13-Day Barcelona, San Sebastian, Santander, Oviedo, Santiago de Compostela, Porto and Madrid

Day 1: WELCOME TO BARCELONA

Day 2 BARCELONA: A COSMOPOLITAN CITY

After breakfast, you will visit together with the local guide some of the most famous attractions of the city such as the Montjuic park with spectacular views, the Olympic Ring, the Columbus monument and the old Gothic quarter.

The afternoon will be free to relax and continue enjoying this wonderful city.

Visit Barcelona without mentioning a work by Antoni Gaudí is almost impossible. The unmistakable style of the architect is part of the identity of the city. Its decorative elegance and colorful mosaics are found in every corner of the city.

His best known work is undoubtedly the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia. The architect transformed an initial neo-Gothic project into a temple of monumental dimensions. You can visit two of the three facades built, the naves, the apse and the museum, essential to understand the evolution of the temple.

Day 3: FROM BARCELONA TO SAN SEBASTIAN

After a tasty breakfast, you will transferred to the “Sants” train station to depart by AVE, high speed train to Zaragoza. You will have some free time to enjoy this beatiful city.

We recommend a visit to the Cathedral Nuestra Señora del Pilar, Patron Saint of Hispanicity. This building is a jewel of Baroque art where we will find the beautiful works of Francisco de Goya and the Holy Chapel, the work of Ventura Rodríguez, which houses the image of the Virgen del Pilar.

The Main Altarpiece, made of alabaster, and the Renaissance choir are also interesting. Along with the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, the Basilica del Pilar is one of the most important spiritual destinations in Spain. It is also a first-rate artistic center that brings together works of great value and from different periods.

In te afternoon, we will continue to San Sebastian, one of the most famous tourist destinations where they hold the International Film Festival.

Day 4: SAN SEBASTIAN: ELEGANCE BY THE SEA

After breakfast, you will enjoy a panoramic tour of this elegant and gentrified city.

The town center streets of San Sebastian unfold overlooking La Concha Bay. Monte Igeldo marks one end of it – a wonderful vantage point for enjoying views over the city. At its feet is Torrepea Point, where the “Peine de los Vientos” (“the Wind Comb”), a sculpture by the famous Basque artist Eduardo Chillida, is installed. Here Ondarreta Beach begins, framed by a garden area and by the Pico del Loro.

This was the place chosen by Queen Maria Cristina (18th century) to build the Miramar Palace, her summer residence. A lovely promenade with elegant railings and street lamps runs along La Concha Beach, on whose sands is the Perla del Océano Bathing Area, a former royal bathing hut.

The afternoon is free to relax and keep enjoying this beautiful city.

Day 5: FROM SAN SEBASTIAN TO BILBAO AND SANTANDER

After a full breakfast, you will leave for the city of Bilbao, the capital city of the province of Vizcaya. You will have a brief stop to admire the avant-garde building of the Guggenheim Museum. This Museum is one of the most amazing examples of 20th-century architecture since Frank Gehry used 33,000 very fine titanium plates to create his curious curved shapes.

You will continue towards Castro Urdiales, a typical fishing village where we will have free time.

The route continues towards the city of Santander. Upon arrival, you will have free time to explore the historic center, where you will be able to see the majestic buildings that the aristocracy and royalty of the late 19th and early 20th centuries used to spend their vacations.

The title of jewel of the city is undoubtedly for the Palacio de la Magdalena. The visit to this emblematic building, located at the highest point of the peninsula of the same name, is one of the essentials of Santander and allows you to contemplate (and photograph) an impressive panoramic view of “the bride of the sea”, as it is popularly known the city, framed between the beach and the mountains.

Day 6: FROM SANTANDER TO COVADONGA AND OVIEDO

After enjoying your breakfast, you will depart for Santillana del Mar, a city renowned as a National Monument. This picturesque medieval town flourished around the Collegiate Church of Santa María. The presence of numerous defensive towers and Renaissance palaces has transformed Santillana into one of Cantabria’s most significant historical complexes.

Continuing your journey, you will arrive at Covadonga, where you will have ample free time to explore and acquaint yourself with its Sanctuary. Covadonga holds immense historical significance as the birthplace of the reconquest under King Pelayo, whose resting place lies in the cave alongside Santina.

Serving as the gateway to the Picos de Europa National Park, this locale also houses a basilica that holds profound religious importance and attracts pilgrims from across Asturias. The neo-Romanesque-style basilica, adorned with two towering structures flanking its main entrance, enshrines the revered image of La Santina. Within its walls, you will find treasured artworks, including a canvas by Madrazo. The square adjacent to the basilica proudly displays the statue of King Pelayo.

