Northern Spain Uncovered

This 18-day luxury self-drive through Northern Spain blends historic cities, dramatic coasts, lush valleys, and world-class gastronomy. From Madrid to Castile, Asturias, Galicia, Santiago, La Rioja, and the Basque Country, enjoy comfort, freedom, and rich culture on an unforgettable northern road trip.

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Tailored Adventure
for Over 10 Years

Duration

18 Days / 17

Price

$3,874

PEOPLE GOING

125+ Booked

PACKAGE

Itinerary

Itinerary Details
  1. Day 1
    Welcome to Santiago de Compostela

    Arrive in Santiago de Compostela, spiritual heart of Galicia and end of the Camino.

    Collect your rental car at the airport and drive to your hotel. Enjoy leisure time exploring the UNESCO-listed old town’s stone lanes and historic squares.

    Overnight in Santiago de Compostela.

  2. Day 2
    Self-Drive Day Tour to A Coruña

    After breakfast, drive to A Coruña on the Atlantic coast.

    Explore the Old City and visit the Tower of Hercules. Optional visits include Aquarium Finisterrae, Domus, or the Science Museum. Enjoy seaside walks before returning to Santiago.

    Overnight in Santiago de Compostela.

  3. Day 3
    Self-Drive to Finisterre (Land’s End)

    Drive to Finisterre, once believed to be the “end of the world.” Admire dramatic Atlantic views at Land’s End and explore this legendary coastal site. Option to visit Muxía and its mystical stones. Return to Santiago in the evening.

    Overnight in Santiago de Compostela.

  4. Day 4
    Santiago de Compostela to León via Astorga & Las Médulas

    Drive to León (approx. 3.5 hrs without stops).

    En route, visit Astorga’s historic old town and continue to Las Médulas, a Roman gold-mining landscape. Arrive in León, a key Camino city with over 2,000 years of history.

    Overnight in León.

  5. Day 5
    León to Llanes – From Historic Heartland to the Cantabrian Coast

    Drive north to Llanes on the Cantabrian coast.

    Explore the harbor and the “Memory Cubes” by Agustín Ibarrola. Stroll the historic quarter and seafront promenade. Enjoy the town’s maritime charm and coastal scenery.

    Overnight in Llanes.

  6. Day 6
    Self-Drive Day Tour to Gijón

    Drive approx.

    50 minutes to Gijón along the Cantabrian coast. Explore the marina, historic quarters, and waterfront promenades. Discover Asturian heritage blended with modern coastal life. Return to Llanes in the evening.

    Overnight in Llanes.

  7. Day 7
    Self-Drive Day Trip to Covadonga & the Picos de Europa

    Drive to Covadonga Sanctuary, visiting the basilica and holy cave. Option to continue to the Covadonga Lakes in the Picos de Europa for panoramic mountain views. Return to Llanes in the afternoon or evening.

    Overnight in Llanes.

  8. Day 8
    Llanes to Cosgaya – Into the Heart of the Picos de Europa

    Drive from Llanes into the Picos de Europa to Cosgaya.

    Check in to your mountain hotel and enjoy panoramic views of rugged peaks. Spend the day relaxing, walking nearby trails, or soaking in the serene alpine setting.

    Overnight in Cosgaya.

  9. Day 9
    Cosgaya to Bilbao via Santillana del Mar & the Cantabrian Coast

    Drive to Bilbao with scenic stops en route.

    Visit medieval Santillana del Mar and optionally Altamira Caves. Continue to Comillas to see Gaudí’s El Capricho, with optional stops in San Vicente de la Barquera. Arrive in Bilbao.

    Overnight in Bilbao.

  10. Day 10
    Bilbao – Guggenheim Museum & City Exploration

    Visit the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao (tickets included), designed by Frank Gehry. Optional guided visit available. Explore the Nervión River, Casco Viejo, and enjoy Basque cuisine.

    Overnight in Bilbao.

  11. Day 11
    Self-Drive Day Trip to Bakio & San Juan de Gaztelugatxe

    Drive to Bakio and explore its historic districts.

