Day 1. (Sunday) MADRID

Hola! Welcome to Europe! Welcome to Spain! Upon your arrival at Madrid-Barajas International Airport, our team will be waiting to provide assistance and a comfortable transfer to your hotel. Once settled, you are free to begin exploring this magnificent cosmopolitan capital at your own pace. If you are a culture lover, walk down the majestic Paseo del Prado, home to the world-renowned Prado Museum and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum to visit Madrid’s Golden Triangle of Art. Then head to the historic centre to marvel at the Royal Palace and the adjacent Almudena Cathedral, walk along the Gran Vía, Madrid’s Broadway, lined with spectacular architecture, theatres, and international boutiques. Don’t miss the Plaza Mayor, the perfect spot to enjoy a traditional fried squid sandwich or a refreshing drink under its 17th-century porticos. In the evening, please check the information boards located in the hotel reception for updated details regarding your upcoming schedule. Overnight stay in Madrid.

Day 2. (Monday) MADRID – TORDESILLAS – LEON – OVIEDO

Breakfast. We leave Madrid behind us heading north to Castile and Leon, the largest autonomous community in Spain. Arrival at Tordesillas, a nest of history, a former defensive bastion against Muslim invasion during the Middle Ages and also, place where the Treaty of Tordesillas was signed in 1494, by which Spain and Portugal established the division of the territories which were being colonized in the New World. Arrival and free time to explore this little town. Continue to Leon, a historic enclave on the Pilgrim’s Road to Santiago de Compostela. Free time to visit some of the most emblematic buildings such as the Gothic cathedral, with the most beautiful stained-glass windows in Europe, the Collegiate Church of San Isidoro and the facade of the San Marcos Hostel in Plateresque style. Later we will cross the Cantabrian Mountains, travelling to Asturias. Arrival in Oviedo, a city of an unquestionable medieval flavour. Lead by a licensed local guide, we’ll do an in-depth city tour of Oviedo to discover its beautiful 9^th century cathedral, the Calatrava Palace, the Campoamor theatre, the Rua street. After the visit, we’ll enjoy a traditional dinner, where we can taste the authentic Asturian cider. Arrival at the hotel and accommodation. Note: For smaller groups between Madrid and Leon, transport may be arranged via train or regular bus service. In such cases, the stop in Tordesillas will be omitted to ensure a timely arrival in Leon.

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

After breakfast, we journey into the heart of the Picos de Europa National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of breathtaking scale. As we navigate the winding mountain roads, a spectacular landscape unfolds, a world of crystalline waters, vibrant green meadows, and jagged limestone peaks that seem to touch the sky. We arrive at the Sanctuary of Covadonga, a sacred site of pilgrimage nestled within a natural cave. You will have free time to explore the Shrine and pay your respects to Our Lady of Covadonga, the beloved Patroness of Asturias. Our route then leads us to Santillana del Mar, frequently described as one of the most beautiful historic villages in Spain. We will wander its medieval stone streets to discover architectural treasures like the Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana, a true jewel of Cantabrian Romanesque design. Nearby, we visit the Museum of the Caves of Altamira, where a state-of-the-art replica provides a fascinating insight into the prehistoric cave art that defined the early Iberian Peninsula. Finally, we travel to Santander, the elegant capital of Cantabria. Accompanied by a local guide, we will enjoy a sightseeing tour of Santander to discover the aristocratic charm and coastal highlights of the city. Our tour features the historic Cathedral Square before heading to the stunning Magdalena Peninsula, home to the majestic Royal Palace and panoramic bay views. We then visit the iconic El Sardinero Beach to admire the Belle Époque grandeur of the Gran Casino. Finally, we reach the dramatic cliffs of Cabo Mayor, where the historic Lighthouse offers spectacular vistas over the rugged Cantabrian coast. Arrival at the hotel and accommodation. NOTE: From July to mid-October, due to seasonal high occupancy, some groups may be accommodated in Bilbao.

Day 4. (Wednesday) SANTANDER – BILBAO – LA RIOJA – ZARAGOZA

After breakfast, following the highway along the Cantabrian Coast, with beautiful landscapes between the mountains and the sea we head to Bilbao, capital of the province of Vizcaya, and the largest city of the Basque Country. Accompanied by an expert local guide, we will visit Bilbao, where design and architecture permeate this entire city. We’ll explore the historic Casco Viejo (Old Quarter) with its Seven Streets and marvel at the titanium curves of the Guggenheim Museum, a masterpiece of modern architecture. Afterward, enjoy free time for a pintxos experience, the Basque version of tapas. These miniature gourmet delights, often served on a slice of bread and held together with a toothpick, are a true culinary art form best enjoyed with a glass of local cider or txakoli. In the afternoon, we travel through the rolling vineyards of La Rioja to visit the Museum of Wine Culture, where you’ll learn the secrets of one of the world’s most prestigious wine regions. We conclude the day in Zaragoza, located on the banks of the Ebro River, one of Spain’s major cities and capital of the Region of Aragon. Known for its monumental beauty and its landmark Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, the city offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere. For your evening, we suggest a stroll to the Plaza del Pilar to see the basilica illuminated, followed by a visit to El Tubo, a famous network of narrow alleys filled with the city’s best traditional tapas bars. Hotel accommodation.

