Add to favorites In favorites
Activities in Madrid

Northern Spain 7-Day Tour

San Sebastián, Bilbao, Oviedo, Santiago de Compostela, Salamanca… On this tour, we'll depart from Madrid to spend 7 days exploring the most important cities in northern Spain.

San Sebastián, Bilbao, Oviedo, Santiago de Compostela, Salamanca… On this tour, we'll depart from Madrid to spend 7 days exploring the most important cities in northern Spain.

Tour Details

Day 1: Madrid – Zaragoza – San Sebastián

After meeting in Plaza de Oriente, we'll leave Madrid behind and travel by road to Zaragoza, a journey of around 3.5 hours. Upon arrival in the capital of Aragon, you'll have free time to visit some of its must-see landmarks, among which the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar undoubtedly stands out.

We'll then continue the journey for almost 3 hours until reaching San Sebastián, one of the most elegant destinations in northern Spain and host of its famous International Film Festival.

Day 2: San Sebastián

After breakfast at the hotel, we'll begin our tour of northern Spain with a 1-hour panoramic tour of San Sebastián, a city with a stately atmosphere and a strong French influence due to its proximity to the neighboring country.

As expected, we'll also admire La Concha Bay and Beach, considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Spain. Afterwards, we'll go up Mount Igueldo, from where we'll enjoy magnificent panoramic views of the city skyline and the Cantabrian coast.

The rest of the day will be free for you to continue exploring the city at your own pace, stroll through the old town, and enjoy its renowned gastronomy. Don’t miss going for pintxos in the city center.

Day 3: San Sebastián – Bilbao – Castro Urdiales – Santander

After breakfast, we'll head towards Bilbao, approximately 1 hour away. Once there, we'll take a panoramic tour passing by the city’s most important landmarks. At the end, you'll be able to walk around the esplanade of the Guggenheim Museum and admire the Puppy sculpture by artist Jeff Koons.

The next stage of the tour will take us to Castro Urdiales, a fishing town on the shores of the Cantabrian Sea. You'll have 2 hours of free time to explore it, enjoy the seaside atmosphere, and sample its cuisine.

We'll then continue on to the capital of Cantabria. We'll take a guided tour of Santander lasting between 2 and 3 hours, discovering beautiful spots such as the Magdalena Peninsula.

Day 4: Santander – Santillana del Mar – Covadonga – Oviedo

After breakfast at the hotel, we'll head to Santillana del Mar, the town of the three lies, as it is neither saintly, flat, nor by the sea. You'll have 1 hour to explore this charming medieval village at your own pace.

We'll continue the tour, leaving Cantabria behind to visit Covadonga, a sanctuary dedicated to La Santina and the resting place of the first kings of Asturias. You'll have 2 hours of free time to explore this site.

In the afternoon, we'll arrive in Oviedo, the capital of the Principality of Asturias. Did you know that its exceptional pre-Romanesque art has been declared a World Heritage Site? You'll be able to stroll through the city streets and admire its beautiful Gothic Cathedral, next to which stands the famous statue of La Regenta.

Day 5: Oviedo – Mondoñedo – Lugo – Santiago de Compostela

After breakfast, we'll leave Asturias and enter the land of meigas (witches). Our first stop will be Mondoñedo, the former capital of the Kingdom of Galicia. You'll have 1 hour of free time to visit its impressive 12th-century cathedral and try one of its most traditional sweets, the famous Mondoñedo cake.

We'll continue to Lugo, where you'll also have 1 hour of free time to discover its Roman remains, such as the city walls, declared a World Heritage Site.

In the afternoon, we'll continue to Santiago de Compostela, a monumental city and historic destination of the Camino de Santiago, whose old town has also been declared a World Heritage Site.

Day 6: Santiago de Compostela

After breakfast, we'll take a guided tour of Santiago lasting between 2 and 3 hours. During the tour, we'll visit the iconic Obradoiro Square and enter its Cathedral, dedicated to Saint James the Great and one of the great centers of Christian pilgrimage.

The rest of the day will be free for you to continue discovering the city at your own pace, wander its cobbled streets, enjoy its lively university atmosphere, and savor exquisite Galician cuisine.

Day 7: Santiago de Compostela – Salamanca – Madrid

After breakfast at the hotel, we'll begin the return journey to Madrid. Along the way, we'll make a stop of between 1 and 2 hours in Salamanca, a university city and one of Spain’s great monumental jewels. You'll have free time to explore its historic center and admire its extraordinary architectural heritage.

After lunch, we'll continue on to Madrid, where this tour of northern Spain will come to an end. Arrival is expected in the afternoon, depending on traffic. It is recommended not to plan flights or train departures for that day.

Accommodation Info

The tour includes accommodation in 4-star hotels:

  • San Sebastián: Palacio de Aiete or a similar option
  • Santander: Hotel Santemar or a similar option
  • Oviedo: Sercotel Ciudad de Oviedo or a similar option
  • Santiago de Compostela: Santiago Plaza by Meliá or a similar option

The price shown is per person sharing a double room. A single supplement will be added for solo travelers, who must stay in a single room.

Please note that children under 4 years old travel free of charge, sharing a room with 2 adults, with a maximum of 1 child per room. Children aged 4 to 7 pay the corresponding child rate only if they share a room with 2 adults, also with a maximum of 1 child per room.

Important Info

Please note that the free time and visits described in the itinerary are approximate and may vary.

View complete description

More Information

Duration

7 days.

Language

The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English and Spanish. The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English and Spanish.

Included

Transport by coach

English–speaking guide

6 nights of accommodation with breakfast in 4–star hotels

Entrance ticket to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela

Not included

Lunches and dinners

Santiago de Compostela tourist tax: 2 (US$ 2.37) + VAT per person

When to book?

You can book up until 30 days before the activity as long as there are still places. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Type of voucher

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Accessibility

Not wheelchair accessible.

Sustainability conditions

All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code.

Sustainability Code

Our providers commit to:

  • Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
  • Reduce, reuse, recycle.
  • Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
  • Uphold fair employment standards.
  • Foster the growth of local communities.
  • Preserve the integrity of local culture.
  • Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
  • Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
  • Operate with honesty and transparency.
  • Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.

This particular activity contributes as follows:

  • No printing of documentation required.

Pets

Not permitted.

Frequently asked questions

  • Q - What clothing is recommended?

    A - For northern Spain, we recommend dressing in layers: breathable T-shirts and comfortable trousers (linen, cotton, jeans) for daytime, plus a jumper or fleece and a waterproof or windbreaker jacket, as the weather is changeable, cool, and rainy, even in summer.

  • Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?

    A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities.

  • Q - How to book?

    A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

  • Q - Which local supplier will be providing the tour?

    A - Julia Travel España Corporate name: JULIA TRAVEL S.L.U Registered Office: C/ Pablo Iglesias 84 , Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain Tax Identification Number (VAT ID): B29045895 Contact information Email: incoming@julia.net Phone: +34 91 559 96 05 This supplier is commited to providing services in accordance with applicable European Union laws.

  • Q - Is a minimum number of participants required?

    A - This activity requires a minimum of 1 participants. Should this number not be reached, we'll get in touch with you to offer alternatives.

If you have any other questions please contact us.

Meeting point

Underground car park of Plaza de Oriente

View map

Log in to rate the reviews of other travelers

Don't have an account? Register here
Select a list of favourites
  • Create a new list