Itinerary
- Day 1
Madrid to San Sebastian
You'll leave Madrid this morning and drive toward Zaragoza. Once there, check out the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pilar and walk through the old streets in the historic center. From there, continue on to San Sebastian, a coastal city on the Bay of Biscay that's known for its beaches and annual film festival. You'll arrive in the evening.
Optional Activities
- Visit Basilica of Our Lady of the Pilar in Zaragoza
- Wander through the charming old streets of Zaragoza
Landmarks/POIs Basilica of Our Lady of the Pilar - Day 2
San Sebastian
After breakfast, take a panoramic tour that covers San Sebastian's Bay and La Concha Beach. Later, ride up Mount Igueldo where you'll get views across the city and coastline. The afternoon is free, so you can relax or walk around town. If you're interested, there's an option to head into France and see Biarritz or San Juan de Luz.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Panoramic tour of San Sebastian
- Scenic ride to Mount Igueldo with city views
Optional Activities
- Visit picturesque French villages of Biarritz and San Juan de Luz
Landmarks/POIs La Concha Beach Mount Igueldo - Day 3
San Sebastian to Santander
Head to Bilbao with free time to see the esplanade and check out the Guggenheim Museum. Later, continue on to Castro Urdiales, a fishing village worth wandering through before driving to Santander. Once there, a local guide takes you around to show you the city's history, beaches, and places most visitors miss.
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Santander with local expert
Optional Activities
- Stroll along esplanade of Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao
- Explore Castro Urdiales fishing village
Landmarks/POIs Guggenheim Museum El Sardinero Beach - Day 4
Santander to Oviedo
Starting after breakfast, drive to Santillana del Mar to explore one of Spain's most historically important towns with its medieval architecture and the Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana. Then head to Covadonga to see the Sanctuary and sacred grotto set into a cliff. Later in the day, you'll reach Oviedo, a UNESCO site known for its hilltop location and Gothic Cathedral.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Explore Santillana del Mar
- Visit Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana in Santillana del Mar
- Visit Sanctuary and sacred grotto in Covadonga
Landmarks/POIs Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana Covadonga Sanctuary Oviedo Cathedral - Day 5
Oviedo to Santiago de Compostela
Travel toward Galicia and stop in Mondoñedo to see a 12th-century cathedral and try the local cake. Continue to Lugo where you can walk the Roman walls that circle the old town (they're UNESCO-listed). By evening, you'll arrive in Santiago de Compostela, the endpoint of the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route and a World Heritage Site.
Optional Activities
- Explore Mondoñedo and visit its 12th-century cathedral
- Sample local 'Mondoñedo cake' in Mondoñedo
- Explore Lugo and admire Roman remains and ancient walls
Landmarks/POIs Mondoñedo Cathedral Lugo City Walls - Day 6
Santiago de Compostela
Start at Plaza del Obradoiro and go inside the Cathedral dedicated to Santiago el Mayor. The rest of your day is free to wander Santiago's streets, check out the university quarter, and find smaller historical sites and local spots tucked around the old town.
Included Activities
- City tour of Santiago de Compostela
- Visit to Plaza del Obradoiro
- Enter the Cathedral dedicated to Apostle Santiago el Mayor
Optional Activities
- Further exploration of Santiago de Compostela's streets and historical sites
Landmarks/POIs Plaza del Obradoiro Santiago de Compostela Cathedral - Day 7
Santiago de Compostela to Porto
After breakfast, drive through Galicia's Rías Bajas, a region with fjord-like inlets along the coast. Stop at the island of La Toja where you can explore the spa facilities and walk around the natural landscape. You'll pass through the Arosa estuary and then head into Portugal, arriving in Porto by evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Explore the island of La Toja
Landmarks/POIs La Toja Island - Day 8
Porto
Begin with a panoramic tour of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage city, to see the Cathedral, the Stock Exchange building, and the Church of Santa Clara. Later, take a cruise on the Douro River where you get views of the city's skyline and bridges. Then visit a port wine cellar to learn about how the wine is made and taste some varieties. The rest of your day is free to walk Porto's streets and see whatever else catches your interest.
Included Activities
- Panoramic tour of Porto
- Douro River cruise
- Visit to Port Wine Cellar with wine tasting experience
Optional Activities
- Further exploration of Porto
Landmarks/POIs Porto Cathedral Stock Exchange Building Church of Santa Clara Douro River - Day 9
Porto to Salamanca
You'll head back toward Spain and stop in Ciudad Rodrigo, a medieval walled town with a fortress and charming historic streets worth walking through. From there, continue to Salamanca, a university city and UNESCO site featuring large plazas, old buildings, and a lively cultural atmosphere.
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Salamanca
Optional Activities
- Explore Ciudad Rodrigo's historic streets and fortress
Landmarks/POIs Ciudad Rodrigo Fortress - Day 10
Salamanca to Madrid
After breakfast, head to Ávila where you have free time to explore the walled city with its medieval fortifications and architecture. You'll see why the walls are so well preserved and get nice views from different spots around town. After lunch (on your own), you'll drive back to Madrid and end your trip at a central hotel.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Cathedral entrance in Salamanca
Optional Activities
- Explore Ávila's historic walled city
- Visit Ávila's medieval walls and fortifications
- Enjoy views from Ávila
Landmarks/POIs Ávila City Walls