Later on, you will resume your journey towards Oviedo, a city brimming with remarkable monuments and captivating attractions. Notably, the Cathedral of San Salvador stands as a testament to Asturian Gothic architecture and is considered one of its most significant achievements.

Day 7: FROM OVIEDO TO SANTIAGO

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, you will set off toward the beautiful Galician Region. Along the way to Lugo, we will make a stop in the charming city of Mondoñedo.

During your visit, you will have some free time to explore the grand 12th-century Cathedral and indulge in the delightful “Mondoñedo cake.”

Continuing our journey, we will arrive in the city of Lugo, situated inside the province, along the banks of the Miño River. Here, you will discover one of the most well-preserved Roman Ruins in existence today. Notably, the magnificent Lugo Wall, constructed during the 3rd and 4th centuries and referred to as Lucus Augusti, stands as a testament to the city’s ancient history.

This remarkable stone structure has withstood the test of time and serves as the primary architectural attraction, bridging the gap between the ancient and modern aspects of the city. Its exceptional condition and excellent preservation have earned it the distinction of being the only Roman fortress declared a World Heritage site.

We will conclude our journey in the captivating city of Santiago de Compostela, celebrated for its historic cityscape, proudly designated as a prestigious World Heritage site. Also, the city stands as a paramount Christian pilgrimage center, symbolizing the culmination of the historic Way of St. James (in Spanish, el Camino de Santiago), originally forged by the Roman Empire.

Day 8: SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, you’ll join our guide for a city tour of Santiago. Our first stop will be the Plaza del Obradoiro and its magnificent Cathedral. As you explore this square, you’ll likely encounter pilgrims with their iconic walking sticks and scallop shells.

When visiting the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela for the first time, there is a customary ritual: marvel at the Portico de la Gloria, embrace the figure of Saint James at the main altar, descend to the crypt, ascend to the rooftop (offering stunning views), and if you’re fortunate, witness the botafumeiro (an enormous censer) in action. The entrance to the Cathedral is included to fully appreciate its beauty.

The remainder of the afternoon will be free for you to continue exploring all the hidden corners and secrets that this city has to offer.

Day 9: FROM SANTIAGO TO PORTO

After a tasty breakfast, you will depart to one of the most picturesque areas of the Galician Rías Bajas (Spanish fjords). Through splendid landscapes, you will arrive at the island of La Toja, universally known for its spa and natural wealth.

You will have some free time to admire the natural landscape that this area has to offer us.

Your journey continues through the Arosa estuary towards our next destination: the city of Porto.

Day 10: PORTO: CITY OF WINES AND TILES

After a delightful breakfast, you’ll embark on a half-day sightseeing tour of Porto. Our first stop will be the Stock Exchange Palace, known as Palácio de Bolsa in Portuguese.

This architectural marvel, classified as a National Monument and designated as a World Heritage Site, is situated in the historic center of the city. It was constructed by the Porto Commercial Association on the remnants of the Saint Francis Convent and has become a true emblem of Porto.

The Stock Exchange Palace has hosted distinguished visitors, including monarchs, presidents, and ministers from around the world, making it the most popular monument in northern Portugal. We’ll then proceed to one of the renowned wine cellars, where you’ll have the opportunity to savor a wine tasting. Following that, we’ll embark on a captivating boat excursion, which promises to be one of the highlights of your time in the city.

The afternoon is yours to explore and uncover the most enchanting corners of Porto at your leisure.

Day 11: FROM PORTO TO SALAMANCA

After a delicious breakfast, you will departure towards the Spanish border. Already in Spain, and on teh way to Salamanca, stop at Ciudad Rodrigo, a beautiful town surrounded by medieval and dominated by its imposing fortress

You  will continue towards Salamanca, a monumental university city, declared World Heritage Site.

Day 12: FROM SALAMANCA TO MADRID

After a tasty breakfast, you will leave towards Ávila: an historic walled city. They protect a medieval World Heritage City of cobbled streets, interesting churches, delicious local cuisine, and a wonderfully atmosphere.

There is a walkway 1,700 metres long on top of the iconic Ávila city walls, open to the public. The views of the Cathedral, the Plaza del Mercado Grande and the countryside around the city are well worth the walk. The cathedral was originally fortified and is attached to the city walls. It is believed to be Spain’s first Gothic cathedral.

After some free time, you will continue towards Madrid.

Day 13: SEE YOU SOON MADRID!

After savoring a delicious breakfast, you will be transferred to Madrid-Barajas International Airport at the designated time to catch your international flight.