Hidden Gems of Northern Spain
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable 13-day journey through Spain and Portugal, exploring their rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. This multi-day tour offers a unique blend of iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and culinary delights. From the bustling streets of Madrid to the serene beauty of the Galician Rías Bajas, from the historic charm of Salamanca to the riverside allure of Porto, every day brings a new adventure. Enjoy comfortable accommodations, delicious meals, and expertly guided tours. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or a nature lover, this tour has something for everyone.
Included
Accommodation in standard-level hotels
Meliá Castilla, Princesa Plaza, Madrid, or similar
Palacio de Aiete, San Sebastian, or similar
Hotel Santemar, Santander, or similar
Sercotel Oviedo, Oviedo, or similar
Hotel Santiago Plaza Affiliated by Meliá, Santiago de Compostela, or similar
HF Fenix Ipanema, Porto, or similar
Catalonia Plaza Mayor, Salamanca, or similar
Bilingual tour director throughout the journey (English and Spanish) from day 3 to 12.
This tour includes the professional services of an experienced Bilingual tour director. Not only will the tour director offer their local knowledge and share hidden gems and stories with you, but they will act as the logistical organizer, ensuring that everything is running smoothly and that you’re having a good time during your holiday. As an expert and a local, the tour director will be a valuable resource for questions about local customs, language, food, and other practical travel information.
Daily breakfast
Guided city tours with local guides in Madrid, Santiago de Compostela, and Porto with Douro River Cruise and wine tasting
Entrance fees to the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral
Transportation in an air-conditioned luxury coach from day 3 to 12
Round-trip private transfers between the airport and the hotel
Destinations
Porto
Donostia / San Sebastián
Castro Urdiales
Lugo
Santiago de Compostela
Biarritz
Santander
Zaragoza
Ávila
Oviedo
Madrid
Salamanca
BilbaoMap
Attractions
Castle Fortress of Almeida
Museo de Ávila
Monument Church Of St Francis
She Changes
Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
Porto Bridge Climb
Mount Ulia
Miradouro da Serra do Pilar
Lugo Cathedral
Plaza de Nuestra Señora del Pilar
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
Church of San Bizente Martiria-San Vicente Mártir, Donostia-San Sebastián
El Rastro
Guggenheim Museum
Porto Cathedral
Ermita de Santa Justa
Gran Casino del SardineroDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Madrid
- Madrid - Arrival day
- More
Welcome to Madrid! Upon your arrival at the airport, a dedicated driver will transfer you to your hotel. After freshening up, you're free to explore the city at your own pace. Discover Madrid's rich history, vibrant energy, and culinary delights. Your accommodation for the night will be at the Meliá Castilla, Princesa Plaza, or similar.
Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Madrid
- Madrid
- More
- Andalucía Park
- Moratalaz Park
- Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
- El Rastro
- More
Start your day with a captivating tour of Madrid after breakfast. Explore the medieval Morería, courtly Austrias, and Bourbon Madrid. Admire the Royal Palace, iconic fountains, and the renowned Prado Museum. Experience modern Madrid on Gran Vía and in the upscale Barrio de Salamanca. Visit the green Parque del Oeste and the legendary Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. The afternoon is yours to explore further. You'll stay overnight at the Meliá Castilla, Princesa Plaza, or similar.
Day 3 – Day 3: Madrid to San Sebastian via Zaragoza
- Zaragoza
- Donostia / San Sebastián
- More
- Plaza de Nuestra Señora del Pilar
- More
After breakfast, we'll depart for Zaragoza. Enjoy some free time to explore the Basilica of Our Lady of The Pilar and the charming old streets of Zaragoza. In the afternoon, we'll continue our journey to San Sebastian, a sought-after tourist destination. You'll stay overnight at the Palacio de Aiete, San Sebastian, or similar.
Day 4 – Day 4: Exploring San Sebastian
- Biarritz
- Donostia / San Sebastián
- More
- Mount Ulia
- Church of San Bizente Martiria-San Vicente Mártir, Donostia-San Sebastián
- Amaiur Castle
- More
After breakfast, embark on a panoramic tour of San Sebastian. Our journey will take us up Mount Igueldo, offering breathtaking views of the city. The rest of the day is yours to explore at your own pace. In the afternoon, there's an optional excursion to the picturesque villages of Biarritz and San Juan de Luz in French territory. You'll stay overnight at the Palacio de Aiete, San Sebastian, or similar.
