Your Local Specialist Travel Advisors For Custom Tours in Spain & Portugal
13 nights tour of Northern Spain & Madrid
Prices from 4800 EUROS PER PERSON
Your Local Specialist Travel Advisors For Custom Tours in Spain & Portugal
Prices from 4800 EUROS PER PERSON
Trip Overview:
Northern Spain is one of Europe's most rewarding yet lesser-known touring destinations. Stretching along Spain's spectacular Atlantic coast, the regions of the Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia offer dramatic mountain scenery, elegant seaside cities, medieval villages, exceptional gastronomy and a pace of life very differ...
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Trip Summary:
This 13-night itinerary has been carefully paced to showcase the very best of Northern Spain without feeling rushed. Beginning in San Sebastián and ending in Madrid, it combines private guided touring, scenic self-driving and handpicked accommodation to create a seamless journey through Green Spain. Every major logistical detail has been ...
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Access:
Daily departures. Arrival: Bilbao International Airport (BIO) Departure: Madrid International Airport (MAD) This itinerary can also be operated in reverse, starting in Madrid and finishing in Bilbao, if that better suits your flight options or travel plans. International flights are not included, giving you the flexibility to choose the...
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San Sebastian, Spain
Arrive at Bilbao Airport, where your private driver will be waiting to transfer you to your centrally located 4-star hotel in San Sebastian, one of Europe's most elegant seaside cities. Overlooking the beautiful La Concha Bay, San Sebastian is renowned for its relaxed atmosphere, outstanding gastronomy and beautiful setting on Spain's Basque coast.
Known as Donostia in the Basque language, San Sebastian became the preferred summer retreat of the Spanish royal family and aristocracy during the late 19th century. Today it combines Belle Époque elegance with one of Europe's most exciting food scenes.
Spend time exploring the charming Parte Vieja (Old Town), rebuilt after the fire of 1813 and now home to landmarks including the Town Hall, Museo San Telmo and lively Plaza de la Constitución. This vibrant quarter is also famous for its pintxos – the Basque Country's delicious take on tapas – served in bars throughout the old town.
Enjoy a stroll along La Concha Beach and its elegant promenade before visiting Eduardo Chillida's famous Peine del Viento (Wind Comb) sculpture. For spectacular panoramic views, ride the historic funicular to the summit of Mount Igueldo. If relaxation is more your style, the La Perla Thalassotherapy Spa overlooking the bay is an excellent choice.
San Sebastian boasts one of the highest concentrations of Michelin-starred restaurants in the world. Legendary chefs including Juan Mari Arzak, Martín Berasategui and Pedro Subijana have helped establish the city as one of Europe's great culinary destinations.
The city also hosts several internationally recognised events each year, including the San Sebastian Jazz Festival in July and the prestigious San Sebastian International Film Festival every September.
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San Sebastian, Spain
Today you'll meet your local expert guide for a small-group pintxos walking tour through San Sebastian's atmospheric Old Town.
Pintxos are the Basque Country's celebrated version of tapas, beautifully prepared and displayed in bars throughout the city. While it's difficult to have a bad meal in San Sebastian, discovering the very best pintxos bars is all about local knowledge. Your guide will introduce you to favourite neighbourhood establishments and explain the traditions behind this unique culinary culture.
Sample a delicious variety of seasonal pintxos, from fresh prawns and line-caught baby squid to perfectly grilled Txuleta steak. The selection changes daily according to what's freshest in the market. Along the way you'll enjoy Basque cider, Txakoli and carefully selected regional wines, each chosen to complement the dishes you'll taste.
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San Sebastian, Spain
Today you'll meet your private driver-guide after breakfast for a full-day tailor-made excursion to explore some of the highlights of the Basque Country. The day is completely flexible and can be adapted to suit your interests. Below are just some of the places you might choose to visit.
Getaria
Nestled between two beautiful beaches, Getaria is one of the Basque Country's most attractive fishing villages. It's renowned for its outstanding seafood restaurants, distinctive Txakoli wineries, and the Cristóbal Balenciaga Museum, dedicated to the world-famous fashion designer who was born here. If time permits, walk up to the lighthouse on Mount San Antón for spectacular coastal views.
