keep in mind that sometimes during the transfers between the cities, the Wi-Fi signal can be weak or intermitting due to poor coverage from the main operators. Please do not expect very high Internet speed (to download or stream movies during the transfers).

11. Are meals included?

Buffet breakfasts with all the drinks are included every morning in all hotels our guests occupy during their tour.

Lunches and dinners are included anywhere that's mentioned in the itinerary (sections ''Itinerary'' and ''Included in Tour''). Normally, dinners are held in the hotel's restaurants, but many times they will be buffet (''eat as much as you want''), and only drinks will be at an extra cost. Also, sometimes lunches and dinners will be held in the restaurants.

12. If I am a vegetarian or allergic to certain products, is there any problem?

No problems at all. Inform the tour leader, and he will assist you. On a side note, many dinners are buffet-type, so you can simply choose what you prefer. For those with allergies, if in doubt, please remind the tour leader during mealtimes. Alternatively, ask the restaurant staff about the content of the dishes.

13. What time do you arrive in Madrid on your last day of travel? Can I book a flight on the same day, flying out of Spain?

Normally, we return to Madrid between 17.00 and 19.00 on the last day of the tour. However, it is not recommended to book the flight out on the same evening or night, as traffic jams in Madrid or other possible events may delay your arrival. Feel free to talk to us before starting the tour, and we'll organize your overnight stay in Madrid after the tour.

14. I need a night in the hotel or a transfer from or to the airport to be booked before or after the tour.

Sure. Just let us know at the time you organize it.

15. Can I just show up for the trip without a reservation and pay directly in the office, on the spot?

Unfortunately, not. The tour must be booked in advance, as we need to make all the arrangements beforehand.

16. How long in advance should I book a trip?

If you book at least 2 weeks in advance, the trip is guaranteed for you, though we recommend booking even earlier, if possible, as in these cases we have a wider range of hotels to accommodate the early reservations—better options.

17. Can I customize one of the tours for myself?

No, as there are more people traveling with you on the tour. However, if you represent an agency or the leader of a group of people, contact us; we'll take care of a private and customized tour for your party only.

18. What is the booking process?

It is simple. Once you have chosen the tour, there are six steps:

1. You confirm the tour by e-mail, indicating the starting date, tour code, number of persons traveling, and their names, as well as the types of rooms preferred (single, double, or triple).

2. We will send you an invoice.

3. You pay 10% to book the tour.

4. We issue the confirmation.

5. Three weeks before the starting date, you pay the rest of the money due, and

6. You show up for the tour on the appointed date and time.

19. How much should I pay and when?

We require a 10% deposit during reservation and the remaining 90% no less than 3 weeks before the tour commences.

20. How would I pay?

You can pay in one of four ways:

1. Bank wire to our company’s bank account. Our banking details are included on the invoice that you receive.

2. We can charge your credit card. Please keep in mind that, in this case, we charge an additional 2% on top of the amount (bank charges).

3. Transferwise.com is an online system allowing the transfer of funds. There is a small commission attached.

4. Western Union (normally for short-notice reservations and when the amount needs to be received urgently).

21. What is the cancellation and refund policy?

10% paid at the time of reservation is non-refundable. The other 90% is fully refundable if cancelled in no less than 2 weeks (e.g., if you paid 100% upfront, you get the whole amount right away). There are no refunds for cancellations made with less than 3 weeks to go before the trip.

22. Are there any discounts or surcharges?

Yes. Discounts are listed under the section ''Prices'', under each package.

23. Are taxes included in the tour prices?

Yes, VAT and tourist taxes for different cities are included.

24. How do I know if I need a visa for Spain or Morocco?

- Please check the visa information for Spain here. The visa requirements for Morocco can be found here. Please note that all trips to Morocco will require your Schengen visa to be of an ''multiple entry'', as you will enter Spain for the second time.

25. I am ready to go ahead and book one of your tours, but I need a visa to enter Spain.

Yes, we do help our customers get their visas after a trip is confirmed. As we are a fully licensed tour operator in Spain, after the deposit is paid, we can issue a confirmation, which you can later bring to the Spanish Embassy or Consulate. In this letter, we confirm that you booked and partially (or fully) paid for a tour with us. Please note that we do not guarantee the issue of a visa and cannot influence the process. The decision is up to the Embassy, as they have their own rules and regulations for each country. At the same time, we do our best to ensure we provide assistance where possible.