Set off on a 13-day journey from Madrid through northern Spain and into Portugal before returning to the capital. The route passes Zaragoza and San Sebastián, then continues to Bilbao, Castro Urdiales and Santander. Medieval Santillana del Mar, Covadonga and Oviedo give way to Galicia, with stops in Mondoñedo, Lugo and Santiago de Compostela. Porto follows, featuring a Douro cruise and wine-cellar visit, before crossing back into Spain to reach Ciudad Rodrigo, Salamanca and Ávila. The itinerary links historic cities, coastal landscapes and rich cultural landmarks.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Arrival in Madrid
Once you have arrived at Madrid Airport you transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to settle in, explore the local neighborhood or take a short walk to get your bearings.
Overnight: Madrid
Exploring Madrid
Today you join a panoramic tour of Madrid after breakfast. You begin with the city’s medieval roots around the former Arab fortress and the Barrio de la Morería.
You then continue through the Habsburg quarter, including Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor and Plaza de la Villa. The route also takes you past the Royal Palace, Cibeles and Neptune fountains and the Puerta de Alcalá.
You next view 19th-century features such as Plaza de Oriente and the Prado Museum, before moving into modern Madrid. Here you follow avenues like Gran Vía and Paseo de la Castellana, pass through the Salamanca district and see areas of the city shaped by more recent commercial growth. The tour also includes a look at Parque del Oeste, one of Madrid’s central green spaces, and the surroundings of the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
The afternoon is free to revisit places from the tour, enjoy a café stop or browse the shops.
Overnight: Madrid | Breakfast
Zaragoza & San Sebastian
Madrid - Zaragoza - San Sebastian. After breakfast, you travel towards Zaragoza. On arrival, you have free time to visit the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pilar or simply wander the historic center and its plazas.
In the afternoon, you continue to San Sebastián, known for its coastal setting and international film festival.
Overnight: San Sebastian | Breakfast
Discovering San Sebastian
You will begin the day with a panoramic tour of San Sebastián, shaped by its bay and La Concha Beach. You then ascend Mount Igueldo for views across the city.
The remainder of the day is free to relax on the promenade, explore the Old Town or sample the city’s well-known pintxos. An optional afternoon visit is available to Biarritz and Saint-Jean-de-Luz in France.
Overnight: San Sebastian | Breakfast
Bilbao & Santander
San Sebastian - Bilbao - Santander. In the morning, you travel to Bilbao, where you have free time on the esplanade of the Guggenheim Museum to admire the building from the outside and enjoy the surrounding riverside area.
You continue to Castro Urdiales for free time to explore the harbor, walk along the seafront or visit the old quarter. Later you travel to Santander for a guided city tour with a local guide.
Overnight: Santander | Breakfast
Santillana Del Mar, Covadonga & Oviedo
Santander - Santillana Del Mar- Covadonga - Oviedo. This morning, you depart for Santillana del Mar, known for its preserved medieval streets and the Romanesque Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana.
You then continue to Covadonga, where free time allows you to visit the Sanctuary and grotto or enjoy the surrounding scenery.
In the afternoon you travel on to Oviedo, recognized for its pedestrian center and UNESCO-listed monuments, including its Gothic Cathedral.
Overnight: Oviedo | Breakfast
Mondonedo, Lugo & Santiago
Oviedo - Mondonedo - Lugo - Santiago de Compostela. Today, you leave Oviedo and enter Galicia, stopping first in Mondonedo. Here you have free time to visit the 12th-century cathedral, explore the quiet streets or try the traditional Mondonedo cake.
You then continue to Lugo for free time to walk its UNESCO-listed Roman walls or explore the old town within them.
In the afternoon you travel to Santiago de Compostela, the historic end point of the Camino de Santiago.
Overnight: Santiago de Compostela | Breakfast
Exploring Santiago de Compostela
After breakfast, you join a city tour visiting the Plaza del Obradoiro and the Cathedral, dedicated to the Apostle Saint James, with entrance included.
The remainder of the day is free to explore the old quarter, enjoy the atmosphere around the university or visit further sites linked to the pilgrimage route.
Overnight: Santiago de Compostela | Breakfast
Rias Bajas & Porto
Santiago de Compostela - Rias Bajas (Spain) - Porto (Portugal). You will travel into the Rías Baixas region after breakfast. Your route passes scenic coastal landscapes on the way to La Toja Island, where free time allows you to walk around the island or browse local shops.
You then continue along the Arousa estuary and cross into Portugal, arriving in Porto.
Overnight: Porto | Breakfast
Exploring Porto
In the morning, you take a panoramic tour of Porto, a UNESCO-listed city. You see the Cathedral, the Stock Exchange building and the Church of Santa Clara.
You then enjoy a cruise along the Douro River, followed by a visit to a Port wine cellar for a tasting.
