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 – LA CORUÑA – SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA

After breakfast, we depart for Galicia, a land defined by its lush, emerald valleys, dramatic coastal cliffs, and picturesque fishing villages. Our first stop is the stately city of A Coruña. During a brief panoramic tour of La Coruña, you will discover the city’s historic charm, characterized by its iconic glass-fronted townhouses, charming cobblestone streets, and the historic Castle of San Antón. We will also visit the Tower of Hercules, the oldest Roman lighthouse in the world still in operation and a UNESCO World Heritage site. In the afternoon, we continue our journey to Santiago de Compostela. As the final destination of the legendary pilgrimage route Way of St. James (Camino de Santiago), this city is one of the most significant monumental centers in Spain. Its historic center, also a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a place of profound spirituality and architectural beauty. Dinner and accommodation in Santiago de Compostela.

Day 5. (Thursday) SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA

Breakfast at the hotel. We dedicate our full day to discovering the heart of Galicia. We begin with a comprehensive guided tour of Santiago de Compostela, where an expert local guide will unveil the secrets of this sacred city. Our journey reaches its peak in front of the Cathedral of Santiago, the monumental masterpiece dedicated to Saint James the Greater. Standing in the Plaza del Obradoiro, the ultimate destination for pilgrims from across the globe, you will feel the profound significance of this historic site. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. If you are wondering what to do in Santiago during your free time, we recommend soaking in the vibrant energy of the university district, exploring the narrow medieval streets, or indulging in Galicia’s world-renowned culinary traditions, from fresh Atlantic seafood to local delicacies. Whether you choose to wander independently or join an optional guided tour of Santiago to discover its hidden corners, the city’s timeless charm is sure to captivate you. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 6. (Friday) SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA – RIAS BAJAS – LA TOJA – VIGO

After breakfast, we travel to the most picturesque region of Galicia: the Rías Baixas. As we journey through the splendid landscapes of the Ría de Arosa, we will arrive at La Toja Island, a place universally famous for its restorative spa waters. We highly recommend an optional catamaran tour in O Grove to discover the traditional techniques of mussel and oyster farming, complete with a delicious tasting of local mussels paired with authentic Ribeiro wine. Our route continues to Vigo, a city spectacularly situated in the heart of its namesake estuary. Considered the most beautiful of the Rías Baixas, Vigo offers stunning beaches and a vibrant maritime atmosphere. Your guide will offer an optional excursion to Mount Santa Tecla, a must-see landmark renowned for its breathtaking panoramic views and profound archaeological value. The Santa Tecla archaeological site stands as one of the most significant examples of ancient culture in the Iberian Northwest. Whether you seek a guided tour of Vigo or a relaxing afternoon by the sea, this coastal jewel is the perfect conclusion to your Northern Spain adventure. Overnight in Vigo.

Day 7. (Saturday) VIGO – LEON

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure for Leon, a historic enclave on the Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James) to Compostela, crossing landscapes that combine mountains, green valleys, and traditional villages of inland northwest Spain. Once in León, you will have free time to discover this city, fundamental to Spanish history and one of the major landmarks of the Camino. We recommend visiting León Cathedral, one of the most spectacular Gothic cathedrals in Spain, famous for housing some of the most beautiful medieval stained-glass windows in Europe; exploring the Collegiate Church of San Isidoro, a Romanesque jewel that preserves the famous Pantheon of the Kings, known as the Sistine Chapel of Romanesque art; and the monumental Plateresque façade of the Hostal de San Marcos, a former convent now one of the city’s most emblematic buildings. We also recommend exploring the Barrio Húmedo (the old town), perfect for soaking up the local atmosphere, sampling traditional tapas, and discovering lively little squares, or strolling along Calle Ancha Street, the pedestrianized commercial heart of León, ideal for shopping and experiencing the city’s vibrant energy. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 8. (Sunday) LEON – SALAMANCA – MADRID

Breakfast. Departure for 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. Afterward, continue to Madrid. Arrival and end of services.