8-Day North of Spain from Madrid (C-780)

About this experience

Embark on an unforgettable 8-day journey through the artistic, cultural, and natural wonders of northern Spain. Starting in Madrid, travel through Zaragoza and visit the magnificent Basilica del Pilar before continuing to Pamplona, the lively city of San Fermín. Discover the elegance of San Sebastián’s La Concha Bay, admire Bilbao’s impressive Guggenheim Museum, and relax by the Cantabrian coast in Santander. Continue through Santillana del Mar, a perfectly preserved medieval town, and the sacred Sanctuary of Covadonga, before arriving in Oviedo. Journey onward to Galicia and take in the grandeur of La Coruña, then experience Santiago de Compostela, the spiritual destination of pilgrims for centuries. Explore its majestic cathedral and enjoy free time to wander the historic streets or join an optional excursion. Marvel at the scenic Rías Bajas and savor a tasting of local mussels and Ribeiro wine during a coastal cruise. The adventure continues inland to León, home to a stunning Gothic cathedral, before ending in Salamanca with its golden sandstone architecture and lively Plaza Mayor. This enriching itinerary combines Spain’s breathtaking landscapes with its deep-rooted traditions, offering a truly complete cultural experience.

Experience type

Multi day tour

Duration

8 days

Booking in advance

Book at least 1 weeks in advance. Before the tour starts.

Live tour guide

English, Spanish

Categories

Cultural and theme tours · Bus or minivan tour · City tours · Arts and culture · Bus tour · Multiday

What's included

• Accommodation and daily buffet breakfast • 6 dinners. • Transportation by air conditioned coach. • Bilingual guide (Spanish and English). • Sightseeing tour with local guide in Santiago. • Travel Insurance. Selected Hotels or similar Pamplona: NH Pamplona Iruña Park F Santander: Santemar F Oviedo: Iberik Santo Sunday Plaza F Santiago: Oca Puerta del Camino F Vigo: Los Galeones Affiliated by Meliá F / Hesperia Vigo F / Eurostars Mar de Vigo F Leon: Abad San Antonio F 2026 Note: - On the 12 July departure, overnight accommodations will be

What's not included

• Food and drinks, unless specified • Hotel drop-off

Please note

• A minimum of 12 passengers is required to operate the tour. In exceptional circumstances, if the number of registered passengers should fall below the required minimum and in order to maintain our commitment to guaranteed departures, the tour may proceed without a guide, accompanied instead by an expert driver/guide. • Not wheelchair accessible • Animals or Pets NOT allowed • Due to coach capacity limitations, each passenger is allowed one suitcase (maximum 20 kg) and one carry-on bag

Itinerary

1. 1
   Day 1

   (Sunday) MADRID - ZARAGOZA - PAMPLONA (500 km)

   Pamplona

   Departure from our bus terminal at 7:30 a.m. to Zaragoza. Brief stop and free time to visit the Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar, Patroness of the Hispanic world. We then continue to Pamplona, a city famous for the San Fermín festivities and its charming old quarter. Dinner and accommodations.

2. 2
   Day 2

   (Monday) PAMPLONA - SAN SEBASTIAN - BILBAO - SANTANDER (290 km)

   Santander

   Breakfast. Departure towards San Sebastian, one of the most elegant cities in northern Spain. Free time to stroll along La Concha Bay or enjoy the old town. We then continue to Bilbao, capital of the province of Biscay, with a brief stop to admire the avant-garde Guggenheim Museum building. The Journey then continues on to Santander. Dinner and accommodations.

3. 3
   Day 3

   (Tuesday) SANTANDER - SANTILLANA - COVADONGA - OVIEDO (230 km)

   Oviedo

   Breakfast. Departure to Santillana del Mar, recognized as a National Monument. The journey continues through beautiful landscapes to reach Covadonga, where we will have free time to visit the Sanctuary. Arrival in Oviedo. Dinner and accommodations.

4. 4
   Day 4

   (Wednesday) OVIEDO - LA CORUÑA - SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA (365 km)

   A Coruña

   Breakfast. Departure towards Galicia to arrive in the stately city of La Coruña. Brief panoramic tour of the city. We then continue on to Santiago de Compostela, arrival and city tour of this important pilgrimage centre, including the iconic Plaza del Obradoiro and the majestic Cathedral, the spiritual and artistic heart of Santiago. Dinner and accommodations.

5. 5
   Day 5

   (Thursday) SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA

   Santiago de Compostela

   Breakfast. Free day with the possibility of joining one of our optional excursions, such as the visit to Finisterre. Dinner and accommodations.

6. 6
   Day 6

   (Friday) SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA - RIAS BAJAS - VIGO (160 km)

   49361 Vigo

   Breakfast and departure for the area of the Spanish Fjords (Rias Bajas), through splendid landscapes: with a brief stop at La Toja Island. Stop at O Grove to take an optional catamaran tour to see an oyster and mussel farms, including a tasting of mussels and Ribeiro wine. We then continue to Vigo. Free time. Optional excursion to Santa Tecla. Accommodations.

7. 7
   Day 7

   (Saturday) VIGO - LEON (390 km)

   León

   Breakfast. Departure towards the inland region of Castilla y León, arriving in León, a historic city with a remarkable artistic heritage. Free time to visit its Gothic cathedral or stroll through the old town. Dinner and accommodations.

8. 8
   Day 8

   (Sunday) LEON - SALAMANCA - MADRID (425 km)

   Salamanca

   Breakfast. Departure for Salamanca. Brief stop and free time to explore the old town and its famous Baroque-style Plaza Mayor. We then continue to Madrid. Arrival and end of our services.

Meeting point

VPT Tours & Activities Calle de Ferraz 3, 28008, Madrid, Comunidad de Madrid, ES

Pick up

Pickup is not provided.

Cancellation policy · Twin Room

VPT 2025 -27

• Cancellation 0–24 hours before departure: 100% cancellation fee.
• Cancellation 24–48 hours before departure: 40% cancellation fee.
• Cancellation 48–216 hours before departure: 35% cancellation fee.
• Cancellation 216–336 hours before departure: 25% cancellation fee.
• Cancellation 336–600 hours before departure: 15% cancellation fee.

Cancellation policy · Single Room

VPT 2025 -27

• Cancellation 0–24 hours before departure: 100% cancellation fee.
• Cancellation 24–48 hours before departure: 40% cancellation fee.
• Cancellation 48–216 hours before departure: 35% cancellation fee.
• Cancellation 216–336 hours before departure: 25% cancellation fee.
• Cancellation 336–600 hours before departure: 15% cancellation fee.

Good to know

Operated by VPT Tours and sold by AGORA. Your voucher and booking reference arrive by email straight after payment.