8. Northern Spain

Embark on a captivating 4-day Northern Spain Tour with Iberica Travel, exploring the stunning regions where Spain meets the Atlantic Ocean. This immersive journey takes you through the Basque Country, Cantabria, and Asturias, each offering unique charm and unforgettable experiences.

Begin in the Basque Country, famed for its vibrant culture and world-renowned cuisine. Enjoy pintxos in bustling Bilbao, marvel at the iconic Guggenheim Museum, and soak in the region’s blend of historic streets, coastal beauty, and mountain landscapes.

Next, discover Cantabria, where picturesque beaches, majestic mountains, and lush valleys provide a breathtaking setting. Explore the elegant town of Santander, home to landmarks like the Magdalena Palace, and revel in the perfect mix of natural beauty and cultural sophistication.

Continue to Asturias, a paradise for nature lovers. With its dramatic Picos de Europa National Park, vibrant cider culture, and charming villages, Asturias offers a mix of outdoor adventure and historical exploration, highlighted by its unique pre-Romanesque architecture.

The tour also includes visits to the ancient cities of Zaragoza and Salamanca, where you’ll uncover Spain’s rich historical heritage and vibrant local culture.

Starting and ending in Madrid, Iberica Travel ensures a seamless blend of cultural immersion, culinary delights, and natural wonders. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, this Northern Spain Tour offers an unforgettable journey through some of the country’s most vibrant and diverse regions.

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 8:00 AM as you depart from Madrid’s bustling terminal, heading towards Zaragoza. As Spain’s fifth-largest city and the capital of Aragón, Zaragoza is nestled south of the Pyrenees and serves as a cultural crossroads between Madrid and San Sebastián.

Upon arrival, you’ll have the opportunity to explore Zaragoza’s rich history. Wander through the city center and visit the stunning Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar, a Baroque masterpiece believed to be the site where the Virgin Mary ascended 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 bridge spanning the Ebro River, built in 1401. Its Gothic arches and picturesque setting next to Plaza del Pilar make it one of Zaragoza’s most iconic sights. After some free time to soak in the beauty of Zaragoza, 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.

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

After a hearty breakfast, your tour takes you to Bilbao, the heart of the Basque Country. Bilbao is renowned for its cutting-edge architecture and vibrant cultural scene. Your first stop will be the world-famous Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, an architectural marvel designed by Frank Gehry. Marvel at 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, you’ll journey to 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 or some sunbathing.

Spend your afternoon exploring Santander’s vibrant Mercado de la Esperanza for some shopping or visit the impressive Santander Cathedral. After a day filled with exploration, enjoy a delicious dinner and a restful night in Santander.

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

Begin your day with breakfast before setting 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 soaking in the beauty of Santillana del Mar, 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 holds significant historical importance as the place where Christian forces won a pivotal battle during the Reconquista. Take some time to admire the Holy Cave and reflect on its rich history before heading to Oviedo.

Arrive in Oviedo in the evening, where you’ll enjoy a delightful dinner and spend the night in this charming city known for its vibrant culture and beautiful architecture.

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

After breakfast, bid farewell to Oviedo as you make your way to Salamanca, a city steeped in history and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend your morning exploring Salamanca’s stunning Old Town, where sandstone buildings and historic monuments create a picturesque setting. Visit the impressive Old and New Cathedrals, marvel at the intricate architecture of the University of Salamanca—one of the oldest universities in the world—and soak in the lively atmosphere of Plaza Mayor, the city’s main square.

Don’t miss the Casa de las Conchas, a unique 16th-century building adorned with over 300 shell decorations, adding a distinctive touch to Salamanca’s architectural landscape. After a leisurely morning exploring, enjoy a delicious lunch before embarking on your final leg back to Madrid.

As you travel back to the capital, reflect on the incredible experiences and beautiful landscapes you’ve encountered on this Northern Spain Tour with Iberica Travel. From the historic streets of Zaragoza and Salamanca to the stunning coastal views of San Sebastián and Santander, this tour offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion and natural beauty, ensuring memories that will last a lifetime.

Join Iberica Travel on this exceptional Northern Spain Tour and discover the diverse and captivating regions that make Northern Spain a must-visit destination.

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.