Hondarribia
Situated on the French border, Hondarribia is one of the Basque Country's best-preserved historic towns. Wander its beautifully restored walled old quarter, admire its elegant ancestral homes, stroll the cobbled streets and enjoy the lively atmosphere around the fishing district of La Marina, renowned for its excellent bars and restaurants.
Zarautz
Just west of San Sebastian, Zarautz is a relaxed seaside town famous for its long sandy beach and elegant promenade. Highlights include the Palacio de Narros, the historic Torre Luzea and the Church of Santa María la Real.
French Basque Country
Just 30 km (20 miles) from San Sebastian lies the French Basque Coast. Discover the charming harbour town of Saint-Jean-de-Luz and the elegant resort of Biarritz, where Belle Époque architecture, stylish boutiques, cafés and Atlantic beaches create a distinctly French atmosphere.
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Santillana del Mar, Spain
After checking out of your hotel this morning, collect your rental car and begin your journey west into Cantabria. Along the way, we recommend stopping in Bilbao, one of northern Spain's most vibrant cities.
We've included pre-booked entrance tickets to the iconic Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, one of Europe's finest museums of contemporary art. Afterwards, take time to stroll along the attractive riverside, explore the lively Casco Viejo (Old Quarter) and perhaps stop for lunch while sampling some excellent Basque pintxos.
Continue your scenic drive to the beautifully preserved medieval town of Santillana del Mar, where you'll spend the next two nights. Often described as one of Spain's prettiest villages, its cobbled streets, historic stone houses and elegant palaces have earned the entire town National Monument status.
If time permits, visit the nearby Altamira Museum and Neo-Cave, which faithfully recreates one of the world's most important prehistoric cave art sites. Alternatively, continue to the charming coastal town of Comillas, home to El Capricho, one of the few buildings designed by the celebrated architect Antoni Gaudí outside Catalonia.
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Santillana del Mar, Spain
After breakfast, take a scenic drive inland to the spa town of Puente Viesgo, home to one of Europe's most important prehistoric archaeological sites.
Today you'll enjoy a private guided visit to the remarkable El Castillo Cave, part of the Monte Castillo Cave complex and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cave contains some of the world's oldest known prehistoric cave art, with paintings and engravings dating back tens of thousands of years. Set high above the River Pas, this extraordinary site offers a fascinating insight into the lives of Europe's earliest inhabitants.
After your cave visit, we recommend visiting Santander, the elegant capital of Cantabria and another favourite of the Spanish royal family. Explore the beautiful Magdalena Peninsula and Palace, enjoy views over El Sardinero Beach, and visit the award-winning Centro Botín, the striking waterfront arts centre designed by renowned architect Renzo Piano.
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Potes, Spain
Today you'll continue inland to Potes, the historic capital of the beautiful Liébana Valley, nestled in the foothills of the spectacular Picos de Europa National Park. The drive through the dramatic La Hermida Gorge is one of the most scenic in northern Spain.
Potes is one of Cantabria's most picturesque mountain towns, with its traditional stone houses, flower-filled balconies and medieval bridges crossing the River Deva. Dominating the old quarter is the impressive 15th-century Torre del Infantado, while just outside town lies the historic Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liébana, one of Christianity's most important pilgrimage sites and home to the largest known fragment of the True Cross.
The surrounding region is renowned for its spectacular mountain scenery, excellent walking, hearty local cuisine and the traditional pomace brandy known as Orujo. More recently, the valley has also seen a revival of winemaking using indigenous grape varieties, further enhancing its growing gastronomic reputation.
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Potes, Spain
After breakfast, take the short but spectacular drive to Fuente Dé, deep within the Picos de Europa National Park.
