Madrid, Northern Spain & Galicia Tour - First Class

Arrive at the airport and transfer to hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at Aloft Madrid Gran Vía / 1881 Madrid Ventas hotel or similar. 

Morning tour exploring Madrid’s medieval roots, including the old Arab fortress and the Barrio de la Morería. Discover the Hapsburg district, shaped by Philip II, with its Renaissance and Baroque landmarks at Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, and Plaza de la Villa. Continue to the Madrid of the Bourbons and the city planning of Charles III, featuring the Royal Palace, Cibeles Fountain and Neptune Fountain. Admire 19thcentury highlights such as the elegant Plaza de Oriente and the Prado Museum. Experience modern Madrid with its grand avenues like Gran Vía, the upscale Salamanca district, Parque del Oeste, the city’s commercial and financial centers, and Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight stay at Aloft Madrid Gran Vía / 1881 Madrid Ventas hotel or similar. (B)

Depart for Zaragoza and have free time to visit the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, patroness of Hispanity, and stroll through the historic streets of the city. In the afternoon, continue to San Sebastián. Accommodation at Palacio de Aiete hotel or similar. (B)

Enjoy a tour of this elegant city, whose skyline is dominated by the bay and La Concha Beach. Ascend Mount Igueldo for spectacular views of the city. The rest of the day is at leisure. Enjoy your overnight stay at Palacio de Aiete hotel or similar. (B)

Depart for Bilbao and have free time on the esplanade of the Guggenheim Museum to admire this modern architectural masterpiece. Continue to Castro Urdiales, a charming fishing village, with free time to explore. Depart for Santander, a scenic port city nestled between the sea and mountains, famous for its beaches. Enjoy a guided tour to fully discover the city’s highlights. Spend the night at Santemar hotel or similar. (B)

Depart for Santillana del Mar, one of Spain’s most historically and artistically significant towns, home to remarkable architectural treasures, including the Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana, the finest Romanesque jewel in Cantabria. Continue to Covadonga, with free time to visit the Sanctuary and the grotto housing the image of the Virgin. In the afternoon, travel to Oviedo, a city set on a series of hills at the foot of Mount Naranco. Its monuments, including the Cathedral, a prime example of Asturian Gothic, are recognised as a World Heritage Site. Overnight at Sercotel Ciudad de Oviedo or similar. (B)

Depart for the Galicia region. En route to Lugo, stop in Mondoñedo for free time to visit its impressive 12th-century cathedral and sample the local specialty, “Mondoñedo cake.” Continue to Lugo and enjoy free time to admire its wellpreserved Roman remains, including the city walls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Proceed to Santiago de Compostela, whose historic center is also a World Heritage Site and one of Spain’s most important monumental cities, renowned as the center of Christian pilgrimage and the final destination of the Camino de Santiago. Overnight at Santiago Plaza affiliated by Meliá hotel or similar. (B)

City tour of Santiago de Compostela, including a visit to the Plaza del Obradoiro and its Cathedral (entrance included), dedicated to the Apostle Saint James the Greater. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight stay at Santiago Plaza affiliated by Meliá or similar. (B)

Depart for Salamanca and enjoy some free time to explore this historic university city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its remarkable architectural and artistic heritage. In the afternoon, continue to Madrid. Check-in and overnight at Aloft Madrid Gran Vía / 1881 Madrid Ventas hotel or similar. (B)

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport. (B)