7. Northern Spain Explorer

This 4-day journey offers a rich introduction to northern Spain, moving from Spain’s historic interior to the green Atlantic coast and back again. Beginning and ending in Madrid, the route connects Aragón, Navarra, the Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias, and Castilla y León - revealing striking contrasts in landscape, architecture, and regional culture. Along the way, pilgrimage traditions, cutting-edge art, medieval villages, dramatic mountain sanctuaries, and lively university cities come together in a well-balanced and rewarding itinerary.

Journey Highlights

• Zaragoza and Aragón’s Spiritual Heart – Travel northeast to Zaragoza, set on the banks of the Ebro River. The visit centers on the magnificent Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, one of Spain’s most important pilgrimage shrines, followed by views from the historic Puente de Piedra.

• Pamplona and Navarrese Tradition – Continue to Pamplona, internationally known for the San Fermín festival yet equally appealing for its walkable old town, city walls, welcoming plazas, and vibrant tapas culture rooted in Basque-Navarrese identity.

• Basque Creativity in Bilbao – Discover Bilbao, a symbol of cultural renewal. A visit to the iconic Guggenheim Museum Bilbao highlights the city’s transformation through bold contemporary architecture and world-class modern art.

• Atlantic Elegance in Santander – Follow the northern coast to Santander, an elegant seaside capital set around a natural bay. Highlights include the royal Magdalena Palace, coastal promenades, beaches, and the city’s refined historic center.

• Medieval Villages and Sacred Mountains – Journey into green valleys to Santillana del Mar, one of Spain’s best-preserved medieval towns, then continue to the dramatic sanctuary of Covadonga, a site of profound spiritual and historical importance set against the Picos de Europa mountains.

• Oviedo and Asturian Identity – Arrive in Oviedo, known for its refined old town, pre-Romanesque heritage, and traditional cider culture, offering a relaxed and authentic northern Spanish atmosphere.

• Salamanca and the Academic Legacy – Travel south to Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage City celebrated for its golden sandstone architecture, historic university, and magnificent Plaza Mayor—one of Spain’s most beautiful main squares.

• Return to Madrid – Conclude the journey back in Madrid, completing a loop that showcases Spain’s regional diversity, from pilgrimage cities and avant-garde museums to medieval villages and Atlantic coastlines.

This itinerary is ideal for travelers seeking variety, culture, and scenery in a short time - combining history, modern design, spiritual landmarks, and some of northern Spain’s most beautiful landscapes into one seamless experience.

Day 1 – Madrid → Zaragoza → Pamplona (575 km / 357 miles)

Your adventure begins bright and early with an 8:00 AM departure from Madrid, heading northeast toward Zaragoza, the capital of Aragón and an important crossroads between central Spain and the country’s Atlantic regions. As Spain’s fifth-largest city, Zaragoza blends deep history with a relaxed, local feel that makes it a rewarding first stop. Upon arrival, enjoy time to explore the city center and visit the magnificent Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, a stunning Baroque landmark and one of Spain’s most important pilgrimage sites. Step inside to admire the richly decorated interior, and if you’re feeling adventurous, take the elevator to the top for sweeping views over the city and the Ebro River. Afterwards, stroll across the historic Puente de Piedra, Zaragoza’s oldest stone bridge, offering beautiful views and excellent photo opportunities beside Plaza del Pilar.
In the afternoon, continue north to Pamplona, arriving in the early evening. After dinner and hotel check-in, enjoy free time to explore on your own. Pamplona is internationally famous for the San Fermín Festival and the Running of the Bulls, but beyond that headline event, the city charms visitors with a walkable historic center, welcoming plazas, lively tapas bars, and a strong Basque-Navarrese cultural identity. Overnight in Pamplona.

Day 2 – Pamplona → Bilbao → Santander (205 km / 127 miles)

After breakfast, depart for Bilbao, the dynamic heart of the Basque Country. Once an industrial port city, Bilbao has reinvented itself into a vibrant cultural hub while preserving its local traditions and cuisine. Your visit begins at the world-famous Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, an architectural icon designed by Frank Gehry. Even before stepping inside, the museum’s flowing titanium exterior and surrounding sculptures - such as Louise Bourgeois’ Maman and Jeff Koons’ Puppy - make an unforgettable impression. Inside, explore cutting-edge modern art in a space that is itself a work of art.
In the afternoon, continue west along Spain’s lush northern coast to Santander, an elegant seaside city known for its refined atmosphere and natural beauty. Visit the Magdalena Palace, once a summer residence of the Spanish royal family, beautifully located on the Magdalena Peninsula. Enjoy time near Playa de la Magdalena or Playa de los Bikinis, perfect for a relaxed walk along the water.
Later, explore Santander’s lively Mercado de la Esperanza, browse local shops, or visit Santander Cathedral. Dinner and overnight in Santander.

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

After breakfast, head into one of Spain’s most scenic regions, the Picos de Europa. Your first stop is Santillana del Mar, often described as one of Spain’s most beautiful villages. This remarkably preserved medieval town features cobblestone streets, honey-colored stone houses, and historic palaces. Enjoy a leisurely walk around the Collegiate Church of Santa María, and take in the peaceful atmosphere that feels straight out of another era.
Next, continue to Covadonga, located at the western edge of Picos de Europa. Visit the Chapel of Covadonga, dramatically set inside a natural cave. This sacred site holds great historical importance as the birthplace of the Reconquista, marking a turning point in Spanish history. Take time to explore the Holy Cave and surrounding mountain scenery, which many travelers find both moving and serene.
In the evening, arrive in Oviedo. After dinner, enjoy a relaxed walk through Oviedo’s charming Old Town, where softly lit streets and historic squares create a welcoming atmosphere. For a true local experience, head to Calle Gascona, known as “Cider Boulevard,” and sample traditional Asturian cider poured the classic way. Overnight in Oviedo.

Day 4 – Oviedo → Salamanca → Madrid (531 km / 330 miles)

After breakfast, depart Oviedo and travel south to Salamanca, one of Spain’s most beautiful and historically rich cities, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend time exploring its elegant Old Town, where golden sandstone buildings glow warmly in the sunlight. Visit the Old and New Cathedrals, admire the façade of the University of Salamanca—one of the oldest universities in the world - and soak up the vibrant energy of Plaza Mayor, widely considered the most beautiful main square in Spain. Don’t miss the Casa de las Conchas, a striking building decorated with more than 300 carved stone shells.
After lunch, continue on to Madrid, arriving in the evening and bringing your journey through northern and western Spain to a satisfying close.

Prices:

Per person in double/twin room: 585 €

Single Supplement: 155 €

Supplement July to Oct.: 55 €

-----

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.