Ultimate Northern Spain Road Trip: Madrid, Galicia & Basque Country - 13 days

Day 1: Arrive in Madrid, Evening Tapas Experience

Welcome to Spain! Upon arrival at the nation's capital, you'll enjoy a private transfer to your hotel in the city center. Take some time to settle in before heading out to explore highlights like the Puerta del Sol, one of the city's most historic and expansive plazas. There's also Madrid's famous Fountain of Cibeles, an 18th-century sculpture depicting Cybele, the Greek goddess of fertility, riding in a chariot pulled by lions.

In the evening, you'll dig into Madrid's culture on a two-hour walking excursion that stops at some great tapas bars. On this tour, you'll visit Barrio Las Letras, which is known as the "literary quarter." This historic neighborhood in the city center was once home to Spanish literary legends like Cervantes and Quevedo. Besides visiting some historical sites around here, you'll also stop at Calle Huertas for a bite at one of the many tapas bars that line the street.

Day 2: Private City Walk, Discover Madrid's Royal Legacy

Enjoy a half-day excursion of Madrid led by an expert local guide today. Madrid has a long history, and today the city adorns itself with that history in its architecture, public spaces, and culture. One area you'll visit is the Madrid de los Austrias. It was built in the 16th century during the reign of the Hapsburg Dynasty's first ruler, Charles I, and is home to one of the grandest plazas in Spain, the Plaza Mayor, which was once the heart of Old Madrid.

You'll also visit the Royal Palace, which was the official home of the Spanish monarchs until 1931. You'll explore both the grounds and interior of this 3,418-room monument, entering the parade ground, the chambers of Charles III, several salons, the Royal Chapel, and the Hall of the Crown, which displays Charles I's crown, scepter, and throne.

Later you could visit El Retiro Park, the green lung of Madrid, abounding with sculptures, fountains, and an artificial lake perfect for a boat trip. There are also must-visit gardens here, including the Jardín de Vivaces ("Garden of Vivacious Plants"), Jardines de Cecilio Rodríguez (inspired by the Andalusia region), and a garden home to over 4,000 roses. The best time to see these blooms is from May through June. 

Day 3: Drive to Ribera del Duero

In the morning, you'll pick up your rental car and drive north from Madrid for two hours toward Valladolid, a medieval city known for its Gothic churches. This route heads deep into Spain's Old Castile region, famous for its high plateaus and mountain scenery. It was once the heart of the Kingdom of Castile, which thrived in the 11th century, and its old castles stand to this day. You'll see Peñafiel Castle when you arrive in the town of the same name. Nearby is where your hotel is located.

The town of Peñafiel sits in the Ribera del Duero wine region. This fertile grape-growing area enjoys Designation of Origin (DO) status, a certification reserved only for the top wine-producing spots in the country. It has earned this appellation, too, as the wines from Ribera del Duero rival those produced in Spain's most popular viticulture region, La Rioja.

Upon arrival in Peñafiel, you'll check into a hotel located right on the vineyards. You'll have the rest of the day to enjoy the hotel's amenities or head out for some fresh air and a walk amid the grapevines. You could also venture into Peñafiel for a self-guided walk. From the expansive Plaza del Coso, you can see the famous castle overlooking the town.

Day 4: Drive to León, City Walk

Today you'll drive north to the coast, stopping in the city of León, which began as a Roman military camp on the Bernesga River in the first century BCE and then thrived through the centuries, reaching its peak in the Middle Ages. The medieval and Roman heritage of León is well preserved, and you can see it in the many historical landmarks, including the famed Roman Walls (remains of stone defensive walls from the first century), beautiful old manor houses, and churches housing Romanesque and Gothic artworks.

You'll also visit the expansive Plaza Mayor, located in the city's Old Town and rimmed with medieval buildings and long arcades, and Casa Botines, an incredible work of modernist architecture designed by the legendary Antoni Gaudí. The highlight of the day is undoubtedly the 13th-century Catedral de León (Cathedral of Santa María de Regla), a marvel of Gothic architecture. It's an enormous place that features impressive stained glass mosaics dating from the 13th through 16th centuries. 

Day 5: Drive to Ribeira Sacra via Astorga

Today you'll drive west from León into the Galicia region of Spain. Not only is Galicia regarded as one of the most beautiful parts of the country, but the city of León actually sits at the crossroads of one of the most famous walks in the world: the Camino de Santiago. This ancient network of pilgrimage routes begins as far away as France and leads to the cathedral in Galicia's capital of Santiago de Compostela, where the apostle Saint James the Great is supposedly buried.

