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