Day 5 – Day 5: San Sebastian to Santander via Bilbao and Castro Urdiales
- Bilbao
- Castro Urdiales
- Donostia / San Sebastián
- Santander
- More
- Carola garabia
- Guggenheim Museum
- Gran Casino del Sardinero
- More
After breakfast, we'll set off for Bilbao, where you'll have some free time to explore the esplanade of the Guggenheim Museum. We'll then continue to Castro Urdiales, a charming fishing village. Next, we'll head to Santander, a captivating port city renowned for its numerous beaches, including El Sardinero. You'll have ample free time to explore this city. You'll stay overnight at the Hotel Santemar, Santander, or similar.
Day 6 – Day 6: Santander to Oviedo via Santillana del Mar and Covadonga
- Santillana del Mar
- Santander
- Oviedo
- More
- Plaza de la catedral
- Collado de Llesba
- Ermita de Santa Justa
- More
After breakfast, we'll depart for Santillana del Mar, a town of immense historical and artistic significance in Spain. Explore architectural treasures like the Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana. We'll then head to Covadonga, where you'll have free time to visit the Sanctuary. In the afternoon, we'll continue to Oviedo, a city renowned for its beautiful streets and UNESCO World Heritage monuments. You'll stay overnight at the Sercotel Oviedo, Oviedo, or similar.
Day 7 – Day 7: Oviedo to Santiago de Compostela via Mondoñedo and Lugo
- Lugo
- Santiago de Compostela
- Oviedo
- Mondoñedo
- More
- Lugo Cathedral
- Monumento "Xente do mar
- More
After breakfast, we'll journey towards the picturesque Galician region. En route to Lugo, we'll stop in Mondoñedo. Explore the imposing 12th-century cathedral and savor the delectable 'Mondoñedo cake'. We'll then continue to Lugo, where you'll marvel at the well-preserved Roman walls. Our journey will culminate in Santiago de Compostela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the focal point of Christian pilgrimage. You'll stay overnight at the Hotel Santiago Plaza Affiliated by Meliá, Santiago de Compostela, or similar.
Day 8 – Day 8: Exploring Santiago de Compostela
- Santiago de Compostela
- More
- Playa Cabodeiro
- Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
- More
After breakfast, embark on a city tour of Santiago. Visit the Plaza del Obradoiro and its magnificent Cathedral, dedicated to the Apostle Santiago el Mayor. Entrance to the cathedral is included, allowing you to explore its awe-inspiring interior. The rest of the day is yours to explore at your leisure. You'll stay overnight at the Hotel Santiago Plaza Affiliated by Meliá, Santiago de Compostela, or similar.
Day 9 – Day 9: Santiago de Compostela to Porto via Galician Rías Bajas
- Porto
- More
After breakfast, we'll set out for the picturesque region of the Galician Rías Bajas. Along the way, you'll be treated to breathtaking landscapes. Our journey will lead us to the island of La Toja, renowned worldwide for its spa facilities and natural beauty. Continuing on, we'll pass through the Arosa estuary as we make our way towards Portugal. Our final destination for the day is Porto. You'll stay overnight at the HF Fenix Ipanema, Porto, or similar.
Day 10 – Day 10: Exploring Porto
- Porto
- More
- Monument Church Of St Francis
- She Changes
- Porto Bridge Climb
- Miradouro da Serra do Pilar
- Porto Cathedral
- More
After breakfast, embark on a panoramic tour of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire notable landmarks such as the Cathedral, the Stock Exchange building, and the Church of Santa Clara. Enjoy a cruise on the Douro River and visit a renowned Port Wine Cellar for a wine-tasting session. The rest of the day is yours to explore at your own pace. You'll stay overnight at the HF Fenix Ipanema, Porto, or similar.
Day 11 – Day 11: Porto to Salamanca via Ciudad Rodrigo
- Salamanca
- More
- Castle Fortress of Almeida
- More
After breakfast, we'll begin our journey towards the Spanish border. We'll stop at Ciudad Rodrigo, a stunning town enclosed by medieval walls. We'll then continue on to Salamanca, a city steeped in history and renowned for its monumental university. You'll stay overnight at the Catalonia Plaza Mayor, Salamanca, or similar.
Day 12 – Day 12: Salamanca to Madrid via Ávila
- Madrid
- Salamanca
- Ávila
- More
- Museo de Ávila
- More
After breakfast, we'll set off for Ávila. You'll have some free time to explore this historically significant walled city at your own pace. Following our visit to Ávila, we'll continue our journey to Madrid, where you'll have the remainder of the day free to explore the vibrant capital city. You'll stay overnight at the Meliá Castilla, Princesa Plaza, Madrid, or similar.
Day 13 – Day 13: Departure from Madrid
Day 13: Departure from Madrid
After enjoying your breakfast at the hotel, we will arrange a transfer to the airport for your departure. This marks the end of your unforgettable journey through Spain and Portugal.
Similar tours
Download Europe’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place
Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Europe’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.
