10-Day Northern Spain Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 10-day Northern Spain tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaNorthern Spain travel expert at TourRadar

• 10 Day Northern Spain Itinerary, incl. Madrid and Bilbao

  A grand 10-day tour winds through 11 cities in Northern Spain, from Madrid to Bilbao. Marvel at UNESCO sites like Lugo's Roman walls and Burgos Cathedral, with enchanting visits to Segovia's Disney-inspiring castle and Ribera del Duero wine cellars. Features daily breakfast, one dinner, and expert-guided tours in a Wi-Fi equipped motorcoach.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Madrid

    Start your Northern Spain trip in Madrid. Get settled on day 1 and take an evening walk through Retiro Park when locals are out enjoying their evening paseo. On day 2, visit Madrid's main attractions early. The Royal Palace opens at 10 AM and you'll find shorter lines before noon.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Salamanca to Santiago de Compostela

    Travel northwest through Salamanca. The Plaza Mayor looks incredible at dusk as the sandstone takes on a golden glow. Stop at León to see its Gothic cathedral and stunning stained glass windows. Visit between 10 AM-2 PM for the best natural light. In Lugo, take time to walk the complete 2.2 km Roman wall circuit. Wear good walking shoes since the ancient stones can be uneven.

    
  • Day 5

    Atlantic Coast

    Drive to A Coruña in the morning. It takes about 1.5 hours. Visit the Tower of Hercules early before tour groups arrive and before the afternoon sea mist appears. The drive to Oviedo takes 3 hours through beautiful green Asturian countryside. A TourRadar traveler suggests: "Stop at coastal viewpoints along the way – the dramatic cliffs and hidden beaches are worth the extra time."

    
  • Days 6-7

    Basque Country

    On your way to Bilbao, stop in Santander for a 30-minute walk along the beautiful Paseo de Pereda waterfront. Spend a full day in Bilbao exploring beyond the Guggenheim. Visit the Old Town's "Seven Streets" area for pintxos. The bars get crowded after 8 PM, so go earlier for a more relaxed experience.

    
  • Day 8

    Wine Country

    It's a 90-minute drive to Burgos. Visit the UNESCO cathedral first thing at 9:30 AM to avoid crowds. Plan your Ribera del Duero winery visit for mid-afternoon when tasting rooms are quieter. End your day in Valladolid and see the Plaza Mayor at sunset.

    
  • Day 9

    Return to Madrid

    Visit La Mota castle in Medina del Campo during the morning for clear views of the plains. See Segovia's Roman aqueduct in late afternoon light. Plan to drive the 90 minutes back to Madrid before 4 PM to avoid heavy traffic.

    
  • Day 10

    Madrid Departure

    Book afternoon flights if possible since morning traffic can slow airport transfers. If you have time, visit Mercado de San Miguel when it opens at 10 AM for a final Spanish experience.

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• 10 Days in Northern Spain, incl. Santiago de Compostela and Porto

  10-day journey visiting 15 cities includes UNESCO sites like Santiago de Compostela Cathedral and Lugo's Roman walls. Features Douro River cruise, Porto wine tasting, and Mount Igueldo views. Explores medieval towns like Santillana del Mar and Ciudad Rodrigo, with daily breakfast and expert guides.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Madrid to San Sebastian

    Drive 4 hours from Madrid to Zaragoza. Visit the Basilica of Our Lady of The Pilar before 1 PM to avoid siesta closures. Take a 3.5-hour drive to San Sebastian for two nights. Visit Mount Igueldo early the next morning to see La Concha Beach. Take the first funicular at 10 AM to avoid crowds.

    
  • Day 3

    Bilbao to Santander

    Get to the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao when it opens at 10 AM for the best morning photos. After lunch take the coastal road to Castro Urdiales. Park at the marina to easily access the medieval center. Spend your evening in Santander walking the El Sardinero beach promenade.

    
  • Day 4

    Santander to Oviedo

    Visit Santillana del Mar at 9 AM before tourist buses arrive. Drive to Covadonga and spend about 2 hours at the basilica and sacred cave. Take the mountain roads to Oviedo before nightfall to avoid foggy conditions.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Santiago de Compostela

    Stop in Mondoñedo on your way to Santiago to try their famous local cake. Visit Santiago's cathedral right when it opens at 7 AM. As one traveler shared: "The morning light through the cathedral windows was magical, but bring a layer - the stone interior stays cool year-round."

    
  • Days 7-8

    Porto

    Drive the coastal route to Porto with a stop at La Toja island. Take your river cruise in the morning when the water is calmer. Schedule your port wine cellar tour for late afternoon to see the cellars lit up. Visit the Ribeira district in early evening when restaurants are busy.

    
  • Days 9-10

    Return to Madrid

    Stop at Ciudad Rodrigo and Salamanca on your way back. Plan to reach Madrid after 8 PM to avoid traffic. Stay near Atocha station for good transport connections.

    

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• 10 Days in Northern Spain, incl. San Sebastian and Zarautz

  Northern Spain unfolds over 10 days from Zarautz to San Sebastian. Daily surf lessons, traditional Basque sidra tastings, and pintxos tours fill your days. Wander Getaria's medieval streets and admire Zumaia's dramatic cliffs, while staying in a charming hillside farmhouse.

  

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  • Day 1

    Arrival in Zarautz

    Pick-up is available at San Pelaio train station in Zarautz at 9 AM, 1 PM, or 7 PM. Book at least 24 hours ahead. You'll stay in a converted farmhouse surf house in the Basque hills. Start with your first surf lesson at Zarautz beach, which has a gentle beach break perfect for beginners. Watch the sunset from the hilltop behind the house.

    
  • Days 2-3

    Surfing & San Sebastian

    Start your mornings surfing at Zarautz beach. The waves are cleanest early in the day. After lunch visit Zumaia's dramatic coastline, where Game of Thrones filmed Dragonstone scenes. Take a walking tour through San Sebastian's Old Town, which has more Michelin stars per capita than any other city. Join the evening pintxos crawl but remember to pace yourself. The Old Town has over 200 pintxos bars.

    
  • Days 4-5

    Beach Life & Local Culture

    Your daily surf lessons continue. You should be catching waves on your own by now. Mix up your beach time with volleyball and local hikes. Walk the coastal trail to Getaria. It takes about 2 hours and offers beautiful views. Visit a traditional Basque cider house (sidrerias) for dinner. Learn to catch the cider stream as it shoots from the barrel.

    
  • Days 6-7

    Mountain Views & Relaxation

    Start your morning hiking in Pagoeta Nature Park. You'll get panoramic views of the Bay of Biscay. The trails can be steep so wear good shoes and bring water. Spend afternoons surfing or try paragliding. Evenings are for movie nights at the house or exploring San Sebastian's bars. Look for bars in the Gros neighborhood if you want to avoid tourist crowds.

    
  • Days 8-9

    Advanced Surfing & Culture

    You'll be ready for bigger waves now. Your instructors will guide you to spots that match your skill level. Take a trip to Getaria, a fishing village known for grilled fish and txakoli wine. Watch the sunset from Monte Igueldo for amazing bay views. Finish your trip with a traditional Basque dinner.

    
  • Day 10

    Departure

    Have a final breakfast before your mid-morning drop-off at San Pelaio Station. As one traveler shared: "Loved it so much I added extra nights while I was there." Book your transfers early and plan extra time during summer when trains get crowded.

    

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