Explore Northern Spain
Driving north from Madrid through the plains and mountains of Castilla y León to the cool Atlantic Ocean in the Basque , you will find a countryside full of wonderful culture and amazing architecture , centuries old , and shiny modern . Arch back through Rioja and Aragon past walled towns , cathedrals and palaces .
San Sebastián
8 days / 7 nights Suggested Self-Drive
Day 1 : Madrid – Segovia – Avila – Salamanca ( 271km ) Leave the monuments and nightlife of Madrid to visit El Escorial on your way to Segovia , with its colossal Roman aqueduct dominating the town . Pass through the historic town of Avila , enclosed by Romanesque walls . Stay in Salamanca and explore the World Heritage historic centre .
Day 2 : Salamanca – Valladolid ( 126km ) Drive through Castilla y León and see many cathedrals , monasteries , castles and fortified towns . Explore the monument city of Valladolid .
Day 3 : Valladolid – Burgos – Haro ( 225km ) In Burgos you ’ ll find one of the greatest examples of a Gothic style cathedral in Spain . Cross into La Rioja where wine is central to life , vineyards line the countryside with most open for tastings .
Day 4 : Haro – Bilbao – San Sebastián – Pamplona ( 294km ) Enjoy Bilbao ’ s art galleries , museum shows and art exhibitions . San Sebastián ’ s elegant Playa de la Concha has beautiful architecture in the “ Belle Époque ” style . Pamplona is a city of deep-rooted traditions , its historic quarter dominated by churches and medieval walls .
Day 5 : Pamplona – Tarazona – Zaragoza ( 206km ) Check out the old bullring and cathedral in Tarazona . Stroll the compact city of Zaragoza , on the banks of the Ebro River , to admire its monuments .
Day 6 : Zaragoza – Daroca – Teruel ( 191km ) As you approach Daroca , the skyline with 100 towers in Arabian style looms . Enclosed by walls , you pass through beautiful doors to enter . Stay in Teruel and discover the famous story of the “ Lovers of Teruel ”.
Day 7 : Teruel – Cuenca ( 150km ) Drive the small windy road to Cuenca to discover a very unique town .
Day 8 : Cuenca – Madrid ( 166km )
Rental car : Hertz ( Group B ) from $ 50 per day
Our favourite places to stay :
• Hotel Alameda Palace , Salamanca
• Hotel Los Agustinos , Haro , Rioja
• Posada De San José , Cuenca
• Hotel Reina Cristina , Teruel
PORTUGAL
Salamanca
SPAIN
Avila
Burgos
Valladolid
Haro
Bilbao
Segovia Daroca
El Escorial MADRID
Cuenca
San Sebastian
Pamplona
Tarazona Zaragoza
Teruel
Highlights worth seeing along the way
FRANCE
Explore Madrid ’ s Great Monuments – Among its highlights are the medieval centre and the Prado Museum .
San Lorenzo de el Escorial – This famous monastery is gigantic . Its attractions are the main chapel , Capilla Mayor , the Pantheon with the kings ’ tombs , the Throne-Hall and the museum in the summer-palace .
Valley of the Fallen – Near El Escorial , this colossal monument was built for the fallen of the Spanish civil war in 1940 . It consists of a 150 metre cross on top of a rock which was hollowed out to incorporate a church .
Regional Gastronomy – Try the specialities of Pimientos del Piquillo , delicious , sweet red peppers , traditional lamb , and the marzipan of Sierra de Cameros , all washed down with La Rioja wine .
Valladolid – Home to one of the most important sculpture museums of all Spain , and the famous Easter week processions .
Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao – This spectacular building is an outstanding example of 20th century avant-garde architecture .
Markets in Bilbao – Mercado de la Ribera is the largest indoor market in Europe , Plaza Nueva has a flea market and often has evening concerts .
Be Charmed by Cuenca ’ s Old Town – A World Heritage site , Hanging Houses are built on the steep sides of the rocky canyon . Wander the cobbled streets and visit the Castilla for breath-taking views .
Taste Resoli – A Cuenca wine flavoured with coffee , cinnamon , orange peel .
San Vicente de la Sonsierra , La Rioja Aragon
Salamanca
42
The price guide shown is per car hire based on 6-13 day hire rate . Price shown does not include Earlybird or other discounted offers . Specials and surcharges may apply depending on travel date