Day 5. (Thursday) ZARAGOZA – POBLET – BARCELONA

After breakfast, we spend the morning discovering Zaragoza, a city with over two thousand years of history on the banks of the Ebro River. During our sightseeing tour of Zaragoza we’ll step back to the 1st century at the Roman walls and the remains of the ancient forum, discovering why the city was once known as Caesaraugusta. Zaragoza is also the proud birthplace of the legendary painter Francisco de Goya; we will see his influence in the city’s grand plazas and his magnificent frescoes that adorn the domes of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, a Baroque masterpiece and the city’s most iconic landmark. We’ll also explore the historic centre to admire La Seo Cathedral, where Romanesque, Gothic, and Mudéjar styles blend seamlessly, as well as the Aljafería Palace, a stunning example of Hispano-Muslim architecture. Following free time for lunch to sample local Aragonese flavours, we continue our journey east. In the afternoon, we reach the Monastery of Poblet, a Cistercian abbey UNESCO World Heritage site. We’ll walk through the austere yet elegant Cloister, visit the grand Refectory, and stand before the magnificent Royal Tombs, where the alabaster sepulchres of the Kings of Aragon rest in silent majesty. The monastery remains an active community of monks, and its atmosphere of peace and spiritual devotion is truly palpable. We then complete our route to Barcelona, the vibrant Mediterranean capital. Arrival at the hotel late in the day and accommodation in this cosmopolitan city, famous for its avant-garde spirit and its unique Modernist architecture.

Day 6. (Friday) BARCELONA

We wake up in Barcelona. After breakfast, we begin our discovery of the city with a comprehensive panoramic tour of Barcelona. Sit back and enjoy the views as we drive past the historic Columbus Monument and the bustling Plaça de Catalunya. We’ll cruise along the elegant Passeig de Gràcia, home to modernist architectural gems, and cross the city via the grand Diagonal avenue. A major highlight is our stop at the Sagrada Família, Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece. We’ll also ascend Montjuïc Hill to see the 1992 Olympic facilities and enjoy sweeping views of the harbour, before passing through the monumental Plaça d’Espanya. Our tour concludes at Las Ramblas, the city’s most famous pedestrian boulevard. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore the atmospheric Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic). This labyrinth of medieval streets is the historic soul of Barcelona. We recommend to visit the Barcelona Cathedral with its palm-tree-filled cloister, and find the hidden columns of the ancient Roman Temple of Augustus. For a truly local experience, head to Santa Caterina Market or find a traditional Xarcuteria to sample Jamón Ibérico and Catalan cheeses. Don’t miss trying pan con tomate (bread with tomato and olive oil) or a portion of patatas bravas in a hidden plaza. As an optional experience, you may join our expert guide for an exclusive interior tour of the Sagrada Família. This option includes skip-the-line tickets to Sagrada Familia, allowing you to marvel at the forest of stone columns and the spectacular play of light through the stained-glass windows. In the late afternoon, we head to the Maremagnum area at the Port Vell. This modern waterfront district offers a wide variety of restaurants and terraces overlooking the Mediterranean. You’ll have free time for dinner, the perfect setting to enjoy fresh seafood or a classic Paella, before returning to the hotel for your overnight stay.

Day 7. (Saturday) BARCELONA – PEÑISCOLA – VALENCIA – MADRID

After breakfast, we bid farewell to Barcelona and journey south along the stunning Mediterranean Coast. Our first stop is the picturesque town of Peñíscola, often called the Gibraltar of Valencia. You will have free time to explore this fortified seaport, dominated by the majestic 13th-century Templar Castle perched on a rocky headland. Wander through the whitewashed streets of the Old Town, discover the Bufador (a natural rock chimney where the sea breathes), and enjoy the breathtaking views of the azure waters that once captivated the filmmakers of Game of Thrones. We continue to Valencia, Spain’s third-largest city and a vibrant Mediterranean hub where avant-garde architecture meets centuries of history. Upon arrival, you will have free time for lunch in the birthplace of one of the world’s most iconic dishes: Paella. We highly recommend tasting an authentic Paella Valenciana, traditionally prepared with saffron-infused rice, fresh vegetables, and tender meat. In the afternoon, we embark on a panoramic tour of the city’s most futuristic landmark: the City of Arts and Sciences. Designed by Santiago Calatrava, this breathtaking complex of gleaming white structures and turquoise pools looks like something from a sci-fi dream. You will marvel at the Hemisfèric and the Palau de les Arts before we bid farewell to the orange groves of the Mediterranean. We then journey inland across the high plains of Castilla-La Mancha towards the capital. Arrival in Madrid in the late evening and accommodation at your hotel. Note: Depending on the number of passengers, the Valencia / Madrid route may be made by high speed train.

Day 8. (Sunday) MADRID

Breakfast at the hotel and end of our services. While your guided journey ends here, the adventure doesn’t have to. We invite you to continue exploring Madrid, Spain’s sophisticated capital and the majestic seat of the Spanish Monarchy. If you wish to delve deeper into the heart of Castile, consider an optional excursion to the Imperial City of Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage marvel. Alternatively, you can discover the medieval jewels of Ávila and Segovia, famous for their ancient walls, imposing castles and Roman aqueducts. These day trips are easily available for booking directly through our website. We wish you a safe onward journey!