Infinite green hills, breathtaking ocean views, avantgarde buildings, haute cuisine and the oldest pilgrim route in Europe – these are some of the highlights of Northern Spain!
Day 1 Barcelona
Arrival at Barcelona airport. Transfer and overnight.
Day 2 Barcelona
The full-day guided tour of Barcelona starts from the Old town and Barcelona’s most famous avenue, Las Ramblas, with the Columbus monument in the end. See the Gothic Quarter, where the 13th century Gothic Cathedral is situated. Proceed to the hill of Montjuic, home of the Olympic Games in 1992. Reach the 17th century fortress on the hill with great panoramic views of the city and the harbour. Also in Montjuic you will find the National Palace and the Magic Fountains. Later, admire Gaudí’s most impressive works – Casa Milá and Casa Batlló and visit Sagrada Familia, the most prestigious and complex project of the catalan architect.
Day 3 Barcelona – Huesca (280 km/4,30h) – Pamplona (170 km/3h)
Depart from Barcelona and head off to the north region of Spain – Navarra. Travel through the spectacular scenery of Pyrenean area and make a first stop in the small city of Huesca, part of the province of Aragón. Visit the 12th century church and cloister “San Pedro” and the gothic Cathedral, a renaissance masterpiece, representing Christ’s Passion. Free time for lunch. Proceed to Pamplona for overnight.
Day 4 Pamplona – San Sebastian (80 km/1,30h) – Bilbao (100 km/2h)
Visit Pamplona in the morning. See the old city walls, close to the 12th century Gothic Cathedral, as well as the remarkable Plaza del Castillo. Walk the old cobbled streets where the famous San Fermin bull run takes place every July. Proceed to San Sebastian and see the highlights of the city. Located in the beautiful bay of La Concha between two hills, San Sebastian is very charming and majestic place in the Basque Country. Visit the Old Town, San Vicente church and San María church, Plaza de Constitución, Gipuzkoa square and see the port. Afterwards head to Bilbao, one of the main economic and cultural hubs in Northern Spain. Overnight in Bilbao.
Day 5 Bilbao – Santander (100 km/2h) – Comillas (60 km/1h)
Start the day with a visit of Bilbao’ main attraction – Guggenheim Museum, with its huge collection of modern art. Continue our trip to Santander, the capital of the Cantabrian region. In the afternoon enjoy a walk through the Old Town of Santander and visit the Royal Palace of La Magdalena, situated in the peninsula with the same name. This magnificent palace was built to provide accommodation for the King Alfonso XIII and his family, and from 1932 is headquarters of International University. Proceed to the small enchanting town of Comillas for overnight.
Day 6 Comillas – Oviedo (150 km/2,30h)
Before leaving Comillas you should definitely visit “El Capricho”, a summer chalet design by Antonio Gaudí, a treasure of modernist art which can’t be missed. Continue travel through the region of Asturias until reach the capital – Oviedo. In the afternoon visit the main points of interest in the city – the Pre-Romanesque churches Santa María del Naranco and San Miguel de Lillo, part of the UNESCO Heritage. Take a walk along the Cider Boulevard, where you can rest in one of the cider-houses and try the famous local drink. Overnight in Oviedo.
Day 7 Oviedo – Coruña (300 km/5h)
After breakfast, continue to the province of Galicia – the most northwest region of Spain. In the afternoon, enjoy a city tour of Coruña city. Situated beside the Atlantic Ocean, this charming and full of history city with its Old Town, standing on a peninsula, is a must-see. The symbol of Coruña is the Tower of Hercules, located on the north coast of the peninsula. The building is the oldest Roman lighthouse in the world and the only one that remains in service. Built in the 1st century, the Tower is part of the UNESCO list. Accommodation and overnight in Coruña.
Day 8 Coruña – Santiago de Compostela (80 km/2h)
Proceed to the most important pilgrimage city in Spain and the second in Europe after Rome – Santiago de Compostela, destination point for millions of people on their way of Saint James, also called The road to Santiago. The ancient route has changed forever this place, where is believed that are buried the remains of the Apostle James in the Cathedral of Santiago. Enjoy a half-day tour to explore the most important sights of the city and to visit the Old Town, as well as the impressive Cathedral – the end of the pilgrim’s journey. Overnight.
Day 9 Santiago de Compostela
Enjoy a free day in Santiago de Compostela to explore in details the city and to feel its unique atmosphere. You can choose to visit some of the most famous museums here, like the Galician Contemporary Art Centre or the museum of the Galician people. In the afternoon take a walk through the shopping area and enjoy a gastronomic experience in some typical galician restaurant.
Day 10 Santiago de Compostela
Departure to Santiago de Compostela airport.
