Experience Northern Spain's Beauty: 4-Day Tour with Iberica Travel!

This is a captivating, 4-day tour through the heart of Northern Spain, a journey where vibrant culture, dramatic landscapes, and unforgettable flavors come together in perfect harmony. Beginning and ending in Madrid, this adventure brings you through some of Spain’s most fascinating nortern regions, each offering its own unique charm and character.

Your journey begins in the Basque Country, a vibrant region brimming with energy, culture, and creativity. In Bilbao, wander through charming streets filled with lively pintxos bars, where you can taste small bites packed with bold, unforgettable flavors. Don’t miss the iconic Guggenheim Museum - an architectural masterpiece that perfectly captures the spirit of modern Spain. Beyond the city, the Basque Country unfolds in a stunning mix of rugged coastlines, lush green hills, and picturesque seaside towns - an inviting landscape made for cultural discovery and breathtaking adventures.

Next, venture into Cantabria. Surrounded by serene beaches, green valleys, and snow-capped peaks, the region offers a peaceful retreat with a touch of elegance. In Santander, soak in the coastal charm and effortless elegance of this refined seaside city - there you can visit the Magdalena Palace, relax along the sandy shores, and enjoy a perfect balance of culture and a relax vibe.

The journey continues into the next beauty - region of Asturias, often called Spain’s best-kept secret. Nature lovers will be amazed by the soaring peaks of the Picos de Europa National Park, while foodies can enjoy the region’s celebrated cider culture and hearty local cuisine. Discover small villages and dive into the region’s fascinating history, from prehistoric caves to pre-Romanesque churches that whisper of centuries past.

In addition to these northern gems, the tour includes visits to the historic cities of Zaragoza and Salamanca. In Zaragoza, check the grand Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar and wander through lively plazas steeped in centuries of history. In Salamanca, walk the golden-hued streets of an elegant university city, where every building seems to tell a story, and soak up the vibrant student energy that keeps the city feeling alive and youthful.

Whether you're a curious first-timer or a seasoned traveler looking to go deeper, this Northern Spain Tour is your invitation to explore a region where tradition meets innovation, and every stop brings something new to remember.

Please click here to see the route on a map.

Day 1: Madrid – Zaragoza – San Sebastián (575 km | 357 miles)

Your adventure begins bright and early at 8am as you depart from Madrid’s city center, heading towards Zaragoza. As Spain’s fifth-largest city and the capital of Aragón, Zaragoza is located north-east from Madrid, south of the Pyrenees and serves as a cultural crossroads between the Capital and atlantic beauty of San Sebastián. Upon arrival, you’ll have the time to explore Zaragoza’s city center and visit the stunning Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar - a Baroque masterpiece believed to be the site where the Virgin Mary appeared atop a marble pillar. Take a moment to admire its magnificent interior and, if you’re up for it, ride the elevator to the top for panoramic views of the city.
Stroll across the Puente de Piedra, the oldest stone bridge that spans the Ebro River. Its Gothic arches and picturesque setting next to Plaza del Pilar make it one of Zaragoza’s most iconic sights.

After some free time you will continue your journey to the charming coastal city of San Sebastián. Arrive in the early evening, enjoy a delicious dinner, and settle into your comfortable accommodation for the night.

Day 2: San Sebastián – Bilbao – Santander (205 km | 127 mi)

After the breakfast we'll start a day with a tour to Bilbao, the heart of the Basque Country. Bilbao is famous for its striking modern architecture and lively, ever-evolving cultural scene. Your first stop will be the world-famous Guggenheim Museum Bilbao - an architectural marvel designed by Frank Gehry. Check out its undulating titanium exterior and explore the stunning modern art collections inside. Don’t forget to capture photos of the museum, surrounded by impressive sculptures like Louise Bourgeois’ Maman spider and Jeff Koons’ Puppy.

Next step - Santander, the elegant capital of Cantabria. Santander offers a delightful mix of history, art, and natural beauty. Visit the Palacio de la Magdalena - a grand palace situated on the Magdalena Peninsula, once a summer residence for the Spanish royal family. Explore the beautiful beaches of Playa de los Bikinis and Playa de la Magdalena, perfect for a leisurely stroll, sunbathing or even swimming during the summer.

Spend your afternoon exploring Santander’s vibrant Mercado de la Esperanza for some shopping or visit the impressive Santander Cathedral. In the evening, the day will be perfectly rounded off with a delicious dinner and another night in Santander.

Day 3: Santander – Santillana del Mar – Covadonga – Oviedo (320km | 199mi)

Breakfast, then set off to explore one of Spain’s most beautiful national parks - Picos de Europa. Your first stop is Santillana del Mar, often hailed as one of Spain’s most picturesque villages. This charming town, perched on the coast and surrounded by green mountains, features caramel-colored buildings, steep cobbled streets, and well-preserved medieval architecture. Take a leisurely walk around the collegiate church of Santa María and admire the old defense towers and Renaissance palaces that add to the town’s historic charm.

After some time spent in Santillana del Mar, we will continue to Covadonga, located at the western edge of Picos de Europa. Here, you’ll visit the Chapel of Covadonga, nestled in a serene mountain grotto. This sacred site is of significant historical importance as the place where Christians forces won a pivotal battle against Moors, during the Reconquista. Take some time to admire the Holy Cave  before heading to Oviedo.

Arrive in Oviedo in the evening, where you’ll enjoy a dinner and spend the night in this charming city. Take a leisurely stroll through Oviedo’s charming Old Town, where the softly lit cathedral and historic squares create a magical atmosphere. Then make your way to lively Calle Gascona, known as ''Cider Boulevard'', to enjoy a glass of traditional Asturian cider. Our third night of the tour - in Oviedo. 

Day 4: Oviedo – Salamanca – Madrid (531 km | 330 miles)

After breakfast, say goodbye to Oviedo and set off for Salamanca - a city rich in history and charm, proudly recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend your morning wandering through its breathtaking Old Town, where golden sandstone buildings and centuries-old monuments create a timeless atmosphere. Step inside the magnificent Old and New Cathedrals, admire the intricate façade of the University of Salamanca - one of the oldest in the world - and soak up the vibrant energy of Plaza Mayor, the heart of the city. Be sure to visit the Casa de las Conchas, - a striking 16th-century building decorated with over 300 carved stone shells that give it a truly unique character.

After a morning of discovery, sit down to a delicious lunch before continuing on the final stretch of your journey back to Madrid.

Prices:

Per person in double/twin room: 575 €

Single Supplement: 165 €

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.