Northern Spain Small Group Tour – Pilgrimage through Northern Spain on an exclusive small group tour where art and tradition reveal the soul of a timeless land. From the sacred heart of Santiago de Compostela to the coastal elegance of San Sebastián, Northern Spain unfolds as a region shaped by centuries of devotion and creativity. Ancient Celtic roots and Roman roads still trace their presence across the landscape, and the voices of Galicia and the Basque Country endure in the markets and kitchens of the region. The cities of the north carry an elegance born of learning and resilience, where monasteries became universities and art has long been a language of faith. Here, the past and present are layered together in simple, gracious ways. The table is where these traditions come together most clearly. From fishermen along the Galician coast to the winemakers of La Rioja and the cooks of the Basque Country, food remains an expression of generosity and pride, a way of preserving memory while celebrating the moment. This is a land of surprises, and we are excited to discover the soul of Northern Spain together!

Arrive in Santiago de Compostela, the spiritual heart of Galicia and one of the world’s most revered pilgrimage destinations. Settle into your charming boutique hotel, ideally located within walking distance of the city’s architectural treasures. Centuries of devotion have shaped this remarkable place, where stone streets echo with the footsteps of pilgrims and the cathedral of St. James the Apostle stands as a beacon of faith and artistry.

As evening falls, meet your tour director and fellow travelers for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, where Galician hospitality is showcased through traditional dishes and regional wines.

Welcome dinner at a local restaurant, where Galician hospitality is showcased through traditional dishes and regional wines.

Overnight in Santiago de Compostela at Hotel Araguaney (or similar), ideally located within walking distance of the city’s architectural treasures.

Santiago de Compostela is the final destination of the Camino, an ancient pilgrimage route that has drawn travelers for over a thousand years. The magnificent Cathedral, said to hold the remains of St. James the Apostle, stands at its heart as a masterpiece of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque artistry. Our guided walk reveals the city’s layered past through its cobbled lanes, the University of Fonseca, and the lively Praza do Obradoiro. Lunch is included at a traditional restaurant serving Galician tapas such as empanadas and tender octopus paired with a glass of crisp Albariño wine. This afternoon, enjoy time to explore at your own pace. A visit to the Mercado de Abastos offers a genuine glimpse of Santiago’s local life and lets you truly live like a local.

Breakfast included.

Lunch is included at a traditional restaurant serving Galician tapas such as empanadas and tender octopus paired with a glass of crisp Albariño wine.

Dinner on your own.

Overnight in Santiago de Compostela at Hotel Araguaney (or similar).

As we follow the Camino toward Asturias, the first stop is Ponferrada, a key point on the French Way. Here, medieval walls still guard the impressive Castle of the Templars, once a stronghold of the legendary order. We continue to León, whose 12th-century cathedral is celebrated as one of the finest in Spain. You will have some time to explore and have lunch on your own before we continue our journey. When we reach Oviedo, the elegant capital of Asturias, we settle into our centrally located hotel for a two-night stay.

Breakfast included.

Dinner included.

Lunch on your own.

Overnight in Oviedo at Hotel De La Reconquista (or similar).

This morning’s walking tour introduces us to Oviedo, the graceful capital of Asturias. As we explore the historic centre, you’ll see the influence of art nouveau architecture and the many bronze statues that line its streets, celebrating Spain’s literary and cultural figures. The Gothic Cathedral of San Salvador stands at the heart of the city, admired for its architecture and for housing the sacred Shroud of Oviedo. Later, enjoy a tasting of traditional Asturian cider, poured in the region’s signature style, accompanied by local cheeses that have long made Asturias famous among gourmets.

Breakfast included.

Lunch on your own.

Dinner on your own.

Overnight in Oviedo at Hotel De La Reconquista (or similar).