You'll witness Galicia's beauty firsthand as you drive west from Léon into the Ribeira Sacra region. The rivers Sil and Miño wind through the green mountains of this unspoiled area, dotted with monasteries and hermitage sites that date back to when the first Christians arrived in the 12th century. The name Ribeira Sacra actually translates to "Sacred Riverbank."

First, stop in the village of Astorga and enjoy its Roman stone walls encircling the town; within them, you'll find many medieval churches, convents, and hospitals. Stroll the cobbled streets, visit the town square (the Plaza Mayor de Astruga), and stop to admire the Episcopal Palace. This late-19th-century modernist masterpiece by Antoní Gaudí is one of only three buildings designed by the legendary architect that exists outside his home region of Catalonia.

After walking around Astorga, stop at a restaurant for a traditional lunch. Be sure to try a Galician specialty like a roast suckling pig or polbo á feira (boiled octopus with paprika and olive oil). Other regional favorites include caldo gallega (a hearty broth of potatoes, beans, greens, and pork), fried padrón peppers, and queso de tetilla, a soft, cone-shaped white cheese. Afterward, continue to the Ribeira Sacra region and your hotel, located near the town of Monforte de Lemos.

Day 6: Boat Ride in Ribeira Sacra, Drive to Vigo

You'll have the day to enjoy the Ribeira Sacra, a mountainous river canyon of unparalleled beauty. Remote and lesser-developed than many parts of Spain, since the 12th century, this area was primarily home to monks and hermits who came to live ascetic lives near the confluence of the rivers Sil and Miño. The River Sil winds between green mountains and through canyons, affording some incredible views of sloping hills, high plateaus, cypress and chestnut trees, and grapevines.

Ribeira Sacra is a fertile grape-growing region that enjoys Designation of Origin (DO) status for its wine production. It's uniquely referred to as "heroic viticulture" because most vineyards here are terraced due to the steepness of the mountains and hills. With so many vines hanging off the sides of hills and canyons, the simple act of grape harvesting in Ribeira Sacra requires much agility and agility. After the boat ride, you'll head to a local guesthouse, where the friendly hosts will prepare a homemade meal for you to enjoy. Then hop back in the car and drive a couple of hours west to the coastal city of Vigo, where you'll spend the night.

Day 7: Explore the Cíes Islands, Drive to Santiago de Compostela

About 10 miles (16 km) west of Vigo, off the coast of Spain, lie the Cíes Islands. This archipelago is a national marine park comprised of three islands so beautiful that the ancient Romans called them the "islands of the gods." Two of them, Monte Agudo and O Faro, are linked by a crescent strip of fine white sand called Rodas Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. You'll get to discover this paradise on a private, day-long boat ride accompanied by an expert guide.

In the morning, depart from the port at Vigo and head to a group of nearby Spanish fjords known as Rias Bajas. These beautiful inlets serve a functional purpose, where Galicians harvest much of their famously delicious shellfish. The microclimate in the waters of these fjords makes an ideal breeding ground for scallops and the perfect spot to cultivate mussels and oysters. After stopping on the islands for beach time and light hiking, enjoy lunch onboard, featuring locally sourced products, including some of that world-class shellfish.

Back on land, you'll return to your car and drive a little over an hour north to Santiago de Compostela. This historic city is the capital of Galicia and the culmination point of the Camino de Santiago. 

Day 8: Santiago de Compostela Cooking Class & City Walk

In the morning, you'll discover the secrets to Galician cuisine in a cooking class with a private chef. You'll prepare (and eat) some of the region's most popular dishes, like fried padrón peppers and savory empanadas stuffed with fish, shellfish, or meat. Be sure to try queimada, the famous "Galicia fire drink." Made with a liqueur called orujo (similar to grappa), it's mixed in a  clay bowl with sugar and lit on fire until the flame turns blue, then served hot.

In the afternoon, you'll embark on a guided walk to the main sites in Santiago. This includes Obradoiro Square and the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Construction on this Romanesque/Gothic/Baroque church began in the 11th century over the site of what is believed to be the burial place of the apostle Saint James the Great. It's been a religious pilgrimage site since the Middle Ages and marks the end of the famous Camino de Santiago walking route.

Other stops include Colexio de San Xerome (San Jerónimo College), a learning institution dating to 1501; the 16th-century Hospital de los Reyes Católicos, a hospital built to treat weary pilgrims after their arduous journey; the Pazo de Raxoi (Raxoi Palace), an 18th-century neoclassical palace that's now Santiago's City Hall; and the 18th-century San Fructuoso Church. Here you can witness pilgrim rituals and see the Botafumeiro.

