Day 1. (Sunday) MADRID – ZARAGOZA – PAMPLONA

Departure from Madrid towards Zaragoza, the capital of the Aragon region and a city steeped in history. Strategically situated on the banks of the Ebro River, the most voluminous river in the Iberian Peninsula, Zaragoza was known as Caesaraugusta during the Roman era and has played a pivotal role in Spanish history for centuries. You will have free time to admire the stunning Basilica of Our Lady of the Pilar, the patroness of the Hispanic world. In the afternoon, we continue our journey toward the north. We arrive in Pamplona, the historic capital of the ancient Kingdom of Navarre. Take this opportunity to explore the city at your leisure; we highly recommend walking the world-famous path of the San Fermín Running of the Bulls and sampling the local pintxos. These exquisite, bite-sized appetizers are the quintessential hallmark of northern Spanish cuisine. Arrival at the hotel, dinner and accommodation.

Day 2. (Monday) PAMPLONA – SAN SEBASTIAN – BILBAO – SANTANDER

After breakfast, we depart for San Sebastian, one of the most sophisticated destinations on the Basque coast and world-renowned for its prestigious International Film Festival. You will have free time to stroll along the Playa de la Concha, often listed as Europe’s most beautiful urban beach, lined with elegant mansions, or wander the cobblestone labyrinth of the Old Town (Parte Vieja), where luxury boutiques share space with traditional taverns perfect for sampling local pintxos. We then continue to Bilbao, the capital of the Vizcaya province, where we make a brief stop to admire the iconic, avant-garde design of the Guggenheim Museum. Architecture and innovation define the spirit of this modern city. Finally, we arrive in Santander, the elegant capital of Cantabria, which gracefully stretches along a wide, stunning bay overlooking the Cantabrian Sea. Enjoy free time to explore its historic center, including the Cathedral, a medieval landmark housing the tomb of Marcelino Menéndez Pelayo, and the lively Plaza Porticada. We conclude our day with a walk along the famous El Sardinero beach, home to sumptuous Belle Époque architecture, including the grand Casino. Arrival at the hotel, dinner and accommodation.

Day 3. (Tuesday) SANTANDER – SANTILLANA – COVADONGA – OVIEDO

After breakfast, we depart for Santillana del Mar, one of Spain’s most significant historic towns, celebrated for its well-preserved medieval architecture. You can visit the Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana, a masterpiece of Cantabrian Romanesque art. Our journey continues along a winding path that reveals a breathtaking landscape of tranquil waters, lush green meadows, and towering mountain peaks within reach. We arrive at Covadonga, a site of deep spiritual and historical significance, where you will have free time to visit the renowned Sanctuary of Covadonga, a major place of pilgrimage and home to the Patroness of Asturias. In the afternoon, we travel to Oviedo, a city with an undeniable medieval charm. You will have free time to explore its pedestrian-friendly streets and discover UNESCO World Heritage landmarks, including the Oviedo Cathedral, a splendid example of Asturian Gothic architecture, and the Church of Santa María del Naranco, a true jewel of pre-Romanesque design. Dinner and accommodation.

Day 4. (Wednesday) OVIEDO – SALAMANCA – MADRID

Breakfast at the hotel. We leave behind us the Green Coast of Northern Spain and drive inland to Salamanca, a magnificent UNESCO World Heritage city known as the Golden City for its glowing sandstone architecture. You will have free time for a leisurely visit to Salamanca’s historic center, a place of extraordinary artistic wealth. A stroll through the city’s pedestrian-friendly streets will lead you to the breathtaking Plaza Mayor, widely considered the most beautiful square in Spain. If you are wondering what to do in Salamanca, we highly recommend exploring its architectural evolution through its two cathedrals, the 12th-century Romanesque Old Cathedral and the 16th-century New Cathedral. Don’t miss the iconic House of Shells, the Baroque Clerecía Church, and the historic University of Salamanca with its world-famous Plateresque façade. In the afternoon, we’ll continue to Madrid. Arrival and end of services.