14. Northern Spain Heritage

This thoughtfully designed 6-day journey through northern Spain offers a rich mix of historic cities, dramatic coastlines, cultural landmarks, and regional traditions. Beginning and ending in Madrid, the route takes you across lesser-known but deeply rewarding regions, revealing a side of Spain defined by medieval heritage, Atlantic influences, and timeless university towns.

The tour starts by traveling north to León, a city renowned for its Gothic architecture, Romanesque art, and refined old town atmosphere. From there, the journey continues to Oviedo, setting the stage for Spain’s lush northern landscapes. Moving west into Galicia, you’ll discover the maritime charm of La Coruña, highlighted by its Atlantic setting and Roman lighthouse, before arriving in one of Spain’s most meaningful destinations, Santiago de Compostela.

In Santiago, the spiritual heart of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, history and living tradition come together amid grand plazas and narrow medieval streets. The journey then follows Galicia’s stunning coastline through the Rías Baixas, a region known for its estuaries, fishing villages, beaches, and fresh Atlantic air, before reaching the lively port city of Vigo.

Turning inland once again, the tour returns to León for a relaxed revisit, allowing time to further enjoy its cultural and culinary highlights. The final leg leads south to Salamanca, one of Spain’s most elegant cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its golden architecture, historic university, and vibrant main square.

Designed with a comfortable pace and a balance of guided sightseeing and personal time, this tour is ideal for travelers seeking authentic northern Spain, combining iconic landmarks with scenic drives, coastal beauty, and cities that reward curiosity. It’s a journey through regions where history feels present, landscapes change dramatically, and Spain’s cultural depth truly shines.

Day 1: Madrid → León → Oviedo (446 km / 277 miles)

We depart Madrid at 8:00 a.m., heading north toward the historic city of León, one of Spain’s most impressive yet often overlooked cultural centers. León is known for its grand monuments and deep medieval roots, making it an excellent introduction to northern Spain. During your free time, you may choose to visit León Cathedral, a breathtaking French-style Gothic masterpiece built on the former royal palace of King Ordoño II. Its towering façade and extraordinary stained-glass windows fill the interior with colorful light. Another highlight is the Basilica of San Isidoro, dating back to the 11th century, home to the Royal Pantheon with vibrant frescoes often called the “Sistine Chapel of Romanesque art.” You may also explore Casa Botines, Antoni Gaudí’s only work in northern Spain, designed like a fairytale fortress. The lively Plaza Mayor offers great options for lunch or a coffee break.
In the afternoon, we continue to Oviedo, where dinner and overnight accommodation await.

Day 2: Oviedo → La Coruña → Santiago de Compostela (347 km / 216 miles)

After breakfast, we travel west to La Coruña, a vibrant coastal city located in Spain’s northwestern corner in the region of Galicia. Upon arrival, enjoy a panoramic tour highlighting the city’s maritime character and long connection to the Atlantic. A major highlight is the Torre de Hércules, the world’s oldest functioning lighthouse and a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to Roman times. The surrounding coastal paths offer beautiful ocean views and fresh sea air. La Coruña is also famous for its distinctive glass-enclosed balconies, known as galerías, which line the waterfront and give the city its nickname, “The Crystal City.”
After time to enjoy the atmosphere, we continue inland to Santiago de Compostela. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel and enjoy dinner before settling in for the night in one of Spain’s most historic cities.

Day 3: Santiago de Compostela 

Following breakfast, we begin a comprehensive exploration of Santiago de Compostela, one of Spain’s most important spiritual and cultural destinations. Known as the final stop of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, the city feels timeless and deeply atmospheric. Our guided visit includes the famous Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, an architectural masterpiece combining Romanesque origins with later Gothic and Baroque additions. Standing in the grand Plaza del Obradoiro, you’ll have time to admire the cathedral’s monumental scale and significance. We also explore the historic old town, wandering through narrow streets and hidden squares such as Plaza de Cervantes, filled with cafés, artisan shops, and local life. The afternoon is free to enjoy at your own pace. You may visit the San Martín Pinario Monastery, stroll through Alameda Park for scenic views, or enjoy traditional Galician cuisine at a local restaurant. Dinner and overnight stay in Santiago.

Day 4: Santiago de Compostela → Rías Baixas → Vigo (90 km / 56 miles)

After breakfast, we travel through the scenic Rías Baixas region, one of Galicia’s most beautiful coastal areas. Known for its dramatic estuaries, green hills, fishing villages, and Atlantic beaches, this region offers unforgettable landscapes at every turn. Our journey includes a stop in O Grove, located near the Isle of Toja, a town closely tied to fishing traditions and maritime culture. During free time, you might visit the Chapel of the Shells, decorated entirely with scallop shells, or explore the whimsical Aldea dos Grobits village inspired by local legends. Nearby beaches such as A Lanzada are ideal for relaxing walks and ocean views.
We then continue to Vigo, Galicia’s largest city, where you’ll have time to explore the historic old town. Its narrow streets lead to elegant arcaded squares like Praza da Constitución, reflecting the city’s coastal charm. Overnight stay in Vigo.

Day 5: Vigo → León

After breakfast, we depart Vigo and head inland toward the heart of Castile and León, crossing changing landscapes of green valleys and open plains. Upon arrival in León, you’ll have free time to further explore this historic city at a relaxed pace. You may choose to revisit the magnificent Gothic Cathedral, famous for its stained-glass windows, or wander through the charming old town where medieval streets meet lively squares. León is also known for its local cuisine and welcoming atmosphere, offering excellent opportunities to enjoy regional flavors or simply relax in a traditional café. The city blends deep history with a youthful energy thanks to its active local life.
In the evening, we gather for dinner and spend the night in León, enjoying a final taste of northern Spain’s unique character.

Day 6: León → Salamanca → Madrid (566 km / 352 miles)

After breakfast, we depart León and head south toward Salamanca, one of Spain’s most elegant and historic cities. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Salamanca is famous for its golden sandstone architecture and vibrant university atmosphere. During your free time, explore the beautifully preserved Old Town, visit the Old and New Cathedrals, and admire the University of Salamanca, one of the oldest in Europe. Be sure to stop at Plaza Mayor, often considered one of the most impressive main squares in Spain, filled with cafés and local life. You may also visit Casa de las Conchas, a historic building decorated with hundreds of carved stone shells. In the afternoon, we continue to Madrid, where our journey comes to an end, concluding an enriching exploration of northern Spain filled with culture, history, and unforgettable landscapes.

Prices:

Per person in double/twin room: 845 €

Single Supplement: 245 €

Supplement July to Oct.: 55 €

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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.