We journey today into the heart of Cantabria to visit Santillana del Mar, one of Spain’s most enchanting medieval towns. Time seems to pause along its cobbled streets lined with honey-colored stone houses and quiet courtyards. At its center stands the Collegiate Church of Santa Juliana, a remarkable example of Romanesque architecture that has drawn pilgrims for centuries. Nearby, the Altamira Museum preserves the spirit of Europe’s earliest artists through faithful reproductions of cave paintings dating back more than fifteen thousand years. After our visit, we travel to Santander, the elegant capital of Cantabria, for a glimpse of its harbor and seaside promenade before continuing to Bilbao, where we settle into our modernist hotel for the next two nights.

Breakfast included.

Lunch on your own.

Dinner on your own.

Overnight in Bilbao at Hotel Carlton (or similar).

Join a local guide for a walking tour through Bilbao’s old quarter, the Casco Viejo, where narrow streets open onto lively squares such as the Plaza Nueva. Once an industrial port, Bilbao has transformed into a city of art and design while keeping the warmth and character of its Basque heritage. A short walk brings us to the striking Guggenheim Museum, the titanium masterpiece by architect Frank Gehry that has become a symbol of the city’s renewal. The remainder of the day is yours to explore Bilbao at your own pace before we gather this evening for a hands-on Basque cooking class and dinner, featuring regional favorites such as croquettes, kokotxas, and cod prepared in traditional style.

Breakfast included.

Lunch on your own.

Dinner included.

Overnight in Bilbao at Hotel Carlton (or similar).

We journey into La Rioja, Spain’s most celebrated wine region, where vines have flourished along the Ebro River since Roman times. Sheltered by the Cantabrian Mountains, the valley’s clay and limestone soils produce the grapes that define Rioja’s world-renowned wines. Our introduction begins at the Vivanco Wine Museum, an extraordinary collection dedicated to the story of wine through eight thousand years of culture and craftsmanship. After exploring the exhibits, enjoy a tasting of Tempranillo in the hilltop town of Laguardia, surrounded by sweeping vineyard views. Continue to a 17th-century palace for a visit to its historic wine cellar and a light lunch paired with select regional wines. Before reaching our charming wine-country hotel for the night, take a leisurely walk along the village walls overlooking the Ebro and the rolling vineyards beyond.

Breakfast included.

Lunch included.

Dinner on your own.

Overnight in La Rioja at Marques de Vallejo (or similar).

Leaving La Rioja, we travel north to Pamplona, a city shaped by centuries of faith, conflict, and celebration. Its position at the crossroads of Navarra and the Basque Country gave it strategic importance for centuries, and traces of that history remain in its ancient walls, Baroque town hall, and the great Citadel that once defended the region. On our guided visit, we explore Pamplona’s graceful squares, Gothic churches, and the route of the world-famous running of the bulls that ends in the Plaza de Toros. We will continue to San Sebastián for the final two nights of our Northern Spain adventure.

Breakfast included.

Lunch on your own.

Dinner on your own.

Overnight in San Sebastián at Hotel Villa Eugenia (or similar).

San Sebastián is a city celebrated for its graceful charm and coastal beauty. A local guide will take you through the old town with its lively plazas and elegant churches, including the Basilica of Santa Maria and the Church of San Vicente. Pause along La Concha Beach and enjoy a glass of crisp Txakoli wine accompanied by a traditional pintxo, the Basque version of tapas. Later, ride the funicular to Mount Igeldo for a panoramic view of the shoreline and the city below. The afternoon is yours to stroll through the new town and discover the Plaza de Gipuzkoa, Plaza de Bilbao, the Maria Cristina Bridge, and the Victoria Eugenia Theater.

Breakfast included.

Lunch on your own.

Dinner included.

Overnight in San Sebastián at Hotel Villa Eugenia (or similar).

As our journey draws to a close, we say adios to the charm and spirit of Northern Spain. From the sacred paths of Santiago to the golden vineyards of La Rioja and the sunlit shores of San Sebastián, this region has revealed its history, flavors, and heart with quiet generosity. The friendships and memories made along the way will linger long after departure. After breakfast, transfers are provided to San Sebastián Airport. If you wish to extent your trip to Portugal, please view the following link Our Portugal Small Group Tour.

Breakfast included.