8. Northern Spain

This is a short 4-day tour to the northern area of the country, where Spain meets the Atlantic Ocean.

The Basque Country, Cantabria, and Asturias are gems that offer a rich tapestry of experiences, each distinct in its charm and allure.

Basque Country stands out with its unique cultural identity. The region is a haven for food enthusiasts, boasting a world-renowned culinary scene. Architectural marvels, like the iconic Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, contrast beautifully with the natural coastal and mountainous landscapes, making it a place of diverse experiences.

Cantabria's landscape is a picturesque blend of beaches, mountains, and green valleys. The elegant coastal town of Santander adds a touch of sophistication with its beautiful beaches and historic sites, including the Magdalena Palace, providing a mix of cultural and natural attractions.

Asturias is a paradise for nature lovers, home to the stunning Picos de Europa National Park, offering breathtaking mountainous vistas and lush greenery. Asturias also has a rich cider culture, with its unique cider-pouring tradition and delicious local cuisine. The region's historical depth is showcased in its pre-Romanesque architecture and charming, rustic villages.

Together, these three regions present a multifaceted journey through Northern Spain, where cultures, culinary excellence, natural beauty, and historical richness come together to create an unforgettable experience.

The ancient cities of Zaragoza and Salamanca will be passed with proper stops and time to explore on the way to northern Spain and back.

The tour starts and ends in Madrid.

Please click here to see the route on a map.

Day 1. Madrid - Zaragoza - San Sebastián (575 km ~ 357 miles)

Departure from our terminal in Madrid at 8:00 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 of 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: the Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar and the 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 in a Gothic style. Seven arches support the entire stone structure, which is about 225 meters long and has cutwaters to help break up 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 the 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 renowned modern art museum, which Frank Gehry designed, resembles a sizable metal ship and is equally 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. Santander is 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 seeing 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 the summer or strolling along in the 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 all of northern Spain. The palace was used as a summer residence for the Spanish royal family between 1913 and 1930, and today it 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 traveling 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. The first we make today is in Santillana de Mar.

• This town 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, steep, cobbled streets, and 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 that is visited by thousands of people every year. Notorious sight: the Chapel of Covadonga.

• The Chapel of Covadonga is located in a mountain grotto and features an image of the Virgin Mary, the 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, is a beautifully preserved old town in the center of the city that is impossible to miss. The unmistakable sandstone architecture is scattered throughout and found among some of the city’s most famous monuments.
• Old and 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) is 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 area. 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), a building from the 16^th 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.

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.