The afternoon is free to explore the riverside area, visit additional viewpoints or wander the narrow streets of the old town.
Overnight: Porto | Breakfast
Town of Rodrigo & Salamanca
Porto (Portugal) - Ciudad Rodrigo (Spain) - Salamanca. This morning you travel back into Spain and stop in Ciudad Rodrigo, a walled medieval town dominated by its fortress. You have time to explore the ramparts or stroll through the historic center.
You then continue to Salamanca, a distinguished university city and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Overnight: Salamanca | Breakfast
Avila & Madrid
Salamanca - Avila - Madrid. Today you depart for Ávila, where free time allows you to explore the walls, walk through the old quarter or enjoy a local café. After time for lunch, you will continue back to Madrid.
Overnight: Madrid | Breakfast
Departure from Madrid
After your final breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. Safe travels!
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with 2 travellers. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers wanting the privacy of their own room, or if your booking party cannot reach the minimum of 2 persons in a room. Room sharing is not available on this tour.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Hotel NH Madrid Ribera del Manzanares, Madrid
Located 1.3 km from Puerta de Toledo metro station, this riverside high-rise hotel is just 2.5 km from the Royal Palace of Madrid and 2.6 km from Plaza Mayor. The contemporary rooms come equipped with free Wi-Fi, satellite TV, minibars, and coffeemakers. Guests can enjoy a Spanish and Mediterranean restaurant, a casual bar with outdoor seating, and a café. Additional facilities include a fitness room and the option for massages.
Palacio de Aiete, San Sebastian
Situated in a residential area, this hotel is a 20-minute walk from La Concha Beach and Miramar Palace, with the Miramón Technology Park just a 5-minute drive away. The modern, air-conditioned rooms feature a selection of pillows, a private bathroom with toiletries, and a flat-screen satellite TV. Guests can enjoy the gym and a rooftop solarium offering panoramic views of San Sebastián, along with free WiFi throughout the hotel.
Hotel Santemar, Santander
Conveniently located just 150 metres from Sardinero beach and featuring a peaceful Japanese Garden, Hotel Santemar is a great place to stay when visiting coastal Santander. Modern rooms are elegantly decorated, with some offering a sea view and nautical themes. Amenities include air-conditioning, minibar, pillow menu, private bathroom and complimentary Wi-Fi. The Rincon de Mouro restaurant serves an array of Cantabrian dishes with an international twist, including a selection of fish and seafood dishes. A daily buffet breakfast is also served.
Sercotel Ciudad de Oviedo, Oviedo
Sercotel Ciudad de Oviedo enjoys a prime location in the heart of Oviedo, just a short stroll from the city’s historic old town and the impressive Oviedo Cathedral. Guests can easily explore charming streets lined with cafés, shops and cultural landmarks. The hotel offers comfortable, well-furnished rooms with modern amenities to ensure a restful stay. Its on-site restaurant serves local and international dishes, while the cosy lounge and bar provide inviting spaces to relax after a day of sightseeing. Convenient access to public transport makes it an excellent base for discovering Asturias.
Hotel Santiago Plaza Affiliated by Meliá, Santiago de Compostela
Hotel Santiago Plaza Affiliated by Meliá sits within easy reach of Santiago de Compostela’s historic centre, allowing convenient access to the cathedral, museums and lively streets filled with cafés and shops. The hotel provides bright, comfortable rooms equipped with modern essentials for a relaxing stay. Guests can enjoy a generous breakfast buffet and unwind in the welcoming lounge areas. With nearby bus links and pleasant walking routes into the old town, it offers a practical and comfortable base for exploring the city’s cultural and spiritual landmarks.
BessaHotel Boavista, Porto
Located in Porto's popular Boavista district, the BessaHotel Boavista is just a few minute's walk from the Casa da Musica concert hall and other attractions. Bright and spacious guest rooms offer private bathrooms, tea and coffee making facilities, air-conditioning and TV. There is an onsite gym and dining options include the BRestaurant & Bar, where Head Chef Vitor de Matos serves impeccable Iberian cuisine. Breakfast is served buffet style and there is also an outdoor terrace serving an array of cocktails and regional Douro Valley wines. Complimentary Wi-Fi is also offered.
Hotel Catalonia Plaza Mayor, Salamanca
The recently refurbished Hotel Catalonia Plaza Mayor is located right next to the city's Plaza Mayor and the cathedral, offering easy access to Salamanca's main highlights. Local Villamayor stonework is visible throughout the hotel, which offers complimentary Wi-Fi connection. All guest rooms feature ensuite bathrooms, wood flooring and smart TV's, which are equipped with the Chromecast app. The rooftop pool and sun terrace is a great place to unwind with a drink and there is an onsite restaurant, with plenty of authentic tapas restaurants on the doorstep too!
At a Glance
