Best of Northern Spain From Madrid

Madrid – Cuenca – La Serrania National Park – Cuenca. Leaving Madrid, we journey through the heart of Old Spain, Castilla-La Mancha. This region boasts serene landscapes, diverse nature, and renowned Manchego cheese.

Our first destination is Villarejo de Salvanes, a small town with an intriguing castle and pre-Roman archaeological sites. Continuing to Cuenca, we enjoy a guided walking tour, including a visit to the 12th-Century Gothic cathedral.

From Cuenca, we venture into La Serrania National Park, a vast 73,000-hectare wildlife sanctuary. We take in the incredible and bizarre mushroom-shaped rock formations of the 'Enchanted City', and keep our eyes peeled for resident wildlife, including wild boar, golden eagles and majestic griffon vultures. Enjoy the panoramic vistas from the Mirador de Una viewpoint before we return to Cuenca, our base for two nights. The evening is at leisure.

Please note: Pick up for this tour is at 8:15 on day 1 (tour departs at 8:30) - Madrid Pick Up Point, Hotel Porcel Ganivet, Madrid.

Cuenca – Segobriga – Belmonte – Cuenca. We start today with an included visit to the Roman settlement of Segobriga, which offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of the Spanish Meseta. After exploring the remarkably preserved amphitheatre, public baths, and temples, we head south to Belmonte. There's free time for a tapas lunch before our included visit to the remarkable 15th-Century Castillo de Belmonte, known for its unique triangular courtyard and six-pointed star shape.

Back in Cuenca, there's free time to explore at leisure. You may wish to visit the Castilla-La Mancha Paleontological Museum, home to incredible dinosaur fossils and models.

Cuenca – Alcala del Jucar – Valencia. From Cuenca, we journey to Alcala del Jucar, a captivating town nestled within natural caves and perched between the castle and the Jucar River. There's free time to explore the town and find somewhere for lunch.

Next, we visit a winery in Requena for included wine tasting. This region has produced some of Spain's finest wine as far back as the 7th Century BC. After sampling some of the regional produce, we head to Valencia. This coastal gem is known as the birthplace of paella, boasts a vibrant nightlife, and is home to stunning architecture.

Valencia - Albufera Natural Park - Valencia. This morning, we explore the Monastery of Santa Maria in El Puig on an included visit. This structure has a diverse history with cloisters and defensive elements - it has served as a temple, a school, and even a prison

Next, we visit Albufera Natural Park, home to the rice paddies where paella was born. You can enjoy an optional boat ride or spend our time here observing the unique flora and fauna. There's also time for lunch independently. Returning to Valencia, we enjoy a short orientation tour of the city and the evening is at leisure.

Valencia – Xativa – Cullera – Valencia. Today we journey to Xativa, known as the 'Town of a Thousand Fountains'. Situated on the slopes of Monte Vernissa, it is best known as the historic home of the notorious noble family of Borgia. We enjoy an included visit to Xativa Castle and a short tour of the town, as well as free time to further explore independently.

Next, we head to the charming coastal town of Cullera. Our time here is free to relax on the beach, or enjoy panoramic views from the 13th-Century castle. In the afternoon, we return to Valencia. The rest of the day is free, or you can join an optional walking tour of the city, coupled with a delectable tapas experience.

Valencia – Peniscola – Sitges – Barcelona. In the morning we depart Valencia for the coastal town of Peniscola, known as the 'City in the Sea'. There's an optional visit to the Papa Lunas Castle, built by the Knights Templar in the late 1200s. Perched at the peninsula's highest point, the castle offers panoramic coastal views. Alternatively, don your swimsuit for a refreshing swim in the tranquil sea.

Continuing along the Mediterranean coast, our next stop is Sitges, a lively cultural hub boasting modernist architecture and intriguing museums. After a short visit, we complete our journey to Barcelona.