Your pre-booked tickets are included for the famous Fuente Dé Cable Car, which climbs almost 800 metres in just a few minutes, revealing panoramic views across one of Spain's most dramatic mountain landscapes. Once at the summit, enjoy a leisurely walk or, for more experienced hikers, descend on foot along one of the well-marked mountain trails. If you would prefer a more in-depth experience, your Totally Spain Travel Advisor can also arrange a local mountain guide.
The rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the peaceful mountain setting.
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Gijon, Spain
Today you'll leave Potes and make your way north through the spectacular landscapes of the Picos de Europa before following the coast west into Asturias. This scenic drive showcases some of the finest landscapes in Green Spain.
Asturias is a region of dramatic contrasts, where rugged mountains meet the Atlantic Ocean. Here you'll discover spectacular scenery, charming fishing villages, over 300 kilometres of coastline, traditional cider houses and a rich gastronomic heritage that makes this one of Spain's most rewarding regions to explore.
We recommend stopping in the attractive seaside town of Llanes along the way. Its colourful fishing harbour is lined with inviting seafood restaurants, making it an ideal place for lunch. Don't miss the striking Cubos de la Memoria, the harbour's colourful concrete sea defences transformed into a remarkable work of art by acclaimed Basque sculptor Agustín Ibarrola and others.
Continue to the vibrant coastal city of Gijón, where you'll check into your centrally located hotel for the next two nights.
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Gijon, Spain
After breakfast, meet your expert local guide for a private half-day walking tour of Gijón, Asturias' largest city and one of northern Spain's most attractive coastal destinations.
Blending maritime heritage with contemporary city life, Gijón offers an appealing mix of history, culture and seaside charm. Explore the historic Cimadevilla quarter, visit the remarkably preserved Roman Baths, stroll through the bustling marina and walk along the beautiful San Lorenzo Beach promenade. Along the way, your guide will introduce you to the city's history, traditions and vibrant food culture, while recommending excellent local cider houses and restaurants to enjoy during your free time.
The remainder of the day is at leisure to continue exploring Gijón at your own pace.
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Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Today you'll continue west into Galicia, travelling to the historic pilgrimage city of Santiago de Compostela. There are two excellent routes to choose from, depending on your interests.
Option 1 – Via Lugo
Travel through the historic city of Lugo, one of Spain's finest Roman cities. Walk along its remarkably preserved UNESCO-listed Roman walls, explore the attractive old quarter and visit the impressive Romanesque Cathedral before continuing to Santiago.
Option 2 – Via A Coruña
Alternatively, follow the Atlantic coast to the vibrant port city of A Coruña. Discover the charming old quarter, stroll along the waterfront and visit the iconic Tower of Hercules, the world's oldest working Roman lighthouse and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Depending on your interests, you may also wish to visit the excellent Aquarium Finisterrae or simply relax on the city's beautiful beaches.
Later this afternoon, arrive in Santiago de Compostela and check into your centrally located hotel for the next two nights. Return your rental car on arrival.
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Santiago de Compostela, Spain
After breakfast, meet your expert local guide for a private walking tour of Santiago de Compostela, one of Christianity's most important pilgrimage destinations and the final stage of the famous Camino de Santiago.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Santiago is dominated by its magnificent cathedral, whose soaring towers have welcomed pilgrims for centuries. Explore the impressive Praza do Obradoiro, visit the cathedral, and admire the historic Hostal dos Reis Católicos, now one of Spain's most iconic Parador hotels. Your guide will also introduce you to the beautiful Monastery of San Martiño Pinario and the city's atmospheric medieval streets.
As you wander through Santiago's charming Old Town, discover elegant stone buildings, lively squares, traditional shops and inviting cafés. Your guide will also recommend some of the city's finest seafood restaurants and wine bars, where you can sample excellent local specialities accompanied by Albariño and Ribeiro wines.
The remainder of the day is at leisure to continue exploring Santiago at your own pace.
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Madrid, Spain
Today you'll be transferred from your hotel to Santiago de Compostela Airport for your flight to Madrid (flight not included).
On arrival, your private driver will meet you and transfer you to your centrally located hotel, where you'll stay for the final two nights of your journey.
