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 – MADRID

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 begin our final journey toward Madrid. As we leave the green, misty mountains of the Basque Country behind, the landscape transforms into the vast, golden plains of the Castilian plateau. This scenic drive offers the perfect moment for quiet reflection; as you gaze out at the rolling horizons, you can reminisce about the incredible 20-day odyssey you’ve just completed – from the sun-drenched palaces of Andalusia and the mystical souks of Morocco to the Atlantic charm of Portugal and the rugged beauty of Green Spain. Upon arrival in the capital, we check into our hotel for a final night in the heart of Spain. Note: Depending on the number of passengers, the Bilbao / Madrid route may be made by regular-line coach or by train.

Day 5. (Thursday) MADRID

Breakfast at the hotel and end of our services. For those wishing to explore further, we offer excellent options to extend your stay in Spain, embark on an escorted tour to Morocco from Madrid, or continue exploring the continent with one of our grand European tours.