Today is completely free for you to delve into the sights of Barcelona as you wish. Uncover the work of Gaudi at Parc Guell and the mighty Sagrada Familia (book your tickets in advance). Unwind on one of the city's famous beaches, wander along La Rambla, or book a stadium tour at Camp Nou, the newly renovated home of FC Barcelona and the stadium where Lionel Messi, Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets and other legends of football have plied their trade. In the evening, head out for dinner and drinks to experience Barcelona's vibrant nightlife.

Please note: In Barcelona, some members of your group may be ending their tour, and others may join. You may also meet a new guide for the next part of your trip, and change vehicle.

Barcelona – Montserrat – Lleida – Huesca. Leaving Barcelona this morning, we journey to the dramatic Montserrat mountain. This unique landscape is home to a Benedictine Monastery and Spain's revered Madonna and Child statue. We enjoy leisure time for lunch, and you can join an optional visit to the monastery or ride the cable car to the top of the mountain for panoramic views over Catalonia.

We continue our journey, making a stop in the quiet town of Lleida, renowned for its Roman heritage. There's free time for you to discover its ancient castle and cathedral independently. As day turns to evening we reach Huesca. The evening is free to wander the hilly town's medieval streets, discovering numerous churches and picturesque facades.

Huesca – Monte Perdido National Park – Jaca – Huesca. Today we'll be outdoors and there will be some walking involved, so wear a good pair of shoes! Our first stop is Torla-Ordesa, the gateway to Monte Perdido National Park. Here we take in stunning cliffs, lush oak and pine forests, and stunning 1,700-meter-high views over the Pyrenees.

Journeying through the mountains to Jaca, we discover the only surviving Spanish star-shaped fortress. There is also time for you to savour some of Aragon's regional cuisine before we return to Huesca for the evening.

Huesca – Zaragoza – Haro. Arriving in enchanting Zaragoza in the morning, we take an included visit to the 11th-century Aljaferia Palace. After admiring its beautiful porticos, we have some free time to explore. Art lovers can search for Goya paintings, history enthusiasts can discover Roman remains, and foodies can savour chireta, a delicious local dish.

Our next stop is Tarazona, known for its stunning medieval Mudejar style architecture, blending Muslim and Christian elements. Moving on to the village of Haro, the evening is free to enjoy a glass or two of local La Rioja red wine.

Haro – San Sebastian – Pamplona – Haro. Today we explore the Basque Country, a region of unique traditions, stunning shores, and delectable cuisine. We begin in San Sebastian, a food lover's paradise that boasts the highest Michelin star density per capita. Enjoy lunch and stroll along the picturesque La Concha beach.

We then journey inland to Pamplona, known controversially for ‘the Running of the Bulls'. There is free time for you to stroll along the impressive walls of the town fortress before we return to Haro for the evening.

Haro – La Rioja – Haro. Today we embark on a scenic morning drive through La Rioja's gentle hills to Santo Domingo de la Calzada where there is free time to wander its medieval streets or explore the cathedral. Then we travel to a family run winery to savour the local flavours of its wine and snacks with an included wine tasting.

In the afternoon we visit San Vicente de la Sonsierra. We cross the medieval Ebro River bridge for stunning valley views from the castle on the other side. We return to Haro in the afternoon, with plenty of time to relax in the hotel, or head out for a final dinner in northern Spain.

Haro – Burgos – Real Sitio de San Ildefonso – Madrid. Say goodbye to La Rioja and journey to the region of Castile and Leon today. Our first stop is in Burgos, where we have a few hours to explore. You'll want to check out the cathedral, one of Spain's most spectacular.

After lunch in Aranda de Duero, a haven for wine and food enthusiasts, we head south to the Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso, often called Spain's 'mini-Versailles.' We explore its opulent rooms and stunning grounds with an included ticket. We then make our way back to Madrid, where our tour comes to an end.

Please note: This tour finishes at 18:15 - Madrid Drop Off, Hotel Porcel Ganivet, Madrid.