This afternoon, visit the world-famous Prado Museum using your pre-booked skip-the-line tickets. One of the world's great art galleries, the Prado houses outstanding masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, El Greco, Bosch, Titian, Rubens and many other European masters.
Later this evening, experience Madrid's celebrated food culture on a small-group guided tapas tour. Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, you'll visit a selection of authentic bars and taverns while sampling traditional tapas paired with carefully selected wines and other regional drinks. Along the way, you'll also learn about the history of tapas and the neighbourhoods that have shaped Madrid's culinary traditions.
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*The flight between Santiago de Compostela and Madrid is not included, giving you the flexibility to choose the airline and schedule that best suits your travel plans. Train travel is also possible if you prefer, and your Totally Spain Travel Advisor will be happy to discuss the best option for your itinerary.
Madrid, Spain
After breakfast, meet your expert local Madrid guide for a private walking tour of Spain's vibrant capital. Explore some of the city's most famous streets and squares, including Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor and the elegant Plaza de Oriente. You'll also visit the lively Mercado de San Miguel, one of Madrid's most popular gourmet food markets.
Continue to the historic Plaza de la Villa before visiting the magnificent Royal Palace of Madrid. Built on the site of the former Moorish Alcázar, the palace was completed in 1764 and today is one of Europe's largest royal residences, with over 3,400 rooms showcasing centuries of Spanish history, art and craftsmanship.
The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. Your guide will be happy to recommend museums, neighbourhoods, shopping areas or restaurants to help you make the most of your final afternoon in Madrid.
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Departure,
After breakfast, your private driver will collect you from your hotel and transfer you to Madrid Airport for your onward flight.
We hope you've enjoyed discovering the remarkable landscapes, history, gastronomy and culture of Northern Spain and Madrid, and we look forward to welcoming you back to Spain or Portugal in the future.
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PLAN YOUR NORTHERN SPAIN HOLIDAY
Explore these in-depth guides written by our Spain-based specialists to learn more about the destinations, culture, gastronomy and experiences featured in this Northern Spain itinerary.
START HERE
Northern Spain Travel Guide: Green Spain, Food, Culture and Landscapes
THE BASQUE COUNTRY
The Basque Country – What to See and Do
San Sebastian – Northern Spain's Gem
Guide to Bilbao Attractions & the Guggenheim Museum
CANTABRIA & THE ATLANTIC COAST
Santander – What to See and Do
Centro Botín, Santander – Art on Cantabria's Bay
El Capricho – Antoni Gaudí in Comillas
Beach Hopping in Northern Spain
Northern Spain's Prettiest Fishing Villages
GALICIA & THE CAMINO
Driving the Camino de Santiago
MADRID
What to Do in Madrid – 10 Things We Love About Spain's Capital
PRACTICAL SPAIN TRAVEL ADVICE
Travel Checklist for Spain & Portugal
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS NORTHERN SPAIN TOUR
Is this a private tour or a group tour?
This itinerary is designed as a private, tailor-made journey for you and your travelling companions. You will not be travelling with a coach group or following a fixed departure schedule. Private guides, carefully selected hotels and personalised arrangements allow you to explore Northern Spain at a relaxed pace while enjoying the flexibility to adapt the trip to your interests.
Can this Northern Spain itinerary be customised?
Yes. Every Totally Spain itinerary is individually designed around each client. We can adjust the number of nights, change destinations, upgrade hotels, add extra experiences or include other regions of Spain or Portugal. Some travellers spend longer in San Sebastián for its food scene, while others add La Rioja, the Picos de Europa or more time along the Camino de Santiago.
When is the best time to visit Northern Spain?
Northern Spain can be enjoyed throughout much of the year, but the most popular months are from May to October, when the weather is generally mild and well suited to sightseeing. Spring and autumn are especially attractive, with comfortable temperatures, beautiful scenery and fewer visitors than the peak summer period. Because Northern Spain has a greener climate than much of southern Spain, it is also a rewarding choice during the warmer months.
How active is this itinerary?