    Continue to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a dramatic islet linked by a stone bridge and staircase, crowned by a hermitage. Enjoy panoramic coastal views before returning to Bilbao.

    Overnight in Bilbao.

  12. Day 12
    Bilbao to San Sebastián – Basque Elegance by the Sea

    Drive to San Sebastián (Donostia), set along a stunning bay framed by Urgull and Igeldo hills. Visit San Telmo Museum, Peine del Viento by Eduardo Chillida, and the Kursaal Centre. Relax along La Concha Beach.

    Overnight in San Sebastián.

  13. Day 13
    San Sebastián – Local Foodie & Pintxos Tour

    Enjoy a relaxed day at leisure.

    Optional evening foodie tour in Parte Vieja with a local guide. Visit five pintxos bars with tastings paired with Spanish wines or soft drinks. Learn about Basque culinary traditions.

    Overnight in San Sebastián.

  14. Day 14
    San Sebastián – Private Basque Wine & Cheese Experience

    Travel into the Txakoli wine region.

    Visit coastal vineyards and enjoy tastings while learning about local winemaking traditions. Return to San Sebastián in the afternoon.

    Overnight in San Sebastián.

  15. Day 15
    Private Rioja Wineries Experience & Laguardia

    Depart San Sebastián for Rioja.

    Visit boutique wineries and explore medieval Laguardia. Admire the exterior architecture of Marqués de Riscal by Frank Gehry and Bodegas Ysios. Continue to your accommodation.

    Overnight in the Rioja region.

  16. Day 16
    San Sebastián to Barcelona – High-Speed Rail Journey

    Travel to Barcelona by rail, enjoying changing landscapes across northern Spain.

    On arrival, drive to your hotel and check in. The remainder of the day is at leisure to begin exploring the city.

    Overnight in Barcelona.

  17. Day 17
    Barcelona – Gaudí Masterpieces & Sagrada Família

    Explore Gaudí’s legacy:

    visit Sagrada Família (advance tickets recommended), Casa Batlló, and Casa Milà along Passeig de Gràcia. Option to visit Park Güell for city views. Return to your hotel with free time.

    Overnight in Barcelona.

  18. Day 18
    Departure from Barcelona – Goodbye Spain

    After breakfast, check out and drive to Barcelona El Prat Airport. Return your rental car and continue your onward journey.

Tour Highlights
    • Arrival in Santiago de Compostela.
    • Pick up rental car at airport or train station.
    • Drive to hotel and check-in.
    • Free time at leisure.
    • Overnight in Santiago de Compostela.
Accommodations
  • 2 nights hotel accomodation in Madrid with breakfast
  • 1 night hotel accomodation in Burgos with breakfast
  • 2 nights hotel accomodation in Santander with breakfast
  • 2 nights hotel accomodation in Oviedo with breakfast
  • 2 nights hotel accomodation in Santiago de Compostela with breakfast
  • 1 night hotel accomodation in the Rías Baixas region with breakfast
  • 1 night hotel accomodation in León with breakfast
  • 2 nights hotel accomodation in Bilbao with breakfast
  • 2 nights hotel accomodation in San Sebastián with breakfast
  • 1 night hotel accomodation in Pamplona with breakfast
  • 1 night hotel accomodation in La Rioja with breakfast

 

Guests may request upgrades to 5-Star hotels. Upgraded options are subject to availability and additional costs.

Package Includes

Self-Drive:

  • Premium Rental Car for 18 Days
  • Unlimited kilometers included

 

Accommodation:

  • 17 nights hotel accommodation with daily breakfast

 

Exclusive Experiences:

  • Tower of Hercules
  • Land’s End and dramatic Atlantic coastline.
  • Muxía and its rocking stones.
  • Las Médulas
  • Llanes fishing port and Ibarrola’s “Memory Cubes.”
  • Gijón’s marina and seaside highlights.
  • Covadonga Sanctuary and basilica.
  • Picos de Europa National Park.
  • Guggenheim Museum
  • Bakio town and txakoli wine region.
  • Visit San Juan de Gaztelugatxe.
  • 5 traditional pintxos bars.
  • Laguardia village.

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