Day 9: Drive to Oviedo via Lugo

Today you'll drive about three hours east from Santiago de Compostela to the historic village of Oviedo. Break up the drive by stopping in Lugo, a city known for its ancient Roman walls, constructed in the third century. The walls have earned UNESCO World Heritage status for being one of the most well-preserved examples of ancient Roman architecture. You can ascend the walls via a staircase near the plaza fronting Lugo Cathedral, a grand basilica that dates to the 12th century but was given a neoclassical facelift in 1769.

Then, continue to Oviedo. Famous for its medieval Old Town and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, this is the perfect spot to stroll historic streets and breathe some fresh country air. After checking into your hotel, you can begin a self-guided walk of the town. A good place to begin is in or around San Francisco Park, a sprawling public space filled with pathways, gardens, fountains, and even roaming peacocks.

All around the park are historic plazas and buildings dating to medieval times. Many, like the beautiful Baroque Hotel de La Reconquista, were featured in the 2008 film "Vicky Cristina Barcelona." Also worth visiting is the Catedral San Salvador, a 13th-century Gothic church that's only one of the aforementioned World Heritage Sites and a popular stop on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route.

Day 10: Drive to Bilbao & Explore the City

In the morning, you'll make the drive from Oviedo to Bilbao. This is a pleasant and scenic three-hour drive that mostly follows the lovely Cantabrian Coast. Upon arrival in Bilbao, you'll check into your hotel and then stretch your legs on a guided walk through the city's modern and historic neighborhoods.

Start in the Old Town, home to the oldest landmarks and many bars, restaurants, and boutiques. Major sites include the 18th-century Church of San Nicolás and the 16th-century Church of San Antón, dedicated to Anthony the Great, an Egyptian saint and the father of monasticism. Other notable sites include the 14th-century Cathedral of Santiago and the Mercado de la Ribera, the largest covered marketplace in Europe.

No visit to Bilbao is complete without visiting the Guggenheim Museum, a masterpiece of contemporary architecture by the legendary Frank Gehry. This glimmering titanium structure looks more like a sculpture than a building, with its sleek lines curving in virtual defiance of physics. Inside, the museum is a treasure trove of works from great artists such as Andy Warhol, Anish Kapoor, Jeff Koons, Louise Bourgeois, and Eduardo Chillida. 

Day 11: Coastal Drive to San Sebastián

The drive from Bilbao to the seaside holiday retreat of San Sebastián is a stunner, stretching along the wild Atlantic coast. Along the way, you'll wind around coastal cliffs and pass charming little fishing villages that perfectly encapsulate the soul of Spanish Basque Country. Feel free to stop for lunch in any one of them for an unforgettable plate of Basque seafood.

History and art buffs might also want to stop along the way in the pastoral mountain town of Guernica. Once a Republican stronghold during the Spanish Civil War, it was nearly destroyed by a Nazi air raid in 1937. This event spurred Pablo Picasso to drop everything he was doing and paint his anti-war masterpiece, Guernica, which perfectly encapsulates the suffering caused by war.

Two important landmarks remain in the town despite the bombing: the Biscayan Assembly House and the Guernica Tree. The latter is an oak tree that has been one of the strongest symbols of Basque culture since the Middle Ages. Then, upon arrival in San Sebastián, you'll check into your hotel and can spend the remainder of the day relaxing.

Day 12: Half-Day Excursion of San Sebastián

In the morning, you'll meet a private guide and enjoy a half-day guided walk in San Sebastián. The walk stretches through the famous Parte Vieja ("Old Quarter"), situated in the east of the city between the ocean and the River Urumea. At the edge of Old Town is the iconic San Sebastián City Hall. Constructed in 1887, it used to be the Gran Casino during the Belle Époque period until it was closed in 1924. The building still overlooks the bay and an elegant promenade along the crescent-shaped La Concha Beach.

For great views of San Sebastián, take a ferry to the offshore island of Santa Clara or ride a funicular up to Mont Igualdo, which offers even more sweeping panoramas. You might also stroll the banks of the Urumea River, where you'll find the 19th-century Victoria Eugenia Theatre, the palatial Maria Cristina Hotel, and many aristocratic houses dating to the turn of the 20th century. You can take some great photos while walking across the Puente María Cristina, the bridge that crosses the river.

After exploring the city, indulge in San Sebastián's celebrated food culture. The area specializes in a type of tapas called pintxos (pronounced "peenchos"). Most bars, cafés, and restaurants in the Parte Vieja serve some version of these bite-sized delicacies, and naturally, they're best paired with some delicious local wines. Here it's possible (and indeed encouraged) to hop from pintxos bar to pintxos bar, grazing until your heart's content.

Day 13: Depart San Sebastián

It's time to say farewell to Spain! Depending on your flight or train reservation, squeeze in one more morning of sightseeing, perhaps picking up some last-minute souvenirs. At the designated time, you'll be picked up at your hotel and transferred to the airport or rail station for your departure.

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