This itinerary is designed for travellers with a reasonable level of mobility rather than exceptional fitness. Most days involve relaxed walking through historic towns, old quarters, museums and coastal areas, with time to pause for meals, coffee and sightseeing. The pace can be adjusted to suit your preferences, and your hotels, transfers, guides and route planning are arranged in advance to make the journey as smooth as possible.
Is the self-drive section suitable for overseas visitors?
Yes. The self-drive section has been included because it is one of the best ways to enjoy Northern Spain’s coastal scenery, fishing villages, mountain landscapes and smaller towns at your own pace. Roads are generally well maintained and enjoyable to drive, especially outside the larger cities. We provide detailed route planning and local advice, and if you prefer not to drive, we can adapt the itinerary using private transfers instead.
Can we stay in 5-star hotels?
Yes. This itinerary can be arranged with carefully selected 5-star hotels where suitable options are available. Many clients choose a mix of high-quality 4-star boutique hotels and luxury properties, which often provides an excellent balance of comfort, location, character and value. Your Totally Spain Travel Advisor will recommend accommodation according to your preferred style, budget and priorities.
Can this tour be combined with other parts of Spain or Portugal?
Yes. Many travellers extend this Northern Spain itinerary with additional time in La Rioja, Barcelona, Andalusia or Portugal. Because the tour is tailor-made, we can create a seamless route that combines Northern Spain with other regions while keeping the pace comfortable and the logistics practical.
How far in advance should we book?
We recommend booking several months in advance, especially if you plan to travel between May and October. Popular hotels in San Sebastián, Santiago de Compostela and other sought-after destinations can fill quickly, and advance planning also helps secure the best availability for private guides, entrance tickets and special experiences.
Why choose Northern Spain instead of Southern Spain?
Northern Spain offers a very different experience from Andalusia and the south. It is greener, cooler, more Atlantic in character and especially strong for food, wine, coastal scenery, historic towns, pilgrimage routes and regional culture. For travellers who have already visited Madrid, Barcelona or Andalusia, it is one of the most rewarding ways to discover a less familiar side of Spain.
Why book a Northern Spain holiday with Totally Spain?
Northern Spain is our home. Totally Spain has been designing tailor-made journeys across Spain and Portugal since 2000, working with trusted local guides, hotels, drivers and suppliers throughout the regions featured in this itinerary. Our clients benefit from specialist local knowledge, carefully planned logistics and the reassurance of having a Spain-based team available before and during their trip.
WHO IS THIS NORTHERN SPAIN TOUR IDEAL FOR?
This itinerary is ideal for travellers who want to experience authentic Spain beyond the country's best-known routes. It suits those who enjoy outstanding food and wine, historic towns, dramatic coastal and mountain scenery, private guided touring and a comfortable, well-paced journey.
It is especially well suited to travellers who like the independence of scenic self-driving, but want the reassurance that hotels, guides, tickets, transfers, route planning and local support have all been carefully arranged in advance.
MAKE THIS ITINERARY YOUR OWN
Every Totally Spain itinerary is individually designed around each client. This Northern Spain tour can be adapted by changing destinations, pace, accommodation, experiences or duration. Spend longer in the Basque Country, add La Rioja, include more Camino de Santiago experiences, extend into Portugal or simply tell us what interests you most. Your Totally Spain Travel Advisor will create a personalised itinerary tailored specifically to you.
Request your free personalised trip proposal.
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Private Guided Tours
Pre-Booked Entrance Tickets
Group Guided Tours
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NOT INCLUDED
Flights (including the flight between Santiago de Compostela and Madrid), personal travel insurance, porterage (not commonly available in Spain), gratuities, meals, drinks and hotel extras except where specifically included above, and any items not expressly listed as included.
Prices from
4800 EUROS PER PERSON
LIKE THE LOOK OF THIS ITINERARY OR PERHAPS SOMETHING SIMILAR?
Then please contact us today by clicking below, so we can customize this trip to suit your specific needs and travel dates. We will prepare a personalized proposal for your consideration.
