Discover the cultural and architectural treasures of Barcelona and Northern Spain on this immersive 10-day journey. From Gaudí’s masterpieces and a Mediterranean catamaran cruise in Barcelona to the culinary traditions of the Basque Country, the dramatic coastline of Cantabria and Asturias, and the spiritual heritage of Santiago de Compostela, this itinerary blends history, gastronomy and scenic landscapes. Travel in comfort by luxury coach and high-speed train while enjoying carefully selected hotels and authentic local experiences.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Barcelona: Discover the vibrant Catalan capital, home to the iconic Sagrada Familia, Gaudí’s modernist masterpieces, Montjuïc views and a Mediterranean catamaran cruise.
Bilbao: See the striking Guggenheim Museum and enjoy authentic Basque pintxos.
San Sebastián: Enjoy elegant architecture, La Concha Beach and panoramic views from Mount Igueldo.
Santander: Relax in this port city renowned for Sardinero Beach and its coastal scenery.
Santillana del Mar: Stroll one of Spain’s most picturesque medieval towns and visit the Romanesque Colegiata de Santa Juliana.
Lugo: Walk along the remarkably preserved Roman Walls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Santiago de Compostela: Experience the spiritual heart of Spain and visit the cathedral and Obradoiro Square, the final destination of the Camino de Santiago.
Day 1: ARRIVAL BARCELONA (16km – 30min)
Arrival at Barcelona Airport and transfer to the hotel. In the evening, meet your tour director and fellow travellers during a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight in Barcelona.
Day 2: BARCELONA
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a morning city tour including Gaudí’s modernist buildings (La Pedrera and Casa Batlló), Montjuïc Park with panoramic views, the Olympic Ring, Columbus monument and Olympic Port. Visit the Sagrada Familia. Continue to Port Vell to board a catamaran and sail along the coastline with a courtesy drink and tapa. Afternoon at leisure.
Overnight in Barcelona.
Day 3: BARCELONA – ZARAGOZA – PAMPLONA – BILBAO (645km – 7hrs)
Breakfast at the hotel. Travel southwest through an important industrial and agricultural area to Zaragoza. Free time to see the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pilar. Continue to Pamplona for a short visit, then on to Bilbao.
Overnight in Bilbao.
Day 4: BILBAO – SAN SEBASTIÁN – BILBAO (203km – 2.5hrs)
Breakfast at the hotel. Take a city tour of Bilbao and time at leisure near the Guggenheim Museum. Continue to San Sebastián for a panoramic tour including La Concha Beach and Mount Igueldo viewpoint, followed by free time. Return to Bilbao for a pintxos dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight in Bilbao.
Day 5: BILBAO – CASTRO URDIALES – SANTANDER (100km – 1.5hrs)
Breakfast at the hotel. Depart towards Green Spain, stopping in the old fishing village of Castro Urdiales. Continue to Santander, known for Sardinero Beach.
Overnight in Santander.
Day 6: SANTANDER – SANTILLANA DEL MAR – COVADONGA – OVIEDO (208km – 2.5hrs)
Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Santillana del Mar, with its architectural treasures including the Collegiate of Santa Juliana. Continue to Covadonga for free time at the Sanctuary and Holy Grotto. In the afternoon, travel to Oviedo to see Santa María del Naranco from the outside and enjoy free time in the historic centre. Dinner with cider tasting in a traditional cider house.
Overnight in Oviedo.
Day 7: OVIEDO – MONDOÑEDO – LUGO – SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA (357km – 4hrs)
Breakfast at the hotel. Stop in Mondoñedo to see the 13th-century cathedral and taste Mondoñedo cake (optional). Continue to Lugo for free time to explore the Roman Walls. Proceed to Santiago de Compostela, holy city and World Heritage Site, end of the Camino de Santiago.
Overnight in Santiago de Compostela.
Day 8: SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
Breakfast at the hotel. City tour including Obradoiro Square and entrance to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Remainder of the day at leisure to explore the old town.
Overnight in Santiago de Compostela.
Day 9: SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA – MADRID (600km – 6hrs, by high-speed train)
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the train station and board the high-speed train to Madrid. Arrival and transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Madrid.
Day 10: MADRID DEPARTURE
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport for departure.
